Land Port Community Infrastructure Program

Summary#

This bill creates the Land Port of Entry Community Infrastructure Program at the Department of Homeland Security. The Secretary may award grants and add funds from other federal programs to help State, Tribal, and local governments and not-for-profit member-owned utilities fix or build community infrastructure that supports land ports of entry. "Community infrastructure" includes transportation, water, wastewater, telecommunications, electric, gas, and other projects that directly support a port of entry or are within 25 miles and are disproportionately affected by a port.

The bill lists eligible project categories: projects to improve trade and travel efficiency; projects to enhance border security; resilience and emergency preparedness projects; projects to improve family quality of life for U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel; and projects to address local impacts such as traffic, pollution, waste, and wastewater. The Secretary must set eligibility criteria, consider a 2024 CBP report and State capital plans, develop standardized guidance for identifying and prioritizing projects, and consult other federal agencies when appropriate.

The bill generally requires grant recipients to provide at least 30% of project funding from non-Federal sources, but allows reduced matches or waivers for projects in rural areas or for homeland security reasons. It also allows reimbursement of up to 70% of eligible costs already spent on projects since November 15, 2021, subject to eligibility. The bill authorizes appropriations as "such sums as may be necessary," with awards dependent on available appropriations.

What it means for you#

  • State, Tribal, and local governments and not-for-profit, member-owned utilities near land ports of entry may be able to apply for grant funding for projects like roads, utilities, or resilience upgrades.
  • Projects must meet the program's eligibility rules and selection criteria set by the Secretary.
  • Most applicants must provide at least 30% of project costs from non-Federal sources, but rural communities or projects tied to homeland security could face lower requirements or receive waivers.
  • Entities that already spent money on eligible projects since November 15, 2021, could seek reimbursement for up to 70% of those costs if the Secretary approves.
  • Funding is not automatic; it depends on Congress providing appropriations.

Expenses#

  • No dollar amounts or fixed funding totals are provided in the bill text.
  • The bill authorizes appropriations of "such sums as may be necessary" and says awards are subject to the availability of appropriations for each fiscal year.
  • Most projects must include at least a 30% non-Federal match, unless reduced or waived for rural areas or homeland security reasons.
  • The Secretary may reimburse up to 70% of eligible costs already incurred on or after November 15, 2021, when projects meet program criteria.
  • Appropriated funds may remain available until expended.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.