CHARGE Investments Act
Sponsored By: Representative Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
In Committee
Summary
Expanded RRIP support for transit-oriented development that would let federal railroad financing back housing, commercial projects, and related infrastructure close to rail and fixed-guideway transit stations. The bill ties eligibility to transit proximity, a private investment floor, and a new 2-mile downtown linkage rule for some intercity rail projects.
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- Families and residents: Would make it easier to fund housing and neighborhood infrastructure near rail stations by allowing Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Program financing for commercial and residential projects within 1/4 mile of a fixed guideway station.
- Commuters and transit users: Would extend eligibility for some intercity rail projects so the nearest downtown core within up to 2 miles can qualify when there is public transit between the station and that downtown.
- Developers and investors: Would require more than 20 percent private investment in a project to access this RRIP financing, shifting some project cost onto private capital.
- Local planners and downtowns: Provides a formal definition of "downtown core" tied to official plans and maps and clarifies the meaning of intercity rail passenger transportation.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Loans for housing near rail stations
If enacted, federal rail loans and guarantees would be available for some transit‑oriented projects. These could include commercial and housing projects and related infrastructure. Projects would need to be connected to, or within 1/4 mile of, a fixed‑guideway rail or catenary station. They would also need more than 20% private investment and be at least 2 miles from a downtown core that lacks intercity rail. For intercity rail stations outside a downtown, a project located in the nearest downtown within 2 miles could qualify if public transit (as defined in section 5302) links the station and downtown. The bill would define “downtown core” using local plans and official designations, and use the existing federal definition of intercity rail. The change would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
GA • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4]
AZ • D
Sponsored 7/16/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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