Summary of Bill S 2299

Title: A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize state of good repair grants to be used for public transportation resilience improvement, and for other purposes.

Bill Number: S 2299

Introduced: July 16, 2025

Status: Introduced in Senate

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2299 aims to enhance the resilience of public transportation systems across the United States by amending Title 49 of the United States Code. The primary intent is to authorize state of good repair grants specifically for improvements that bolster the resilience of public transportation infrastructure against various challenges, including climate change and natural disasters.

Key Provisions

• State of Good Repair Grants: The bill proposes the establishment of grants that can be utilized by states to maintain and improve public transportation systems, ensuring they are resilient and capable of withstanding adverse conditions.

• Focus on Resilience Improvement: The grants will specifically target projects that enhance the resilience of public transportation infrastructure, which may include upgrades to facilities, equipment, and technologies that mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and other disruptions.

• Flexibility in Use of Funds: The bill allows for flexibility in how the funds can be allocated, enabling states to prioritize projects based on their unique needs and vulnerabilities.

Who Would Be Affected

• State and Local Governments: This bill would directly benefit state and local transportation agencies that manage public transit systems, providing them with financial resources to improve infrastructure resilience.

• Public Transportation Users: Commuters and the general public who rely on public transportation services would experience enhanced safety and reliability as systems become more resilient to disruptions.

• Environmental and Community Organizations: Groups focused on sustainability and community resilience may find opportunities for collaboration on projects funded by these grants.

Procedural Aspects

• Legislative Actions:

  • On July 16, 2025, the bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for further consideration.

• Sponsorship: The bill is sponsored by Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand, with cosponsors including Senators Richard Blumenthal, Peter Welch, and Cory Booker, indicating bipartisan support for the initiative.

Conclusion

Bill S 2299 represents a significant step towards improving the resilience of public transportation systems in the United States. By providing targeted funding for state of good repair grants, the legislation aims to ensure that public transit infrastructure can withstand the challenges posed by climate change and other environmental factors, ultimately benefiting communities and enhancing public safety.