Bill > HR4847

This bill aims to modify federal highway emergency relief procedures by providing more flexibility for states dealing with emergency transportation projects. Specifically, the bill extends the timeline for states to advance emergency relief projects to construction, giving them up to six fiscal years after the date of both the Governor's and President's emergency declarations to obligate construction funds. The Secretary of Transportation can grant additional one-year extensions upon request from a state governor, with the ability to provide further extensions if the governor can provide suitable justification. Additionally, the bill requires the Federal Highway Administration to update its Emergency Relief Manual every two years, ensuring that this guidance document is current, and mandates that the updated manual be shared with state transportation departments and made publicly available online. The goal of these provisions is to provide states with more time and flexibility to plan and execute critical transportation infrastructure repairs in the aftermath of emergencies or major disasters, recognizing that such recovery efforts can be complex and time-consuming.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4847/all-info