House lawmakers introduce bipartisan legislation to support World Cup local transportation needs

Key Takeaways

On December 2, U.S. Reps. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.-02) and Burgess Owens (R-Utah-04) introduced the Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act (H.R.6348), a bipartisan effort to strengthen local transportation systems in communities preparing to host major international sporting events. The bill would authorize $50 million annually to help local governments improve and modernize transportation infrastructure in advance of next year’s FIFA World Cup and future Olympic Games.

This serves as the House companion bill to S.1218, which was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) back in April 2025.  

What does the bill do?  

The Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act is designed to alleviate the significant transportation costs and logistical challenges local governments face when hosting or supporting large-scale sporting events. By providing federal resources for planning, coordination and infrastructure improvements, the bill ensures that host communities are better equipped to handle the influx of visitors, vehicles and goods these events bring.

This effort comes as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. Seventy-eight matches will be played across 11 metropolitan areas in the U.S.: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Key provisions include:

• Authorize federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to the metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) representing host regions. The MPOs would then sub-grant funding to eligible recipients (including counties) for projects that improve the movement of people and goods or mitigate transportation impacts during Olympic, Paralympic, Special Olympics or FIFA World Cup events. Eligible projects may include road, transit, rail or airport improvements within 100 miles of the host city.
• Authorize DOT to provide technical and planning assistance to host and nearby state, local and Tribal governments and metropolitan planning organizations to enhance coordination and prepare regional transportation systems for international sporting events.
• Enable DOT to facilitate temporary sharing of public transportation assets, such as buses and related equipment, between host and non-host jurisdictions to help manage increased transportation demand and reduce costs.

Impact on counties

Counties play a vital role in maintaining and operating transportation systems that connect residents, businesses and visitors. NACo endorses the Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act because it would provide counties with access to critical funding and resources to strengthen infrastructure, improve mobility and ensure the safe and efficient movement of fans, workers, goods and services during these globally significant events.

By investing in local and regional transportation systems, this legislation not only supports successful event operations but also leaves lasting infrastructure benefits for communities after the games conclude.