MORE DOT Grants Act
- Bill Number
- S. 2619
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-31: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-18T19:46:14Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. 2619 (MORE DOT Grants Act)
Purpose
This legislation aims to make it easier for certain rural counties—where most land is owned or managed by the federal government—and the local and Tribal governments within them to obtain grants from Department of Transportation programs. It addresses barriers these areas face due to small populations and limited local resources.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: The bill defines a "High-Density Public Land County" as a county (or similar area) with 100,000 or fewer residents where more than half the land is federally owned or managed. It lists 14 specific DOT grant programs (such as the BUILD/RAISE program, INFRA grants, and airport improvement grants) plus any other discretionary DOT grants available to counties, local governments, or Tribes as "qualifying grant programs."
- Reduced Matching Funds: Local matching requirements for these grants are cut in half for eligible counties and governments within them.
- Technical Assistance: The Secretary of Transportation must offer extra help to these applicants before and during grant application periods upon request.
- Priority in Approvals: Applications from eligible counties or governments that have not received program support in the prior 10 years receive priority. Tribal governments in these counties may also receive priority for technical help.
- Special Consideration for Rural Set-Asides: Eligible counties and local governments get special consideration for any rural funding set-asides in the qualifying programs; Tribes may receive similar consideration.
- Additional Flexibility: The Secretary may adjust or waive certain grant requirements (such as those based on project size, partnerships with outside groups, cash reserves, or complex applications) that disadvantage small or isolated communities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill modifies the administration of multiple existing DOT grant programs by adding new preferences, reduced cost-sharing rules, and flexibility options specifically for high-density public land counties. It does not create new grant programs but alters how funds are distributed under current ones.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Transportation would need to update application processes, provide more technical support, and adjust evaluation criteria for affected grants.
- On Citizens and Local Areas: Residents in qualifying rural counties could see improved access to transportation funding for roads, transit, airports, and related projects, potentially supporting local economies.
- On International Relations: No direct effects are outlined.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- High-density public land counties and their local governments.
- Tribal governments located within those counties.
- The Department of Transportation.
- Communities in states and territories with significant federal land holdings.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The legislation operates within Congress's authority over federal spending and grant programs. It raises no apparent constitutional concerns and focuses on reducing administrative barriers for smaller jurisdictions without altering broader legal frameworks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-31: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-07-31: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- More Opportunities for Rural Economies from DOT Grants Act — issued 2025-07-31 — PDF (8 pages)