This bill extends and improves a federal program that helps communities remove or redesign highways and transportation barriers that have divided neighborhoods. The program, now called the REPAIR Infrastructure Act (Restoring Essential Public Access and Improving Resilient Infrastructure), provides $3 billion per year from 2027 through 2031 to help communities fix transportation problems that have historically separated people from jobs, schools, healthcare, and other essential services.

The money comes in two forms: $750 million annually for planning grants to help communities study and design projects, and $2.25 billion annually for construction grants to actually build improvements. Communities can use these funds to remove or redesign highways that create barriers, improve walkability and public transportation, and ensure new development benefits existing residents rather than displacing them. The bill specifically prevents projects from just adding more highway lanes, and instead focuses on creating better connections between neighborhoods and economic opportunities.

To receive funding, communities must show they're genuinely engaging with residents most affected by these transportation barriers, partnering with local organizations, and taking steps to prevent displacement and preserve affordable housing. The bill also encourages communities to adopt zoning policies that allow more diverse housing types like duplexes and apartments, and to reduce parking requirements. Essentially, this program helps communities heal from past decisions that used highways to divide neighborhoods, while ensuring that improvements don't push out the people who already live there.