Pete Buttigieg Secretary of Transportation | Facebook Website
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a final rule aimed at updating the government-wide Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Uniform Act), providing enhanced protections and assistance for individuals impacted by federally-funded projects. This significant update, the first in nearly two decades, focuses on ensuring fair compensation and moving assistance for those affected by such projects.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the importance of the final rule, stating, “Congress passed the Uniform Act over half a century ago to protect people whose lives were impacted by federally-funded projects. This final rule includes critical updates that make sure those protections match the needs of the 21st century—and offer fair compensation and moving assistance to the people impacted by projects.”
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt highlighted the administration's commitment to equity, stating, “Increasing benefit levels helps keep pace with inflation and makes a big difference for those impacted. This update ensures we meet the needs and preferences for folks impacted by displacement and helps the federal government minimize impacts throughout the relocation process.”
The final rule introduces various enhancements to benefit levels and services, focusing on equity and fairness for tenants, homeowners, businesses, and other entities affected by federally-funded projects. Some of the key updates include adjustments to benefit levels to accommodate inflation, clarification on eligible reimbursement fees, guidelines for selecting replacement dwellings, and a focus on understanding displaced individuals' preferences and needs for replacement housing.
Moreover, the rule emphasizes the importance of the relocation planning process to identify and address problems proactively, aiming to minimize adverse impacts on individuals, families, businesses, farms, and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, efforts have been made to streamline government processes by reducing paperwork and administrative burdens associated with Uniform Act requirements.
As per the final rule, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has been designated as the lead agency for the Uniform Act, responsible for developing, issuing, and maintaining government-wide regulations and assistance for the 17 Uniform Act Federal agencies. USDOT is also mandated to submit an annual report to Congress to ensure accountability and transparency in the implementation of the Uniform Act.
Stakeholders interested in learning more about the Uniform Act and the final rule can visit FHWA’s Uniform Act web page for additional information. A webinar is scheduled to take place on May 21, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. EST to provide stakeholders with detailed insights into the latest updates regarding the Uniform Act.
