Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act

This plan gives states more time to move highway emergency relief projects into construction after disasters. It says the U.S. Department of Transportation cannot force a project to reach the “construction obligation” stage until the end of the sixth fiscal year after the later of a Governor’s emergency declaration or a Presidential major disaster declaration. If needed, the Secretary can grant a 1‑year extension and more extensions after that when a Governor shows good reasons .

It also requires the Federal Highway Administration to update its Emergency Relief Manual every two years, share it with state transportation agencies, and post it online so the public can see the latest guidance .

• Who is affected: State departments of transportation; communities rebuilding roads and bridges after disasters
• What changes: More time (up to 6 fiscal years, with possible extensions) to move projects into construction; clearer, regularly updated guidance for emergency road repairs
• When: The 6‑year timing is tied to when an emergency or major disaster is declared; the manual must be updated within 2 years of enactment and then every 2 years