REPAIR Infrastructure Act

Bill Summary: REPAIR Infrastructure Act (HR 6671)

Overview

The Restoring Essential Public Access and Improving Resilient Infrastructure (REPAIR) Infrastructure Act is designed to transform a previous pilot program into a permanent, well-funded federal initiative focused on removing or modifying "divisive roadway infrastructure." The bill aims to repair the social and physical fractures caused by highways and arterial roads that historically isolated communities, hindered economic development, and created barriers to mobility.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of the bill is to move beyond the "pilot" phase of the Reconnecting Communities program (originally established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) to provide long-term, predictable funding. It intends to promote equity and connectivity by prioritizing projects that reconnect underserved communities, improve pedestrian and disability access, and prevent the displacement of low-income residents.

Key Provisions

1. Funding and Authorization

The bill authorizes $3 billion per year from the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. This funding is divided into two categories:
* Planning Grants: $750 million annually to help communities design and study potential projects.
* Capital Construction Grants: $2.25 billion annually to fund the actual building and modification of infrastructure.

2. Strict Prohibition on Lane Expansion

In a significant policy shift, the bill explicitly states that grant funds may not be used for any project that increases the number of travel lanes on an existing highway. This ensures that funds are used for community restoration rather than expanding highway capacity.

3. Enhanced Selection Criteria

The bill introduces rigorous new criteria for awarding grants, requiring applicants to demonstrate:
* Community Impact: Efforts to provide affordable transportation, improve access to healthcare/grocery stores/schools, and increase safety for people with disabilities.
* Community Engagement: Evidence of robust participation plans, formal partnerships with local organizations, and the presence of community advisory boards.
* Anti-Displacement Measures: Plans to preserve affordability, support legacy homeowners and small businesses, and implement "community wealth-building" activities to prevent gentrification.
* Land Use Transparency: Applicants may provide data on local zoning policies, such as the percentage of land allowing duplexes, triplexes, or the removal of minimum parking requirements.

4. Integration with Existing Programs

The bill makes "REPAIR infrastructure" projects eligible for funding across multiple other federal programs, including:
* National Highway Performance Program
* Surface Transportation Block Grant Program
* Highway Safety Improvement Program
* Carbon Reduction Program (prioritizing REPAIR projects if emission reductions are certified)

Who is Affected?

• Underserved Communities: Residents living near "divisive roadway infrastructure" (highways, viaducts, and principal arterials) who suffer from limited mobility and economic isolation.
• Local Governments and Tribal Governments: Eligible to apply for and administer these grants to redesign their transportation networks.
• Urban Planners and Developers: Must adhere to stricter community-centric and anti-displacement guidelines to secure federal funding.

Procedural Timeline

• Introduced: December 11, 2025.
• Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit (as of February 2, 2026).
• Implementation: If passed, the funding cycle is slated to begin in Fiscal Year 2027.