Overview
Title
To provide for consideration of all modes of transportation and all road users in certain highway and transit programs, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The "Building Safer Streets Act" is a plan to make roads safer for everyone, like people walking, biking, or driving. It sets aside money to help smaller towns improve their roads and make sure that new road designs are safe for everyone to use.
Summary AI
H.R. 10433, known as the “Building Safer Streets Act,” is aimed at improving transportation infrastructure by taking into account all forms of transport, like walking, biking, and driving. It requires updates to federal guidelines for road design to ensure safety for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists, and emphasizes the need for connected networks and transit-friendly streets. The bill also sets aside funds specifically for smaller communities to enhance their transport projects and ensures that states update their road design standards in a timely manner. Additionally, it mandates studies and reports on traffic safety concerns and how road design can prevent accidents.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
The proposed bill, H.R. 10433, also known as the "Building Safer Streets Act," aims to improve the safety and inclusivity of transportation infrastructure in the United States. It seeks to ensure that highway and transit programs consider varied modes of transportation and cater to all users, including vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. The bill mandates several updates to design standards, calls for studies and reports to better understand the impact of current guidelines, and prioritizes funding for smaller community projects. It proposes amendments to existing laws and establishes new requirements to promote safer, more accessible streets for all.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several issues arise within the bill:
Ambiguity and Interpretation: There are concerns about the clarity of language in multiple sections. For example, the provision for "consideration of all modes" of transport lacks detailed guidance, which could lead to inconsistent application. Additionally, the definition of "small community" is not clear, which might lead to varied interpretations in fund allocation.
Lack of Enforcement Mechanisms: In parts, such as the mandate for states to update their highway design manuals, there is no mention of consequences if states fail to comply. This could result in uneven application of safety improvements across different regions.
Potential for Inconsistency: The requirement to establish performance targets for reducing road user fatalities does not detail how these will be enforced. Similarly, the guidelines for prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle access could potentially conflict with other transportation needs without clear balancing measures.
Funding Allocation Concerns: Provisions for increased federal cost sharing do not clearly outline the criteria for states to demonstrate a funding commitment, which could lead to discrepancies in the allocation of resources.
Impacts on the Public
The bill aims to positively affect the public by enhancing road safety and accessibility. By incorporating diverse transportation modes into infrastructure design, it could lead to safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. This holistic approach to road design can also encourage healthier, more environmentally friendly travel options like biking and walking.
However, the lack of clear guidelines and enforcement on some provisions might limit the bill's effectiveness initially. If not implemented uniformly across all regions, certain areas might not see these benefits as fully as others. This inconsistency could also cause confusion or inefficiencies, especially in larger, more populous regions where varied interpretations of the provisions could lead to delayed or uneven improvements.
Impacts on Specific Stakeholders
Positive Impacts
Local Communities and Small Municipalities: Smaller communities stand to benefit significantly from this bill as it reserves a portion of federal funding specifically for their projects. This support can facilitate the development of safer and more inclusive infrastructure, which smaller municipalities might otherwise struggle to finance.
Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians and cyclists are likely to see improved safety measures with a focus on their needs, potentially reducing accidents and injuries on urban roads.
Negative or Mixed Impacts
State and Local Governments: These entities might face challenges with implementing some of the bill's requirements, especially when updates or changes demand resources not covered by the bill. Without clear guidance or penalties, the effectiveness of enforced guidelines might vary greatly from one state to another.
Transportation Planners and Engineers: For professionals working in transportation planning, the requirement to consider all modes thoroughly might increase the complexity of projects, requiring more comprehensive studies and possibly extending project timelines. While ultimately beneficial, this could be demanding without additional support or resources.
In conclusion, while the Building Safer Streets Act proposes meaningful advancements in the realm of transportation safety and inclusivity, attention to details regarding implementation and enforcement will be crucial to achieving consistent nationwide benefits.
Financial Assessment
The "Building Safer Streets Act" (H.R. 10433) includes specific financial allocations dedicated to improving transportation infrastructure across various communities, with a particular emphasis on ensuring the safety and accessibility of all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Financial Allocations for Small Communities
One notable financial provision within the bill is the allocation of funds specifically for small communities. According to Section 6 of the bill, not less than 10 percent of the total funds available for the related transportation program will be set aside for projects benefiting small communities. These projects must have a total estimated cost of less than $1,000,000 and an estimated completion date of no more than 5 years. This financial reservation aims to ensure that smaller communities, which often face challenges in securing adequate funding, have access to resources necessary for their transportation projects.
The provision for small communities also introduces the potential for modified application processes. This is intended to reflect the unique capacities and project requirements of smaller communities, potentially easing the process of accessing these financial resources. However, the bill faces criticism for the lack of a clear definition of "small community," as highlighted in the issues section. This absence could result in inconsistent interpretation and unfair allocation of funds.
Increased Federal Cost Sharing
Another significant financial reference in Section 6(c) is the potential for increased federal cost-sharing for small community projects. Where an applicant can demonstrate a funding commitment from state or local entities, the Secretary may increase the federal share to cover up to 90 percent of the project costs. This provision is designed to incentivize local investment while ensuring that smaller communities receive the support they need. However, the criteria for demonstrating this funding commitment are not clearly outlined, which could lead to inconsistencies in how funds are dispersed.
Considerations and Implications
While the bill provides commendable financial support for smaller communities and aims to enhance transportation safety, the ambiguity surrounding the definition of "small community" and the criteria for funding commitment highlights a potential for uneven application. The bill would benefit from further clarification in these areas to ensure that financial resources are allocated fairly and effectively across different regions.
Overall, the financial allocations within the "Building Safer Streets Act" reflect a commitment to improving transportation infrastructure for all users, particularly in smaller communities that may otherwise lack sufficient financial resources. However, addressing ambiguities in the bill could enhance its implementation and ensure a more equitable distribution of funds.
Issues
The provision in Section 4(d) regarding multimodal review lacks specific criteria and may lead to subjective decision-making on funding applications for urbanized area projects, potentially causing inconsistency and favoritism.
In Section 6, the definition of 'small community' is not clear, which can lead to inconsistent interpretations and potential unfairness in the allocation of funds for community projects.
Section 5(a) includes a mandate for states to update their highway design manuals within 2 years, but it lacks details on the repercussions if a state fails to comply, creating potential for uneven implementation across states.
The language in Section 3(a) regarding 'considerations to allow local flexibility' is ambiguous, potentially leading to varied interpretations that could affect the uniformity of traffic control devices across regions.
Section 4(b) outlines regulatory updates to clarify the 'consideration of all modes,' but lacks detailed guidance, which may result in inconsistent application and affect transportation planning outcomes.
In Section 4(f), the guidelines for transit facilities prioritize pedestrian and bicycle access, potentially leading to conflicts with other transportation needs if not balanced properly.
The requirement in Section 5(b) to establish performance targets for vulnerable road user fatalities does not explain how these targets will be enforced, potentially weakening its impact on road safety improvements.
Section 6(c) provides for increased federal cost sharing for projects in small communities but does not clearly outline criteria for demonstrating a funding commitment, potentially leading to inconsistent funding allocations.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the bill states that it can be officially referred to as the "Building Safer Streets Act."
2. Definitions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section defines the terms used in the act, specifically identifying the "Administrator" as the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, and the "Secretary" as the Secretary of Transportation.
3. Manual on uniform traffic control devices Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines amendments to the United States Code and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act related to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, requiring clear documentation of any prohibitions and local flexibility in traffic design and updating the process with input from the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Additionally, it mandates a study by the Comptroller General on how traffic engineers use the Manual, including any limitations or costs associated with deviating from it, with a report to Congress due within two years.
4. Federal design standards and guidelines Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section details various amendments and updates to transportation design standards in the United States, aiming to improve safety and accommodate all modes of transportation, including pedestrians and cyclists. This includes updating guidelines and regulations for multimodal networks, public transit facilities, and considering different urban, suburban, and rural contexts, with a focus on safety and accessibility.
5. State guidance Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Each state must report to the Secretary within two years if they have updated their highway design manuals to meet new guidelines for safer lower-speed roads. Additionally, the target number of deaths for vulnerable road users in safety plans should not exceed the previous period's numbers.
6. Safe streets for all communities Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The changes to Section 24112 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act prioritize funding and assistance for small communities. They ensure that at least 10% of funds for certain projects are reserved for smaller projects and allow for up to 90% federal funding if state or local support is also secured. Additionally, the Secretary is tasked with assisting grant recipients in using data for nonmotorized travel planning.
Money References
- Section 24112 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (23 U.S.C. 402 note; Public Law 117–58) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following: “(5) SMALL COMMUNITY.—The term ‘small community’ has the meaning given the term ‘small and rural community’ in section 28(a) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3722a(a)).”; (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following: “(3) SMALL COMMUNITIES.— “(A) IN GENERAL.—Of the total amount made available to carry out the program for each fiscal year, not less than 10 percent shall be set aside for projects carried out by, or for the benefit of, a small community that each have— “(i) a total estimated cost of less than $1,000,000; and “(ii) an estimated completion date of not more than 5 years.