Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced two significant updates that aim to speed up infrastructure project delivery and expand access to low-cost financing to strengthen the nation’s transportation network. 

1. USDOT Overhauls NEPA Procedures  
On June 30, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy unveiled a long-awaited overhaul of the Department’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing procedures. This marks the most significant NEPA reform in over 40 years. 

Key changes include: 

• Enforceable deadlines and page limits for environmental reviews
• Streamlined categorical exclusions to fast-track routine, low-impact projects 
• Clarification on when NEPA applies, ensuring it’s used only where agencies have clear environmental authority 

The reforms consolidate multiple documents into a single USDOT Order and include tailored updates for the FAA, FHWA, FRA, and FTA. These updates are intended to cut red tape, reduce costs, and help agencies deliver roads, bridges, transit, and broadband projects faster. 

2. Build America Bureau Expands Access to TIFIA Loans 
In a separate announcement on July 7, USDOT’s Build America Bureau removed a long-standing policy that limited most projects to financing just 33% of eligible costs through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. Now, all types of transportation projects can access loans for up to 49% of their eligible costs, matching the full authority provided by statute since 2012.  

Secretary Duffy noted, “It’s common sense to allow all eligible projects the same access to our low-interest financing opportunities. We are building infrastructure easier, quicker, and cheaper.” 

The change comes after years of successful pilot programs, including the TIFIA Rural Projects Initiative and financing options for transit-oriented development.

This update is expected to: 

• Broaden access to TIFIA’s flexible, low-cost loans
• Reduce reliance on federal grants 
• Accelerate project delivery timelines 
• Lower total project costs for state and local partners 

Together, these policy changes position USDOT to deliver on its commitment to modernizing infrastructure processes, while removing barriers that have slowed progress in the past. 

COMTO will continue to monitor the impact of these changes and their implications for transportation professionals, infrastructure development, and project financing. Stay tuned for more updates in upcoming editions of COMTO Notes from the Hill.