Bill
HR 6671
Reauthorize and improve the Reconnecting Communities program to fund projects that reconnect neighborhoods split by highways, prioritizing equity and meaningful community engagement
Status and Introductory Details
- Bill Number: HR 6671
- Title: To reauthorize and improve the reconnecting communities program, and for other purposes.
- Introduced: December 11, 2025
- Introduced In: U.S. House of Representatives
- Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (as of introduction)
- Classification: Bill (legislation)
Purpose and Intent
- HR 6671 aims to reauthorize the Reconnecting Communities program and strengthen its design and implementation. The underlying goal of the program is to address and mitigate historic divisions and negative impacts created by transportation infrastructure (such as highways and corridors) that divided neighborhoods, often affecting underserved communities. The bill seeks to improve how the program selects, funds, and oversees projects that reconnect communities, restore access, and enhance economic and social outcomes.
Key Provisions (as typically included in reauthorization bills of this type)
- Authorization and Funding:
- Reauthorize federal funding for the Reconnecting Communities program and potentially adjust the duration of the program’s authorization.
- Clarify funding levels, allocation mechanisms, and eligible timeframes for planning and implementation activities.
- Project Eligibility and Scope:
- Expand or clarify what kinds of projects qualify (e.g., community-driven roadway or bridge removals or redesigns, reconnective infrastructure, new or improved public spaces, multi-modal links, and related planning or construction activities).
- Emphasize projects that restore mobility, access to jobs and services, and community cohesion.
- Application and Selection Process:
- Strengthen criteria for selecting grant recipients, prioritizing equity, community engagement, and measurable community benefits.
- Potentially streamline or standardize application processes to reduce barriers for smaller or nontraditional applicants.
- Community Engagement and Equity:
- Require meaningful involvement of affected communities in planning, design, and decision-making processes.
- Include considerations of environmental justice, displacement risk, and measures to mitigate negative impacts on vulnerable populations.
- Planning, Design, and Implementation:
- Distinguish between planning grants and implementation grants, with guidelines on deliverables, milestones, and timelines.
- Encourage integrated planning with local economic development, housing, and transit strategies.
- Accountability, Reporting, and Oversight:
- Establish reporting requirements to track project outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and community benefits.
- Ensure compliance with federal rules, environmental reviews, and nondiscrimination requirements.
- Coordination with Federal Agencies:
- Promote interagency coordination (e.g., DOT with HUD, EPA, and other relevant agencies) to align transportation projects with broader community development and environmental goals.
- Additional Provisions (for “other purposes”):
- The bill may include clarifying language to align with related transportation or urban planning authorities, or to address oversight, evaluation, or administrative procedures tied to the program.
Who would be affected
- Local governments, tribal entities, and non-profit organizations involved in planning and executing reconnecting communities projects.
- Communities historically affected by transportation infrastructure that created physical or social barriers.
- Federal, state, and local agencies administering the Reconnecting Communities program.
- Contractors, planners, engineers, and community organizers engaged in project planning and construction.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations
- Next steps after introduction:
- Referral to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for markup and potential amendments.
- Committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes before advancing to the full House.
- Implementation timeline (typical in reauthorizations):
- If enacted, an effective date is usually specified (often in the bill or accompanying statements) with phased funding and program rollout over several years.
- Ongoing reporting and program evaluations are commonly required at set intervals (e.g., annually or biannually).
Notes and Considerations
- The summary above is based on the bill’s title and standard elements of Reconnecting Communities program reauthorizations. The actual text will define precise funding levels, eligible activities, eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, and any new policies.
- For a complete understanding, the bill’s full text, hearing transcripts, and committee report language should be reviewed once available.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
