,,ii #aaith ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bebj ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #bi1 #bjbe,mr4 ,markey 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,sanders1 ,mr4 ,padilla1 ,mr4 ,murphy1 ,mr4 ,blumenthal1 ,ms4 ,warren1 ,ms4 ,blunt ,rochester1 ,mr4 ,van ,hollen1 and ,mr4 ,booker7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to establish a ,state rail formula grant program1 to direct the ,federal ,railroad ,administration to create a ,green ,railroads ,fund1 to expand passenger rail programs1 to address air quality concerns1 to establish rail workforce training centers1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,all ,aboard ,act of #bjbe4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,administration ,the term ,administration means the ,federal ,railroad ,administration4 7#b7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,federal ,railroad ,administration4 7#c7 ,amtrak ,the term ,amtrak means the ,national ,railroad ,passenger ,corporation4 7#d7 ,electrification infrastructure ,the term electrification infrastructure-- 7,a7 means overhead wire in-motion charging technology and any associated infrastructure necessary for the operation to propel a locomotive or train2 and 7,b7 includes battery electric technology that propels a locomotive or train in railyards and other environments in which catenary infrastructure is difficult to deploy as determined by the ,secretary4 7#e7 ,environmental justice community ,the term environmental justice community means a community with significant representation of individuals of color1 low-income individuals1 or ,tribal and ,indigenous individuals1 that experiences1 or is at risk of experiencing1 higher or more adverse human health or environmental effects4 7#f7 ,federal-,state ,intercity ,partnership program ,the term ,federal-,state ,intercity ,partnership program means the grant program developed and implemented by the ,secretary pursuant to section #bdiaa7;b7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#g7 ,high-performance rail service ,the term high-performance rail service means an intercity passenger rail service that is designed to meet the current and future market demand for the transportation of people and goods1 in terms of capacity1 travel times1 reliability1 and efficiency4 7#h7 ,locomotive ,the term locomotive has the meaning given that term in section #ajcc4ija of title #dj1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 7#i7 ,,mu locomotive ,the term ,,mu locomotive1 with respect to electric multiple unit and battery-electric multiple unit trains1 has the meaning given that term in section #bbi4e of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 7#aj7 ,partnership applicant ,the term partnership applicant has the meaning given that term applicant in section #bdiaa of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#aa7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,transportation4 7#ab7 ,state ,the term ,state means a ,state of the ,united ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia1 the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands1 or the ,republic of ,palau4 7#ac7 ,train ,the term train has the meaning given that term in section #bba4e of title #di1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations4 7#ad7 ,zero-emission locomotive ,the term zero-emission locomotive means a locomotive that does not emit any criteria pollutant1 toxic pollutant1 or greenhouse gas from any onboard source of power at any power setting1 including any propulsion power that is connected to and moves with the locomotive when it is in motion4 #c4 ,state rail formula funding 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a formula grant program under which the ,secretary shall award grants to ,states for the development of ,state rail plans1 operations of rail service1 and maintenance and expansion of rail infrastructure4 7b7 ,report required ,each ,state that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the ,secretary a report describing how the ,state rail plan and activities-- 7#a7 include a strategy-- 7,a7 to expand passenger rail service1 particularly high-performance rail service1 including new routes1 existing routes identified by the department of transportation of the ,state1 and routes selected under the ,corridor ,identification and ,development ,program established under section #beaja of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7,b7 to electrify existing freight and passenger rail2 and 7#b7 will demonstrate progress towards the goals described in subsection 7c74 7c7 ,goals ,the goals described in this subsection are-- 7#a7 to support the goal of achieving zero-emission locomotives by #bjdg2 7#b7 to guarantee the national rail network has the capacity to serve a significant portion of freight and passenger movement along the current and projected highest trafficked intercity corridors by #bjej2 7#c7 to achieve zero emissions for-- 7,a7 #ej percent of all trains by #bjcj2 7,b7 all new trains by #bjce2 and 7,c7 all locomotives by #bjdg2 7#d7 to reconnect communities divided by railroads through infrastructure improvements that expand freight and passenger rail capacity2 7#e7 to protect the safety and health of rail workers and nearby communities2 7#f7 to ensure current and future rail infrastructure is climate resilient2 7#g7 to realize high-quality service that is trip-time competitive with other intercity travel options2 and 7#h7 to facilitate a viable mode shift from short-haul flights to passenger rail between targeted city pairs4 7d7 ,use of funds ,a ,state awarded a grant under this section may use funds from such grant to advance rail planning and operations by-- 7#a7 hiring and retaining staff2 7#b7 pooling funds with other ,states to advance interstate initiatives and projects2 7#c7 making improvements to existing rail infrastructure2 7#d7 constructing new rail infrastructure2 7#e7 carrying out such other rail activities as the ,secretary determines appropriate1 including studying the impacts on freight rail operations and ridership and operations coordination2 7#f7 operating intercity passenger rail service2 and 7#g7 preparing applications for competitive ,federal grant programs4 7e7 ,formula ,in allocating grant funds among the ,states1 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 ensure that each ,state receives not less than #e1jjj1jjj1 annually over a #e-year period2 and 7#b7 determine a method of apportionment that fairly distributes funds based on the existing and future demand for rail service in a ,state4 7f7 ,technical assistance ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 the ,secretary of ,energy1 ,amtrak1 and the ,administrator of the ,federal ,transit ,administration1 shall provide technical assistance to ,states and communities to assist with the development of ,state rail plans4 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #c1ejj1jjj1jjj for the #e-year period beginning on ,october #a1 #bjbe1 to provide grants under this section4 #d4 ,green ,railroads ,fund 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 may award competitive grants to eligible entities described in subsection 7c7 to enable or improve electrified rail operations4 7b7 ,application 7#a7 ,in general ,to apply for a grant under this section an eligible entity shall submit an application to the ,secretary in such manner as the ,secretary may reasonably require4 7#b7 ,requirements ,each application submitted in accordance with paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 a plan for robust engagement that details a public notice process that requires-- 7i7 notification online and in relevant print sources written in languages used within the area reasonably affected by the proposed grant2 7ii7 opportunities for public meetings and comment2 and 7iii7 other information relevant to the project to be made publicly available2 7,b7 a plan that details how-- 7i7 the project will safeguard or improve the local environment and public health2 and 7ii7 environmental and public health stressors will be monitored and minimized during the project2 7,c7 a description of wage and apprenticeship requirements for individuals employed to construct1 operate1 and maintain rail electrification infrastructure2 and 7,d7 a transition plan that examines the impact of the proposed project on the workforce of the eligible entity1 including-- 7i7 identifying skills gaps1 training needs1 and retraining needs of the workforce2 7ii7 a plan to operate and maintain infrastructure of the project using existing insourced workforce2 7iii7 a plan to avoid displacement of the workforce and to transition any displaced workers to new jobs created by the project2 7iv7 identifying the steps the eligible entity will take to offset any identified negative impact or potential displacement of the workforce1 including how the entity will use the funds from the grant and its own funding to implement the transition plan2 and 7v7 a description of how the eligible entity will work with any organizations representing the workforce to implement the transition plan4 7c7 ,eligible entities ,an eligible entity described in this subsection is any of the following3 7#a7 ,a ,state4 7#b7 ,a group of ,states4 7#c7 ,an interstate compact4 7#d7 ,a public agency or a publicly chartered authority established by one or more ,states4 7#e7 ,a political subdivision of a ,state4 7#f7 ,amtrak or any other rail carrier that provides intercity rail passenger transportation4 7#g7 ,a class ,i railroad in partnership with at least #a of the entities described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#e74 7#h7 ,a class ,,ii or ,,iii railroad4 7#i7 ,a ,federally recognized ,indian ,tribe4 7#aj7 ,a rail equipment manufacturer in partnership with at least #a of the entities described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#e74 7#aa7 ,a public utility4 7#ab7 ,a nonprofit labor organization representing a class or craft of employees of rail carriers or rail carrier contractors4 7d7 ,use of funds ,an eligible entity awarded a grant under this section may use funds from such grant-- 7#a7 to purchase railroad lines and right of way from other railroads that host ,amtrak or other intercity passenger rail transportation for new electrification infrastructure2 7#b7 to rebuild or improve existing locomotives1 trains1 or ,,mu locomotives to enable such trains and locomotives to use electrification infrastructure2 7#c7 to install or improve existing rail electrification infrastructure2 7#d7 to build new rail corridors with electrification infrastructure2 7#e7 to update rail yards by adding electrification infrastructure2 7#f7 to lease or acquire an easement along a right of way for electrification infrastructure2 7#g7 to purchase or lease electric locomotives1 ,,mu locomotives1 and trains or rolling stock2 7#h7 to ensure new electrification infrastructure is climate resilient2 7#i7 to engage in robust engagement with communities2 and 7#aj7 for workforce development and training to support the maintenance1 deployment1 and operation of electric locomotives1 ,,mu locomotives1 and trains4 7e7 ,labor requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,a project funded by a grant awarded under this section shall-- 7,a7 use project labor agreements2 7,b7 use enforceable agreements to hire from local communities2 and 7,c7 for any freight train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight1 require a crew consisting of at least #b individuals1 one of whom is certified under regulations promulgated by the ,administration as a locomotive engineer pursuant to section #bjace of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 and the other of whom is certified under regulations promulgated by the ,administration as a conductor pursuant to section #bjafc of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 7f7 ,priority ,in awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall give priority to projects that will-- 7#a7 reduce air pollution in environmental justice communities to yield measurable health benefits where air pollutants include particulate matter1 nitrogen oxides1 and other criteria air pollutants1 hazardous air pollutants1 and volatile organic compounds2 and 7#b7 expand high performance passenger rail4 7g7 ,benefits for other programs ,an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section and is eligible for other rail grant programs described by this ,act shall receive priority for additional funding under such programs for rail electrification infrastructure projects4 ,entities awarded grants under other programs in this ,act may be awarded a grant under this section when applicable4 7h7 ,study on transmission co-,location with rail electrification infrastructure 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,administrator1 and in consultation with the ,department of ,energy1 the ,federal ,energy ,regulatory ,commission1 and any other agency deemed relevant by the ,secretary and the ,administrator1 shall conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility1 benefits1 equity impacts1 and challenges of co-locating electric transmission infrastructure within the same right-of-way or adjacent to rail corridors as part of efforts to minimize land use1 streamline permitting processes1 support rail electrification1 expand renewable energy capacity1 reduce community impacts of new infrastructure1 improve safety1 and ensure fair access to infrastructure benefits for all communities4 7#b7 ,outcomes and recommendations 7,a7 ,interagency task force ,in carrying out the study required under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary may recommend the establishment of an interagency task force to facilitate ongoing coordination among ,federal1 state1 and local1 and private entities to advance projects involving transmission and rail electrification infrastructure4 7,b7 ,designated priority corridors ,in carrying out the study required under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary may-- 7i7 propose a framework to designate priority corridors for co-located transmission and rail electrification projects2 and 7ii7 recommend how such projects should be incentivized4 7i7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #ej1jjj1jjj1jjj for the #e-year period beginning on ,october #a1 #bjbe1 to provide grants under this section4 #e4 ,expansion of passenger rail and high-performance rail 7a7 ,federal-,state ,intercity ,partnership program 7#a7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary for the ,federal-,state ,intercity ,partnership program #hj1jjj1jjj1jjj for the #e-year period beginning on ,october #a1 #bjbe4 7#b7 ,priority high-performance rail ,section #bdiaa7;d7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c7 as paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#d71 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting before paragraph 7#b71 as redesignated1 the following3 7#a7 the ,secretary shall give priority to projects that install or upgrade infrastructure that will enable high-performance passenger rail along new or existing rail corridors regardless of the location of such projects within the ,united ,states2 4 7#c7 ,cost benefit analysis ,section #bdiaa7;d77#c77;,b77i7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 as redesignated1 is amended-- 7,a7 in subclause 7,,iv71 by striking 2 and and inserting a semicolon2 7,b7 in subclause 7,v71 by inserting and after the semicolon at the end2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,,vi7 anticipated positive impacts of the project's efforts to electrify the corridor1 or make improvements to allow for electrification infrastructure 7as defined in the ,all ,aboard ,act of #bjbe7 in the future2 4 7b7 ,consolidated ,rail ,infrastructure and ,safety ,improvement ,program 7#a7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #cj1jjj1jjj1jjj for the #e-year period beginning on ,october #a1 #bjbe1 to provide grants authorized under section #bbijg of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,expanded eligibility ,section #bbijg7;b7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#ad7 ,a ,class ,i railroad company only if-- 7,a7 the entity uses the funds to install electrification infrastructure2 7,b7 the project uses project labor agreements2 7,c7 the project includes enforceable agreements to hire from local communities2 7,d7 the entity complies with section #bbdjd of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7,e7 the project is in partnership with at least #a of the entities described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#e74 4 7#c7 ,eligible activities ,section #bbijg7;c7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#ag7 ,any project to facilitate zero-emission locomotive infrastructure1 including projects-- 7,a7 to electrify publicly-owned or ,amtrak-owned routes2 7,b7 to rehabilitate or improve existing locomotives1 ,,mu locomotives1 or trains 7including engines7 to reduce emissions2 7,c7 to purchase railroad infrastructure and right of way from freight railroads-- 7i7 to expand passenger rail or regional rail2 or 7ii7 with the intent to electrify rail in the future2 7,d7 to build electrified rail corridors2 7,e7 to electrify rail yards2 7,f7 to lease or acquire an easement along a right-of-way for electrification2 7,g7 to purchase electrification equipment and rolling stock or other zero-emission locomotives1 ,,mu locomotives1 and equipment2 7,h7 to ensure new electrification infrastructure is climate-resilient2 and 7,i7 to engage in robust engagement with communities impacted by any new rail infrastructure4 4 7#d7 ,requirements ,section #bbijg7;d7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 7d7 ,application process 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall prescribe the form and manner of filing an application under this section4 7#b7 ,workforce development requirements ,each application for a grant under this section shall include a transition plan that examines the impact of the proposed project on the workforce of the eligible entity and includes-- 7,a7 an identification of skills gaps1 training needs1 and retraining needs of the workforce2 7,b7 a plan to operate and maintain infrastructure of the project using existing insourced workforce2 7,c7 a plan to avoid displacement of the workforce2 7,d7 an identification of the steps the eligible entity will take to offset any identified negative impact or potential displacement of the workforce1 including how the entity will use the funds from the grant and its own funding to implement the transition plan2 and 7,e7 a description of how the eligible entity will work with any organizations representing the workforce to implement the transition plan4 7#c7 ,requirements for rail electrification projects ,each application for a grant for an eligible project described under subsection 7c77#ag7 shall include-- 7,a7 plans for robust engagement1 early in the project planning process1 with communities impacted by any new rail electrification infrastructure2 7,b7 plans for hiring from local communities1 displaced rail workers1 tribal and indigenous communities1 and environmental justice communities2 and 7,c7 a description of wage and apprenticeship requirements for individuals employed to construct1 operate1 and maintain rail electrification infrastructure4 4 7#e7 ,priority for rail electrification ,section #bbijg7;e7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 as paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#d71 respectively2 and 7,b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#a7 the following3 7#b7 ,priority for rail electrification ,in selecting a recipient of a grant for an eligible project1 the ,secretary shall give priority to a proposed project that includes electrification infrastructure 7as defined in the ,all ,aboard ,act of #bjbe7-- 7,a7 in freight railyards or corridors in environmental justice communities2 and 7,b7 along new or existing rail corridors4 4 7c7 ,amtrak 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #cj1jjj1jjj1jjj for the #e-year period beginning on ,october #a1 #bjbe1 for the use of ,amtrak4 7#b7 ,climate resilience fund ,of the funds appropriated to the ,secretary pursuant to paragraph 7#a71 #e1jjj1jjj1jjj shall be used for climate resiliency improvement projects to increase resiliency against climate-related changes in conditions1 including flooding risk1 sea level rise1 extreme storms1 coastal erosion1 and extreme temperatures4 7d7 ,railroad crossing elimination program ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #aj1jjj1jjj1jjj for the #e-year period beginning on ,october #a1 #bjbe1 to provide grants under section #bbiji of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 7e7 ,restoration and enhancement program ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #a1jjj1jjj1jjj for the #e-year period beginning on ,october #a1 #bjbe1 to provide grants under section #bbijh of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 7f7 ,grant adjustment ,to support rail expansion ,section #bdcje of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,use of ,federal grant funds ,unless specifically prohibited by law or inconsistent with a grant agreement pursuant to which the relevant funding was provided1 ,amtrak or ,states may use grant funding received from the ,federal ,government to cover any non-,federal share of costs required to be paid under grant programs authorized in title #bc or #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 or in other ,federal laws1 to the extent necessary to advance critical intercity passenger rail investments4 4 7g7 ,railway-,highway crossings ,section #acj7;e77#a7 of title #bc1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 as subparagraphs 7,c7 and 7,d71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following3 7,b7 ,installation of protective devices ,at least of the funds set aside each fiscal year under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be available for the installation of protective devices at railway-highway crossings4 4 #f4 ,rail air pollution grant program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency shall establish a program to provide grants under sections #ajc and #aje of the ,clean ,air ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gdjc and #gdje7 to address the air pollution generated by railyards4 7b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency #ejj1jjj1jjj for the #e-year period beginning on ,october #a1 #bjbe1 to provide grants under section #aje of the ,clean ,air ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gdje7 to carry out subsection 7a74 #g4 ,labor protections and workforce development 7a7 ,grant conditions ,subsections 7a71 7c71 and 7d7 of section #bbije of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall apply to any grant awarded pursuant to this ,act1 or funds provided under this ,act1 as if the grant or funds were awarded under chapter #bbi of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code4 ,the conditions of section #bbdjd of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall apply to any grant awarded pursuant to this ,act4 7b7 ,operators and certain railroad transportation service providers deemed rail carriers and employers for certain purposes 7#a7 ,a person that 7,a7 conducts passenger rail operations over1 or 7,b7 that performs work for1 or in support of1 passenger rail operations that is work performed by employees in railroad industry crafts and classes recognized under paragraph ,ninth of section #b of the ,railway ,labor ,act 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #aeb7 on rail infrastructure constructed or improved with funding provided in whole in or part in a grant made under this ,act shall be considered a rail carrier1 and an employer only for the purposes of making such person subject to the laws of the ,united ,states referred to in section #ajeja7;c77#c77;,a7 of title #di1 ,united ,states ,code1 including 7i7 the ,railroad ,retirement ,act of #aigd 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #bca et seq472 7ii7 the ,railway ,labor ,act 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #aea et seq472 and 7iii7 the ,railroad ,unemployment ,insurance ,act 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #cea et seq47 but is not deemed to be a rail carrier for the purposes of1 or subject to1 any other law of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 7i7 an employer engaged primarily in the building and construction industry1 as that term is used in section #h7;f7 of the ,national ,labor ,relation ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #aeh7;f77 which is performing construction work as a contractor for an eligible entity receiving funds provided under this ,act1 including a rail carrier1 shall not itself be considered a rail carrier solely as a result of performance of that work1 and shall be permitted to perform the work with employees who are not covered by 7i7 the ,railroad ,retirement ,act of #aigd 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #bca et seq472 7ii7 the ,railway ,labor ,act 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #aea et seq472 and 7iii7 the ,railroad ,unemployment ,insurance ,act 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #cea et seq472 and 7ii7 the exception described in clause 7i7 does not apply to the performance of railroad maintenance and repair work that is1 and has been1 historically and customarily performed by employees in railroad industry crafts and classes recognized under paragraph ,ninth of section #b of the ,railway ,labor ,act 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #aeb72 7,b7 an employer performing work as a contractor or subcontractor for-- 7i7 a railroad that owns1 uses1 or is contracted to perform work on1 rail infrastructure constructed or improved with funding provided in whole or in part in a grant made under this ,act2 or 7ii7 an operator that uses such infrastructure1 shall not itself be considered a rail carrier solely as a result of performance of that work1 and shall be permitted to perform the work with employees who are not covered by 7i7 the ,railroad ,retirement ,act of #aigd 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #bca et seq472 7ii7 the ,railway ,labor ,act 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #aea et seq472 and 7iii7 the ,railroad ,unemployment ,insurance ,act 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #cea et seq47 when such work is performed consistent with a collective bargaining agreement between the railroad or operator and a union representing employees in a railroad industry craft or class recognized under paragraph ,ninth of section #b of the ,railway ,labor ,act 7#de ,u4,s4,c4 #aeb71 covering work performed by that craft or class4 7c7 ,other requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction1 alternation1 or repair work carried out1 in whole or in part1 with assistance made available under this ,act shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by the ,secretary of ,labor in accordance with subchapter ,,iv of chapter #ca of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,authority ,with respect to labor standards specified in paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary of ,labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in ,reorganization ,plan ,numbered #ad of #aiej 7#fd ,stat4 #abfg2 #e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 and sections #cade of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code4 7d7 ,rail workforce training centers 7#a7 ,passenger rail workforce training center 7,a7 ,in general ,there is established within the consolidated workforce training program-- 7i7 a center1 which shall be known as the ,passenger ,rail ,workforce ,training ,center1 to meet the needs of the passenger rail systems workforce through standards-based training relating to relevant maintenance and operations occupations2 and 7ii7 expand workforce development efforts in partnership with organized labor including1 apprenticeship training programs4 7,b7 ,duties ,the ,passenger ,rail ,workforce ,training ,center1 in cooperation with nonprofit labor organizations and ,amtrak1 shall develop and carry out training and educational programs for rail employees serving in the passenger rail workforce4 7#b7 ,freight rail workforce training center ,the ,administrator1 in partnership with rail carriers and nonprofit labor organizations1 shall-- 7,a7 establish a consolidated workforce training program for freight railroad personnel2 7,b7 establish a center1 which shall be known as the ,freight ,rail ,workforce ,training ,center1 to meet the needs of the freight rail systems workforce through standards-based training relating to relevant maintenance and operations occupations2 and 7,c7 expand1 in partnership with organized labor1 workforce development efforts1 including apprenticeship training programs4 7#c7 ,training and educational program inclusions ,the training and educational programs developed pursuant to paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 may include courses in recent developments1 techniques1 and procedures relating to-- 7,a7 developing consensus national training standards1 in partnership with industry stakeholders1 for key rail occupations with demonstrated skill gaps2 7,b7 establishing regional1 ,state1 and local rail training partnerships-- 7i7 to identify and address workforce skill gaps2 and 7ii7 to develop skills needed for-- 7,i7 delivering quality rail service2 and 7,,ii7 supporting employee career advancement2 7,c7 developing programs for the training of frontline workforce1 instructors1 mentors1 and labor-management partnership representatives1 in the form of classroom1 hands-on1 on-the-job1 and internet web-based training1 to be delivered-- 7i7 at a national center2 7ii7 regionally2 or 7iii7 at an individual rail carrier2 7,d7 developing training programs for skills relating to existing and emerging rail technologies1 such as zero-emission locomotives and trains and zero-emission locomotive infrastructure2 7,e7 developing improved capacity for safety1 security1 and emergency preparedness in rail systems and the industry as a whole through-- 7i7 developing the role of the rail workforce in establishing and sustaining safety culture and safety systems in rail2 and 7ii7 training to address rail workforce roles in promoting health and safety for rail workers1 communities adjacent to railroad infrastructure and railyards2 and 7,f7 developing rail carrier capacity for career pathway partnerships with schools and other community organizations for recruiting and training underrepresented populations as successful rail employees who can develop careers in the rail industry4 7#d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,administrator #ejj1jjj1jjj for the #e-year period beginning on ,october #a1 #bjbe1 to carry out the ,rail ,workforce ,training ,program authorized under this subsection4