H.R. 4847: Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act

This bill is called the Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act. It aims to amend existing laws related to federal aid for emergency relief projects for highways. Below are the key points regarding the provisions of the bill:

Deadline for Project Advancement

The bill introduces a new deadline framework for projects that are funded through emergency relief provisions. Specifically:

• Projects cannot be required to advance to the construction phase until six fiscal years after either the Governor or the President has declared an emergency or major disaster.
• This means that if an emergency is declared, states have more time before federal funding commitments force them to start construction.

Extension of Deadlines

If a deadline is imposed for the projects to advance to the construction stage, the following extensions can be requested:

• The Secretary of Transportation can grant an extension of up to one year if the Governor requests it.
• Additional extensions can be given if the Secretary finds that the Governor provides sufficient justification.

Emergency Relief Manuals

The bill requires that the Emergency Relief Manual be updated regularly:

• The Secretary must update the manual every two years.
• Updated manuals are to be provided to each state’s department of transportation.
• The updated manual must also be made available to the public online.

General Purpose

The general purpose of the bill is to provide greater flexibility for states managing highway emergency relief projects, ensuring they have the necessary time and guidance to address emergencies effectively.

Relevant Companies

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