STAR Act

The "Saving Transit Art Resources Act," or STAR Act, proposes significant changes to federal law governing public transportation funding, primarily by removing restrictions on art-related expenditures. A key provision eliminates the existing 1% cap on art costs for public transportation projects funded through capital investment grants under Section 5309 of Title 49, United States Code, allowing for greater investment in artistic elements. Additionally, the bill amends Section 5323(h) of Title 49 by striking a provision that currently prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from requiring recipients of assistance to use funds for incorporating art into facilities. This change could grant the Secretary more discretion in promoting or encouraging art integration in transit infrastructure, though the public hearing requirement for such expenditures remains. Overall, the STAR Act aims to provide more flexibility and potentially increase the incorporation of art into public transportation facilities by adjusting funding limitations and secretarial authority.