New Bill Offers $50M Annually to Ease Traffic for Olympics & World Cup Host Cities

This legislation, the "Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act of 2025," sets up a new federal program aimed squarely at helping U.S. cities manage the transportation crunch that comes with hosting massive international sporting events. It authorizes $50 million each year for the Department of Transportation to grant out, specifically for states, tribes, local governments, and designated planning organizations preparing for or hosting events like the Olympics, Paralympics, Special Olympics, and FIFA World Cups (both Men's and Women's).

Gearing Up for Game Day Traffic

The core of the bill (Section 2) creates a grant system to fund permanent transportation projects – think improved roads, transit upgrades, or better traffic flow systems – not temporary fixes. Eligible entities, including the official non-profits set up to run these events, can apply for funds starting five years before the opening ceremony and up until 30 days after it ends. There's a cap of $10 million per specific event initially, ensuring funds are spread around if multiple events are on the horizon. For example, a city like Los Angeles, gearing up for the 2028 Olympics, could potentially tap into these funds for lasting infrastructure improvements near stadiums or athlete villages, projects that fall under existing federal transportation funding rules (title 49 or title 23, U.S. Code).

Beyond the Pavement: Planning and Data

It's not just about cash for construction. The bill also directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide technical and planning assistance. This could mean helping local planners integrate event needs into regional transportation strategies, coordinate between different government levels and private companies, or develop better intermodal plans (connecting different types of transport). Separately, Section 3 tasks the Secretary of Commerce with conducting studies on the actual impact the 2026 Men's World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics have on the U.S. travel and tourism industry. These studies will look at changes in travel patterns, business revenues, and jobs, with public reports due 180 days after each event concludes.

The Bottom Line: Who Pays, Who Plays?

This program directly benefits the cities and regions selected to host these major global events by providing dedicated funding and planning support to handle the influx of people and activity. The idea is to improve the experience for attendees and residents alike, potentially leaving behind better transportation infrastructure. The funding comes from a $50 million annual appropriation authorized by the bill, meaning it's supported by taxpayer dollars. While host cities get a boost, areas not hosting these specific large-scale events won't be eligible for this particular funding stream.