New grant program would fund infrastructure fixes near U.S. land border crossings

What does this do?

HR 6791 establishes the Land Port of Entry Community Infrastructure Program under the Department of Homeland Security. The program would fund roads, water and sewer systems, utilities, and related improvements located within 25 miles of a land border crossing with Mexico or Canada. Governments and utilities may also apply for reimbursement for qualifying projects already completed back to November 2021.

Who does it affect?

State, tribal, local governments, and nonprofit utility companies near land border crossings are eligible to apply. Customs and Border Protection workers and their families living in those communities are among those the program specifically aims to serve.

Why does it matter?

Border communities face strain from the heavy traffic and activity generated by major land crossings, and this program would direct federal resources toward offsetting that pressure. Whether communities actually receive funding depends on Congress passing a separate appropriations bill, since no dollar amount has been approved yet.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• 30% match required for most applicants
• Rural and security projects may get waiver
• No funding amount set yet