Transportation and Infrastructure
Co-sponsors: 5 – 3 Democrats, 2 Republicans
The bill will amend Section 5309, which governs the application process for Capital Investment Grants (CIG). Specifically, this bill affects the New Starts program (light, rapid, commuter rail projects that cost more than $300 million) within CIG. Adds real estate to the consideration of economic development and requires real estate feasibility to be evaluated with housing feasibility assessments. Requires, in addition to a financial commitment, a commitment to adjust local land-use policies to accommodate affordable and market-rate housing development associated with the project. Changes should consider: density, development certainty, market interest, exemption of minimum parking requirements, by-right development, agency ownership of land, and regional growth goals.
(Summary from Peters ress release)
This bill addresses Green New Deal goals 2(B)p.7 to update infrastructure in the United States; 2(H)p.9 to remove emissions from the transportation sector as much as possible; 2(I)p.9 to mitigate and manage long-term effects of pollution and climate change by funding localized strategies; 4(A)p.11 to provide assistance to communities; 4(O)p.14 to provide affordable, safe, and adequate housing to those who need it.