What does Preamble of BASICS Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To improve Federal transportation programs, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of BASICS Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Bridges And Safety Infrastructure for Community Success Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of BASICS Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. The term 'Secretary' refers to the Secretary of Transportation. The term 'Metropolitan planning organization' is defined by section 134 of title 23, United States Code. The term 'Urbanized area' is defined by section 134 of title 23, United States Code. An 'off-system bridge' is a highway bridge or low water crossing on a public road, excluding those on Federal-aid highways. A 'regional transportation planning organization' is the policy board of an organization designated under section 135(m) of title 23, United States Code.

What does APPORTIONMENT. of BASICS Act do?

This section amends Section 104 of Title 23, United States Code, related to apportionment of funds. Specific paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) are replaced with (4), (5), and (9), (10) in several subsections (b)(1) through (b)(8). Numerical values are modified within subsections (b)(1) through (b)(8). Subsection (b)(6)(B) is struck and replaced with a provision establishing that metropolitan planning receives 2.5 percent of the remaining funds after other distributions. A new Strengthening Bridges Formula Program is established, setting aside $5,500,000,000 annually from 2027-2031. The Strengthening Bridges Formula Program distributes funds proportionally based on the cost of replacing or rehabilitating bridges in poor condition within each state. Each state receives a minimum of $45,000,000 under the Strengthening Bridges Formula Program. Funds are allocated for Regional Transportation Planning, totaling $150,000,000 annually from 2027-2031, distributed proportionally to state share amounts.

What does SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM. of BASICS Act do?

This section amends Section 133(d)(3) of Title 23, United States Code. It adds a new subsection (C) to paragraph (B) regarding consultation with local governments. States must consult with local governments before obligating funding in areas with a population under 50,000 that lack representation from a regional transportation planning organization. States may partner with nonpartisan, statewide organizations representing local governments and their elected leaders to facilitate this consultation.

What does BRIDGE FORMULA PROGRAM. of BASICS Act do?

This section establishes the 'Strengthening Bridges Formula Program' within Chapter 1 of Title 23, United States Code. The program provides funding for bridge projects, including construction, replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection of highway bridges on public roads. Funds apportioned to a State are to be suballocated, with 25 percent distributed based on population across different urbanized areas and other areas. The remaining funds can be obligated in any area of the State. Project selection requires coordination with metropolitan or regional transportation planning organizations, or local governments depending on the area's population. The Secretary sets aside 3 percent of funds for section 202(d) of Title 23 and up to one-half of 1 percent for Federal Highway Administration administration. The Federal share for projects is generally determined according to section 120 of Title 23, but is 100 percent for off-system bridges owned by local governments or Tribes.

What does HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. of BASICS Act do?

This section amends Section 148 of Title 23, United States Code, related to the Highway Safety Improvement Program. It redesignates existing subsections within Section 148 to create space for a new subsection (d). This new subsection (d) establishes a calculation for apportioned funds based on population, requiring 25% of funds for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to be obligated proportionally based on population in different urbanized areas. Project selection for funding is contingent on coordination with metropolitan or regional transportation planning organizations, or direct consultation with local governments in areas without such organizations. States may collaborate with statewide organizations representing local governments to identify eligible projects. Programming and expenditure of funds must align with sections 134 and 135 of Title 23. The text also modifies references within existing subsections (f) and (h) following the redesignation. Section 148(a)(4) is amended to include projects eligible for funding under section 24112 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

What does TRANSFERABILITY. of BASICS Act do?

This section amends Section 126 of Title 23, United States Code. It modifies paragraph (a) to include references to subsections (b) and (c). Paragraph (b)(1) is updated to include additional references to sections 135(n), 148(d)(1)(A), 175(e)(1)(A), and 180(c)(1)(A). A new paragraph (c) is added, establishing a requirement for states to make funds apportioned under section 104(b)(3) available to local governments and regional planning organizations through a competitive process. Projects funded through this competitive process must meet the requirements for funding under Section 104(b)(3) as outlined in section 148. A state can transfer funds under subsection (a) only after the Secretary certifies that the state has held an open and fair competition for the funds.

What does PROJECT SELECTION. of BASICS Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress that states should obligate funds appropriated under specific sections of Title 23 of the United States Code to locally selected projects. The Secretary, in partnership with the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, should collaborate with states to ensure adherence to local consultation and coordination processes established under Title 23. The relevant sections of Title 23 referenced are 133(d)(1)(A), 148(d)(1)(A), 175(e), and 180(c)(1)(A).

What does METROPOLITAN PLANNING. of BASICS Act do?

This section modifies provisions related to metropolitan planning within Title 23 of the United States Code. It eliminates the local match requirement for metropolitan planning funds used for activities authorized by section 134. It expands the allowable uses of metropolitan planning funding to include fiscal administration, preliminary design, technical assistance, and studies related to housing and economic development. It establishes a process for metropolitan planning organizations to become direct recipients of federal funding based on technical and financial capabilities. The Secretary is required to sub-allocate federal planning funds directly to metropolitan planning organizations that qualify as direct recipients. The Secretary must provide metropolitan planning organizations with the same access to federal-aid financial management systems as State Departments of Transportation.

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BASICS Act

Last updated: 2/9/2026 · Introduced: 2/9/2026

Author: Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes a Strengthening Bridges Formula Program allocating $5.5 billion annually from 2027-2031 to states based on the condition of their bridges, with a minimum of $45 million per state.
States are now required to consult with local governments before allocating transportation funds in areas with populations under 50,000 lacking representation from a regional transportation planning organization.
The Highway Safety Improvement Program will allocate 25% of funds for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 proportionally based on population in urbanized areas.
States can now transfer a portion of their apportioned transportation funds to local governments and regional planning organizations through a competitive process, subject to Secretary certification.
Metropolitan planning organizations can now become direct recipients of federal funding and are eligible for expanded uses of planning funds, including preliminary design and studies related to housing and economic development.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 9 more.

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