ALSOBROOKS, CRAMER INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO EASE FEDERAL PERMITTING PROCESS FOR TRANSIT

July 22, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) Chairman of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, introduced the Modal Parity in Permitting Act, legislation that would allow transit and passenger rail project sponsors to acquire 'real property interest' and parity during the federal permitting process.

Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01) and Congressman Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.-08) introduced this bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Currently, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds may only be used for acquisition of rights-of-way such as rail assignments, guideways, and associated easements, before a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review is completed. This limits transit agencies' ability to secure other property needed for projects like station sites, maintenance facilities, and parking areas. This bill would expand eligibility by allowing FTA funds to be used for a wider range of real property interests, giving transit agencies more flexibility to acquire land and facilities needed to move projects forward.

"I am proud to partner with Senator Cramer in introducing the Modal Parity in Permitting Act. This bipartisan bill will allow transit and passenger rail projects to have the same flexibility as highway projects when it comes to securing the property they need while their environmental reviews move forward. It just makes sense, let's get this done," said Senator Alsobrooks.

"Every time we cut red tape and get the federal government out of the way, infrastructure projects move faster and more efficiently," said Senator Cramer. "The Modal Parity in Permitting Act removes unnecessary permitting hurdles, allowing local agencies to spend less time navigating bureaucracy and more time delivering transportation improvements for their communities. It's a simple change with a significant impact."

"Providing transit and passenger rail projects with greater flexibility to secure property needed for future investments, while maintaining important environmental protections, means agencies like the Maryland Department of Transportation can better manage project timelines, costs and risks," said Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson. "We value Senator Alsobrooks' leadership in advancing solutions that help our state deliver meaningful transportation projects."

"Many folks in Southern Nevada depend on bus services to get around our community," said Congresswoman Titus. "Another emerging critical mode of transportation in our region is passenger rail. When high-speed rail comes to Southern Nevada, it will support tourism, improve air quality, and ease traffic congestion. The Modal Parity in Permitting Act will help ensure that the permitting process that allows these services to be built in our community is in line with the process for highway projects."

"We applaud Sen. Alsobrooks and Sen. Cramer for introducing the Modal Parity in Permitting Act. Public transit and passenger rail projects deserve the same permitting opportunities as highway projects. By allowing FTA and FRA projects to acquire property before completion of the NEPA review-just as highway projects can-this bipartisan legislation will help advance critical public transportation investments more efficiently. We urge Congress to pass this commonsense bill without delay," said American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President and CEO, Paul P. Skoutelas.

Read full bill text here.

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