Sponsors (6)
The bill directs targeted federal grants and expedited review to help host regions plan and deliver transportation capacity for major international events — potentially leaving behind smaller jurisdictions, constrained by a short project window and restrictions on pre-bid costs, for a modest federal outlay.
Host metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) receive dedicated grants (up to $10M each, $50M authorized annually) to plan and deliver transportation projects for major international events, including intermodal planning, pooled bus programs, and expedited federal review to reduce congestion and improve event mobility.
Airports and intercity rail operators within 100 miles of an event can access funding or host-MPO support to boost regional travel capacity and help manage increased demand during events.
Funds may be used for non-temporary infrastructure within 100 miles of the event, enabling some investments to provide longer-term local transportation improvements beyond the event itself.
Concentrating grant awards on host MPOs risks leaving smaller neighboring jurisdictions and rural communities with urgent transportation needs unaddressed, despite the 100-mile eligibility and even allocation rules.
The assistance window (starting no more than five years before an event and ending 30 days after) may be too short for planning and delivering larger projects, limiting the program's ability to fund work that requires longer lead times.
Grant funds cannot be used for bid preparation, so pre-bid planning and proposal costs remain a local/host expense and may disadvantage jurisdictions or contractors that lack upfront resources.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes DOT to provide up to $50M/year to support transportation planning and non‑temporary projects for cities hosting Olympics/Paralympics/Special Olympics and FIFA World Cups, with per‑event MPO allocations.
Official title: To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide assistance for cities hosting international sporting events taking place in the United States, and for other purposes.
Introduced December 2, 2025 by Richard Ray Larsen · Last progress December 2, 2025
Authorizes the Department of Transportation to provide planning and project support for State, Tribal, territorial, metropolitan, and local entities that host multiday international sporting events (Olympic/Paralympic/Special Olympics and FIFA World Cups). It creates a new program that can deliver up to $50 million per year (available until expended), directs per-event allocations to host metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and permits funding of non‑temporary transportation projects and planning within 100 miles of covered events during a limited time window around the event. The DOT must also offer technical and planning assistance, facilitate pooled-bus programs and coordination, and expedite review and planning activities for projects tied to hosting these events; funds may not be used for bid preparation and are limited to activities beginning five years before an event and ending 30 days after the event.