BASICS Act
Sponsored By: Representative McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]
Introduced
Summary
More federal bridge funding and stronger local planning roles. The BASICS Act would create a dedicated Strengthening Bridges formula and a new regional transportation planning program while expanding metropolitan and rural planning funds and local consultation.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New $5.5B Bridges Repair Program
If enacted, this would create a Strengthening Bridges Formula Program with $5.5 billion each year for FY2027 through FY2031. The Secretary would set aside 3% for section 202(d) work and could set aside up to 0.5% for FHWA administration. After set-asides, the rest would be split to States based on each State's share of replacement or rehabilitation costs for bridges in poor condition, with at least $45 million per State each year. States would have to spend 25% of their share across four area-size categories by population; off-system local or Tribal bridges could get 100% federal share. Projects must follow area-based selection rules like TIP inclusion, RTPO cooperation, or local consultation.
More planning money for rural regions
If enacted, this would create a regional transportation planning program for nonmetropolitan areas using funds from 104(b)(9). The Secretary would set it up within 180 days of enactment. States would use an approved state formula and grants to fund federally designated RTPOs and other regional planning entities. Each federally designated RTPO would get at least $300,000 in fiscal years 2027 through 2031, and the federal share for these planning activities would be 100 percent.
Stronger metro planning funds and powers
If enacted, this would make the federal share for metropolitan planning funds 100 percent, removing the local match for planning money. It would broaden what planning funds can pay for, including admin, preliminary design, local technical help, housing and economic studies tied to transportation, and critical data. The Secretary would set a process (not less than 180 days after passage) to let metropolitan planning organizations qualify as direct recipients so they can get suballocated obligation authority and access federal financial systems like State DOTs. The bill would also set metropolitan planning at 2.5 percent of the post-distribution remainder.
Changes to highway funding formula
If enacted, this would change the numeric factors used to split federal highway formula funding. The bill would set new values for several 104(b) factors, for example changing one factor to 53.71 and others to 31.07, 7.61, 2.39, and 2.72. Those formula number changes would shift how much Federal highway money each State and recipient gets, so some States and localities would receive more and others less.
Local input and safety funding rules
If enacted, States would have to follow area-based rules when using safety money. In places over 50,000 people, HSIP projects would need to be on the MPO's TIP. In places under 50,000 with an RTPO, projects would be identified with that RTPO. In small areas without an RTPO, States would consult local governments and may work with nonpartisan statewide groups to run consultations. The bill would also let IIJA-eligible projects be eligible for HSIP. It would expand which apportionments States can transfer, but would require a State to hold a competitive process and get Secretary certification before transferring funds apportioned under 104(b)(3).
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]
MI • D
Cosponsors
Bresnahan
PA • R
Sponsored 2/9/2026
Obernolte
CA • R
Sponsored 4/9/2026
Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]
NM • D
Sponsored 4/9/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov