S. 5080 — Modal Parity in Permitting Act

This section expands the authority to use certain transit funds for acquired real property interests rather than limiting such use to rights-of-way for corridor preservation. It requires the Federal Transit Administration to update Circular 5010.1F (published November 1, 2024) and related guidance within 6 months of enactment.

This section authorizes recipients of federal financial assistance under chapters 229, 249, or 243 of title 49, United States Code, to acquire real property interests necessary for passenger rail projects before environmental reviews are complete, if otherwise permitted by federal law. It prohibits physical development or improvement of any such property until all required environmental reviews for the project have been completed.