Modal Parity in Permitting Act

The Modal Parity in Permitting Act allows federal transit funds to be used for purchasing or leasing real property needed for transit projects before environmental reviews are finished, provided the transaction follows federal law. This change applies to projects receiving financial assistance for transit corridors and passenger rail lines, enabling earlier acquisition of land or buildings. However, the bill strictly prohibits any physical development or improvements to that property until all required environmental reviews are complete. Additionally, the Federal Transit Administration must update its existing guidance documents within six months to reflect these new rules.