Library / Laws / 113th / hr / H.R. 4834 / Introduced in House
I
113th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4834
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 11, 2014
Mr. Petri (for himself and Ms. Norton) (both by request): introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources, Oversight and Government Reform, the Budget, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
A BILL
To authorize highway infrastructure and safety, transit, motor carrier, rail, and other surface
transportation programs, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title; table of contents
(a)
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Generating Renewal, Opportunity, and Work with Accelerated Mobility, Efficiency, and Rebuilding of
Infrastructure and Communities throughout America Act or the GROW AMERICA Act .
(b)
Table of contents
The table of contents of this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Effective date.
Title I—Transportation Infrastructure Initiatives
Subtitle A—Increasing Efficiency in Project Delivery
Sec. 1001. Improving State and Federal agency engagement in environmental reviews.
Sec. 1002. Environmental review alignment and reform.
Sec. 1003. Improving collaboration for accelerated decisionmaking.
Sec. 1004. Unreasonable obstruction of navigation determination.
Sec. 1005. Satisfaction of requirements for certain historic sites.
Sec. 1006. Rail and transit exemption from consideration under section 4(f).
Sec. 1007. Multimodal categorical exclusions.
Sec. 1008. Improving transparency in environmental reviews.
Sec. 1009. Infrastructure permitting improvement center.
Sec. 1010. Clarification of transportation environmental authorities.
Sec. 1011. Advance acquisition.
Sec. 1012. Bridge exemption from consideration under section 4(f).
Subtitle B—Freight Policy and Financing
Sec. 1101. Multimodal freight investment program.
Sec. 1102. Redesignation of the national network.
Subtitle C—Planning
Sec. 1201. Transportation system resilience assessment.
Sec. 1202. Consolidated and high performing metropolitan planning organizations.
Sec. 1203. Participation of public port authorities.
Sec. 1204. Strengthening the statewide and nonmetropolitan planning process.
Sec. 1205. Removal of the congestion management process.
Sec. 1206. Public involvement in plan development.
Sec. 1207. Connection to opportunities national goal and potential performance measure.
Sec. 1208. Workforce development.
Sec. 1209. Measuring transportation connectivity pilot activities.
Sec. 1210. Performance-based project selection.
Sec. 1211. Stormwater planning.
Subtitle D—Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement
Sec. 1301. Eligible projects.
Sec. 1302. Special rules.
Sec. 1303. Priority consideration.
Sec. 1304. Evaluation and assessment of projects.
Sec. 1305. Electric vehicle charging stations and commercial motor vehicle anti-idling facilities
in rest areas.
Subtitle E—Innovative Finance and Tolling
Sec. 1401. 21st century infrastructure investments.
Sec. 1402. Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1998 amendments.
Sec. 1403. Railroad rehabilitation and improvement financing.
Sec. 1404. State infrastructure bank program.
Sec. 1405. Toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries.
Sec. 1406. Tax-exempt financing for qualified surface transportation projects.
Sec. 1407. Pay for success.
Title II—Federal-Aid Highways
Subtitle A—Authorizations and Programs
Sec. 2001. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 2002. Obligation limitation.
Sec. 2003. Apportionment.
Sec. 2004. Federal lands transportation program.
Sec. 2005. Emergency relief for federally owned roads.
Sec. 2006. Tribal high priority projects program and tribal transportation program amendments.
Sec. 2007. Federal lands access program Federal share.
Sec. 2008. Nationally significant Federal lands and tribal projects program.
Sec. 2009. Federal lands programmatic activities.
Sec. 2010. Bridges requiring closure or load restrictions.
Sec. 2011. Broadband infrastructure deployment.
Sec. 2012. Critical immediate investments program.
Sec. 2013. Appalachian development highway system.
Subtitle B—Performance Management
Sec. 2101. Performance management data support program.
Sec. 2102. Performance period adjustment.
Sec. 2103. Multimodal accommodations.
Subtitle C—Improved Federal Stewardship
Sec. 2201. Project approval and oversight.
Subtitle D—Other
Sec. 2301. Letting of contracts.
Sec. 2302. Construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities.
Sec. 2303. Green stormwater infrastructure.
Sec. 2304. Elimination or modification of certain FHWA reporting requirements.
Title III—Public Transportation
Sec. 3001. Short title; amendments to title 49, United States Code.
Sec. 3002. Definitions.
Sec. 3003. Formula grants for enhanced mobility.
Sec. 3004. Formula grants for public transportation on Indian reservations.
Sec. 3005. Workforce development programs.
Sec. 3006. General provisions.
Sec. 3007. Public transportation local hiring.
Sec. 3008. Public transportation safety program.
Sec. 3009. Authorizations.
Sec. 3010. Bus and bus facilities program.
Sec. 3011. Rapid growth area transit program.
Sec. 3012. Technical corrections.
Sec. 3013. Technical corrections of title II, division B, of MAP–21.
Sec. 3014. Elimination of FTA annual research reporting requirement.
Title IV—Highway and Motor Vehicle Safety
Subtitle A—Traffic Safety
Sec. 4001. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 4002. Highway safety programs.
Sec. 4003. Amendment to section 405 national priority safety programs transfer authority.
Sec. 4004. Amendment to motorcyclist safety grant criteria.
Sec. 4005. Amendment to graduated driver licensing incentive grant criteria.
Sec. 4006. Amendment to ignition interlock grant criteria.
Sec. 4007. Amendment to repeat offender and open container criteria.
Sec. 4008. Amendment to distracted driving grant criteria.
Sec. 4009. Streamlining of national priority safety programs.
Sec. 4010. Amendment to highway research and development.
Subtitle B—Motor Vehicle Safety
Sec. 4101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 4102. Recall obligations under bankruptcy.
Sec. 4103. Prohibition on rendering safety elements inoperative.
Sec. 4104. Cooperation with foreign governments.
Sec. 4105. Functional safety process.
Sec. 4106. Notification of defect or noncompliance and imminent hazard authority.
Sec. 4107. Amendment to judicial review provisions.
Sec. 4108. Inspection authority under automobile fuel economy statute.
Sec. 4109. Recall authority over rental car companies and used car dealers.
Sec. 4110. Civil penalties.
Sec. 4111. Technical corrections to the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012.
Title V—Motor Carrier Safety Program
Sec. 5001. Amendment of title 49, United States Code.
Subtitle A—Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety
Sec. 5101. Commercial motor vehicle defined.
Sec. 5102. Motor carrier operations affecting interstate commerce.
Sec. 5103. Bus rentals and definition of employer.
Sec. 5104. High-risk carrier reviews.
Sec. 5105. New entrant safety audits.
Sec. 5106. Imminent hazard actions.
Sec. 5107. International commerce transported on highways through the United States.
Subtitle B—Driver Safety Provisions
Sec. 5201. Commercial driver’s license requirements.
Sec. 5202. Disqualifications based on non-commercial motor vehicle operations.
Sec. 5203. Recording of Federal disqualifications on CDLIS.
Sec. 5204. Failure to pay civil penalty as a disqualifying offense.
Sec. 5205. Controlled substance violations.
Subtitle C—Medical and Registration Provisions
Sec. 5301. Effect of driving on commercial motor vehicle operators.
Sec. 5302. Jurisdiction over brokers of motor carriers of passengers.
Sec. 5303. Revocation or suspension of registration.
Sec. 5304. Revocation of registration for failure to respond to subpoena.
Sec. 5305. Lapse of required financial security; suspension of registration.
Subtitle D—Grants and Authorizations
Sec. 5401. FMCSA financial assistance programs.
Subtitle E—Miscellaneous
Sec. 5501. Motor carrier safety advisory committee.
Sec. 5502. Unified carrier registration plan.
Sec. 5503. Self-insurance for motor carriers repealed.
Sec. 5504. Electronic logging device recall authority.
Sec. 5505. Repeal of motor carrier financial reporting requirement.
Sec. 5506. Contractors exercising operational control over motor carrier operations.
Sec. 5507. Driver compensation.
Sec. 5508. Civil enforcement authority.
Sec. 5509. Criminal penalties.
Sec. 5510. Penalties for violations of out-of-service orders.
Sec. 5511. Technical corrections.
Sec. 5512. Audits and compliance investigations of Mexico-domiciled motor carriers.
Sec. 5513. Administrative adjudication of violations of commercial regulations and statutes.
Sec. 5514. Access to national driver register.
Sec. 5515. Elimination of certain FMCSA reporting requirements.
Title VI—Hazardous Material Transportation Safety
Sec. 6001. Amendment of title 49, United States Code.
Sec. 6002. Emergency operational controls.
Sec. 6003. Enhanced registration requirements.
Sec. 6004. User fees for special permits.
Sec. 6005. National emergency and disaster response.
Sec. 6006. Enhanced reporting.
Sec. 6007. Improving publication of special permits.
Sec. 6008. Hazard abatement authority.
Sec. 6009. Inspection of non-domestic entities.
Sec. 6010. Improving the effectiveness of the HMEP grant program.
Sec. 6011. Civil penalty.
Sec. 6012. General duty.
Sec. 6013. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 6014. Elimination of certain PHMSA reporting requirements.
Title VII—Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code
Sec. 7001. Amendment of 1986 Code.
Sec. 7002. Extension of highway-related taxes.
Sec. 7003. Extension of provisions related to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.
Sec. 7004. Transportation Trust Fund.
Sec. 7005. Effective date.
Title VIII—Research
Subtitle A—Funding
Sec. 8001. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B—Research, Technology, and Education
Sec. 8101. National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research Program.
Sec. 8102. Competitive University Transportation Centers Consortia Program.
Sec. 8103. Priority Multimodal Research Program.
Sec. 8104. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Sec. 8105. ITS goals and purposes.
Sec. 8106. ITS general authorities and requirements.
Sec. 8107. ITS national architecture and standards.
Sec. 8108. Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications systems deployment.
Sec. 8109. Infrastructure development.
Sec. 8110. Departmental research programs; conforming amendments.
Sec. 8111. Office of Intermodalism.
Sec. 8112. Cooperation with Federal and State agencies and foreign countries.
Title IX—Rail Safety, Reliability, and Efficiency
Sec. 9001. Short title; amendment of title 49, United States Code.
Subtitle A—National High-Performance Rail System
Sec. 9101. Purpose and objectives.
Sec. 9102. Grant programs.
Sec. 9103. Amtrak 5-year business planning.
Sec. 9104. Clarification of grant conditions.
Sec. 9105. Research and development.
Sec. 9106. Miscellaneous revisions.
Subtitle B—Policy
Sec. 9201. Regional rail development authorities.
Sec. 9202. Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission.
Sec. 9203. Standardization of passenger equipment and platforms.
Sec. 9204. Next Generation Equipment Committee.
Sec. 9206. Rail passenger transportation liability and mandatory coverage.
Sec. 9207. Shared-use study.
Sec. 9208. Disadvantaged business enterprises; disparity and availability study.
Subtitle C—Planning
Sec. 9301. National and regional rail planning.
Sec. 9302. State rail plans.
Subtitle D—Safety Improvements
Sec. 9401. Requirement for uniform operating rules.
Sec. 9402. Positive train control.
Sec. 9403. Hours of service reform.
Sec. 9404. Amendments to the safety appliance law.
Sec. 9405. Amendments to the locomotive inspection law.
Sec. 9406. Technical amendment to the provision on protection of railroad safety risk reduction
program information.
Sec. 9407. Noise emission standards.
Sec. 9408. Technical amendment to chapter 201 general civil penalty provision.
Sec. 9409. Miscellaneous authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 9410. Repair and replacement of damaged track inspection equipment.
Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Revisions and Technical Corrections
Sec. 9501. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 9502. Technical corrections to the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
Sec. 9503. Technical correction to introductory text of Public Law 110–432.
Sec. 9504. Technical corrections to uncodified provisions of division A of Public Law 110–432, the
Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
Sec. 9505. Technical corrections to provisions of the hours of service laws and related civil
penalty provision.
Sec. 9506. Elimination of certain FRA reporting requirements.
Title X—Miscellaneous
Sec. 10001. Consideration of travel and tourism in award of financial assistance.
Sec. 10002. Electronic reports and report modification.
Sec. 10003. Amendment of Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act.
Sec. 10004. Amendments to chapter 537 of title 46.
Sec. 10005. Government-wide authority for electric charging infrastructure at no cost to the
taxpayer.
Title XI—Budgetary Interpretations and Treatments
Sec. 11001. Amounts in this Act.
Sec. 11002. Direct or mandatory spending.
Sec. 11003. Treatment for statutory PAYGO and related purposes.
Sec. 11004. Scoring of changes in contract authority in appropriations Acts.
Sec. 11005. Scoring of changes in obligation limits in appropriations Acts.
Sec. 11006. Scoring of transfers between the general fund and the Transportation Trust Fund.
Sec. 11007. Special rule.
2.
Definitions
In this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1)
Department
The term Department means the Department of Transportation.
(2)
Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation.
3.
Effective date
Except as otherwise provided, this Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect on
October 1, 2014.
I
Transportation Infrastructure Initiatives
A
Increasing Efficiency in Project Delivery
1001.
Improving State and Federal agency engagement in environmental reviews
(a)
In general
Title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 306 the following:
307.
Improving State and Federal agency engagement in environmental reviews
(a)
In general
A public entity receiving financial assistance from the Department of Transportation for one or
more projects or for a program of projects, may request that the Secretary
allow the public entity to provide funds to Federal agencies, including
the Department of Transportation, State agencies, and Indian tribes
participating in the environmental planning and review process for the
project, projects, or program. The funds may be provided only to support
activities that directly and meaningfully contribute to expediting and
improving permitting and review processes, including planning, approval
and consultation processes for the project, projects, or program.
(b)
Activities eligible for funding
Activities for which funds may be provided under subsection (a) include transportation planning
activities that precede the initiation of the environmental review
process, activities directly related to the environmental review process,
dedicated staffing, training of agency personnel, information gathering
and mapping, and development of programmatic agreements.
(c)
Amounts
Requests under subsection (a) may be approved only for the additional amounts that the Secretary
determines are necessary for the Federal agencies, State agencies, or
Indian tribes participating in the environmental review process to timely
conduct their review.
(d)
Agreements
Prior to providing funds approved by the Secretary for dedicated staffing at an affected Federal
agency under subsection (a), the affected Federal agency and the
requesting public entity shall enter into an agreement that establishes a
process to identify projects or priorities to be addressed by the use of
the funds.
(e)
Existing authority
Nothing in this section shall be construed as conflicting with the provisions of section 139(j) of
title 23.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis of chapter 3 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 306 the following:
307. Improving State and Federal agency engagement in environmental reviews
.
1002.
Environmental review alignment and reform
(a)
In general
Title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 309 the following:
310.
Aligning Federal environmental reviews
(a)
Coordinated and concurrent environmental reviews
Within one year of the date of enactment of GROW AMERICA Act, the Department of Transportation, in
coordination with the Steering Committee, shall develop a coordinated and
concurrent environmental review and permitting process for transportation
projects when initiating an environmental impact statement under the
National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) (referred to as NEPA in this section). This coordinated and concurrent environmental review and permitting process
shall—
(1) ensure that the Department of Transportation and agencies of jurisdiction possess sufficient
information early in the review process to determine a statement of a
transportation project’s purpose and need and range of alternatives for
analysis that the lead agency and agencies of jurisdiction will rely upon
for concurrent environmental reviews and permitting decisions required for
the proposed project;
(2) achieve early concurrence or issue resolution during the NEPA scoping process on the Department of
Transportation’s statement of a project’s purpose and need and during
development of the environmental impact statement on the range of
alternatives for analysis that the lead agency and agencies of
jurisdiction will rely upon for concurrent environmental reviews and
permitting decisions required for the proposed project absent
circumstances that require reconsideration in order to meet an agency of
jurisdiction’s obligations under statute or Executive order; and
(3) achieve concurrence or issue resolution in an expedited manner if circumstances arise that require
a reconsideration of the purpose and need or range of alternatives
considered during any Federal agency’s environmental or permitting review
in order to meet an agency of jurisdiction’s obligations under statute or
Executive order.
(b)
Environmental Checklist
The Secretary and Federal Agencies of jurisdiction likely to have substantive review or approval
responsibilities on transportation projects shall, within 90 days of the
date of enactment of GROW AMERICA Act, jointly develop a checklist to help
project sponsors identify potential natural, cultural, and historic
resources in the area of a proposed project. The purpose of the checklist
is to—
(1) identify agencies of jurisdiction and cooperating agencies,
(2) develop the information needed for the purpose and need and alternatives for analysis; and
(3) improve interagency collaboration to help expedite the permitting process for the lead agency and
agencies of jurisdiction.
(c)
Interagency collaboration
Consistent with Federal environmental statutes and the priority reform actions for Federal agency
permitting and reviews defined and identified by the Steering Committee
described in section 1009, the Secretary shall facilitate annual
interagency collaboration sessions at the appropriate jurisdictional level
to coordinate business plans and facilitate coordination of workload
planning and workforce management. This engagement shall also ensure
agency staff is fully engaged and utilizing the flexibility of existing
regulations, policies, and guidance and identifying additional actions to
facilitate high quality, efficient, and targeted environmental reviews and
permitting decisions. These sessions and the interagency collaborations
they generate shall also focus on how to work with State and local
transportation entities to improve project planning, siting, and
application quality and how to consult and coordinate with relevant
stakeholders and Federal, Tribal, State, and local representatives early
in permitting processes.
(d)
Performance measurement
Within one year of the date of enactment of GROW AMERICA Act, the Department of Transportation, in
coordination with the Steering Committee, shall establish a program to
measure and report on progress towards aligning Federal reviews as
outlined in this section.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis of subchapter I of chapter 3 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at
the end the following:
310. Aligning Federal environmental reviews
.
1003.
Improving collaboration for accelerated decisionmaking
Section 139(h) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (5)(A)(ii)(I), by inserting , including modifications to the project schedule after review process; and
(2) in paragraph (6)(B), by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:
(ii)
Description of date
The date referred to in clause (i) is one of the following:
(I) The date that is 30 days after the date for rendering a decision as set in the project schedule
created pursuant to paragraph (g)(1)(B) of this section.
(II) If no schedule exists, the later of—
(aa) the date that is 180 days after the date on which an application for the permit, license or
approval is complete; or
(bb) the date that is 180 days after the date on which the Federal lead agency issues a decision on the
project under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.).
(III) A modified date consistent with subsection (g)(1)(D) of this section.
.
1004.
Unreasonable obstruction of navigation determination
(a)
Bridge act of 1906
Section 4 of the Bridge Act of 1906 (33 U.S.C. 494) is amended—
(1) by designating the existing text as subsection (a); and
(2) by inserting at the end the following:
(b) When determining whether a bridge unreasonably obstructs the free navigation of the waters over
which it is constructed, the Secretary shall, for projects that are funded
under title 23 or title 49, United States Code, consider—
(1) the necessities of rail, aviation, transit, and highway traffic; and
(2) construction, maintenance, and operation costs of the proposed bridge.
.
(b)
General bridge act of 1946
Section 502 of the General Bridge Act of 1946 (33 U.S.C. 525) is amended by inserting at the end
the following:
(d)
Unreasonable obstruction of navigation determination
When determining whether a bridge unreasonably obstructs the free navigation of the waters over
which it is constructed, the Secretary shall, for projects that are funded
under title 23 or title 49, United States Code, consider—
(1) the necessities of rail, aviation, transit, and highway traffic; and
(2) construction, maintenance, and operation costs of the proposed bridge.
.
1005.
Satisfaction of requirements for certain historic sites
(a)
Title 23 amendment
Section 138 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
(c)
Satisfaction of requirements for certain historic sites
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall seek to align the requirements of this section with the requirements of the
National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4231 et seq.) (NEPA), section
106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f) (referred
to as section 106 in this section), and their implementing regulations and
will coordinate with the Department of the Interior and the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation to establish procedures that will satisfy
the requirements of both within 90 days of enactment of GROW AMERICA Act.
(2)
Avoidance alternative analysis
If, in an analysis required under NEPA the Secretary determines that there is no feasible or
prudent alternative to avoid a use of an historic site, the Secretary may
include the Secretary’s determination in the NEPA analysis and notify the
applicable State historic preservation officer, tribal historic
preservation officer, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (if
the Council is participating in the section 106 consultation process), and
the Secretary of the Interior of such findings and request concurrence
that such determination is sufficient to satisfy (a)(1). If the applicable
preservation officer, the Council, and the Secretary of the Interior
concur, no further analysis under (a)(1) shall be required. The
Secretary’s Record of Decision or Finding of No Significant Impact shall
include such a finding, as well as documentation of the concurrence of the
applicable preservation officer, the Council, and the Secretary of the
Interior. A notice of intent from the Secretary of such a finding, as well
as notice of the concurrence of the applicable preservation officer, the
Council, and the Secretary of the Interior will be posted on an
appropriate Federal website within 3 days of their occurrence.
(3)
Aligning historical reviews
If the Secretary, the applicable preservation officer, the Council, and the Secretary of the
Interior concur that no feasible and prudent alternative exists as
described in (2), the Secretary may then notify the applicable
preservation officer, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation of the Department’s intent to satisfy the
conditions of (a)(2) through the consultation requirements of section 106.
The applicable preservation officer, the Council, and the Secretary of the
Interior must concur in the treatment of the historic site agreed upon in
the Memorandum of Agreement or Programmatic Agreement developed in
accordance with section 106 in order to satisfy the conditions of (a)(2).
.
(b)
Title 49 amendment
Section 303 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (c), by striking subsection (d) and inserting subsections (d) and (e); and
(2) by inserting at the end the following:
(e)
Satisfaction of requirements for certain historic sites
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall seek to align the requirements of this section with the requirements of the
National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4231 et seq.) (NEPA), section
106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f) (referred
to as section 106 in this section), and their implementing regulations and
will coordinate with the Department of the Interior and the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation to establish procedures that will satisfy
the requirements of both within 90 days of enactment of GROW AMERICA Act.
(2)
Avoidance alternative analysis
If, in an analysis required under NEPA the Secretary determines that there is no feasible or
prudent alternative to avoid a use of an historic site, the Secretary may
include the Secretary’s determination in the NEPA analysis and notify the
applicable State historic preservation officer, tribal historic
preservation officer, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (if
the Council is participating in the section 106 consultation process), and
the Secretary of the Interior of such findings and request concurrence
that such determination is sufficient to satisfy (a)(1). If the applicable
preservation officer, the Council, and the Secretary of the Interior
concur, no further analysis under (a)(1) shall be required. The
Secretary’s Record of Decision or Finding of No Significant Impact shall
include such a finding, as well as documentation of the concurrence of the
applicable preservation officer, the Council, and the Secretary of the
Interior. A notice of intent from the Secretary of such a finding, as well
as notice of the concurrence of the applicable preservation officer, the
Council, and the Secretary of the Interior will be posted on an
appropriate Federal website within 3 days of their occurrence.
(3)
Aligning historical reviews
If the Secretary, the applicable preservation officer, the Council, and the Secretary of the
Interior concur that no feasible and prudent alternative exists as
described in (2), the Secretary may then notify the applicable
preservation officer, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation of the Department’s intent to satisfy the
conditions of (a)(2) through the consultation requirements of section 106.
The applicable preservation officer, the Council, and the Secretary of the
Interior must concur in the treatment of the historic site agreed upon in
the Memorandum of Agreement or Programmatic Agreement developed in
accordance with section 106 in order to satisfy the conditions of (a)(2).
.
1006.
Rail and transit exemption from consideration under section 4(f)
(a)
Title 23 amendment
Section 138 of title 23, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by
inserting the following after subsection (c):
(d)
Rail and transit
Improvements to, or the maintenance, rehabilitation, or operation of railroad or rail transit lines
or elements thereof, with the exception of stations, that are in-use or
were historically used for transportation of goods or passengers, shall
not be considered a use of an historic site under subsection (a),
regardless of whether the railroad or rail transit line or element thereof
is listed on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of
Historic Places.
.
(b)
Title 49 amendment
Section 303 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended—
(1) in subsection (c), by striking subsections (d) and (e) and inserting subsections (d), (e) and (f); and
(2) by inserting the following after subsection (e):
(f)
Rail and transit
Improvements to, or the maintenance, rehabilitation, or operation of railroad or rail transit lines
or elements thereof, with the exception of stations, that are in-use or
were historically used for transportation of goods or passengers, shall
not be considered a use of an historic site under subsection (c),
regardless of whether the railroad or rail transit line or element thereof
is listed on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of
Historic Places.
.
1007.
Multimodal categorical exclusions
Section 304 of title 49, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Subsection (a)(1) is amended—
(A) by striking operating authority and inserting operating administration or secretarial office;
(B) by inserting has expertise but before is not the lead; and
(C) by inserting proposed multimodal before project.
(2) Subsection (a)(2) is amended to read as follows:
(2)
Lead authority
The term lead authority means a Department of Transportation operating administration or secretarial office that has the
lead responsibility for a proposed multimodal project.
.
(3) Subsection (a)(3) is amended by striking has the meaning given the term in section 139(a) of title 23 and inserting means an action by the Department of Transportation that involves expertise of one or more
Department of Transportation operating administrations or secretarial
offices.
(4) Subsection (b) is amended by striking under this title and inserting by the Secretary.
(5) Subsection (c) is amended—
(A) by striking a categorical exclusion designated under the implementing regulations or and inserting categorical exclusions designated under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321, et seq.) implementing;
(B) by striking other components of the and inserting a proposed multimodal;
(C) by amending paragraphs (1) and (2) to read as follows:
(1) the lead authority makes a preliminary determination on the applicability of a categorical
exclusion to a proposed multimodal project and notifies the cooperating
authority of its intent to apply the cooperating authority categorical
exclusion;
(2) the cooperating authority does not object to the lead authority’s preliminary determination of its
applicability;
;
(D) by amending paragraph (3) by inserting the lead authority determines that at the beginning, and proposed multimodal before project to be covered; and
(E) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
(4) the lead authority, with the concurrence of the cooperating authority—
(A) follows implementing regulations or procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
(B) determines that the proposed multimodal project does not individually or cumulatively have a
significant impact on the environment; and
(C) determines that extraordinary circumstances do not exist that merit additional analysis and
documentation in an environmental impact statement or environmental
assessment required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
.
(7) Subsection (d) is amended to read as follows:
(d)
Cooperating authority expertise
A cooperating authority shall provide expertise to the lead authority on aspects of the multimodal
project in which the cooperating authority has expertise.
.
1008.
Improving transparency in environmental reviews
(a)
In general
Title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 310, as added by this Act, the
following:
311.
Improving transparency in environmental reviews
(a)
In general
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of GROW AMERICA Act, the Secretary shall
establish an online platform and, in coordination with agencies described
in subsection (b), issue reporting standards to make publically available
the status and progress with respect to compliance with applicable
requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.
C. 4321 et seq.) and any other Federal approval required under applicable
laws for projects and activities requiring an environmental assessment or
an environmental impact statement.
(b)
Federal agency participation
A Federal agency of jurisdiction over an approval required for a project under applicable laws
shall provide information regarding the status and progress of the
approval to the online platform, consistent with the standards established
under subsection (a).
(c)
Assignment of responsibilities
An entity with assigned authority for responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act
of 1969 (42 U.S. C. 4321 et seq.), pursuant to section 326 or 327 of title
23, United States Code, shall be responsible for supplying project
development and compliance status for all applicable projects.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis of chapter 3 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 310, as added by this Act, the following:
311. Improving transparency in environmental reviews
.
1009.
Infrastructure permitting improvement center
(a)
In general
Title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 311, as added by this Act, the
following:
312.
Interagency infrastructure permitting improvement center
(a)
In general
There is established in the Office of the Secretary an Interagency Infrastructure Permitting
Improvement Center (referred to in this section as the Center).
(b)
Roles and responsibilities
(1)
Governance
The Center shall report to the chair of the Steering Committee described in paragraph (2) to ensure
that the perspectives of all member agencies are represented.
(2)
Infrastructure permitting steering committee
An Infrastructure Permitting Steering Committee is established to oversee the work of the Center.
The Steering Committee shall be chaired by the Federal Chief Performance
Officer in consultation with the Chair of the Council on Environmental
Quality and shall be comprised of Deputy-level representatives from the
following agencies:
(A) The Department of Defense.
(B) The Department of the Interior.
(C) The Department of Agriculture.
(D) The Department of Commerce.
(E) The Department of Transportation.
(F) The Department of Energy.
(G) The Department of Homeland Security.
(H) The Environmental Protection Agency.
(I) The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
(J) The Department of the Army.
(K) The Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(L) Other agencies the Chair invites to participate.
(3)
Activities
The Center shall support the Chair of the Steering Committee described in paragraph (2) and
undertake the following:
(A) Coordinate and support implementation of priority reform actions for Federal agency permitting and
reviews for areas as defined and identified by the Steering Committee
described in paragraph (2).
(B) Support modernization efforts at agencies and interagency pilots for innovative approaches to the
permitting and review of infrastructure projects.
(C) Provide technical assistance and training to field and headquarters staff of Federal agencies on
policy changes, innovative approaches to project delivery and other topics
as appropriate.
(D) Identify, develop and track metrics for timeliness of permit reviews, permit decisions, and project
outcomes.
(E) Administer and expand the use of online transparency tools providing for—
(i) tracking and reporting of metrics;
(ii) development and posting of schedules for permit reviews and permit decisions; and
(iii) sharing of best practices related to efficient project permitting and reviews.
(F) Provide reporting to the President on progress towards achieving greater efficiency in permitting
decisions and review of infrastructure projects and progress towards
achieving better outcomes for communities and the environment.
(4)
Infrastructure sectors covered
The Center shall support process improvements in the permitting and review of projects in the
following sectors:
(A) Surface transportation.
(B) Aviation.
(C) Ports and waterways.
(D) Water resource projects.
(E) Renewable energy generation.
(F) Electricity transmission.
(G) Broadband.
(H) Pipelines.
(I) Other sectors, as determined by the Steering Committee described in subparagraph (2).
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis of chapter 3 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 312, as added by this Act, the following:
312. Interagency Infrastructure Permitting Improvement Center.
.
1010.
Clarification of transportation environmental authorities
(a)
Title 49 reference to section 4(f)
Section 303 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by section 1012 of this Act, is further
amended by inserting at the end the following:
(h)
Section 4(f)
This section may be referred to as section 4(f) or section 4(f) of title 49, United States Code.
.
(b)
Title 23 reference to section 4(f)
Section 138 of title 23, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding
at the end the following:
(f)
Section 4(f)
This section may be referred to as section 4(f) or "section 4(f) of title 23, United States Code.
.
(c)
Relocation and clarification of section 1319 of map–21
(1)
Repeal
Section 1319 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (Public Law 112–141, 126
Stat. 551; 42 U.S.C. 4332a) is repealed.
(2)
Accelerated decisionmaking in environmental reviews
Chapter 3 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 304 the following:
304a.
Accelerated decisionmaking in environmental reviews
(a)
In general
In preparing a final environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), if the Department of Transportation, when
acting as lead agency, modifies the statement in response to comments that
are minor and are confined to factual corrections or explanations of why
the comments do not warrant additional Departmental response, the
Department may write on errata sheets attached to the statement instead of
rewriting the draft statement, subject to the condition that the errata
sheets—
(1) cite the sources, authorities, or reasons that support the position of the Department; and
(2) if appropriate, indicate the circumstances that would trigger Departmental reappraisal or further
response.
(b)
Incorporation
To the maximum extent practicable, the Department shall expeditiously develop a single document
that consists of a final environmental impact statement and a record of
decision, unless—
(1) the final environmental impact statement makes substantial changes to the proposed action that are
relevant to environmental or safety concerns; or
(2) there are significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns and that
bear on the proposed action or the impacts of the proposed action.
.
(d)
Conforming amendment
The analysis of chapter 3 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following
after the item relating to section 304:
304a. Accelerated decisionmaking in environmental reviews.
.
(e)
Effective date
The repeal and amendments made by this section are effective on the date of enactment of the Moving
Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act.
1011.
Advance acquisition
(a)
Advance acquisition
Chapter 241 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following after section
24105:
24106.
Advance acquisition
(a)
Rail corridor preservation
The Secretary may assist a recipient of funding in acquiring right-of-way and adjacent real
property interests before or during the completion of the environmental
reviews for any project receiving funding under subtitle V of title 49,
United States Code, that may use such property interests if the
acquisition is otherwise permitted under Federal law, and the recipient
requesting Federal funding for the acquisition certifies, with the
concurrence of the Secretary, that—
(1) the recipient has authority to acquire the real property interest;
(2) the acquisition of the real property interest—
(A) is for a transportation purpose;
(B) will not cause significant adverse environmental impact;
(C) will not limit the choice of reasonable alternatives for the proposed project or otherwise
influence the decision of the Secretary on any approval required for the
project;
(D) does not prevent the lead agency from making an impartial decision as to whether to accept an
alternative that is being considered;
(E) complies with other applicable Federal laws and regulations;
(F) will be acquired through negotiation, without threat of condemnation; and
(G) will not result in elimination or reduction of benefits or assistance to a displaced person
required by the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.) and title VI of
the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.).
(b)
Environmental reviews
(1)
Completion of NEPA review
Before authorizing Federal funding for an acquisition of a real property interest, the Secretary
shall complete the review process under the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to the acquisition.
(2)
Completion of section 106
An acquisition of a real property interest involving an historic site shall not occur unless the
section 106 process under the National Historic Preservation Act (16
U.S.C. 470f) (as described in 77 Fed. Reg. 68790) is complete.
(3)
Timing of acquisition
A real property interest acquired under subsection (a) may not be developed in anticipation of the
proposed project until all required environmental reviews for the project
have been completed.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis of chapter 241 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following
after the item relating to section 24105:
24106. Advance acquisition.
.
1012.
Bridge exemption from consideration under section 4(f)
(a)
Title 23 amendment
Section 138 of title 23, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding
at the end the following:
(e)
Bridge exemption from consideration under section 4(f)
A common post-1945 concrete or steel bridge or culvert that is exempt from individual review under
section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f) (as
described in 77 Fed. Reg. 68790) shall also be exempt from consideration
under this section.
.
(b)
Title 49 amendment
Section 303 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding
at the end the following:
(g)
Bridge exemption from consideration under section 4(f)
A common post-1945 concrete or steel bridge or culvert that is exempt from individual review under
section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f) (as
described in 77 Fed. Reg. 68790) shall also be exempt from consideration
under this section.
.
B
Freight Policy and Financing
1101.
Multimodal freight investment program
(a)
Multimodal freight incentive program
(1)
Establishment
Title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding after Chapter 53 the following:
54
Freight
5401.
Multimodal freight incentive program
(a)
In general
Subject to the requirements of this section, the Secretary shall—
(1) establish a program to make grants to States to improve the efficiency and reliability of freight
movement in the United States;
(2) under subsection (c), calculate the maximum amount of funding that the Secretary may allocate to a
State under this section for a fiscal year; and
(3) under subsection (e), allocate to a State one or more grants for which the State qualifies in such
fiscal year, based on the criteria specified in such subsection.
(b)
Definition
In this section, the term State means any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
(c)
Calculation
(1)
Annual amount
The Secretary shall calculate the amount of funding available to be allocated to a State under this
section for a fiscal year as follows—
(A) the amount made available to provide multimodal freight incentive grants under this section for
such fiscal year; multiplied by
(B) the overall ratio specified in paragraph (3).
(2)
Floor amount
Under the calculations in paragraph (1), a State’s amount for a fiscal year shall not be less than
0.5 percent of the amount made available to provide multimodal freight
incentive grants under this section for such fiscal year.
(3)
Ratio
Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall determine the overall ratio referenced in paragraph
(1)(B) based on the following ratios:
(A) 6.25 percent in the ratio that—
(i) the number of ports in each State; bears to
(ii) the number of ports in all States.
(B) 6.25 percent in the ratio that—
(i) the number of rail track-miles used for the movement of freight in each State; bears to
(ii) the number of such rail track-miles in all States.
(C) 6.25 percent in the ratio that—
(i) the number of cargo-handling airports in each State; bears to
(ii) the number of such airports in all States.
(D) 6.25 percent in the ratio that—
(i) the number of Interstate system miles in each State; bears to
(ii) the number of Interstate system miles in all States.
(E) 37.5 percent in the ratio that—
(i) the tonnage of rail, waterborne, highway, airport and pipeline freight moved in each State; bears
to
(ii) the tonnage of such freight moved in all States.
(F) 37.5 percent in the ratio that—
(i) the value of rail, waterborne, highway, airport and pipeline freight moved in each State; bears to
(ii) the value of such freight moved in all States.
(d)
Eligibility
A State shall use a grant under this section for—
(1) the development of corridor freight plans or regional freight plans; or
(2) one or more phases of capital projects, equipment or operational improvements on roads, rails,
landside infrastructure on ports and airports, and intermodal connectors
included in a State freight plan under section 5404 of this title for
projects that—
(A) maintain or improve the efficiency and reliability of freight supply chains;
(B) demonstrate public freight benefits;
(C) improve modal components of a multimodal corridor that is critical to a State or region;
(D) address freight needs to facilitate a regionally or nationally significant economic development
issue;
(E) are multimodal, multi-jurisdictional, or corridor-based and address freight needs;
(F) relieve freight or non-freight access, congestion, or safety issues; or
(G) address first and last mile connectors.
(e)
Grants
(1)
In general
If during a fiscal year a State meets the eligibility criteria specified in paragraph (2) or (3)
the Secretary shall allocate to the State in such fiscal year a grant
under such paragraph. The determination of whether a State meets such
eligibility criteria shall be made by the Secretary.
(2)
Tier i incentive grant
(A)
Allocations of funding
Subject to paragraph (4), if a State meets the eligibility criteria specified in subparagraph (B)
during a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate to the State in such
fiscal year 40 percent of the amount of the funds available to be
allocated to the State in such fiscal year.
(B)
Eligibility criteria
The Secretary may allocate funding to a State under this paragraph in a fiscal year if the State—
(i) has an established freight advisory committee in accordance with section 5403 of this title;
(ii) has an approved freight plan in accordance with section 5404 of this title;
(iii) has conducted a statewide analysis of freight needs and bottlenecks on all modes of transportation,
including intermodal and last mile needs;
(iv) demonstrates use of the statewide analysis of freight needs in prioritizing projects in the freight
plan required by section 5404 of this title; and
(v) demonstrates that it will use the funding that it is allocated under this paragraph for the highest
priority projects that are identified in the freight plan required by
section 5404 of this title and are ready to be advanced.
(3)
Tier ii incentive grant
(A)
Allocations of funding
Subject to paragraph (4), if a State meets the eligibility criteria specified in subparagraph (B)
during a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate to the State in such
fiscal year 60 percent of the amount of the funds available to be
allocated to the State in such fiscal year.
(B)
Eligibility criteria
The Secretary may allocate funding to a State under this paragraph in a fiscal year if the State—
(i) has met the eligibility criteria specified in paragraph (2)(B);
(ii) has conducted, in cooperation with at least one other State, a multistate analysis of freight needs
and bottlenecks on all modes of transportation, including intermodal and
last mile needs along a multistate freight corridor;
(iii) has developed, in cooperation with at least one other State or relevant entities in Canada or
Mexico, a regional freight investment plan that focuses on the end-to-end
investment needs of critical multistate freight corridors based on the
multistate analysis of freight needs and bottlenecks on all modes of
transportation, including intermodal and last mile needs; and
(iv) demonstrates that it will use the funding that it is allocated under this paragraph for the highest
priority projects identified in the regional freight plan.
(4)
Tier i and ii analyses and plans
(A)
Approval
A State shall demonstrate that it developed the analyses and plans required under paragraphs (2)
and (3) with the approval of a State Freight Advisory Committee.
(B)
Certification
The determination of whether the analyses and plans required to qualify under paragraphs (2) and
(3) satisfy the requirements of the paragraphs shall be at the discretion
of the Secretary.
(C)
Forecast period
All analyses and plans required under paragraph (3) shall address a 10-year and 20-year forecast
period.
(D)
Updates
In order to obligate funding under paragraphs (2) and (3), a State shall update all analyses and
plans required under such paragraph at least every 5 years.
(f)
Transfer authority
(1)
Administration of projects
For the purpose of administering a grant under this subsection, funds authorized for this section
may be transferred within the Department and administered in accordance
with the requirements of title 23 or 49 of the United States Code
applicable to the agency to which the funds are transferred and any other
requirements applicable to the project.
(2)
Transfer to other programs
Funds authorized for this section may not be transferred to any other program under titles 23 or
49, United States Code.
(g)
Federal share
The Federal share for projects funded under this section shall not exceed 80 percent. Funds
authorized for this section may not be applied towards the non-Federal
share of costs under another Federal program.
(h)
Treatment for obligation limitation distribution
For purposes of distributing obligation limitation in any fiscal year, the Secretary shall provide
funds made available for this section with obligation limitation as
follows:
(1) The Secretary shall provide funds authorized for that fiscal year with obligation limitation under
section 2002(c)(4) of the GROW AMERICA Act or the equivalent provision of
the relevant appropriations act for a fiscal year, as appropriate.
(2) The Secretary shall provide funds carried over from prior fiscal years with obligation limitation
under section 2002(c)(2) of such Act or the equivalent provision of the
relevant appropriations act for a fiscal year, as appropriate.
.
(2)
Funding
(A)
Authorization
There is authorized to be appropriated from the highway account of the transportation trust fund to
carry out section 5401 of title 49, United States Code—
(i) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $1,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(B)
Availability and administration
The funds authorized by subparagraph (A) shall be—
(i) available for obligation on October 1 of the fiscal year for which they are authorized;
(ii) available for obligation until expended; and
(iii) administered as if such funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code.
(C)
Transfer to national freight infrastructure program
Notwithstanding section 5401(f)(2) of title 49, United States Code, as soon as practicable after
October 1, 2016, and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall
transfer to the National Freight Infrastructure program under section 5402
of such title—
(i) of the funds authorized under subparagraph (A) to carry out section 5401 of such title, any funds
that—
(I) were available to be allocated to a State for the prior fiscal year under subsection (c) of such
section; but
(II) the Secretary did not allocate to that State for that prior fiscal year due to that State not
meeting the eligibility criteria specified under subsection (e)(2) or
(e)(3) of such section; and
(ii) an amount of obligation limitation equal to the amount of funds that the Secretary transfers under
clause (i).
(b)
National freight infrastructure program
(1)
Establishment
Chapter 54 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:
5402.
National freight infrastructure program
(a)
General
The Secretary shall establish and implement a National Freight Infrastructure Program under this
section.
(b)
Goals
The goals of the program shall be to—
(1) reduce the cost of freight transportation;
(2) improve the safety of freight transportation;
(3) relieve bottlenecks in the freight transportation system;
(4) improve the state of good repair of the freight transportation system; and
(5) reduce the adverse environmental and community impacts of freight transportation.
(c)
Definitions
In this section the following definitions apply:
(1)
Eligible Applicant
(A)
In general
The term eligible applicant means—
(i) a State (as defined in section 101(a)(25) of title 23);
(ii) American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands;
(iii) a local government;
(iv) a metropolitan planning organization;
(v) a public transportation authority (including a port authority);
(vi) a tribal government; or
(vii) a group of entities described in clauses (i) through (vi).
(B)
Groups of entities
A group described in clause (vii) of subparagraph (A) shall submit an application through a lead
applicant that qualifies under one of the clauses (i) through (vi) of that
subparagraph. Public-private partnerships are eligible provided the lead
applicant qualifies under one of the clauses (i) through (vi) of
subparagraph (A).
(2)
Eligible project
(A)
In general
The term eligible project means a capital investment for a transportation infrastructure facility, or for an operational
improvement or equipment for such a facility—
(i) that is for a facility significantly used for the movement of freight, and that is—
(I) a road, rail, air, water, or pipeline facility;
(II) an intermodal facility such as a seaport or port on the inland waterway system, an airport, or a
highway/rail intermodal facility; or
(III) a facility related to an international border crossing;
(ii) that the Secretary has determined will help to achieve the goals set out in subsection (b);
(iii) for which funding committed by State and local governments and other public and private partners,
along with the Federal funding requested, will be sufficient to complete
the capital investment; and
(iv) that upon completion will have independent utility.
(B)
Plans and analyses
The term eligible project includes the development of plans and analysis required by this chapter.
(d)
Applications
An eligible applicant seeking to receive a grant under this section for an eligible project shall
submit to the Secretary an application in such form and in accordance with
such requirements as the Secretary shall establish.
(e)
Selection of projects
The Secretary shall select projects for funding based on the criteria specified in subsection (f).
(f)
Criteria for selection
The Secretary shall select eligible projects for funding based on the following criteria:
(1) The extent to which the project is likely to advance the goals set forth in subsection (b).
(2) The likely benefits of the project relative to its costs.
(3) The extent to which the project demonstrates the use of innovative technology, strategies, and
practices.
(4) The likely effect of the project on increasing U.S. exports.
(5) The consistency of the project with the National Freight Strategic Plan under section 5405 of this
title.
(6) Inclusion of the project in the State freight plan required under section 5404 of this title.
(7) The extent to which the project leverages Federal funds by matching State, local, tribal, or
private funds to the Federal funding requested under this section.
(8) The extent to which funds for the project are not available from other sources.
(g)
Retrospective analysis
(1)
Analysis
A grant agreement made under this section between the Government and a grantee shall specify that
the grantee will collect data and report to the Secretary, at times that
the Secretary shall specify, on—
(A) the actual cost of constructing the project;
(B) the time required to complete the project and put it into service;
(C) the level of usage of the facility built or improved by the project;
(D) the benefits of the project, measured in a way that is consistent with the benefits that were
estimated in the application for funding that was submitted to the
Secretary; and
(E) any costs resulting from the project in addition to the costs of constructing the project.
(h)
Terms and conditions
The Secretary shall determine such other terms and conditions, other than those listed in this
section, as are necessary and appropriate to implement this section.
(i)
Administrative and oversight costs
(1)
In general
The Secretary may retain up to one-half of 1 percent of the amounts authorized for each fiscal year
under this section for—
(A) administration of the National Freight Infrastructure Program under this section; and
(B) oversight of projects funded under this section.
(2)
Transfer of funds
The Secretary may transfer portions of the funds retained under this subsection to the
Administrators of the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Railroad
Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Federal
Maritime Administration to carry out the administration and oversight of
grants made under this section.
(j)
Federal share
The Federal share for projects funded under this section shall not exceed 80 percent.
(k)
Administration of projects
For the purpose of administering a grant under this section, funds authorized for this section may
be transferred within the Department and administered in accordance with
the requirements of title 23 or 49 of the United States Code applicable
to the agency to which the funds are transferred and any other
requirements applicable to the project.
.
(2)
Funding
(A)
In general
There is authorized to be appropriated from the highway account of the transportation trust fund to
carry out this section—
(i) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $1,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(B)
Administration of funds
The funds authorized by subparagraph (A) shall be—
(i) available for obligation on October 1 of the fiscal year for which they are authorized; and
(ii) available for obligation until expended.
(c)
State freight advisory committee
Chapter 54 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:
5403.
State freight advisory committees
(a)
In general
(1)
Freight advisory committee
Each State that receives a grant under this chapter shall establish and maintain a freight advisory
committee consistent with criteria established by the Secretary and
consisting of a representative cross-section of public and private sector
freight stakeholders, including—
(A) all modes of freight transportation active in the State, including airports, highways, ports, and
rail;
(B) shippers;
(C) carriers;
(D) freight-related associations:
(E) the freight industry workforce;
(F) the transportation department of the State;
(G) metropolitan planning organizations; and
(H) local governments.
(2)
Qualifications
Individuals selected under paragraph (1) must be widely recognized to have qualifications
sufficient to represent the interests of their specific stakeholder group,
including—
(A) general business and financial experience;
(B) experience or qualifications in the areas freight transportation and logistics;
(C) experience in transportation planning;
(D) representing employees of the freight industry; or
(E) representing State or local governments, or metropolitan planning organizations.
(b)
Role of committee
The freight advisory committee shall—
(1) advise the State on freight-related priorities, issues, projects, and funding needs;
(2) serve as a forum for discussion for State transportation decisions affecting freight mobility;
(3) communicate and coordinate regional priorities with other organizations;
(4) promote the sharing of information between the private and public sectors on freight issues;
(5) participate in the development of the State freight plan, including advising on the development of
the freight investment plan; and
(6) approve the State freight plan under section 5404 of this title, including the freight investment
plan required thereunder.
.
(d)
State freight plan
Chapter 54 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:
5404.
State freight plan
(a)
In general
Each State that receives a grant under this chapter shall develop a freight plan that provides a
multimodal, comprehensive plan for the immediate and long-range planning
activities and investments of the State with respect to freight. The
freight plan shall include a strategic, long-term component and a
tactical, short-term component.
(b)
Plan contents
The freight plan shall consider all modes of freight transportation in the State and include, at a
minimum—
(1) an identification of significant freight system trends, needs, and issues with respect to a State;
(2) a description of the freight policies, strategies, and performance measures that will guide the
freight-related transportation investment decisions of the State;
(3) a description of how the plan will improve the ability of the State to meet the national freight
goals established under section 5405 of this title;
(4) evidence of consideration of innovative technologies and operational strategies, including
intelligent transportation systems, that improve the safety and efficiency
of freight movement;
(5) in the case of routes on which travel of heavy vehicles (including mining, agricultural, energy
cargo or equipment, and timber vehicles) is projected to substantially
deteriorate the condition of the roadways, a description of improvements
that may be required to reduce or impede the deterioration;
(6) an inventory of facilities with freight mobility issues, such as truck bottlenecks, within the
State, and a description of the strategies the State is employing to
address those freight mobility issues; and
(7) a freight investment plan that includes a list of projects in order of priority and describes how
multimodal freight investment funds under section 5401 of this title would
be invested and matched.
(c)
Relationship to long-Range plan
(1)
Incorporation
The freight plan may be developed separate from or incorporated into the statewide strategic
long-range transportation plan required by section 135(f) of title 23,
United States Code.
(2)
Requirement of anticipated full funding
The priority freight investment plan component of the freight plan shall include a project, or an
identified phase of a project, only if funding for completion of the
project can reasonably be anticipated to be available for the project
within the time period identified in the freight investment plan.
(d)
Certification
The Secretary shall approve State freight plans if they address the requirements of this section
and are consistent with the National Freight Strategic Plan.
(e)
Forecast period
The freight plan shall address a 10-year forecast period.
(f)
Updates
A State shall update the freight plan at least every 5 years. The State may update the freight
investment plan on a more frequent basis.
.
(e)
National freight policy, network, plan, and data
Chapter 54 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:
5405.
National freight policy, network, plan, and data
(a)
National freight policy
It is the policy of the United States to improve the condition and performance of the national
freight system to ensure that the national freight system provides the
foundation for the United States to compete in the global economy and
achieve each goal described in subsection (b).
(b)
Goals
The goals of the national freight policy are—
(1) to increase the productivity and efficiency of the national freight system so as to enhance the
economic competitiveness of the United States;
(2) to improve the safety, security, and resilience of freight transportation; and
(3) to improve quality of life by reducing, eliminating or reversing adverse environmental and
community impacts of freight projects and goods movement in the United
States.
(c)
Strategy
The strategies that the United States shall use to achieve the goals set forth in subsection (b)
shall include—
(1) support for or investment in infrastructure, equipment and operational improvements;
(2) appropriate safety, environmental, energy, and other transportation policies;
(3) advanced technology and innovation;
(4) enhancement of competition and accountability in the transportation industries; and
(5) use of performance management.
(d)
National freight system defined
In this section, the term national freight system means the publicly and privately-owned transportation facilities that are used in transporting
freight within the United States, including roads, railroads, ports,
waterways, locks and dams, airports, airways, pipelines, warehouses,
distribution centers, and intermodal facilities.
(e)
Multimodal national freight network
(1)
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a multimodal national freight network in accordance with this section
to inform public and private planning, to prioritize for Federal
investment, to aid the public and private sector in strategically
directing resources, and to support Federal decisionmaking to achieve the
national freight policy goals set forth in subsection (b).
(2)
Network components
The national freight network shall consist of such connectors, corridors and facilities in all
freight transportation modes as most critical to the current and future
movement of freight within the national freight system;
(3)
Initial designation of the national freight network
(A)
Designation
The Secretary shall designate a national freight network—
(i) using measurable data to assess the significance of goods movement, including consideration of
points of origin, destination, and linking components of the United States
global and domestic supply chains;
(ii) fostering network connectivity; and
(iii) reflecting input collected from stakeholders through a public process, including input from
metropolitan planning organizations and States, to identify critical
freight facilities that are vital links in national or regionally
significant goods movement and supply chains.
(B)
Factors for designation
In designating the national freight network, the Secretary may consider—
(i) volume, tonnage, and value of freight;
(ii) origins and destinations of freight movement in, to, and from the United States;
(iii) land and maritime ports of entry;
(iv) population centers;
(v) economic factors or other inputs determined to be relevant by the Secretary;
(vi) bottlenecks and other impediments contributing to significant measurable congestion and delay in
freight movement;
(vii) facilities of future freight importance based on input from stakeholders and analysis of
projections for future growth and changes to the freight system; and
(viii) elements of the freight system identified and documented by a metropolitan planning organization
and State using national or local data as having critical freight
importance to the region.
(4)
Redesignation of the national freight network
Effective beginning 5 years after the designation of the national freight network and every 5 years
thereafter, using the designation factors described in paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall redesignate the national freight network.
(f)
National freight strategic plan
(1)
Establishment of plan
Not later than October 1, 2015, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland
Security, the Secretary of Commerce, the Assistant Secretary of the Army
for Civil
Works, State departments of transportation, and other appropriate public
and private transportation stakeholders, develop, maintain, and post on
the Department of Transportation public website a national freight
strategic plan that shall include—
(A) an assessment of the condition and performance of the national freight system;
(B) an identification of bottlenecks on the national freight system that create significant freight
congestion problems, based on a quantitative methodology developed by the
Secretary, which shall, at a minimum, include—
(i) information from the Freight Analysis Framework of the Federal Highway Administration; and
(ii) to the maximum extent practicable, an estimate of the cost of addressing each bottleneck and any
operational improvements that could be implemented;
(C) forecasts of freight volumes for 10-year and 20-year periods beginning in the year during which the
plan is issued;
(D) an identification of major trade gateways and national freight corridors that connect major
population centers, trade gateways, and other major freight generators for
current and forecasted traffic and freight volumes, the identification of
which shall be revised, as appropriate, in subsequent plans;
(E) an assessment of statutory, regulatory, technological, institutional, financial, and other barriers
to improved freight transportation performance (including opportunities
for overcoming the barriers);
(F) an identification of routes providing access to energy exploration, development, installation, or
production areas;
(G) best practices for improving the performance of the national freight system;
(H) best practices for addressing the impacts of freight movement on communities;
(I) a process for addressing multistate projects and encouraging jurisdictions to collaborate; and
(J) strategies to improve freight connectivity between modes of transportation.
(2)
Updates to national freight strategic plan
Not later than 5 years after the date of completion of the first national freight strategic plan
under paragraph (1), and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall
update and repost on the Department of Transportation public website a
revised national freight strategic plan.
(g)
Freight transportation conditions and performance reports
Not later than October 1, 2014, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare a report
that contains a description of the conditions and performance of the
national freight system in the United States.
(h)
Transportation investment data and planning tools
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall develop new tools and improve existing tools to support an outcome-oriented,
performance-based approach to evaluate proposed freight-related and other
transportation projects, including—
(A) methodologies for systematic analysis of benefits and costs;
(B) freight forecasting models;
(C) tools for ensuring that the evaluation of freight-related and other transportation projects can
consider safety, economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability,
and system condition in the project selection process; and
(D) other elements to assist in effective transportation planning.
(2)
Freight data
In support of these tools, and to support a broad range of evaluation methods and techniques to
assist in making transportation investment decisions, the Secretary shall—
(A) direct the collection of appropriate transportation-related data, including data to measure the
condition and performance of the national freight system; and
(B) consider any improvements to existing freight data collection efforts that could reduce identified
freight data gaps and deficiencies and help improve forecasts of freight
transportation demand.
(3)
Consultation
The Secretary shall consult with Federal, State, and other stakeholders to develop, improve, and
implement the tools and collect the data identified pursuant to this
subsection.
(4)
Multimodal freight measure
The Secretary shall evaluate the analyses and plans required under section 5401(e) (2) and (3) of
this title and consider development of a national performance measure to
assess the efficiency of the multimodal freight network in accordance with
the National Freight Strategic Plan.
.
(f)
Conforming amendments
(1)
Table of chapters
The table of chapters for such title is amended by inserting after the item related to chapter 53
the following:
54.Freight5401.
.
(2)
Repeals
(A)
Map–21
Sections 1116, 1117, and 1118 of MAP–21 (Public Law 112–141) are repealed.
(B)
Title 23
Section 167 of title 23, United States Code, is repealed.
(3)
Cross-reference
Section 505(a)(3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking 149, and 167 and inserting and 149, and section 5405 of title 49.
1102.
Redesignation of the national network
(a)
Operation of commercial vehicles on the national highway system and the national freight network
(1)
Section 31111 amendment
Section 31111 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(A) in subsection (b)(1)(A) by striking the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways (except a segment exempted under
subsection (f) of this section) and those classes of qualifying
Federal-aid Primary System highways designated by the Secretary of
Transportation under subsection (e) of this section and inserting the National Highway System and the National Freight Network (except a segment exempted under
subsection (e) of this section);
(B) in subsection (c) by striking the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways (except a segment exempted under
subsection (f) of this section) and those classes of qualifying
Federal-aid Primary System highways designated by the Secretary of
Transportation under subsection (e) of this section and inserting the National Highway System and the National Freight Network (except a segment exempted under
subsection (e) of this section);
(C) by striking subsection (e);
(D) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (e) and (f), respectively; and
(E) in subsection (e), as redesignated—
(i) in paragraph (1) by striking the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways and inserting the National Highway System or the National Freight Network;
(ii) in paragraph (2) by striking the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways and inserting the National Highway System or the National Freight Network; and
(iii) in paragraph (4)(A) by striking the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways and inserting the National Highway System or the National Freight Network.
(2)
Section 31112 amendment
Section 31112 of title 49, United States Code, is amended in subsection (b) by striking by the Secretary of Transportation under section 31111(e) of this title and inserting in part 658 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations.
(3)
Section 31113 amendment
Section 31113 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(A) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
(a)
General limitations
Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, a State (except Hawaii) may not prescribe or
enforce a regulation of commerce that imposes a vehicle width limitation
of more or less than 102 inches on a commercial motor vehicle operating on
the National Highway System or the National Freight Network.
;
(B) in subsection (d) by striking the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways (except a segment exempted under
subsection (e) of this section) or other qualifying Federal-aid highway
designated by the Secretary and inserting the National Highway System or National Freight Network; and
(C) in subsection (e)—
(i) in paragraph (1) by striking the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways and inserting the National Highway System or National Freight Network;
(ii) in paragraph (2) by striking the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways and inserting the National Highway System or National Freight Network; and
(iii) in paragraph (4)(A) by striking the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways and inserting the National Highway System or National Freight Network
(4)
Section 31114 amendment
Section 31114 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(A) in the section heading by striking Interstate System and inserting National Highway System and National Freight Network; and
(B) by amending subsection (a)(1) to read as follows:
(1) the National Highway System or the National Freight Network; and
.
(b)
Delayed Applicability
The Secretary shall not enforce the amendments made by this section until 3 years after the
effective date of this Act.
C
Planning
1201.
Transportation system resilience assessment
(a)
Section 134 amendment
Section 134 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)—
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) as paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (7),
(8), (10), and (11), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (4), as redesignated, the following:
(1)
Adaptation
The term adaptation means adjustment in natural or human systems in anticipation of or response to a changing
environment in a way that effectively uses beneficial opportunities or
moderates negative effects of extreme weather events or climate change.
(2)
Climate change
The term climate change means any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time.
This may include major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind
patterns, among others, that occur over several decades or longer.
(3)
Critical highway and transit assets
The term critical highway and transit assets means transportation facilities considered critical to support population centers, freight
movement and economic activity, or evacuation, recovery or national
security functions.
; and
(C) by inserting before paragraph (10), as redesignated, the following:
(9)
Resilience
The term resilience means the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions and to withstand,
respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions, including extreme
weather events and climate change.
; and
(2) in subsection (i)(2)—
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), and (H), as subparagraphs (F), (G), (H), and (I),
respectively; and
(B) by inserting before subparagraph (F), as redesignated, the following:
(E)
Adaptation and resilience
(i)
In general
In order to protect the integrity and enhance the resilience of the transportation system and to
ensure the efficient use of Federal resources, the long-range
transportation plan shall include—
(I) an analysis of potential vulnerabilities and risks of critical highway and transit assets to the
impacts of current and future extreme weather and climate change effects;
and
(II) an explanation of potential strategies for the adaptation of those critical assets.
(ii)
Consultation and coordination
The analysis shall be developed in consultation with Federal, State, local and Tribal agencies, as
appropriate. The analysis and strategies shall take into consideration the
risk management analysis in the State’s asset management plan, developed
pursuant to section 119 of this title, and the State’s evaluation of
reasonable alternatives to roads, highways, and bridges that repeatedly
require repair and reconstruction activities due to emergency events,
carried out in accordance with section 1315(b) of Public Law 112–141 (126
Stat. 549).
.
(b)
Section 135 amendment
Section 135(f) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
(10)
Adaptation and resilience
(A)
In general
To protect the integrity and enhance the resilience of the transportation system and to ensure the
efficient use of Federal resources, the long-range transportation plan
shall include—
(i) an analysis of potential vulnerabilities and risks of critical highway and transit assets to the
impacts of current and future extreme weather and climate change effects;
and
(ii) an explanation of potential strategies for the adaptation of those critical assets.
(B)
Consultation and coordination
The analysis shall be developed in consultation with Federal, State, local and Tribal agencies, as
appropriate. The analysis and strategies shall take into consideration the
risk management analysis in the State’s asset management plan, developed
pursuant to section 119 of this title, and the State’s evaluation of
reasonable alternatives to roads, highways, and bridges that repeatedly
require repair and reconstruction activities due to emergency events,
carried out in accordance with section 1315(b) of Public Law 112–141 (126
Stat. 549).
.
(c)
Section 5303 amendment
Section 5303 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)—
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), and (7) as paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (7),
(8), (10), and (11), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (4), as redesignated, the following:
(1)
Adaptation
The term adaption means an adjustment in natural or human systems in anticipation of or response to a changing
environment in a way that effectively uses beneficial opportunities or
moderates negative effects of extreme weather events or climate change.
(2)
Climate change
The term climate change means any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time.
This may include major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind
patterns, among others, that occur over several decades or longer.
(3)
Critical highway and transit assets
The term critical highway and transit assets means transportation facilities considered critical to support population centers, freight
movement and economic activity, or evacuation, recovery or national
security functions.
; and
(C) by inserting before paragraph (10), as redesignated, the following:
(9)
Resilience
The term resilience means the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions and to withstand,
respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions, including extreme
weather events and climate change.
; and
(2) in subsection (i)(2)—
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), and (H), as subparagraphs (F), (G), (H), and (I),
respectively; and
(B) by inserting before subparagraph (F), as redesignated, the following:
(E)
Adaptation and resilience
(i)
In general
To protect the integrity and enhance the resilience of the transportation system and to ensure the
efficient use of Federal resources, the long-range transportation plan
shall include—
(I) an analysis of potential vulnerabilities and risks of critical highway and transit assets to the
impacts of current and future extreme weather and climate change effects;
and
(II) an explanation of potential strategies for the adaptation of those critical assets.
(ii)
Consultation and coordination
The analysis shall be developed in consultation with Federal, State, local and Tribal agencies, as
appropriate. The analysis and strategies shall take into consideration the
risk management analysis in the State’s asset management plan, developed
pursuant to section 119 of this title, and the State’s evaluation of
reasonable alternatives to roads, highways, and bridges that repeatedly
require repair and reconstruction activities due to emergency events,
carried out in accordance with section 1315(b) of Public Law 112–141 (126
Stat. 549).
.
(d)
Section 5304 amendment
Section 5304(f) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
(10)
Adaptation and resilience
(A)
In general
To protect the integrity and enhance the resilience of the transportation system and ensure the
efficient use of Federal resources, the long-range transportation plan
shall include—
(i) an analysis of potential vulnerabilities and risks of critical highway and transit assets to the
impacts of current and future extreme weather and climate change effects;
and
(ii) an explanation of potential strategies for the adaptation of those critical assets.
(B)
Consultation and coordination
The analysis shall be developed in consultation with Federal, State, local and Tribal agencies, as
appropriate. The analysis and strategies shall take into consideration the
risk management analysis in the State’s asset management plan, developed
pursuant to section 119 of this title, and the State’s evaluation of
reasonable alternatives to roads, highways, and bridges that repeatedly
require repair and reconstruction activities due to emergency events,
carried out in accordance with section 1315(b) of Public Law 112–141 (126
Stat. 549).
.
1202.
Consolidated and high performing metropolitan planning organizations
(a)
Consolidation of metropolitan planning organizations
(1)
Section 134 amendment
Section 134(d)(6) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(6)
Consolidation of metropolitan planning organizations within urbanized areas
(A)
Limitation on new metropolitan planning organization designations
A metropolitan planning organization shall not be newly-designated—
(i) within a metropolitan statistical area if another metropolitan planning organization already exists
within the boundaries of the metropolitan statistical area; or
(ii) outside of a metropolitan statistical area.
(B)
Multiple existing metropolitan planning organizations
If multiple existing metropolitan planning organizations are designated within a metropolitan
statistical area—
(i) the metropolitan planning organizations may—
(I) retain their designation as distinct metropolitan planning organizations; or
(II) be consolidated by agreement between the metropolitan planning organizations;
(ii) the Governor (or Governors) and the existing metropolitan planning organizations shall—
(I) revisit a determination to remain unconsolidated every 10 years, beginning two years after the next
decennial census; and
(II) provide justification to the Secretary of the continued necessity of the designation of multiple
metropolitan planning organizations in the area; and
(iii) where multiple metropolitan planning organizations exist within a single metropolitan statistical
area, they shall cooperate with one another to—
(I) develop a single transportation improvement plan and a single long-range plan for use by all
metropolitan planning organizations within the metropolitan statistical
area when developing their individual plans; and
(II) establish a single set of performance targets that address the performance measures described in
section 150(c) for use in developing individual performance targets in
accordance with section 134(h)(2).
.
(2)
Section 5303 amendment
Section 5303(d)(6) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(6)
Consolidation of metropolitan planning organizations within urbanized areas
(A)
Limitation on new metropolitan planning organization designations
A metropolitan planning organization shall not be newly-designated—
(i) within a metropolitan statistical area if another metropolitan planning organization already exists
within the boundaries of the metropolitan statistical area; or
(ii) outside of a metropolitan statistical area.
(B)
Multiple existing metropolitan planning organizations
If multiple existing metropolitan planning organizations are designated within a metropolitan
statistical area—
(i) the metropolitan planning organizations may—
(I) retain their designation as distinct metropolitan planning organizations; or
(II) be consolidated by agreement between the metropolitan planning organizations;
(ii) the Governor (or Governors) and the existing metropolitan planning organizations shall—
(I) revisit a determination to remain unconsolidated every 10 years, beginning two years after the next
decennial census; and
(II) provide justification to the Secretary of the continued necessity of the designation of multiple
metropolitan planning organizations in the area; and
(iii) where multiple metropolitan planning organizations exist within a single metropolitan statistical
area, they shall cooperate with one another to—
(I) develop a single transportation improvement plan and a single long-range plan for use by all
metropolitan planning organizations within the metropolitan statistical
area when developing their individual plans; and
(II) establish a single set of performance targets that address the performance measures described in
section 150(c) of title 23, United States Code, for use in developing
individual performance targets in accordance with subsection (h)(2) and
sections 5326(c) and 5329(d) of this title.
.
(3)
Definitions
(A)
Highway definition
Section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code, as amended by section 1201(a) of this Act, is
further amended by—
(i) redesignating paragraphs (3) through (11) as paragraphs (4) through (12); and
(ii) inserting after paragraph (2) the following—
(3)
Consolidated metropolitan planning organization
The term consolidated metropolitan planning organization means a sole metropolitan planning organization that serves a metropolitan statistical area.
.
(B)
Transit definition
Section 5303(b) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by section 1201(c) of this Act is
further amended by—
(i) redesignating paragraphs (3) through (11) as paragraphs (4) through (12); and
(ii) inserting after paragraph (2) the following—
(3)
Consolidated metropolitan planning organization
The term consolidated metropolitan planning organization means a sole metropolitan planning organization that serves a metropolitan statistical area.
.
(b)
Designation of high performing metropolitan planning organizations
(1)
Section 134 amendment
Section 134 of title 23, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding
at the end the following:
(r)
High performing metropolitan planning organizations
(1)
In general
A metropolitan planning organization that represents an urbanized area with a population of over
200,000 individuals may request a high performing metropolitan planning
organization designation from the Secretary.
(2)
Criteria
In making a high performing metropolitan planning organization designation, the Secretary shall
consider—
(A) the extent to which the metropolitan planning organization has an equitable and regional approach
to decisionmaking;
(B) the extent to which the metropolitan planning organization has incorporated its performance targets
established pursuant to section 150 of this title and sections 5303(h)(2),
5326(c) and 5329(d) of title 49 into its planning process;
(C) whether the metropolitan planning organization is a consolidated metropolitan planning
organization;
(D) if the metropolitan planning organization is not a consolidated metropolitan planning organization,
the extent to which the metropolitan planning organization is coordinating
with all other metropolitan planning organizations designated for the same
metropolitan statistical area;
(E) the technical capacity of the metropolitan planning organization; and
(F) other criteria established by the Secretary in guidance.
(3)
Review
A designation under paragraph (1) shall stay in effect for 10 years from the date of designation.
.
(2)
Section 5303 amendment
Section 5303 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding
at the end the following:
(r)
High performing metropolitan planning organizations
(1)
In general
A metropolitan planning organization that represents an urbanized area with a population of over
200,000 individuals may request a high performing metropolitan planning
organization designation from the Secretary.
(2)
Criteria
In making a high performing metropolitan planning organization designation, the Secretary shall
consider—
(A) the extent to which the metropolitan planning organization has an equitable and regional approach
to decisionmaking;
(B) the extent to which the metropolitan planning organization has incorporated its performance targets
established pursuant to section 150 of title 23, United States Code,
subsection (h)(2), and sections 5326(c) and 5329(d) of this title into its
planning process;
(C) whether the metropolitan planning organization is a consolidated metropolitan organization;
(D) if the metropolitan planning organization is not a consolidated metropolitan planning organization,
the extent to which the metropolitan planning organization is coordinating
with all other metropolitan planning organizations designated for the same
metropolitan statistical area;
(E) the technical capacity of the metropolitan planning organization; and
(F) other criteria established by the Secretary in guidance.
(3)
Review
A designation under paragraph (1) shall stay in effect for 10 years from the date of designation.
.
(c)
Surface transportation incentive funds
Section 133(d)(1) of title 23, United States Code is amended to read as follows:
(1)
Calculation
The funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(2) shall be obligated as follows:
(A)
Suballocated funds
50 percent of the funds for a fiscal year shall be obligated under this section, in proportion to
their relative shares of the population of the State—
(i) in urbanized areas of the State with an urbanized area population over 200,000;
(ii) in urban areas of the State with a population of 5,000 to 200,000; and
(iii) in areas of the State with a population of fewer than 5,000.
(B)
Statewide funds
25 percent of the funds for a fiscal year may be obligated in any area of the State.
(C)
High performing metropolitan planning organizations
(i)
In general
25 percent of the funds for a fiscal year shall be obligated under this section in urbanized areas
under subparagraph (A)(i) that are served by high performing metropolitan
planning organizations (as designated by the Secretary under section
134(r) or section 5303(r) of title 49, United States Code). Any funds
remaining under this clause shall be obligated in any area of the State
under subparagraph (B).
(ii)
Amount
The amount to be obligated under clause (i) in an urbanized area served by a high performing
metropolitan planning organization shall equal 50 percent of the amount to
be obligated in that urbanized area under paragraph (4) and is in addition
to the amount under such paragraph.
.
(d)
Transportation alternatives incentive funds
Section 213(c)(1) of such title is amended to read as follows:
(1)
Calculation
The funds reserved to a State shall be obligated as follows:
(A)
Suballocated funds
50 percent of the funds for a fiscal year shall be obligated under this section to any eligible
entity in proportion to its relative share of the population of the State—
(i) in urbanized areas of the State with an urbanized area population over 200,000;
(ii) in urban areas of the State with a population of 5,000 to 200,000; and
(iii) in areas of the State with a population of fewer than 5,000.
(B)
Statewide funds
25 percent of the funds for a fiscal year may be obligated in any area of the State.
(C)
High performing metropolitan planning organizations
(i)
In general
25 percent of the funds for a fiscal year shall be obligated under this section in urbanized areas
under subparagraph (A)(i) that are served by high performing metropolitan
planning organizations (as designated by the Secretary under section
134(r) or section 5303(r) of title 49, United States Code). Any funds
remaining under this clause shall be obligated in any area of the State
under subparagraph (B).
(ii)
Amount
The amount to be obligated under clause (i) in an urbanized area served by a high performing
metropolitan planning organization shall equal 50 percent of the amount to
obligated in that urbanized area under paragraph (3) and is in addition to
the amount under such paragraph.
.
(e)
Obligation authority
Section 133(f) of such title is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by—
(A) striking A State and inserting Except as provided in paragraph (2), a State; and
(B) striking fiscal years 2011 through 2014 and inserting fiscal years 2015 through 2018;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3) and inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
(2)
High performing metropolitan planning organizations
(A)
In general
A State that is required to obligate in an urbanized area under subsections (d)(1)(A)(i) and
(d)(1)(C)(i) shall make available to such urbanized area on an annual
basis an amount of obligation authority distributed to the State for
Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for use in
the area that is equal to the amount obtained by multiplying—
(i) the amount of funds that the State is required to obligate in the area under such subsections; and
(ii) the ratio specified in paragraph (1)(B).
(B)
Availability
The obligation authority that a State makes available to an urbanized area under subparagraph (A)
shall remain available for a period of four fiscal years.
; and
(3) in paragraph (3), as redesignated, by striking paragraph (1) and inserting paragraphs (1) and (2).
(f)
Distribution of metropolitan planning funds
Section 104(d)(2)(A) of such title is amended—
(1) in clause (i), by striking ; and and inserting ;;
(2) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and
(3) by inserting after clause (i) the following:
(ii) prioritizes the needs of high performing metropolitan planning organizations (as designated by the
Secretary under section 134(r) or section 5303(r) of title 49, United
States Code); and
.
(g)
Technical correction
Subsection 133(h)(1) of such title is amended by striking for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2014 and inserting each fiscal year.
1203.
Participation of public port authorities
(a)
Section 134 amendment
Section 134(i)(6)(A) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting public ports, before freight shippers.
(b)
Section 135 amendment
Section 135(g)(3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting public ports, before freight shippers.
(c)
Section 5303 amendment
Section 5303(i)(6)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting public ports, before freight shippers.
(d)
Section 5304 amendment
Section 5304(g)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting public ports, before freight shippers.
1204.
Strengthening the statewide and nonmetropolitan planning process
(a)
Section 135 amendment
Section 135 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (f)(5) by striking may and inserting shall;
(2) in subsection (f)(7)—
(A) by striking should and inserting shall; and
(B) by striking the final ; and inserting.;
(3) in subsection (g)(5)(F)(i) by striking may and inserting shall; and
(4) by striking subsection (g)(8) and inserting the following:
(8)
Certification process
(A)
In general
At least once every 4 years the Secretary shall certify that each State has met the requirements
of—
(i) this section; and
(ii) other Federal laws, regulations, and orders applicable to the statewide and nonmetropolitan and the
metropolitan planning processes.
(B)
Failure to meet certification
If a State does not meet such certification, the Secretary may withhold up to 20 percent of the
funds attributable to such State for projects funded under this title and
chapter 53 of title 49.
(C)
Restoration of funds
The withheld funds shall be restored to the State at such time as the State process is certified by
the Secretary.
(D)
Public involvement
In making the certification determinations under this paragraph, the Secretary shall provide for
public involvement appropriate to the State under review.
.
(b)
Section 5304 amendment
Section 5304 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (f)(5) by striking may and inserting shall;
(2) in subsection (f)(7) by striking should and inserting shall;
(3) in subsection (g)(5)(F)(i) by striking may and inserting shall; and
(4) by striking subsection (g)(8) and inserting the following:
(8)
Certification process
(A)
In general
At least once every 4 years the Secretary shall certify that each State has met the requirements
of—
(i) this section; and
(ii) other Federal laws, regulations, and orders applicable to the statewide and nonmetropolitan and the
metropolitan planning processes.
(B)
Failure to meet certification
If a State does not meet such certification, the Secretary may withhold up to 20 percent of the
funds attributable to such State for projects funded under this title and
chapter 53 of title 49.
(C)
Restoration of funds
The withheld funds shall be restored to the State at such time as the State process is certified by
the Secretary.
(D)
Public involvement
In making the certification determinations under this paragraph, the Secretary shall provide for
public involvement appropriate to the State under review.
.
1205.
Removal of the congestion management process
(a)
Section 134 amendment
Section 134 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking subsection (k)(3) and redesignating subsections (k)(4) and (k)(5) as subsections (k)(3)
and (k)(4), respectively; and
(2) by striking subsection (n) and redesignating subsections (o) through (q) as subsections (n) through
(p), respectively.
(b)
Section 135 amendment
Section 135 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (j) and
redesignating subsections (k) through (m) as subsections (j) through (l),
respectively.
(c)
Section 5303 amendment
Section 5303 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking subsection (k)(3) and redesignating subsections (k)(4) and (k)(5) as subsections (k)(3)
and (k)(4), respectively; and
(2) by striking subsection (n) and redesignating subsections (o) through (q) as subsections (n) through
(p), respectively.
(d)
Section 5304 amendment
Section 5304 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (i) and
redesignating subsections (j) through (l) as subsections (i) through (k),
respectively.
1206.
Public involvement in plan development
(a)
Section 134 amendment
Section 134(i) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (4), by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
(D)
Public involvement
Metropolitan planning organizations shall offer interested parties, such as those described in
paragraph (6), a reasonable opportunity to participate in the development
and consideration of scenarios.
; and
(2) in paragraph (6), by striking comment on the transportation plan and inserting provide input during the development and implementation of the transportation plan.
(b)
Section 135 amendment
Section 135(f)(3)(A)(ii) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking comment on the transportation plan; and inserting provide input during the development of the transportation plan.
(c)
Section 5303 amendment
Section 5303(i) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (4), by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
(D)
Public involvement
Metropolitan planning organizations shall offer interested parties, such as those described in
paragraph (6), a reasonable opportunity to participate in the development
and consideration of scenarios.
; and
(2) in paragraph (6), by striking comment on the transportation plan and inserting provide input during the development and implementation of the transportation plan.
(d)
Section 5304 amendment
Section 5304(f)(3)(A)(ii) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking comment on the proposed plan; and inserting provide input during the development of the transportation plan.
1207.
Connection to opportunities national goal and potential performance measure
(a)
Transportation connections to opportunities
Section 150(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking highway infrastructure asset system and inserting infrastructure asset system under title 23; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
(8)
Multimodal connectivity
To achieve an interconnected transportation system which connects people to jobs, schools, and
other essential services through a multimodal network.
.
(b)
Establishment of performance measures
Section 150(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting as listed in paragraphs (3), (4), (5) and (6) before the period at the end; and
(2) by adding the following at the end:
(7)
Multimodal freight
The Secretary may, in accordance with the National Freight Strategic Plan, establish Performance
Measures to assess the efficiency of the multimodal freight network.
(8)
Transportation connectivity
The Secretary may, in accordance with the framework established in section 134 of this title
(Measuring Transportation Connections to Opportunity), establish a
Performance Measure to be used by MPOs to assess the degree to which the
transportation system provides multimodal connections to economic
opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged populations.
.
1208.
Workforce development
Section 140(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(b)
Workforce training and development
(1)
In general
The Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Labor and any other department or agency of the
Government, State agency, authority, association, institution, Indian
tribal government, corporation (profit or nonprofit), or any other
organization or person, is authorized to develop, conduct, and administer
surface transportation and technology training, including skill
improvement programs, and to develop and fund summer transportation
institutes.
(2)
State dot responsibilities
A State department of transportation participating in the program shall—
(A) develop a workforce plan that identifies immediate and anticipated workforce gaps and
underrepresentation of women and minorities, and a detailed plan to fill
gaps and address such underrepresentation;
(B) establish a workforce development compact with the State workforce investment board and appropriate agencies to provide a coordinated
approach to workforce training, job placement, and identification of
training and skill development program needs, which shall be coordinated
to the extent practical with an institution or agency, such as a State
workforce investment board under 29 U.S.C. 2821, that has established
skills training, recruitment, and placement resources; and
(C) demonstrate program outcomes, including—
(i) impact on areas with transportation workforce shortages;
(ii) diversity of training participants;
(iii) number and percentage of participants obtaining certifications or credentials required for specific
types of employment;
(iv) employment outcome, including job placement and job retention rates and earnings, using performance
metrics established in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and
consistent with metrics used by programs under the Workforce Investment
Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.); and
(v) to the extent practical, evidence that the program did not preclude workers that participate in
training or registered apprenticeship activities under the program from
being referred to, or hired on, projects funded under this chapter.
(3)
Funding
Funds authorized for the program under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall remain available
until expended.
(4)
Nonapplicability of title 41
The provisions of sections 6101(b) through (d) of title 41 shall not be applicable to contracts and
agreements made under the authority granted under this subsection to the
Secretary.
(5)
Use of surface transportation and national highway performance program funds
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not to exceed ½ of 1 percent of funds apportioned to a
State under section 104(b) (1) or (2) may be available to carry out this
subsection upon request of the State transportation department to the
Secretary.
(6)
Job-driven skills training incentive
(A)
In general
In a fiscal year, the Secretary shall provide incentive funding to States for transportation
workforce development, including transportation technology and skills
training, registered apprenticeship and other work-based training
opportunities, and skill improvement programs leading to credential
attainment, employment, and career pathways for disadvantaged populations.
(B)
Eligibility
(i)
Leveraging existing funds
If a State agrees to obligate in a fiscal year funds apportioned to the State under section
104(b) (1) or (2) for the purposes authorized in paragraph (1), the
Secretary may provide up to twice the amount the State has agreed to
obligate for such purposes.
(ii)
Demonstrating success in skills training, recruitment, and job placement
The Secretary may provide incentive funding to up to 20 States that demonstrate that their program
under paragraph (2)—
(I) operates in partnership with an institution or agency, such as a State workforce investment board
under 29 U.S.C. 2821, that has established skills training, recruitment,
and placement resources; and
(II) successfully places individuals in permanent jobs, as measured by a job placement, retention, and
earnings metrics established by the Secretary; and
(III) establishes recruitment strategies that result in positive employment outcomes for minorities,
women, and disadvantaged individuals.
(C)
Grants
(i)
In general
A State may provide incentive funds received under this paragraph to an institution or agency, such
as a State workforce investment board under 29 U.S.C. 2821, that has
established skills training, recruitment, and placement resources for use
consistent with subparagraph (A).
(ii)
Compliance
A State that provides funds to an entity under clause (i) shall establish measures to verify that
recipients of such funds comply with the requirements of this subsection.
(D)
Federal share
The Federal share for incentive funding under this paragraph may be up to 100 percent.
.
1209.
Measuring transportation connectivity pilot activities
(a)
Title 23
Section 134 of title 23, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by
inserting after subsection (p), as redesignated, the following:
(q)
Measuring transportation connections to opportunity
(1)
Connection to opportunity pilot program
(A)
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a pilot program in which up to ten metropolitan planning
organizations shall develop and deploy one or more pilot measures and
targets to improve multimodal connectivity and increase connections for
disadvantaged Americans and neighborhoods with limited transportation
options.
(B)
Pilot locations
The Secretary shall select up to ten metropolitan planning organizations in up to ten locations,
each of which is the sole metropolitan planning organization serving an
urbanized area of more than 1 million residents, which shall include—
(i) metropolitan planning organizations that can demonstrate previous successful use of performance
measurements and performance-based planning efforts, which the Secretary
shall designate as mentor grantees; and
(ii) metropolitan planning organizations that have limited or no successful previous experience in
performance measurements and performance-based planning efforts, which the
Secretary shall designate as novice grantees.
(C)
Pilot program activities
(i)
Transportation connectivity inventory
Within 6 months of selection as a pilot location, and in consultation with appropriate States,
transit agencies, and local governments, metropolitan planning
organizations in pilot locations shall develop an inventory of
transportation assets within the urbanized planning area they represent,
which will describe—
(I) the condition of key highway, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities;
(II) the degree to which these facilities provide residents with connections to economic opportunities,
including but not restricted to job centers and schools;
(III) the identity and location of disadvantaged populations within the planning area; and
(IV) local challenges to multimodal connectivity, such as zoning or land use issues, availability of
affordable housing, and physical barriers that obstruct access from
residential areas to economic opportunities.
(ii)
Performance indicators
Within one year of selection, metropolitan planning organizations in pilot locations shall apply
the baseline data developed in the Transportation Connectivity Inventory
to adopt one or more provisional indicators to measure multimodal
connectivity improvements in the transportation system, including
measurements of multimodal connectivity improvements available to
populations identified in clause (i)(III), and appropriate to local assets
and needs.
(iii)
Data collection and reporting
Metropolitan planning organizations in pilot locations shall collect and report baseline and annual
performance data on multimodal transportation connectivity to opportunity,
and shall report that data to the Secretary for the duration of the pilot
project.
(iv)
Knowledge-sharing
Metropolitan planning organizations designated as mentor grantees shall engage in knowledge-sharing
activities with novice grantees to the extent feasible, which may include
peer exchanges and technical assistance, as appropriate to their existing
level of performance measurement capacity.
(v)
Project implementation
Notwithstanding section 120 of this title, a metropolitan planning organization may use funds
remaining after the completion of the Transportation Connectivity
Inventory, provisional measure, and related tracking activities for the
non-Federal share to implement projects within the metropolitan planning
area that are reasonably anticipated to address system gaps and improve
performance according to the locally-adopted provisional multimodal
transportation connectivity measures.
(2)
National performance measure development activities
The Secretary shall reserve up to a cumulative a maximum of $9,000,000 of the amount authorized for
this subsection over the period of fiscal years 2015 through 2018 for use
on evaluation of multimodal connectivity measures developed by
metropolitan planning organizations in pilot locations, and to consider
development of a national indicator to measure the multimodal connections
to opportunities provided by the transportation network, including the
following activities:
(A)
National technical assistance and peer exchange forums
The Secretary shall support the measure development and data collection of metropolitan planning
organizations in pilot locations through technical assistance and peer
exchanges, and through workshops with States, transit agencies, and MPOs
to discuss Pilot Program findings, and shall establish an online
collaboration center for local jurisdictions to share ideas and
challenges, and document lessons learned.
(B)
Connection to opportunity final report
At the end of the Connection to Opportunity Pilot Program, the Department shall produce in
consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, the Secretary of the Department of Commerce and the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and seek public
comment on a final report that documents the outcomes of the Connection to
Opportunity Pilot Program. The report shall provide recommendations on the
establishment of one or more national multimodal connectivity measures,
and shall include—
(i) results of the pilot locations’ efforts to measure and improve multimodal connectivity;
(ii) the Secretary’s recommendations for one or more national connectivity measures and integrating them
into the Federal transportation performance management framework, in
accordance with section 150 of this title; and
(iii) an assessment of social outcomes and impact that may result from the pilot measures as well as
estimated savings to Federal, State and local social service subsidy
programs, as well as other costs avoided and new tax revenues attributable
to increased connectivity.
(C)
Potential rulemaking
Following publication of the Connection to Opportunity Final Report, the Secretary, in consultation
with State Departments of Transportation, metropolitan planning
organizations, and other stakeholders, may promulgate a rulemaking that
establishes performance measures and standards as described in section
150(c)(8).
.
(b)
Chapter 53
Section 5303 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by
inserting after subsection (p), as redesignated, the following:
(q)
Measuring transportation connections to opportunity
(1)
Connection to opportunity pilot program
(A)
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a pilot program in which up to ten metropolitan planning
organizations shall develop and deploy one or more pilot measures and
targets to improve multimodal connectivity and increase connections for
disadvantaged Americans and neighborhoods with limited transportation
options.
(B)
Pilot locations
The Secretary shall select up to ten metropolitan planning organizations, each of which is the sole
metropolitan planning organization serving an urbanized area of more than
1 million residents, which shall include—
(i) metropolitan planning organizations that can demonstrate previous successful use of performance
measurements and performance-based planning efforts, which the Secretary
shall designate as mentor grantees; and
(ii) metropolitan planning organizations that have limited or no successful previous experience in
performance measurements and performance-based planning efforts, which the
Secretary shall designate as novice grantees.
(C)
Pilot program activities
(i)
Transportation connectivity inventory
Within 6 months of selection as a pilot location, and in consultation with appropriate States,
transit agencies, and local governments, metropolitan planning
organizations in pilot locations shall develop an inventory of
transportation assets within the urbanized planning area they represent,
which will describe—
(I) the condition of key highway, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities;
(II) the degree to which these facilities provide residents with connections to economic opportunities,
including but not restricted to job centers and schools;
(III) the identity and location of disadvantaged populations within the planning area; and
(IV) local challenges to multimodal connectivity, such as zoning or land use issues, availability of
affordable housing, and physical barriers that obstruct access from
residential areas to economic opportunities.
(ii)
Performance indicators
Within one year of selection, metropolitan planning organizations in pilot locations shall apply
the baseline data developed in the Transportation Connectivity Inventory
to adopt one or more provisional indicators to measure multimodal
connectivity improvements in the transportation system, including
measurements of multimodal connectivity improvements available to
populations identified in clause (i)(III), and appropriate to local assets
and needs.
(iii)
Data collection and reporting
Metropolitan planning organizations in pilot locations shall collect and report baseline and annual
performance data on multimodal transportation connectivity to opportunity,
and shall report that data to the Secretary for the duration of the pilot
project.
(iv)
Knowledge-sharing
Metropolitan planning organizations designated as mentor grantees shall engage in knowledge-sharing
activities with novice grantees to the extent feasible, which may include
peer exchanges and technical assistance, as appropriate to their existing
level of performance measurement capacity.
(v)
Project implementation
Notwithstanding section 120 of this title, a metropolitan planning organization may use funds
remaining after the completion of the Transportation Connectivity
Inventory, provisional measure, and related tracking activities for the
non-Federal share to implement projects within the metropolitan planning
area that are reasonably anticipated to address system gaps and improve
performance according to the locally-adopted provisional multimodal
transportation connectivity measures.
(2)
National performance measure development activities
The Secretary shall reserve up to a cumulative $9,000,000 of the amount authorized for this
subsection over the period of fiscal years 2015 through 2018 for use on
evaluation of multimodal connectivity measures developed by metropolitan
planning organizations in pilot locations, and to consider development of
a national indicator to measure the multimodal connections to
opportunities provided by the transportation network, including the
following activities:
(A)
National technical assistance and peer exchange forums
The Secretary shall support the measure development and data collection of metropolitan planning
organizations in pilot locations through technical assistance and peer
exchanges, and through workshops with States, transit agencies, and MPOs
to discuss Pilot Program findings, and shall establish an online
collaboration center for local jurisdictions to share ideas and
challenges, and document lessons learned.
(B)
Connection to opportunity final report
At the end of the Connection to Opportunity Pilot Program, the Department shall produce and seek
public comment on a final report that documents the outcomes of the
Connection to Opportunity Pilot Program. The report shall provide
recommendations on the establishment of one or more national multimodal
connectivity measures, and shall include—
(i) results of the pilot locations’ efforts to measure and improve multimodal connectivity;
(ii) the Secretary’s recommendations for one or more national connectivity measures and integrating them
into the Federal transportation performance management framework in
accordance with section 150 of this title; and
(iii) an assessment of social outcomes and impact that may result from the pilot measures as well as
estimated savings to Federal, State and local social service subsidy
programs, as well as other costs avoided and new tax revenues attributable
to increased connectivity.
(C)
Potential rulemaking
Within two years of the publication of the Connection to Opportunity Final Report, the Secretary,
in consultation with State Departments of Transportation, metropolitan
planning organizations, and other stakeholders, may promulgate a
rulemaking that establishes performance measures and standards.
.
1210.
Performance-based project selection
(a)
Section 134 amendment
Section 134(j)(2)(D) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(D)
Performance target achievement
In adding projects to a transportation improvement program, a metropolitan planning organization
shall create a process to evaluate and select each project or collection
of projects based on the project’s (or collection of projects") inclusion
of elements that are known to support, or will foreseeably support
outcomes that will achieve the performance targets established in the
metropolitan transportation plan by the metropolitan planning organization
in accordance with subsection (h)(2)(B).
.
(b)
Section 135 amendment
Section 135(g)(4) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(4)
Performance target achievement
In adding projects to a State transportation improvement program, a State shall create a process to
evaluate and select each project or collection of projects based on the
project’s (or collection of projects") inclusion of elements that are
known to support, or will foreseeably support, outcomes that will achieve
the performance targets established in the long-range statewide
transportation plan in accordance with subsection (f)(7)(A).
.
(c)
Section 5303 amendment
Section 5303(j)(2)(D) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(D)
Performance target achievement
In adding projects to a transportation improvement program, a metropolitan planning organization
shall create a process to evaluate and select each project or collection
of projects based on the project’s (or collection of projects") inclusion
of elements that are known to support, or will foreseeably support
outcomes that will achieve the performance targets established in the
metropolitan transportation plan by the metropolitan planning organization
in accordance with section 134(h)(2)(B) of title 23.
.
(d)
Section 5304 amendment
Section 5304(g)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(4)
Performance target achievement
In adding projects to a State transportation improvement program, a State shall create a process to
evaluate and select each project or collection of projects based on the
project’s (or collection of projects") inclusion of elements that are
known to support, or will foreseeably support, outcomes that will achieve
the performance targets established in the long-range statewide
transportation plan in accordance with section 135(f)(7)(A) of title 23.
.
1211.
Stormwater planning
(a)
Section 134 amendment
Section 134(h)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subparagraph (G), by striking ; and and inserting ;;
(2) in subparagraph (H), by striking the final period and inserting ; and; and
(3) by inserting the following at the end:
(I) improve the resilience and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate
stormwater impacts of surface transportation.
.
(b)
Section 135 amendment
Section 135(d)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subparagraph (G), by striking ; and and inserting ;;
(2) in subparagraph (H), by striking the final period and inserting ; and; and
(3) by inserting the following at the end:
(I) improve the resilience and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate
stormwater impacts of surface transportation.
.
(c)
Section 5303 amendment
Section 5303(h)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subparagraph (G), by striking ; and and inserting ;;
(2) in subparagraph (H), by striking the final period and inserting ; and; and
(3) by inserting the following at the end:
(I) improve the resilience and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate
stormwater impacts of surface transportation.
.
(d)
Section 5304 amendment
Section 5304(d)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subparagraph (G), by striking ; and and inserting ;;
(2) in subparagraph (H), by striking the final period and inserting ; and; and
(3) by inserting the following at the end:
(I) improve the resilience and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate
stormwater impacts of surface transportation.
.
D
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement
1301.
Eligible projects
Section 149(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)(A)(i)(I), by inserting in the designated nonattainment area after standard;
(2) in paragraph (3), by inserting or maintenance after attainment,;
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking is likely to contribute to the attainment of a national ambient air quality standard and inserting is likely to contribute to the area’s attainment or maintenance of a national ambient air quality
standard; and
(4) in paragraph (5), by inserting reduces air pollution and after if the program or project.
1302.
Special rules
(a)
Transferability of CMAQ funds
Section 126(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting (or, for an apportionment under section 104(b)(4), 25 percent of the amount apportioned for the
fiscal year) after for the fiscal year.
(b)
PM–10 nonattainment and maintenance areas
Section 149(c)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking for ozone or carbon monoxide, or both, and for PM–10 resulting from transportation activities,
without regard to any limitation of the Department of Transportation
relating to the type of ambient air quality standard such project or
program addresses and inserting or maintenance for PM–10 resulting from transportation activities.
1303.
Priority consideration
Section 149(g)(3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(3)
Priority consideration
States and metropolitan planning organizations shall give priority—
(A) in areas designated as nonattainment or maintenance for PM–2.5 under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.
7401 et seq.) in distributing funds received for congestion mitigation and
air quality projects and programs from apportionments under section
104(b)(4) to projects and programs that are likely to reduce emissions or
precursor emissions of PM–2.5, including diesel retrofits; and
(B) in areas designated as nonattainment or maintenance for ozone under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.
7401 et seq.) in distributing funds received for congestion mitigation and
air quality projects and programs from apportionments under section
104(b)(4) to projects and programs that are likely to reduce precursor
emissions of ozone.
.
1304.
Evaluation and assessment of projects
Section 149(i)(1)(A) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting that would contribute to attainment or maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard before the period at the end.
1305.
Electric vehicle charging stations and commercial motor vehicle anti-idling facilities in rest
areas
(a)
In general
Section 111 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end the following:
(f)
Electric vehicle charging stations and commercial motor vehicle anti-Idling facilities in rest
areas
(1)
In general
Notwithstanding subsection (a), a State may—
(A) permit electric vehicle charging stations and commercial motor vehicle anti-idling facilities in a
rest area along a highway on the Interstate System in the State, if such
stations or facilities will not impair the highway or interfere with the
free and safe flow of traffic thereon; and
(B) charge a fee, or permit the charging of a fee, for the use of such stations or facilities.
(2)
Limitation on use of revenues
Notwithstanding subsection (b)(4), a State shall use any revenues received from fees collected
under paragraph (1) for projects eligible under this title.
.
(b)
Conforming amendments
(1)
Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program
Section 149(c)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking except that such stations may not be established or supported where commercial establishments
serving motor vehicle users are prohibited by section 111 of title 23,
United States Code.
(2)
Jason’s law
Section 1401(d) of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, (23 U.S.C. 137 note) is
amended—
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking Except as provided in paragraph (2), a and inserting A;
(B) by striking paragraph (2); and
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
E
Innovative Finance and Tolling
1401.
21st century infrastructure investments
(a)
In general
Title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following after chapter 55: DO
56
21st Century Infrastructure Investments
5601.
TIGER infrastructure investment grants
(a)
Establishment
There is established in the Department a discretionary grant program, to be known as the TIGER Infrastructure Grant Program and to be administered by the Secretary.
(b)
Purpose
Funds authorized under this section shall be available for discretionary grants to be provided on a
competitive basis for projects that will have a significant impact on the
Nation, a metropolitan area, or a region.
(c)
Eligible Applicants
Applicants eligible for funding under this section include State, local, and Tribal governments,
including U.S. territories, transit agencies, port authorities,
metropolitan planning organizations, other political subdivisions of State
or local governments, and multi-State or multi-jurisdictional groups
applying through a single lead applicant.
(d)
Eligible projects
Projects eligible for funding under this section include the following:
(1) Highway or bridge projects eligible under title 23, United States Code (including bicycle and
pedestrian related projects).
(2) Public transportation projects eligible under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code.
(3) Passenger and freight rail transportation projects.
(4) Port infrastructure investments.
(5) Intermodal projects.
(6) Activities related to—
(A) the planning, preparation, or design of a single surface transportation project; or
(B) regional transportation investment planning, including transportation planning that is coordinated
with interdisciplinary factors including housing development, economic
competitiveness, network connectivity, stormwater and other infrastructure
investments, or that addresses future risks and vulnerabilities, including
extreme weather and climate change.
(e)
Geographic distribution
(1)
Equitable distribution
In awarding funds under this section, the Secretary shall take measures to ensure an equitable
geographic distribution of funds and an appropriate balance in addressing
the needs of urban and rural communities and the investment in a variety
of transportation modes.
(2)
Rural projects
Not less than 20 percent of the funds provided under this section shall be for projects located in
rural areas. For the purposes of the TIGER program, rural areas are those
outside of an urbanized area as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.
(3)
Limitation by state
Not more than 25 percent of the funds provided under this section may be awarded to projects in a
single State.
(f)
Grant program criteria, solicitation and award
In administering the grant program under this section, the Secretary shall, within 90 days of the
enactment of this section, publish grant program criteria on which to base
the competition for any grants awarded under this section.
(g)
Planning grants
The Secretary may use up to 10 percent of the funds authorized under this section to fund the
activities specified in subsection (d)(6).
(h)
Federal share
(1)
In general
The Federal share of the costs for which an expenditure is made under this section shall be up to
80 percent.
(2)
Rural areas
The Secretary may provide a Federal share of up to 100 percent for a project in a rural area.
(3)
Priority
In establishing grant program criteria pursuant to subsection (g), the Secretary shall include
priority for projects that request a smaller Federal share.
(i)
Davis-Bacon requirement
Projects conducted using funds provided under this section shall comply with the requirements of
the Davis-Bacon Act, subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United
States Code.
(j)
Administrative expenses
(1)
In general
The Secretary may use up to 1.5 percent of the funds authorized under this section to administer—
(A) the grant program authorized under this section;
(B) the Supplemental Discretionary Grants for a National Surface Transportation System provided for in
Public Law 111–5; and
(C) the National Infrastructure Investments provided for in Public Laws 111–117, 112–10, and 113–6.
(2)
Availability
The funds made available under paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.
(k)
TIFIA subsidy and administrative costs
The Secretary may use up to 10 percent of the funds authorized under this section to pay the
subsidy and administrative costs of projects eligible for Federal credit
assistance under chapter 6 of title 23, United States Code, if the
Secretary finds that the use of the funds would advance the purposes of
this section.
(l)
Transfer authority
Funds authorized under this section may be transferred within the Department and administered in
accordance with the requirements of title 23 or 49 of the United States
Code applicable to the agency to which the funds are transferred and any
other requirements applicable to the project.
(m)
Interagency coordination and cooperation
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall coordinate and cooperate with other Federal agencies in carrying out the grant
program authorized under this section if the Secretary finds that such
coordination and cooperation would advance the purposes of this section.
(2)
Interagency authority
The Secretary may accept and provide services from other Federal agencies with or without
reimbursement in order to further the purposes of this section.
(3)
Interagency delegation of authority
The Secretary may delegate the authority to issue or administer grants pursuant to this section to
other Federal agencies in the interest of administrative or programmatic
efficiency if the Secretary finds that such delegation would advance the
purposes of this section.
(n)
Authorizations
(1)
In general
There is authorized to be appropriated from the Multimodal Account of the Transportation Trust Fund
to carry out this section—
(A) $1,250,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $1,250,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $1,250,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $1,250,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(2)
Availability
Funds authorized under this subsection—
(A) shall be available for obligation on October 1 of the fiscal year for which they are authorized;
and
(B) except as specified in subsection (j), shall remain available for obligation for a period of 2
years after the year for which they are authorized.
5602.
Fixing and accelerating surface transportation grants
(a)
Establishment
There is established in the Department a discretionary grant program, to be known as the FAST Grant Program and to be administered by the Secretary. The program shall be a competitive program and designed
to reform the way transportation investments and decisions are made,
implemented, and funded to achieve National transportation outcomes, by
promoting the implementation of policies and procedures that generate
long-term, institutionalized changes, and support performance-based
management of the transportation system to improve transportation
outcomes.
(b)
Best practices
Evaluations of applications for funding under this section shall be based in part on the extent to
which the applicant has adopted or implemented best practices, including—
(1) commitment to sustainable and innovative non-Federal sources of transportation funding, including
value capture and authority for local governments to raise funding for
transportation, that provide flexibility to make investments across all
modes of transportation and convey the full social cost of travel
decisions to users;
(2) development and incorporation of analytical tools in the investment decisionmaking process,
including benefit cost analysis; other economic analyses; watershed-driven
web-based geographic information systems; and use of innovations in
design, procurement and purchasing to improve project delivery and
efficiency and reduce costs;
(3) use of operating practices and deployment of technologies that increase the efficient use of
transportation system capacity and reduce the need to invest in new
highway capacity;
(4) adoption of laws, rules and regulations, and commitment of resources toward practices that have
been demonstrated to reduce transportation-related fatalities and
injuries;
(5) integration of transportation planning and investment decisions with other land-use and economic
development decisions, including water infrastructure and broadband
deployment, to improve connectivity and accessibility and to focus
transportation investments near existing infrastructure;
(6) adoption of laws, regulations, and practices that have been demonstrated to reduce energy use,
improve air and water quality, reduce or mitigate stormwater impacts,
promote long-term management of stormwater from surface transportation
assets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve community adaptability
and resilience, enhance community health and quality of life, and expand
transportation choices; and
(7) improvements to regional governance that increase metropolitan planning organization capacity and
strengthens local and stakeholder input, particularly traditionally
underrepresented populations, into project selection.
(c)
Eligible Applicants
States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories (as defined in section 165(c) of
title 23, United States Code), Tribal governments, and metropolitan
planning organizations are eligible applicants for funding under this
section, provided that—
(1) States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and Tribal applicants demonstrate
meaningful participation of metropolitan planning organizations, local
governments, or transit agencies within the applicant’s jurisdiction in
the development of the application;
(2) metropolitan planning organizations include, as partners in their applications, the State (or the
District of Columbia, as appropriate), local governments, or transit
agencies required to carry out the best practices relied on in their
application; and
(3) the applicant has experience in successfully and independently administering Federal-aid highway or
transit programs or projects.
(d)
List of projects
Applicants shall submit a program of transportation projects that are related to the best practices
identified in subsection (b) to demonstrate how funds, if awarded under
this section, will be spent. The list of projects shall—
(1) with regard to State applications, be developed with, and include priorities of, metropolitan
planning organizations within the applicant’s jurisdiction as identified
in the metropolitan planning organization" Transportation Improvement
Programs;
(2) demonstrate strong return on investment and competitive value for taxpayer money by means of a
benefit-cost analysis and consideration of alternatives; and
(3) further the best practices and reform initiatives identified under subsection (b) and relied upon
in the application.
(e)
Award of funds
The Federal Highway Administrator and Federal Transit Administrator shall—
(1) competitively award funds under this section in one fiscal year or over multiple fiscal years;
(2) withhold a reasonable amount of funds under this section for administration of the program, but not
to exceed $25,000,000 per year;
(3) devise a methodology for the size of awards under this program based on an applicant’s share of the
Federal transportation allocated or formula funding, subject to the
provision in paragraph (4);
(4) make awards of no less than $50,000,000, except that this paragraph shall not apply to awards made
to a Tribal government or a U.S. territory; and
(5) in awarding funds under this section (other than under subsection (j)), ensure an appropriate
balance in addressing the needs of urban and rural communities.
(f)
Eligible activities
Funds provided under this program shall be used for capital or planning expenses for—
(1) highway or bridge projects eligible for funding under title 23, United States Code (including
bicycle and pedestrian-related projects);
(2) public transportation projects eligible for funding under chapter 53 of title 49, United States
Code;
(3) passenger and freight rail transportation projects;
(4) maritime port infrastructure investments eligible for funding under chapter 503 of title 46;
(5) domestic short sea shipping projects eligible for funding under chapter 556 of title 46; and
(6) intermodal projects combining any of the above.
(g)
Criteria for grant selection
In awarding a grant under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider the extent to which the
application—
(1) demonstrates the greatest performance as well as applicants that have made the greatest progress in
implementing the best practices listed in subsection (b);
(2) promotes National transportation priorities, including—
(A) reducing transportation fatalities and serious injuries;
(B) strengthening economic competitiveness, including multimodal goods movement and coordination of
transportation and economic development investments;
(C) improving the state of repair of the transportation system and enhancing community adaptability and
resilience;
(D) enhancing community health and improving quality of life by increasing access to active
transportation infrastructure, jobs and essential services, particularly
for under-served populations;
(E) improving asset performance by reducing congestion through demand management strategies,
particularly strategies that curb demand for single occupancy vehicle
travel;
(F) improving the efficiency of project development and system performance and reducing the cost of
projects and maintenance of the transportation system; and
(G) adoption of laws, regulations, and practices that have been demonstrated to reduce energy use,
improve air and water quality, reduce or mitigate stormwater impacts,
promote long-term management of stormwater from surface transportation
assets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve community adaptability
and resilience, encourage groundwater recharge, enhance community health
and quality of life, and expand transportation choices; and
(3) meets other criteria the Secretary requires.
(h)
Funding
(1)
Authorized funding
There is authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018 to carry out this
section—
(A) $500,000,000 from the Highway Account of the Transportation Trust Fund; and
(B) $500,000,000 from the Mass Transit Account of the Transportation Trust Fund.
(2)
Obligation
(A)
In general
The funds authorized by paragraph (1) shall be—
(i) available for obligation on October 1 of the fiscal year for which they are authorized;
(ii) available for obligation for a period of 3 years after the last day of the fiscal year for which
the funds are authorized; and
(iii) subject to the limitation on obligations under subparagraph (B).
(B)
Obligation limitation
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, obligations
for the program under this section shall not exceed—
(i) $1,000,000,0000; plus
(ii) any amount remaining available for obligation under the program from prior fiscal years.
(3)
Federal share
The Federal share for projects funded under this section may be up to 100 percent.
(i)
Transfer authority
Funds authorized under this section may be transferred within the Department and administered in
accordance with the requirements of title 23 or 49 of the United States
Code applicable to the agency to which the funds are transferred and any
other requirements applicable to the project.
(j)
Metropolitan mobility program
(1)
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a metropolitan mobility program under this subsection.
(2)
Reservation of funds
The Secretary shall reserve up to $1,000,000,000 made available under this section over the period
of fiscal years 2015 through 2018 for the program under this subsection.
Any funds reserved under this paragraph and not allocated under paragraph
(3) shall be available for the FAST Grant Program.
(3)
Allocation of funds
(A)
Amount available for allocation
(i)
In general
The amount of funding available to be allocated under this subsection for a fiscal year for use in
an urbanized area with a population over 200,000 individuals shall be—
(I) $250,000,000; multiplied by
(II) the ratio that—
(aa) the population of such urbanized area; bears to
(bb) the total population of all urbanized areas with populations of over 200,000 individuals.
(ii)
Adjustments to amounts
Notwithstanding clause (i), the Secretary shall adjust the amounts determined under clause (i) as
follows:
(I)
Minimum amount
The amount available to be allocated under this subsection for a fiscal year for use in an
urbanized area with a population over 200,000 individuals shall not be
less than $1,000,000.
(II)
Maximum amount
The amount available to be allocated under this subsection for a fiscal year for use in an
urbanized area with a population over 200,000 individuals shall not be
greater than $3,000,000.
(B)
Amount to allocate
In a fiscal year the Secretary shall make available to a State, for use in an urbanized area served
by a high performing metropolitan planning organization, an amount of
funds under this subsection equal to—
(i) the amount available for allocation for that fiscal year in that urbanized area under subparagraph
(A); plus
(ii) any amounts available for allocation in that urbanized area under that subparagraph for any prior
fiscal years—
(I) beginning with fiscal year 2015; and
(II) in which the urbanized area was not served by a high performing metropolitan planning organization.
(4)
Eligible uses of funds
Funds provided under this subsection may be used—
(A) for any project or activity eligible under title 23;
(B) for any project or activity eligible under chapter 53, title 49 ; or
(C) notwithstanding any other provision of law, to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of any project
or activity funded under chapter 53 or 56 of this title or under title 23.
(5)
High performing metropolitan planning organization defined
In this subsection, the term high performing metropolitan planning organization means a metropolitan planning organization that the Secretary has designated as high performing
under section 134(r) of title 23 or section 5303(r) of this title.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis of subtitle III of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following
after the item relating to chapter 55:
56.21st Century Infrastructure investments5601.
.
1402.
Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1998 amendments
(a)
Definitions
(1)
Master credit agreements
Section 601(a)(10) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(10)
Master credit agreement
The term master credit agreement means a conditional agreement to extend credit assistance for a program of related projects
secured by a common security pledge (which shall receive an investment
grade rating from a rating agency) prior to the Secretary entering into
such master credit agreement under section 602(b)(2)(A), or for a single
project covered under section 602(b)(2)(B) that does not provide for a
current obligation of Federal funds and that would—
(A) make contingent commitments of 1 or more secured loans or other Federal credit instruments at
future dates, subject to the availability of future funds being made
available to carry out this chapter and subject to the satisfaction of all
the conditions for the provision of credit assistance under this chapter,
including section 603(b)(1);
(B) establish the maximum amounts and general terms and conditions of the secured loans or other
Federal credit instruments;
(C) identify the 1 or more dedicated non-Federal revenue sources that will secure the repayment of the
secured loans or secured Federal credit instruments;
(D) provide for the obligation of funds for the secured loans or secured Federal credit instruments
after all requirements have been met for the projects subject to the
master credit agreement, including—
(i) completion of an environmental impact statement or similar analysis required under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
(ii) compliance with such other requirements as are specified in this chapter, including sections 602(c)
and 603(b)(1); and
(iii) the availability of funds to carry out this chapter; and
(E) require that contingent commitments result in a financial close and obligation of credit assistance
not later than 3 years after the date of entry into the master credit
agreement, or release of the commitment, unless otherwise extended by the
Secretary.
.
(2)
Rural infrastructure project
Section 601(a)(15) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(15)
Rural infrastructure project
The term rural infrastructure project means a surface infrastructure project located outside of a Census Bureau-defined urbanized area.
.
(b)
Master credit agreements
Section 602(b)(2) of title 23, United States Code is amended to read as follows:
(2)
Master credit agreements
(A)
Program of related projects
The Secretary may enter into a master credit agreement for a program of related projects secured by
a common security pledge on terms acceptable to the Secretary.
(B)
Adequate funding not available
If the Secretary fully obligates funding to eligible projects in a fiscal year, and adequate
funding is not available to fund a credit instrument, a project sponsor of
an eligible project may elect to enter into a master credit agreement and
wait to execute a credit instrument until the fiscal year during which
additional funds are available to receive credit assistance.
.
(c)
Application processing procedures
Section 602(d)(2) of title 23, United States Code is amended to read as follows:
(2)
Approval or denial of Application
Not later than 60 days after the date of issuance of the written notice of a complete application
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide to the applicant a
written notice informing the applicant whether the Secretary has approved
or disapproved the application.
.
(d)
Agreements
Section 603(a)(1)(D) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(D) to refinance long-term project obligations or Federal credit instruments, if the refinancing
provides additional demonstrated funding capacity for the completion,
enhancement, or expansion of any project that—
(i) is selected under section 602; or
(ii) otherwise meets the requirements of section 602.
.
(e)
Limitation on refinancing of interim construction financing
Section 603(a)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(2)
Limitation on refinancing of interim construction financing
A loan under paragraph (1) shall not refinance interim construction financing under paragraph
(1)(B):
(A) if the maturity of such interim construction financing is later than one year after the substantial
completion of the project, and
(B) later than one year after the date of substantial completion of the project.
.
(f)
Program administration
Section 605 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end the following:
(f)
Reducing burden on small projects
The Secretary may use up to $5,000,000 of funds made available to carry out this chapter in a
fiscal year in lieu of fees collected under subsection (b) for projects
under this chapter having eligible project costs that are reasonably
anticipated not to equal or exceed $75,000,000.
.
(g)
Funding
(1) Section 608(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(A) by striking paragraph (4); and
(B) by renumbering paragraphs (5) and (6) as (4) and (5), respectively.
(2) Section 608(a)(6) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(6)
Administrative costs
Of the amounts made available to carry out this chapter, the Secretary may use not more than
$10,000,000 in fiscal year 2015, $12,000,000 in fiscal year 2016,
$14,000,000 in fiscal year 2017, and $15,000,000 in fiscal year 2018 for
the administration of this chapter.
.
1403.
Railroad rehabilitation and improvement financing
(a)
Definitions
Section 501 of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 821) is
amended by inserting at the end the following:
(9) The term railroad means a railroad carrier as that term is defined in section 20102 of title 49, United States Code.
.
(b)
General authority
Section 502(a) of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 822(a))
is amended—
(1) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
(5) joint ventures that include at least one of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (4) or
paragraph (6) of this section; and
;
(2) in paragraph (6), by striking second and that is served by no more than a single railroad; and
(3) in paragraph (6), by striking limited option rail freight shippers and inserting limited option freight shippers.
(c)
Eligible purposes
Section 502(b) of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 822(b))
is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking shops and inserting shops, inclusive of costs related to these activities, but not operating expenses; and
(2) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting subparagraph (A) or (C).
(d)
Infrastructure partners
Section 502(f) of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 822(f))
is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)—
(A) by inserting including modifications thereto after 1990;
(B) by inserting and modification costs after premiums in the first sentence; and
(C) by inserting or modification after application at the end of the first sentence;
(2) in paragraph (3), by inserting , and in the case of a modification, before the modification is executed after amounts; and
(3) by striking paragraph (4).
(e)
Conditions of assistance
Section 502(h) of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 822(h))
is amended—
(1) in paragraph (2)—
(A) by striking project and inserting project, if applicable;
(B) by striking (2) and inserting (2)(A); and
(C) by inserting at the end the following:
(B) The Secretary may subordinate rights of the Secretary under any provision of title 49 or title 23
of the United States Code, to the rights of the Secretary under this
section and section 503 of this Act.
; and
(2) by inserting the following after subparagraph (3)(B):
(4) The Secretary shall not provide assistance under this section exceeding 80 percent of the
reasonably anticipated eligible project costs on projects—
(A) that receive a loan for which the Government pays the cost as defined by section 502 of the Federal
Credit Reform Act; and
(B) with total eligible project costs estimated to exceed $100,000,000.
.
(f)
Modifications
Section 503(c) of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 823(c))
is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking and from the end;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and
(3) by adding the following after paragraph (2) the following:
(3) the modification cost has been covered pursuant to section 502(f).
.
(g)
Evaluation, award and oversight charges
Section 503 of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 823) is
amended by striking subsection (k) and inserting the following:
(k)
Charges
(1)
Purpose
The Secretary may collect from each applicant a reasonable charge for—
(A) the cost of evaluating the application, amendments, modifications, and waivers including appraisal
of the value of the equipment or facilities for which the direct loan or
loan guarantee is sought, and for making necessary determinations and
findings;
(B) the cost of award and project management oversight;
(C) the cost of services from expert firms, including counsel, in the field of railroad, municipal and
project finance, to assist in the underwriting, auditing, servicing and
exercise of rights with respect to direct loans and loan guarantees; and
(D) the cost of all other expenses incurred as a result of a breach of any term or condition or any
event of default on a direct loan.
(2)
Amount
A charge under this subsection shall not exceed one percent of the principal amount requested in
the application. The Secretary shall prescribe standards for applying the
charges to ensure that it does not prevent a Class II or Class III
railroad from having adequate access to direct loans and loan guarantees
under this title.
(3)
Fees credited to safety account
Amounts collected under this subsection shall be credited directly to the Safety and Operations
account of the Federal Railroad Administration, and shall remain available
until expended to pay for the costs described in this subsection.
.
(h)
Authorization of Appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary for the cost
of direct loans and loan guarantees pursuant to sections 502 through 504
of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (Public
Law 94–210).
1404.
State infrastructure bank program
Section 610 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (d)—
(A) by striking paragraph (1)(A) and inserting in its place the following:
(A) 10 percent of the funds apportioned to the State for each fiscal year under each of sections
104(b)(1) and 104(b)(2); and
;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking of fiscal years 2005 through 2009 and inserting fiscal year; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking of fiscal years 2005 through 2009 and inserting fiscal year; and
(2) in subsection (k), by striking of fiscal years 2005 through 2009 and inserting fiscal year.
1405.
Toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries
(a)
Tolling
Section 129(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)—
(A) by striking subparagraphs (B), (G), and (H) and redesignating—
(i) subparagraphs (C) through (F) as subparagraphs (B) through (E), respectively; and
(ii) subparagraph (I) as subparagraph (H);
(B) in subparagraph (B), as redesignated, by—
(i) inserting , including such facilities after tunnel in the first place it appears; and
(ii) adding a comma after Interstate System; and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (E), as redesignated, the following:
(F) reconstruction of a toll-free Federal-aid highway on the Interstate System and conversion of the
highway to a toll facility, subject to the approval of the Secretary in
accordance with paragraph (12);
(G) conversion of 1 or more lanes on a toll-free highway, bridge or tunnel (including highways, bridges
or tunnels on the Interstate System) to a toll facility for the purpose of
reducing or managing high levels of congestion, subject to the approval of
the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (12); and
;
(2) in paragraph (3)(A), by—
(A) striking shall use and inserting shall ensure that;
(B) inserting are used after toll facility in the second place it appears;
(C) redesignating clauses (iv) and (v) as clauses (vi) and (vii), respectively;
(D) inserting after clause (iii) the following:
(iv) any costs necessary for the improvement and operation of public transportation service that—
(I) is provided within the transportation corridor in which the toll facility is located; or
(II) contributes to the improved operation of the toll facility or the highway on which the toll
facility is located;
(v) any costs necessary for mitigating any adverse impacts related to the tolling of the facility and
identified under the National Environmental Policy Act process as a
priority by the State or public authority imposing the tolls;" and
.
(E) inserting or chapter 53 of title 49 before the period at the end of clause (vii), as redesignated;
(3) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
(4)
Requirements for tolling for congestion management
(A)
In general
A public authority with jurisdiction over a toll-free highway, bridge, or tunnel that is converted
to a toll facility that is tolled under paragraph (1)(G) shall manage the
demand to use the facility by varying the toll amount that is charged.
(B)
HOV facilities
A high occupancy vehicle facility converted to a toll facility under paragraph (1)(G) shall be
subject to the requirements of section 166 of this title.
;
(4) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (11);
(5) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
(10)
Electronic toll collection
Fees collected from motorists using a toll facility that is tolled pursuant to this section and
opened to traffic on or after October 1, 2015, shall be collected only
through the use of noncash electronic technology that optimizes the free
flow of traffic on the toll facility.
; and
(6) by inserting at the end the following:
(12)
Approval
A facility tolled under paragraph (1)(F) or (1)(G) shall receive the approval of the Secretary
according to criteria that the Secretary shall publish in the Federal
Register.
.
(b)
Ferry boats
Section 129(c)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting , ferry boats carrying commercial motor vehicles and passengers, before the phrase and ferry boats carrying passengers only..
(c)
Interstate system reconstruction and rehabilitation pilot program
Section 1216(b) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (Public Law 105–178) is
repealed.
1406.
Tax-exempt financing for qualified surface transportation projects
Section 142(m)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C 142(m)(2)(A)) is amended by
striking $15,000,000,000 and inserting $19,000,000,000.
1407.
Pay for success
To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall encourage the use of pay for success contracting in
the implementation of the programs administered by the Department.
II
Federal-Aid Highways
A
Authorizations and Programs
2001.
Authorization of appropriations
(a)
In general
The following sums are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Account of the
Transportation Trust Fund:
(1)
Federal-aid highway program
For the national highway performance program under section 119 of title 23, United States Code, the
surface transportation program under section 133 of such title, the
highway safety improvement program under section 148 of such title, the
congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under section
149 of such title, and to carry out section 134 of such title—
(A) $38,540,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $39,313,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $40,102,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $40,904,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(2)
Critical immediate investments program
For the critical immediate investments program under section 2012 of this Act—
(A) $4,850,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $3,850,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $2,850,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $1,850,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(3)
Federal lands and tribal transportation programs
(A)
Tribal transportation program
For the Tribal transportation program under section 202 of title 23, United States Code—
(i) $507,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $517,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $527,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $538,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(B)
Federal lands transportation program
For the Federal lands transportation program under section 203 of such title—
(i) $370,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $377,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $385,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $393,000,000 for fiscal year 2018,
of which 5 percent of the amount made available for each fiscal year shall be for the United States
Army Corps of Engineers; 15 percent of the amount made available for each
fiscal year shall be for the United States Forest Service; and 80 percent
of the amount made available for each fiscal year shall be for the
Department of the Interior and divided by the Secretary of the Interior,
with
notification to the Secretary, among the National Park Service, the Fish
and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of
Reclamation.
(C)
Federal lands access program
For the Federal lands access program under section 204 of such title—
(i) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $255,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $260,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $265,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(D)
Nationally significant Federal lands and tribal projects program
For the nationally significant Federal lands and Tribal projects program under section 2008 of this
Act, $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018.
(4)
Transportation infrastructure finance and innovation program
For credit assistance under the transportation infrastructure finance and innovation program under
chapter 6 of such title, $1,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015
through 2018.
(5)
Federal allocation programs
(A)
On-the-job training
For surface transportation and technology training and summer transportation institutes under
section 140(b) of such title—
(i) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(B)
Disadvantaged business enterprises
For training programs and assistance programs under section 140(c) of such title—
(i) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(C)
Highway use tax evasion projects
For highway use tax evasion projects under section 143 of such title, $10,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2015 through 2018.
(D)
Construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities
For the construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities under section 147 of such title—
(i) $67,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $68,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $71,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(E)
Performance management data support program
For the performance management data support program under section 150(f) of title 23, United States
Code, $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018.
(F)
Territorial and puerto rico highway program
For the territorial and Puerto Rico highway program under section 165 of such title—
(i) $190,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $194,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $198,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $202,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(G)
Safety outreach, training, and education activities
$3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018 for safety outreach, training, and education
activities.
(H)
Jobs-driven skills and opportunity programs
$100,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, of which—
(i) $30,000,000 for each such fiscal year shall be for the jobs-driven skills training program under
section 140(b) of such title (as added by section 1208 of this Act); and
(ii) $70,000,000 for each such fiscal year shall be for the connection to opportunity pilot program
under section 134(q) of such title and section 5303(q) of title 49, United
States Code (as added by section 1209 of this Act).
(b)
Disadvantaged business enterprises
(1)
Definitions
In this subsection, the following definitions apply:
(A)
Small business concern
(i)
In general
The term small business concern means a small business concern as the term is used in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 632).
(ii)
Exclusions
The term small business concern does not include any concern or group of concerns controlled by the same socially and economically
disadvantaged individual or individuals that have average annual gross
receipts during the preceding 3 fiscal years in excess of $22,410,000, as
adjusted annually by the Secretary for inflation.
(B)
Socially and economically disadvantaged individuals
The term socially and economically disadvantaged individuals has the meaning given the term in section 8(d) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)) and
relevant subcontracting regulations issued pursuant to that Act, except
that women shall be presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged
individuals for purposes of this subsection.
(2)
Amounts for small business concerns
Except to the extent that the Secretary determines otherwise, not less than 10 percent of the
amounts made available for any program under titles II and III of this Act
and section 403 of title 23, United States Code, shall be expended through
small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically
disadvantaged individuals.
(3)
Annual listing of disadvantaged business enterprises
Each State that receives funds under title II of this Act, title III of this Act, or section 403
of
title 23, United States Code, shall annually—
(A) survey and compile a list of the small business concerns referred to in paragraph (2) in the State,
including the location of the small business concerns in the State; and
(B) notify the Secretary, in writing, of the percentage of the small business concerns that are
controlled by—
(i) women;
(ii) socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (other than women); and
(iii) individuals who are women and are otherwise socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
(4)
Uniform certification
(A)
In general
The Secretary shall establish minimum uniform criteria for use by State governments in certifying
whether a concern qualifies as a small business concern for the purpose of
this subsection.
(B)
Inclusions
The minimum uniform criteria established under subparagraph (A) shall include, with respect to a
potential small business concern—
(i) on-site visits;
(ii) personal interviews with personnel;
(iii) issuance or inspection of licenses;
(iv) analyses of stock ownership;
(v) listings of equipment;
(vi) analyses of bonding capacity;
(vii) listings of work completed;
(viii) examination of the resumes of principal owners;
(ix) analyses of financial capacity; and
(x) analyses of the type of work preferred.
(5)
Reporting
The Secretary shall establish minimum requirements for use by State governments in reporting to the
Secretary—
(A) information concerning disadvantaged business enterprise awards, commitments, and achievements; and
(B) such other information as the Secretary determines to be appropriate for the proper monitoring of
the disadvantaged business enterprise program.
(6)
Compliance with court orders
Nothing in this subsection limits the eligibility of an individual or entity to receive funds made
available under titles II and III of this Act and section 403 of title 23,
United States Code, if the entity or person is prevented, in whole or in
part, from complying with paragraph (2) because a Federal court issues a
final order in which the court finds that a requirement or the
implementation of paragraph (2) is unconstitutional.
(c)
Conforming amendments
(1)
Puerto rico and territorial highways
Section 165(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a)
Division of funds
Of funds made available for the territorial and Puerto Rico highway program—
(1) for fiscal year 2015—
(A) $150,000,000 shall be for the Puerto Rico highway program under subsection (b); and
(B) $40,000,000 shall be for the territorial highway program under subsection (c);
(2) for fiscal year 2016—
(A) $153,000,000 shall be for the Puerto Rico highway program under subsection (b); and
(B) $41,000,000 shall be for the territorial highway program under subsection (c);
(3) for fiscal year 2017—
(A) $156,000,000 shall be for the Puerto Rico highway program under subsection (b); and
(B) $42,000,000 shall be for the territorial highway program under subsection (c);
(4) for fiscal year 2018—
(A) $159,000,000 shall be for the Puerto Rico highway program under subsection (b); and
(B) $43,000,000 shall be for the territorial highway program under subsection (c).
.
(2)
Disadvantaged business enterprises
Section 140(c) of such title is amended by striking From administrative funds made available under section 104(a), the Secretary shall deduct such sums
as necessary, not to exceed $10,000,000 per fiscal year, for the
administration of this subsection..
(3)
Highway use tax evasion projects
Section 143(b)(2) of such title is amended to read as follows:
(2)
Funding
Funds made available to carry out this section may be allocated to the Internal Revenue Service and
the States at the discretion of the Secretary, except that of funds so
made available for each fiscal year, $2,000,000 shall be available only to
carry out intergovernmental enforcement efforts, including research and
training.
.
(4)
Construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities
Section 147 of such title is amended—
(A) by striking subsection (e); and
(B) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (e) and (f), respectively.
2002.
Obligation limitation
(a)
General limitation
Subject to subsection (e), and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the obligations for
Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs shall not
exceed—
(1) $47,323,248,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(2) $48,141,248,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(3) $48,977,248,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(4) $49,829,248,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(b)
Exceptions
The limitations under subsection (a) shall not apply to obligations under or for—
(1) section 125 of title 23, United States Code;
(2) section 147 of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978 (23 U.S.C. 144 note; 92 Stat.
2714);
(3) section 9 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1981 (95 Stat. 1701);
(4) subsections (b) and (j) of section 131 of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (96
Stat. 2119);
(5) subsections (b) and (c) of section 149 of the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation
Assistance Act of 1987 (101 Stat. 198);
(6) sections 1103 through 1108 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (105
Stat. 2027);
(7) section 157 of title 23, United States Code (as in effect on June 8, 1998);
(8) section 105 of title 23, United States Code (as in effect for fiscal years 1998 through 2004, but
only in an amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of those fiscal years);
(9) Federal-aid highway programs for which obligation authority was made available under the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (112 Stat. 107) or
subsequent Acts for multiple years or to remain available until expended,
but only to the extent that the obligation authority has not lapsed or
been used;
(10) section 105 of title 23, United States Code (but, for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2012, only
in an amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of those fiscal years);
(11) section 1603 of SAFETEA–LU (23 U.S.C. 118 note; 119 Stat. 1248), to the extent that funds obligated
in accordance with that section were not subject to a limitation on
obligations at the time at which the funds were initially made available
for obligation; and
(12) section 119 of title 23, United States Code (but, for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018, only
in an amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of those fiscal years).
(c)
Distribution of obligation authority
For each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, the Secretary—
(1) shall not distribute obligation authority provided by subsection (a) for the fiscal year for—
(A) amounts authorized for administrative expenses and programs by section 104(a) of title 23, United
States Code; and
(B) amounts authorized for the Bureau of Transportation Statistics;
(2) shall not distribute an amount of obligation authority provided by subsection (a) that is equal to
the unobligated balance of amounts—
(A) made available from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) or from the
Highway Account of the Transportation Trust Fund for Federal-aid highway
and highway safety construction programs for previous fiscal years the
funds for which are allocated by the Secretary (or apportioned by the
Secretary under sections 202 or 204 of title 23, United States Code); and
(B) for which obligation authority was provided in a previous fiscal year;
(3) shall determine the proportion that—
(A) the obligation authority provided by subsection (a) for the fiscal year, less the aggregate of
amounts not distributed under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection;
bears to
(B) the total of the sums authorized to be appropriated for the Federal-aid highway and highway safety
construction programs (other than sums authorized to be appropriated for
provisions of law described in paragraphs (1) through (11) of subsection
(b) and sums authorized to be appropriated for section 119 of title 23,
United States Code, equal to the amount referred to in subsection (b)(12)
for the fiscal year), less the aggregate of the amounts not distributed
under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection;
(4) shall distribute the obligation authority provided by subsection (a), less the aggregate amounts
not distributed under paragraphs (1) and (2), for each of the programs
(other than programs to which paragraph (1) applies) that are allocated by
the Secretary under this Act and title 23, United States Code, or
apportioned by the Secretary under sections 202 or 204 of that title, by
multiplying—
(A) the proportion determined under paragraph (3); by
(B) the amounts authorized to be appropriated for each such program for the fiscal year; and
(5) shall distribute the obligation authority provided by subsection (a), less the aggregate amounts
not distributed under paragraphs (1) and (2) and the amounts distributed
under paragraph (4), for Federal-aid highway and highway safety
construction programs that are apportioned by the Secretary under title
23, United States Code (other than the amounts apportioned for the
national highway performance program in section 119 of title 23, United
States Code, that are exempt from the limitation under subsection (b)(12)
and the amounts apportioned under sections 202 and 204 of that title) or
under this Act in the proportion that—
(A) amounts authorized to be appropriated for the programs that are apportioned under title 23, United
States Code, or under this Act to each State for the fiscal year; bears to
(B) the total of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for the programs that are apportioned under
title 23, United States Code, or under this Act to all States for the
fiscal year.
(d)
Redistribution of unused obligation authority
Notwithstanding subsection (c), the Secretary shall, after August 1 of each of fiscal years 2015
through 2018—
(1) revise a distribution of the obligation authority made available under subsection (c) if an amount
distributed cannot be obligated during that fiscal year; and
(2) redistribute sufficient amounts to those States able to obligate amounts in addition to those
previously distributed during that fiscal year, giving priority to those
States having large unobligated balances of funds apportioned under
sections 144 (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of
Public Law 112–141) and 104 of title 23, United States Code.
(e)
Applicability of obligation limitations to transportation research programs
(1)
In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), obligation limitations imposed by subsection (a) shall apply
to contract authority for transportation research programs carried out
under—
(A) chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code; and
(B) Title VIII of this Act.
(2)
Exception
Obligation authority made available under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) remain available for a period of 4 fiscal years; and
(B) be in addition to the amount of any limitation imposed on obligations for Federal-aid highway and
highway safety construction programs for future fiscal years.
(f)
Redistribution of certain authorized funds
(1)
In general
Not later than 30 days after the date of distribution of obligation authority under subsection (c)
for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, the Secretary shall distribute
to the States any funds (excluding funds authorized for the program under
section 202 of title 23, United States Code) that—
(A) are authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for Federal-aid highway programs; and
(B) the Secretary determines will not be allocated to the States (or will not be apportioned to the
States under section 204 of title 23, United States Code), and will not be
available for obligation, for the fiscal year because of the imposition of
any obligation limitation for the fiscal year.
(2)
Ratio
Funds shall be distributed under paragraph (1) in the same proportion as the distribution of
obligation authority under subsection (c)(5).
(3)
Availability
Funds distributed to each State under paragraph (1) shall be available for any purpose described in
section 133(b) of title 23, United States Code.
2003.
Apportionment
(a)
Section 104 amendments
Section 104 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by amending subsection (a)(1) to read as follows:
(1)
In general
There are authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Account of the Transportation Trust Fund
to be made available to the Secretary for administrative expenses of the
Federal Highway Administration—
(A) $442,248,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $451,248,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $460,248,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $469,248,000 for fiscal year 2018.
.
(2) in subsection (c)(2)—
(A) by adding and thereafter after 2014 the first time it appears; and
(B) in subparagraph (A) by adding and each fiscal year thereafter after 2014; and
(3) by inserting at the end the following:
(h)
Implementation of future strategic highway research program findings and results
Before making an apportionment under subsection (c) for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018, the
Secretary may set aside up to $25,000,000 for each fiscal year to carry
out the implementation of future strategic highway research program
findings and results under section 503(c)(2)(C). Funds expended under this
subsection shall not be considered to be part of the extramural budget of
the agency for the purpose of section 9 of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 638)
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
Section 505 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (c) and
redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as (c) and (d), respectively.
2004.
Federal lands transportation program
(a)
Definitions
Section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (8) by striking is adjacent to,; and
(2) by striking paragraphs (9) and (10) and redesignating paragraphs (11) through (34) as paragraphs
(9) through (32), respectively.
(b)
Other amendments
Section 203 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by—
(A) striking ; and at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting a period; and
(B) striking subparagraph (D);
(2) in subsection (b)(1)—
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 2011 and inserting 2012; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)—
(i) by striking ; and at the end of clause (iv) and inserting a semicolon;
(ii) by striking the period at the end of clause (v) and insert ; and; and
(iii) by inserting at the end the following:
(vi) the Bureau of Reclamation.
;
(3) at the end of subsection (c)(2)(B), by inserting the following:
(vi) The Bureau of Reclamation.
; and
(4) by striking subsection (d).
(c)
Performance management
Section 203(b)(2)(B) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting performance management, including after support.
2005.
Emergency relief for federally owned roads
(a)
Federal share
Section 120(e)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking Federal land access transportation facilities and inserting other federally owned roads that are open to public travel (as defined in section 125(e)(1) of this
title).
(b)
Eligibility
Section 125(d)(3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) at the end of subparagraph (A) by striking or;
(2) at the end of subparagraph (B) by striking the period and inserting ; or; and
(3) by inserting at the end the following:
(C) projects eligible for assistance under this section located on Tribal transportation facilities,
Federal lands transportation facilities, or other federally owned roads
that are open to public travel.
.
(c)
Definition
Section 125(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting
the following:
(1)
Definitions
In this subsection—
(A) open to public travel means, with respect to a road, that, except during scheduled periods, extreme weather conditions,
or emergencies, the road is maintained and open to the general public and
can accommodate travel by a standard passenger vehicle, without
restrictive gates or prohibitive signs or regulations, other than for
general traffic control or restrictions based on size, weight, or class of
registration; and
(B) standard passenger vehicle means a vehicle with six inches of clearance from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension,
or differential to the ground.
.
2006.
Tribal high priority projects program and tribal transportation program amendments
(a)
In general
Section 202 of title 23, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) In subsection (a)(1)—
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking the final semicolon and inserting ; and;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (C).
(2) In subsection (b)(3)(A)(i), by striking and subsections (c), (d), and (e) and inserting and subsections (a)(6), (c), (d), (e), and (g).
(3) In subsection (c)(1), by striking 2 percent and inserting 3 percent.
(4) In subsection (d)(2), by striking 2 percent and inserting 4 percent.
(5) Inserting after subsection (f) the following:
(g)
Tribal high priority projects program
(1)
Funding
Before making any distribution under subsection (b), the Secretary shall set aside not more than 7
percent of the funds made available for the Tribal transportation program
for that fiscal year to carry out this subsection.
(2)
Eligible Applicants
Applicants eligible for program funds under this subsection include—
(A) an Indian tribe whose annual allocation of funding under subsection (b) is insufficient to complete
the highest priority project of the Indian tribe;
(B) a governmental subdivision of an Indian tribe—
(i) that is authorized to administer the funding of the Indian tribe under this section; and
(ii) for which the annual allocation under subsection (b) is insufficient to complete the highest
priority project of the Indian tribe; or
(C) any Indian tribe or governmental subdivision of an Indian tribe that has an emergency or disaster
with respect to a transportation facility included on the national
inventory of Tribal transportation facilities under subsection (b)(1).
(3)
Eligible facilities and activities
To be funded under this subsection, a project—
(A) shall be on a Tribal transportation facility that is included in the national inventory of Tribal
transportation facilities under subsection (b)(1); and
(B) except as specified in paragraph (4), shall be an activity eligible under—
(i) subsection (a)(1); or
(ii) the emergency relief program, authorized under section 125 of this title, but that does not meet
the funding thresholds under part 668 of title 23, Code of Federal
Regulations.
(4)
Limitation on use of funds
Funds under this subsection shall not be used for—
(A) transportation planning;
(B) research;
(C) routine maintenance activities;
(D) structures and erosion protection unrelated to transportation and roadways;
(E) general reservation planning not involving transportation;
(F) landscaping and irrigation systems not involving a transportation program or project;
(G) work performed on a project that is not included on a transportation improvement program approved
by the Federal Highway Administration, unless otherwise authorized by the
Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary;
(H) the purchase of equipment, unless otherwise authorized by Federal law; or
(I) the condemnation of land for recreational trails.
(5)
Project Applications; funding
(A)
In general
To apply for funds under this subsection, an eligible applicant shall submit to the Department of
the Interior or the Department of Transportation an application that
includes—
(i) project scope of work, including deliverables, budget, and timeline;
(ii) the amount of funds requested;
(iii) project information addressing—
(I) the ranking criteria identified in subparagraph (C); or
(II) the nature of the emergency or disaster;
(iv) documentation that the project meets the definition of a Tribal transportation facility and is
included in the national inventory of Tribal transportation facilities
under subsection (b)(1);
(v) documentation of official Tribal action requesting the project;
(vi) documentation from the Indian tribe providing authority for the Secretary of the Interior to place
the project on a transportation improvement program if the project is
selected and approved; and
(vii) any other information the Secretary of the Interior or Secretary considers appropriate to make a
determination.
(B)
Limitation on Applications
An applicant for funds under the program may only have one application for assistance under this
subsection pending at any one time, including any emergency or disaster
project application under paragraph (6).
(C)
Application ranking
(i)
In general
The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary shall determine the eligibility of, and fund,
program applications, subject to the availability of funds.
(ii)
Ranking criteria
The project ranking criteria for applications under this subsection shall include—
(I) the existence of safety hazards with documented fatality and injury crashes;
(II) the number of years since the Indian tribe last completed a construction project funded by the
Indian Reservation Roads program (as in effect the day before the date of
enactment of MAP–21) or the tribal transportation program under section
202 of title 23, United States Code;
(III) the readiness of the Indian tribe to proceed to construction or bridge design need;
(IV) the percentage of project costs matched by funds that are not provided under this section, with
projects with a greater percentage of other sources of matching funds
ranked ahead of lesser matches);
(V) the amount of funds requested, with requests for lesser amounts given greater priority;
(VI) the challenges caused by geographic isolation; and
(VII) all-weather access for employment, commerce, health, safety, educational resources, or housing.
(iii)
Project scoring matrix
The project scoring matrix established in subpart I of part 170 of title 25, Code of Federal
Regulations (as in effect on July 19, 2004), shall be used to rank all
applications accepted under this subsection.
(D)
Funding priority list
(i)
In general
The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary shall jointly produce a funding priority list that
ranks the projects approved for funding under the program.
(ii)
Limitation
The number of projects on the list shall be limited by the amount of funding set aside for this
subsection.
(E)
Timeline
The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary shall—
(i) establish deadlines for applications;
(ii) notify all applicants and Regions in writing of acceptance of applications;
(iii) rank all accepted applications in accordance with the project scoring matrix, develop the funding
priority list, and return unaccepted applications to the applicant with an
explanation of deficiencies;
(iv) notify all accepted applicants of the projects included on the funding priority list; and
(v) distribute funds to successful applicants.
(6)
Emergency or disaster project Applications
(A)
In general
Notwithstanding paragraph (5)(E), an eligible applicant may submit an emergency or disaster project
application at any time.
(B)
Consideration as priority
The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary shall—
(i) consider project applications submitted under this paragraph to be a priority project under this
subsection; and
(ii) fund the project applications in accordance with subparagraph (C).
(C)
Funding
(i)
In general
If an eligible applicant submits an application for a project under this paragraph before the
issuance of the list under paragraph (5)(D) and the project is determined
to be eligible for program funds, the Secretary of the Interior and the
Secretary shall provide funding for the project before providing funding
for other approved projects on the list.
(ii)
Submission after issuance of list
If an eligible applicant submits an application under this subsection after the issuance of the
list under paragraph (5)(D) and the distribution of program funds in
accordance with the list, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary
shall provide funding for the project on the date on which unobligated
funds provided to projects on the list are returned to the respective
Department.
(iii)
Effect on other projects
If the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary use funding previously designated for a project
on the list under paragraph (5)(D) to fund an emergency or disaster
project under this paragraph, the project on the list that did not receive
funding as a result of the redesignation of funds shall move to the top of
the list the following year.
(D)
Emergency or disaster project cost
The cost of a project submitted as an emergency or disaster under this paragraph shall equal at
least 10 percent of the distribution of funds of the Indian tribe under
subsection (b).
(7)
Limitation on project amounts
Project funding shall be limited to a maximum of $1,500,000 per application, except that funding
for disaster or emergency projects shall also be limited to the estimated
cost of repairing damage to the Tribal transportation facility.
(8)
Cost estimate certification
All cost estimates prepared for a project shall be required to be submitted by the applicant to the
Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary for certification and approval.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
Section 1123 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (Public Law 112–141) is
repealed.
2007.
Federal lands access program Federal share
Section 201(b)(7) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking shall be 100 percent and inserting may be up to 100 percent; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting before the final period , except that the Federal share for the cost of a project on a Federal lands access transportation
facility owned by a county, town, township, municipal, Tribal, or local
government may be up to 95 percent.
2008.
Nationally significant Federal lands and tribal projects program
(a)
In general
Chapter 2 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 206 the following:
207.
Nationally significant Federal lands and tribal projects program
(a)
Purpose
The Secretary shall establish a nationally significant Federal lands and tribal projects program to
provide funding needed to construct, reconstruct, or rehabilitate
nationally significant Federal lands and Tribal transportation projects.
(b)
Applicants
(1)
In general
Except as specified in paragraph (2), entities eligible to receive funds under sections 201, 202,
203 and 204 of this title may apply for funding under this program.
(2)
Special rule
A State, county or local government may only apply if sponsored by an eligible Federal Land
Management Agency or Indian tribe.
(c)
Eligible projects
An eligible project under this section shall be a single continuous project—
(1) on a Federal lands transportation facility, a Federal lands access transportation facility, or a
Tribal transportation facility, as defined under section 101 of this
title, except that such facility is not required to be included on an
inventory as described under section 202 or 203 of title 23, United
States Code;
(2) for which completion of activities required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) has been demonstrated through a record of decision
with respect to the project, a finding that the project has no significant
impact, or a determination that the project is categorically excluded; and
(3) having an estimated cost, based on the results of preliminary engineering, equal to or exceeding
$25,000,0000, with priority consideration given to projects with an
estimated cost equal to or exceeding $50,000,000.
(d)
Eligible activities
An applicant receiving funds under this section may only use such funds for construction,
reconstruction, and rehabilitation activities, except that activities
related to project design are not eligible.
(e)
Applications
Applicants shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form and in accordance with such
requirements as the Secretary shall establish.
(f)
Selection criteria
In selecting a project to receive funds under this program the Secretary shall consider the extent
to which the project—
(1) furthers Departmental goals such as state of good repair, environmental sustainability, economic
competitiveness, quality of life, or safety;
(2) improves the condition of critical multimodal transportation facilities;
(3) needs construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation;
(4) is included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places;
(5) enhances environmental ecosystems;
(6) uses new technologies and innovations that enhance the efficiency of the project;
(7) is supported by funds other than those received under this title to construct, maintain, and
operate the facility;
(8) spans 2 or more States; and
(9) serves lands owned by multiple Federal agencies or Tribes.
.
(b)
Conforming amendments
(1)
Availability of funds
Section 201(b) of such title is amended—
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting nationally significant Federal lands and tribal projects program, after Federal lands transportation program,;
(B) in paragraph (4)(A), by inserting nationally significant Federal lands and tribal projects program, after Federal lands transportation program,; and
(C) by adding at the end of paragraph (7) the following—
(C)
Nationally significant Federal lands and tribal projects program
The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under the nationally significant Federal
lands and tribal projects program may be up to 100 percent.
.
(2)
Planning
Section 201(c)(3) of such title is amended by inserting nationally significant Federal lands and tribal projects program after Federal lands transportation program, the first time it appears.
(3)
Analysis
The analysis for chapter 2 of such title is amended by inserting after the item related to
206 the following:
207. Nationally significant Federal lands and tribal projects program
.
2009.
Federal lands programmatic activities
(a)
Transportation planning
Section 201(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (6)(A) by—
(A) inserting a period after Tribal transportation program;
(B) inserting Data collected to implement the Tribal transportation program shall be before in accordance with; and
(C) striking , including and inserting . Data collected under this paragraph includes; and
(2) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
(7)
Cooperative research and technology deployment
The Secretary may conduct cooperative research and technology deployment in coordination with
Federal land management agencies, as deemed appropriate by the Secretary.
(8)
Funding
(A)
In general
To implement activities described in this subsection for Federal lands transportation facilities,
Federal lands access transportation facilities, and other federally owned
roads open to public travel (as defined under section 125 of this title),
the Secretary shall combine and use not more than 5 percent for each
fiscal year of the funds authorized for programs under sections 203 and
204 of this title.
(B)
Other activities
In addition to the activities specified in subparagraph (A), funds described under such
subparagraph may also be used for—
(i) bridge inspections on any Federally owned bridge even if such bridge is not included on the
inventory, as described under section 203 of this title; and
(ii) transportation planning activities undertaken by any Federal agency.
(C)
Eligible entities
Funds described under subparagraph (A) may be used by the following agencies:
(i) Bureau of Land Management;
(ii) Bureau of Reclamation;
(iii) Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command;
(iv) National Park Service;
(v) Tennessee Valley Authority;
(vi) United States Air Force;
(vii) United States Army;
(viii) United States Army Corps of Engineers;
(ix) United States Fish & Wildlife Service;
(x) United States Forest Service; and
(xi) United States Navy.
(D)
Special rule
Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) through (C), a Federal Land Management Agency receiving funds to
carry out section 203 of this title may use funds authorized for that
section to meet the requirements of this subsection.
(b)
Coordination
Section 201 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following
(f)
Federal lands transportation executive council
The Secretary periodically shall convene and chair a Federal Lands Transportation Executive
Council, which shall be composed of Secretaries of the appropriate Federal
Land Management Agencies or their designees, and chaired by the Secretary
or the Secretary’s designee. The purpose of the Federal Lands
Transportation Executive Council is to consult on interdepartmental data
standardization, technology integration, and interdepartmental
consistency.
.
2010.
Bridges requiring closure or load restrictions
Section 144(h) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by—
(1) redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (7) and (8), respectively;
(2) inserting after paragraph (5), the following new paragraph:
(6)
Bridges requiring closure or load restrictions
(A)
Bridges owned by Federal agencies or tribal governments
If a Federal agency or Tribal government fails to ensure that any highway bridge that is open to
public travel and is located within the jurisdiction of the Federal agency
or Tribal government is properly closed or restricted to loads it can
carry safely, the Secretary—
(i) shall, upon learning of the need to close such bridge or to restrict loads on it, require the
Federal agency or Tribal government to take action necessary to—
(I) close the bridge within 48 hours; or
(II) within 30 days, restrict public travel on the bridge to loads the bridge can carry safely; and
(ii) may, if the Federal agency or Tribal government fails to take action necessary under clause (i),
withhold all funding authorized under this title for the Federal agency or
Tribal government.
(B)
Other bridges
If a State fails to ensure that any highway bridge (other than a bridge described in subparagraph
(A)) that is open to public travel and is located within the boundaries of
the State is properly closed or restricted to loads it can carry safely,
the Secretary—
(i) shall, upon learning of the need to close such bridge or to restrict loads on it, require the State
to take action necessary to—
(I) close the bridge within 48 hours; or
(II) within 30 days, restrict public travel on the bridge to loads the bridge can carry safely; and
(ii) may, if the State fails to take action necessary under clause (i), withhold approval for
Federal-aid projects in such State.
; and
(3) in paragraph (8), as redesignated, by striking (6) and inserting (7).
2011.
Broadband infrastructure deployment
(a)
Policy
It is in the national interest for the Department of Transportation and State departments of
transportation to expand the use of rights-of-way on Federal-aid highways
to accommodate broadband infrastructure; to ensure the safe and efficient
accommodation of broadband infrastructure in the public right-of-way; to
identify areas where additional broadband infrastructure is most needed;
to include broadband stakeholders in the transportation planning process;
to coordinate highway construction plans with other statewide
telecommunications and broadband plans; and to improve broadband
connectivity to rural communities and improve broadband services in urban
areas.
(b)
Establishment of broadband infrastructure deployment initiative
(1)
In general
To advance the policy identified in subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry out a broadband
infrastructure deployment initiative under this section.
(2)
Advancing the use of best practices
In order to expand the installation of broadband infrastructure, the Secretary shall require each
State that receives funds under title II of this Act to meet the following
requirements:
(A)
Broadband coordination
Each State department of transportation shall—
(i) have a broadband utility coordinator responsible for coordinating the broadband infrastructure
needs of the State with Federal-aid highway projects;
(ii) provide for online registration of broadband infrastructure entities that seek to be included in
such broadband infrastructure coordination efforts within the State;
(iii) coordinate with other State and local agencies and broadband infrastructure entities registered
with the State department of transportation under clause (ii) and the
First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) as established in section
6204 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (42
U.S.C. 1424), to review areas within the State that are unserved or
underserved by broadband; and
(iv) include broadband infrastructure entities registered with the State department of transportation
under clause (ii) in the transportation planning processes under sections
134 and 135 of title 23, United States Code.
(B)
Broadband infrastructure coordination plan
Each State department of transportation shall—
(i) based on the coordination under subparagraph (A), develop a comprehensive State broadband
infrastructure coordination plan to expand the adoption and deployment of
broadband infrastructure within the State through, at a minimum, the use
of rights-of-way for Federal-aid highways and strategies to support
increased availability and adoption in unserved and underserved areas in
accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(iii);
(ii) to the extent practicable, coordinate the State broadband infrastructure coordination plan with
other statewide telecommunication or broadband plans, and with State and
local transportation and land use plans;
(iii) include in its State broadband infrastructure coordination plan strategies to minimize repeated
excavations that involve the installation of broadband infrastructure in
the right-of-way; and
(iv) include in its State broadband infrastructure coordination plan strategies to support increased
broadband availability and adoption in unserved and underserved areas in
accordance with paragraph (2)(A)(iii).
(C)
Right-of-way access
Notwithstanding any other provision of law—
(i) each State department of transportation shall—
(I) allow the installation of broadband infrastructure in the right-of-way of every Federal-aid highway
to the extent the State holds sufficient ownership rights to authorize
such accommodation; and
(II) establish reasonable conditions to provide right-of-way access to broadband infrastructure entities
to construct, operate, and maintain broadband infrastructure, and may
prohibit such uses that would adversely affect highway or traffic safety.
Such use and access shall be free of charge to a broadband infrastructure
entity requesting access for the purposes of broadband infrastructure
installation; and
(ii) each State may—
(I) designate one or more longitudinal areas within each right-of-way to accommodate broadband
infrastructure; and
(II) require all broadband infrastructure entities to locate their broadband infrastructure within such
longitudinal areas.
(D)
Innovation
Each State department of transportation shall consider new technology and construction practices
that would allow for the safe and efficient accommodation of broadband
infrastructure in the right-of-way.
(3)
State flexibility
A State meeting the requirements under paragraph (2) may use funds authorized for the surface
transportation program under section 133 of title 23, United States Code,
and the national highway performance program under section 119 of such
title, to install broadband infrastructure as part of a Federal-aid
highway project located in an area identified under paragraph (2)(A)(iii),
and the broadband infrastructure may be utilized to support
non-transportation purposes in addition to transportation purposes.
(c)
Definitions
In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)
Broadband infrastructure
The term broadband infrastructure means buried or aerial facilities, wireless or wireline connection that enables users to send and
receive voice, video, data, graphics, or a combination thereof.
(2)
Broadband infrastructure entity
The term broadband infrastructure entity means any entity that installs, owns, or operates broadband infrastructure and provides services
to members of the public.
(3)
Right-of-way
The term right-of-way means any real property, or interest therein, acquired, dedicated, or reserved for the
construction, operation, and maintenance of a Federal-aid highway.
(4)
State
The term State means any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
2012.
Critical immediate investments program
(a)
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a program under this section to make critical and immediate
improvements to infrastructure and highway safety. This program shall
include—
(1) the interstate bridge revitalization initiative under subsection (b);
(2) the systemic safety initiative under subsection (c); and
(3) the state of good repair initiative under subsection (d).
(b)
Interstate bridge revitalization initiative
(1)
Apportionment
The Secretary shall apportion funds made available to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year
among States in the ratio that—
(A) the amount of funds that the Secretary apportions to the State for such fiscal year for the
national highway performance program under section 104(b)(1) of title 23,
United States Code; bears to
(B) the amount of funds that the Secretary apportions to all States for such fiscal year for such
program under such section.
(2)
Use of funds
(A)
If above threshold
If the Secretary determines that more than 5 percent of the total deck area of bridges on the
Interstate System in a State is located on bridges that the Secretary has
classified as structurally deficient, the State may use funds under this
subsection to repair, rehabilitate, or replace structurally deficient
bridges on the Interstate System.
(B)
If below threshold
If the Secretary determines that less than 5 percent of the total deck area of bridges on the
Interstate System in a State is located on bridges that the Secretary has
classified as structurally deficient, the State may use funds under this
subsection to repair, rehabilitate, or replace structurally deficient
bridges on the National Highway System.
(C)
Exclusion
A State may not use funds under this subsection to construct a new bridge except as a replacement
for an eligible structurally deficient bridge.
(c)
Systemic safety initiative
(1)
Distribution of funds
(A)
Apportionment
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall apportion funds made available to carry out this
subsection for a fiscal year among States in the ratio specified in
subsection (b)(1).
(B)
Reservation of funds
Before apportioning funds under paragraph (1) in a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve
$75,000,000 under this subsection for use under paragraph (3).
(2)
Eligible uses of funds
(A)
In general
A State may use funds under this subsection on—
(i) systemic safety improvements that are—
(I) eligible uses of funding under section 148 of title 23, United States Code;
(II) consistent with the State’s strategic highway safety plan under such section; and
(III) located on a highway that is not owned by the State; and
(ii) data improvement activities (or safety data systems) related to highways described in clause
(i)(III).
(B)
Special rule
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)(i)(III), if a State, in the judgment of the Secretary, meets its
infrastructure safety needs relating to systemic safety improvements on
highways that are not owned by the State, the State may use funds under
this subsection on such an improvement—
(i) that is located on a highway owned by the State; and
(ii) that meets the requirements of subparagraphs (A)(i)(I) and (A)(i)(II).
(3)
Build to evaluate
(A)
In general
The Secretary shall provide grants under this paragraph to—
(i) allow local agencies to implement systemic safety improvements; and
(ii) enable the Secretary to evaluate the effectiveness of such improvements.
(B)
Eligible Applicants
A local agency seeking to receive a grant under this paragraph shall—
(i) submit to the Secretary an application in such form and in accordance with such requirements as the
Secretary shall establish; and
(ii) agree to provide the Secretary with data sufficient, in the judgment of the Secretary, to allow the
Secretary to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of the projects that
the agency implements with such a grant.
(4)
Definitions
In this subsection, the terms data improvement activities,safety data system,systemic safety improvement and strategic highway safety plan have the same meaning as in section 148 of title 23, United States Code.
(d)
State of good repair initiative
(1)
Apportionment
The Secretary shall apportion funds made available to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year
among States in the ratio specified in subsection (b)(1).
(2)
Eligible uses of funds
(A)
In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), a State may use funds under this subsection to—
(i) reconstruct, resurface, restore, rehabilitate, or preserve a highway on the National Highway
System; or
(ii) replace, rehabilitate, preserve, or protect a bridge or tunnel on the National Highway System.
(B)
Preservation projects
A State may use 50 percent of the funds that the Secretary apportions to the State under paragraph
(1) only for preservation or rehabilitation projects under subparagraph
(A) that would prevent or reduce the need for more costly future repair or
replacement.
(3)
Use of systems
In selecting projects to fund under this subsection, a State shall use information from its
pavement and bridge management systems to identify potential projects that
need immediate action to preserve the asset and avoid further
deterioration.
(e)
Transfers
Notwithstanding subsection (d), a State may transfer up to 100 percent of its apportionment under
such subsection—
(1) to its apportionment under subsection (b) if, in the judgment of the Secretary, such transfer will
help the State to meet the performance targets that the State has
established under section 150(d) of title 23, United States Code, in
relation to the national highway performance program; or
(2) to its apportionment under subsection (c) if, in the judgment of the Secretary, such transfer will
help the State to meet the performance targets that the State has
established under section 150(d) of such title in relation to the highway
safety improvement program.
(f)
Administration of funds
(1)
Availability of funds
Of the funds authorized for each fiscal year for the Critical Immediate Investments Program—
(A) 25 percent shall be available for the Interstate Bridge Revitalization Initiative under subsection
(b);
(B) 25 percent shall be available for the Systemic Safety Initiative under subsection (c); and
(C) 50 percent shall be available for the State of Good Repair Initiative under subsection (d).
(2)
Contract authority
Except as specified in paragraph (2), funds made available for the program under this section shall
be available for obligation and administered as if apportioned under
chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code.
(3)
Federal share
(A)
In general
The Federal share of the cost of a project under this section may be up to 80 percent of the total
project cost.
(B)
Use of other Federal funds
A State may use to pay the non-Federal share of a project under this section Federal funds
apportioned or allocated to the State under title 23, United States Code.
2013.
Appalachian development highway system
Subsections (b) and (c) of section 1528 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act
(Public Law 112–141; 126 Stat. 582) are amended by striking shall be 100 percent and inserting shall be up to 100 percent each place it appears.
B
Performance Management
2101.
Performance management data support program
(a)
Performance management data support program
Section 150 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end the following:
(f)
Performance management data support
To assist metropolitan planning organizations, States, and the Department in carrying out
performance management analyses, including the performance management
requirements of this chapter, the Secretary shall create and maintain data
sets and data analysis tools. Such activities may include—
(1) collecting and distributing vehicle probe data describing traffic on the National Highway System;
(2) collecting household travel behavior data crossing local jurisdictional boundaries to accommodate
external and through travel;
(3) enhancing existing data collection and analysis tools to accommodate performance measures, targets,
and related data;
(4) enhancing existing data analysis tools to improve performance predictions in reports described in
subsection (e) or section 5405 of title 49; and
(5) developing tools to improve performance analysis and evaluate the effects of project investments on
performance.
.
(b)
Federal share
Section 120 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:
(l)
Performance management data support program
The Federal share payable on account of an activity under the performance management data support
program under section 150(f) shall be 100 percent of the cost of the
activity.
.
2102.
Performance period adjustment
(a)
Highway safety improvement program
Section 148(i) of title 23, United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
by striking by the date that is 2 years after the date of the establishment of the performance targets.
(b)
National highway performance program
Section 119 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (e)(7), by striking for 2 consecutive reports submitted under this paragraph shall include in the next report submitted and inserting shall include as part of the performance target report; and
(2) in subsection (f)(1)(A), by striking If, during 2 consecutive reporting periods, the condition of the Interstate System, excluding
bridges on the Interstate System, in a State falls and inserting If a State reports that the condition of the Interstate System, excluding bridges on the Interstate
System, has fallen.
2103.
Multimodal accommodations
(a)
Design standards
Section 109 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (c)—
(A) in paragraph (1)—
(i) by striking may take into account and inserting shall take into account; and
(ii) by striking paragraph (1)(C) and inserting the following:
(C) access and safety for users of all foreseeable modes of transportation.
; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking may develop and inserting shall develop; and
(2) in subsection (m), by—
(A) striking and light motorcycles; and
(B) inserting , safe, convenient, and continuous before alternate route.
(b)
Transportation alternatives
(1)
Federal share
Section 120 of title 23, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding
at the end the following:
(m)
Transportation alternatives program
The Federal share requirements under this section applicable to the transportation alternatives
program under section 213 of this title may be met based on—
(1) an individual project or activity under that section; or
(2) a program of projects or activities approved under subsection (c)(6)(B) of that section.
.
(2)
Reservation of funds
Section 213 of such title is amended in subsection (a)(1) by striking of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 and inserting fiscal year.
(3)
Eligible entities
Section 213(c)(4)(B) of such title is amended by—
(A) redesignating clauses (vi) and (vii) as clauses (viii) and (ix); and
(B) inserting after clause (v) the following:
(vi) a nonprofit organization;
(vii) a metropolitan planning organization that is not developing the competitive process for funding;
.
(4)
Program of projects
Section 213(c) of such title is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(6)
Program of projects
Funds may be obligated under this section for—
(A) a project or activity eligible under subsection (b); or
(B) a program of projects or activities eligible under that subsection.
(7)
Administration
(A)
Submission of project agreement
For each fiscal year, each State shall submit a project agreement that—
(i) certifies that the State will meet all the requirements of this section; and
(ii) notifies the Secretary of the amount of obligations needed to carry out the program under this
section.
(B)
Request for adjustments of amounts
Each State shall request from the Secretary such adjustments to the amount of obligations referred
to in subparagraph (A)(ii) as the State determines to be necessary.
(C)
Effect of Approval by the secretary
Approval by the Secretary of a project agreement under subparagraph (A) shall be deemed a
contractual obligation of the United States to pay funds made available
under this title.
.
C
Improved Federal Stewardship
2201.
Project approval and oversight
Section 106 (g)(4) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end the
following:
(C)
Funding
(i)
In general
Subject to project approval by the Secretary, and the limitation in clause (iv), a State may use
funds made available to the State under section 133(d)(1)(B) to carry out
its administration and oversight responsibilities under subparagraph (A).
(ii)
Approval by secretary
To obligate such funds under this subparagraph, the State shall, prior to the beginning of the
fiscal year, submit to the Secretary for review and approval an annual
work plan identifying activities to be carried out during the fiscal year.
(iii)
Federal share
The Federal share of the cost of activities carried out in accordance with this subparagraph shall
not exceed 80 percent.
(iv)
Limitation
A State’s obligation of funds under this subparagraph shall not exceed an amount equal to 3 percent
of the State’s apportioned funds available for obligation in a fiscal year
as specified in section 133(d)(1)(B).
.
D
Other
2301.
Letting of contracts
Section 112 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following at the end:
(h)
Local hiring
(1)
In general
The Secretary or recipient of assistance under the Federal-aid highway program may advertise, post
job opportunities on State job banks and with One Stop centers established
under the Workforce Investment Act, and award a contract for construction
containing requirements for the employment of individuals residing in or
adjacent to any of the areas in which the work is to be performed under
the contract, provided that—
(A) all or part of the construction work performed under the contract occurs in an area that has—
(i) a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average; or
(ii) an unemployment rate that is, for the most recent 24-month period for which data are available, at
least 1 percent greater than the national average unemployment rate;
(B) the estimated cost of the project of which the contract is a part is greater than $10 million; and
(C) the recipient may not require the hiring of individuals who do not have the necessary skills to
perform work in any craft or trade, except for individuals who are subject
to an apprenticeship program or other training program meeting the
requirements of section 140 of this title.
(2)
Advertisement
In advertising and awarding a contract under this subsection, the Secretary or recipient of
assistance shall ensure that the requirements contained in the
advertisement would not—
(A) compromise the quality of the project;
(B) unreasonably delay the completion of the project; or
(C) unreasonably increase the cost of the project.
(i)
Permissible Restrictions
A State or local law governing contracting practices that prohibits the awarding of contracts to
businesses that have solicited or made contributions to political
candidates, political parties and holders of public office does not
violate the requirements of this section.
.
2302.
Construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities
Section 1801(e) of the SAFETEA–LU (23 U.S.C. 129 note; Public Law 109–59), as amended by section
1121 of the MAP–21 (Public Law 112–141), is amended in paragraph (4)(D) by
striking 2014 and inserting 2018.
2303.
Green stormwater infrastructure
(a)
Eligibility for environmental restoration and pollution abatement
Section 328(a) of title 23 United States Code, is amended by striking construction of stormwater treatment systems and inserting construction of stormwater treatment systems or green stormwater infrastructure.
(b)
Eligibiity under surface transportation program
Section 133(b) of such title is amended—
(1) in paragraph (2) by inserting and green infrastructure after material; and
(2) in paragraph (7) by striking wildlife, and inserting wildlife or stormwater,.
2304.
Elimination or modification of certain FHWA reporting requirements
(a)
Fundamental properties of asphalts report
Section 6016 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (23 U.S.C. 307 note)
is amended by striking subsection (g).
(b)
Projects of regional and national significance annual report
Section 1301 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (23 U.S.C. 101 note) is amended by striking subsection (k).
(c)
Express lane demonstration program reports
Section 1604 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (23 U.S.C. 129 note) is amended by striking subsection (b)(7)(B).
(d)
Surface transportation project delivery pilot program
Section 327 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking subsection (i); and
(2) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (i).
(e)
Expedient decisions and reviews report
Section 139(h)(7)(B) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking every 120 days and inserting in its place annually.
III
Public Transportation
3001.
Short title; amendments to title 49, United States Code
(a)
Short title
This title may be cited as the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2014.
(b)
Amendment of title 49
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an amendment or repeal is expressed
in terms of an amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision,
the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other
provision of title 49, United States Code.
3002.
Definitions
Section 5302 is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (23) as paragraphs (3) through (24), respectively;
(2) by inserting a new paragraph (2) to read as follows:
(2)
Base-model bus
The term base-model bus means a heavy-duty public transportation bus manufactured to meet, but not exceed, transit
specific minimum performance criteria developed by the Secretary.
;
(3) by revising paragraph (5), redesignated, to read as follows:
(5)
Designated recipient
The term designated recipient means—
(A) an entity designated, in accordance with the planning process under sections 5303 and 5304 of this
title, by the governor of a State, responsible local officials, and
publicly owned operators of public transportation, to receive and
apportion amounts under section 5336 of this title to urbanized areas of
200,000 or more in population;
(B) a State that receives and apportions amounts under sections 5310, 5336, 5337 and 5339 of this title
to urbanized areas of less than 200,000 in population notwithstanding such
an area’s designated as a transportation management area to pursuant
section 5303; or
(C) a State, or State authority, if the authority is responsible under the laws of a State for a
capital project and for financing and directly providing public
transportation.
; and
(4) by inserting a new paragraph at the end to read as follows:
(25)
Value capture
The term value capture means recovering the increased value to property located near public transportation resulting from
investments in public transportation.
.
3003.
Formula grants for enhanced mobility
Section 5310(a)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting , a local governmental entity, after designated recipient.
3004.
Formula grants for public transportation on Indian reservations
Section 5311 is amended—
(1) by revising subsection (c)(1)(B) to read as follows:
(B) $30,000,000 in fiscal year 2015, $30,871,500 in fiscal year 2016, $31,764,700 in fiscal year 2017,
and $32,680,141 in fiscal year 2018 shall be apportioned as formula
grants, as provided in subsection (j).
;
(2) in subsection (j)(1)(A)(iii), by striking Tribal lands (as defined by the Bureau of Census) and inserting American Indian Areas, Alaska Native Areas, and Hawaiian Home Lands, as defined by the Bureau of
the Census,; and
(3) by revising subsection (j)(1)(B) to read as follows:
(B)
Limitation
(i) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), no recipient shall receive an apportionment under this subsection
that is less than $20,000; and
(ii) No recipient shall receive more than $300,000 of the amounts apportioned under subparagraph
(A)(iii) in a fiscal year.
.
3005.
Workforce development programs
(a)
In general
Section 5322 is amended to read as follows:
5322.
Workforce development programs
(a)
In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, may undertake, or make grants,
cooperative agreements, other agreements, or enter into contracts for
programs that address human resource needs as they apply to public
transportation. A program may include—
(1) an employment training program;
(2) an outreach program to increase employment of minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities
in public transportation activities;
(3) research on public transportation personnel and training need; and
(4) training and assistance for minority business opportunities.
(b)
Ladders of opportunity public transportation grant program
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall undertake, make grants or cooperative agreements, or enter into contracts to
establish, conduct and administer a public transportation workforce
development program that addresses critical workforce issues and prepares
individuals for employment and career pathways in public transportation,
including in the area of public transportation technology.
(2)
Programs
Eligible public transportation workforce development programs under this subsection may include
apprenticeship programs that are registered under the National
Apprenticeship Act (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.), non-registered apprenticeship
programs, skill development programs, skill improvement programs, and
on-the-job training programs, that—
(A) are, to the extent possible, nationally or regionally significant in scope;
(B) replicate a successful workforce development model adopted in multiple geographic locations;
(C) target areas with high rates of unemployment;
(D) are designed to address current or projected workforce shortages;
(E) give priority to minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, low-income populations
and other underserved populations;
(F) are designed to provide career pathways that support the movement of targeted populations from
initial or short-term employment opportunities to sustainable careers; and
(G) other critical activities as identified by the Secretary.
(3)
Program outcomes
Recipients of assistance pursuant to this subsection shall require that apprenticeship, skill
development, skill improvement, and on-the-job training programs utilized
to carry out this subsection demonstrate program outcomes including—
(A) impact on reducing public transportation workforce shortages in the area served;
(B) diversity of training participants;
(C) number of participants obtaining certifications or credentials required for specific types of
employment;
(D) employment outcome, including job placement, job retention, and wages, using performance metrics
established in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and consistent
with metrics used by programs under the Workforce Investment Act; and
(E) to the extent practical, evidence that the program did not preclude workers that are participating
in training or apprenticeship activities from being referred to, or hired
on, projects funded under this chapter without regard to the length of
time of their participation in such program.
(4)
Coordination
Recipients of assistance under this subsection shall—
(A) identify the training needs, apprenticeship, skill development programs, and on-the-job training to
be implemented at the local level in coordination with entities such as
local employers, local transit operators, labor union organizations,
Workforce Investment Boards, State workforce agencies, State
Apprenticeship Agencies (where applicable), University Transportation
Centers, Community Colleges, and community-based organizations
representing minority, disability, and low-income populations; and
(B) to the extent practicable, conduct local training programs in coordination with existing local
training programs supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the
U.S. Department of Labor (including registered apprenticeship programs),
and the U.S. Department of Education.
(5)
Research and program evaluation
The Secretary shall conduct research and an impact evaluation based on measurable outcomes of the
training, apprenticeship, skill development and skill improvement
programs, and on-the-job training funded under this subsection. In the
second, fourth and sixth year following the enactment of this subsection,
the Secretary shall conduct an aggregate analysis of the national impact
related to workforce shortage, diversity, and job placement.
(c)
National public transportation institute
(1)
In general
The Secretary may enter into grants, contracts or cooperative agreements, and other agreements,
awarded on a competitive basis, to conduct a national public
transportation institute to develop and conduct training and educational
programs for Federal, State, and local transportation employees, United
States citizens, and foreign nationals engaged or to be engaged in
Government-aid public transportation work.
(2)
Cooperative effort
In cooperation with the Secretary, State transportation departments, public transportation
authorities, State workforce agencies, and national and international
entities, the institute under paragraph (1) shall develop and conduct
training and educational programs for Federal, State, and local
transportation employees, United States citizens, and foreign nationals
engaged or to be engaged in public transportation work.
(3)
Training and educational programs
The training and educational programs developed under paragraph (2) may include courses in recent
developments, techniques, and procedures related to—
(A) intermodal and public transportation planning;
(B) management;
(C) environmental factors;
(D) acquisition and joint use rights-of-way;
(E) engineering and architectural design;
(F) procurement strategies for public transportation systems;
(G) turnkey approaches to delivering public transportation systems;
(H) new technologies;
(I) emission reduction technologies;
(J) ways to make public transportation accessible to individuals with disabilities;
(K) construction, construction management, insurance, and risk management;
(L) maintenance;
(M) contract administration;
(N) inspection;
(O) innovative finance;
(P) workplace safety; and
(Q) public transportation security.
(4)
Providing education and training
Education and training of Federal, State, and local public transportation employees under this
subsection shall be provided—
(A) by the Secretary at no cost to the States and local governments for subjects that are a Government
program responsibility; or
(B) when the education and training are paid under paragraph (5) of this subsection, by the State, with
the approval of the Secretary, through grants and contracts with public
and private agencies, other institutions, individuals, and the institute.
(d)
Use for administration and technical assistance
The Secretary may use up to 1 percent of the amounts made available to carry out this section to
administer, oversee, and provide technical assistance for the activities
and programs developed and conducted with this section.
(e)
Government’s share of costs
A grant, cooperative agreement, other agreement, or contract awarded under this section may be up
to 100 percent of the cost of the project.
(f)
Availability of amounts
(1) Up to 0.5 percent of the amounts made available to a recipient under sections 5307, 5337 and 5339
is available for expenditure by the recipient, with the approval of the
Secretary, to pay up to 80 percent of the cost of eligible activities
under this section; and
(2) A recipient may transfer amounts under paragraph (1) to existing local training programs supported
by the Secretary, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of
Education.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 53 is amended by striking the item relating to section 5322 and inserting
the following:
5322. Workforce development programs.
.
3006.
General provisions
Section 5323 is amended—
(1) In subsection (i), by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as (2) and (3), respectively and
inserting a new paragraph (1) to read as follows:
(1)
Acquisition of base-model buses
A grant for the acquisition of a base-model bus for use in public transportation may be up to 85
percent of the net project cost.
;
(2) in subsection (j)—
(A) by revising paragraph (2)(C) to read as follows:
(C)
Rolling stock procurement
When procuring rolling stock (including train control, communication, traction power equipment, and
rolling stock prototypes) under this chapter—
(i) the cost of components and subcomponents produced in the United States—
(I) for fiscal year 2015 is more than 60 percent of the cost of all components of the rolling stock;
(II) for fiscal year 2016 is more than 70 percent of the cost of all components of the rolling stock;
(III) for fiscal year 2017 is more than 80 percent of the cost of all components of the rolling stock;
and
(IV) for fiscal year 2018 is more than 90 percent of the cost of all components of the rolling stock;
and
(ii) final assembly of the rolling stock, including rolling stock prototypes, has occurred in the United
States; or
;
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (9) as paragraphs (4) through (10), respectively; and
(C) by inserting a new paragraph (3) following paragraph (2), to read as follows:
(3)
Rolling stock cost and assembly
Beginning in fiscal year 2019, when procuring rolling stock, including rolling stock prototypes,
the cost of the components and subcomponents produced in the United States
shall be 100 percent and final assembly shall occur in the United States.
; and
(3) by inserting a new subsection at the end to read as follows:
(s)
Value capture revenue eligible for local share
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a recipient of assistance under this chapter may use
the revenue generated from value capture financing mechanisms as local
matching funds for capital projects and operating costs eligible under
this chapter.
.
3007.
Public transportation local hiring
Section 5325 is amended—
(1) in subsection (a) by striking Recipients of assistance and inserting Except as provided in subsections (k) and (l), recipients of assistance;
(2) in subsection (h), by striking A grant awarded and inserting Except as provided in subsections (k) and (l), a grant awarded; and
(3) by inserting a new subsection (l) at the end to read as follows:
(l)
Local hiring
(1)
In general
A recipient of assistance may post job opportunities on State job banks and with One Stop Centers
established under the Workforce Investment Act, and may advertise and
award a contract for construction containing requirements for the
employment of individuals residing in or adjacent to any of the areas in
which the work to be performed is for construction work required under the
contract, provided that—
(A) all or part of the construction work performed under the contract occurs in an area that has—
(i) a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average; or
(ii) an unemployment rate that is for the most recent 24-month period for which data are available at
least 1 percent greater than the national average unemployment rate;
(B) the estimated cost of the project of which the contract is a part is greater than $10,000,000; and
(C) the recipient may not require the hiring of individuals who do not have the necessary skills to
perform work in any craft or trade, except for individuals who are subject
to an apprenticeship program or other training program meeting the
requirements of section 5332 of this title.
(2)
Advertisement
In advertising and awarding a contract under this subsection, the Secretary or a recipient of
assistance shall ensure that the requirements contained in the
advertisement would not—
(A) compromise the quality of the project;
(B) unreasonably delay the completion of the project; or
(C) unreasonably increase the cost of the project.
.
3008.
Public transportation safety program
(a)
In general
Section 5329(e) is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (9) as paragraphs (4) through (10), respectively;
(2) by adding the following after paragraph (2):
(3)
State participation
(A) An eligible State having within its jurisdiction 1 or more rail fixed guideway public
transportation systems in revenue service, design or construction that
have fewer than 1,000,000 combined actual and projected rail fixed
guideway revenue miles per year or which provide fewer than 10,000,000
combined actual and projected unlinked passenger trips per year may
request, in writing, that the Secretary oversee the safety of such systems
consistent with the oversight and enforcement authority under this
section.
(B) Should a State be granted an exemption under this subparagraph (C), the State will not be subject
to the State safety oversight requirements under this subsection and shall
not be eligible to receive a State Safety Oversight grant authorized under
paragraph (6) of this subsection.
(C) The Secretary shall provide an exemption to a State that meets the criteria under subparagraph (A)
within 30 days of the Secretary’s receipt of the State’s request or inform
the State of the reason an exemption cannot be granted.
; and
(3) in paragraph (7), as redesignated—
(A) by striking shall be 80 and insert may be up to 100; and
(B) by striking clauses (ii) and (iii) and redesignating clause (iv) as clause (ii).
(b)
Public transportation safety enforcement
Section 5329(g) is amended to read as follows:
(g)
Enforcement
(1)
Types of enforcement actions
The Secretary may take enforcement action against recipient that does not comply with Federal law
with respect to the safety of the public transportation system, including—
(A) issuing directives;
(B) requiring more frequent oversight of the recipient by a State safety oversight agency or the
Secretary;
(C) imposing more frequent reporting requirements;
(D) requiring that any Federal financial assistance provided under this chapter be spent on correcting
safety deficiencies identified by the Secretary or the State safety
oversight agency before such funds are spent on other projects;
(E) withholding financial assistance under this chapter in an amount to be determined by the Secretary;
(F) issuing penalties pursuant to paragraph (2);
(G) instituting a civil action pursuant to paragraph (4); and
(H) issuing orders, including orders issued pursuant to paragraph (7).
(2)
Penalties
The Secretary has the authority—
(A) to establish, impose and compromise a civil penalty for a violation of a public transportation
safety regulation promulgated or order issued under this section;
(B) to establish, impose and compromise a civil penalty for violation of the alcohol and controlled
substances testing provisions under section 5331 of this chapter;
(C) to request an injunction for a violation of a public transportation safety regulation promulgated
or order issued under this section; and
(D) to notify the Attorney General when the Secretary receives evidence of a possible criminal
violation under paragraph (6).
(3)
Deposit of civil penalties
An amount collected by the Secretary under this section shall be credited to the Federal Transit
Administration’s formula and bus appropriations account to carry out
subsection (e).
(4)
Enforcement by the attorney general
At the request of the Secretary, the Attorney General shall bring a civil action—
(A) for appropriate injunctive relief to ensure compliance with this section;
(B) to collect a civil penalty imposed or an amount agreed upon in a compromise under paragraph (1) of
this subsection; or
(C) to enforce a subpoena, request for admissions, request for production of documents or other
tangible things, or request for testimony by deposition issued by the
Secretary under this section.
(5)
Jurisdiction
An action under paragraph (3) of this subsection may be brought in a district court of the United
States in any State in which the relief is required. On a proper showing,
the court shall issue a temporary restraining order or preliminary or
permanent injunction. An injunction under this section may order a public
transportation agency receiving assistance under this chapter to comply
with this section, or a regulation promulgated under this section.
(6)
Criminal penalty
A person who knowingly violates this section or a public transportation safety regulation or order
issued under this section shall be fined under title 18, United States
Code, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both; except that the
maximum amount of imprisonment shall be 10 years in any case in which the
violation results in death or bodily injury to any person. For purposes of
this paragraph—
(A) a person acts knowingly when the person has actual knowledge of the facts giving rise to the
violation; and
(B) actual knowledge of the existence of a statutory provision, or a regulation or a requirement
imposed by the Secretary is not an element of an offense under this
paragraph.
(7)
Emergency authority
(A)
Ordering restrictions and prohibitions
If, through testing, inspection, investigation, or research carried out under this section, the
Secretary decides that an unsafe condition or practice, or a combination
of unsafe conditions and practices, causes an emergency situation
involving a hazard of death, personal injury, or significant harm to the
environment, the Secretary immediately may order restrictions and
prohibitions, without regard to section 553 and section 554 of title 5,
United States Code, that may be necessary to abate the emergency
situation.
(B)
Emergency condition or practice
The order shall describe the condition or practice, or a combination of conditions and practices,
that causes the emergency situation and promulgate standards and
procedures for obtaining relief from the order. This paragraph does not
affect the Secretary’s discretion under this subsection to maintain the
order in effect for as long as the emergency situation exists.
(C)
Review of orders
After issuing an order under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide an opportunity for review
of the order under section 554 of title 5, United States Code. If a
petition for review is filed and the review is not completed by the end of
the 30-day period beginning on the date the order was issued, the order
stops being effective at the end of that period unless the Secretary
decides in writing that the emergency situation still exists.
(D)
Civil actions to compel issuance of orders
An employee of a rail fixed guideway public transportation system provider who may be exposed to
imminent physical injury during that employment because of the Secretary’s
failure, without any reasonable basis, to issue an order under paragraph
(1) of this subsection, or the employee’s authorized representative, may
bring a civil action against the Secretary in a district court of the
United States to compel the Secretary to issue an order. The action shall
be brought in the judicial district in which the emergency situation is
alleged to exist, in which the employing provider has its principal
executive office, or in the District of Columbia. The Secretary’s failure
to issue an order under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be reviewed
only under section 706 of title 5, United States Code.
.
(c)
Disclosure of safety information
Section 5329 is amended by inserting the following at the end:
(l)
Limitation on public disclosure of safety information
(1)
In general
A report, data, investigation, or other information, or any portion thereof, submitted to,
developed, produced, collected, or obtained by the Secretary or his
representative for purposes of enhancing public transportation safety,
including information related to a transit provider’s safety plan, safety
risks, and mitigation measures, shall not be disclosed to the public
pursuant to section 522(b)(3)(B) of title 5 if the Secretary or his
representative determines—
(A) the receipt of the information aids in fulfilling the Secretary’s safety responsibilities; and
(B) withholding such information from disclosure is necessary to the safety or security of public
transportation systems.
(2)
Exception for de-identified information
(A)
In general
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a report, data, investigation or other information if the
information contained in the report, data, investigation or other
information collected or obtained by the Secretary or his representative
has been de-identified.
(B)
De-identified defined
In this subsection, the term de-identified means the process by which all information that is likely to establish the identity of specific
persons or entities submitting reports, data, investigation or other
information is removed from the reports, data, or investigation, or other
information.
.
3009.
Authorizations
Section 5338 is amended to read as follows:
(a)
Transit formula grants
(1)
In general
There shall be available from the Mass Transit Account of the Transportation Trust Fund to carry
out Federal public transportation assistance program under sections 5305,
5307, 5310, 5311, 5318, 5322(d), 5334, 5335, 5337, 5339, and 5340 of this
title, and section 20005(b) of the Federal Public Transportation Act of
2012, as amended, $13,914,400,000 in fiscal year 2015, $14,140,000,000 in
fiscal year 2016, $14,372,000,000 in fiscal year 2017, and $14,610,000,000
in fiscal year 2018.
(2)
Allocation of funds
Of the amounts made available under paragraph (1)—
(A) $131,819,706 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $135,103,394 for fiscal year 2016,
$138,494,393 for fiscal year 2017, and $141,992,702 for fiscal year 2018,
to provide financial assistance for planning under section 5305;
(B) $10,234,449 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $10,489,394 for fiscal year 2016, $10,752,670
for fiscal year 2017, and $11,024,278 for fiscal year 2018, to carry out
the pilot program for transit—oriented development planning under section
20005(b) of Public Law 112–114, as amended;
(C) $4,563,182,694 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $4,676,853,640 for fiscal year 2016,
$4,794,239,323 for fiscal year 2017, and $4,915,339,743 for fiscal year
2018, to provide financial assistance under the section 5307 urbanized
area formula grant program pursuant to section 5336;
(D) $264,355,823 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $270,941,046 for fiscal year 2016,
$277,741,473 for fiscal year 2017, and $284,757,103 for fiscal year 2018,
to provide financial assistance for services for the enhanced mobility of
seniors and individuals with disabilities under section 5310;
(E) $622,049,823 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $637,545,365 for fiscal year 2016,
$653,547,298 for fiscal year 2017, and $670,055,621 for fiscal year 2018,
to provide financial assistance for rural areas under section 5311;
(F) $3,070,335 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $3,146,818 for fiscal year 2016, $3,225,801 for
fiscal year 2017, and $3,307,283 for fiscal year 2018, to provide
financial assistance for bus testing under section 5318;
(G) $5,117,225 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $5,244,697 for fiscal year 2016, $5,376,335 for
fiscal year 2017, and $5,512,139 for fiscal year 2018, to provide
financial assistance to the national transit institute under section
5322(d);
(H) $114,400,000 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $120,000,000 for fiscal year 2016,
$126,000,000 for fiscal year 2017, and $132,000,000 for fiscal year 2018,
for administrative expenses to carry out Federal transit assistance
programs under this chapter;
(I) $3,940,263 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $4,038,417 for fiscal year 2016, $4,139,778 for
fiscal year 2017, and $4,244,347 for fiscal year 2018, to carry out
National Transit Database activities under section 5335;
(J) $5,719,000,000 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $5,775,000,000 for fiscal year 2016,
$5,832,000,000 for fiscal year 2017, and $5,890,000,000 for fiscal year
2018, to provide financial assistance for state of good repair activities
under section 5337;
(K) $1,939,000,000 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $1,950,000,000 for fiscal year 2016,
$1,961,000,000 for fiscal year 2017, and $1,972,000,000 for fiscal year
2018, to provide financial assistance the bus and bus facilities program
under section 5339; and
(L) $538,229,684 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $551,637,229 for fiscal year 2016,
$565,482,929 for fiscal year 2017, and $579,766,784 for fiscal year 2018,
and shall be allocated in accordance with section 5340 to provide
financial assistance for urbanized areas under section 5307 and rural
areas under section 5311.
(b)
Capital investment grants
There shall be available from the Mass Transit Account of the Transportation Trust Fund to carry
out section 5309, $2,500,000,000 in fiscal year 2015, $2,625,000,000 in
fiscal year 2016, $2,756,000,000 in fiscal year 2017, and $2,894,000,000
in fiscal year 2018.
(c)
Transit research and training
(1)
In general
There shall be available from the Mass Transit Account of the Transportation Trust Fund to carry
out Federal public transportation research and training programs under
sections 5312, 5313, 5314, and 5322(a), (b), (c) and (e), $60,000,000 for
fiscal year 2015, $61,000,000 for fiscal year 2016, $63,000,000 for fiscal
year 2017, and $67,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(2)
Allocation of funds
Of the amounts made available under paragraph (1)—
(A) $26,000,000 shall be available for fiscal year 2015, $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2016, $29,000,000
for fiscal year 2017, and $31,000,000 for fiscal year 2018, to carry out
research under section 5312;
(B) $7,000,000 shall be available in each fiscal year 2015 through 2018 to carry out transit
cooperative research under section 5313;
(C) $7,000,000 shall be available for each fiscal year 2015 through 2017, and $9,000,000 for fiscal
year 2018, to carry out technical assistance and standards development
under section 5314; and
(D) $20,000,000 shall be available for each fiscal year 2015 through 2018 to carry out human resources
and training under section 5322 (a), (b), (c) and (e).
(d)
Emergency relief
There shall be available from the Mass Transit Account of the Transportation Trust Fund to carry
out section 5324 of this title, $25,000,000 for each fiscal year 2015
through 2018.
(e)
Rapid growth area transit program
There shall be available from the Mass Transit Account of the Transportation Trust Fund to carry
out section 5341 of this title, $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2015,
$525,000,000 for fiscal year 2016, $550,000,000 for fiscal year 2017, and
$600,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(f)
Oversight
(1)
In general
Of the amounts made available to carry out this chapter for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use
not more than the following amounts for the activities described in
paragraph (2):
(A) 0.5 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5305.
(B) 0.75 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5307.
(C) 1.5 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5309.
(D) 1 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 601 of the Passenger Rail Investment and
Improvement Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–432; 126 Stat. 4968).
(E) 0.5 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5310.
(F) 0.5 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5311.
(G) 0.75 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5337.
(H) 0.75 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5339.
(2)
Activities
The activities described in this paragraph are as follows:
(A) Activities to oversee the construction of a major capital project.
(B) Activities to review and audit the safety and security, procurement, management, and financial
compliance of a recipient or subrecipient of funds under this chapter.
(C) Activities to provide technical assistance generally, and to provide technical assistance to
correct deficiencies identified in compliance reviews and audits carried
out under this section.
(3)
Government share of costs
The Government shall pay the entire cost of carrying out a contract under this subsection.
(4)
Availability of certain funds
Funds made available under paragraph (1)(C) shall be made available to the Secretary before
allocating the funds appropriated to carry out any project under a full
funding grant agreement.
(g)
Grants as contractual obligations
A grant or contract that is approved by the Secretary and financed with amounts made available from
the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund pursuant to this
section is a contractual obligation of the Government to pay the
Government share of the cost of the project.
(h)
Availability of amounts
Amounts made available by or appropriated under this section shall remain available until expended.
.
3010.
Bus and bus facilities program
(a)
In general
Section 5339 is amended as follows:
(1) The section heading is amended by striking Formula.
(2) Subsection (c) is amended—
(A) by revising paragraph (1) to read as follows:
(1)
Recipients
Eligible recipients under this section are States and local governmental entities that operate
fixed route bus service or designated recipients that allocate funding to
fixed route bus operators.
; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking designated.
(3) Subsection (d) is amended—
(A) by striking the matter preceding paragraph (1) and inserting:
(d)
Distribution of grants funds
Funds made available under section 5338 to carry out this section shall be allocated as follows:
;
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and
(C) by inserting a new paragraph (1) to read as follows:
(1)
Competitive allocation
Thirty percent shall be distributed on a competitive basis by the Secretary.
.
(4) Subsection (e) is amended—
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking subsection (d)(1) and inserting subsection (d)(2); and
(B) in paragraph (2) by striking subsection (d)(2) and inserting subsection (d)(3).
(5) Subsection (g) is amended—
(A) by inserting at the end of the first sentence under subsections (d)(2) and (d)(3) or three years after the fiscal year in which the project
competitively selected under subsection (d)(1) is announced; and
(B) by revising the second sentence to read as follows:
Not later than 30 days after the end of the 3-year period described in the preceding sentence—
(1) any amount allocated under subsection (d)(1) that is not obligated on the last day of that period
shall be added to the amount that may be available under such subsection
in the next fiscal year; and
(2) any amount apportioned under subsection (d)(2) and (d)(3) that is not obligated on the last day of
that period shall be added to the amount that may be apportioned under
such subsections in the next fiscal year.
.
(b)
Chapter analysis
The analysis for chapter 53 is amended by striking the item relating to section 5339 and inserting
the following:
5339. Bus and Bus Facilities Program.
.
3011.
Rapid growth area transit program
(a)
In general
Chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end the following:
5341.
Rapid Growth Area Transit Program
(a)
In general
The Secretary may make grants on a competitive basis to State and local governmental entities for
bus rapid transit projects, which may include acquisition of right-of-way
or land for purposes of future enhancements to public transportation in
the project corridor. Such projects shall serve a high-traffic
transportation artery located in an urbanized or rural area that—
(1) has experienced moderate to significant population growth between the 2000 and 2010 decennial
census of population; and
(2) has a transit system in revenue service that—
(A) has experienced a moderate to significant increase in ridership; and
(B) has the financial capacity to pay operating expenses for the existing system and an expanded
system.
(b)
Government’s share of costs
(1)
Federal transit assistance
A grant for a bus rapid transit project financed from amounts made available to carry out this
section shall be for up to 50 percent of the net capital costs of the
project.
(2)
Federal-aid highway assistance
Up to 30 percent of the net project costs may be derived from the Surface Transportation Program
and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program.
(3)
Remainder of net capital project cost
The remainder of the net capital project cost shall be provided from an undistributed cash surplus,
a replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, or new capital.
.
(b)
Chapter analysis
The analysis for chapter 53 is amended by inserting at the end the following:
5341. Rapid Growth Area Transit Program.
.
3012.
Technical corrections
(a)
Statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning
Section 5304 is amended—
(1) in subsection (d)(2)(B)(ii)—
(A) by striking urbanized; and
(B) by striking with a population of fewer than 200,000, as calculated according to the most recent decennial
census, and; and
(2) in subsection (d)(2)(C)—
(A) by striking title 23 and by inserting this Chapter;
(B) by striking urbanized; and
(C) by striking with a population of fewer than 200,000, as calculated according to the most recent decennial
census, and.
(b)
Urbanized area formula grant program
Section 5307 is amended in subsections (a)(2)(A) and (B), by inserting before during each place it appears the following: or general demand response service.
(c)
Fixed guideway capital investment grants
Section 5309 is amended—
(1) in subsections (d)(1)(B) and (g)(2)(A)(i), by striking policies and land use patterns that promote public transportation, in each place it appears;
(2) in subsection 5309(d)(2)(A)—
(A) in clause (iii) by inserting and after the semicolon preceding the matter in subparagraph (iv);
(B) by striking clause (iv); and
(C) by redesignating clause (v) as clause (iv).
(d)
Research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects
Section 5312 is amended—
(1) in subsection (d)(5)(A)—
(A) in clause (i)(II), by striking section 5303 and inserting 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(14); and
(B) by striking clause (vi), and inserting the following:
(vi)
Recipient
The term recipient means a designated recipient, a local governmental entity, or a State that receives a Federal low
or no emissions vehicle grant for an urbanized area eligible under clause
(i) of this paragraph directly from the Government.
;
(2) in subsection (d)(5)(C)(ii), by striking 5323(j) and inserting 5323(i); and
(3) in subsection (d)(5)(D), by revising the matter preceding clause (i) to read as follows:
(D)
Allocations
Of the amounts made available to carry out this section in each fiscal year, a sum, in an amount to
be determined by the Secretary, shall be available to carry out this
paragraph, of which—
.
(e)
Bicycle facilities
Section 5319 is amended—
(1) in the first sentence, after 5307 by striking , 5309,;
(2) by striking Notwithstanding sections 5307(d), 5309(l), and 5311(g), a and inserting A; and
(3) by striking 5307(d)(1)(K) and inserting 5307(c)(1)(K).
(f)
Human resources and training
Section 5322(d)(4) is amended by striking subsection and inserting section..
(g)
Apportionments of Appropriations for formula grants
Section 5336(a) is amended by striking (h)(4) and inserting (h)(5).
(h)
State of good repair program
Section 5337 is amended—
(1) in subsection (c)(2)(B) by striking 5336(b)(1) and inserting 5336(b)(2);
(2) in subsection (d)(1) by striking a facility with access for other high-occupancy vehicles and inserting high occupancy vehicle lanes during peak hours;
(3) in subsection (d)(2) by inserting vehicle after motorbus; and
(4) by inserting the following at the end:
(e)
Government share of costs
(1)
Capital projects
A grant for a capital project under this section shall be for 80 percent of the net project cost of
the project. The recipient may provide additional local matching amounts.
(2)
Remaining costs
The remainder of the net project costs shall be provided from an undistributed cash surplus, a
replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, or new capital.
.
(i)
Oversight
Section 5338(i)(1) is amended—
(1) in subparagraph (G), by striking section 5337(c) and inserting section 5337; and
(2) by adding the following at the end:
(H) 0.75 percent of the amounts made available to carry out section 5339.
.
(j)
Bus and bus facilities formula program
Section 5339 is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)—
(A) by inserting before financing the following: only for the purposes of; and
(B) by striking rehabilitate and inserting rebuild; and
(2) by revising subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c)
Eligible recipients and subrecipients
(1)
Recipients
Eligible recipients under this section are designated recipients that allocate funds to fixed route
bus operators or State or local governmental entities that operate fixed
route bus service.
(2)
Subrecipients
A recipient that receives a grant under this section may allocate amounts of the grant to
subrecipients that are public agencies or private nonprofit organizations
engaged in public transportation.
.
(k)
Growing states and high density states
Section 5340(b) is amended by striking 5338(b)(2)(M) and inserting 5338(a)(2)(K).
(l)
Technical corrections to surface transportation board jurisdiction
Section 10501(c) is amended—
(1) in clause (1)(A)(i), by striking 5302(a) and inserting 5302;
(2) in subparagraph (1)(B), by striking mass transportation and inserting public transportation and by striking 5302(a) and inserting 5302; and
(3) in subparagraph (2)(A), by striking mass transportation and inserting public transportation.
3013.
Technical corrections of title II, division B, of MAP–21
Section 20013(d) of Public Law 112–141 is amended by striking 5307(c) and inserting 5307(b).
3014.
Elimination of FTA annual research reporting requirement
Section 5312 is amended—
(1) by striking subsection (e); and
(2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e).
IV
Highway and Motor Vehicle Safety
A
Traffic Safety
4001.
Authorization of appropriations
(a)
In general
The following sums are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Account of the
Transportation Trust Fund:
(1)
Highway safety programs
For carrying out section 402 of title 23, United States Code—
(A) $241,146,351 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $253,203,669 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $265,863,852 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $279,157,045 for fiscal year 2018.
(2)
Highway safety research and development
For carrying out section 403 of title 23, United States Code—
(A) $117,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $122,850,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $128,992,500 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $135,442,125 for fiscal year 2018.
(3)
National priority safety programs
For carrying out section 405 of title 23, United States Code—
(A) $278,705,019 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $292,640,270 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $307,272,283 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $322,635,898 for fiscal year 2018.
(4)
National driver register
For carrying out section 303 of title 49, United States Code—
(A) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $5,250,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $5,512,500 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $5,788,125 for fiscal year 2018.
(5)
High visibility enforcement program
For carrying out section 2009 of SAFETEA–LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note)—
(A) $29,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $30,450,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $31,972,500 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $33,571,125 for fiscal year 2018.
(6)
Administrative expenses
For administrative and related operating expenses of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration in carrying out chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code,
and this subtitle—
(A) $28,148,630 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $29,556,062 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $31,033,865 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $32,585,558 for fiscal year 2018.
(b)
Prohibition on other uses
Except as otherwise provided in chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, in this subtitle and in
the amendments made by this subtitle, the amounts made available from the
Highway Account of the Transportation Trust Fund for a program under such
chapter—
(1) shall only be used to carry out such program; and
(2) may not be used by States or local governments for construction purposes.
(c)
Applicability of title 23
Except as otherwise provided in chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, and in this subtitle,
amounts made available under subsection (a) for fiscal years 2015 through
2018 shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if such funds
were apportioned or allocated under chapter 1 of title 23, United States
Code.
(d)
Regulatory authority
Grants awarded under this subtitle shall be in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary.
(e)
State matching requirements
If a grant awarded under this subtitle requires a State to share in the cost, the aggregate of all
expenditures for highway safety activities made during any fiscal year by
the State and its political subdivisions (exclusive of Federal funds) for
carrying out the grant (other than planning and administration) shall be
available for the purpose of crediting the State during such fiscal year
for the non-Federal share of the cost of any project under this subtitle
(other than planning or administration) without regard to whether such
expenditures were actually made in connection with such project.
(f)
Grant Application and deadline
To receive a grant under this subtitle, a State shall submit an application, and the Secretary
shall establish a single deadline for such applications to enable the
award of grants early in the next fiscal year.
4002.
Highway safety programs
(a)
Section 402(a) amendments
Section 402(a)(2)(A) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by—
(1) striking and at the end of clause (vi);
(2) redesignating clause (vii) as clause (ix); and
(3) inserting after clause (vi) the following:
(vii) to reduce injuries and deaths to older drivers;
(viii) to improve emergency medical services response to crash sites; and
.
(b)
Section 402(b) amendments
Section 402(b)(1)(F) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by redesignating clauses (iii) through (v) as clauses (iv) through (vi), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
(iii) countermeasures designed to decrease deaths and injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists traveling in
the roadways;
.
(c)
Section 402(c) amendments
Section 402(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (2) by striking Funds apportioned under this section to any State, and all that follows;
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
(3)
Reduction in Apportionment
(A)
Nonapproved programs
Funds apportioned under this section to any State, that does not have a highway safety program
approved by the Secretary or that is not implementing an approved program,
shall be reduced by amounts equal to not less than 20 percent of the
amounts that would otherwise be apportioned to the State under this
section, until such time as the Secretary approves such program or
determines that the State is implementing an approved program, as
appropriate. The Secretary shall consider the gravity of the State’s
failure to have or implement an approved program in determining the amount
of the reduction.
(B)
High risk
In consultation with the State, the Secretary shall take appropriate steps to address any
deficiencies if a State is determined to be high-risk under regulations or procedures of the Secretary, taking into consideration responsibility,
financial stability, and management and staffing capabilities. In the
fiscal year in which a State has been determined high-risk, the Secretary shall redirect funds sufficient to address the deficiency. If the State fails to
take adequate steps to address the deficiency within 12 months after a high-risk designation, in the next fiscal year the Secretary shall reduce funds under this section by not
less than 20 percent of the amounts that would otherwise be apportioned to
the State under this section. The Secretary shall consider the gravity of
the State’s failure to address the deficiency in determining the amount of
the reduction. The Secretary shall increase the amount of the reduction in
each subsequent fiscal year in which the State fails to take adequate
steps to address the deficiency.
; and
(4) in paragraph (4), as redesignated—
(A) by striking or after highway safety program and inserting a comma; and
(B) by inserting or determines that the State has taken adequate steps to address a deficiency after approved program.
(d)
Section 402(g) amendment
Section 402 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting
after subsection (f) the following:
(g)
Restriction
Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize the appropriation or expenditure of funds for
highway construction, maintenance, or design (other than design of safety
features of highways to be incorporated into guidelines).
.
4003.
Amendment to section 405 national priority safety programs transfer authority
Section 405(a)(1)(G) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after the last sentence
the following: If the Secretary reallocates any amounts to increase the amount made available under section 402,
the State shall use not less than 30 percent for the purposes of
pedestrian and bicycle safety if the State’s combined pedestrian and
bicycle fatalities exceed 5 percent of the State’s total crash fatalities,
based on the most recently reported final data from the Fatality Analysis
Reporting System..
4004.
Amendment to motorcyclist safety grant criteria
Section 405(f) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following after
paragraph (5):
(6)
Support activity
The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee may engage in activities with States and State
legislators to consider proposals related to motorcycle helmet use laws.
.
4005.
Amendment to graduated driver licensing incentive grant criteria
Section 405 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting
the following:
(g)
State graduated driver licensing incentive grant
(1)
Grants authorized
The Secretary shall award grants to States that adopt and implement graduated driver licensing laws
that require novice drivers younger than 18 years of age to comply with
the 2-stage licensing process described in paragraph (2) before receiving
an unrestricted driver’s license.
(2)
Minimum requirements
A State’s driver’s license laws shall include—
(A) a learner’s permit stage that—
(i) is at least 6 months in duration, but must remain in effect until the driver reaches 16 years of
age;
(ii) requires that the driver be accompanied and supervised at all times while such driver is operating
a motor vehicle by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age, is
the driver’s parent or guardian, or is a State-certified driving
instructor; and
(iii) has at least two of the following criteria:
(I) a prohibition on the driver using a personal wireless communications device, as defined in
subsection (e)(9)(B), while driving except under an exception permitted in
subsection (e)(4), and violation of which is a primary offense;
(II) a requirement that the driver obtain at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed
driver who is at least 21 years of age, is the driver’s parent or
guardian, or is a State-certified driving instructor;
(III) a requirement that the driver attend a driver training course; or
(IV) a requirement that the driver not be convicted, for a period of six consecutive months immediately
prior to entering the intermediate stage or receiving an unrestricted
driver’s license, of any offense under State or local law relating to the
use or operation of a motor vehicle;
(B) an intermediate stage that—
(i) is at least 6 months in duration;
(ii) restricts driving at night;
(iii) for a period of not less than six months, prohibits the driver from operating a motor vehicle with
more than 1 nonfamilial passenger younger than 21 years of age unless a
licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age, is the driver’s parent or
guardian, or is a State-certified driving instructor is in the motor
vehicle; and
(iv) has at least one of the following criteria:
(I) a requirement that the intermediate stage remain in effect until the driver reaches 18 years of
age;
(II) a prohibition on the driver using a personal wireless communications device, as defined in
subsection (e)(9)(B), while driving except under an exception permitted in
subsection (e)(4), and violation of which is a primary offense; or
(III) a requirement that the driver not be convicted, for a period of six consecutive months immediately
prior to receiving an unrestricted driver’s license, of any offense under
State or local law relating to the use or operation of a motor vehicle;
and
(C) any other requirement prescribed by the Secretary.
(3)
Exception
A State that otherwise meets the minimum requirements set forth in paragraph (2) shall be deemed by
the Secretary to be in compliance with the requirement set forth in
paragraph (2) if the State enacted a law before January 1, 2011,
establishing a class of license that permits licensees or applicants
younger than 18 years of age to drive a motor vehicle—
(A) in connection with work performed on, or for the operation of, a farm owned by family members who
are directly related to the applicant or licensee; or
(B) if demonstrable hardship would result from the denial of a license to the licensees or applicants.
(4)
Grants to states that implement national driver education standards and enhanced intermediate stage
restrictions
(A)
In general
The Secretary shall make a separate grant under this paragraph, in accordance with subparagraphs
(B) and (C), to each State that implements national driver education and
training standards prescribed by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and enhanced intermediate stage restrictions.
(B)
First year
A State is eligible for the grant described in this paragraph if the State—
(i) has not received a grant under this paragraph in a prior fiscal year;
(ii) receives a grant in the same fiscal year pursuant to paragraph (1);
(iii) has satisfied the criterion described in paragraph (2)(A)(iii)(III) for the same fiscal year; and
(iv) submits a plan, approved by the Secretary, to implement national driver education and training
standards prescribed by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration.
(C)
Successive years
A State is eligible for the grant described in this paragraph if the State—
(i) has received a grant under this paragraph in a prior fiscal year;
(ii) receives a grant in the same fiscal year pursuant to paragraph (1);
(iii) has satisfied the criterion described in paragraph (2)(A)(iii)(III) for the same fiscal year;
(iv) demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that it is implementing the plan described in
subparagraph (B)(iv);
(v) imposes the restrictions described in paragraph (2)(B)(ii) beginning no later than 10:00 pm; and
(vi) imposes the restrictions described in paragraph (2)(B)(iii) for the entire intermediate stage.
(D)
Funding
Not more than 33 percent of the amounts made available to carry out this subsection in a fiscal
year shall be made available by the Secretary for making grants under this
paragraph.
(5)
Grant amount
The allocation of grant funds to a State under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be in
proportion to the State’s apportionment under section 402 for fiscal year
2009.
(6)
Use of grant amounts
Of the grant funds received by a State under this subsection—
(A) at least 25 percent shall be used for—
(i) enforcing a 2-stage licensing process that complies with paragraph (2);
(ii) training for law enforcement personnel and other relevant State agency personnel relating to the
enforcement described in clause (i);
(iii) publishing relevant educational materials that pertain directly or indirectly to the State
graduated driver licensing law;
(iv) carrying out other administrative activities that the Secretary considers relevant to the State’s
2-stage licensing process; or
(v) carrying out a teen traffic safety program described in section 402(m); and
(B) up to 75 percent may be used for any eligible project or activity under section 402.
.
4006.
Amendment to ignition interlock grant criteria
Section 405(d)(6) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and
inserting the following:
(A)
In general
The Secretary shall make a separate grant under this subsection to each State that adopts and is
enforcing a law that requires all individuals convicted of driving under
the influence of alcohol or of driving while intoxicated to receive—
(i) a restriction on driving privileges that limits the individual to operating only motor vehicles
with an ignition interlock installed; or
(ii) a requirement to participate in a 24–7 sobriety program, if—
(I) a State-certified ignition interlock provider is not available within 100 miles of the individual’s
residence; or
(II) the individual is required to operate an employer’s motor vehicle in the course and scope of
employment and the business entity that owns the vehicle is not owned or
controlled by the individual.
.
4007.
Amendment to repeat offender and open container criteria
(a)
Definitions
Section 164(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively;
(2) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the following:
(1)
24–7 sobriety program
The term 24–7 sobriety program means a State law or program that authorizes a State court or a State agency to—
(A) require an individual who plead guilty or was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol
to totally abstain from alcohol for a period of time; and
(B) require the individual to be subject to testing for alcohol—
(i) at least twice per day; or
(ii) by continuous transdermal alcohol monitoring via an electronic monitoring device.
;
(3) in paragraph (5), as redesignated, by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
(A) receive, for a period of not less than 1 year, one or more of the following penalties—
(i) a suspension of all driving privileges;
(ii) a restriction on driving privileges that limits the individual to operating only motor vehicles
with an ignition interlock device installed;
(iii) a requirement to participate in a 24–7 sobriety program, if—
(I) a State-certified ignition interlock provider is not available within 100 miles of the individual’s
residence; or
(II) the individual is required to operate an employer’s motor vehicle in the course and scope of
employment and the business entity that owns the vehicle is not owned or
controlled by the individual; or
(iv) any other restriction established by regulations promulgated by the Secretary;
;
(4) in paragraph (5), as redesignated, by striking subparagraph (B); and
(5) in paragraph (5), as redesignated, by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (B)
and (C), respectively.
(b)
Transfer of funds
Section 164(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking among the uses authorized under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), and paragraph (3). and inserting among the uses authorized under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), paragraph (3), and,
beginning in fiscal year 2015, subparagraph (C).; and
(2) by inserting the following after paragraph (2)(B):
(C)
Additional uses of funds
Beginning in fiscal year 2015, of the funds transferred under subparagraph (B)(i)—
(i) not less than 5 percent shall be expended for pedestrian and bicycle safety activities if the
State’s combined pedestrian and bicycle fatalities exceed 5 percent of the
State’s total crash fatalities, based on the most recently reported final
data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System; and
(ii) not more than 60 percent may be directed to State and local law enforcement agencies for
enforcement of laws that can lead to the detection of impaired drivers,
including the purchase of equipment, the training of officers, and the use
of additional personnel dedicated to enforcement.
.
(c)
Transfer of funds
Section 154(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking use those reserved funds in accordance with subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) and
paragraph (3). and inserting use those reserved funds in accordance with subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), paragraph
(3), and, beginning in fiscal year 2015, subparagraph (C). ; and
(2) by inserting the following after paragraph (2)(B):
(C)
Additional uses of funds
Beginning in fiscal year 2015, of the funds transferred under subparagraph (B)(i)—
(i) not less than 5 percent shall be expended for pedestrian and bicycle safety activities if the
State’s combined pedestrian and bicycle fatalities exceed 5 percent of the
State’s total crash fatalities, based on the most recently reported final
data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System; and
(ii) not more than 60 percent may be directed to State and local law enforcement agencies for
enforcement of laws that can lead to the detection of impaired drivers,
including the purchase of equipment, the training of officers, and the use
of additional personnel dedicated to enforcement.
.
4008.
Amendment to distracted driving grant criteria
Section 405(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (3)—
(A) by inserting and at the end of subparagraph (B); and
(B) by striking subparagraph (C) and redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C);
(2) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking section 31152 and inserting section 31136;
(3) in paragraph (5), by striking Of and inserting Except as provided in paragraph (6)(B), of;
(4) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
(6)
Distracted driving enforcement grants
(A)
In general
The Secretary may use up to 50 percent of the amounts available for grants under this subsection to
award grants to a State that—
(i) in fiscal year 2015—
(I) has a basic text messaging statute, as determined by the Secretary, that is applicable to drivers
of all ages;
(II) makes violation of the statute a primary offense;
(III) participates in the annual distracted driving law enforcement mobilization coordinated by the
Secretary; and
(IV) is otherwise ineligible for a grant under this subsection;
(ii) in fiscal year 2016—
(I) meets the requirements of subparagraph (A)(i); and
(II) has a statute that establishes a minimum fine for a first violation and increased fines for repeat
violations of the statute; and
(iii) in fiscal year 2017—
(I) meets the requirements of subparagraphs (A)(i) and (A)(ii); and
(II) has a statute that prohibits a driver who is younger than 18 years of age from using a personal
wireless communications device while driving.
(B)
Use of grant funds; enforcement grants
(i) Subject to subparagraphs (B)(ii) and (B)(iii), amounts received by a State under subparagraph (A)
may be used for activities related to the enforcement of distracted
driving laws as follows:
(ii) In fiscal year 2016, up to 15 percent for any eligible project or activity under section 402.
(iii) In fiscal year 2017, up to 25 percent for any eligible project or activity under section 402.
; and
(5) by striking paragraph (8), redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8), and inserting after
paragraph (6), as amended by this Act, the following:
(7)
Grant amount
The allocation of grant funds to a State under this subsection shall be in proportion to the
State’s apportionment under section 402 for fiscal year 2009.
.
4009.
Streamlining of national priority safety programs
Section 405(a)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraph (H).
4010.
Amendment to highway research and development
Section 403 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end the following:
(i)
Federal share
The Federal share of the cost of any project or activity carried out under this section may be up
to 100 percent if so specified in the project agreement.
.
B
Motor Vehicle Safety
4101.
Authorization of appropriations
(a)
In general
The following sums are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Account of the
Transportation Trust Fund to carry out chapter 301 of title 49, United
States Code, and part C of subtitle VI of title 49, United States Code:
(1) $152,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(2) $159,600,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(3) $167,580,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(4) $175,959,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(b)
Contract authority
The amounts made available under subsection (a) shall be available for obligation in the same
manner as if such funds were apportioned or allocated under chapter 1 of
title 23, United States Code, except that the Federal share of the cost of
any project or activity carried out under chapter 301 of title 49, United
States Code, or part C of subtitle VI of title 49, United States Code,
shall be 100 percent or as otherwise provided in the project agreement.
4102.
Recall obligations under bankruptcy
Section 30120A of title 49, United States Code is amended by striking chapter 11 of title 11, and inserting chapter 7 or chapter 11 of title 11.
4103.
Prohibition on rendering safety elements inoperative
Section 30122 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by revising subsection (b) to read as
follows:
(b)
Prohibition
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not knowingly make inoperative
any part of a device or element of design installed on or in a motor
vehicle or motor vehicle equipment in compliance with an applicable motor
vehicle safety standard prescribed under this chapter unless the person
reasonably believes the vehicle or equipment will not be used (except for
testing or a similar purpose during maintenance or repair) when the device
or element is inoperative.
(2) The prohibition in paragraph (1) does not apply to modifications made by an individual to a motor
vehicle or item of equipment owned or leased by that individual.
.
4104.
Cooperation with foreign governments
(a)
Title 49 amendment
Section 30182(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after paragraph (5) the
following:
(6) enter into cooperative agreements (in coordination with the Department of State) and collaborative
research and development agreements with foreign governments.
.
(b)
Title 23 amendment
Section 403 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(C), by inserting foreign government (in coordination with the Department of State) after institution,; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by inserting foreign governments, after local governments,.
4105.
Functional safety process
(a)
Standards
Section 30111 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by revising the heading of the section to read as follows:
30111.
Standards and functional safety process
;
and
(2) by inserting the following after subsection (e):
(f)
Functional safety process
The Secretary shall prescribe requirements or guidelines for the design, functional safety process,
verification and validation, and development of safety-related electronics
or software used in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment to ensure
that they are likely to function as intended and contain fail safe
features. The requirements shall be in the form of regulations or
guidelines. In prescribing regulations or guidelines under this
subsection, the Secretary shall consider existing relevant safety
information and motor vehicle safety standards.
.
(b)
_____
Section 30165(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting 30111(f), after section.
(c)
rming amendment
The analysis for chapter 301 is amended by striking the item relating to section 30111 and
inserting the following:
30111. Standards and functional safety process.
.
4106.
Notification of defect or noncompliance and imminent hazard authority
(a)
In general
Section 30118 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (c), by inserting or electronic mail after certified mail; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
(f)
Imminent hazard
(1) If the Secretary makes an initial decision that a defect or noncompliance presents an immediate
likelihood of death or serious injury to the public, the Secretary may
determine that an imminent hazard exists. In such case, the Secretary
shall—
(A) immediately notify the manufacturer;
(B) make the initial decision available for public inspection; and
(C) provide the opportunity for the manufacturer to present, not later than 10 calendar days after the
initial decision under this subsection, information, views, and arguments.
(2) As soon as practicable after following the procedures under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make
a final decision and shall, as appropriate, require the manufacturer to
take corrective action.
.
(b)
Procedures
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue
procedures to implement section 30118(f) of title 49, United States Code,
consistent with the provisions of chapter 301 of title 49 and the
Administrative Procedure Act.
4107.
Amendment to judicial review provisions
(a)
In general
Section 30161 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by revising the heading of the section to read as follows:
30161.
Judicial review of orders and standards
;
and
(2) by striking the first sentence of subsection (a), and inserting the following: Except for an order to issue provisional notification under section 30121 of this title, which may
not be reviewed, a person adversely affected by an order issued under this
chapter, a rule prescribing a motor vehicle safety standard under this
chapter, or any other final agency action taken under this chapter may
apply for review of the order, rule, or action by filing a petition for
review in the Court of Appeals of the United States for the circuit in
which the person resides or has its principal place of business or the
District of Columbia Circuit.
(b)
Recalls enforcement
Section 30163 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding the following at the end:
(f)
Actions To enforce recall orders
In an action brought under subsection (a) of this section concerning an order issued under section
30118(b) of this title, the Attorney General need only prove that the
Secretary provided appropriate notification to the manufacturer under
section 30118 and need not establish the substantive validity of the
order, which may only be challenged by the manufacturer through the timely
filing of a petition under section 30161 of this title. If an action is
brought under subsection (a) of this section prior to the expiration of
the time available for the filing of a petition under section 30161, the
manufacturer may seek a stay of the district court action until the
resolution of any petition for review under section 30161.
(g)
Actions To collect a civil penalty
The Attorney General may bring a civil action in a United States District Court to collect a civil
penalty or to collect an amount agreed upon in compromise by the Secretary
under section 30165 of this title.
.
(c)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 301 is amended by striking the item relating to section 30161 and
inserting the following:
30161. Judicial review of orders and standards
.
4108.
Inspection authority under automobile fuel economy statute
Section 32910 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(A), striking inspect and copy records of any person at reasonable times, and inserting conduct an inspection or investigation that may be necessary to enforce this chapter or a
regulation prescribed or order issued under this chapter; and
(2) by redesignating subsections (b), (c) and (d) as (c), (d) and (e), respectively, and inserting
after subsection (a) the following:
(b)
Matters that can be inspected and impoundment
In carrying out this chapter, an officer or employee designated by the Secretary of Transportation—
(1) at reasonable times, may inspect and copy any record related to this chapter;
(2) on request, may inspect records of a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer to decide whether the
manufacturer, distributor, or dealer has complied or is complying with
this chapter or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this
chapter; and
(3) at reasonable times, in a reasonable way, and on display of proper credentials and written notice
to an owner, operator, or agent in charge, may—
(A) enter and inspect with reasonable promptness premises in which a motor vehicle or motor vehicle
equipment is manufactured, held for introduction in interstate commerce,
or held for sale after introduction in interstate commerce;
(B) inspect with reasonable promptness that vehicle or equipment; and
(C) impound for not more than 72 hours that vehicle or equipment.
.
4109.
Recall authority over rental car companies and used car dealers
(a)
Sale, lease or rental restrictions
Section 30120(i) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(i)
Limitation on sale, lease or rental of vehicles or equipment
(1) After receipt of a notification of a defect or noncompliance about a motor vehicle or new item of
replacement equipment under section 30119 of this title, a dealer may sell
or lease that motor vehicle or new item of replacement equipment, and a
rental company may rent that vehicle, only if—
(A) the defect or noncompliance is remedied as required by this section before delivery under the sale,
lease or rental agreement; or
(B) when the notification is required by an order under section 30118(b) of this title, enforcement of
the order is restrained or the order is set aside in a civil action to
which section 30121(d) of this title applies.
(2) This subsection does not prohibit a dealer from offering for sale or lease the vehicle or
equipment.
(3) As used in this subsection, the term rental company means a person who is engaged in the business of renting a motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle
weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, is rented without a driver for an
initial term of less than 4 months and is part of a motor vehicle fleet of
5 or more motor vehicles that are used for rental purposes.
.
(b)
Sale or lease of used motor vehicles
Section 30120 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
(k)
Limitation on sale or lease of used motor vehicles
(1) A person who sold at least 10 motor vehicles during the prior 12 months to purchasers that in good
faith purchase the vehicles other than for resale, may not sell or lease a
used motor vehicle until any defect or noncompliance determined under
section 30118 of this title with respect to the vehicle has been remedied.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply if—
(A) notification of the defect or noncompliance with respect to the vehicle is required under section
30118(b) but enforcement of the order is set aside in a civil action to
which section 30121(b) applies; or
(B) if at the time of sale or lease—
(i) the recall information regarding a used motor vehicle was not available using the means established
by the Secretary under section 31301 of Public Law 112–141; and
(ii) notification under section 30119 was not received by the seller or lessor.
(3) As used in this subsection, the term used motor vehicle means a motor vehicle that has been purchased previously other than for resale.
.
4110.
Civil penalties
Section 30165(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)—
(A) by inserting or causes the violation of after violates in the first sentence;
(B) by striking $5,000 and inserting $25,000;
(C) by striking $35,000,000 and inserting $300,000,000; and
(D) by inserting at the end of the paragraph the following: An individual is liable under this section only for willfully causing or committing a violation. An
individual who has been instructed to commit a violation by a person of
greater authority in the entity in which the individual is employed has
not acted willfully;
(2) in paragraph (2)—
(A) by striking $10,000 in subparagraph (A) and inserting $100,000; and
(B) by striking $15,000,000 in subparagraph (B) and inserting $300,000,000; and
(3) in paragraph (3)—
(A) by striking $5,000 and inserting $25,000; and
(B) by striking $35,000,000 and inserting $300,000,000.
4111.
Technical corrections to the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012
(a)
Highway safety programs
Section 402 of title 23, United States Code is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(C), by striking except as provided in paragraph (3),;
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(E)—
(A) by striking in which a State and inserting for which a State; and
(B) by striking subsection (f) and inserting subsection (k); and
(3) in subsection (k)(4), by striking paragraph (2)(A) and inserting paragraph (3)(A).
(b)
Highway safety research and development
Section 403(e) of title 23, United States Code is amended by inserting of title 49, United States Code after chapter 301.
(c)
National priority safety programs
Section 405 of title 23, United States Code is amended—
(1) in subsection (d)(5), by striking section 402(c) and inserting section 402;
(2) by striking subsection (f)(2), and inserting the following:
(2)
Grant amount
The allocation of grant funds to a State under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be in
proportion to the State’s apportionment under section 402 for fiscal year
2009, provided that the amount of a grant awarded to a State for a fiscal
year may not exceed 25 percent of the amount apportioned to the State
under section 402 for fiscal year 2009.
; and
(3) in subsection (f)(4)(A)(iv), by striking under subsection (g).
(d)
Open container requirements
Section 154 of title 23, United States Code is amended—
(1) in subsection (c)(3)(A), by striking transferred and inserting reserved; and
(2) in subsection (c)(5), by inserting or released after transferred.
(e)
Minimum penalties for repeat offenders for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence
Section 164 of title 23, United States Code is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)(3)(A), by striking transferred and inserting reserved; and
(2) in subsection (b)(5), by inserting or released after transferred.
V
Motor Carrier Safety Program
5001.
Amendment of title 49, United States Code
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an amendment or repeal is expressed
in terms of an amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision,
the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other
provision of title 49, United States Code.
A
Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety
5101.
Commercial motor vehicle defined
Section 31101(1) is amended to read as follows:
(1) commercial motor vehicle means (except in section 31106 of this title) a self-propelled or towed vehicle used on the
highways in commerce to transport passengers or property, if the vehicle—
(A) has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds, whichever is
greater;
(B) is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation;
(C) is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to
transport passengers for compensation; or
(D) is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under
section 5103 of this title and transported in a quantity requiring
placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary under section
5103 of this title.
.
5102.
Motor carrier operations affecting interstate commerce
(a)
Prohibited transportation
Section 521(b)(5) is amended by inserting after paragraph (B) the following:
(C) If an employee, vehicle, or all or part of an employer’s commercial motor vehicle operations has
been ordered out of service pursuant to paragraph (5)(A), the commercial
motor vehicle operations of the employee, vehicle or employer that affect
interstate commerce are also prohibited.
.
(b)
Prohibition on operation in Interstate commerce after nonpayment of penalties
Section 521(b)(8) is amended—
(1) by striking An owner or operator of a commercial motor vehicle and inserting A person in subparagraph (A);
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
(B) A person prohibited from operating in interstate commerce pursuant to paragraph (8)(A) may not
operate any commercial motor vehicle where such operation affects
interstate commerce.
; and
(4) by striking commercial motor vehicle owners and operators in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)) and inserting a person.
5103.
Bus rentals and definition of employer
Paragraph (3) of section 31132 is amended to read as follows:
(3) employer—
(A) means a person engaged in a business affecting interstate commerce that—
(i) owns or leases a commercial motor vehicle in connection with that business, or assigns an employee
to operate the commercial motor vehicle; or
(ii) offers for rent or lease a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers,
including the driver, and from the same location or as part of the same
business provides names or contact information of drivers, or holds itself
out to the public as a charter bus company; but
(B) does not include the Government, a State, or a political subdivision of a State.
.
5104.
High-risk carrier reviews
(a)
High-Risk carrier reviews
Section 31104(b) (as amended by section 5401) is amended by adding at the end of paragraph (2) the
following:
From the funds authorized by this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that a review is completed
on each motor carrier that demonstrates through performance data that it
poses the highest safety risk. At a minimum, a review shall be conducted
whenever a motor carrier is among the highest risk carriers for 2
consecutive months.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
Section 4138 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (49 U.S.C. 31144 note) is repealed.
5105.
New entrant safety audits
Section 31144(g) is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)(A)—
(A) by striking shall and inserting may; and
(B) by striking each owner and each operator and inserting an owner or operator;
(2) in paragraph (1)(B)—
(A) by striking shall and inserting may; and
(B) by striking each owner and each operator and inserting an owner or operator;
(3) by striking paragraph (3);
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
(5) in paragraph (3), as redesignated, by striking after the date on which section 31148(b) is first implemented shall and inserting may.
5106.
Imminent hazard actions
Section 521(b)(5)(A) is amended—
(1) by striking that such and inserting that a request for review must be made in writing within 15 days after issuance of the order, and
if timely requested, the;
(2) by striking occur and inserting commence; and
(3) by striking issuance of such order and inserting receipt of the request for review.
5107.
International commerce transported on highways through the United States
(a) Section 13501(1) is amended by—
(1) in subparagraph (D), striking or;
(2) in subparagraph (E), striking and at the end and inserting or; and
(3) inserting the following:
(F) a foreign county and another foreign county, or between two places in the same foreign country, to
the extent the transportation is in the United States; and
.
(b) Section 31132(4) is amended by—
(1) striking a place in a State and;
(2) in subparagraph (A)—
(A) inserting a place in a State and before a place outside that State;
(B) striking or; and
(3) in subparagraph (B)—
(A) inserting a place in a State and before another place;
(B) striking the period and inserting and; and
(C) inserting at the end the following:
(C) a foreign county and another foreign county, or between two places in the same foreign country, to
the extent the trade, traffic, or transportation is in the United States.
.
B
Driver Safety Provisions
5201.
Commercial driver’s license requirements
(a)
Licensing standards
Section 31305(a)(7) is amended by inserting would not be subject to a disqualification under section 31310(g) of this title and after taking the tests.
(b)
Disqualifications
Section 31310(g)(1) is amended by deleting who holds a commercial driver’s license and.
5202.
Disqualifications based on non-commercial motor vehicle operations
(a)
First offense
Section 31310(b)(1)(D) is amended by deleting commercial twice, after revoked, suspended, or canceled based on the individual’s operation of a and again after disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle based on the individual’s operation of a.
(b)
Second offense
Section 31310(c)(1)(D) is amended by striking commercial twice, after revoked, suspended, or canceled based on the individual’s operation of a and again after disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle based on the individual’s operation of a.
5203.
Recording of Federal disqualifications on CDLIS
Section 31311(a)(15) is amended by—
(1) inserting (A) after (15); and
(2) inserting after clause (A), as redesignated, the following:
(B) Not later than 10 days after receiving notice from the Secretary that an individual has been
disqualified by the Secretary from operating a commercial motor vehicle,
the State shall—
(i) disqualify the individual from operating a commercial motor vehicle for the period of the Federal
disqualification; and
(ii) notify the operator of the information system under section 31309 of this title to record the
disqualification and the violation that resulted in the disqualification.
.
5204.
Failure To pay civil penalty as a disqualifying offense
(a)
In general
Chapter 311 is amended by inserting after section 31151 the following:
31152.
Disqualification for failure to pay
An individual assessed a civil penalty under this chapter, or chapters 5, 51, or 149 of this title,
or a regulation issued under any of those provisions, who fails to pay the
penalty or fails to comply with the terms of a settlement with the
Secretary, shall be disqualified from operating a commercial motor
vehicle. The disqualification shall continue until the penalty has been
paid, or the individual complies with the terms of the settlement, unless
such nonpayment is because the individual is a debtor in a case under
chapter 11 of title 11, United States Code.
.
(b)
Technical amendments
Section 31310 is amended—
(1) by redesignating subsections (h) through (k) as subsections (i) through (l), respectively;
(2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
(h)
Disqualification for failure To pay
The Secretary shall disqualify from operating a commercial motor vehicle any individual failing to
pay a civil penalty within the prescribed period, or failing to conform to
the terms of any settlement with the Secretary. The disqualification shall
continue until the penalty has been paid, or the individual conforms to
the terms of the settlement, unless the nonpayment is because the
individual is a debtor in a case under chapter 11 of title 11, United
States Code.
; and
(3) in subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this subsection) by striking Notwithstanding subsections (b) through (g) and inserting Notwithstanding subsections (b) through (h).
(c)
Conforming amendment
The analysis of chapter 311 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31151 the
following:
31152. Disqualification for failure to pay.
.
5205.
Controlled substance violations
Section 31310(d) is amended by—
(1) inserting after Controlled Substance Violations.— the following:
(1) An individual who receives a verified positive DOT drug test is disqualified from operating a
commercial motor vehicle and remains disqualified until the individual
completes the substance abuse professional evaluation and treatment and
return to duty process under part 40, subpart O of title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations.
; and
(2) inserting (2) before The Secretary.
C
Medical and Registration Provisions
5301.
Effect of driving on commercial motor vehicle operators
Section 31136(a)(4) is amended to read as follows:
(4) the operation of commercial motor vehicles does not have a significantly adverse effect on the
physical condition of the operators; and
.
5302.
Jurisdiction over brokers of motor carriers of passengers
Section 13506(a) is amended by deleting paragraph (14) and redesignating paragraph (15) as
paragraph (14).
5303.
Revocation or suspension of registration
Section 31134(c) is amended—
(1) by striking The Secretary and inserting (1) In general.—The Secretary;
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively;
(3) in subparagraph (1)(B) (as redesignated), by striking knowingly failed to comply with the requirements listed in subsection (b)(1) and inserting “willfully failed to comply with—
(i) this part;
(ii) an applicable regulation or order of the Secretary; or
(iii) a condition of the registration.
;
(4) in subparagraph (1)(C) (as redesignated) by striking has not disclosed and inserting “has—
(i) failed to disclose; or
(ii) operated under a new identity or as an affiliate to avoid—
(I) an order of the Secretary;
(II) a statutory or regulatory requirement;
(III) a civil penalty imposed under chapter 5, 51, 149, or 311;
(IV) an enforcement action initiated by the Secretary;
(V) a final, proposed or potential adverse safety fitness determination; or
(VI) a negative compliance history;
;
(5) in subparagraph (1)(D) (as redesignated), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
(E) subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the employer or person failed—
(i) to pay a civil penalty imposed under chapter 5, 51, 149, or 311 of this title;
(ii) to arrange and abide by an acceptable payment plan for such civil penalty, not later than 90 days
after the date specified by order of the Secretary for the payment of such
penalty; or
(iii) to obey a subpoena issued by the Secretary; or
(F) the employer or person failed to disclose, in its application for registration, a material fact
relevant to its willingness and ability to comply with—
(i) this part;
(ii) an applicable regulation or order of the Secretary; or
(iii) a condition of its registration.
(2)
Safety fitness; imminent hazard
(A)
Expedited procedure
Notwithstanding subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, and subject to section 31144(c) of this
title, the Secretary shall revoke the registration of an employer or
person if the employer or person—
(i) has been prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce for failure to
comply with the safety fitness requirements of section 31144 of this
title; or
(ii) is or was conducting unsafe operations that are or were an imminent hazard (as defined in section
521(b)(5)(B) of this title) to public health or property.
(B)
Notice of revocation
The Secretary may revoke a registration under this paragraph only after giving notice of the
revocation to the registrant.
(3)
Limitation
Paragraph (1)(E) (i) and (ii) shall not apply to a person who is unable to pay a civil penalty
because the person is a debtor in a case under chapter 11 of title 11.
.
5304.
Revocation of registration for failure to respond to subpoena
Section 525 is amended by inserting subchapter III of chapter 311 or before chapter 139.
5305.
Lapse of required financial security; suspension of registration
Section 13906(e) is amended by inserting or suspend after revoke.
D
Grants and Authorizations
5401.
FMCSA financial assistance programs
(a)
Definition
Section 31101 is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
(4) Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation.
.
(b)
MCSAP and high priority programs; FMCSA authorizations
Sections 31102 through 31104 are amended to read as follows:
31102.
Motor carrier safety assistance program
(a)
In general
(1) The Secretary shall administer a Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program funded under section 31104
of this title.
(2) The goal of the program is to ensure that the Secretary, States, local governments, other political
jurisdictions, Federally recognized Indian Tribes, and other persons work
in partnership to establish programs to improve motor carrier, commercial
motor vehicle, and driver safety to support a safe and efficient surface
transportation system by—
(A) making targeted investments to promote safe commercial motor vehicle transportation, including the
transportation of passengers and hazardous materials;
(B) investing in activities likely to generate maximum reductions in the number and severity of
commercial motor vehicle crashes and fatalities resulting from such
crashes;
(C) adopting and enforcing effective motor carrier, commercial motor vehicle, and driver safety
regulations and practices consistent with Federal requirements; and
(D) assessing and improving statewide performance by setting program goals and meeting performance
standards, measures, and benchmarks.
(b)
State plans
The Secretary shall prescribe procedures for a State to submit a plan under which the State agrees
to assume responsibility for improving motor carrier safety, adopting and
enforcing regulations, standards, and orders of the Government on
commercial motor vehicle and hazardous materials transportation safety,
and adopting and enforcing compatible State regulations, standards, and
orders. The Secretary shall approve a plan if the Secretary decides that
the plan is adequate to promote the objectives of this section, and the
plan—
(1) implements performance-based activities, including deployment of technology to enhance the
efficiency and effectiveness of commercial motor vehicle safety programs;
(2) designates a lead State motor vehicle safety agency responsible for administering the plan
throughout the State;
(3) contains satisfactory assurances that the lead State agency has or will have the legal authority,
resources, and qualified personnel necessary to enforce the regulations,
standards, and orders;
(4) contains satisfactory assurances that the State will devote adequate resources to the
administration of the plan and enforcement of the regulations, standards,
and orders;
(5) provides a right of entry and inspection to carry out the plan;
(6) provides that all reports required under this section be available to the Secretary on request;
(7) provides that the lead State agency will adopt the reporting requirements and use the forms for
recordkeeping, inspections, and investigations that the Secretary
prescribes;
(8) requires registrants of commercial motor vehicles to demonstrate knowledge of applicable safety
regulations, standards, and orders of the Government and the State;
(9) provides that the State will grant maximum reciprocity for inspections conducted under the North
American Inspection Standards through the use of a nationally accepted
system that allows ready identification of previously inspected commercial
motor vehicles;
(10) ensures that activities described in subsection (g) of this section, if financed through grants
made under this section, will not diminish the effectiveness of the
development and implementation of commercial motor vehicle safety programs
described in subsection (a) of this section;
(11) ensures that the lead State agency will coordinate the plan, data collection, and information
systems with the State highway safety improvement program required under
section 148(c) of title 23;
(12) ensures participation in appropriate Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration information
technology and data systems and other information systems by all
appropriate jurisdictions receiving Motor Carrier Safety Assistance
Program funding;
(13) ensures that information is exchanged among the States in a timely manner;
(14) provides satisfactory assurances that the State will undertake efforts that will emphasize and
improve enforcement of State and local traffic safety laws and regulations
related to commercial motor vehicle safety;
(15) provides satisfactory assurances that the State will promote activities in support of national
priorities and performance goals, including—
(A) activities aimed at removing impaired commercial motor vehicle drivers from the highways of the
United States through adequate enforcement of regulations on the use of
alcohol and controlled substances and by ensuring ready roadside access to
alcohol detection and measuring equipment;
(B) activities aimed at providing an appropriate level of training to State Motor Carrier Safety
Assistance Program officers and employees on recognizing drivers impaired
by alcohol or controlled substances; and
(C) when conducted with an appropriate commercial motor vehicle inspection, interdiction activities,
and appropriate strategies for carrying out those activities, including
activities that affect the transportation of controlled substances, as
defined under section 102 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and
Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 802) and listed in part 1308 of title 21,
Code of Federal Regulations, as updated and republished from time to time,
by any occupant of a commercial motor vehicle;
(16) provides that the State has established and dedicated sufficient resources to a program to ensure
that—
(A) the State collects and reports to the Secretary accurate, complete, and timely motor carrier safety
data; and
(B) the State participates in a national motor carrier safety data correction system prescribed by the
Secretary;
(17) ensures that the State will cooperate in the enforcement of financial responsibility requirements
under sections 13906, 31138, and 31139 of this title, and regulations
issued under these sections;
(18) ensures consistent, effective, and reasonable sanctions;
(19) ensures that roadside inspections will be conducted at locations that are adequate to protect the
safety of drivers and enforcement personnel;
(20) provides that the State will include in the training manuals for the licensing examination to drive
both noncommercial motor vehicles and commercial motor vehicles
information on best practices for driving safely in the vicinity of
noncommercial and commercial motor vehicles;
(21) provides that the State will enforce the registration requirements of sections 13902 and 31134 of
this title by prohibiting the operation of any vehicle discovered to be
operated by a motor carrier without a registration issued under these
sections or to be operated beyond the scope of the motor carrier’s
registration;
(22) provides that the State will conduct comprehensive and highly visible traffic enforcement and
commercial motor vehicle safety inspection programs in high-risk locations
and corridors;
(23) except in the case of an imminent hazard or obvious safety hazard, ensures that an inspection of a
vehicle transporting passengers for a motor carrier of passengers is
conducted at a station, terminal, border crossing, maintenance facility,
destination, or other location where adequate food, shelter, and
sanitation facilities are available for passengers, and reasonable
accommodations are available for passengers with disabilities;
(24) ensures that the State will transmit to its roadside inspectors the notice of each Federal
exemption granted pursuant to section 31315(b) of this title and 49 C.F.R.
390.23 and 390.25 and provided to the State by the Secretary, including
the name of the person granted the exemption and any terms and conditions
that apply to the exemption;
(25) except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, provides that the State will conduct safety
audits of new entrant motor carriers pursuant to section 31144(g) of this
title;
(26) provides that the State agrees to fully participate in the Performance and Registration Information
System Management under section 31106(b) of this title no later than 3
years from the date of enactment of this provision by complying with the
program participation requirements established in section 31106(b)(3) of
this title; and
(27) for a State that shares a land border with another country, provides that the State—
(A) will conduct a border commercial motor vehicle safety program that includes enforcement and related
projects; or
(B) if it declines to include appropriate border related activities in its plan, will forfeit a
proportionate level of funding as determined by the Secretary.
(c)
Exclusion of U.S. territories
The requirement that a State conduct safety audits of new entrant motor carriers under subsection
(b)(25) of this section does not apply to a territory of the United States
unless required by the Secretary.
(d)
Intrastate compatibility
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations specifying tolerance guidelines and standards for
ensuring compatibility of intrastate commercial motor vehicle safety laws
and regulations with Government motor carrier safety regulations to be
enforced under subsection (a) of this section. To the extent practicable,
the guidelines and standards shall allow for maximum flexibility while
ensuring a degree of uniformity that will not diminish transportation
safety.
(e)
Maintenance of effort
(1)
In general
A plan submitted by a State under subsection (b) of this section shall provide that the total
expenditure of amounts of the lead State agency responsible for
administering the plan will be maintained at a level each fiscal year at
least equal to the average level of that expenditure for fiscal years 2004
and 2005.
(2)
Average level of state expenditures
In estimating the average level of State expenditure under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the
Secretary—
(A) may allow the State to exclude State expenditures for Government-sponsored demonstration and pilot
programs and strike forces;
(B) may allow the State to exclude expenditures for activities related to border enforcement and new
entrant safety audits; and
(C) shall require the State to exclude State matching amounts used to receive Government financing
under this section.
(3)
Waivers
Upon the request of a State, the Secretary may waive or modify the requirements of this subsection
for the period of the plan, if the Secretary determines that a waiver is
equitable due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances.
(f)
Use of unified carrier registration fees agreement
Amounts generated under section 14504a of this title and received by a State and used for motor
carrier safety purposes may be included as part of the State’s share of
the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program not provided by the
Government.
(g)
Use of grants To enforce other laws
A State may use amounts received under a grant under this section—
(1) if the activities are carried out in conjunction with an appropriate inspection of a commercial
motor vehicle to enforce Federal or State commercial motor vehicle safety
regulations, for the—
(A) enforcement of commercial motor vehicle size and weight limitations at locations (excluding fixed
weight facilities) such as near steep grades or mountainous terrains,
where the weight of a commercial motor vehicle can significantly affect
the safe operation of the vehicle, or at ports where intermodal shipping
containers enter and leave the United States; and
(B) detection of and enforcement actions taken as a result of criminal activity, including the
trafficking of human beings, in a commercial motor vehicle or by any
occupant, including the operator, of the vehicle;
(2) for documented enforcement of State traffic laws and regulations designed to promote the safe
operation of commercial motor vehicles, including documented enforcement
of such laws and regulations relating to noncommercial motor vehicles when
necessary to promote the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles,
provided:
(A) the number of motor carrier safety activities (including roadside safety inspections) conducted in
the State is maintained at a level at least equal to the average level of
such activities conducted in the State in fiscal years 2004 and 2005; and
(B) the State does not use more than 5 percent of the basic amount the State receives under a grant
under this section for enforcement activities relating to noncommercial
motor vehicles unless the Secretary determines that a higher percentage
will result in significant increases in commercial motor vehicle safety;
and
(3) for the enforcement of household goods regulations on intrastate and interstate carriers, provided
that the State has adopted laws or regulations compatible with the Federal
household goods regulations.
(h)
Evaluation of plan and award of grant
(1)
Award
The Secretary may allocate the amounts appropriated among the States whose plans have been approved
under criteria that the Secretary establishes.
(2)
Opportunity to cure
If the Secretary disapproves a plan under this section, the Secretary shall give the State a
written explanation of the reasons for disapproval and allow the State to
modify and resubmit the plan for approval.
(i)
Plan monitoring
(1)
In general
On the basis of reports submitted by the lead State agency responsible for administering a plan
approved under this section and the Secretary’s own investigations, the
Secretary shall make a continuing evaluation of the way the State is
carrying out the plan.
(2)
Withholding of funds
If, after notice and an opportunity to be heard, the Secretary finds that the State plan previously
approved is not being followed or has become inadequate to ensure
enforcement of the regulations, standards, or orders, the Secretary may
withdraw approval of the plan and notify the State. The plan is no longer
in effect once the notice is received. In lieu of withdrawing approval of
the plan, the Secretary may withhold funding from the State to which the
State would otherwise be entitled under this section for the period of the
State’s noncompliance. In exercising this option, the Secretary may
withhold up to 10 percent of funds for the year that the Secretary
notifies the State of its noncompliance, up to 10 percent of funds for the
first full year of noncompliance, up to 25 percent of funds for the second
full year of noncompliance, and not less than 50 percent of funds for the
third and subsequent full years of noncompliance.
(3)
Judicial review
A State adversely affected by the Secretary’s action under paragraph (2) of this subsection may
seek judicial review under chapter 7 of title 5. Notwithstanding
withdrawal of a plan approval, the State may retain jurisdiction in
administrative or judicial proceedings begun before the withdrawal if the
issues involved are not related directly to the reasons for the
withdrawal.
(j)
Allocation of MCSAP funds
On October 1 of each fiscal year, or as soon as practicable after that date, and after making a
deduction under section 31104(a)(3) of this title, the Secretary shall
allocate amounts made available to carry out this section for the fiscal
year among the States with plans approved under this section. The
allocation shall be made under criteria prescribed by the Secretary.
31103.
High priority program
(a)
In general
The Secretary shall administer a High Priority Program funded under section 31104 of this title.
(b)
Purpose
The purpose of the program is to make grants to and cooperative agreements with States, local
governments, other political jurisdictions, Federally recognized Indian
Tribes, and any person to carry out high priority activities and projects,
including activities and projects that—
(1) increase public awareness and education on commercial motor vehicle safety;
(2) target unsafe driving of commercial motor vehicles and non-commercial motor vehicles in areas
identified as high risk crash corridors;
(3) support the enforcement of household goods regulations on intrastate and interstate carriers,
provided that the State has adopted laws or regulations compatible with
the Federal household good regulations;
(4) improve the safe and secure movement of hazardous materials and the transportation of goods and
persons in foreign commerce;
(5) demonstrate new technologies to improve commercial motor vehicle safety;
(6) otherwise improve commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance with commercial motor vehicle
safety regulations; or
(7) support participation in the Performance and Registration Information System Management under
section 31106(b) of this title.
(c)
Safety data improvement
(1)
In general
In addition to the activities and projects under subsection (b) of this section and subject to
paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary may make a grant to or
cooperative agreement with a State under this section to improve the
accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of commercial motor vehicle safety
data reported to the Secretary.
(2)
Eligibility
A State shall be eligible for funding under this subsection in a fiscal year if the Secretary
determines that the State has—
(A) conducted a comprehensive audit of its commercial motor vehicle safety data system within the
preceding 2 years;
(B) developed a plan that identifies and prioritizes its commercial motor vehicle safety data needs and
goals; and
(C) identified performance-based measures to determine progress toward those goals.
31104.
Availability of amounts
(a)
Financial assistance programs
(1)
In general
The following sums are authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Account of the Transportation
Trust Fund for the following Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
programs:
(A)
Grant program for the motor carrier safety assistance program
Subject to paragraph 3 of this subsection, to carry out sections 31102 and 31103 of this title—
(i) $288,173,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $309,081,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $330,638,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $352,863,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(B)
Financial assistance program for high priority activities
To make grants and cooperative agreements under section 31103 of this title, the Secretary may set
aside from amounts made available under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph
up to—
(i) $21,178,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $23,526,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $25,947,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $28,443,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(C)
Grant program for innovative technology
To carry out section 31109 of this title—
(i) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(D)
Financial assistance program for commercial driver’s license program implementation
To carry out section 31313 of this title—
(i) $38,580,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $39,776,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $41,009,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $42,280,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(E)
Grant program for commercial motor vehicle operators
To carry out section 31110 of this title, $1,000,000 for each fiscal year, 2015 through 2018.
(2)
Reimbursement for government’s share of costs
Amounts made available under this section shall be used to reimburse financial assistance
recipients proportionally for the United States Government’s share of the
costs incurred.
(3)
Deduction for partner training and program support
On October 1 of each fiscal year or as soon after that date as practicable, the Secretary may
deduct, from amounts made available under subparagraphs (A), (C), and (D)
of paragraph 1 of this subsection for that fiscal year, not more than 1.50
percent of those amounts for partner training and program support in that
fiscal year. The Secretary shall use at least 75 percent of those deducted
amounts to train non-Government employees and to develop related training
materials in carrying out these programs.
(4)
Grants and cooperative agreements as contractual obligations
The approval of a grant or cooperative agreement by the Secretary under section 31102, 31103,
31109, 31110, or 31313 of this title is a contractual obligation of the
Government for payment of the Government’s share of costs in carrying out
the provisions of the grant or cooperative agreement.
(5)
Eligible activities
The Secretary shall establish criteria for eligible activities to be funded with grants or
cooperative agreements under this section and publish those criteria in a
notice of funding availability before the program application period.
(6)
Reimbursement
The Secretary shall reimburse a recipient, from a grant or cooperative agreement made under section
31102, 31103, 31109, 31110, or 31313 of this title, an amount that is at
least 85 percent of the costs incurred by the recipient in a fiscal year
in developing and implementing programs under these sections.
(7)
Payment to recipients for costs
Each recipient shall submit vouchers at least quarterly for costs the recipient incurs in
developing and implementing programs under section 31102, 31103, 31109,
31110, or 31313 of this title. The Secretary shall pay the recipient an
amount not more than the Government share of the costs incurred as of the
date of the vouchers. The Secretary shall include a recipient’s in-kind
contributions in determining the reimbursement.
(8)
Availability of allocations
Grants or cooperative agreements to carry out section 31102, 31103, 31109, 31110, or 31313 of this
title remain available for expenditure by the recipient for the fiscal
year in which they are allocated and for the next two fiscal years.
Amounts not expended during the time permitted are released to the
Secretary for reallocation.
(b)
Administrative expenses
(1)
Authorization of appropriations
The following sums are authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Account of the Transportation
Trust Fund for the Secretary of Transportation to pay administrative
expenses of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration—
(A) $315,770,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $372,743,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $398,953,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $378,106,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(2)
Use of funds
The funds authorized by this subsection shall be used for personnel costs; administrative
infrastructure; rent; information technology; programs for research and
technology, information management, regulatory development, the
administration of the performance and registration information system
management, and outreach and education; to fund the facilities working
capital fund; other operating expenses; and such other expenses as may
from time to time become necessary to implement statutory mandates of the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration not funded from other sources.
(3)
Outreach and education
(A)
In general
The Secretary shall conduct, through any combination of grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements, an outreach and education program to be administered by the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
(B)
Program elements
The program shall include, at a minimum—
(i) a program to promote a more comprehensive and national effort to educate commercial motor vehicle
drivers and passenger vehicle drivers about how commercial motor vehicle
drivers and passenger vehicle drivers can more safely share the road with
each other;
(ii) a program to promote enhanced traffic enforcement efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of the
most common unsafe driving behaviors that cause or contribute to crashes
involving commercial motor vehicles and passenger vehicles; and
(iii) a program to establish a public-private partnership to provide resources and expertise for the
development and dissemination of information relating to sharing the road
referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph to each partner’s
constituents and to the general public through the use of brochures,
videos, paid and public advertisements, the Internet, and other media.
(C)
Funding
From amounts made available in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary shall make available
in support of the office of Outreach and Education—
(i) $4,905,988 for fiscal year 2015;
(ii) $5,031,988 for fiscal year 2016;
(iii) $5,294,988 for fiscal year 2017; and
(iv) $5,294,988 for fiscal year 2018.
(D)
Federal share
The Federal share of a program or activity for which a grant or cooperative agreement is made under
this paragraph shall be at least 85 percent of the cost of such program or
activity.
(4)
Motor carrier safety facility working capital fund
(A)
In general
The Secretary may establish a motor carrier safety facility working capital fund.
(B)
Purpose
Amounts in the fund shall be available for modernization, construction, leases and expenses related
to vacating, occupying, maintaining and expanding motor carrier safety
facilities.
(C)
Availability
Amounts in the fund shall be available without regard to fiscal year limitation.
(D)
Funding
Amounts may be appropriated to the fund from the amounts made available paragraph (1) of this
subsection.
(E)
Fund transfers
The Agency may transfer funds to the working capital fund from the amounts made available in
paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(c)
Contract authority; initial date of availability
Amounts authorized from the Highway Account of the Transportation Trust Fund by this section shall
be available for obligation on the date of their apportionment or
allocation or on October 1 of the fiscal year for which they are
authorized, whichever occurs first.
(d)
Funding availability
Amounts made available under this section remain available until expended.
.
(c)
Innovative technology deployment grants
Section 31109 is amended to read as follows:
31109.
Innovative technology deployment grants
(a)
In general
(1)
Program
The Secretary shall administer an innovative technology program funded under section 31104 of this
title.
(2)
Goal
The goal of the program is to support and maintain a commercial motor vehicle information systems
and networks program to—
(A) link Federal motor carrier safety information systems with State commercial motor vehicle systems;
(B) improve the safety and productivity of commercial motor vehicles and drivers; and
(C) reduce costs associated with commercial motor vehicle operations and Federal and State commercial
vehicle regulatory requirements.
(b)
Purpose
The program shall advance the technological capability and promote the deployment of intelligent
transportation system applications for commercial motor vehicle
operations, including commercial motor vehicle, commercial driver, and
carrier-specific information systems and networks.
(c)
Deployment grants
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall make grants to eligible States for the deployment of commercial motor vehicle
information systems and networks.
(2)
Use of funds
Funds from a grant under this section may be used for deployment activities and activities to
develop new and innovative advanced technology solutions that support
commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks.
(d)
Eligibility
To be eligible for a grant under this section, a State—
(1) shall have a commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks program plan approved by the
Secretary that describes the various systems and networks at the State
level that need to be refined, revised, upgraded, or built to accomplish
deployment of commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks
capabilities;
(2) shall certify to the Secretary that its commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks
deployment activities, including hardware procurement, software and system
development, and infrastructure modifications—
(A) are consistent with the national intelligent transportation systems and commercial motor vehicle
information systems and networks architectures and available standards;
and
(B) promote interoperability and efficiency to the extent practicable; and
(3) shall agree to execute interoperability tests developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration to verify that its systems conform with the national
intelligent transportation systems architecture, applicable standards, and
protocols for commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks.
(e)
Definitions
In this section:
(1) Commercial motor vehicle information systems and networks means the information systems and communications networks that provide the capability to—
(A) improve the safety of commercial motor vehicle operations;
(B) increase the efficiency of regulatory inspection processes to reduce administrative burdens by
advancing technology to facilitate inspections and increase the
effectiveness of enforcement efforts;
(C) advance electronic processing of registration information, driver licensing information, fuel tax
information, inspection and crash data, and other safety information;
(D) enhance the safe passage of commercial motor vehicles across the United States and across
international borders; and
(E) promote the communication of information among the States and encourage multistate cooperation and
corridor development.
(2) Commercial motor vehicle operations—
(A) means motor carrier operations and commercial motor vehicle regulatory activities associated with
the commercial motor vehicle movement of goods, including property,
hazardous materials, and passengers; and
(B) with respect to the public sector, includes the issuance of operating credentials, the
administration of commercial motor vehicle and fuel taxes, and roadside
safety and border crossing inspection and regulatory compliance
operations.
(3) Deployment means, at a minimum, the implementation of systems in a State necessary to provide the State with
the following capabilities:
(A) A safety information exchange to—
(i) electronically collect and transmit commercial motor vehicle and driver inspection data at a
majority of inspection sites in the State;
(ii) connect to the safety and fitness electronic records system for access to interstate carrier and
commercial motor vehicle data, summaries of past safety performance, and
commercial motor vehicle credentials information; and
(iii) exchange carrier data and commercial motor vehicle safety and credentials information within the
State and connect to such system for access to interstate carrier,
commercial motor vehicle, and commercial driver data.
(B) Interstate credentials administration to—
(i) perform end-to-end processing, including carrier application, jurisdiction application processing,
and credential issuance, of at least the international registration plan
and international fuel tax agreement credentials and extend this
processing to other credentials, including intrastate registration,
vehicle titling, oversize vehicle permits, overweight vehicle permits,
carrier registration, and hazardous materials permits; and
(ii) connect to such plan and agreement clearinghouses.
(C) Roadside electronic screening to electronically screen commercial vehicles at a minimum of one
fixed or mobile inspection site in the State.
.
(d)
Driver training grant program
Chapter 311 is amended by inserting after section 31109 (as amended by subsection (c) of this
section) the following:
31110.
Commercial motor vehicle operators grant program
(a)
In general
The Secretary shall administer a Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators Grant Program funded under
section 31104 of this title.
(b)
Purpose
The purpose of the program is to train individuals in the safe operation of commercial motor
vehicles as defined under section 31301 of this title.
.
(e) Section 31313 is amended to read as follows:
31313.
Financial assistance program for commercial driver’s license program implementation
(a)
In general
(1)
Purpose
The Secretary of Transportation may make a grant to a State agency in a fiscal year—
(A) to comply with the requirements of section 31311 of this title;
(B) in the case of a State that is making a good faith effort toward substantial compliance with the
requirements of section 31311 of this title, to improve its implementation
of its commercial driver’s license program, including expenses:
(i) for computer hardware and software;
(ii) for publications, testing, personnel, training, and quality control;
(iii) for commercial driver’s license program coordinators;
(iv) to implement or maintain a system to notify an employer of an operator of a commercial motor
vehicle of the suspension or revocation of the operator’s commercial
driver’s license consistent with the standards developed under section
32303(b) of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012
(49 U.S.C. 31304 note).
(2)
Priority activities
The Secretary may make a grant or cooperative agreement in a fiscal year to a State agency, local
government, or any person for research, development or testing,
demonstration projects, public education, or other special activities and
projects relating to commercial driver’s licensing and motor vehicle
safety that—
(A) are of benefit to all jurisdictions of the United States;
(B) are designed to address national safety concerns and circumstances;
(C) are designed to address emerging issues relating to commercial driver’s license improvements; or
(D) support innovative ideas and solutions to commercial driver’s license program issues.
(b)
Prohibitions
A recipient may not use financial assistance funds awarded under this section to rent, lease, or
buy land or buildings.
(c)
Apportionment
All amounts made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year shall be apportioned
according to criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation.
.
(f)
Miscellaneous repeals
(1) Subsection (b) of section 31106 is amended by striking paragraph (4).
(2) Section 31107 is repealed.
(3) Subsection (g) of section 31144 is amended by striking paragraph (4), as redesignated by section
5105 of this Act.
(g)
Technical and conforming amendment
(1) The analysis for chapter 311 is amended by—
(A) striking the item relating to section 31102 and inserting 31102. Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.;
(B) striking the item relating to section 31103 and inserting 31103. High Priority Grant Program.;
(C) striking the item relating to section 31107;
(D) striking the item relating to section 31109 and inserting Innovative Technology Deployment Grants.; and
(E) by adding at the end of Subchapter I the following: 31110. Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators Grant Program.
(2) The subsection heading for section 31106(b) is amended by striking program and inserting system management.
(3) Section 31161 is amended by striking 31104(i) and inserting 31104(b).
(4) The analysis for chapter 313 is amended by striking the item relating to section 31313 and
inserting the following: 31313. Financial assistance program for commercial driver's license program implementation..
E
Miscellaneous
5501.
Motor carrier safety advisory committee
(a)
Motor carrier safety advisory committee
Subchapter III of chapter 311 is amended by inserting after section 31152 (as added by section
5204) the following:
31153.
Motor carrier safety advisory committee
(a)
Establishment and duties
The Secretary shall maintain for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration a motor carrier
safety advisory committee. The committee shall—
(1) provide advice and recommendations to the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration about needs, objectives, plans, approaches, content, and
accomplishments of the motor carrier safety programs carried out by the
Administration; and
(2) provide advice and recommendations to the Administrator on motor carrier safety regulations.
(b)
Members, chairman, pay, and expenses
(1)
In general
The committee shall be composed of not more than 20 members appointed by the Administrator from
among individuals who are not employees of the Administration and who are
specially qualified to serve on the committee because of their education,
training, or experience. The members shall consist of representatives of
the motor carrier industry, nonprofit employee labor organizations
representing commercial vehicle drivers, safety advocates, and safety
enforcement officials. Representatives of a single enumerated interest
group may not constitute a majority of the members of the advisory
committee. A person appointed under this section shall not be considered
an employee of the Federal Government by reason of the appointment.
(2)
Chairman
The Administrator shall designate the chairman of the committee.
(3)
Pay
A member of the committee shall serve without pay; except that the Administrator may allow a
member, when attending meetings of the committee or a subcommittee of the
committee, expenses authorized under section 5703 of title 5, relating to
per diem, travel, and transportation expenses.
(c)
Support staff, information, and services
The Administrator shall provide staff for the committee. On request of the committee, and subject
to the availability of funding, the Administrator shall provide
information, administrative services, and supplies that the Administrator
considers necessary for the committee to carry out its duties and powers.
.
(b)
Conforming amendments
(1) The analysis for chapter 311 is amended by inserting after the item relating to 31152 (as added by
section 5204 of this Act) the following:
31153. Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee.
.
(2) Section 4144 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (49 U.S.C. 31100 note) is repealed.
5502.
Unified carrier registration plan
Section 14504a is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(5)(A)(ii)(II), by striking subsection (d)(4)(C) and inserting subsection (d)(5)(C);
(2) in subsection (d)(1)(B), by striking appointed by the Secretary as follows and inserting . In making appointments of directors, the Secretary should seek to achieve the following
distribution;
(3) in subsection (d)(1)(B)(iii), by striking Five and inserting Six and inserting the following before the last sentence: At least one of the appointees under this clause shall be a representative of the passenger
motorcoach industry.;
(4) in subsection (d)(1)(B), by striking clause (iv);
(5) in subsection (d)(1)(C), by striking Secretary and inserting board of directors;
(6) in subsection (d)(1)(D)—
(A) by striking clause (i) and redesignating clauses (ii) through (iv) as clauses (i) through (iii),
respectively; and
(B) by amending clause (i), (as so redesignated) to read as follows:
(i)
Terms
All directors shall be appointed for terms of 3 years.
;
(7) in subsection (d)(2)(C), by striking and;
(8) in subsection (d)(2)(D), by striking the period and inserting ; and at the end;
(9) in subsection (d)(2), by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
(E) require the board to conduct an audit of the UCR plan’s use of administrative fees no less
frequently than once every two years.
;
(10) in subsection (d)(3)(A)—
(A) by striking Except for the representative of the Department appointed under paragraph (1)(B)(iv), no; and
(B) by inserting No before director shall receive;
(11) in subsection (d)(4)(A), by striking of the board, and inserting of the board or and striking , or the Secretary;
(12) in subsection (d)(6), by inserting or the United States Government after agency of a State;
(13) by redesignating section 14504a(d)(7)(A) as section 14504a(d)(7) and amending paragraph (7) (as so
redesignated) to read as follows:
(7)
Setting fees
The board shall set the initial annual fees to be assessed carriers, leasing companies, brokers,
and freight forwarders under the unified carrier registration agreement.
In setting the level of fees to be assessed in any agreement year, and in
setting the fee level, the board shall consider—
(A) the administrative costs associated with the unified carrier registration plan and the agreement;
(B) whether the revenues generated in the previous year and any surplus or shortage from that year or
prior years enable the participating States to achieve the revenue levels
set by the board; and
(C) the provisions governing fees under subsection (f)(1).
;
(14) by striking subsection (d)(7)(B);
(15) by amending subsection (d)(9) to read as follows:
(9)
Inapplicability
Neither the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) nor the Administrative Procedure Act (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) shall apply to the unified carrier registration plan,
the board, or its committees.
;
(16) by redesignating subsections (d)(1) through (10) as (d)(2) through (11), respectively;
(17) by inserting a new subsection (d)(1) before subsection (d)(2) (as redesignated in paragraph) to
read as follows:
(1)
Status
The unified carrier registration plan—
(A) is an interstate agreement established under this section;
(B) shall be operated as a not-for-profit corporation; and
(C) is not a department, agency or instrumentality of the United States Government.
;
(18) in subsection (e), by striking subparagraph (5);
(19) in subsection (e)(2), by striking the Secretary and;
(20) in subsection (e)(3)—
(A) by striking Secretary the first place it appears;
(B) by inserting chairperson of the board of directors; and
(C) by striking the last sentence;
(21) in subsection (e)(4), by striking Secretary and inserting chairperson of the board of directors;
(22) in subsection (f)(1)(E), by striking ask the Secretary to;
(23) by striking subsection (f)(1)(B) and redesignating subsections (f)(1)(C) through (f)(1)(E) as
subsections (f)(1)(B) through (f)(1)(D), respectively;
(24) in subsection (h)(2)—
(A) by striking participating; and
(B) by striking subsection (d)(2)(D) and inserting subsection (d)(3)(D), as redesignated;
(25) by amending subsection (h)(3)(B) to read as follows:
(B) To pay the administrative costs of the UCR plan and the UCR agreement. Payments for administrative
costs may be made prior to making distributions under subparagraph (A).
;
(26) in subsection (h)(4), by striking Secretary and inserting board; and
(27) by amending subsection (i) to read as follows:
(i)
Enforcement
Nothing in this section—
(1) prohibits a participating State from issuing citations and imposing reasonable fines and penalties
pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations of the State on any motor
carrier, motor private carrier, freight forwarder, broker, or leasing
company for failure to—
(A) submit information documents as required under subsection (d)(3); or
(B) pay the fees required under subsection (f); or
(2) authorizes a State to require a motor carrier, motor private carrier, or freight forwarder to
display as evidence of compliance any form of identification in excess of
those permitted under section 14506 of this title on or in a commercial
motor vehicle.
.
5503.
Self-insurance for motor carriers repealed
Section 13906(d) is amended by striking the second, third and last sentences.
5504.
Electronic logging device recall authority
Section 31137 is amended—
(1) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (h) and (i), respectively; and
(2) by inserting before subsection (h), as redesignated, the following:
(f)
Notice and record requirements
The Secretary may require an electronic logging device provider to—
(1) provide the purchaser or lessee of an electronic logging device, in a manner the Secretary
considers appropriate, any information or notice that the Secretary
considers necessary; and
(2) maintain records of electronic logging device purchasers and lessees in order to provide any
information or notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(g)
Noncompliant devices
(1) The Secretary shall notify an electronic logging device provider after making a preliminary
decision that an electronic logging device does not comply with the
standards established through the regulations prescribed under subsection
(a) in effect at the time of certification.
(2) The Secretary shall publish notice of each preliminary decision in the Federal Register.
(3) The Secretary may make a final decision that an electronic logging device does not comply with the
standards only after—
(A) giving the electronic logging device provider an opportunity to—
(i) correct the deficiency in order that the electronic logging device complies with the standards; or
(ii) present information to show that the electronic logging device complies with the standards; and
(B) giving any other interested person an opportunity to present information as to the electronic
logging device’s noncompliance.
(4) If the Secretary makes a final decision that an electronic logging device does not comply with the
standards in effect at the time of certification, the Secretary shall
order the electronic logging device provider to give notice under
subsection (f) of this section to each purchaser or lessee of the
electronic logging device that the electronic logging device provider has
been required to—
(A) recall the electronic logging device; and
(B) remedy the defect so that the purchaser or lessee of the electronic logging device obtains a
compliant electronic logging device within a reasonable time and in
accordance with the terms prescribed by the Secretary.
.
5505.
Repeal of motor carrier financial reporting requirement
Section 14123 and the item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 141 are repealed.
5506.
Contractors exercising operational control over motor carrier operations
(a)
Contractors exercising operational control over motor carrier operations
Chapter 311 is amended by inserting after section 31139 the following:
31139a.
Contractors exercising operational control over motor carrier operations
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Transportation may issue regulations governing contractors that exercise control
over motor carrier operations.
(b)
Contents
The regulations issued under this section shall include, at a minimum—
(1) a requirement that contractors register with the Secretary under this chapter;
(2) a requirement that contractors create and maintain records applicable to regulatory provisions over
which they exercise control or which they conduct directly;
(3) a program for the evaluation and audit of compliance by contractors with applicable Federal motor
carrier safety regulations;
(4) a civil penalty structure consistent with section 521(b) of this title, for contractors that fail
to comply with applicable Federal motor carrier safety regulations;
(5) a prohibition on contractors from placing commercial motor vehicles or drivers in service on the
public highways to the extent that such drivers or their equipment are
found to pose an imminent hazard;
(6) a process by which motor carriers and agents of motor carriers shall be able to request the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration to undertake an investigation of a
contractor identified that is alleged to be not in compliance with the
regulations under this section; and
(7) a procedure under which motor carriers, drivers, and contractors may seek correction of their
safety records through the deletion from those records of violations of
safety regulations attributable to deficiencies in operation or driver
performance for which they should not have been held responsible.
(c)
Inspections
The Secretary or an employee of the Department of Transportation designated by the Secretary or a
contractor or an employee of the recipient of a grant issued under section
31102 of this title may inspect records for operations controlled by or
drivers provided by the contractor, upon demand and display of proper
credentials in person or in writing.
(d)
Out-of-Service
Any contractor that is determined under this section to fail to comply with applicable Federal
safety regulations may be placed out of service by the Secretary or a
Federal, State, or government official designated by the Secretary and may
not exercise operational control over a motor carrier’s drivers and
commercial motor vehicles and may not provide drivers or commercial motor
vehicles to a motor carrier until the contractor takes actions necessary
to come into compliance.
(e)
Definition of contractor
For purposes of this section, exclusive of the first use of term in subsection (c), the term contractor means a person, other than a motor carrier, that does one or more of the following:
(1) Enters into a contract with a motor carrier under which the motor carrier provides commercial motor
vehicles and drivers dedicated to transporting property or passengers for
the person over multiple trips where the person exercises direct
operational control, such as setting schedules, routes, pick-up and
delivery points, and dispatching drivers and commercial motor vehicles.
(2) Enters into a contract with a motor carrier to provide drivers to the carrier and represents that
it is responsible for ensuring that the drivers meet the qualifications
required by this part and regulations promulgated under this part.
(3) Enters into a contract with a motor carrier to provide commercial motor vehicles to the motor
carrier (other than for purchase or lease to purchase) and represents that
it is responsible under the contract for ensuring that the vehicles meet
the requirements of this part and regulations promulgated under it.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 311 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31139 the
following:
31139a. Contractors exercising operational control over motor carrier operations
.
5507.
Driver compensation
(a)
In general
Chapter 311 is amended by inserting after section 31139a (as added by section 5506 of this Act) the
following:
31140.
Driver compensation
(a)
On-Duty, not-Driving time
The Secretary of Transportation may by regulation require that a motor carrier employer—
(1) track the on-duty (not driving) time of an employee whose base compensation is calculated in a
manner other than an hourly wage and who is required to keep a record of
duty status under the hours of service regulations prescribed by the
Secretary; and
(2) separately compensate the employee for any on-duty, not-driving period at an hourly rate not less
than the Federal minimum wage rate under section 6 of the Fair Labor
Standards Act (29 U.S.C. 206).
(b)
Scope
This section does not apply to an employee whose employment is governed by a collective bargaining
agreement, negotiated by employee representatives certified as bona fide
by the National Labor Relations Board, if the agreement governs
compensation of the employee for on-duty, not-driving time.
(c)
Other law
Nothing in this section or regulations adopted under this section shall alter an employer’s
obligations under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et
seq.). Compensation of employees under this section and regulations
adopted under this section shall be in addition to other compensation
calculated for purposes of determining compliance with the Fair Labor
Standards Act.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis of chapter 311 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31139a (as
added by section 5506 of this Act) the following:
31140. Driver compensation
.
5508.
Civil enforcement authority
Section 507 is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)—
(A) by inserting , subchapter III of chapter 311, chapter 313, or chapter 315 after the first this chapter;
(B) by striking the second this chapter and inserting these provisions; and
(C) by striking violating this chapter or a regulation or order of the Secretary and inserting for a violation; and
(2) in subsection (c)—
(A) by striking , at the request of the Secretary, may and inserting "may, and at the request of the Secretary, shall; and
(B) by striking (except sections 31138 and 31139) or section 31502 and inserting , chapter 313, and chapter 315.
5509.
Criminal penalties
Section 521(b)(6)(A) is amended by—
(1) striking and willfully;
(2) striking the second or;
(3) inserting or order after regulation;
(4) inserting , or an imminent hazard out-of-service order issued under this section after those provisions;
(5) striking to a fine not to exceed $25,000 and inserting to a fine as set forth in section 3571 of title 18;
(6) striking , except that, if and inserting . If; and
(7) striking to a fine not to exceed $2,500 and inserting to a fine as set forth in section 3571 of title 18 or imprisonment for a term not to exceed one
year, or both.
5510.
Penalties for violations of out-of-service orders
Section 521(b)(2)(F) is amended by inserting the end the following: Each day of operation after the effective date of the out-of-service order is a separate offense.
5511.
Technical corrections
(a)
Fleetwide out-of-Service order for operating without required registration
Section 13902(e)(1) is amended—
(1) by inserting motor vehicle or before motor carrier providing; and
(2) by inserting motor vehicle or before motor carrier operations.
(b)
Settlement of general civil penalties
Section 14901(h) is amended by striking Household Goods in the subsection heading.
(c)
Hours of service study and electronic logging devices
Section 30165(a)(1) is amended by striking 30141 through 30147, or 31137 and inserting or 30141 through 30147.
(d)
Medical standards and requirements
Section 31149(c)(1)(E) is amended by striking on a monthly basis.
(e)
National clearinghouse for controlled substance and alcohol test results
(1) Section 521 is amended—
(A) by inserting , section 31306(b), before or section 31502 in subparagraph (b)(2)(A);
(B) by amending the subparagraph headings for subparagraphs (b)(2)(C) and (b)(6)(B), by inserting after CDLS, each place it appears, and alcohol and controlled substance testing; and
(C) by inserting in subparagraph (b)(2)(C) and clause (b)(6)(B)(i), after 31305(b), each place it appears, 31306, 31306a,.
(2) Section 31306a(f) is amended by inserting and Service Agent before Requirements. in the subsection heading.
(f)
Exemptions from requirements for covered farm vehicles
Subsection 32934(c)(1)(B) of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (Public Law
112–141) is amended by striking 26,001 pounds in both places it occurs and inserting 26,000 pounds.
(g)
Correcting reference to FMCSA in statute
Section 30305(b)(1) is amended by striking Federal Highway Administration and inserting Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
5512.
Audits and compliance investigations of Mexico-domiciled motor carriers
Section 130 of division L of Public Law 113–76 is amended by inserting after 110–28 the following: , except to the extent that a term or condition in either section 350 or section 6901 requires that
safety examinations of Mexico-domiciled motor carriers be conducted
on-site; nothing in section 350 or section 6901 shall be construed as
limiting the ability of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to
conduct any compliance review, new entrant safety audit, or other
inspection or investigation of a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier at any
location prescribed by the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration.
5513.
Administrative adjudication of violations of commercial regulations and statutes
Section 14702 is amended by adding at the end the following:
(d)
Administrative adjudications
In addition to civil actions under subsection (a) of this section, the authority of the Secretary
includes authority to maintain by regulation procedures for the
administrative adjudication of violations of this part.
.
5514.
Access to national driver register
Section 30305(b) is amended by inserting at the end the following:
(13) The Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration may request the chief driver
licensing official of a State to provide information under subsection (a)
of this section about an individual in connection with a safety
investigation under the Administrator’s jurisdiction.
.
5515.
Elimination of certain FMCSA reporting requirements
(a)
Motor carrier efficiency study annual report
Section 5503 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (Public Law 109–59) is amended by—
(1) by striking subsection (d); and
(2) redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d).
(b)
Safety data improvement program report
Section 4128 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (Public Law 109–59) is amended by striking subsection (d).
VI
Hazardous Material Transportation Safety
6001.
Amendment of title 49, United States Code
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an amendment or repeal is expressed
in terms of an amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision,
the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other
provision of title 49, United States Code.
6002.
Emergency operational controls
(a)
In general
Chapter 51 is amended by inserting after section 5128 the following:
5129.
Emergency operational controls
(a)
Ordering operational controls, restrictions, and prohibitions
(1)
In general
If, upon inspection, investigation, testing, or research carried out under this chapter, the
Secretary determines that an unsafe condition or practice, or a
combination of unsafe conditions and practices, or an activity existing
within a regulated entity or industry, related to the transportation of
hazardous materials in commerce, causes an emergency situation involving a
hazard of death, personal injury, or significant harm to property or the
environment, the Secretary immediately may order such operational
controls, restrictions, and prohibitions, without prior notice or an
opportunity for a hearing, as may be necessary to abate the situation.
(2)
Written orders
The order shall be in writing, and describe—
(A) the condition, practice, or activity that causes the emergency situation;
(B) the operational controls, restrictions, and prohibitions issued or imposed; and
(C) the standards and procedures for obtaining relief from the order. This paragraph does not affect
the Secretary’s discretion under this section to maintain the order in
effect for as long as the emergency situation exists.
(3)
Emergency variance
Notwithstanding section 5117(e) of this title, such orders may provide for an emergency variance
from this chapter or a regulation prescribed thereunder.
(b)
Review of orders
After issuing an order under this section, the Secretary shall provide an opportunity for review of
the order under section 554 of title 5. If a petition for review is filed
and the review is not completed by the end of the 30-day period beginning
on the date the order was issued, the order stops being effective at the
end of that period unless the Secretary decides in writing that the
emergency situation still exists.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 51 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5128 the
following:
5129. Emergency operational controls
.
6003.
Enhanced registration requirements
Section 5108 is amended by—
(1) inserting the following after subsection (a)(2)(B):
(C) a person who performs, or is responsible for performing, a function specified by regulation
prescribed under this chapter that is required to assure the safe
transportation of hazardous material, in commerce, and is subject to the
training requirements of section 5107.
;
(2) in subsection (a)(3), inserting after material, the following: or perform or be responsible for performing a function specified by regulation prescribed under
this chapter that is required to assure the safe transportation of
hazardous material, in commerce, and is subject to the training
requirements of section 5107,;
(3) in subparagraph (g)(2)(A), by striking and impose by regulation; and
(4) in subparagraphs (g)(2)(B) and (g)(2)(C), replacing (i) with (h).
6004.
User fees for special permits
Section 5117 is amended by inserting the following at the end:
(g)
Fees
(1)
Authorization
The Secretary is authorized to collect a reasonable fee, to the extent and in such amounts as
provided in advance in appropriations acts, for the administration of the
special permits and approvals programs. The fees shall be deposited into a
Hazardous Materials Approvals and Permits Fund, which shall remain
available until expended.
(2)
Establishment and use of fees
There is established a Hazardous Materials Approvals and Permits Fund in the Department of the
Treasury of the United States. Amounts collected from fees under paragraph
(1) shall be available for administration of the special permits and
approvals programs.
(3)
Fees credited as offsetting receipts
Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, any fee authorized to be collected under this subsection
shall be credited as offsetting receipts, and remain available until
expended.
(4)
Regulations
The Secretary, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, shall issue
regulations to implement this subsection.
.
6005.
National emergency and disaster response
(a)
Purpose
Section 5101 is amended by inserting and to facilitate the safe movement of hazardous materials during national emergencies after commerce.
(b)
Standards
Section 5103 is amended by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as (d) and (e) and inserting new
subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c)
Federally declared disaster and emergency areas
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, may prescribe standards to
facilitate the movement of hazardous materials into, from and within
federally declared disaster and emergency areas.
.
6006.
Enhanced reporting
Section 5121(h) is amended by—
(1) striking transmit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
(2) inserting make public after and.
6007.
Improving publication of special permits
Section 5117 is amended—
(1) in subsection (b), by striking publish in the Federal Register and inserting make public through after shall; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking publish and in the Federal Register and inserting make public after shall.
6008.
Hazard abatement authority
(a)
In general
Chapter 51 is amended by inserting after section 5129 the following:
5130.
Hazard abatement authority
(a)
Ordering removal, remediation, or disposal
If, upon inspection, investigation, testing, or research, the Secretary determines that an unsafe
condition, practice, or activity, related to the transportation of
hazardous materials in commerce or other items subject to this chapter,
causes unreasonable risk of death, personal injury, or significant harm to
the property or the environment, the Secretary may order removal,
remediation, or disposal of such hazardous materials or other items
subject to this chapter, as may be necessary to abate the unreasonable
risk.
(b)
Written orders
The order shall be in writing, and describe—
(1) the condition, practice, or activity that causes the unreasonable risk;
(2) the actions that must be taken to abate the unreasonable risk; and
(3) the standards and procedures for obtaining relief from the order.
(c)
Duration of order
Subsection (b) does not affect the Secretary’s discretion under this section to maintain the order
in effect for as long as the emergency situation exists.
(d)
Failure To comply
If the Secretary determines that a person has failed to comply with an order for removal,
remediation, or disposal, the Secretary may take such action to arrange
for the removal, remediation, or disposal of such hazardous materials as
necessary to abate the unreasonable risk.
(e)
Liability for noncompliance
Upon a determination by the Secretary that a person has failed to comply with an order for removal,
remediation, or disposal of a hazardous material, such person shall be
liable for all costs incurred by the United States Government in removing,
remediating, or disposing of such hazardous materials.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 51 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5129 the
following:
5130. Hazard abatement authority
.
6009.
Inspection of non-domestic entities
Section 5121 is amended by inserting the following after subsection (c)(3):
(4)
Inspection of non-domestic entities
In instances when a person seeks to manufacture, requalify, or inspect a DOT specification
packaging or special permit cylinders or certify compliance with title 49
of the Code of Federal Regulations outside the United States, that person
must seek an approval from the Secretary to perform that function outside
the United States. Upon the request of the Secretary, the applicant must
allow the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee to inspect the applicant’s
process and procedures. The applicant must bear the cost of the initial
and subsequent inspections.
.
6010.
Improving the effectiveness of the HMEP grant program
(a)
Planning and training grants
Section 5116 is amended to read as follows:
5116.
Planning and training grants, monitoring, and review
(a)
Planning and training grants
(1) The Secretary shall make grants to States and Indian tribes—
(A) to develop, improve, and carry out emergency plans under the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 11001 et seq.), including
ascertaining flow patterns of hazardous material on lands under the
jurisdiction of a State or Indian tribe, and between lands under the
jurisdiction of a State or Indian tribe and lands of another State or
Indian tribe;
(B) to decide on the need for a regional hazardous material emergency response team; and
(C) to train public sector employees to respond to accidents and incidents involving hazardous
material. To the extent that a grant is used to train emergency
responders, the State or Indian tribe shall provide written certification
to the Secretary that the emergency responders who receive training under
the grant will have the ability to protect nearby persons, property, and
the environment from the effects of accidents or incidents involving the
transportation of hazardous material in accordance with existing
regulations or National Fire Protection Association standards for
competence of responders to accidents and incidents involving hazardous
materials.
(2) The Secretary may make a grant to a State or Indian tribe under paragraph (1) of this subsection
only if—
(A) the State or Indian tribe certifies that the total amount the State or Indian tribe expends (except
amounts of the United States Government) for the purpose of the grant will
at least equal the average level of expenditure for the last 5 years; and
(B) any emergency response training provided under the grant shall consist of:
(i) a course developed or identified under section 5115 of this title; or
(ii) another course the Secretary decides is consistent with the objectives of this section.
(3) A State or Indian tribe receiving a grant under this subsection shall ensure that planning and
emergency response training under the grant is coordinated with adjacent
States and Indian tribes.
(4) A training grant under this subsection may be used—
(A) to pay—
(i) the tuition costs of public sector employees being trained;
(ii) travel expenses of those employees to and from the training facility;
(iii) room and board of those employees when at the training facility; and
(iv) travel expenses of individuals providing the training;
(B) by the State, political subdivision, or Indian tribe to provide the training; and
(C) to make an agreement with a person (including an authority of a State, a political subdivision of a
State or Indian tribe, or a local jurisdiction), subject to approval by
the Secretary, to provide the training—
(i) if the agreement allows the Secretary and the State or Indian tribe to conduct random examinations,
inspections, and audits of the training without prior notice;
(ii) the person agrees to have an auditable accounting system; and
(iii) if the State or Indian tribe conducts at least one on-site observation of the training each year.
(5) The Secretary shall allocate amounts made available for grants under this subsection among eligible
States and Indian tribes based on the needs of the States and Indian
tribes for emergency response training. In making a decision about those
needs, the Secretary shall consider—
(A) the number of hazardous material facilities in the State or on land under the jurisdiction of the
Indian tribe;
(B) the types and amounts of hazardous material transported in the State or on such land;
(C) whether the State or Indian tribe imposes and collects a fee on transporting hazardous material;
(D) whether such fee is used only to carry out a purpose related to transporting hazardous material;
(E) the past record of the State or Indian tribe in effectively managing planning and training grants;
and
(F) other factors the Secretary decides are appropriate to carry out this subsection.
(b)
Compliance with certain law
The Secretary may make a grant to a State under this section only if the State certifies that the
State complies with sections 301 and 303 of the Emergency Planning and
Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 11001, 11003).
(c)
Applications
A State or Indian tribe interested in receiving a grant under this section shall submit an
application to the Secretary. The application must be submitted at the
time, and contain information, the Secretary requires by regulation to
carry out the objectives of this section.
(d)
Government’s share of costs
A grant under this section is for 80 percent of the cost the State or Indian tribe incurs to carry
out the activity for which the grant is made. Amounts of the State or
tribe under subsections (a)(2)(A) and (b)(2)(A) of this section are not
part of the non-Government share under this subsection.
(e)
Monitoring and technical assistance
In coordination with the Secretaries of Transportation and Energy, the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency, and the Director of the National
Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall monitor public sector emergency response planning
and training for an accident or incident involving hazardous material.
Considering the results of the monitoring, the Secretaries, Administrator,
and Directors each shall provide technical assistance to a State,
political subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe for carrying out
emergency response training and planning for an accident or incident
involving hazardous material and shall coordinate the assistance using the
existing coordinating mechanisms of the National Response Team and, for
radioactive material, the Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating
Committee.
(f)
Delegation of authority
To minimize administrative costs and to coordinate Federal financial assistance for emergency
response training and planning, the Secretary may delegate to the
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Director of
the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Chairman of the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency, and Secretaries of Labor and Energy any of the
following:
(1) Authority to receive applications for grants under this section.
(2) Authority to review applications for technical compliance with this section.
(3) Authority to review applications to recommend approval or disapproval.
(4) Any other ministerial duty associated with grants under this section.
(g)
Minimizing duplication of effort and expenses
The Secretaries of Transportation, Labor, and Energy, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, the Director of the National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences, the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall review
periodically, with the head of each department, agency, or instrumentality
of the Government, all emergency response and preparedness training
programs of that department, agency, or instrumentality to minimize
duplication of effort and expense of the department, agency, or
instrumentality in carrying out the programs and shall take necessary
action to minimize duplication.
(h)
Annual registration fee account and its uses
The Secretary of the Treasury shall establish an account in the Treasury (to be known as the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund) into which the Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit amounts the Secretary of Transportation
transfers to the Secretary of the Treasury under section 5108(g)(2)(C) of
this title. Without further appropriation, amounts in the account are
available—
(1) to make grants under this section;
(2) to monitor and provide technical assistance under subsection (e) of this section;
(3) to publish and distribute an emergency response guide; and
(4) to pay administrative costs of carrying out this section and sections 5108(g)(2) and 5115 of this
title, except that up to 4 percent of the amounts made available from the
account in a fiscal year may be used to pay those costs.
(i)
Instructor training grants for emergency responders and hazardous materials employees
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall make grants under this subsection—
(A) for training instructors to conduct hazardous materials response training programs for individuals
with statutory responsibility to respond to hazardous materials accidents
and incidents;
(B) for training instructors to train hazmat employees; and
(C) to the extent determined appropriate by the Secretary, for such instructors to train hazmat
employees.
(2)
Eligibility for emergency responder training grants
A grant under (1)(A) of this subsection shall be made through a competitive process to a nonprofit
organization that—
(A) demonstrates expertise in conducting a training program for hazmat emergency responders;
(B) has the ability to reach and involve in a training program a target population of hazmat emergency
responders;
(C) agrees to use a course or courses developed or identified under section 5115 of this title or
otherwise approved by the Secretary;
(D) provides training courses that comply with Federal regulations and national consensus standards for
hazardous materials response and are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis;
and
(E) ensures that emergency responders who receive training under the grant will have the ability to
protect nearby persons, property, and the environment from the effects of
accidents or incidents involving the transportation of hazardous material
in accordance with existing regulations or National Fire Protection
Association standards for competence of responders to accidents and
incidents involving hazardous materials.
(3)
Eligibility for hazardous materials employee training grants
A grant under (1)(B) and (1)(C) of this subsection shall be made on a competitive basis to a
nonprofit organization that demonstrates expertise in providing training,
research, technological development, or a similar service intended to
enhance the capabilities of hazardous materials employees.
(4)
Training of certain employees
The Secretary shall ensure that maintenance-of-way employees and railroad signalmen receive general
awareness and familiarization training and safety training pursuant to
section 172.704 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
(5)
Existing effort
No grant under this subsection shall supplant or replace existing employer-provided hazardous
materials training efforts or obligations.
(6)
Use of funds
Funds granted to an organization under this subsection shall only be used—
(A) to provide training, including portable training, for instructors to conduct hazardous materials
and hazardous materials response training programs;
(B) to purchase training equipment used exclusively to train instructors to conduct such training
programs; and
(C) to disseminate such information and materials as are necessary for the conduct of such training
programs.
(7)
Portable training
In this subsection, the term portable training means live, instructor-led training provided by certified instructors that can be offered in any
suitable setting, rather than specific designated facilities. Under this
training delivery model, instructors travel to locations convenient to
students and utilize local facilities and resources.
(8)
Terms and conditions
The Secretary may impose such additional terms and conditions on grants to be made under this
subsection as the Secretary determines are necessary to protect the
interests of the United States and to carry out the objectives of this
subsection.
(j)
Reports
The Secretary shall make an annual report available to the public (in an electronically-accessible
format). The report submitted under this subsection shall include
information on the allocation and uses of the planning and training grants
allocated under subsection (a), and grants under subsection (i) of this
section. The report submitted under this subsection shall identify the
ultimate recipients of such grants and include—
(1) a detailed accounting and description of each grant expenditure by each grant recipient, including
the amount of, and purpose for, each expenditure;
(2) the number of persons trained under the grant program, by training level;
(3) an evaluation of the efficacy of such planning and training programs; and
(4) any recommendations the Secretary may have for improving such grant programs.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 51 is amended by striking the item relating to section 5116 and inserting
the following:
5116. Planning and training grants, monitoring, and review
.
(c)
Training requirements
Section 5107 is amended by—
(1) striking and grants from the section heading;
(2) deleting subsections (e), (f), and (h); and
(3) redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (e).
(d)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 51 is amended by striking the item relating to section 5107 and inserting
the following:
5107. HAZMAT employee training requirements.
.
6011.
Civil penalty
Section 5123 is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking $75,000 and inserting $250,000; and
(2) in subsection (a)(2), by striking $175,000 and inserting $500,000;
6012.
General duty
Section 5103, as amended by this Act, is amended by—
(1) redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as (e) and (f), respectively; and
(2) inserting the following after subsection (c):
(d)
Duty for safe transportation
A person shall—
(1) take all reasonable measures and precautions to properly classify, describe, package, mark and
label, and ensure proper condition for transportation of a hazardous
material; and
(2) comply with this chapter, or a regulation prescribed, or an order, special permit or approval
issued under this chapter.
.
6013.
Authorization of appropriations
The text of section 5128 is amended to read as follows:
(a)
In general
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this chapter (except sections
5108(g)(2), 5113, 5115, 5116, and 5119 of this title), $52,000,000 for
fiscal year 2015 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2016,
2017, and 2018.
(b)
Hazardous materials emergency preparedness fund
From the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund established under section 5116(h) of this
title, the Secretary may expend, for each of fiscal years 2015 through
2018—
(1) $188,000 to carry out section 5115;
(2) $21,800,000 to carry out subsection (a) of section 5116;
(3) $150,000 to carry out section 5116(e);
(4) $625,000 to publish and distribute the Emergency Response Guidebook under section 5116(h)(3); and
(5) $5,000,000 to carry out section 5116(i).
(c)
Credits to Appropriations
(1)
Expenses
In addition to amounts otherwise made available to carry out this chapter, the Secretary may credit
amounts received from a State, Indian tribe, or other public authority or
private entity for expenses the Secretary incurs in providing training to
the State, authority, or entity.
(2)
Availability of amounts
Amounts made available under this section shall remain available until expended.
.
6014.
Elimination of certain PHMSA reporting requirements
Section 6 of the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act (49 U.S.C. 108
note) is amended—
(1) by striking subsection (b)(1); and
(2) by striking the heading for subsection (b) and redesignating subsection (b)(2) as subsection (b).
VII
Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code
7001.
Amendment of 1986 Code
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an amendment or repeal is expressed
in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision,
the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other
provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
7002.
Extension of highway-related taxes
(a)
Extension of taxes
(1)
In general
The following provisions are each amended by striking 2016 each place it appears and inserting 2020:
(A) Section 4041(a)(1)(C)(iii)(I) (relating to rate of tax on certain buses).
(B) Section 4041(m)(1) (relating to certain alcohol fuels).
(C) Section 4051(c) (relating to termination of tax on heavy trucks and trailers).
(D) Section 4071(d) (relating to termination of tax on tires).
(E) Section 4081(d)(1) (relating to termination of tax on gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene).
(F) Section 4081(d)(3) (relating to the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Financing rate).
(2)
Extension of tax, etc., on use of certain heavy vehicles
The following provisions are each amended by striking 2017 each place it appears and inserting 2020:
(A) Section 4481(f) (relating to period tax in effect).
(B) Section 4482(c)(4) (relating to taxable period).
(C) Section 4482(d) (relating to special rule for taxable period in which termination date occurs).
(3)
Floor stocks refunds
Section 6412(a)(1) (relating to floor stocks refunds) is amended—
(A) by striking 2016 each place it appears and inserting 2020; and
(B) by striking 2017 each place it appears and inserting 2021.
(b)
Extension of certain exemptions
(1)
Certain tax-free sales
Section 4221(a) (relating to certain tax-free sales) is amended by striking 2016 and inserting 2020.
(2)
Termination of exemptions for highway use tax
Section 4483(i) (relating to termination of exemptions for highway use tax) is amended by striking 2017 and inserting 2021.
7003.
Extension of provisions related to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund
(a)
Extension of expenditures from the trust fund
Subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (2) of section 9504(b) of such Code are amended to read
as follows:
(A) to carry out the purposes of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (as in effect on the
date of the enactment of the GROW AMERICA Act),
(B) to carry out the purposes of section 7404(d) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century
(as in effect on the date of the enactment of the GROW AMERICA Act), and
(C) to carry out the purposes of the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (as in
effect on the date of the enactment of the GROW AMERICA Act).
.
(b)
Exception to limitation on transfers
Paragraph (2) of section 9504(d) is amended by striking October 1, 2014, and inserting October 1, 2018,.
7004.
Transportation Trust Fund
(a)
Creation of transportation trust fund
Section 9503 is amended to read as follows:
9503.
Transportation Trust Fund
(a)
Creation of trust fund
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Transportation Trust Fund, consisting of such amounts as may be appropriated or credited to the Transportation Trust Fund as
provided in this section or section 9602(b). The Transportation Trust Fund
is a successor to the Highway Trust Fund established under this section as
in effect prior to the enactment of the Transportation Jobs Act for the
21st Century. All references to the Mass Transit Account of the Highway
Trust Fund are deemed to be references to the Mass Transit Account of the
Transportation Trust Fund under subsection (e). All references to the
Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) or to the Highway
Account of the Highway Trust Fund are deemed to be references to the
Highway Account of the Transportation Trust Fund under subsection (f).
(b)
Appropriation to the transportation trust fund of amounts equivalent to certain taxes and penalties
(1)
Certain taxes
There are hereby appropriated to the Transportation Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the taxes
received in the Treasury before October 1, 2020, under the following
provisions—
(A) section 4041 (relating to taxes on diesel fuels and special motor fuels),
(B) section 4051 (relating to retail tax on heavy trucks and trailers),
(C) section 4071 (relating to tax on tires),
(D) section 4081 (relating to tax on gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene), and
(E) section 4481 (relating to tax on use of certain vehicles).
For purposes of this paragraph, taxes received under sections 4041 and 4081 shall be determined
without reduction for credits under section 6426.
(2)
Liabilities incurred before October 1, 2020
There are hereby appropriated to the Transportation Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the taxes
which are received in the Treasury after September 30, 2020, and before
July 1, 2021, and which are attributable to liability for tax incurred
before October 1, 2020, under the provisions described in paragraph (1).
(3)
Certain taxes not transferred to transportation trust fund
For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), there shall not be taken into account the taxes imposed by—
(A) section 4041(d),
(B) section 4081 to the extent attributable to the rate specified in section 4081(a)(2)(B),
(C) section 4041 or 4081 to the extent attributable to fuel used in a train, or
(D) in the case of gasoline and special motor fuels used as described in paragraph (3)(D) or (4)(B) of
subsection (c), section 4041 or 4081 with respect to so much of the rate
of tax as exceeds—
(i) 11.5 cents per gallon with respect to taxes imposed before October 1, 2001,
(ii) 13 cents per gallon with respect to taxes imposed after September 30, 2001, and before October 1,
2003, and
(iii) 13.5 cents per gallon with respect to taxes imposed after September 30, 2003, and before October 1,
2005.
(4)
Certain penalties
There are hereby appropriated to the Transportation Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the penalties
paid under sections 6715, 6715A, 6717, 6718, 6719, 6720A, 6725, 7232, and
7272 (but only with regard to penalties under each such section related to
failure to register under section 4101).
(c)
Floor stocks refunds
The Secretary shall pay from time to time from the Transportation Trust Fund into the general fund
of the Treasury amounts equivalent to the floor stocks refunds made before
July 1, 2021, under section 6412(a). The amounts payable from the each
account in the Transportation Trust Fund under the preceding sentence
shall be determined by taking into account only the portion of the taxes
which are deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund and into each
account of such Fund.
(d)
Transfers from the trust fund for taxes on certain uses of fuel
(1)
Motorboat fuel taxes
(A)
Transfer to land and water conservation fund
(i)
In general
The Secretary shall pay from time to time from the Transportation Trust Fund into the land and
water conservation fund provided for in title I of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act of 1965 amounts (as determined by the Secretary)
equivalent to the motorboat fuel taxes received on or after October 1,
2005, and before October 1, 2020.
(ii)
Limitation
The aggregate amount transferred under this subparagraph during any fiscal year shall not exceed
$1,000,000.
(2)
Excess funds transferred to sport fish restoration and boating trust fund
Any amounts in the Transportation Trust Fund—
(A) which are attributable to motorboat fuel taxes, and
(B) which are not transferred from the Transportation Trust Fund under paragraph (1)(A),
shall be transferred by the Secretary from the Transportation Trust Fund into the Sport Fish
Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.
(3)
Motorboat fuel taxes
For purposes of this paragraph, the term motorboat fuel taxes means the taxes under section 4041(a)(2) with respect to special motor fuels used as fuel in
motorboats and under section 4081 with respect to gasoline used as fuel in
motorboats, but only to the extent such taxes are deposited into the
Transportation Trust Fund.
(4)
Determination
The amount of transfers made under this paragraph after October 1, 1986 shall be determined by the
Secretary in accordance with the methodology described in the Treasury
Department’s Report to Congress of June 1986 entitled Gasoline Excise Tax Revenues Attributable to Fuel Used in Recreational Motorboats.
(5)
Transfers from the trust fund for small-engine fuel taxes
(A)
In general
The Secretary shall pay from time to time from the Transportation Trust Fund into the Sport Fish
Restoration and Boating Trust Fund amounts (as determined by him)
equivalent to the small-engine fuel taxes received on or after December 1,
1990, and before October 1, 2020.
(B)
Small-engine fuel taxes
For purposes of this paragraph, the term small-engine fuel taxes means the taxes under section 4081 with respect to gasoline used as a fuel in the nonbusiness use
of small-engine outdoor power equipment, but only to the extent such taxes
are deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund and into each account of
such Fund.
(6)
Transfers from the trust fund for certain aviation fuel taxes
The Secretary shall pay at least monthly from the Transportation Trust Fund into the Airport and
Airway Trust Fund amounts (as determined by the Secretary) equivalent to
the taxes received on or after October 1, 2005, and before October 1,
2020, under section 4081 with respect to so much of the rate of tax as
does not exceed.
(A) 4.3 cents per gallon of kerosene subject to section 6427(l)(4)(A) with respect to which a payment
has been made by the Secretary under section 6427(l), and
(B) 21.8 cents per gallon of kerosene subject to section 6427(l)(4)(B) with respect to which a payment
has been made by the Secretary under section 6427(l).
Transfers under the preceding sentence shall be made on the basis of estimates by the Secretary,
and proper adjustments shall be made in the amounts subsequently
transferred to the extent prior estimates were in excess of or less than
the amounts required to be transferred. Any amount allowed as a credit
under section 34 by reason of paragraph (4) of section 6427(l) shall be
treated for purposes of subparagraphs (A) and (B) as a payment made by the
Secretary under such paragraph.
(e)
Establishment of mass transit account
(1)
Creation of account
There is established in the Transportation Trust Fund a separate account to be known as the Mass Transit Account consisting of such amounts as may be transferred or credited to the Mass Transit Account as
provided in this section or section 9602(b).
(2)
Transfers to mass transit account
The Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Mass Transit Account—
(A) the mass transit portion of the amounts appropriated to the Transportation Trust Fund under
subsection (b) which are attributable to taxes under sections 4041 and
4081 imposed after March 31, 1983. For purposes of the preceding sentence,
the term mass transit portion means, for any fuel with respect to which tax was imposed under section 4041 or 4081 and otherwise
deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund, the amount determined at the
rate of—
(i) except as otherwise provided in this sentence, 2.86 cents per gallon,
(ii) 1.43 cents per gallon in the case of any partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel (as defined in
section 4041(m)) none of the alcohol in which consists of ethanol,
(iii) 1.86 cents per gallon in the case of liquefied natural gas,
(iv) 2.13 cents per gallon in the case of liquefied petroleum gas,
(v) 1.23 cents per energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline in the case of compressed natural gas, and
(B) additional amounts appropriated to the Mass Transit Account by subsection (h)(1)(B).
(3)
Expenditures from account
Amounts in the Mass Transit Account shall be available, as provided by appropriation Acts, for
making capital or capital related expenditures (including capital
expenditures for new projects) before October 1, 2018, in accordance with
the GROW AMERICA Act or any other provision of law which was referred to
in this paragraph before the date of the enactment of such Act (as such
Act and provisions of law are in effect on the date of the enactment of
such Act).
(4)
Limitation on transfers to the account
(A)
In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no amount may be transferred to the Mass Transit Account on
and after the date of any expenditure from the Mass Transit Account which
is not permitted by this subsection. The determination of whether an
expenditure is so permitted shall be made without regard to—
(i) any provision of law which is not contained or referenced in this title or in a revenue Act, and
(ii) whether such provision of law is a subsequently enacted provision or directly or indirectly seeks
to waive the application of this paragraph.
(B)
Exception for prior obligations
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any expenditure to liquidate any contract entered into (or for
any amount otherwise obligated) before October 1, 2018, in accordance with
the provisions of this section.
(f)
Establishment of highway account
(1)
Creation of account
There is established in the Transportation Trust Fund a separate account to be known as the Highway Account consisting of such amounts as may be transferred or credited to the Highway Account as provided in
this section or section 9602(b).
(2)
Transfers to the highway account
The Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Highway Account—
(A) the portion of the taxes appropriated to the Transportation Trust Fund by—
(i) subparagraphs (B), (C), and (E) of subsection (b)(1), and
(ii) subparagraphs (A) and (D) of subsection (b)(1), but only to the extent that such taxes are not
required to be transferred to the Mass Transit Account under subsection
(e),
(B) additional amounts appropriated to the Highway Account by subsection (h)(1)(A); and
(C) fines and penalties appropriated to the Transportation Trust Fund by subsection (b)(4) and by
section 521(b)(10) of title 49, United States Code.
(3)
Limitation on transfers to the account
(A)
In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no amount may be transferred to the Highway Account on and
after the date of any expenditure from the Highway Account which is not
permitted by this subsection. The determination of whether an expenditure
is so permitted shall be made without regard to—
(i) any provision of law which is not contained or referenced in this title or in a revenue Act, and
(ii) whether such provision of law is a subsequently enacted provision or directly or indirectly seeks
to waive the application of this paragraph.
(B)
Exception for prior obligations
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any expenditure to liquidate any contract entered into (or for
any amount otherwise obligated) before October 1, 2018, in accordance with
the provisions of this section.
(4)
Expenditures from account
Amounts in the Highway Account of the Transportation Trust Fund shall be available, as provided by
appropriation acts, for making expenditures before October 1, 2018, to
meet those obligations of the United States heretofore or hereafter
incurred which are authorized to be paid out of the Highway Account under
the GROW AMERICA Act or any other provision of law which was referred to
in paragraph (c)(1) (as in effect on the day before enactment of such Act)
before the date of the enactment of such Act (as such Act and provisions
of law are in effect on the date of the enactment of such Act).
(g)
Establishment of rail account
(1)
Creation of account
There is established in the Transportation Trust Fund a separate account to be known as the Rail Account consisting of such amounts as may be transferred or credited to the Rail Account as provided in
this section or section 9602(b).
(2)
Transfers to the rail account
The Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Rail Account amounts appropriated to the Rail
Account by subsection (h)(1)(C).
(3)
Limitation on transfers to the account
(A)
In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no amount may be transferred to the Rail Account on and
after the date of any expenditure from the Rail Account which is not
permitted by this subsection. The determination of whether an expenditure
is so permitted shall be made without regard to—
(i) any provision of law which is not contained or referenced in this title or in a revenue Act, and
(ii) whether such provision of law is a subsequently enacted provision or directly or indirectly seeks
to waive the application of this paragraph.
(B)
Exception for prior obligations
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any expenditure to liquidate any contract entered into (or for
any amount otherwise obligated) before October 1, 2018, in accordance with
the provisions of this section.
(4)
Expenditures from account
Amounts in the Rail Account of the Transportation Trust Fund shall be available, as provided by
appropriation acts, for making expenditures before October 1, 2018, to
meet those obligations of the United States heretofore or hereafter
incurred which are authorized to be paid out of the Rail Account under the
GROW AMERICA Act.
(h)
Additional appropriations
(1)
Additional Appropriations to trust fund
Out of money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there is hereby appropriated to—
(A) the Highway Account in the Transportation Trust Fund—
(i) for fiscal year 2015, $25,000,000,000,
(ii) for fiscal year 2016, $24,000,000,000,
(iii) for fiscal year 2017, $16,700,000,000, and
(iv) for fiscal year 2018, $8,700,000,000, and
(B) the Mass Transit Account in the Transportation Trust Fund—
(i) for fiscal year 2015, $9,000,000,000,
(ii) for fiscal year 2016, $10,000,000,000,
(iii) for fiscal year 2017, $10,000,000,000, and
(iv) for fiscal year 2018, $22,550,000,000,
(C) the Rail Account in the Transportation Trust Fund—
(i) for fiscal year 2015, $3,000,000,000,
(ii) for fiscal year 2016, $3,000,000,000,
(iii) for fiscal year 2017, $8,000,000,000, and
(iv) for fiscal year 2018, $5,050,000,000; and
(D) the Multimodal Account in the Transportation Trust Fund—
(i) for fiscal year 2015, $500,000,000,
(ii) for fiscal year 2016, $500,000,000,
(iii) for fiscal year 2017, $2,800,000,000, and
(iv) for fiscal year 2018, $1,200,000,000.
(2)
Treatment of Appropriated amounts
Any amount appropriated under this subsection shall remain available without fiscal year
limitation.
(i)
Adjustments of Apportionments for highway and mass transit account programs
The Secretary of the Treasury and where so indicated, the Secretary of Transportation, shall take
the following actions for the Highway Account and separately for the Mass
Transit Account—
(1)
Estimates of unfunded authorizations and net receipts for account
The Secretary of the Treasury, not less frequently than once in each calendar quarter, after
consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall estimate for the
Account—
(A) the amount which would (but for this subsection) be the unfunded authorizations at the close of the
next fiscal year, and
(B) the net receipts for the 48-month period beginning at the close of such fiscal year.
(2)
Procedure where there are excess unfunded authorizations
If the Secretary of the Treasury determines for any fiscal year that the amount described in
paragraph (1)(A) for the Account exceeds the amount described in paragraph
(1)(B) for such Account—
(A) the Secretary shall so advise the Secretary of Transportation, and
(B) the Secretary shall further advise the Secretary of Transportation as to the amount of such excess.
(3)
Adjustment of Apportionments where unfunded authorizations exceed 4 years’ receipts
(A)
Determination of percentage
If, before any apportionment to the States is made of funds authorized to be appropriated from the
Account in the most recent estimate made by the Secretary of the Treasury
there is an excess referred to in paragraph (2)(B) for the Account, the
Secretary of Transportation shall determine the percentage which—
(i) the excess referred to in paragraph (2)(B) for the Account, is of
(ii) the amount authorized to be appropriated from that Account of the Trust Fund for the fiscal year
for apportionment to the States.
If, but for this sentence, the most recent estimate would be one which was made on a date which
will be more than 3 months before the date of the apportionment, the
Secretary of the Treasury shall make a new estimate under paragraph (1)
for the appropriate fiscal year.
(B)
Adjustment of Apportionments
If the Secretary of Transportation determines a percentage for the Account under subparagraph (A)
for purposes of any apportionment, notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the Secretary of Transportation shall apportion to the States (in
lieu of the amount which, but for the provisions of this subsection, would
be so apportioned) the amount obtained by reducing the amount authorized
to be so apportioned by such percentage.
(4)
Apportionment of amounts previously withheld from Apportionment
If, after funds have been withheld from apportionment under paragraph (3)(B), the Secretary of the
Treasury determines that the amount described in paragraph (1)(A) does not
exceed the amount described in paragraph (1)(B) or that the excess
described in paragraph (1)(B) is less than the amount previously
determined, he shall so advise the Secretary of Transportation. The
Secretary of Transportation shall apportion to the States such portion of
the funds so withheld from apportionment as the Secretary of the Treasury
has advised him may be so apportioned without causing the amount described
in paragraph (1)(A) to exceed the amount described in paragraph (1)(B).
Any funds apportioned pursuant to the preceding sentence shall remain
available for the period for which they would be available if such
apportionment took effect with the fiscal year in which they are
apportioned pursuant to the preceding sentence.
(5)
Definitions
For purposes of this subsection—
(A)
Unfunded authorizations
The term unfunded authorizations means, at any time, the excess (if any) of—
(i) the total potential unpaid commitments at such time as a result of the apportionment to the States
of the amounts authorized to be appropriated from the Account, over
(ii) the amount available in the that Account at such time to defray such commitments (after all other
unpaid commitments at such time which are payable from that Account have
been defrayed).
(B)
Net receipts
The term net receipts means, with respect to any period, the excess of—
(i) the receipts (including interest) of the Account during such period, over
(ii) the amounts to be transferred during such period from such Account under subsection (d).
(6)
Measurement of net receipts
For purposes of making any estimate under paragraph (1) of net receipts for periods ending after
the date specified in subsection (b)(1), the Secretary of the Treasury
shall treat—
(A) each expiring provision of subsection (b) which is related to appropriations or transfers to the
Highway Account or the Mass Transit Account of the Transportation Trust
Fund to have been extended through the end of the 48-month period referred
to in paragraph (1)(B), and
(B) with respect to each tax imposed under the sections referred to in subsection (b)(1), the rate of
such tax during the 48-month period referred to in paragraph (1)(B) to be
the same as the rate of such tax as in effect on the date of such
estimate.
(7)
Reports
Any estimate under paragraph (1) and any determination under paragraph (2) shall be reported by the
Secretary of the Treasury to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House
of Representatives, the Committee on Finance of the Senate, the Committees
on the Budget of both Houses, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Banking, and the
Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate.
(j)
Establishment of multimodal account
(1)
Creation of account
There is established in the Transportation Trust Fund a separate account to be known as the Multimodal Account consisting of such amounts as may be transferred or credited to the Multimodal Account as provided
in this section or section 9602(b).
(2)
Transfers to the multimodal account
The Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Multimodal Account amounts appropriated to the
Multimodal Account by subsection (h)(1)(D).
(3)
Limitation on transfers to the account
(A)
In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no amount may be transferred to the Multimodal Account on
and after the date of any expenditure from the Multimodal Account which is
not permitted by this subsection. The determination of whether an
expenditure is so permitted shall be made without regard to—
(i) any provision of law which is not contained or referenced in this title or in a revenue Act, and
(ii) whether such provision of law is a subsequently enacted provision or directly or indirectly seeks
to waive the application of this paragraph.
(B)
Exception for prior obligations
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any expenditure to liquidate any contract entered into (or for
any amount otherwise obligated) before October 1, 2018, in accordance with
the provisions of this section.
(4)
Expenditures from account
Amounts in the Multimodal Account of the Transportation Trust Fund shall be available, as provided
by appropriation acts, for making expenditures before October 1, 2018, to
meet those obligations of the United States heretofore or hereafter
incurred which are authorized to be paid out of the Multimodal Account
under the GROW AMERICA Act.
.
(b)
Conforming amendments
(1) The item relating to section 9503 in the analysis of chapter 98 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by striking Highway and inserting Transportation.
(2) Section 201(b) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-11(b) is
amended—
(A) by striking 2017 and inserting 2020, and
(B) by striking 2016 each place it appears and inserting 2021.
(3) Section 521(b)(10) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) and inserting Highway Account of the Transportation Trust Fund.
7005.
Effective date
The amendments made by this title shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
VIII
Research
A
Funding
8001.
Authorization of appropriations
(a)
In general
The following amounts are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Account of the
Transportation Trust Fund:
(1)
Highway research and development program
To carry out section 503(b) of title 23, United States Code—
(A) $130,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $132,594,234 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $135,188,470 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $138,070,953 for fiscal year 2018.
(2)
Technology and innovation deployment program
To carry out section 503(c) of title 23, United States Code—
(A) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $71,396,896 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $72,793,792 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $74,345,898 for fiscal year 2018.
(3)
Training and education
To carry out section 504 of title 23, United States Code—
(A) $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $27,538,803 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $28,077,605 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $28,676,275 for fiscal year 2018.
(4)
Intelligent transportation systems program
To carry out sections 512 through 519 of title 23, United States Code—
(A) $113,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $115,254,989 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $117,509,978 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $120,015,521 for fiscal year 2018.
(5)
University transportation centers program
To carry out section 5505 of title 49, United States Code—
(A) $82,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $83,636,364 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $85,272,727 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $87,090,909 for fiscal year 2018.
(6)
Bureau of transportation statistics
To carry out chapter 63 of title 49, United States Code—
(A) $29,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(B) $29,578,714 for fiscal year 2016;
(C) $30,157,428 for fiscal year 2017; and
(D) $30,800,444 for fiscal year 2018.
(b)
Applicability of title 23, united states code
Funds authorized to be appropriated by subsection (a) shall—
(1) be available for obligation in the same manner as if those funds were apportioned under chapter 1
of title 23, United States Code, except that the Federal share of the cost
of a project or activity carried out using those funds shall be 80
percent, unless otherwise expressly provided by this Act (including the
amendments by this Act) or otherwise determined by the Secretary; and
(2) remain available until expended and not be transferable.
B
Research, Technology, and Education
8101.
National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research Program
(a)
In general
Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following at the end:
550.
National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research Program
(a)
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish and support a National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research
Program.
(b)
Agreement
The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the Transportation Research Board of the National
Research Council of the National Academies to support and carry out
administrative and management activities relating to the governance of the
National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research Program.
(c)
Advisory committee
The National Academies shall select an advisory committee consisting of a representative cross
section of freight stakeholders, including the Department of
Transportation, other Federal agencies, State transportation departments,
local governments, nonprofit entities, academia, private sector carriers
and shippers, and other interested parties.
(d)
Governance
The National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research Program established under this section
shall include the following administrative and management elements:
(1)
National research agenda
The advisory committee, in consultation with interested parties, shall recommend a national
research agenda for the program. The agenda shall—
(A) include an emphasis on the safe and efficient transportation and handling of hazardous materials by
all modes of transportation;
(B) include a multiyear strategic plan;
(C) be fully coordinated with the activities, plans, and reports required by sections 5304 and 5305 of
title 49; and
(D) be fully coordinated with the activities, plans, and reports required by section 508 of title 23,
United States Code.
(2)
Involvement
Interested parties may—
(A) submit research proposals to the advisory committee;
(B) participate in merit reviews of research proposals and peer reviews of research products; and
(C) receive research results.
(3)
Open competition and peer review of research proposals
The National Academies may award research contracts and grants under the program through open
competition and merit review conducted on a regular basis.
(4)
Research coordination
The National Academies shall ensure that research contracts and grants awarded under this section
are not duplicative with research conducted under other cooperative
transportation research programs governed by the National Academies; nor
with research conducted by the Department of Transportation or any other
Federal, State, or local agency.
(5)
Evaluation of research
(A)
Peer review
Research contracts and grants under the program may allow peer review of the research results.
(B)
Programmatic evaluations
The National Academies may conduct periodic programmatic evaluations on a regular basis of research
contracts and grants.
(6)
Dissemination of research findings
The National Academies shall disseminate research findings to researchers, practitioners, and
decisionmakers, through conferences and seminars, field demonstrations,
workshops, training programs, presentations, testimony to government
officials, the World Wide Web, publications for the general public,
collaboration with the National Transportation Library, and other
appropriate means.
(e)
Contents
The national research agenda required under subsection (d)(1) shall at a minimum include research
in the following areas:
(1) Techniques for estimating and quantifying public benefits derived from freight transportation
projects.
(2) Alternative approaches to calculating the contribution of truck and rail traffic to congestion on
specific highway segments.
(3) The feasibility of consolidating origins and destinations for freight movement.
(4) Methods for incorporating estimates of domestic and international trade into landside
transportation planning.
(5) Means of synchronizing infrastructure improvements with freight transportation demand.
(6) The effect of changing patterns of freight movement on transportation planning decisions.
(7) Other research areas to identify and address emerging and future research needs related to freight
transportation by all modes.
(f)
Funding
(1)
Federal share
The Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out under this section shall be up to 100
percent.
(2)
Use of non-federal funds
In addition to using funds authorized for this section, the National Academies may seek and accept
additional funding sources from public and private entities capable of
accepting funding from the Department of Transportation, States, local
governments, nonprofit foundations, and the private sector.
.
(b)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation such sums as may be
necessary to carry out section 550 of such title.
(c)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 501 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding the following at
the end:
550. National cooperative freight transportation research program.
.
8102.
Competitive University Transportation Centers Consortia Program
(a)
In general
Section 5505 of title 49, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Subsection (a)(2)(A) is amended to read:
(A) to advance multimodal and cross-modal transportation expertise and technology in the varied
disciplines that comprise the field of transportation through education,
research, and technology transfer activities;
.
(2) Subsection (a)(2)(C) of title 49 is amended to read:
(C) to address critical workforce needs and educate the next generation of transportation leaders in a
multidisciplinary fashion.
.
(3) Subsection (b) is amended to read as follows:
(b)
Competitive selection process
(1)
Applications
To receive a grant under this section, a consortium of nonprofit institutions of higher education
shall submit to the Secretary an application that is in such form and
contains such information as the Secretary may require.
(2)
Restriction
The lead institution of a consortium of nonprofit institutions of higher education that receives a
direct grant award under this section for a national transportation center
or a regional transportation center in a fiscal year shall not be eligible
to receive funding, direct or indirectly, from an additional grant in that
fiscal year as the lead institution or member of a consortium, for a
national transportation center or a regional transportation center.
(3)
Coordination
The Secretary shall solicit grant applications for national transportation centers, regional
transportation centers, and Tier 1 university transportation centers with
identical advertisement schedules and deadlines.
(4)
General selection criteria
(A)
In general
Except as otherwise provided by this section, the Secretary shall award grants under this section
in nonexclusive candidate topic areas established by the Secretary that
address the research priorities identified in the plans developed under
section 508 of title 23.
(B)
Criteria
The Secretary, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and the
Administrators of the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Railroad
Administration, shall select each recipient of a grant under this section
through a competitive process based on the assessment of the Secretary
relating to—
(i) the demonstrated ability of the recipient to address each specific topic area described in the
research and strategic plans of the recipient;
(ii) the demonstrated research, technology transfer, and education resources available to the recipient
to carry out this section;
(iii) the ability of the recipient to provide leadership in solving immediate and long-range national and
regional transportation problems;
(iv) the ability of the recipient to carry out research, education, and technology transfer activities
that are multimodal and multidisciplinary in scope;
(v) the demonstrated commitment of the recipient to carry out transportation workforce development
programs through—
(I) degree-granting programs or programs that provide other industry-recognized credentials; and
(II) outreach activities to attract new entrants into the transportation field, including minorities,
women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, low-income populations,
and others who may not have considered pursuing careers in transportation
previously;
(vi) the demonstrated ability of the recipient to disseminate results and spur the implementation of
transportation research and education programs through national or
statewide continuing education programs;
(vii) the demonstrated commitment of the recipient to the use of peer review principles and other
research best practices in the selection, management, and dissemination of
research projects;
(viii) the strategic plan submitted by the recipient describing the proposed research to be carried out by
the recipient and the performance metrics to be used in assessing the
performance of the recipient in meeting the stated research, technology
transfer, education, and outreach goals; and
(ix) the ability of the recipient to implement the proposed program in a cost-efficient manner, such as
through cost sharing and overall reduced overhead, facilities, and
administrative costs.
(5)
Transparency
(A)
In general
The Secretary shall provide to each applicant, upon request, any materials, including copies of
reviews (with any information that would identify a reviewer redacted),
used in the evaluation process of the proposal of the applicant.
(B)
Reports
The Secretary shall make available to the public on a Department of Transportation Web site a
report describing the overall review process under paragraph (3) that includes—
(i) specific criteria of evaluation used in the review;
(ii) descriptions of the review process; and
(iii) explanations of the selected awards.
(6)
Outside stakeholders
The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, consult external stakeholders such as the
Transportation Research Board of the National Research Council of the
National Academies to evaluate and competitively review all proposals.
.
(4) Subsection (c) is amended to read as follows:
(c)
Grants
(1)
In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the GROW AMERICA Act, the Secretary, in
consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and
the Administrators of the Federal Highway Administration and Federal
Railroad Administration, shall select grant recipients under subsection
(b) and make grant amounts available to the selected recipients.
(2)
Focused research
In awarding grants under this paragraph, consideration shall be given to minority institutions, as
defined by section 365 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1067k), or consortia that include such institutions that have demonstrated
an ability in transportation-related research and education.
(3)
National transportation centers
(A)
In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall provide grants to 5 consortia that the Secretary
determines best meet the criteria described in subsection (b)(4).
(B)
Restriction
For each fiscal year, a grant made available under this paragraph shall be $3,200,000 per
recipient.
(C)
Matching requirement
(i)
In general
As a condition of receiving a grant under this paragraph, a grant recipient shall match 100 percent
of the amounts made available under the grant.
(ii)
Sources
The matching amounts referred to in clause (i) may include—
(I) amounts made available to the recipient under title I of this Act;
(II) amounts made available to the recipient by the several administrations of the Department of
Transportation; and
(III) amounts made available to the recipient by other Federal departments, agencies, independent
agencies, boards, and other Federal elements with interests in
transportation.
(4)
Regional university transportation centers
(A)
Location of regional centers
One regional university transportation center shall be located in each of the 10 Federal regions
that comprise the Standard Federal Regions established by the Office of
Management and Budget in the document entitled Standard Federal Regions and dated April 1974 (circular A–105).
(B)
Selection criteria
In conducting a competition under subsection (b), the Secretary shall provide grants to 10
consortia on the basis of—
(i) the criteria described in subsection (b)(3);
(ii) the location of the center within the Federal region to be served; and
(iii) whether the consortium of institutions demonstrates that the consortium has well-established,
nationally recognized multimodal and multidisciplinary programs in
transportation research and education, as evidenced by—
(I) recent expenditures by the institution in surface transportation research;
(II) a historical track record of awarding graduate degrees in professional fields closely related to
surface transportation; and
(III) an experienced faculty who specialize in professional fields closely related to surface
transportation.
(C)
Restrictions
For each fiscal year, a grant made available under this paragraph shall be $3,000,000 for each
recipient.
(D)
Matching requirement
(i)
In general
As a condition of receiving a grant under this paragraph, a grant recipient shall match 100 percent
of the amounts made available under the grant.
(ii)
Sources
The matching amounts referred to in clause (i) may include—
(I) amounts made available to the recipient under title I of this Act;
(II) amounts made available to the recipient by the several administrations of the Department of
Transportation; and
(III) amounts made available to the recipient by other Federal departments, agencies, independent
agencies, boards, and other elements with interests in transportation.
(5)
Tier 1 university transportation centers
(A)
In general
The Secretary shall provide grants of $1,800,000 each to not more than 20 recipients to carry out
this paragraph.
(B)
Restriction
The lead institution of a consortium of nonprofit institutions of higher education that receives a
direct grant award under paragraph (3) or (4) shall not be eligible to
receive a direct grant award under this paragraph.
(C)
Matching requirement
(i)
In general
Subject to clause (iii), as a condition of receiving a grant under this paragraph, a grant recipient shall match 50
percent of the amounts made available under the grant.
(ii)
Sources
The matching amounts referred to in clause (i) may include—
(I) amounts made available to the recipient under title I of this Act;
(II) amounts made available to the recipient by the several administrations of the Department of
Transportation; and
(III) amounts made available to the recipient by other Federal departments, agencies, independent
agencies, boards and other elements with interests in transportation.
.
(b)
Research efficiency
Section 5505 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after subsection (f)
the following:
(g)
Research efficiency
(1)
Additional sponsored grants
To enable access more broadly to the specialized skills and multidisciplinary research capabilities
of the transportation university research community by the several
administrations of the Department of Transportation, and by other Federal
departments, agencies, independent agencies, boards, and other elements
with interests in transportation, these organizations may sponsor
competitive grants to consortia on specific research topics.
(2)
Grants
(A) The grants shall conform to the selection criteria and requirements of either national
transportation centers or Tier 1 university transportation centers; and be
of an equivalent grant value of the type of Center selected.
(B) The grants shall conform to all other requirements and restrictions under this section.
(C) The grants shall be competed, selected, and awarded on the same schedule as all grants competed
under this section.
(3)
Matching requirement
Such grants shall require identical matching requirements of the type of center selected; except
that sources of matching funds may not be the same funding source as the
Federal entity funding the specialized grant.
.
8103.
Priority Multimodal Research Program
(a)
In general
Section 5506 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
5506.
Priority Multimodal Research Program
(a)
Establishment
The Secretary shall establish and support a Priority Multimodal Research Program.
(b)
Focused research
The Secretary shall enter into research agreements to carry out priority multimodal research in the
following topics:
(1) Conduct research and standards/guideline development for surface transportation infrastructure
owners and services providers on systems resilience and recovery.
(2) Enable advanced research towards a Zero Emissions Transportation System, to—
(A) accelerate the goal of 80 percent greenhouse gas emission reduction by 2050, to a goal of 100
percent greenhouse gas emission reduction by the same date; and
(B) conduct advanced or long-term research on emissions in the transportation sector, both in vehicle
emissions and in infrastructure construction and maintenance.
(3) Conduct a coordinated, multimodal STEM Education and Workforce Development program to support the
transportation sector’s needs over the next decade for a new workforce
trained in the latest technologies.
(c)
Funding
(1)
Federal share
The Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out under this section shall be up to 100
percent.
(2)
Use of non-federal funds
In addition to using funds authorized for this section, the Secretary may seek and accept
additional funding sources from public and private entities capable of
accepting funding from the Department of Transportation, States, local
governments, nonprofit foundations, and the private sector.
(3)
Period of availability
Amounts made available to carry out this section shall remain available until expended.
.
(b)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation such sums as may be
necessary to carry out section 5506 of title 49, United States Code.
(c)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 55 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following
at the end:
5506. Priority Multimodal Research Program.
.
8104.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics
(a)
Section 6302 amendments
Section 6302 of title 49, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Subsection 6302(b)(3)(B)(vi)(III) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking section 6310 and inserting section 6309.
(2) Clauses (vii), (viii), (ix), and (x) of subsection 6302(b)(3)(B) of title 49, United States Code,
are redesignated as clauses (viii), (ix), (x), and (xi), respectively.
(3) The following is inserted after subsection 6302(b)(3)(B)(vi):
(vii) develop and improve transportation economic accounts, to meet demand for methods for estimating the
economic value of transportation infrastructure, investment, and services;
.
(b)
Intermodal transportation data program
Section 6303 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding after subsection (c) the
following:
(d)
Intermodal transportation data collection
To provide content for the database described in this section, the Director shall create and
maintain datasets and data analysis tools. Activities may include—
(1) conducting national surveys of goods movement, intercity passenger flows, household and business
logistics, the domestic transportation of international trade, and vehicle
inventory and use;
(2) collecting household travel behavior data and business logistics data crossing local jurisdictional
boundaries to accommodate external and through travel;
(3) collecting and analyzing administrative records to identify travel patterns, goods movement, and
the economic value of transportation infrastructure serving travel and
freight;
(4) developing methods for establishing the economic value of transportation capital stocks and
services;
(5) enhancing and deploying analysis tools to integrate data collected under this section into the
National Commodity Origin Destination Accounts, National Passenger Travel
Origin Destination Accounts, and Transportation Economic Accounts of the
Intermodal Transportation Database; and
(6) developing tools to enhance public access to the Intermodal Transportation Database in conjunction
with development, application, and reporting of performance measures.
.
(c)
National transportation atlas database
Section 6311(5) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by replacing section 6310 with section 6309.
(d)
Intermodal transportation data program
Section 6303(c)(1) is amended to read as follows:
(1) information on the items referred to in subsection 6302(b)(3)(B)(vi).
.
(e)
Mandatory response authority for freight data collection
Section 6313(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by—
(1) striking paragraph (2);
(2) striking the designation and heading of paragraph (1);
(3) redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively; and
(4) striking described in paragraph (2) and inserting of any nature whatsoever.
(f)
National transportation library
Section 6304 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
6304.
National Transportation Library
(a)
Purpose and establishment
To support the information management and decisionmaking needs of transportation officials at the
Federal, State, and local levels, there shall be in the Bureau a National
Transportation Library, which shall—
(1) be headed by an individual who is highly qualified in library and information science;
(2) acquire, preserve, and manage transportation information and information products and services for
use by the Department, other Federal agencies, and the general public;
(3) provide reference and research assistance;
(4) serve as a central depository for research results and technical publications of the Department;
(5) provide a central clearinghouse for transportation data and information of the Federal Government;
(6) plan for, coordinate, and evaluate information sciences and library needs related to transportation
research, education, and training;
(7) serve as coordinator and policy lead for transportation information access;
(8) provide transportation information and information products and services to—
(A) the Department;
(B) other Federal agencies;
(C) public and private organizations; and
(D) individuals, within the United States and internationally;
(9) coordinate efforts among, and cooperate with, transportation libraries, information providers, and
technical assistance centers, in conjunction with private industry and
other transportation library and information centers, with the goal of
developing a comprehensive transportation information and knowledge
network that supports the activities described in section
6302(b)(3)(B)(vi); and
(10) engage in other activities the Director determines to be necessary and as the resources of the
Library permit.
(b)
Access
(1)
In general
The Director shall publicize, facilitate, and promote access to the information products and
services described in subsection (a), to improve the ability of the
transportation community to share information and the ability of the
Director to make statistics and other information readily accessible as
required under section 6302(b)(3)(B)(x) of this title.
(2)
Availability of publications, materials, facilities, or services; prescription of rules
The Director shall—
(A) make available publications or materials according to library and information science best
practices;
(B) make available its facilities for research; and
(C) make available its bibliographic, basic reference, or other services to public and private entities
and individuals.
(3)
Rules
Rules described in section 6304(b)(1) of this title may provide for making available such
publications, materials, facilities, or services—
(A) without charge as a public service;
(B) upon a loan, exchange, or charge basis; or
(C) in appropriate circumstances, under contract arrangements made with a/? public or other nonprofit entity.
(c)
Agreements
(1)
In general
To carry out this section, the Director may enter into agreements with, award grants to, and
receive amounts from, any—
(A) State or local government;
(B) organization;
(C) business; or
(D) individual.
(2)
Contracts, grants, and agreements
The Library may initiate and support specific information and data management, access, and exchange
activities in connection with matters relating to the Department’s
strategic goals, knowledge networking, and national and international
cooperation, by entering into contracts or other agreements or awarding
grants for the conduct of such activities.
(3)
Amounts
Any amounts received by the Library as payment for library products and services or other
activities shall be made available to the Director to carry out this
section, deposited in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research
and Technology’s general fund account, and remain available until
expended.
.
(g)
Port performance statistics program
Chapter 63 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 6313 the following:
6314.
Port Performance Statistics Program
(a)
In general
The Director may establish a Port Performance Statistics Program to provide nationally consistent
measures of performance of the Nation’s maritime ports.
(b)
Annual reports
The Director is authorized to require annual reports from all ports that receive Federal assistance
or are subject to Federal regulation, including statistics on capacity,
throughput, and other measures of performance required for implementation
of the National Freight Policy required by section 167 of title 23.
(c)
Recommendations
The Director shall obtain recommendations for specifications for port performance measures from the
United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Maritime Administration, the
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, the United States Coast
Guard, the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council, and the
Department of Commerce Advisory Council on Supply Chain Competitiveness to
identify standard data elements for measuring port performance.
.
(h)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 63 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following
at the end:
Sec. 6314. Port Performance Statistics Program.
.
8105.
ITS goals and purposes
(a)
Technical correction
Section 514(a)(5) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(5) improvement of the ability of the United States to respond to security-related or other manmade
emergencies and natural disasters; and
.
(b)
Freight goals
Section 514(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following at the end:
(6) enhancement of the Nation’s freight system and support to freight policy goals by conducting
heavy-duty vehicle demonstration activities, and accelerating adoption of
ITS applications in freight operations.
.
8106.
ITS general authorities and requirements
Section 515(h)(4) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking February 1 of each year after the date of enactment of the Transportation Research and Innovative
Technology Act of 2012 and inserting May 1 each year; and
(2) by striking submit to Congress and inserting make available to the public on a Department of Transportation Web site.
8107.
ITS national architecture and standards
(a)
In general
Section 517(a)(3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(3)
Use of standards development organizations
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall support the development and maintenance of
standards and protocols using the services of such standards development
organizations as the Secretary determines to be necessary and whose
memberships represent, but are not limited to, the surface transportation
and intelligent transportation systems industries.
.
(b)
Technical correction
Section 517(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(b)
Standards for national policy implementation
If the Secretary finds that a standard is necessary for implementation of a nationwide policy or
other capability requiring nationwide uniformity, the Secretary, after
consultation with stakeholders and in accordance with the requirements of
section 553 of title 5, may establish and require the use of that
standard.
.
8108.
Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications systems deployment
Section 518(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking all of the text that
follows the heading and precedes that— and inserting the following:
Not later than July 6, 2015, the Secretary shall make available to the public on a Department of
Transportation Web site a report
.
8109.
Infrastructure development
(a)
In general
Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 518 the following:
519.
Infrastructure development
Funds made available to carry out this subtitle for operational tests—
(1) shall be used primarily for the development of intelligent transportation system infrastructure,
equipment, and systems; and
(2) to the maximum extent practicable, shall not be used for the construction of physical surface
transportation infrastructure unless the construction is incidental and
critically necessary to the implementation of an intelligent
transportation system project.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 518
the following:
519. Infrastructure development.
.
8110.
Departmental research programs; conforming amendments
(a)
Title 49 amendments
Title 49, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Section 102(e) is amended—
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking 5 and inserting 6; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting an Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, before and an Assistant Secretary.
(2) Chapter 1 is amended by striking section 112, and the analysis of chapter 1 is amended by striking
the item relating to the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.
(3) Section 330 is amended—
(A) by striking contracts in the section heading and inserting activities; and
(B) by inserting at the end the following:
(d)
Duties
The Secretary shall provide for the following:
(1) Coordination, facilitation, and review of the Department’s research and development programs and
activities.
(2) Advancement, and research and development, of innovative technologies, including intelligent
transportation systems.
(3) Comprehensive transportation statistics research, analysis, and reporting.
(4) Education and training in transportation and transportation-related fields.
(5) Activities of the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center.
(e)
Additional authorities
The Secretary may—
(1) enter into grants and cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, State and local government
agencies, other public entities, private organizations, and other persons
to conduct research into transportation service and infrastructure
assurance; and to carry out other research activities of the Department;
(2) carry out, on a cost-shared basis, collaborative research and development to encourage innovative
solutions to multimodal transportation problems and stimulate the
deployment of new technology with—
(A) non-Federal entities, including State and local governments, foreign governments, institutions of
higher education, corporations, institutions, partnerships, sole
proprietorships, and trade associations that are incorporated or
established under the laws of any State;
(B) Federal laboratories; and
(C) other Federal agencies; and
(3) directly initiate contracts, grants, cooperative research and development agreements (as defined in
section 12 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3710a)), and other agreements to fund, and accept funds from, the
Transportation Research Board of the National Research Council of the
National Academy of Sciences, State departments of transportation, cities,
counties, institutions of higher education, associations, and the agents
of those entities to carry out joint transportation research and
technology efforts.
(f)
Federal share
(1)
In general
Subject to paragraph (2), the Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out under subsection
(e)(3) shall not exceed 50 percent.
(2)
Exception
If the Secretary determines that the activity is of substantial public interest or benefit, the
Secretary may approve a greater Federal share.
(3)
Non-federal share
All costs directly incurred by the non-Federal partners, including personnel, travel, facility, and
hardware development costs, shall be credited toward the non-Federal share
of the cost of an activity described in paragraph (1).
(g)
Program evaluation and oversight
For fiscal years 2013 through 2018, the Secretary is authorized to expend not more than 1 and a
half percent of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for necessary
expenses for administration and operations of the Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Research and Technology for the coordination, evaluation,
and oversight of the programs administered by the Office.
(h)
Use of technology
The research, development, or use of a technology under a contract, grant, cooperative research and
development agreement, or other agreement entered into under this
subsection, including the terms under which the technology may be licensed
and the resulting royalties may be distributed, shall be subject to the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et
seq.).
(i)
Waiver of advertising requirements
Section 6101 of title 41 shall not apply to a contract, grant, or other agreement entered into
under this section.
.
(4) The item relating to section 330 in the analysis of chapter 3 is amended by striking Contracts and inserting Activities.
(5) Section 6302(a) is amended to read as follows:
(a)
In general
There shall be within the Department the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
.
(b)
Title 5 amendments
Title 5, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) Section 5313 is amended by deleting The Under Secretary of Transportation for Security..
(2) Section 5314 is amended by deleting Administrator, Research and Innovative Technology Administration..
(3) Section 5315 is amended by striking (4) in the undesignated item relating to Assistant Secretaries of Transportation and inserting (5).
(4) Section 5316 is amended by deleting Associate Deputy Secretary, Department of Transportation..
(c)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 3 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by revising the entry
relating to section 330 to read as follows:
330. Research activities.
.
8111.
Office of Intermodalism
(a)
In general
Section 5503 of title 49, United States Code, is repealed.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 55 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item
relating to section 5503.
8112.
Cooperation with Federal and State agencies and foreign countries
(a)
Authorized activities
(1)
Section 308 amendment
Section 308(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting cooperating international entities, after countries.
(2)
Section 502 amendment
Section 502(b)(3)(C) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting international entities, after country,.
(b)
Use of funds
Section 502(b)(5)(B) is amended to read as follows:
(B)
Use of funds
The Secretary shall use funds made available to carry out this chapter to—
(i) develop, administer, communicate, and promote the use of products of research, development, and
technology transfer programs under this chapter;
(ii) promote United States highway transportation expertise, goods, and services in foreign countries;
or
(iii) conduct studies to assess the need for or feasibility of highway transportation improvements in
foreign countries.
.
IX
Rail Safety, Reliability, and Efficiency
9001.
Short title; amendment of title 49, United States Code
(a)
Short title
This title may be cited as the Rail for America Act.
(b)
Amendment of title 49
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an amendment or repeal is expressed
in terms of an amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision,
the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other
provision of title 49, United States Code.
A
National High-Performance Rail System
9101.
Purpose and objectives
(a)
Purpose
The purpose of this subtitle is to promote and facilitate the development of the National
High-Performance Rail System, a comprehensive national network of
integrated passenger and freight rail services, and to authorize funds for
the planning, development, construction, and implementation of rail
corridors and related infrastructure improvements.
(b)
Objectives
(1)
Safety
The National High-Performance Rail System shall contribute to reducing fatalities, injuries, and
incidents on the nation’s transportation system.
(2)
Mobility
The National High-Performance Rail System shall increase the efficient and reliable movement of
both goods and people through targeted market-based investments and
policies.
(3)
Environmental sustainability
The National High-Performance Rail System shall strive to advance environmentally sustainable
policies and projects that reduce emissions of criteria air pollutants,
air toxins, and greenhouse gases from transportation sources while
protecting communities and natural resources.
(4)
Energy efficiency
The National High-Performance Rail System shall enhance energy efficient transportation options and
expand use of renewable and clean energy sources.
(5)
Quality of life
The National High-Performance Rail System shall promote quality of life and communities, including
enhanced safety in areas adjacent to transportation facilities and safety
at highway-rail grade crossing and efficient land-use development, and
protecting public health.
(6)
Infrastructure condition
The National High-Performance Rail System shall ensure that the current passenger rail network
achieves and maintains a state of good repair and is resilient and
reliable in the face of extreme events and changing climatic conditions.
(7)
Optimization of freight rail network
The National High-Performance Rail System shall ensure that America’s world-class freight rail
system is preserved and improved while balancing and protecting both
private and public interests, strengthening the ability of rural
communities to access national and international trade markets, and
supporting regional economic development.
9102.
Grant programs
(a)
In general
Part C of subtitle V is amended by inserting the following after chapter 244:
246
NATIONAL HIGH-PERFORMANCE RAIL SYSTEM
Sec.
24601. Definitions.
24602. Authorization of appropriations.
24603. National high-performance passenger rail system.
24604. Current passenger rail service program.
24605. Rail service improvement program.
24606. Oversight.
24607. Financial assistance conditions.
24601.
Definitions
In this chapter:
(1) Three types of passenger rail corridors are defined as follows:
(A)
Core express corridor
The term Core Express Corridor means a passenger rail corridor with trains operating primarily on dedicated passenger track at
peak speeds of 125 to 250 miles per hour or greater, and that primarily
connects major metropolitan centers in the United States that are
generally up to 500 miles apart.
(B)
Regional corridor
The term Regional Corridor means a passenger rail corridor with trains operating on either dedicated and shared use track at
peak speeds of 90 to 124 miles per hour, and that primarily connects
mid-size urban areas to larger and smaller communities that are generally
up to 500 miles apart.
(C)
Feeder corridor
The term Feeder Corridor means a State- or regionally-designated passenger rail corridor with trains operating on shared
use track at peak speeds of up to 90 miles per hour and that connects
large, mid-sized, and small urban areas generally less than 750 miles
apart.
(2)
Capital project
The term capital project means a project or program for use in or for the primary benefit of intercity passenger rail
service or freight rail service, including—
(A) acquiring, constructing, improving, or inspecting equipment, track and track structures, or a
facility;
(B) expenses incidental to the activities described in subsection 24601(2)(A) (including designing,
engineering, location surveying, mapping, environmental studies, utility
relocation or improvement, acquiring rights-of-way, and joint development
activities as defined in subsection 5302(3)(G)), and the maintenance of
operations during construction;
(C) preserving and acquiring rights-of-way;
(D) payments for the capital portions of rail trackage rights agreements;
(E) highway-rail grade crossing improvements;
(F) mitigating environmental impacts;
(G) communication and signalization improvements;
(H) relocation assistance, including acquiring replacement housing sites, and acquiring, constructing,
relocating, and rehabilitating replacement housing;
(I) interest and other financing costs to efficiently carry out a part of the project within a
reasonable time; and
(J) evaluation and assessment of project implementation and outcomes.
(3)
High-performance rail
The term high-performance rail means a passenger and freight rail network that is designed to meet the current and future market
demands for transportation of people and goods, in terms of capacity,
travel times, reliability, and efficiency.
(4)
Intercity passenger rail service
The term intercity passenger rail service has the same meaning as intercity rail passenger transportation, as defined in section 24102 of this title.
(5)
Interstate compact
The term interstate compact means two or more States that have entered into compacts, agreements, or organizations, not in
conflict with any law of the United States, for cooperative efforts and
mutual assistance in support of activities authorized under this chapter.
(6)
Long-distance route
The term long-distance route has the same meaning as under section 24102(5)(C) of this title.
(7)
Northeast corridor
The term Northeast Corridor has the same meaning as under section 24102(5)(A) of this title.
(8)
Rail hub plan
The term rail hub plan means a plan that addresses the needs and opportunities for the dense, complex networks of shared
or interconnected freight, intercity passenger, and commuter rail lines
that tend to be found in and around major urban areas.
(9)
State
The term State means a State of the United States or the District of Columbia.
(10)
State corridor
The term State corridor has the same meaning as under section 24102(5)(D) of this title.
(11)
State of good repair
The term state of good repair means a condition in which the existing physical assets, both individually and as a system, are
functioning as designed within their useful lives and are sustained
through regular maintenance and replacement programs.
24602.
Authorization of appropriations
(a)
Current passenger rail services program
There are authorized to be appropriated from the Rail Account of the Transportation Trust Fund to
carry out section 24604 of this title—
(1) $2,450,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(2) $2,400,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(3) $2,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(4) $2,300,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(b)
Rail service improvement program
There are authorized to be appropriated from the Rail Account of the Transportation Trust Fund to
carry out section 24605 of this title—
(1) $2,325,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(2) $2,405,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(3) $2,370,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
(4) $2,450,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
(c)
Availability of contract authority
(1)
Period of availability
The amounts made available under this section shall remain available for obligation until expended.
(2)
Contract authority
Authorizations from the Transportation Trust Fund made by this section shall be available for
obligation on October 1 of the fiscal year for which they are authorized.
24603.
National high-performance passenger rail system
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Transportation shall facilitate the establishment of a national high-performance
rail system in accordance with this chapter.
(b)
Contents
The national high-performance rail system includes the following:
(1) Current passenger rail service program.
(2) Rail service improvement program.
(3) Railroad rehabilitation and improvement financing program.
(c)
Rulemaking authority
The Secretary shall prescribe the regulations necessary to implement this chapter.
24604.
Current passenger rail service program
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Transportation shall establish a Current Passenger Rail Service Program under this
section. The program shall ensure that existing passenger rail assets and
services are maintained in reliable working condition. The Current
Passenger Rail Service Program consists of programs for the following:
(1) Northeast Corridor.
(2) State Corridors.
(3) Long-Distance Routes.
(4) National Assets, Legacy Debt, and Amtrak Positive Train Control.
(5) Stations—Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance.
(b)
Northeast corridor
(1)
Objective
The objective of the Northeast Corridor program is to bring Northeast Corridor infrastructure and
equipment into a state-of-good repair, and to ensure that those assets are
then maintained in a state-of-good repair, so that the Northeast Corridor
can continue providing travelers with a safe, reliable, and efficient
travel option in the congested Northeast region.
(2)
Authority
The Secretary may provide grants under this subsection to reduce the state-of-good repair backlog
on the Northeast Corridor; to replace legacy passenger rail equipment used
for Northeast Corridor service; and to fund the portion of ongoing capital
replacement and renewal needs on the Northeast Corridor not covered by
Northeast Corridor operating surpluses.
(3)
Eligible recipients
The Secretary may provide grants to the following entities for eligible projects under this
subsection:
(A) Amtrak.
(B) States and other public-sector entities as identified in the Northeast Corridor Capital Asset Plan
required by section 24317 of this title.
(4)
Eligible projects
The Secretary may provide grants under this subsection for the following activities, as identified
in the Five-Year Capital Asset Plans described in section 24317 of this
title:
(A)
State of good repair backlog
To replace or rehabilitate railroad assets that are not currently in a state of good repair.
(B)
Legacy equipment replacement
To replace legacy passenger rolling stock and locomotives used for Northeast Corridor service.
(C)
Ongoing replacement and renewal
To fund the balance needed to maintain the existing Northeast Corridor infrastructure and equipment
in an ongoing state of good repair, after the following revenues are first
dedicated to these activities:
(i) All operating surpluses generated from Northeast Corridor intercity passenger rail services.
(ii) All access fees from other users of the Northeast Corridor.
(iii) All revenues generated from ancillary businesses directly associated with Northeast Corridor
services or infrastructure.
(5)
Federal share of total project costs
The Federal share of total project costs under this subsection may be up to 100 percent.
(c)
State corridors
(1)
Objective
To enable the successful implementation of section 209 of Division B of Public Law 110–432 for
existing State-supported passenger rail operations through transitional
financial assistance to States.
(2)
Authority
The Secretary is authorized to provide grants, consistent with the maximum time period under which
temporary financial assistance may be received as developed in subsection
(c)(3) of this section, to eligible recipients under this subsection to
support the implementation of section 209 of Division B of Public Law
110–432; and replacement of legacy passenger rolling stock and locomotives
used on State corridors.
(3)
Transition assistance framework
The Secretary shall develop a transition assistance framework within six months of the enactment of
this Act. As part of this framework, the Secretary shall—
(A) develop criteria for phasing out activities under subsection (c)(5)(A) of this section by not later
than October 1, 2017; and
(B) develop policies governing financial terms, repayment conditions, and other terms of financial
assistance.
(4)
Eligible recipients
(A) States are eligible to receive grants for activities described in subsections (c)(5)(A) and
(c)(5)(B) of this section.
(B) States may enter into contractual agreements to allow for Amtrak to receive grants for activities
described in subsection (c)(5)(B) of this section.
(5)
Eligible activities
Grants provided under this paragraph may be used to:
(A) Provide temporary financial support to eligible recipients in conformance with the operating and
capital cost methodologies developed pursuant to section 209 of Division B
of Public Law 110–432, until not later than September 30, 2017.
(B) Replace legacy passenger rolling stock and locomotives used for State corridor service as
identified in the Five-Year Capital Asset Plans described in section 24317
of this title.
(6)
Federal share
The Federal share of expenditures for activities described in subsections (c)(5)(B) may be up to 80
percent of the total cost.
(d)
Long-Distance routes
(1)
Objective
The objective of the long-distance routes program is to provide grants to Amtrak for the
continuation of services on long-distance routes.
(2)
Authority
The Secretary may provide grants to Amtrak under this subsection, in accordance with the relevant
provisions contained in part C, subtitle V of this title.
(3)
Eligible recipients
Amtrak is eligible to receive grants for long-distance route activities.
(4)
Eligible activities
Grants provided for long-distance routes may be expended for the operating and capital costs
associated with providing reliable national long-distance passenger rail
services to the extent that such expenses cannot be fully supported by the
passenger and non-passenger revenues generated by long-distance passenger
services, as identified in the Five-Year Business Line Plan described in
section 24317 of this title.
(5)
Federal share
The Federal share of expenditures for eligible activities under this subsection may be up to 100
percent of the total cost.
(e)
National assets, legacy debt, and amtrak positive train control
(1)
Objective
The objective of the national assets program is to provide grants to Amtrak for the operating and
capital needs associated with the Nation’s core rail assets; for servicing
Amtrak’s legacy debt; and for implementing positive train control on
Amtrak routes where Amtrak is fully or partially responsible for
compliance with section 20157 of this title.
(2)
Authority
The Secretary may provide grants to Amtrak under this subsection.
(3)
Eligible recipients
Amtrak is eligible to receive grants for national asset activities.
(4)
Eligible activities
Grants provided for national assets may be expended for—
(A) operating and capital costs associated with operating and maintaining national reservations,
security, mechanical facilities, training centers and other assets
associated with Amtrak’s national passenger rail transportation system;
(B) implementing positive train control on Amtrak routes where Amtrak is fully or partially responsible
for compliance with section 20157 of this title; and
(C) making payments for principal and interest payments related to debt incurred prior to fiscal year
2005.
(5)
Evaluation of national assets operating costs
(A) The Secretary shall evaluate the cost and scope of all operating activities defined in paragraph
(4)(A) of this subsection, and shall identify which activities are—
(i) required in order to ensure the efficient operations of a national passenger rail system;
(ii) appropriate for allocation to one of the other Amtrak business lines; and
(iii) extraneous to providing an efficient national passenger rail system or are too costly relative to
the benefits or performance outcomes they provide.
(B) Within 1 year after the completion of the review in subparagraph (A), the Federal Railroad
Administration, in consultation with the Amtrak Board of Directors, the
governors of each relevant State, and the Mayor of the District of
Columbia, or entities representing those officials, shall restructure
and/or reallocate national assets operating costs according to the
findings of the review in that subparagraph.
(6)
Federal share
The Federal share of expenditures for eligible activities under this subsection may be up to 100
percent of the total cost as identified in the Five-Year Business Line
Plan described in section 24317 of this title.
(f)
Stations—Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance
(1)
Objective
The objective of the program is to bring all stations served by Amtrak into compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
(2)
Authority
The Secretary may provide grants to Amtrak under this subsection.
(3)
Eligible recipients
Amtrak is eligible to receive grants for eligible activities under this subsection.
(4)
Eligible activities
Grants provided under this subsection may be expended for upgrading existing intercity passenger
rail stations to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
(5)
Federal share
The Federal share of expenditures for eligible activities under this subsection may be up to 100
percent of the total cost.
24605.
Rail service improvement program
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Transportation shall establish a Rail Service Improvement Program under this
section. The program shall promote and facilitate development of new
passenger rail corridors and improvements to existing passenger and
freight rail corridors. The Rail Service Improvement Program consists of
programs covering the following:
(1) Passenger Corridors.
(2) Commuter Railroads—Positive Train Control Compliance.
(3) Local Rail Facilities and Safety.
(4) Planning.
(b)
Passenger corridors
(1)
Objective
The objective of the passenger corridors program under this subsection is to build regional
networks of passenger rail corridors through construction of new corridors
or substantial improvements to existing corridors, including Core Express
Corridors, Regional Corridors, and Feeder Corridors, as defined in section
24601 of this title, and to mitigate passenger train congestion at
critical rail chokepoints.
(2)
Authority
The Secretary is authorized to provide grants under this subsection to eligible recipients (as
specified in paragraph (3)) for eligible corridor development and positive
train control projects (as specified in paragraph (4)).
(3)
Eligible recipients
Entities eligible for funding for eligible projects identified in paragraph (4) are the following:
(A) A State.
(B) A group of States.
(C) An Interstate Compact.
(D) A Regional Rail Development Authority as defined in chapter 289 of this title.
(E) A public agency or publicly-chartered authority established by one or more States and having
responsibility for providing high-speed or intercity passenger rail
service.
(F) Amtrak.
(G) Any institution for procuring, managing, or maintaining passenger rail rolling stock and
locomotives that may be established pursuant to the outcomes of the review
described in section 305 of division B of Public Law 110–432, as amended.
(4)
Eligible projects
The following projects are eligible to receive funding under this subsection:
(A) A capital project that is for the primary benefit of or use in high-performance rail service is
eligible to receive passenger corridors grants under this subsection,
provided that—
(i) the project proposal is consistent with an adopted service development plan or rail hub plan at the
time of application; and
(ii) the project sponsor has completed, prior to the time of application, the appropriate level of
environmental reviews, in compliance with the applicable environmental
protection requirements, including the National Environmental Policy Act
of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), its implementing regulations, and
applicable procedures.
(B) A capital project identified by the Surface Transportation Board as to improve the on-time
performance and reliability of intercity rail passenger transportation
under section 24308(f) of this title.
(C) A capital project designated by the Secretary as being necessary to address congestion challenges
affecting passenger rail.
(5)
Project selection criteria
In selecting the recipients of grants for eligible projects under paragraph (4), the Secretary
shall:
(A) Give preference to proposed projects that are consistent with the investment goals, objectives,
policies, and methodologies defined in the following:
(i) Any national rail planning guidance or parameters set forth by the Secretary.
(ii) Any Regional Rail Development Plans described in section 22602 of this title that are applicable to
a project proposal, once available.
(iii) Any State Rail Plans, as described in chapter 227 of this title that are applicable to a project
proposal.
(B) Also consider the following:
(i) The project’s system and service performance as experienced by the passenger, including measures
such as improved reliability, reduced trip time, additional service
frequency to meet anticipated or existing demand, or other significant
system and service enhancements.
(ii) Cost-benefit analysis of the project, which shall include such factors as the project’s estimated
ridership and anticipated user and public benefits, relative to the
proposed Federal investment, and consideration of enhanced mobility,
environmental, and economic benefits (both for the specific project
proposal and in terms of the costs and benefits generated by the specific
project within a network context).
(iii) Cross-modal benefits generated by the project, including anticipated impacts on air, transit, or
highway traffic congestion, capacity, or safety; and cost avoidance or
deferral of planned investments in aviation, transit, and highway systems.
(iv) Opportunities for operational integration with commuter rail or other rail operations, as well as
with regional public transportation providers, including the degree to
which the project could allow for coordinated schedules, seamless
connections between trains, integrated sales and ticketing systems, and
other mechanisms that will benefit passengers and encourage cost
containment among rail operators.
(v) Equitable financial participation by other beneficiaries of the project, including the degree to
which the project’s business plan considers potential private sector
participation in the financing, construction, and/or operation of the
project.
(vi) The recipient’s past performance in developing and delivering similar passenger rail projects.
(vii) The recipient’s previous financial contributions to developing high-performance rail services,
including any non-Federal contributions in excess of minimum requirements
that the sponsor may have provided as a match for previous Federal grants.
(viii) The likelihood that new service or expanded service projects, once brought into service, will be
able to cover on-going operating costs without the support of grants,
within a reasonable time frame.
(ix) Whether the recipient has or will have the legal, financial, and technical capacity to carry out
the project, satisfactory continuing control over the use of the equipment
or facilities, and the capability and willingness to maintain the
equipment or facilities.
(x) The likelihood that the proposed project is feasible and will result in the anticipated benefits,
including the recipient’s means for ensuring the realization of the
anticipated benefits.
(xi) Any other relevant factors as determined by the Secretary.
(6)
Planning requirements
To be eligible for a Federal grant under this subsection, a project must be specifically identified
on a State Rail Plan, as described in section 22702.
(7)
Federal share of total project costs
(A)
Total project cost
The Secretary shall estimate the total cost of a project under this subsection based on engineering
studies, studies of economic feasibility, environmental analyses, and
information on the expected use of equipment or facilities.
(B)
Federal share
The Federal share of total project costs under this subsection shall not exceed 80 percent, except
where the proposed project was identified through and is consistent with a
Regional Rail Development Plan described in chapter 289 of this title, in
which case the Federal share of total project costs under this subsection
shall not exceed 85 percent.
(c)
Commuter railroads; positive train control compliance
(1)
Objective
The objective of this program is to promote rail safety by assisting in funding the implementation
of positive train control on commuter railroad-owned infrastructure,
equipment, and back office systems.
(2)
Authority
The Secretary is authorized to provide grants under this subsection to eligible recipients (as
described in paragraph (3)) for eligible positive train control projects
(as described in paragraph (4)).
(3)
Eligible recipients
Entities eligible for funding under this subsection include the following:
(A) A State.
(B) A group of States.
(C) A provider of commuter rail passenger transportation, as defined in section 24102 of this title.
(4)
Eligible projects
Projects eligible to receive grants under this subsection include the following:
(A) A project for analyzing, designing, developing, procuring, installing, modifying, validating,
configuring, and testing of positive train control systems hardware or
software system elements on commuter railroad-owned infrastructure,
equipment, or back office systems, including the following activities:
(i) Dedicated passenger service motive power equipment.
(ii) Wayside interface of track-side devices on track owned by eligible recipients.
(iii) Back office and dispatch system infrastructure owned and operated by passenger railroads.
(iv) Roadway worker terminal devices.
(v) Communications system design and components, such as quality of service determinations, physical
communications infrastructure, and message integrity, authentication, and
non-repudiation mechanisms to protect positive train control system
communications.
(vi) Track databases for track segments owned by eligible recipients, including the population of such
databases with mapping data.
(vii) Project management services for oversight and systems engineering of passenger railroad positive
train control system design, procurement, implementation, and testing
efforts.
(viii) Positive train control system training programs for eligible recipients compliant with title 49 of
the Code of Federal Regulations, part 236 subpart I.
(ix) Engineering support to prepare all necessary documentation required for regulatory compliance and
system certification of positive train control systems for eligible
recipients.
(B) An eligible entity specified in paragraph (4)(A) may not receive funding under this subsection for
the following activities:
(i) The procurement of radio frequency spectrum.
(ii) Positive train control-related costs of any entity not listed in paragraph (3), such as wayside
positive train control system components on track segments owned by a
Class I freight railroad and over which commuter rail passenger
transportation is regularly provided.
(5)
Project selection criteria
The Secretary, in selecting the recipients of grants for eligible projects under paragraph (4),
shall consider the following:
(A) The scope of positive train control system components necessary to comply with section 20157 of
this title, including the number of locomotives owned by the eligible
recipient, the number of wayside miles owned by the eligible recipient,
the number of positive train control systems with which the eligible
recipient’s positive train control system must be interoperable; the scale
of the communications infrastructure the eligible recipient requires to
support positive train control system operations; and the number of
modifications to dispatching and back office systems required to support
positive train control system operations.
(B) The extent to which the applicant has demonstrated a clear need for Federal financial assistance.
(C) The overall completeness and quality of the application, including the comprehensiveness of its
supporting documentation.
(D) The extent of prior positive train control implementation activities.
(E) Any other relevant factors as determined by the Secretary.
(6)
Federal share of project costs
(A)
Total project cost
The Secretary shall estimate the total cost of a project under this subsection based on engineering
studies, studies of economic feasibility, environmental analyses, and
information on the expected use of equipment or facilities.
(B)
Federal share
The Federal share of total project costs for grants provided under this subsection shall not exceed
80 percent of the total project cost.
(C)
Match credit
The non-Federal share requirement may be met in whole or in part by eligible expenditures by the
railroad carrier made subsequent to October 16, 2008, excluding costs
related to the lease or acquisition of radio frequency spectrum.
(d)
Local rail facilities and safety
(1)
Objective
The objective of the local rail facilities and safety program under this subsection is to mitigate
the impacts of railroad operations in local communities, through
improvements to highway-rail grade crossings, upgrades to short-line
railroad infrastructure, rail line relocation and improvement projects,
and training and technical assistance to local governments.
(2)
Authority
The Secretary is authorized to provide grants under this subsection to eligible recipients (as
described in paragraph (3)) for eligible freight capacity projects (as
described in paragraph (4)). A grant may be used to pay all or a portion
of the subsidy and administrative costs of projects eligible for Federal
credit assistance under the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform
Act of 1976 (Public Law 94–210) (45 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) for a capital
project
to improve short-line railroad infrastructure.
(3)
Eligible recipients
Entities eligible for funding under this subsection include the following:
(A) A State.
(B) A group of States.
(C) An Interstate Compact.
(D) A Regional Rail Development Authority, as defined in chapter 289 of this title.
(E) A local government.
(F) A metropolitan planning organization.
(G) A group of metropolitan planning organizations.
(4)
Eligible projects
Projects eligible to receive grants under this subsection include the following:
(A) A capital project to mitigate the impacts of rail infrastructure and operations on a local
community, including rail line relocation and improvement and improving
the safety of, or eliminating hazards at, a highway-rail grade crossing.
(B) A capital project to improve short-line railroad infrastructure.
(C) Training and technical assistance to help local governments better understand how to coordinate
with railroads on operations and safety issues, and how to integrate
railroad issues into land use and transportation planning processes.
(5)
Project selection criteria
In selecting the recipients of grants for freight capacity projects under this subsection, the
Secretary shall consider—
(A) the extent to which a proposed project—
(i) alleviates the impacts of rail operations on local neighborhoods or urbanized areas;
(ii) will result in clearly-defined public benefits;
(iii) contributes to increasing the competitiveness and state of good repair of short line railroads;
(iv) enhances safety at critical highway-rail grade crossings;
(v) is compatible with local land use, economic development, and transportation plans and objectives;
(vi) includes equitable participation from other beneficiaries in the project’s financing, including the
extent to which the project will leverage private or local government
investments; and
(vii) will increase the reliability and resilience of the nation’s rail system;
(B) the past performance of the recipient and other beneficiaries of the project in developing and
delivering rail projects; and
(C) any other relevant factors as determined by the Secretary.
(6)
Planning requirements
To be eligible for a Federal grant under this subsection, a project must be specifically identified
on a State Rail Plan, as described in section 227 of this title.
(7)
Federal share of project costs
(A)
Total project cost
The Secretary shall estimate the total cost of a project under this subsection based on engineering
studies, studies of economic feasibility, environmental analyses, and
information on the expected use of equipment or facilities.
(B)
Federal share
The Federal share of total project costs for grants provided under this subsection shall not exceed
80 percent of the total project cost.
(e)
Planning
(1)
Objective
The objective of the planning program under this subsection is to facilitate the development of
comprehensive plans to guide future investments in the nation’s rail
systems and to develop the workforce necessary to advance America’s rail
industry.
(2)
Authority
The Secretary is authorized to provide grants under this subsection to eligible recipients (as
described in paragraph (3)) for eligible planning projects (as described
in paragraph (4)).
(3)
Eligible recipients
Entities eligible for funding under this subsection include the following:
(A) A State.
(B) A group of States.
(C) An Interstate Compact.
(D) A Regional Rail Development Authority as defined in chapter 289 of this title.
(E) A public agency or publicly-chartered authority established by one or more States and having
responsibility for providing high-speed or intercity passenger rail
service.
(F) A local government.
(G) A metropolitan planning organization.
(H) A group of metropolitan planning organizations.
(I) National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board, for eligible projects described in
paragraph (4)(C).
(J) Federal Railroad Administration.
(4)
Eligible projects
Projects eligible to receive grants under this subsection include the following:
(A) The preparation of new rail planning documents or any updates to existing rail planning documents
including the following:
(i) A corridor or rail hub investment plan that consists of both—
(I) a corridor service development plan or rail hub plan; and
(II) corresponding environmental analyses.
(ii) A regional rail development plan, as defined in section 22602 of this title.
(iii) A State rail plan, as defined in section 22702 of this title.
(iv) Any other national, multi-State, mega-regional, or State planning activity determined by the
Secretary to be necessary to advance the development of passenger and
freight rail systems.
(B) Capital upgrades to the Transportation Technology Center for the purposes of conducting research,
development, testing, evaluation, and training for the purpose of
enhancing technologies related to the design and deployment of
high-performance rail systems.
(C) Research conducted by the National Cooperative Rail Research Program, as established by section
24910 of this title.
(D) Workforce development activities, coordinated to the extent practical with the existing local
training programs supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the
U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Education, including—
(i) interagency agreements with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at the National Institute of
Standards and Technology;
(ii) developing and deploying training and technical assistance opportunities for rail stakeholders; and
(iii) rail-based University Transportation Centers established by section 5505 of this title.
(5)
Project selection criteria
In selecting the recipients of grants for planning projects under paragraph (4)(A), the Secretary
shall consider—
(A) the extent to which a proposed planning project—
(i) comprehensively addresses both freight and passenger rail issues and needs;
(ii) considers high-performance rail’s role within a multimodal context;
(iii) follows a planning process that allows for meaningful incorporation of input from affected
communities, local governments, regional councils and planning
organizations, railroads, transportation modal partners, environmental
interests, workforce investment boards, economic development agencies, the
public, and other stakeholders, early and throughout the process;
(iv) is integrated with other transportation planning efforts;
(v) will result in the appropriate documentation and institutional support to proceed with project
implementation; and
(vi) examines and evaluates non-transportation issues that could be affected by future capital projects,
including but not limited to land use, economic development, and social
equity; and
(B) Any other relevant factors as determined by the Secretary.
(6)
Federal share of project costs
(A) The Federal share of total project costs for a grant provided under paragraph (4)(A) shall not
exceed 80 percent of the total project cost.
(B) The Federal share of total project costs for a grant or contract provided under this paragraph
(4)(B)–(D) may be up to 100 percent of the total project cost.
(7)
Federally-led rail planning
The Secretary may retain up to two percent of the funds made available under section 24602(b) of
this title to facilitate the preparation of national planning tools and
analyses, multi-State regional rail plans, and service development plans
and related environmental reviews for corridors located in multiple
States.
24606.
Oversight
(a)
Authority
(1)
In general
(A)
Current passenger rail service program
The Secretary of Transportation may expend up to one-half percent of the funds made available each
fiscal year under section 24602(a) of this title to conduct oversight of
and to provide training and technical assistance for the current passenger
rail service program.
(B)
Rail service improvement program
The Secretary of Transportation may expend up to 1 percent of the funds made available each fiscal
year under section 24602(b) of this title to conduct oversight, training
and technical assistance, and project evaluations and assessments for the
rail service improvement program.
(2)
Payment
The Federal share of a contract under this subsection shall be 100 percent.
(b)
Project management oversight
(1)
Procedures
The Secretary shall develop and implement oversight procedures to monitor the effective and
efficient use of funds appropriated under this chapter. These procedures
shall include such measures as the Secretary deems necessary to identify,
mitigate, and monitor risks to successful delivery of projects. These
procedures may include—
(A) entering into contracts for safety, procurement, management, and financial compliance reviews,
audits, and reports of a recipient of funds appropriated under this
chapter;
(B) conducting site visits to review the progress and implementation of projects under this chapter;
and
(C) establishing field offices to oversee projects and to provide project delivery assistance to the
recipients of financial assistance under this chapter.
(2)
Access
Each recipient of financial assistance under this chapter shall provide the Secretary or the
Secretary’s designee, including a contractor the Secretary chooses under
paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection, with access to the construction sites
and records of the recipient when reasonably necessary.
(c)
Project evaluation and assessment
The Secretary shall develop and implement procedures for evaluating the implementation of projects
receiving funds made available under sections 24602(b) of this title and
assessing the extent to which these projects achieved intended outcomes
and public benefits. These procedures may include—
(1) establishing criteria to guide the selection of grants under section 24602(b) for individual
assessments;
(2) identifying, collecting, and analyzing standardized data and metrics related to grant applications
under section 24602 (b) and (c), and to the implementation, outcomes, and
public benefits of projects receiving grants under section 24602(b);
(3) performing a national evaluation of overall program results and outcomes under section 24602(b);
(4) undertaking statistical and cost-benefit analyses to identify strategies for maximizing return on
investment of Federal funding in rail research, planning, and
construction; and
(5) entering into grants or contracts for the purpose of carrying out the procedures established under
this paragraph.
(d)
Training and technical assistance
The Secretary shall develop and implement procedures to provide training and technical assistance
to grantees and other stakeholders in order to ensure the effective and
efficient use of funds appropriated under this chapter.
(e)
Project delivery documentation
To receive Federal financial assistance for a project under this chapter, an applicant shall
prepare project delivery documentation, which may include the following:
(1) A project management plan.
(2) A financial plan.
(3) A system safety plan.
(4) Agreements between the project sponsor(s) and all relevant entities.
(5) A project risk management plan.
(6) Other documents identified by the Secretary as relevant to carrying out project management
oversight activities under this section.
24607.
Financial assistance conditions
(a)
Financial assistance conditions
The Secretary shall require, as a condition of making any financial assistance under section 24605,
that such financial assistance shall comply with section 24405 (b), (c),
(d), and (e) of this title, as amended, in the same manner that funding
under chapter 244 of part C of subtitle V of this title is required to
comply with section 24405 (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this title.
(b)
Local hiring
(1)
In general
A recipient of assistance may advertise, post job opportunities on State job banks and with One
Stop centers established under the Workforce Investment Act, and award a
contract for construction containing requirements for the employment of
individuals residing in or adjacent to any of the areas in which the work
is to be performed is for construction work required under the contract,
provided that—
(A) all or part of the construction work performed under the contract occurs in an area that has—
(i) a per capita income of 80 percent or less of the national average; or
(ii) an unemployment rate that is for the most recent 24-month period for which data are available at
least 1 percent greater than the national average unemployment rate;
(B) the estimated cost of the project of which the contract is a part is greater than $10 million;
(C) the recipient may not require the hiring of individuals who do not have the necessary skills to
perform work in any craft or trade, except for individuals who are
subject to a apprenticeship program or other training program meeting the
requirements of subsection 24605(e) of this title; and
(D) the award of such a contract complies with agreements subject to the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C.
151–188), if applicable.
(2)
Advertisement
In advertising an awarding a contract under this subsection, the Secretary or a recipient of
assistance shall ensure that the requirements contained in the
advertisement would not—
(A) compromise the quality of the project;
(B) unreasonably delay the completion of the project; or
(C) unreasonably increase the cost of the project.
(3)
Available programs
The Secretary shall make available to recipients the workforce development and training programs
set forth in section 24605(e)(4)(D)(ii) of this title to assist recipients
who wish to establish training programs that satisfy the provisions of
subsection (b)(1)(C). The Secretary of Labor shall make available its
qualifying workforce and training development programs to recipients who
wish to establish training programs that satisfy the provisions of section
(b)(1)(C).
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The chapter analysis for subtitle V is amended by inserting the following after the item relating
to chapter 244:
246.National High-Performance Rail System 24601
.
9103.
Amtrak 5-year business planning
(a)
Amtrak 5-Year business line and capital asset plans
Part C of subtitle V is amended by inserting the following new section after section 24316:
24317.
Amtrak 5-year business line and capital asset plans
(a)
In general
(1)
Draft plans
Not later than July 1 of each year, Amtrak shall submit to the Secretary of Transportation draft
5-year business line plans and draft 5-year capital asset plans prepared
in accordance with this section. Each draft plan shall include information
on historical performance, the subsequent base fiscal year, and the
5-year period that begins with the second full fiscal year after the
submission. Amtrak shall, in consultation with the Secretary of
Transportation, revise the draft plans, as appropriate.
(2)
Final plans
Not later than February 15 of each year, Amtrak shall submit to Congress and the Secretary of
Transportation 5-year business line plans prepared in accordance with this
section. These plans shall form the basis for Amtrak’s general and
legislative annual report to the President and Congress required by
subsection 24315(b) of this title.
(3)
Updated plans
Amtrak shall submit updated 5-year business line plans to Congress and the Secretary of
Transportation no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of an
appropriations Act for the fiscal year. The updated plan shall reflect the
actual appropriations levels or obligation limits for that fiscal year,
and any corresponding adjustments to the subsequent fiscal years. Amtrak
shall submit updated 5-year capital asset plans to the Secretary of
Transportation no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of an
appropriations Act for the fiscal year.
(b)
Amtrak 5-Year business line plans
(1)
Amtrak business lines
Amtrak shall prepare a 5-year business line plan for each of the following business lines:
(A) Northeast Corridor, as defined by section 24102(5)(A).
(B) State corridors, as defined by section 24102(5)(D).
(C) Long-distance routes, as defined by section 24102(5)(C).
(D) National assets.
(2)
Contents of 5-year business line plans
The 5-year business line plan for each business line shall include, at a minimum:
(A) A statement of Amtrak’s vision, goals, and objectives for the business line, coordinated with any
entities that are contributing capital or operating funding to support
passenger rail services within those business lines, and aligned with
Amtrak’s Strategic Plan.
(B) All projected revenues and expenditures for the business line, including identification of revenues
and expenditures incurred by—
(i) passenger operations;
(ii) non-passenger operations that are directly related to the business line, including all ancillary
business activities; and
(iii) governmental funding sources, including revenues and other funding received from States.
(C) Projected ridership levels for all passenger operations.
(D) A prioritized list of capital projects, including identified funding sources, that is aligned with
the Five-Year Capital Asset Plans described in subsection (c).
(E) Estimates of long-term and short-term debt and associated principal and interest payments (both
current and forecasts).
(F) Annual profit and loss statements and forecasts and balance sheets.
(G) Annual cash flow forecasts.
(H) A statement describing the methodologies and significant assumptions underlying estimates and
forecasts.
(I) Specific performance measures that demonstrate measurable improvement year over year in the
financial results of Amtrak’s operations.
(J) Financial performance for each route within each business line, including descriptions of the cash
operating loss and labor productivity for each route.
(K) Specific costs and savings estimates resulting from reform initiatives.
(L) Prior fiscal year and projected equipment reliability statistics, in coordination with the
equipment capital asset plan.
(M) Identification and explanation of any adjustments made from previously approved plans.
(3)
Five-year business line plans process
In meeting the requirements of this section, Amtrak shall—
(A) coordinate with the development of the capital asset plans described in subsection (c) and ensure
integration of each 5-year business line plan with the 5-year capital
asset plans;
(B) for the Northeast Corridor business line plan, coordinate with the Northeast Corridor
Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission, States, freight
railroads, and commuter operators that access Northeast Corridor
infrastructure; and
(C) ensure that Amtrak’s annual budget request to Congress is consistent with the information in the
5-year business line plans.
(4)
Standards to promote financial stability
In meeting the requirements of subsection (b) of this section, Amtrak shall—
(A) apply sound budgetary practices; and
(B) use the categories specified in the financial accounting and reporting system developed under
section 203 of Division B of Public Law 110–432 when preparing its 5-year
business plans.
(c)
Amtrak 5-Year capital asset plans
(1)
Capital asset categories
Amtrak shall prepare a 5-year capital asset plan for each of the following capital asset
categories:
(A) Infrastructure, including all Northeast Corridor assets and other Amtrak-owned infrastructure, and
the associated engineering facilities that support the maintenance and
improvement of those assets.
(B) Passenger rail equipment, including all rolling stock, locomotives, and mechanical shop facilities
that are used to overhaul equipment.
(C) Stations, including all Amtrak-served passenger rail stations.
(D) Corporate, including assets such as information technology, training centers, and other capital
items that support the national passenger rail system.
(2)
Contents of 5-year capital asset plans
Each capital asset plan shall include, at a minimum—
(A) a summary of Amtrak’s 5-year strategic plan for each asset category, including goals, objectives,
any relevant performance metrics, and statutory or regulatory actions
affecting the assets;
(B) an inventory of existing Amtrak capital assets, including information regarding shared use or
ownership, where applicable; and
(C) a prioritized list of proposed capital investments that—
(i) categorizes each capital project as being primarily associated with—
(I) normalized capital replacement;
(II) backlog capital replacement;
(III) improvements to support service enhancements or growth; or
(IV) strategic initiatives that will improve overall operational performance, lower costs, or otherwise
improve Amtrak’s corporate efficiency;
(ii) identifies the anticipated funding source for each capital project;
(iii) describes the anticipated business outcomes of each project, including: an assessment of the
potential effect on passenger operations, safety, reliability and
resilience, and on Amtrak’s ability to meet regulatory requirements should
the project not be funded; and an assessment of the benefits and costs;
(iv) identifies where the capital assets are or will be jointly used by intercity passenger rail service
and other users, and that identifies the proportionate share of this joint
usage; and
(v) for projects that are expected to be fully or partially funded through Federal grants, identifies
the most appropriate public agency or entity to receive those funds and
implement each capital project, in cases where that entity is not Amtrak.
(3)
5-year capital asset plan process
In meeting the requirements of subsection (c) of this section, Amtrak shall—
(A) coordinate with the development of the business lines described in subsection (b)(1) of this
section and ensure integration of each 5-year capital asset plan with the
5-year business line plans; and
(B) for the infrastructure capital asset plan described in subsection (c)(1)(A) of this section,
coordinate with the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations
Advisory Commission, States, freight railroads, and commuter operators
that access Northeast Corridor infrastructure.
.
(b)
Identification of duplicative reporting requirements
(1) The Secretary shall review existing Amtrak reporting requirements and identify where these
requirements are duplicative with the business line and capital asset
plans required by this section.
(2) Where duplicative reporting requirements are administrative, the Secretary shall eliminate such
duplicative requirements.
(3) The Secretary shall submit a report to Congress with any recommendations for repealing duplicative
Amtrak reporting requirements.
9104.
Clarification of grant conditions
(a)
Rail carriers
Section 24405(b) is amended—
(1) by striking the title and inserting:
(b)
Operators and certain railroad transportation service providers deemed rail carriers and employers
for certain purposes
(1)
;
(2) after operations over by inserting , or that performs dispatching, maintenance of way, or signal system work for, or in support of,
rail operations that is work performed by employees in crafts and classes
recognized by the National Mediation Board on,;
(3) by replacing (1), (2), and (3) with (A), (B), and (C); and
(4) by inserting at the end the following:
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section—
(A) an employer engaged primarily in the building and construction industry, as that term is used in
section 8(f) of the National Labor Relations Act, which is performing work
as a contractor for a rail carrier shall not itself be considered a rail
carrier solely as a result of performance of that work;
(B) an employer performing work as a contractor or subcontractor consistent with a collective
bargaining agreement covering the railroad that owns rail infrastructure
constructed or improved with funding provided in whole or in part in a
grant made under this chapter shall not itself be considered a rail
carrier solely as a result of performance of that work; and
(C) an employer performing work as a contractor for an operator in accordance with a collective
bargaining agreement reached by the operator and a union representing
employees in a craft or class recognized by the National Mediation Board
covering work performed by that craft or class shall not itself be
considered a rail carrier solely as a result of performance of that work.
.
(b)
Grant conditions
Section 24405(c) is amended—
(1) by striking railroad and inserting railroad or used by a railroad for common carrier service; and
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by striking comply and inserting assure compliance.
9105.
Research and development
(a)
Research, development, testing, and training
Section 20108(a) is amended by inserting , operations, and technology after the word safety.
(b)
Technical correction
Section 24910 is amended by striking subsection (e).
9106.
Miscellaneous revisions
(a)
Amtrak indebtedness
Division B of Public Law 110–432, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, is
amended—
(1) by repealing section 204; and
(2) by revising section 205(a) to read as follows:
(a)
In general
The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary and Amtrak, may make agreements
to restructure Amtrak’s indebtedness as of the date of enactment of this
Act. This authorization expires on September 30, 2018.
.
(b)
Criminal penalties
Section 21311 is amended as follows:
(1) Subsection (a) is amended by deleting and willfully.
(2) The following is inserted at the end:
(c)
Criminal penalty
A person who knowingly violates a provision of this chapter shall, if the violator’s activities
have led or could have led to death or serious injury, be fined under
title 18, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.
.
B
Policy
9201.
Regional rail development authorities
(a)
In general
Part E of subtitle V is amended by inserting the following after chapter 287:
289
REGIONAL RAIL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES
Sec.
28901. Authority and objectives.
28902. Structure.
28903. Activities.
28901.
Authority and objectives
(a)
Authority
The Secretary, in consultation with State governors, is authorized to establish Regional Rail
Development Authorities (hereafter referred to as RRDAs) to facilitate the development of multi-State high-performance rail services and to coordinate
these investments with other rail, transit, highway, and aviation system
services.
(b)
Objectives
The objectives of RRDAs are as follows:
(1) To establish multi-State public entities that have the authority to plan and develop high-speed and
intercity passenger rail infrastructure and services within regions, in
coordination with other planning and investment efforts in the region’s
freight rail, transit, highway, and aviation infrastructure.
(2) To develop and implement Regional Rail Development Plans that are consistent with the framework
established in the National Passenger Rail Development Plan, including
establishing a structure for State- and corridor-level planning efforts.
(3) To support the prioritization of intercity passenger rail investments, taking into consideration
the most logical, efficient, and cost-effective approach for developing
the regional passenger rail network.
(4) To facilitate interoperability and integration across corridors and States within regions.
28902.
Structure
(a)
Governance
(1)
Executive director
(A)
Appointment
An RRDA shall be administered by an Executive Director who is appointed by the Secretary.
(B)
Supervision
The Executive Director shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the Secretary
consistent with the Executive Director’s responsibilities and other
requirements established in this chapter.
(C)
Expertise
The Executive Director shall have demonstrated expertise in the following three areas:
(i) Passenger or freight rail operations.
(ii) Transportation or infrastructure planning.
(iii) Project, public, or corporate finance.
(D)
Authority
The Executive Director shall be the chief executive officer of the RRDA, with such executive
functions, powers, and duties as may be prescribed by this chapter or
otherwise by the Secretary.
(E)
Responsibility
The Executive Director shall have responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the RRDA. In
addition to the other activities required to carry out the authorities and
purposes of the RRDA as set forth in this chapter, the Executive Director
shall—
(i) establish and maintain a passenger rail corridor development and delivery capability that consists
of qualified transportation infrastructure planning, financing, and
construction professionals directed to develop and deliver projects that
are consistent with the strategy and objectives set forth in the Regional
Rail Development Plan; and
(ii) establish and maintain a technical assistance capability at the RRDA that consists of a staff of
qualified project management professionals directed to assist other
entities within the region that are implementing high-speed and intercity
passenger rail projects.
(2)
Regional committee
(A)
Establishment
There is established within the RRDA a deliberative body to be known as the Regional Committee.
(B)
Membership
The membership of the Regional Committee may be established and maintained as follows:
(i) Governors or their designees from all States in the region.
(ii) Other individuals and organizations the Secretary determines have a significant interest in rail
issues in the region.
(C)
Consultation
The Regional Committee shall consult with—
(i) elected officials and other community leaders in cities or counties affected by high-speed or
intercity passenger rail projects;
(ii) economic development bodies;
(iii) business leaders in the region;
(iv) freight carriers with operations in the region;
(v) commuter rail agencies with operations in the region;
(vi) rail labor;
(vii) regional transportation and air quality planning agencies; and
(viii) other individuals or organizations that the Regional Committee determines would provide valuable
input into the Committee’s deliberations.
(D)
Responsibilities
The Regional Committee shall be responsible for carrying out the following:
(i) Proposing to the Secretary the Regional Rail Development Plan within one year of the RRDA’s
establishment and making recommendations to the Secretary for biennial
updates.
(ii) Evaluating Service Development Plans and investment plans and related materials or other analyses
prepared by the Executive Director for use in supporting applications to
the Secretary for Federal financial assistance and providing the Secretary
with recommendations or written objections to the Plan and related
materials as appropriate.
(iii) Making recommendations to the Secretary for the selection of private sector partners for designing,
constructing, operating, or maintaining a corridor.
(iv) Evaluating and making recommendations to the Secretary for the RRDA’s Annual Report.
(v) Making recommendations to the Secretary concerning the powers outlined in section 28903 of this
title.
(E)
Majority vote
An action or decision by the Regional Committee shall be by majority vote of all members, whether
in person or in absentia. Each member shall be provided a reasonable
opportunity to vote on all matters before the Regional Committee.
(F)
Publicly accessible meetings
All meetings of the Regional Committee shall be publicly-accessible, and the Regional Committee
shall also provide regular updates and information on a
publicly-accessible Web site.
(b)
Exemption from federal advisory committee act
The Federal Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to Regional Rail Development Authorities.
28903.
Activities
(a)
Corridor development powers
Regional Rail Development Authorities established pursuant to this chapter shall have the power to
undertake the following corridor development activities:
(1) Planning for Core Express Corridors, Regional Corridors, and Feeder Corridors within their
jurisdiction, including leading the development of the Regional Rail
Development Plan described in section 22602 of this title and identifying
proposed corridor alignments and station locations.
(2) Planning that addresses transportation issues and infrastructure investments for more efficient
movement of people and goods through and among corridors, including
consideration of the most cost-effective transportation investments to
address a specific region’s or corridor’s transportation needs for both
people and goods.
(3) Preparing engineering studies, environmental and health analyses, project management plans,
financial plans, service development plans and other documentation
necessary for developing and delivering new or improved high-speed or
intercity passenger rail services.
(4) Receiving, managing, and expending Federal financial assistance, including taking responsibility
for all relevant reporting or other requirements associated with that
financial assistance.
(5) Coordinating the financing package for project development and delivery, including structuring and
overseeing Federal, State, and local financial assistance funds, and
private-sector contributions.
(6) Leading construction-related activities for developing the corridor, including issuing requests for
proposals/qualifications, managing contractors, entering into contracts
with public and private entities for construction of the corridor, and
other related activities.
(7) Acquiring and preserving right-of-way for dedicated corridors.
(8) Providing for or supporting negotiations with infrastructure owners for new or improved shared-use
passenger rail corridors.
(9) Issuing requests for proposals for projects for the financing, design, construction, operation,
and/or maintenance of a high-speed intercity passenger rail system
operating within the RRDA’s jurisdictions that shall include those items
described in paragraph (a)(4) of section 502 of Division B of Public Law
110–432.
(b)
Funding eligibility
Regional Rail Development Authorities are eligible to receive Federal funding under the Rail
Service Improvement Program, as described in section 24605 of this title.
.
(b)
Related amendment
The analysis for subtitle V is amended by inserting below the item for chapter 287 the following:
289.Authority and objectives28901
Structure28902
Activities28903
.
9202.
Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission
Section 24905 is amended as follows:
(1) By revising paragraph (c)(1)(B) to read as follows:
(B) develop a proposed timetable for implementing the formula that allows for a phased-in schedule that
incorporates a reasonable amount of time for agreements to be negotiated
among affected parties, provided that the formula is fully implemented no
later than September 30, 2018.
.
(2) In paragraph (e), by striking 2013 and replacing with 2018.
(3) By inserting paragraph (g) to read as follows:
(g)
Northeast corridor governance
Not later than September 30, 2014, the Commission shall issue a report with recommendations
regarding the appropriate mechanisms for managing, improving, financing,
operating, and maintaining the Northeast Corridor, including a clear
delineation of responsibilities among the Federal government, States, and
Amtrak. This report shall be submitted to the Secretary, the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
.
9203.
Standardization of passenger equipment and platforms
(a)
Passenger platforms
Where level-entry boarding platforms are required by law—
(1) new or rebuilt passenger platforms in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont shall be constructed and
maintained at 48 inches above top of rail;
(2) new or rebuilt passenger platforms in Maryland and Pennsylvania shall be constructed and maintained
at 15 or 48 inches above top of rail, in coordination with the lowest
floor height of equipment serving the platform;
(3) new or rebuilt platforms at Union Station in Washington, DC, shall be built and
maintained to facilitate level boarding for the equipment serving the
platform;
(4) all other new or rebuilt passenger rail platforms shall be built and maintained at 15 inches above
top of rail; and
(5) it is the intent of Congress to expressly preempt State and local laws, regulations and rules on
passenger platform height and setback.
(b)
Exceptions
(1) A railroad owner may seek an exception to the passenger platform height requirements by presenting
information to the Federal Railroad Administration of an actual conflict
between the requirement and an existing piece of equipment operated past
the platform location. New or rebuilt passenger rail equipment used on any
route with a platform excepted under this subpart must be equipped with an
onboard lift.
(2) A railroad owner may seek an exception to the passenger platform height requirements by presenting
information to the Federal Railroad Administration that it will provide
level-boarding at a height other than that provided in subsection (a).
(3) A system that is in operation on the date of this enactment that provides a level-boarding platform
at a height other than those described in subsection (a) may continue to
provide such service.
9204.
Next Generation Equipment Committee
(a)
Revisions to division b of Public Law 110–432, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of
2008
Section 305 of Division B of Public Law 110–432 is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting labor organizations that represent employees who perform overhaul and maintenance work on passenger
equipment used for intercity passenger rail transportation, after manufacturers,;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (e) as paragraph (f); and
(3) by inserting new paragraph (e) to read as follows—
(e)
Rail equipment management
Not later than December 30, 2013, the Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee shall issue
a report with recommendations regarding the appropriate mechanisms for
procuring, managing, and maintaining passenger rail cars and locomotives.
This report shall be submitted to the Secretary, the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
.
(a)
In general
Part E of subtitle V is amended by inserting the following after chapter 285:
287
BUY AMERICA PREFERENCES
Sec.
28701. Buying goods produced in the United States.
28702. Fraudulent use of Made in America label.
28701.
Buying goods produced in the United States
(a)
Preference
(1)
In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not obligate any funds authorized
to be appropriated to carry out subtitle V of this title and administered
by the Department of Transportation, nor shall the Secretary provide
direct loans or loan guarantees under section 502 of the Railroad
Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 822), unless
steel, iron, and manufactured products used in the project are produced in
the United States.
(2)
Non-federal funds
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, rolling stock and power train equipment (including
train control, communication, traction power equipment, and rolling stock
prototypes) purchased with non-Federal funds in connection with a project
receiving Federal financial assistance under subtitle V of this title or
under section 502 of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act
of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 822), shall only use steel, iron, and manufactured
products produced in the United States.
(b)
Waiver
The Secretary may waive subsection (a) of this section if the Secretary finds that—
(1) applying subsection (a) would be inconsistent with the public interest;
(2) such materials and products produced in the United States are not produced in a sufficient and
reasonably available amount or are not of a satisfactory quality;
(3) the cost of the domestic material will increase the cost of the end product by more than 25
percent; or
(4) when procuring rolling stock or train control systems for high-speed rail, as that term is defined
by section 26105(2) of this title—
(A) the rolling stock and train control systems are manufactured in the United States substantially
from components produced or manufactured in the United States;
(B) the rolling stock domestic material improvement plan required by subsection (c) of this section
addresses how the domestic material content of the rolling stock and train
control systems will be increased over the duration of the contract; and
(C) final assembly of the rolling stock and train control systems, not including prototypes that will
primarily be used to test the rolling stock or train control systems, has
occurred in the United States; and
(5) the waiver justifications contained in this subsection at paragraphs (1) through (3) apply to all
steel, iron, and manufactured products, including all rolling stock.
(c)
Rolling stock domestic material improvement plan
All rolling stock procurements subject to the requirements of subsection (a) of this section shall
require that rolling stock procurement proposals include a plan to
increase the domestic material content of the rolling stock over the
duration of the contract. This plan shall address increasing the domestic
material content of all components and subcomponents. Significant weight
shall be given in the proposal evaluation criteria for the plan achieving
the most domestic material content. The recipient of the Federal financial
assistance shall conduct an audit post-contract award to verify
implementation of the plan. As determined appropriate by the Secretary, a
certain amount of funding made available for the rolling stock procurement
shall be used to implement the plan.
(d)
Labor costs
For purposes of this section, labor costs involved in final assembly shall not be included in
calculating the cost of components.
(e)
Waiver notice and comment
If the Secretary determines that it is necessary to waive the application of subsection (a) based
on a finding under subsection (b), the Secretary shall, before the date on
which such finding takes effect—
(1) make available to the public on the Department of Transportation’s public Web site the waiver
request and a detailed written justification as to why the waiver is
needed;
(2) publish in the Federal Register a detailed written justification as to why the waiver is needed;
and
(3) provide notice of such finding and an opportunity for public comment on such finding for a
reasonable period of time not to exceed 15 days.
(f)
Waiver prohibited
The Secretary may not make a waiver under subsection (b) of this section for goods produced in a
foreign country if the Secretary, in consultation with the United States
Trade Representative, decides that the government of that foreign country—
(1) has an agreement with the United States Government under which the Secretary has waived the
requirement of this section; and
(2) has violated the agreement by discriminating against goods to which this section applies that are
produced in the United States and to which the agreement applies.
(g)
State requirements
The Secretary may not impose any limitation on assistance provided under subtitle V of this title
that restricts a State from imposing more stringent requirements than this
section on the use of articles, materials, and supplies mined, produced,
or manufactured in foreign countries, in projects carried out with that
assistance, or restricts a recipient of that assistance from complying
with those State-imposed requirements.
(h)
Certification
The Secretary may allow a manufacturer or supplier of steel, iron, or manufactured goods to correct
after bid opening any certification of noncompliance or failure to
properly complete the certification (but not including failure to sign the
certification) under this section if such manufacturer or supplier attests
under penalty of perjury that such manufacturer or supplier submitted an
incorrect certification as a result of an inadvertent or clerical error.
The burden of establishing inadvertent or clerical error is on the
manufacturer or supplier.
(i)
Review
A party adversely affected by an agency action under this section shall have the right to seek
review under section 702 of title 5.
(j)
Minimum cost
The requirements of this section shall only apply to contracts for which the costs exceed $100,000.
(k)
International agreements
This section shall be applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under
international agreements.
28702.
Fraudulent use of Made in America label
A person is ineligible to receive a contract or subcontract made with amounts authorized under
subtitle V of this title or section 502 of the Railroad Revitalization and
Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 822) if a court or department,
agency, or instrumentality of the Government decides the person
intentionally—
(1) affixed a Made in America label, or a label with an inscription having the same meaning, to goods sold in or shipped to the
United States that are used in a project to which this section applies,
but were not produced in the United States; or
(2) represented that goods described in paragraph (1) of this section were produced in the United
States.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for subtitle V is amended by inserting below the item for chapter 285 the following:
287.Buy America preferences28701
.
(c)
Related amendments
(1) Section 24305 is amended by repealing subsection (f).
(2) Section 24405(a) is amended by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (11), respectively, as
paragraphs (2) through (12).
(3) Section 24405(a) is amended by inserting at the beginning the following:
(1) This subsection applies to projects that have received Federal funding to carry out this chapter
prior to the enactment of the Rail Safety, Reliability, and Efficiency for
a Strong America Act.
.
9206.
Rail passenger transportation liability and mandatory coverage
(a)
Liability
Section 28103 is amended as follows:
(1) By revising subsection (a)(2) by inserting, including commuter rail passengers, after the words rail passenger,.
(2) By revising subsection (b) to read as follows:
(b)
Contractual obligations
A provider of rail passenger transportation may enter into contracts that allocate financial
responsibility for claims and such contracts shall be enforceable
notwithstanding any other provision of law, common law or public policy or
the nature of the conduct giving rise to the damages or liability.
.
(3) By inserting at the end of subsection (e) the following:
(4) the term rail passenger transportation includes commuter rail transportation.
.
(b)
Mandatory coverage
Subsection 28103(c) is amended by striking Amtrak and inserting A provider of rail passenger transportation.
9207.
Shared-use study
(a)
In general
The Secretary shall conduct a study, in consultation with, as appropriate, Amtrak, commuter, and
other passenger rail operators, rail carriers that own rail infrastructure
over which both passenger and freight trains operate, States, the Surface
Transportation Board, and groups representing rail passengers and
customers, in order to evaluate the shared-use of right-of-way by
passenger and freight rail systems and the operational, institutional, and
legal structures that would best support improvements to both of these
systems.
(b)
Areas of study
In conducting the study, the Secretary shall evaluate—
(1) the access and use of railroad right-of-way by a railroad that does not own the right-of-way. This
evaluation shall include an analysis of passenger rail services that
operate over privately owned right-of-way, including access agreements,
costs of access, and the resolution of disputes relating to such access or
costs;
(2) the effectiveness of existing contractual and regulatory mechanisms for establishing, measuring,
and enforcing train performance standards, including identification of
gaps in those existing mechanisms and designation of possible new
approaches;
(3) mechanisms for measuring and maintaining benefits resulting from publically funded freight and/or
intercity passenger rail improvements, including those improvements
directed towards shared-use right-of-way;
(4) standard approaches to operations, capacity, and cost estimation modeling that allows for
transparent decision-making while also protecting the proprietary
interests of all parties; and
(5) other issues identified by the Secretary.
(c)
Report
Within 180 days after the establishment of a dedicated Rail Account within the Transportation Trust
Fund, the Secretary shall submit recommendations developed pursuant to
subsections (a) and (b), including any legislative proposals consistent
with such recommendations, to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
(d)
Implementation
The Secretary shall integrate the recommendations submitted under subsection (c) into its financial
assistance programs under subtitle V and section 502 of the Railroad
Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 822), as
appropriate. The Secretary may promulgate a rulemaking or rulemakings to
integrate such recommendations, if appropriate.
(e)
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as necessary to conduct the
study described in this section, to remain available until expended.
9208.
Disadvantaged business enterprises; disparity and availability study
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Transportation shall continue actions to conduct a nationwide disparity and
availability study to establish the availability and utilization of small
business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically
disadvantaged individuals (small disadvantaged businesses) in publicly funded railroad projects.
(b)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Small business concern
The term small business concern means a small business concern as the term is used in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 632). The term small business concern does not include any concern or group of concerns controlled by the same socially and economically
disadvantaged individual or individuals that have average annual gross
receipts during the preceding 3 fiscal years in excess of $22,410,000, as
adjusted annually by the Secretary for inflation.
(2)
Socially and economically disadvantaged individual
The term socially and economically disadvantaged individual has the meaning given the term in section 8(d) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)) and
relevant subcontracting regulations issued pursuant to that Act, except
that women shall be presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged
individuals for purposes of this section.
(c)
Report
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate a report of the results of the nationwide disparity and
availability study.
(d)
Secretarial action
If the Secretary finds a strong basis in evidence demonstrating that gender or race discrimination
or the effects of such discrimination is adversely impacting the award and
administration of contracts to small disadvantaged businesses in Federal
financial assistance programs for rail transportation administered by the
Department of Transportation, the Secretary should take appropriate and
necessary action to remedy the effects of such discrimination.
C
Planning
9301.
National and regional rail planning
(a)
In general
Part B of subtitle V is amended by inserting the following after chapter 225:
226
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL RAIL PLANNING
Sec.
22601. National rail development plan.
22602. Regional rail development plans.
22601.
National rail development plan
(a)
In general
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall
complete a National Rail Development Plan.
(b)
Objectives
The objectives of the National Rail Development Plan are—
(1) to set forth national policy involving high-performance rail transportation, including presenting
priorities and strategies to enhance high-performance rail transportation;
and
(2) to serve as the foundation for Regional Rail Development Plans.
(c)
Contents
The National Rail Development Plan shall include the following elements:
(1) Conditions under which Federal investments in regional networks comprised of Core Express
Corridors, Regional Corridors, and/or Feeder Corridors are justified, to
include, at a minimum, parameters addressing the following criteria:
(A) Population size and density.
(B) Projected population and economic growth and changing demographic characteristics.
(C) Connections to local rail and bus transit and alternative transportation options.
(D) Economic profile of specific markets.
(E) Congestion on existing transportation facilities and constraints on future capacity enhancements,
in relation to efficient movement of both goods and people.
(F) Distances between markets.
(G) Geographic characteristics.
(2) Conditions under which Federal investments in freight rail projects are justified.
(3) A discussion of benefits and costs of potential investments in high-performance rail that considers
both user and public benefits and costs from a network perspective, to
include factors such as potential passenger ridership or freight tonnage
changes, travel time reductions, enhanced mobility benefits, improved
reliability and resilience, environmental benefits, economic benefits, and
other public benefits, including sensitivity analyses on these factors.
(4) Issues related to timing and phasing for the implementation of potential Core Express Corridors,
Regional Corridors, and Feeder Corridors.
(5) A strategy for investments in intermodal passenger stations that are linked to local public
transportation and non-motorized transportation options, and that connect
to residential areas, commercial areas, and other nearby transportation
facilities.
(6) Policies and strategies for improving the competitiveness of the Nation’s freight rail industry.
(7) Suggested performance standards for fiscal and operational performance of new and enhanced
high-performance rail services by service type.
(8) General description of the environmental benefits or impacts related to the expansion of passenger
and freight rail networks, including analysis of climate change issues and
implications.
(9) Recommendations regarding project financing, management and implementation for corridor
development, station development, and similar projects.
(10) Achievement of the objectives set forth in section 101 of the Rail for America Act.
(11) Additional factors that the Secretary deems relevant for achieving the objectives of this
subsection.
22602.
Regional rail development plans
(a)
In general
The Secretary shall facilitate the development of a Regional Rail Development Plans to describe a
multi-State region’s plans for a comprehensive and integrated rail
network, including plans for public investment in projects that contribute
towards efficient movement and increased capacity for freight, by either
Regional Rail Development Authorities, described in chapter 289 of this
title, or by any two or more States that have entered into interstate
compacts, agreements, or organizations for the purpose of developing such
a plan.
(b)
Federal share incentive
A project proposal for Passenger Corridor funding that is consistent with an adopted Regional Rail
Development Plan shall be eligible for a higher Federal share of total
project costs under the Passenger Corridors program, as described in
section 24605(b)(7)(B) of this title, provided that the Regional Rail
Development Plan meets the content and process criteria set forth in this
paragraph.
(c)
Contents and process
(1)
Contents
At a minimum, the Regional Rail Development Plan shall contain—
(A) a map that shows specific alignment alternatives for the Core Express Corridors, Regional
Corridors, and Feeder Corridors that are consistent with the criteria
established in the National Rail Development Plan and that identifies
potential station locations;
(B) an examination of multi-modal corridors and connections that considers the most cost-effective
means for achieving the region’s transportation goals and objectives;
(C) a phasing plan for developing or upgrading specific segments of the regional network;
(D) a capital cost estimate for developing the regional network;
(E) an analysis of operating financial forecasts, including high-level ridership and revenue
projections;
(F) a benefit-cost analysis for the regional network that considers both user and public benefits and
costs from a network perspective, to include factors such as ridership
projections, travel time reductions, enhanced mobility benefits, improved
reliability and resilience, environmental benefits, economic benefits, and
other public benefits;
(G) an analysis of potential land use policies and strategies for areas near high-performance rail
stations;
(H) general description of the environmental benefits or impacts that could result from implementation
of the Regional Rail Development Plan, including analysis of climate
change issues and implications;
(I) consideration of the goals, policies, and investment priorities described in highway and transit
plans developed by States and metropolitan planning organizations within
the region;
(J) potential non-Federal funding sources, including a detailed consideration of anticipated private
sector participation;
(K) a proposal for the institutional and governance structures that will be necessary to develop,
operate, and maintain the regional network;
(L) other project implementation considerations, including an analysis of the readiness of specific
corridors to proceed for development as evidenced by the completion of
service development planning and environmental analyses;
(M) identification of plans for cost-effective, public investment in shared-benefit projects that
contribute toward the efficient movement and increased capacity for
freight rail operations; or
(N) evidence of support from affected States and local jurisdictions.
(2)
Process
At a minimum, the process for creating the Regional Rail Development Plan shall fulfill the
following:
(A) Be led and formally adopted either—
(i) by a Regional Rail Development Authority, as described in chapter 289 of this title, with the final
plan being formally adopted by the Regional Rail Development Authority; or
(ii) by two or more States that have jointly engaged in the planning process, with the final plan being
formally incorporated into the State Rail Plans, State Freight Plans, and
Statewide Transportation Improvement Plans of each State, as applicable.
(B) Ensure substantial opportunities for involvement of affected stakeholders, including but not
limited to local communities, elected officials, economic development
bodies, business leaders, railroad infrastructure owners, regional air
quality planning agencies, Amtrak, passenger rail service operators,
freight railroad operators, representatives of rail labor, metropolitan
planning organizations, governing authorities for transit systems or
airports, Tribal governments, and the general public, including local
communities, low-income and minority populations, people with
disabilities, and older Americans.
(C) Provide the stakeholders, including those listed in subparagraph (B), reasonable opportunity to
comment on and participate in the development and implementation of the
Plans, particularly with regard to subsection (c)(1)(A) and (G).
(d)
Consistency with national rail development plan
(1)
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for Federal funding through the Passenger Corridor program, a Core Express
Corridor, Regional Corridor, or Feeder Corridor identified in the Regional
Rail Development Plan shall be consistent with the parameters identified
in the National Rail Development Plan.
(2)
Updates
In the event that the Regional Rail Development Plan is adopted prior to publication of the
National Rail Development Plan, the Regional Plan shall be updated within
1 year of the publication of the National Plan.
(3)
Waiver
The Secretary may waive requirements under this subsection as necessary to accommodate unique
characteristics and situations in specific regions.
(e)
Financial assistance
Planning activities to create a Regional Rail Development Plan are eligible to receive Planning
grants, as described in subsection 24605(e) of this title. The Federal
share of such a grant shall not exceed 80 percent of the total cost of the
project.
.
(b)
Revisions to the united states code
Section 103(j) is amended—
(1) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3); and
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (7), respectively, as paragraphs (2) through (5).
9302.
State rail plans
Chapter 227 of Part B is amended—
(1) in section 22702(b)(4), by striking 5 years for reapproval by the Secretary and inserting 4 years for acceptance by the Secretary; and
(2) by striking section 22705(a)(12).
D
Safety Improvements
9401.
Requirement for uniform operating rules
(a)
Amendment
Chapter 201, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
20168.
Uniform operating rules
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Transportation may prescribe regulations or issue orders to require in small
geographic areas, as defined by the Secretary, where two or more railroads
serve as host railroads for joint operations that occur within a small
geographic area, all such host railroads in the small geographic area
shall develop unified operating rules governing all operations within the
small geographic area with respect to the following:
(1) signal aspects and indications, such that no aspect represents multiple indications for any
operations within the small geographic area;
(2) after-arrival mandatory directives, such that the use of an after-arrival mandatory directive is
prohibited for any operations in non-signaled territory within the small
geographic area; and
(3) forms used to convey track authority, such that track authority for any operations within the small
geographic area is conveyed using an identical set of forms.
(b)
Construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary to prescribe
regulations or issue orders not authorized by this section.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The chapter analysis for chapter 201 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
20167 the following:
20168. Uniform operating rules.
.
9402.
Positive train control
(a)
Implementation
Section 20157(a) is revised to read as follows:
(a)
Implementation
(1)
Where implementation required
Each Class I railroad carrier and each entity providing regularly scheduled intercity or commuter
rail passenger transportation shall develop and submit to the Secretary of
Transportation a plan for implementing a positive train control system by
December 31, 2015, governing operations on—
(A) its main line over which intercity rail passenger transportation or commuter rail passenger
transportation, as defined in section 24102, is regularly provided;
(B) its main line over which poison- or toxic-by-inhalation hazardous materials, as defined in sections
171.8, 173.115, and 173.132 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, are
transported; and
(C) such other tracks as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation or order.
(2)
Interoperability and prioritization
The plan shall describe how the railroad carrier or other entity subject to subsection (a)(1) will
provide for interoperability of the system with movements of trains of
other railroad carriers over its lines and shall, to the extent practical,
implement the system in a manner that addresses areas of greater risk
before areas of lesser risk. The railroad carrier or other entity shall
implement a positive train control system in accordance with the plan.
(3)
Phased implementation
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to establish an implementation schedule for positive
train control systems to ensure successful implementation of positive
train control systems.
(4)
Extension authority
The Secretary may extend the implementation deadline for one or more railroad carriers or other
entities set by regulations prescribed pursuant to paragraph (1) and
paragraph (3) if the Secretary determines that—
(A) the railroad carrier or other entity has encountered technical programmatic challenges, as
identified by the Secretary in his 2012 report to Congress pursuant to
subsection (d), and those challenges have negatively affected the
successful implementation of positive train control systems;
(B) the railroad carrier or other entity has demonstrated substantial progress in deploying positive
train control to the extent feasible;
(C) the railroad carrier or other entity has taken actions to mitigate risks to successful
implementation, as identified by the Secretary in his 2012 report to
Congress pursuant to subsection (d); and
(D) the railroad carrier or other entity is proceeding to implement its plan expeditiously and
successfully.
.
(b)
Provisional operation
Section 20157(h) is amended to read as follows:
(h)
Certification
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall not permit the installation of any positive train control system or component
in revenue service unless the Secretary has certified that any such system
or component has been approved through the approval process set forth in
part 236 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and complies with the
requirements of that part.
(2)
Provisional operation
The Secretary may permit, upon submission of a positive train control implementation plan, the
provisional operation of a positive train control system or component in
revenue service where the development of the system or component has been
approved by the Secretary through the process set forth in part 236 of
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, complies with the requirements of
that part, and complies with any conditions the Secretary may provide for
such provisional operation.
.
(c)
Alternative protection
After subsection (i) of section 20157, the following is inserted:
(j)
Exception for alternative protection
(1) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, a railroad may petition the Secretary to
implement alternative risk mitigation strategies on a particular a main
line in place of a positive train control system that would otherwise be
required to be installed on such line under this section if such risk
mitigation strategies incorporate alternative technology or operating
practices.
(2) The Secretary may approve a plan to use such alternate risk mitigation strategies under this
provision on a main line identified by a railroad carrier or other entity
in a plan submitted to the Secretary if the Secretary determines that—
(A) the use of the alternative strategies will not result in a decrease in the level of safety from
that currently existing on the line;
(B) the alternative strategies provide an appropriate level of risk mitigation with regards to
preventing the risks identified in subsection (i)(3); and
(C) the alternative risk mitigation strategies will be implemented as soon as possible.
.
(d)
Spectrum
Chapter 201, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding the following new section:
20169.
Federal communications commission spectrum
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of the Rail for America Act, the Secretary of
Transportation and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission
shall coordinate to assess spectrum needs and availability for
implementing positive train control systems, as defined in section 20157
of this title. Such coordination may include conversations with external
stakeholders.
.
(e)
Conforming amendment
The chapter analysis for chapter 201, as amended by this Act, is further amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 20168 the following:
20169. Federal Communications Commission spectrum.
.
9403.
Hours of service reform
(a)
Cessation of effectiveness
Chapter 211, as amended by this Act, shall cease to be effective upon the effective date of the
regulations mandated by subsection (c) of this section.
(b)
Amendment
Upon the effective date of the regulations mandated by subsection (c) of this section—
(1) the first sentence of section 20103(a) is amended to read as follows:
(1) The Secretary of Transportation, as necessary, shall prescribe regulations and issue orders for
every area of railroad safety—
(A) superseding the Federal hours of service laws formerly codified at chapter 211 of this title and
regulations and orders pursuant to those laws; and
(B) supplementing other regulations and other laws in effect on October 16, 1970.
; and
(2) the second sentence of section 20103(a), as amended by this Act, is designated as paragraph (2).
(c)
Amendment
Chapter 201, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
20171.
Fatigue, including hours of service
(a)
Mandate To convert statute to regulations; nonreviewability; cessation of effectiveness of chapter
211
(1) The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe regulations embodying the substantive provisions of
the Federal hours of service laws codified at sections 21101–21106, 21108,
and 21109 of this title and in so doing may make changes necessary to
transform those provisions into regulatory form.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, these regulations shall not be subject to judicial
review.
(3) Upon the effective date of the regulations prescribed under this subsection (a) (the status quo
regulations), chapter 211 of this title shall cease to be effective.
(b)
Authority To prescribe amendments to the status quo regulations
After the Secretary has prescribed the regulations mandated by subsection (a) and after the
regulations mandated by subsection (a) have become effective, the
Secretary may amend the regulations as the Secretary deems necessary in
accordance with the Secretary’s general authority under section 20103 of
this title, to prevent and mitigate fatigue among individuals performing
safety-critical duties in train and engine service, signal or train
control service, or dispatching service, whether or not directly employed
by a railroad carrier.
(c)
Determinations committed to the discretion of the secretary
In the prescription of any final rule amendment by the Secretary to the regulations mandated by
subsection (a), or to the regulations authorized by subsection (b),
determinations of scientific knowledge and literature relating to fatigue,
scientific and medical research on circadian rhythms and human sleep and
rest requirements, reasonable levels of fatigue prevention or fatigue
mitigation, and other related determinations and applications of
scientific knowledge and literature are committed to the discretion of the
Secretary.
.
(d)
Conforming amendment
The chapter analysis for chapter 201, as amended by this Act, is further amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 20170 the following:
20171. Fatigue, including hours of service.
.
(e)
Amendment
Effective upon the effective date of the regulations prescribed under subsection (c) of this
section, the following new section of chapter 201, as amended by this Act,
shall become effective:
20172.
Maximum duty hours and subjects of collective bargaining
The number of hours that an employee may be required or allowed to be on duty (a number formerly
established by the Federal hours of service laws, formerly codified at
chapter 211 of this title, and presently established under section 20171
of this title) is the maximum number of hours consistent with safety.
Shorter hours of service and time on duty of an employee are proper
subjects for collective bargaining between a railroad carrier and its
employees.
.
(f)
Conforming amendment
Effective upon the effective date of regulations prescribed under subsection (c) of this section,
the following new item in the chapter analysis for chapter 201, as amended
by this Act, shall become effective:
20172. Maximum duty hours and subjects of collective bargaining.
.
9404.
Amendments to the safety appliance law
(a)
Amendment
Section 20303 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
(d)
Definitions and clarification
In subsection (a)—
(1) place at which the repairs can be made means—
(A) a location with a fixed facility for conducting the repairs that are necessary to bring the
defective or insecure vehicle into compliance with this chapter; or
(B) a location where a mobile repair truck capable of making the repairs that are necessary to bring
the defective or insecure vehicle into compliance with this chapter makes
the same kind of repair at the location regularly (as specified in
regulations prescribed by the Secretary);
(2) nearest means the closest in the forward direction of travel for the defective or insecure vehicle; and
(3) movement of a defective or insecure vehicle from a location is necessary to make repairs of the vehicle even though a mobile repair truck capable of making the repairs has gone to the
location on an irregular basis (as specified in regulations prescribed by
the Secretary).
(e)
Additional conditions for movement to make repairs
The Secretary of Transportation may impose conditions for the movement of a defective or insecure
vehicle to make repairs in addition to those conditions set forth in
subsection (a) by prescribing regulations or issuing orders as necessary.
.
(b)
Amendment
Section 20306 is amended by—
(1) striking the word or at the end of subsection (b)(1);
(2) striking the period at the end of subsection (b)(2) and inserting ; or; and
(3) adding at the end a new subsection (b)(3) to read as follows:
(3) a regulation as contemplated by section 553 of title 5, United States Code.
.
9405.
Amendments to the locomotive inspection law
(a)
Amendment
Section 20701 is amended by—
(1) redesignating its text as subsection (a) with the heading General.—;
(2) striking the word and at the end of subsection (a)(2);
(3) striking the period at the end of subsection (a)(3) and inserting ; and; and
(4) adding at the end a new subsection (a)(4) to read as follows:
(4) if of a unique design or utilizing a new power source technology, have been approved in advance by
the Secretary.
.
(b)
Amendment
Section 20701, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(b)
Definitions
For the purposes of subsection (a)(4), the term new power source technology means a technology that employs a source of motive power other than diesel fuel, electricity, or
steam.
.
9406.
Technical amendment to the provision on protection of railroad safety risk reduction program
information
Section 20119(b) is amended to read as follows:
(b)
Authority
Following completion of the study required under subsection (a), the Secretary, if in the public
interest, including public safety and the legal rights of persons injured
in railroad accidents, may prescribe a rule subject to notice and comment
to address the results of the study. This rule may include provisions that
withhold from discovery or admission into evidence (in the course of civil
litigation for damages involving personal injury, wrongful death, or
property damage against a carrier) any plan, document, report, survey,
schedule, list, or data compiled or collected solely for the purpose of
developing, evaluating, planning, or implementing a railroad safety risk
reduction program required under this chapter, including a railroad
carrier’s analysis of its safety risks and its statement of the mitigation
measures with which it will address those risks. Any such rule prescribed
pursuant to this subsection shall not become effective until 1 year after
its adoption.
.
9407.
Noise emission standards
(a)
In general
Chapter 201, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
20170.
Noise emission standards
The Secretary of Transportation, with the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency, may prescribe regulations governing railroad-related
noise emission standards for railroad carriers operating on the general
railroad system of transportation, including noise related to magnetic
levitation systems. Such regulations may consider variances in maximum
pass-by noise with respect to the speed of the equipment, account for
current engineering best practices, and encourage the use of noise
mitigation techniques only where reasonable and the benefits exceed the
costs.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The chapter analysis for chapter 201, as amended by this Act, is further amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 20169 the following:
20170. Noise emission standards.
.
9408.
Technical amendment to chapter 201 general civil penalty provision
Section 21301(a)(1), as amended by this Act, is further amended by inserting immediately before the
last sentence the following: An act by an individual that causes a railroad carrier to be in violation is a violation..
9409.
Miscellaneous authorization of appropriations
(a)
Highway-Rail grade crossing safety study
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as necessary to conduct a study
of railroad operations that block highway-rail grade crossings, including
the severity, frequency, and other characteristics of such blockages, to
remain available until expended. For the purpose of this paragraph the
term highway-rail grade crossing has the definition given in section 20153(a) of title 49, United States Code.
(b)
Track electrification study
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as necessary to conduct a study
of track electrification and the development of standards for track
electrification, to remain available until expended.
(c)
Train length study
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as necessary to conduct a study
of whether train length correlates with the severity and frequency of
train derailments, to remain available until expended.
9410.
Repair and replacement of damaged track inspection equipment
Part A of subtitle V is amended by inserting the following after section 20120:
20121.
Repair and replacement of damaged track inspection equipment
The Secretary of Transportation may receive and expend cash, or receive and utilize spare parts and
similar items, from non-United States Government sources to repair damages
to or replace United States Government owned automated track inspection
cars and equipment as a result of third-party liability for such damages,
and any amounts collected under this section shall be credited directly to
the Railroad Safety and Operations account of the Federal Railroad
Administration, and shall remain available until expended for the repair,
operation, and maintenance of automated track inspection cars and
equipment in connection with the automated track inspection program.
.
E
Miscellaneous Revisions and Technical Corrections
9501.
Authorization of appropriations
(a)
Authorization
Section 20117(a) is amended to read as follows:
(a)
In general
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation to carry out this
subtitle and to carry out responsibilities under chapter 51, as delegated
or authorized by the Secretary, the following sums:
(1) $185,250,000 for fiscal year 2015.
(2) For fiscal year 2016 such sums as may be necessary.
(3) For fiscal year 2017 such sums as may be necessary.
(4) For fiscal year 2018 such sums as may be necessary.
.
(b)
Technical corrections
(1) Section 20117 is amended by striking subsection (e).
(2) Section 20154 is amended by striking subsection (i).
(3) Section 20158 is amended by striking subsection (c).
(4) Section 20167 is amended by striking subsection (e).
(5) Chapter 221 is amended by striking section 22108.
(6) Section 22301 is amended by striking subsection (g).
(7) Chapter 225 is amended by striking section 22505.
(8) Chapter 241 is amended by striking section 24104.
(9) Section 24105 is amended by striking subsection (e).
(10) Chapter 244 is amended by striking section 24406.
(11) Chapter 249 is amended by striking section 24909.
(12) Section 24910 is amended by striking subsection (e).
(13) Section 26104 is amended by—
(A) striking subsection (a); and
(B) redesignating subsection (b) as (a).
(14) Section 26106 is amended by striking subsection (h).
9502.
Technical corrections to the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008
(a)
Federal railroad administration
Section 103(c) is amended by striking the Administration shall consider the assignment and maintenance of safety as the highest priority, and inserting the Administration shall consider the improvement of safety as the highest priority,.
(b)
Assistance to families of passengers involved in rail passenger accidents
Section 1139 is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(1) by striking phone number and inserting telephone number;
(2) in subsection (a)(2) by striking post trauma communication with families and inserting post-trauma communication with families; and
(3) in subsection (j)(2) by striking railroad passenger accident and inserting rail passenger accident.
(c)
Solid waste rail transfer facilities land-Use exemption
Section 10909 is amended—
(1) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking Clean Railroad Act of 2008, and inserting Clean Railroads Act of 2008,; and
(2) in subsection (e) by striking Upon the granting of petition from the State and inserting Upon the granting of a petition from the State.
(d)
Rulemaking process
Section 20116 is amended—
(1) by inserting (1) after unless; and
(2) by inserting (2) before the code, rule, standard, requirement, or practice has been subject to notice and comment under a
rule or order issued under this part..
(e)
Enforcement report
Section 20120(a) is amended—
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking website and inserting Web site;
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking accident and incidence reporting and inserting accident and incident reporting;
(3) in paragraph (2)(G), by inserting and at the end; and
(4) in paragraph (5)(B) by striking Administrative Hearing Officer or Administrative Law Judge and inserting administrative hearing officer or administrative law judge.
(f)
Railroad safety risk reduction program
Section 20156 is amended—
(1) in subsection (c) by inserting a comma after In developing its railroad safety risk reduction program; and
(2) in subsection (g) by inserting a comma after good faith and by striking non-profit and inserting nonprofit.
(g)
Roadway user sight distance at highway-Rail grade crossings
Section 20159 is amended by striking the Secretary and inserting the Secretary of Transportation.
(h)
National crossing inventory
Section 20160 is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(1) by striking the word or from the phrase concerning each previously unreported crossing through which it operates or with respect to the
trackage over which it operates; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(A) by striking the word or from the phrase concerning each crossing through which it operates or with respect to the trackage over which it
operates.
(i)
Minimum training standards
Section 20162(a)(3) is amended by striking railroad compliance with Federal standards and inserting railroad carrier compliance with Federal standards.
(j)
Development and use of rail safety technology
Section 20164(a) is amended by striking after enactment of the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 and inserting after the enactment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
(k)
Limitations on financial assistance
Section 22106(b) is amended by striking interest thereof and inserting interest thereon.
(l)
Chapter analysis for chapter 243
The item for section 24316 in the chapter analysis for chapter 243 is amended by striking to assist families of passengers and inserting to address needs of families of passengers.
9503.
Technical correction to introductory text of Public Law 110–432
The introductory text of Public Law 110–432 (122 Stat. 4848) is amended by striking Federal Railroad Safety Administration and inserting Federal Railroad Administration.
9504.
Technical corrections to uncodified provisions of division A of Public Law 110–432, the Rail Safety
Improvement Act of 2008
(a)
Table of contents
Section 1(b) of division A of Public Law 110–432 (122 Stat. 4848), is amended—
(1) in the item for section 307, by striking website and inserting Web site.
(2) in the item for title VI, by striking Solid Waste Facilities and inserting Solid Waste Rail Transfer Facilities; and
(3) in the item for section 602, by striking solid waste transfer facilities and inserting solid waste rail transfer facilities.
(b)
Definitions
Section 2(a)(1) of division A of Public Law 110–432 (122 Stat. 4849) is amended by inserting a
comma after the word grade.
(c)
Railroad safety strategy
Section 102(a)(6) of title I of division A of Public Law 110–432 (122 Stat. 4852) is amended—
(1) by striking Improving the safety of railroad bridges, tunnels, and related infrastructure to prevent accidents,
incidents, injuries and fatalities caused by catastrophic failures and
other bridge and tunnel failures.; and
(2) by inserting Improving the safety of railroad bridges, tunnels, and related infrastructure to prevent accidents,
incidents, injuries and fatalities caused by catastrophic and other
failures of such infrastructure..
(d)
Operation lifesaver
Section 206(a) of title II of division A of Public Law 110–432 (122 Stat. 4873) is amended by
striking Public Service Announcements and inserting public service announcements.
(e)
Update of federal railroad administration’s web site
Section 307 of title III of division A of Public Law 110–432 (122 Stat. 4881) is amended—
(1) in the caption by striking WEBSITE and inserting WEB SITE; and
(2) in the text by striking website wherever it appears and inserting Web site.
(f)
Alcohol and controlled substance testing for maintenance-of-Way employees
Section 412 of title IV of division A of Public Law 110–432 (122 Stat. 4889) is amended by striking Secretary of Transportation and inserting Secretary.
(g)
Tunnel information
Section 414 of title IV of division A of Public Law 110–432 is amended—
(1) by striking parts 171.8, 173.115, (122 Stat. 4889) and inserting sections 171.8, 173.115,; and
(2) by striking part 1520.5 (122 Stat. 4890) and inserting section 1520.5.
(h)
Safety inspections in mexico
Section 416 of title IV of division A of Public Law 110–432 (122 Stat. 4890) is amended—
(1) in the introductory text by striking Secretary of Transportation and inserting Secretary; and
(2) in paragraph (4) by striking subsection and inserting section.
(i)
Heading of title VI
The heading of title VI of division A of Public Law 110–432 (122 Stat. 4900) is amended by striking SOLID WASTE FACILITIES and inserting SOLID WASTE RAIL TRANSFER FACILITIES.
(j)
Caption of section 602
The caption of section 602 of title VI of division A of Public Law 110–432 (122 Stat. 4900) is
amended by striking SOLID WASTE TRANSFER FACILITIES. and inserting SOLID WASTE RAIL TRANSFER FACILITIES..
9505.
Technical corrections to provisions of the hours of service laws and related civil penalty
provision
(a)
Nonapplication, exemption, and alternate hours of service regime
Section 21102(c) is amended—
(1) by striking APPLICATION OF HOURS OF SERVICE REGIME TO COMMUTER AND INTERCITY PASSENGER RAILROAD TRAIN EMPLOYEES and inserting APPLICATION OF HOURS OF SERVICE REGIME TO COMMUTER AND INTERCITY PASSENGER RAILROAD TRAIN
EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING TOURIST, HISTORIC, SCENIC, OR EXCURSION RAILROAD
TRAIN EMPLOYEES;
(2) in paragraph (1) by inserting after commuter rail passenger transportation or intercity rail passenger transportation, the phrase including tourist, historic, scenic, or excursion rail transportation, and by striking including public authorities operating passenger service and inserting including tourist, historic, scenic, or excursion railroad carriers and public authorities
operating passenger service;
(3) in paragraph (2) by inserting after commuter rail passenger transportation or intercity rail passenger transportation, the following phrase: including tourist, historic, scenic, or excursion rail transportation,;
(4) in paragraph (3)(A) by inserting after commuter rail passenger transportation or intercity rail passenger transportation a comma and adding the following phrase: including tourist, historic, scenic, or excursion rail transportation,; and
(5) in paragraph (4) by striking the colon after In this subsection and inserting a dash and by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (B) and (C)
respectively.
(b)
Limitations on duty hours of train employees
Section 21103(e) is amended by striking such railroads’ efficient operations and on-time performance of its trains. and inserting such a railroad’s efficient operations and on-time performance of its trains..
(c)
Regulatory authority
Section 21109(b) is amended—
(1) by striking REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE HOURS OF SERVICE OF TRAIN EMPLOYEES OF COMMUTER AND INTERCITY PASSENGER
RAILROAD CARRIERS and inserting REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE HOURS OF SERVICE OF TRAIN EMPLOYEES OF COMMUTER AND INTERCITY PASSENGER
RAILROAD CARRIERS, INCLUDING TRAIN EMPLOYEES OF TOURIST, HISTORIC, SCENIC,
OR EXCURSION RAILROAD CARRIERS; and
(2) by inserting after train employees engaged in commuter rail passenger transportation and intercity rail passenger
transportation (as defined in section 24102 of this title) a comma and adding the following phrase: including train employees engaged in the transportation by railroad of passengers on tourist,
historic, scenic, or excursion railroad carriers,.
(d)
Chapter 211 violations
Section 21303(a)(1) is amended by inserting after the comma in including section 21103 (as such section was in effect on the day before the date of enactment of
the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008), the following phrase: violating regulations or orders issued pursuant to chapter 211 of this title,.
9506.
Elimination of certain FRA reporting requirements
Section 102(d) of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (49 U.S.C. 20101) is amended—
(1) by striking the heading for paragraph (1); and
(2) by striking paragraph (2).
X
Miscellaneous
10001.
Consideration of travel and tourism in award of financial assistance
Section 305 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following at the end:
(c) The Secretary shall—
(1) encourage recipients of grants under this title and title 23 to fund projects with the grants that
support travel and tourism-based infrastructure within the United States;
and
(2) consider the potential effects of travel and tourism within the United States among the eligibility
criteria when allocating funds for projects funded under the titles.
.
10002.
Electronic reports and report modification
(a)
Use of electronic media for DOT reports
(1)
In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Transportation—
(A) may not publish any report required or authorized by law in a printed format; and
(B) shall publish any such report by posting it on the Department’s Internet Web site in an easily
accessible and downloadable electronic format.
(2)
Exception
Paragraph (1) does not apply to any report with respect to which the Secretary determines that—
(A) its publication in a printed format is essential to the mission of the Department of
Transportation, as determined by the Secretary; or
(B) its publication in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (1) would disclose matter—
(i) described in section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code; or
(ii) the disclosure of which would have an adverse impact on safety or security, as determined by the
Secretary.
(b)
Annual reporting requirement on NTSB most wanted list
(1) Section 1135(e)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(A) by striking On February 1 of each year and inserting Within 120 days after publication of the Board’s annual most wanted list; and
(B) by striking the report due on February 1 of .
(2) Section 1135(e)(2) of title 49, United States Code is amended by striking on March 1 of each year and inserting after 30 days following the due date,.
10003.
Amendment of Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act
Section 4 of the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777c) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by striking fiscal year through 2014, and inserting fiscal year through 2018,; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by striking fiscal year through 2014, and inserting fiscal year through 2018,.
10004.
Amendments to chapter 537 of title 46
Chapter 537 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by amending section 53701(13) to read as follows:
(13)
Secretary
The term Secretary means—
(A) the Secretary of Commerce with respect to fishing vessels and fishery facilities; and
(B) the Secretary of Transportation with respect to other vessels and general shipyard facilities (as
defined in section 53733(a) of this title).
;
(2) in section 53706(c), by striking Administrator each place it appears and inserting Secretary or Administrator;
(3) in section 53707(b), by striking Administrator and inserting Secretary or Administrator;
(4) in section 53708(a), by striking Administrator each place it appears and inserting Secretary or Administrator;
(5) in section 53710(b)—
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking Administrator’s and inserting Secretary’s or Administrator’s; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking Administrator and inserting Secretary or Administrator;
(6) in section 53717—
(A) in subsection (b), by striking Administrator each place it appears and inserting Secretary or Administrator; and
(B) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c);
(7) in section 53718, by striking Administrator and inserting Secretary or Administrator;
(8) in section 53731, by striking Administrator each place it appears and inserting Secretary or Administrator;
(9) in section 53732, by striking Administrator each place it appears and inserting Secretary or Administrator; and
(10) in section 53733, by striking Administrator each place it appears and inserting Secretary or Administrator.
10005.
Government-wide authority for electric charging infrastructure at no cost to the taxpayer
(a)
Establishment of authority for government-Wide provision of electric charging at no cost to the
taxpayer
Chapter 79 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
7907.
Government-wide authority for electric charging infrastructure
(a)
Definitions
(1)
Covered individual
The term covered individual means—
(A) any employee (as defined in section 2105 of this title;
(B) a member of a uniformed service;
(C) any other individual who performs services for or on behalf of a Federal agency under a contract or
subcontract with a Federal agency; or
(D) a visitor to a Federal agency or facility.
(2)
Federal agency
The term Federal agency has the meaning given the term Executive agency in section 105 of this title, and also includes the U.S. Postal Service, the Executive Office of
the President, the military departments as defined in section 102 of this
title, and the judicial branch.
(b)
Authority
(1)
In general
The head of a Federal agency may—
(A) construct, install, operate, and maintain electric charging infrastructure on a reimbursable basis
in parking areas under the jurisdiction of the Federal agency; and
(B) provide electricity on a reimbursable basis in parking areas under the jurisdiction of the Federal
agency for use by privately owned vehicles used by covered individuals.
(2)
Vendors authorized
In carrying out paragraph (1), the head of a Federal agency may use 1 or more vendors on a
commission or no-cost contract basis.
(3)
Use of charging infrastructure for official agency vehicles
The head of a Federal agency may use electric charging infrastructure installed for official agency
vehicles, to the extent that it is available, to provide electric vehicle
charging under this section.
(4)
Integration of renewable energy
The head of a Federal agency may encourage the inclusion of options for generating electricity from
renewable energy as part of the design of parking areas for the agency.
(c)
Fees
The head of a Federal agency shall charge fees for electricity provided to covered individuals
sufficient to cover the initial and continuing costs to the head of the
Federal agency of carrying out this section, including the costs of any
vendors or other costs associated with maintaining the electric charging
infrastructure.
(d)
Deposit and availability of fees and commissions
Any fees or commissions collected by the head of a Federal agency under this section—
(1) shall be—
(A) deposited monthly into the account of the Treasury from which the amounts were made available to
carry out this section, notwithstanding section 3302(b) of title 31; and
(B) transferred from the Treasury to an appropriate account of the agency if the agency operates with a
budget outside of the Treasury; and
(2) shall be available for obligation by the head of the Federal agency without further appropriation
during—
(A) the fiscal year collected; and
(B) the fiscal year following the fiscal year collected.
(e)
Parking fees
If a Federal agency charges covered employees parking fees for use of a facility that contains an
electric vehicle charging facility provided under this section, employees
using the electric vehicle charging facility shall pay the same parking
fee as covered employees not using the electric vehicle charging facility.
.
(b)
Conforming amendment
The analysis for chapter 79 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
7907. Government-Wide Authority for Electric Charging Infrastructure.
.
XI
Budgetary Interpretations and Treatments
11001.
Amounts in this Act
(a)
Contract authority
Except as provided in subsection (c), or except as explicitly provided otherwise by this Act or in
title 23, United States Code, all funding provided by this Act is contract
authority as defined in section 3(2)(A)(iii) of the Congressional Budget
and Impoundment Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 622(2)(A)(iii)), and all such
contract authority shall become available for obligation in the fiscal
year specified in this Act and shall remain available until expended.
(b)
Obligation limits
(1)
In general
Except as explicitly provided, obligation limits established by this Act shall apply for a term of
one year and shall apply to obligations to be incurred in the fiscal year
specified. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, obligation limits
established by this Act shall not apply after 2018.
(2)
Exceptions
(A) Except as provided in this Act, obligation limits established by this Act shall apply to
unobligated contract authority from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the
Mass Transit Account) prior to the date of enactment of this Act.
(B) Obligation limitations established by this Act shall not apply to—
(i) unobligated contract authority provided by this Act that could have been obligated in a prior year
within any obligation limits applicable to that prior year or was exempt
from such limitations, but was not so obligated;
(ii) the use of fees authorized or provided by this Act as described in subsection (d); and
(iii) reimbursable programs undertaken by accounts established in this Act on behalf of discretionary
accounts.
(3)
Obligation limits in appropriations acts
(A) During any session of Congress, appropriations Acts may increase or decrease any obligation limit
established by this Act for any current year or budget year prior to
fiscal year 2019.
(B) During any session of Congress, it shall not be in order in either the House of Representatives or
the Senate for any appropriations Act to alter obligation limits under
this Act for any outyear.
(C) This paragraph is enacted by the Congress—
(i) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House of Representatives and the Senate,
respectively, and as such is deemed a part of the rules of each House,
respectively, and such procedures supersede other rules only to the extent
that they are inconsistent therewith; and
(ii) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as
relating to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner
and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that House.
(c)
Liquidating cash
There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the liquidation of
obligations incurred under contract authority created by this Act or under
contract authority provided from the Highway Trust Fund as it existed in
any version at any time prior to the effective date of this Act.
(d)
Administrative fees
The collection and expenditure of fees to cover certain administrative costs under this Act for a
fiscal year, if subject to annual appropriations, shall be treated as
discretionary offsetting collections and discretionary appropriations,
respectively. The collection and expenditure of fees to cover certain
administrative costs under this Act for a fiscal year, if not subject to
annual appropriations, shall be treated as mandatory offsetting
collections and mandatory appropriations, respectively.
11002.
Direct or mandatory spending
(a)
New contract authority; outlays
The contract authority created by this Act and the outlays flowing from that contract authority
shall be treated as direct spending or mandatory spending for all
purposes.
(b)
Prior funding of the highway trust fund
To the extent that contract authority from the Highway Trust Fund enacted prior to the date of the
enactment of this Act produces outlays in fiscal year 2015 or beyond, as
of October 1, 2014, those outlays shall be treated as direct spending or
mandatory spending for all purposes and shall be attributed to the
Transportation Trust Fund.
11003.
Treatment for statutory PAYGO and related purposes
(a)
General rule
Except as provided in subsection (b), and consistent with the definition of direct spending in
section 250(c)(8) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act
of 1985, as amended (2 U.S.C. 900(c)(8)), the following shall be treated
as direct spending for purposes of Presidential and Congressional budgets
and the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (124 Stat. 8):
(1) Contract authority of the Transportation Trust Fund under this Act, the outlays flowing therefrom,
and the outlays flowing from contract authority previously provided from
the Highway Trust Fund.
(2) Except as provided in section 11004, 11005, and 11006 of this title, legislation reauthorizing or
amending this Act.
(b)
Transitional rule; excess revenues are dedicated to deficit reduction
For purposes of Presidential and Congressional budgets and the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010
(124 Stat. 8), calculations of the budgetary effects of this Act when it
is initially enacted shall be as follows:
(1) The baseline projections of total outlays for the Highway Trust Fund and of new outlays for the
general fund accounts listed in paragraph (2) shall be treated as offsets
to the total level of mandatory outlays of the Transportation Trust Fund
resulting from this Act.
(A) For this purpose, new outlays means outlays that flow from contract authority provided by this Act.
(B) For this purpose, the budgetary resources to which the baseline projection shall apply are—
(i) the discretionary budget authority provided for fiscal year 2014, for the accounts listed in
paragraph (2); and
(ii) the obligation limits for fiscal year 2014 applicable to the Highway Trust Fund, and shall be
projected under section 257(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended (2 U.S.C. 907(c)), except that
contract authority of the Highway Trust Fund not subject to those
obligation limits shall be projected under section 257(b) of that Act.
(2) The general fund programs referred to in paragraph (1) are—
(A) the general fund portion of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Operations and Research
(69X0650).
(B) Federal Transit Administration, Administrative Expenses (69 1120).
(C) Federal Transit Administration, Capital Investment Grants (69X1134).
(D) Federal Transit Administration, Research and University Research Centers (69X1137).
(E) Federal Transit Administration, Technical Assistance and Standards Development (69X1142).
(F) Federal Railroad Administration, Operating Subsidy Grants to the National Railroad Passenger
Corporation (69X0121).
(G) Federal Railroad Administration, Capital and Debt Service Grants to the National Railroad Passenger
Corporation (69X0125).
(H) National Infrastructure Investments (69X0143).
(3) If the increase in net governmental receipts under this Act, relative to current law, exceeds the
increase in mandatory outlays under this Act as measured under paragraph
(1) for either or both of the periods covered by the five-year scorecard
and the ten-year scorecard established by the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act
of 2010 (124 Stat. 8), the amounts of that excess in net governmental
receipts shall not be recorded on those respective scorecards, with the
result that this Act shall not be shown as reducing Pay-As-You-Go deficits
or increasing Pay-As-You-Go surpluses.
11004.
Scoring of changes in contract authority in appropriations Acts
Consistent with scorekeeping guidelines in effect from 1990 through the enactment of this Act,
changes enacted in annual appropriations Acts during a session of Congress
to the level of contract authority provided by this Act shall be scored as
discretionary to the extent they increase or decrease contract authority
in the current year or the budget year, and shall be scored as mandatory
or direct spending to the extent they increase or decrease contract
authority in an outyear. To the extent any such change in contract
authority produces changes in estimated outlays in any year, that change
in outlays shall be scored as discretionary if it is generated by a change
in contract authority that is scored as discretionary, and shall be scored
as mandatory if it is generated by a change in contract authority that is
scored as mandatory.
11005.
Scoring of changes in obligation limits in appropriations Acts
Determine in consultation with Congress.
11006.
Scoring of transfers between the general fund and the Transportation Trust Fund
Determine in consultation with Congress.
11007.
Special rule
(a)
In general
On September 30, 2018, the Secretary shall permanently cancel, and return such amounts to the
Treasury, the contract authority described in subsection (b).
(b)
Referenced contract authority
The contract authority referenced in subsection (a) are those amounts apportioned under the Federal
Aid Highway program that are available to each State for fiscal years 2015
through 2018, that are in excess of contract authority provided for fiscal
years 2015 through 2018 by section 2001 of this Act.
(c)
Cancellation method
When implementing subsection (a), the cancellation shall be taken from unobligated balances that
remain from contract authority enacted before the enactment of this Act.
(d)
Limited applicability
This section shall not apply to contract authority provided by this Act or prior acts that is exempt from obligation limitations.