In May 2026, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee released their Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill, renamed as the BUILD America 250 Act.
The Surface Transportation Reauthorization process takes place every 5 years and dictates funding for transportation infrastructure, including federal highways, bridges, and public transit, as well as infrastructure for walking and biking. This legislation provides an important opportunity for the federal government to create policies and funding pathways that support children and families’ safe access to walking, biking, and recreation. Time spent outdoors has been proven time and again to provide critical physical mental and physical health benefits, and this legislation plays an essential role in supporting a variety of pathways to these important benefits.
As a leading national alliance of 100+ businesses and nonprofits representing 60+ million people across the U.S., OAK knows firsthand the importance of connecting children, youth and families with access to the outdoors. Additionally, OAK understands the significant public health, mental health and safety implications of fully funding these transportation programs.
While the Senate has released no text of its own and made no indication of working with the already released House text, we wanted to share how the current iteration of the bill aligns with OAK’s surface transportation priorities.
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP):
The Transportation Alternatives Program provides funding specifically for trail and active transportation projects. It is the largest dedicated source of federal funding for these projects. Under BUILD America 250, the funds allocated towards TAP would increase modestly. The bill would also make it easier for smaller communities to afford TAP projects by matching local requirements with additional federal funds. Conversely, the bill would make it easier to transfer TAP funds away from biking and walking projects, potentially resulting in less of the funds going towards funding safe outdoor opportunities for youth.
Safe Streets and Roads for All:
The bill would codify the Safe Streets and Roads for All program into law and ensure states get funding annually from the Highway Trust Fund. However, the bill provides an annual average of $750 million, which is a decrease in funding for the program compared to prior years.
Federal Lands Programs:
The bill slightly increases funding for several programs that improve transportation systems within federal lands or provide access to federal lands, including the Federal Lands Transportation Program, the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program, and the Federal Lands Access Program. The bill also makes minor changes allowing agencies to use these funds for resiliency projects. Additionally, the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program lowers its minimum project cost threshold, which may allow a greater number of projects to qualify for funding. On the flip side, the bill removes Congress’s authority to provide additional funding for the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program through annual appropriations which could negatively impact higher cost projects.
Climate Provisions and Program Elimination:
The bill repeals several critical climate programs like the Carbon Reduction Program, the Port Emissions program, Healthy Streets, and programs related to EVs and EV charging. This legislation also repeals the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), the only program dedicated to large grants to complete gaps and build connected active transportation networks. BUILD America 250 also eliminated programs that emphasized connectivity such as the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program, and the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program.
Overall, the new Surface Transportation Act upholds a few key programs; however, it also defunds and underfunds a few significant programs related to OAK’s policy priorities such as Federal Land provisions and ATIIP. OAK is relieved to see investments in, and the codification of programs such as Safe Streets and Roads for All, but recognizes that this bill does not go far enough to ensure there is necessary infrastructure to get kids outdoors safely.
To learn more, you can review several of OAK member’s statements and analysis of this legislation, included below.
Statements and Sources:
American Heart Association: Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill prioritizes safety, access but requires stronger invest…
Rails to Trails Conversancy: https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/congress-takes-first-step-on-new-transportation-law/
Safe Routes Partnership: https://saferoutespartnership.org/its-here-house-releases-surface-transportation-bill/
Appalachian Trail Conservancy: What a Newly Introduced Transportation Bill Means for the Appalachian Trail – Appalachian Trail Conservancy
