,,ii #aadth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bjjh ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,august #f1 #bjae ,mr4 ,merkley introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs ,a ,,bill ,to enhance transportation programs in order to achieve an interconnected transportation system which connects people to jobs1 schools1 and other essential services through a multimodal network1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,transportation1 ,access1 and ,opportunity ,act of #bjae4 #b4 ,public involvement in plan development 7a7 ,section #acd amendment ,section #acd7;i7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#d71 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 ,public involvement ,a metropolitan planning organization shall offer interested parties1 such as the interested parties described in paragraph 7#f71 a reasonable opportunity to participate in the development and consideration of scenarios4 2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#f7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking comment on the transportation plan and inserting provide input during the development and implementation of the transportation plan2 and 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b77ii71 by striking comment on the contents of the transportation plan and inserting provide input during the development and implementation of the transportation plan4 7b7 ,section #ace amendment ,section #ace7;f77#c77;,a77ii7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking comment on the transportation plan and inserting provide input during the development and implementation of the transportation plan4 7c7 ,section #ecjc amendment ,section #ecjc7;i7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#d71 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 ,public involvement ,a metropolitan planning organization shall offer interested parties1 such as those described in paragraph 7#f71 a reasonable opportunity to participate in the development and consideration of scenarios4 2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#f71 by striking comment on the transportation plan and inserting provide input during the development and implementation of the transportation plan4 7d7 ,section #ecjd amendment ,section #ecjd7;f77#c77;,a77ii7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking comment on the proposed plan and inserting provide input during the development and implementation of the transportation plan4 #c4 ,connection to opportunities national goal and potential performance measure 7a7 ,transportation connections to opportunities ,section #aej7;b7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,codes1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking highway infrastructure asset system and inserting infrastructure asset system under title #bc2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#h7 ,multimodal connectivity ,to achieve an interconnected transportation system which connects people to jobs1 schools1 and other essential services through a multimodal network4 4 7b7 ,establishment of performance measures ,section #aej7;c7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by inserting as listed in paragraphs 7#c71 7#d71 7#e71 and 7#f7 before the period at the end2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#g7 ,transportation connectivity ,the ,secretary may1 in accordance with the framework established in sections #acd and #ace of this title1 establish a ,performance ,measure to be used by metropolitan planning organizations to assess the degree to which the transportation system provides multimodal connections to economic opportunities1 including job concentration areas1 health care services1 child care services1 and education and workforce training services1 particularly for disadvantaged populations4 4 #d4 ,measuring transportation connectivity pilot activities 7a7 ,title #bc ,section #acd of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by this ,act1 is further amended by inserting at the end1 the following3 7r7 ,measuring transportation connections to opportunity 7#a7 ,definitions ,for purposes of this subsection-- 7,a7 the term covered metropolitan planning organization means a metropolitan planning organization selected by the ,secretary under paragraph 7#b77;,b77i74 7,b7 the term opportunity means job concentration areas1 schools1 workforce training1 child care services1 and health care services2 7,c7 the term pilot location means a location selected by the ,secretary under paragraph 7#b77;,b77i72 7,d7 the term pilot program means the ,connection to ,opportunity ,pilot ,program established under paragraph 7#b77;,a72 and 7,e7 the term transportation-disadvantaged1 with respect to an individual or population1 means any individual or population of individuals who-- 7i7 face challenges in securing or accessing transportation due to age1 disability1 or income constraints1 including lack of access to public transportation or a private vehicle2 or 7ii7 are members of a protected class listed in section #fja of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;d74 7#b7 ,connection to ,opportunity ,pilot ,program 7,a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish a pilot program1 to be known as the ,connection to ,opportunity ,pilot ,program1 under which not more than #aj metropolitan planning organizations shall each develop and deploy not less than #a pilot project to improve multimodal connectivity and increase connections for transportation-disadvantaged individuals and neighborhoods with limited transportation options4 7,b7 ,pilot locations 7i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall select not more than #aj metropolitan planning organizations1 each of which is a metropolitan planning organization serving an urbanized area with a population of more than #bjj1jjj individuals1 which shall include-- 7,i7 metropolitan planning organizations that can demonstrate previous successful use of performance measurements and performance-based planning efforts1 which the ,secretary shall designate as mentor grantees2 and 7,,ii7 metropolitan planning organizations that have limited or no successful previous experience in performance measurements and performance-based planning efforts1 which the ,secretary shall designate as novice grantees4 7ii7 ,varying population sizes ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the metropolitan planning organizations selected under clause 7i7 serve urbanized areas with varying population sizes4 7,c7 ,pilot program activities 7i7 ,transportation connectivity inventory ,not later than #f months after the date on which the ,secretary selects a pilot location and awards a grant under this subsection1 and in consultation with appropriate ,states1 transit agencies1 and local governments1 a covered metropolitan planning organization in the pilot location shall develop from existing data an inventory of transportation assets within the urbanized area served by the covered metropolitan planning organization1 which shall describe-- 7,i7 the condition and quality of service of key highway1 transit1 bicycle1 pedestrian1 and carshare facilities2 7,,ii7 the degree to which the facilities described in subclause 7,i7 provide residents with connections to economic opportunities1 including high job concentration areas1 health care services1 child care services1 and education and workforce training services2 7,,iii7 the identity and location of transportation-disadvantaged populations within the urbanized area and the disparity of services and facilities between those transportation-disadvantaged populations and non-transportation-disadvantaged populations2 and 7,,iv7 local challenges to multimodal connectivity1 such as-- 7aa7 zoning or land use issues2 7bb7 availability of affordable housing2 7cc7 availability of accessible vehicles and accessible transportation facilities that meet the standards contained in sections #cg4g and #cg4i1 respectively1 of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or any successor thereto72 and 7dd7 barriers that obstruct access from residential areas to economic opportunities1 such as-- 7,,aa7 the amount of time it takes to reach economic opportunities2 7,,bb7 the average cost of commuting for transportation-disadvantaged populations compared to income levels2 and 7,,cc7 the number of people served1 by income level4 7ii7 ,performance indicators ,not later than #a year after the date on which the ,secretary selects a pilot location1 a covered metropolitan planning organization in the pilot location shall apply the baseline data developed in the transportation connectivity inventory under clause 7i7 to adopt not less than #a provisional indicator-- 7,i7 to measure multimodal connectivity in the transportation system to economic opportunities1 including measurements of multimodal connectivity improvements available to populations identified in clause 7i77,,iii72 and 7,,ii7 to appropriate to local assets and needs4 7iii7 ,data collection and reporting ,a covered metropolitan planning organization in a pilot location shall-- 7,i7 collect baseline and annual performance data on multimodal transportation connectivity to opportunity2 and 7,,ii7 submit the data described in subclause 7,i7 to the ,secretary for the duration of the pilot project4 7iv7 ,knowledge-sharing ,a covered metropolitan planning organization designated as a mentor grantee under subparagraph 7,b77i77,i7 shall1 to the extent feasible1 engage in knowledge-sharing activities with novice grantees designated under subparagraph 7,b77i77,,ii71 which may include peer exchanges and technical assistance1 as appropriate to the level of performance measurement capacity of the mentor grantee4 7v7 ,project implementation ,notwithstanding section #abj of this title1 a covered metropolitan planning organization may use funds remaining after the completion of the transportation connectivity inventory under clause 7i71 the adoption of provisional indicators under clause 7ii71 and related tracking activities to implement pilot projects within the urbanized area served by the covered metropolitan planning organization that are reasonably anticipated to address system gaps and improve performance according to the locally adopted provisional multimodal transportation connectivity measures4 7,d7 ,termination ,the pilot program shall terminate on the date that is #c years after the date on which the ,secretary establishes the pilot program4 7#c7 ,national performance measure development activities 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 using not more than #e1jjj1jjj of the amount authorized to be appropriated under section #g7;a7 of the ,transportation1 ,access1 and ,opportunity ,act of #bjae1 shall-- 7i7 evaluate multimodal connectivity measures developed by covered metropolitan planning organizations in pilot locations2 and 7ii7 consider development of a national indicator to measure the multimodal connections to opportunities provided by the transportation network4 7,b7 ,activities ,to carry out the requirements under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall perform the following activities3 7i7 ,national technical assistance and peer exchange forums ,the ,secretary shall-- 7,i7 support the measure development and data collection of covered metropolitan planning organizations in pilot locations through-- 7aa7 technical assistance and peer exchanges2 and 7bb7 workshops with ,states1 transit agencies1 and covered metropolitan planning organizations to discuss pilot program findings2 and 7,,ii7 establish an online collaboration center for local jurisdictions to share ideas and challenges and document lessons learned4 7ii7 ,connection to ,opportunity final report 7,i7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date on which the pilot program terminates1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 and the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 shall seek public comment on and submit to ,congress a final report detailing the results of the pilot program4 7,,ii7 ,contents ,the final report submitted under subclause 7,i7 shall include-- 7aa7 recommendations on the establishment of #a or more national multimodal connectivity measures2 7bb7 the results of the efforts of covered metropolitan planning organizations to measure and improve multimodal connectivity2 7cc7 the recommendations of the ,secretary on the establishment of #a or more national multimodal connectivity measures and the integration of those measures into the ,federal transportation performance management framework in accordance with section #aej of this title2 and 7dd7 an assessment of the impact of the pilot projects1 including-- 7,,aa7 social outcomes and economic impacts that may result from the pilot projects2 7,,bb7 estimated savings to ,federal1 ,state1 and local social service subsidy programs2 and 7,,cc7 other costs avoided and new tax revenues attributable to increased connectivity4 7iii7 ,potential rulemaking ,after the ,secretary submits the final report to ,congress under clause 7ii71 the ,secretary1 in consultation with ,state ,departments of ,transportation1 metropolitan planning organizations1 and other stakeholders1 may promulgate a rulemaking that establishes performance measures and standards as described in section #aej7;c77#h7 of this title4 4 7b7 ,chapter #ec ,section #ecjc of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7r7 ,measuring transportation connections to opportunity 7#a7 ,definitions ,for purposes of this subsection-- 7,a7 the term covered metropolitan planning organization means a metropolitan planning organization selected by the ,secretary under paragraph 7#b77;,b77i72 7,b7 the term opportunity means job concentration areas1 schools1 workforce training1 child care services1 and health care services2 7,c7 the term pilot location means a location selected by the ,secretary under paragraph 7#b77;,b77i72 7,d7 the term pilot program means the ,connection to ,opportunity ,pilot ,program established under paragraph 7#b77;,a72 and 7,e7 the term transportation-disadvantaged1 with respect to an individual or population1 means any individual or population of individuals who-- 7i7 face challenges in securing or accessing transportation due to age1 disability1 or income constraints1 including lack of access to public transportation or a private vehicle2 or 7ii7 are members of a protected class listed in section #fja of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;d74 7#b7 ,connection to ,opportunity ,pilot ,program 7,a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish a pilot program1 to be known as the ,connection to ,opportunity ,pilot ,program1 under which not more than #aj metropolitan planning organizations shall each develop and deploy not less than #a pilot project to improve multimodal connectivity and increase connections for transportation-disadvantaged individuals and neighborhoods with limited transportation options4 7,b7 ,pilot locations 7i7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall select not more than #aj metropolitan planning organizations1 each of which is a metropolitan planning organization serving an urbanized area with a population of more than #bjj1jjj individuals1 which shall include-- 7,i7 metropolitan planning organizations that can demonstrate previous successful use of performance measurements and performance-based planning efforts1 which the ,secretary shall designate as mentor grantees2 and 7,,ii7 metropolitan planning organizations that have limited or no successful previous experience in performance measurements and performance-based planning efforts1 which the ,secretary shall designate as novice grantees4 7ii7 ,varying population sizes ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the metropolitan planning organizations selected under clause 7i7 serve urbanized areas with varying population sizes4 7,c7 ,pilot program activities 7i7 ,transportation connectivity inventory ,not later than #f months after the date on which the ,secretary selects a pilot location and awards a grant under this subsection1 and in consultation with appropriate ,states1 transit agencies1 and local governments1 a covered metropolitan planning organization in the pilot location shall develop from existing data an inventory of transportation assets within the urbanized area served by the covered metropolitan planning organization1 which shall describe-- 7,i7 the condition and quality of service of key highway1 transit1 bicycle1 pedestrian1 and carshare facilities2 7,,ii7 the degree to which the facilities described in subclause 7,i7 provide residents with connections to economic opportunities1 including high job concentration areas1 health care services1 childcare services1 and education and workforce training services2 7,,iii7 the identity and location of transportation-disadvantaged populations within the urbanized area and the disparity of services and facilities between those transportation-disadvantaged populations and non-transportation-disadvantaged populations2 and 7,,iv7 local challenges to multimodal connectivity1 such as-- 7aa7 zoning or land use issues2 7bb7 availability of affordable housing2 7cc7 availability of accessible vehicles and accessible transportation facilities that meet the standards contained in sections #cg4g and #cg4i1 respectively1 of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or any successor thereto72 and 7dd7 barriers that obstruct access from residential areas to economic opportunities1 such as-- 7,,aa7 the amount of time it takes to reach economic opportunities2 7,,bb7 the average cost of commuting for transportation-disadvantaged populations compared to income levels2 and 7,,cc7 the number of people not adequately served1 by income level4 7ii7 ,performance indicators ,not later than #a year after the date on which the ,secretary selects a pilot location1 a covered metropolitan planning organization in the pilot location shall apply the baseline data developed in the transportation connectivity inventory under clause 7i7 to adopt not less than #a provisional indicator-- 7,i7 to measure multimodal connectivity in the transportation system to economic opportunities1 including measurements of multimodal connectivity improvements available to populations identified in clause 7i77,,iii72 and 7,,ii7 appropriate to local assets and needs4 7iii7 ,data collection and reporting ,a covered metropolitan planning organization in a pilot location shall-- 7,i7 collect baseline and annual performance data on multimodal transportation connectivity to opportunity2 and 7,,ii7 submit the data described in subclause 7,i7 to the ,secretary for the duration of the pilot project4 7iv7 ,knowledge-sharing ,a covered metropolitan planning organization designated as a mentor grantee under subparagraph 7,b77i77,i7 shall1 to the extent feasible1 engage in knowledge-sharing activities with novice grantees designated under subparagraph 7,b77i77,,ii71 which may include peer exchanges and technical assistance1 as appropriate to the level of performance measurement capacity of the mentor grantee4 7v7 ,project implementation ,notwithstanding section #abj of title #bc1 a covered metropolitan planning organization may use funds remaining after the completion of the transportation connectivity inventory under clause 7i71 the adoption of provisional indicators under clause 7ii71 and related tracking activities to implement pilot projects within the urbanized area served by the covered metropolitan planning organization that are reasonably anticipated to address system gaps and improve performance according to the locally adopted provisional multimodal transportation connectivity measures4 7,d7 ,termination ,the pilot program shall terminate on the date that is #c years after the date on which the ,secretary establishes the pilot program4 7#c7 ,national performance measure development activities 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 using not more than #e1jjj1jjj of the amount authorized to be appropriated under section #g7;a7 of the ,transportation1 ,access1 and ,opportunity ,act of #bjae1 shall-- 7i7 evaluate multimodal connectivity measures developed by covered metropolitan planning organizations in pilot locations2 and 7ii7 consider development of a national indicator to measure the multimodal connections to opportunities provided by the transportation network4 7,b7 ,activities ,to carry out the requirements under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall perform the following activities3 7i7 ,national technical assistance and peer exchange forums ,the ,secretary shall-- 7,i7 support the measure development and data collection of covered metropolitan planning organizations in pilot locations through-- 7aa7 technical assistance and peer exchanges2 and 7bb7 workshops with ,states1 transit agencies1 and covered metropolitan planning organizations to discuss pilot program findings2 and 7,,ii7 establish an online collaboration center for local jurisdictions to share ideas and challenges and document lessons learned4 7ii7 ,connection to ,opportunity final report 7,i7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date on which the pilot program terminates1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 and the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 shall seek public comment on and submit to ,congress a final report detailing the results of the pilot program4 7,,ii7 ,contents ,the final report submitted under subclause 7,i7 shall include-- 7aa7 recommendations on the establishment of #a or more national multimodal connectivity measures2 7bb7 the results of the efforts of covered metropolitan planning organizations to measure and improve multimodal connectivity2 7cc7 the recommendations of the ,secretary on the establishment of #a or more national multimodal connectivity measures and the integration of those measures into the ,federal transportation performance management framework in accordance with section #aej of title #bc2 and 7dd7 an assessment of the impact of the pilot projects1 including-- 7,,aa7 social outcomes and economic impacts that may result from the pilot projects2 7,,bb7 estimated savings to ,federal1 ,state1 and local social service subsidy programs2 and 7,,cc7 other costs avoided and new tax revenues attributable to increased connectivity4 7iii7 ,potential rulemaking ,after the ,secretary submits the final report to ,congress under clause 7ii71 the ,secretary1 in consultation with ,state ,departments of ,transportation1 metropolitan planning organizations1 and other stakeholders1 may promulgate a rulemaking that establishes performance measures and standards as described in section #aej7;c77#h7 of title #bc4 4 #e4 ,performance ,management ,data ,support ,program 7a7 ,performance ,management ,data ,support ,program ,section #aej of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,performance management data support ,to assist metropolitan planning organizations1 ,states1 and the ,department in carrying out performance management analyses1 including the performance management requirements of this chapter1 the ,secretary shall create and maintain data sets and data analysis tools4 4 7b7 ,federal share ,section #abj of such title is amended by adding at the end the following3 7l7 ,performance ,management ,data ,support ,program ,the ,federal share payable on account of an activity under the performance management data support program under section #aej7;f7 shall be #ajj percent of the cost of the activity4 4 #f4 ,multimodal accommodations 7a7 ,design standards ,section #aji of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by striking may take into account and inserting shall take into account2 and 7ii7 by striking subparagraph 7,c7 and inserting the following3 7,c7 access and safety for users of all foreseeable modes of transportation4 2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking may develop and inserting shall develop2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7m71 by striking and light motorcycles and inserting 1 safe1 convenient1 and continuous before alternate route4 7b7 ,transportation alternatives 7#a7 ,federal share ,section #abj of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by this ,act1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7m7 ,transportation ,alternatives ,program ,the ,federal share requirements under this section applicable to the ,transportation ,alternatives ,program under section #bac of this title may be met based on-- 7#a7 an individual project or activity under that section2 or 7#b7 a program of projects or activities approved under subsection 7c77#f77;,b7 of that section4 4 7#b7 ,reservation of funds ,section #bac7;a77#a7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking of fiscal years #bjac and #bjad and inserting fiscal year4 7#c7 ,eligible entities ,section #bac7;c77#d77;,b7 title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating clauses 7vi7 and 7vii7 as clauses 7viii7 and 7ix72 and 7,b7 inserting after clause 7v7 the following3 7vi7 a nonprofit organization2 7vii7 a metropolitan planning organization that is not developing the competitive process for funding2 4 7#d7 ,program of projects ,section #bac7;c7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#f7 ,program of projects ,funds may be obligated under this section for-- 7,a7 a project or activity eligible under subsection 7b72 or 7,b7 a program of projects or activities eligible under that subsection4 7#g7 ,administration 7,a7 ,submission of project agreement ,for each fiscal year1 each ,state shall submit a project agreement that-- 7i7 certifies that the ,state will meet all the requirements of this section2 and 7ii7 notifies the ,secretary of the amount of obligations needed to carry out the program under this section4 7,b7 ,request for adjustments of amounts ,each ,state shall request from the ,secretary such adjustments to the amount of obligations referred to in subparagraph 7,a77ii7 as the ,state determines to be necessary4 7,c7 ,effect of approval by the ,secretary ,approval by the ,secretary of a project agreement under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be deemed a contractual obligation of the ,united ,states to pay funds made available under this title4 4 #g4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,connection to ,opportunity ,pilot ,programs ,there is authorized to be appropriated #gj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjaf through #bjai to carry out the ,connection to ,opportunity ,pilot ,programs established under-- 7#a7 section #acd7r7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by section #d of this ,act72 and 7#b7 section #ecjc7r7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by section #d of this ,act74 7b7 ,performance ,management ,data ,support ,programs ,there is authorized to be appropriated #aj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjaf through #bjai to carry out the ,performance ,management ,data ,support ,program under section #aej7;f7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by section #e of this ,act4