Safe Streets Act Adds $5 Billion, Mandates 20% of Funding Go to Safety Planning

This bill, officially titled the Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act, is focused on boosting and refining a key federal program aimed at making our roads less deadly. Specifically, Section 2 modifies the existing Safe Streets and Roads for All program, which is the pot of money local governments use to tackle dangerous intersections and risky road designs.

The core change here is twofold: more money and a bigger emphasis on planning. Starting in fiscal year 2024, the bill mandates that at least 20% of the total program funding must be set aside for planning projects. This replaces the old rules for planning grants and essentially guarantees that one-fifth of the budget goes toward figuring out the problems before spending money on construction. Think of it as requiring cities to spend serious time on the blueprints before pouring the concrete. This focus on proactive planning is crucial for communities trying to update outdated infrastructure without just guessing what works.

The $5 Billion Boost for Safer Commutes

Beyond setting aside funds for planning, the bill authorizes a massive influx of cash. For the period covering fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the program is slated to receive an additional $5,000,000,000. That’s five billion dollars dedicated to making streets safer, which translates directly into more projects getting funded across the country. Whether you’re a commuter dealing with a dangerous merge lane or a parent worried about school zone speeds, this funding increase means your local government has significantly more federal resources to address those hazards.

Why Planning Matters for Your Daily Drive

For the average person, the 20% planning mandate is a big deal because it shifts the focus from reactive fixes (like putting up a new stop sign after an accident) to strategic, data-driven improvements. For example, a city might use that guaranteed 20% to conduct a comprehensive study of pedestrian fatalities, identifying where new crosswalks or traffic calming measures are needed most, rather than just where the loudest complaints are coming from. This ensures that when the other 80% of the funds are used for construction, they are tackling the highest-risk areas, potentially saving lives and reducing the severity of traffic incidents. This is the difference between fixing a pothole and redesigning the entire road to prevent future wear and tear.

In short, this bill is less about creating a new program and more about strengthening an existing one by prioritizing smart preparation and adding serious financial muscle. It ensures that safety planning isn't an afterthought but a mandatory, well-funded first step in every community's effort to create safer streets.