Torres Introduces Bill Emphasizing Equity in Transportation Investments

Press Release

Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Co-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition Infrastructure Taskforce, today introduced the Fair Transportation Act of 2021 , legislation designed to ensure Department of Transportation (DOT) funding is dispersed equitably by federal, state, and local entities.

The Fair Transportation Act has four main provisions:

Equity in Transportation: Reinstates the DOT Transportation Equity Research Program , which was established in 2005, but has been dormant for more than a decade. The research program studies equity in transportation. Torres' legislation authorizes $ 8 million per year over five years, and includes pilot and demonstration programs in addition to research.
Equity in Federal Funding: Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the extent that DOT currently considers the diverse needs of economically disadvantaged and underserved populations when distributing discretionary federal funds for surface transportation projects, including a review of current equity metrics used. GAO will report to the Secretary of Transportation, Congress, and the public about its findings and recommendations.
Equity in State Funding: Requires GAO to review whether State DOTs have implemented best practices and protocols to ensure equitable distribution of federal funds for surface transportation projects. GAO will provide recommendations about how to improve equity considerations.
Best Practices: Mandates DOT to produce guidance on equity consideration metrics and best practices while disbursing federal funds.
Congresswoman Torres released the following statement:

"Federal transportation projects can help a community move out of poverty, but a lack of these investments can lock them into it," Rep. Norma Torres said. "Federal, state, and local entities have a responsibility to ensure equity in how they distribute these resources, and the bill I'm introducing today will help them do it. From renewed funding for research, to thorough reviews of current efforts, to investments to promote best practices across all levels of government, the Fair Transportation Act can even the playing field for economically disadvantaged communities that are all-too-often ignored by federal investments. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting it. "

The Fair Transportation Act is sponsored by 15 lawmakers: Reps. Jesus G. "Chuy" Garcia (D-IL), Grace Napolitano (D-CA) Mark Takano (D-CA), Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Sheila Jackson Lee ( D-TX), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Cori Bush (D-MO), Bonnie Watson Coleman ( D-NJ), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Jamaal Bowman (D-NJ) and Nikema Williams (D-GA).

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