Sponsors (8)
The bill gives states more time and clearer federal guidance to plan emergency‑relief work, at the cost of potentially slower repairs, higher total costs, and uneven approval outcomes across states.
State departments of transportation and governors get up to six fiscal years (plus possible Secretary‑approved extensions) before they must advance emergency‑relief projects to construction, giving them more time to plan, prioritize repairs, and avoid rushed, costly decisions.
State governments and the public get more consistent and transparent federal guidance because the Federal Highway Administration must update and publish the Emergency Relief Manual every two years, improving planning clarity and accountability.
Drivers, transportation workers, and local communities may have to cope longer with damaged roads and bridges because delaying construction obligations can slow on‑the‑ground repairs.
Taxpayers and local governments may face higher overall project costs due to inflation, changing material prices, or prolonged temporary fixes when timelines are extended.
State governments could experience unequal outcomes because giving the Secretary discretion to approve additional extensions may lead to inconsistent application of justification standards across states.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Sets a 6-fiscal-year minimum before requiring emergency-relief projects to advance to construction, allows governor-requested extensions, and mandates biennial FHWA Emergency Relief Manual updates.
Official title: To amend title 23, United States Code, to increase flexibility for emergency relief projects, and for other purposes.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by John Garamendi · Last progress August 1, 2025
Extends and clarifies timing and guidance for Federal-aid Highway Emergency Relief projects. It prevents the Secretary of Transportation from forcing a project to obligate construction funds sooner than six fiscal years after a State governor’s emergency declaration or the President’s major disaster declaration, allows the Secretary to grant a one-year extension (and additional extensions with justification) at a governor’s request, and requires the Federal Highway Administration to update and publish its Emergency Relief Manual within two years and every two years thereafter.