More Opportunities for Rural Economies from DOT Grants Act; MORE DOT Grants Act
Summary
The "More Opportunities for Rural Economies from DOT Grants Act" (MORE DOT Grants Act) aims to improve the grant awarding process for the Department of Transportation (DOT) in counties with a high percentage of federally owned or managed land. It focuses on assisting High-Density Public Land Counties, defined as those with populations under 100,000 where over 50% of the land is federally managed. The bill seeks to reduce local matching fund requirements, provide technical assistance, and prioritize grant applications from these counties and associated Tribal governments.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase the number of DOT grants awarded to rural counties with substantial federal land holdings. This could lead to improved infrastructure and transportation services in these areas. The reduction in matching fund requirements and provision of technical assistance would make it easier for these counties and tribal governments to apply for and receive grants.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for transportation projects in rural areas.
- Reduced financial burden on local governments through lower matching requirements.
- Enhanced technical support for grant applications, improving success rates.
- Prioritization of applications from areas that have not recently received grant funding.
- Potential for improved infrastructure and economic development in underserved communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced funding availability for other areas not meeting the specific criteria.
- Possible administrative burden on the Department of Transportation to implement the new provisions.
- Risk of inequitable distribution of funds if the prioritization criteria are not carefully managed.
- Could create a dependency on federal funding rather than promoting local self-sufficiency.
- May not address the underlying issues that prevent these communities from successfully applying for and managing grants.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, as it aims to promote economic development and improve infrastructure in rural areas. It also aligns with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce by improving transportation infrastructure. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).