Agricultural and rural road improvement program

(a) In general Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end of the following: 180. Agricultural and rural road improvement program (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish and implement an agricultural and rural road improvement program to— (1) improve first- and last-mile access to farms and to facilities producing, supplying, storing, and transporting agricultural inputs and products; (2) reduce the number of weight-limited bridges and capacity-limited local roads and rural minor collectors in rural communities; and (3) improve the safety, resiliency, and efficiency of the local roads and rural minor collectors that are essential to a strong American agricultural sector and a vibrant rural economy. (b) Eligible projects Funds apportioned to a State under subsection 104(b)(9) to carry out this section may only be obligated for a project that is on a road functionally classified as a local road or rural minor collector road and that is— (1) a project to replace or rehabilitate one or more bridges in order to eliminate a posted weight limitation; (2) a project on a highway or bridge that provides or increases first- and last-mile access to a farm, facility producing, supplying, storing, and transporting agricultural inputs and products, agricultural facility, or other facility that supports the economy of a rural area; (3) a project eligible under section 167(h)(5)(C); and (4) a project to improve highway safety, including a project to improve a high risk rural road (as defined in section 148). (c) Federal cost share The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under this section may not exceed 90 percent.. (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 180. Agricultural and rural road improvement program..