PARTNER Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Blair, Everton [D-GA-13]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 15, 2026
Bottom line
The PARTNER Act incentivizes public transit agencies to mitigate negative impacts on small businesses during construction by offering a higher federal funding share for eligible fixed guideway capital projects.
What it actually does
This bill, known as the PARTNER Act, amends title 49, United States Code, to increase the federal government's allowable share of funding for certain fixed guideway capital investment projects from 80% to 85%. This increase is contingent upon the grant recipient agreeing to provide specific protections to small businesses affected by transportation interruptions, such as impediments to foot traffic, caused by the project. The protections include a dedicated point of contact, regular communications, and additional signage.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill provides a crucial incentive for transit agencies to be more considerate of local small businesses during major infrastructure projects, helping to prevent economic hardship and preserve community vitality. They contend that the small increase in federal share is a worthwhile investment to protect vulnerable businesses from construction-related disruptions and foster better community relations.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that increasing the federal share, even for a good cause, could set a precedent for higher federal contributions across various projects, potentially straining the federal budget. They might also contend that the specified protections are minimal and may not fully offset significant business losses, or that local governments should bear the full responsibility for mitigating local business impacts without additional federal incentives.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for thorough evaluation.
Section 2, amending Section 5309(l)(1) of title 49, United States Code
Small Business Protection Incentive for Fixed Guideway Capital Investment Grants
This provision increases the maximum federal share for fixed guideway capital projects (including new fixed guideway capital projects, core capacity improvement projects, or small start projects) from 80% to 85% of the net capital project cost. This higher federal share is conditional: the grant recipient must agree to provide specific protections to small businesses located in areas expected to experience transportation interruptions due to the project. These protections include assigning a dedicated point of contact, providing regular communications about the project status and interruptions, and installing additional signage to guide customers to the affected small businesses.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision directly addresses a common complaint from small businesses during large infrastructure projects: a lack of communication and customer access. By incentivizing these protections, the bill fosters better community relations and helps sustain local economies during periods of disruption, ensuring that public works projects don't inadvertently harm the very communities they aim to serve.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that while the intent is good, the specific protections outlined (point of contact, communications, signage) might be insufficient to truly mitigate significant business losses, making the 5% federal share increase a potentially inefficient use of taxpayer money. They may also argue that these are basic responsibilities that local agencies should undertake regardless of federal incentives.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire to support small businesses during public works projects with the potential for increased federal spending. It also creates a tension between the administrative burden on transit agencies to implement these protections and the financial benefit of a higher federal share.