The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Uniform Act)

In a changing America, government programs designed to benefit the public as a whole often result in acquisition of private property, and sometimes in the displacement of people from their homes, businesses or farms.

On January 2, 1971, Public Law 91-646, the "Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970," (Uniform Act) was signed into law. The Uniform Act, provides important protections and assistance for people affected by Federally funded projects. This law was enacted by Congress to ensure that people whose real property is acquired, or who move as a result of projects receiving Federal funds, will be treated fairly and equitably and will receive assistance in moving from the property they occupy.

Lead Agency
The Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987, designated the U. S. Department of Transportation as the Federal Lead Agency for the Uniform Act. Duties include the development, issuance, and maintenance of the government-wide regulation, providing assistance to other Federal agencies, and reporting to Congress. This responsibility has been delegated to the FHWA and is carried out by the Office of Real Estate Services.

Uniform Act-Related Links

Statute

• Uniform Act - Law

Regulation

• 49 CFR Part 24 - Regulations (or PDF, 444 KB)
• 49 CFR Part 24 - Technical Corrections
• 49 CFR Part 24 - Informational Resources
  • 49CFR Part 24 NPRM (or PDF with preamble, 444KB) - Superceeded by Final Rule
  • Final Rule Side-by-Side Comparisions
  • 49 CFR Part 24 Changes
  • Uniform Act Final Rule Implementation - Video, Informational Guide, and Slide Show
  • Final Rule Informational Guide (or PDF, 1.37MB)

Guidance

• Uniform Act Frequently Asked Questions (UA FAQs) Updated 2/3/2009
  • Side-by-side Comparisons of Changes to the Uniform Act FAQ Updated 2/3/2009
• Low Income Calculations
• Residential Moving Cost Schedule
• Uniform Act Eligibility In Areas Impacted by Hurricane Katrina
• Uniform Act Publications

Research

• Effectiveness and Impacts of FHWA's Implementation of the 49 CFR 24.102(c)(2) Appraisal Waiver

Related Resources

• FHWA Division Office Right Of Way Telephone Roster
• Uniform Act Training
• Other Federal Agencies

To view PDF files, you need the Acrobat® Reader®.