The article highlights the uncertainty faced by underserved communities due to ambiguous definitions in key federal legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These laws, while directing the Department of Transportation to prioritize 'underserved' areas, lack clarity on what constitutes 'underserved,' leaving vulnerable communities anxious about grant decisions under the Trump administration. Key stakeholders are questioning the administration's criteria for project prioritization, particularly regarding road safety grants, amidst calls for clear definitions to ensure fair distribution of federal resources.
When Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, both bills directed U.S. DOT to favor "underserved" communities.
"How is this administration going to prioritize projects? Are they going to go based on the safety need?" asks Caron Whitaker of the League of American Bicyclists.
The ambiguity surrounding the definition of 'underserved' heightens concerns for vulnerable communities as they await grant award decisions from the current administration.
Congress didn't clearly define any of those words - especially in programs heavily influenced by the Trump administration, raising questions about future funding allocation.
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