S. 1984 — Introduced in Senate

II 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1984 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 9, 2021Mr. Romney (for himself, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Peters, and Ms. Hassan) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To require the Secretary of Transportation to establish a grant program to improve the functioning of traffic signals through the implementation of innovative technology, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Smart Intersections Act of 2021. 2. Smart Technology Traffic Signals Grant Program (a) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a grant program, to be known as the Smart Technology Traffic Signals Grant Program, under which the Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities to improve the functioning of traffic signals in a manner that— (1) reduces traffic congestion; (2) improves the safety and effectiveness of roadways; (3) reduces fuel costs for drivers; (4) reduces air pollution; and (5) improves emergency response. (b) Applications To be eligible to receive a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Use of grant funds An eligible entity that receives a grant under the program shall use the grant— (1) to improve active management of traffic signals, including through the use of automated traffic signal performance measures; (2) to implement strategies, activities, and projects that support active management of traffic signal operations, including through— (A) optimization of corridor timing; (B) improved vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle detection at traffic signals; and (C) the use of connected vehicle technologies; (3) to replace outdated traffic signals, as needed; and (4) in the case of an eligible entity that is a local government entity serving a population of less than 500,000, to pay the costs of temporary staffing hours dedicated to updating traffic signal technology. (d) Timing of expenditures An eligible entity that receives a grant under the program shall fully expend the grant funds by the date that is 3 years after the date on which grant funds are first made available to the eligible entity. (e) Federal share (1) In general The Federal share of the costs of a project assisted with a grant under the program may not exceed 80 percent. (2) In-kind contributions The non-Federal share of the costs of a project assisted with a grant under the program may be derived in whole or in part from in-kind contributions. (f) Prohibition A grant awarded under the program may not be used to purchase, operate, or maintain an automated traffic enforcement system. (g) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out the program. (h) Definitions In this section: (1) Automated traffic enforcement system The term automated traffic enforcement system means any device that captures an image of, or information from, a vehicle for the purposes of traffic law enforcement. (2) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means a State, local, or Tribal government entity. (3) Program The term program means the Smart Technology Traffic Signals Grant Program established under subsection (a). (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation. 3. GAO study Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall carry out, and submit to Congress a report describing the results of, a study on the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by improving the efficiency of traffic systems.