To amend the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to designate a portion of United States Route 74 in North Carolina as a future interstate, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1333
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2025-03-27T08:07:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill (H.R. 1333) aims to improve transportation infrastructure in North Carolina by designating a specific segment of United States Route 74 as a "future interstate" highway. This status would prioritize it for federal funding and upgrades, integrating it into the national interstate system over time.
Key Provisions
- High Priority Corridor Designation: Adds United States Route 74 from Columbus, North Carolina, to Kings Mountain, North Carolina, as a new high-priority corridor under Section 1105(c) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (listed as subsection (c)(103)).
- Future Interstate Status: Updates Section 1105(e)(5)(A) of the same Act to explicitly include this new corridor (subsection (c)(103)) among routes eligible for future designation as an official interstate highway.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the list of high-priority corridors in the 1991 Act by adding one new entry (103), focusing on a 40-mile stretch of Route 74 in western North Carolina.
- Modifies the criteria for future interstates by inserting references to the new subsection, ensuring this route qualifies for interstate-level planning and funding without immediately changing its current non-interstate status.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Federal Highway Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation may receive increased federal funding for road improvements, such as widening, safety enhancements, or connectivity upgrades, potentially accelerating projects in the region.
- On Citizens: Local residents and travelers could benefit from safer, faster travel between Columbus and Kings Mountain, reducing congestion and supporting economic activity in rural areas; however, construction might cause short-term disruptions.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic infrastructure measure.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- North Carolina Residents and Businesses: Particularly in Polk, Rutherford, and Cleveland counties along the route, who may see improved access to jobs, tourism, and commerce.
- State and Local Governments: North Carolina's transportation department and local municipalities, which could leverage federal dollars for maintenance and development.
- Federal Agencies: U.S. Department of Transportation, responsible for overseeing interstate designations and funding allocations.
- Bipartisan Sponsors: Representatives from North Carolina (e.g., Mr. Moore and Mr. Edwards), indicating regional political support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal support for state highways under existing transportation laws, with no apparent conflicts; the designation is advisory and requires further congressional approval for full interstate status.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate highways, promoting national economic efficiency without infringing on state rights.
- Political: Represents targeted infrastructure investment in a rural area, potentially boosting local economies and garnering bipartisan appeal in transportation committees; it could set a precedent for similar designations in other states seeking federal upgrades.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-02-13: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-13: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to designate a portion of United States Route 74 in North Carolina as a future interstate, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-02-13 — PDF (2 pages)