This bill, titled the "Restoring Essential Public Access and Improving Resilient Infrastructure Act," reauthorizes and significantly enhances the existing Reconnecting Communities program. It allocates $3 billion annually from the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with specific amounts designated for planning and capital construction grants. The program is renamed the REPAIR Infrastructure Program, signaling a broader focus on improving essential public access and resilient infrastructure.

The legislation introduces comprehensive new selection criteria for both planning and construction grants, prioritizing projects that foster affordable transportation options, safe mobility, and connectivity for all, including people with disabilities. These criteria emphasize access to critical economic activity centers like housing, jobs, healthcare, and schools, while also promoting safe accommodation for all users and seamless integration with surrounding communities. Furthermore, applications will be evaluated based on their demonstration of robust community participation, formal partnerships with local organizations, and approaches that meaningfully redress historic economic and physical barriers, benefiting underserved communities.

A key provision prohibits the use of grant funds for projects that increase the number of travel lanes on an existing highway, aiming to prevent further community division. The bill also expands eligibility for REPAIR infrastructure projects under several other federal transportation programs, including the National Highway Performance Program, Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, and Highway Safety Improvement Program. This expanded eligibility ensures that projects focused on reconnecting communities and addressing divisive infrastructure can leverage a wider range of funding sources, with a specific focus on preventing displacement and promoting community wealth-building activities.