American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Alternative Transportation Account) equal to current federal highway funding levels for FY2013-FY2016 for: (1) certain core federal-aid highway programs, and (2) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administrative expenses.
Authorizes appropriations out of the HTF Alternative Transportation Account equal to such levels for FY2013-FY2016 for certain other core federal-aid highway programs.
Prescribes ceiling obligations for: (1) federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs, and (2) the Alternative Transportation Account.
Directs the Secretary of Transportation of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to apportion the remainder of federal-aid highway funds to the states for the National Highway System (NHS), the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement (CMAQ), the surface transportation, and the highway safety improvement programs.
Directs the Secretary to identify deficient highway bridges in each state and determine their replacement and rehabilitation costs.
Requires states to develop and implement a risk-based state asset management plan identifying actions for the maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of NHS infrastructure and that lead to the achievement of the national goals for infrastructure condition and performance.
Replaces the interstate maintenance program with the NHS program.
Revises NHS program, surface transportation program, and CMAQ eligibility requirements.
Revises formulae for the state apportionment of federal-aid highway funds in urbanized areas with populations over 200,000 as well as in other areas.
Authorizes a state to obligate the apportionment of CMAQ funds for projects: (1) resulting in new capacity for single occupant vehicles only if it will contribute to the mitigation of congestion or improvement of air quality, and (2) for PM-10 nonattainment areas.
Revises the equity bonus program.
Requires the Secretary to ensure that a state's apportionment of funds for specified federal-aid highway programs is at least 94% (currently, 92%) of the amount obtained from a specified formula involving estimated highway use taxes paid into the HTF by a state.
Reauthorizes and revises the emergency relief fund program. Revises program eligibility requirements to include the costs of debris removal as an eligible disaster project cost only in certain cases.
Authorizes the Secretary to obligate fund amounts for the repair or reconstruction of disaster-affected tribal roads, federal lands highways, and other federally-owned roads open to public travel, whether or not they are federal-aid highways.
Revises the apportionment of funds to states for the construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities (excluding ferry maintenance facilities).
Revises the highway bridge program.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) inventory all highway bridges and tunnels, (2) identify structurally deficient or functionally obsolete bridges or tunnels, (3) assign a risk-based priority for replacement or rehabilitation of each structurally deficient bridge or tunnel, (3) establish national inspection standards for evaluating all highway bridges and tunnels, and (4) establish a training program for highway bridge and tunnel inspectors.
Makes 10% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds available only for National Highway System (NHS) bridge replacement projects.
Amends the federal-aid highway program to modify the minimum penalties states are required to impose on motorists convicted multiple times for driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.
Requires repeat offenders to have: (1) all their driving privileges (currently, only a driver's license) suspended for at least one year; or (2) their unlimited driving privileges suspended for one year, with limited driving privileges permitted, if an ignition interlock device is installed for at least one year on each of the motor vehicles they own or operate.
Amends the the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) to revise DOT's TIFIA program of direct loans, loan guarantees, and credit for surface transportation projects.
Makes eligible for TIFIA program assistance: (1) a program of related transportation projects coordinated to achieve a common transportation goal and meet certain other requirements; and (2) a highway, transit, or pedestrian project that improves mobility within the station area of a transit, passenger rail, or intercity bus station.
Authorizes a state, local government, state or local government agency, or public authority to apply to the Secretary for assistance under a master credit agreement. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for processing such applications.
Increases from 33% to 49% the maximum amount of direct loans, loan guarantees, and credit for project costs.
Revises the state infrastructure bank program.
Revises the toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries program.
Allows a state, interstate compact of states, or public entity to: (1) reconstruct, restore, or rehabilitate a Interstate System (IS) high occupancy vehicle (HOV) highway, bridge, or tunnel toll facility over which it has jurisdiction provided certain requirements are met, and (2) levy tolls on vehicles (excluding HOVs).
Requires all federal-aid highway toll facilities to implement technologies or business practices that provide for the interoperability of electronic toll collection programs.
Revises the highway safety improvement program.
Requires state strategic highway safety plans to be updated biannually and meet certain requirements.
Prohibits a state from obligating highway safety improvement program funds to purchase, operate, or maintain an automated traffic enforcement system.
Requires states to report to the Secretary on: (1) the 10 railway-highway crossings with the greatest need for safety improvement; and (2) an action plan that identifies projects to improve safety at those railway-highway crossings.
Directs the Secretary to develop a five-year National Freight Policy for the expansion and improvement of freight transportation infrastructure in the United States.
Requires the Secretary to encourage states to develop freight plans.
Prescribes certain federal weight limitations requirements for trucks operating on the IS.
Authorizes tribal transportation and federal lands transportation programs for various transportation planning and highway improvement projects.
Repeals specified federal-aid highway programs.
Authorizes the governor of a state to use the state's apportionment of federal-aid highway funds for the repair or replacement of transportation facilities in the event of an emergency.
Directs the Secretary to conduct a survey to evaluate the capacity of each state to provide adequate parking and rest facilities for commercial motor vehicles.
Encourages the Secretaries of Labor and of Education to use funds to develop training and employment education programs for transportation-related careers and trades.
Public Transportation Act of 2012 - Revises capital investment grant requirements for new fixed-guideway capital projects.
Requires the Secretary to enter into full funding grant agreements for new fixed-guideway capital projects under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) New Starts and Small Starts programs.
Authorizes the Secretary to make bus and bus facilities formula grants to assist states and local governments in financing capital projects to: (1) replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment; and (2) construct bus-related facilities.
Directs the Secretary to apportion a specified percentage of rural area formula grants to states to develop and support public transportation and intercity bus transportation in rural areas.
Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive coordinated access and mobility program formula grants to states, local governments, nonprofits organizations, or private operators of public transportation services for: (1) public transportation projects to meet the special needs of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities; (2) job access and reverse commute projects to transport welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals to and from jobs; and (3) new public transportation services and public transportation alternatives for individuals with disabilities.
Authorizes the Secretary to undertake, or make grants and contracts for, programs that provide training and technical assistance to providers of public transportation services.
Authorizes the Secretary to award grants or enter into contracts with a public university to establish a National Transit Institute to support training and educational programs for federal, state, and local transportation employees engaged in government-aid public transportation work.
Revises the apportionment of appropriations for job access and reverse commute formula grants for certain urbanized areas with populations less than 200,000.
Reauthorizes and revises the fixed guideway modernization program.
Authorizes appropriations for: (1) formula and bus grants; (2) capital investment grants; (3) transit research, training and outreach, and technical assistance activities; and (4) administration.
Prescribes procedures for expediting the environmental review of surface transportation projects.
Revises and makes permanent the surface transportation project delivery pilot program.
Requires the Secretary to establish an alternative relocation payment process for the payment of relocation assistance to persons displaced by federally-assisted programs and projects.
Amends the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to provide increases in payments made by a displacing agency for: (1) relocation expenses for displaced farms, nonprofit organizations, or small businesses; and (2) replacement housing for displaced homeowners and certain other tenants.
Revises metropolitan transportation planning requirements.
Requires the designation of a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for an urbanized area with a population of more than 100,000 individuals.
Requires MPOs, in cooperation with state and public transportation operators, to develop metropolitan long-range transportation plans and transportation improvement programs (TIPs) that provide for the development and operation of transportation systems and facilities (including environmental mitigation activities) for metropolitan planning areas (i.e. urbanized areas and nonattainment areas for ozone or carbon monoxide).
Requires the Secretary to identify as a transportation management area each urbanized area with a population over 200,000 individuals. Requires the selection of congestion mitigation projects for a metropolitan planning area serving a transportation management area from an approved metropolitan long-range transportation plan and TIP.
Requires states to develop statewide strategic long-range transportation plans and statewide TIPs.
Directs the Secretary to develop a national strategic transportation plan for transportation projects (including major roadways, public transportation facilities, intercity bus facilities, multimodal and intermodal facilities, and intermodal connectors) that facilitate the development of: (1) a national transportation system, and (2) an integrated regional transportation system.
Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a national performance management system, and (2) certain core performance measures.
Authorizes appropriations for NHTSA for: (1) highway safety programs, (2) the National Driver Register, and (3) administrative expenses.
Revises highway safety program requirements.
Revises the formula for the apportionment to states of highway safety funds to require specified percentages of funds going only to states that have enacted and are enforcing: (1) a primary safety belt use law, (2) an ignition interlock law, and (3) a graduated drivers licensing law.
Directs the Secretary to require the governor of each state to develop for DOT approval a highway safety plan that includes: (1) certain quantifiable performance targets for traffic crashes and resulting fatalities and serious injuries; and (2) the state's strategy for using its funds apportionment for projects and activities that will allow the state to meet those performance targets.
Repeals specified highway safety programs.
Motor Carrier Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability Act of 2012 - Authorizes appropriations from the HTF (other than the Alternative Transportation Account) for FY2013-FY2016 for the Secretary to: (1) make grants to states for the development of commercial motor vehicle safety programs, and (2) pay administrative expense of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the commercial driver's license (CDL) improvement grant program, and (2) the commercial vehicle information systems and networks deployment grant program.
Revises commercial motor vehicle registration requirements.
Requires the Secretary to issue a distinctive registration number to persons registered to provide transportation or service as a motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker.
Requires the Secretary to register a person to provide motor carrier services if, in addition to meeting other criteria, that person has also: (1) completed a DOT proficiency examination demonstrating knowledge of motor carrier safety regulations and requirements; (2) disclosed any relationship involving common stock, common ownership, common control, common management, or common familial relationship between the carrier and any other motor carrier in the three-years preceding the filing of an application for registration; and (3) been issued a DOT number.
Authorizes the Secretary to register a person to provide transportation of household goods as a household goods motor carrier only after that person demonstrates: (1) the ability to comply with the DOT household goods consumer protection rules, and (2) knowledge of household goods motor carrier safety regulations and requirements through completion of a DOT proficiency examination.
Requires the Secretary to register a person to provide service as a freight forwarder or to be a broker for transportation of property if that person is qualified by experience to act as one.
Revises requirements for the registration as a motor carrier of freight forwarders and brokers.
Authorizes the Secretary to deny, suspend, amend, or revoke the registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder for failure to disclose in its application a material fact with respect to its ability to comply with federal law, regulations, or a registration condition.
Prohibits two or more employers from using common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship to avoid compliance, or conceal noncompliance or a history of noncompliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations or a DOT order.
Revises financial security requirements for brokers and freight forwarders.
Authorizes the Secretary to register a person as a broker or freight forwarder only if that person files with the Secretary a surety bond, proof of trust fund, or other financial security (or combination of them) to ensure financial responsibility of $100,000.
Prohibits certain persons, including certain ocean freight forwarders, customs brokers, or indirect air carriers holding an approved Standard Security Program from providing interstate brokerage services unless the person: (1) is registered and in compliance with federal broker registration requirements, and (2) has satisfied federal financial security requirements.
Authorizes an employer (or employee) to operate a commercial motor vehicle only if that employer is registered by the Secretary and receives a DOT number.
Requires the Secretary to administer a motor carrier safety assistance program to make grants to states to develop motor carrier safety improvement programs and enforce federal and state commercial motor vehicle safety and hazardous materials transportation safety regulations, standards, and orders.
Requires state plans to establish performance targets for enforcement activities and other benchmarks to reduce commercial motor vehicle fatalities and crashes.
Requires the Secretary to carry out a performance and registration information systems management program to link federal motor carrier safety information systems with state commercial vehicle registration and licensing systems.
Revises commercial motor vehicle driver safety fitness requirements.
Directs the Secretary to require a safety review of newly registered commercial motor vehicle owners or operators that: (1) transport hazardous materials (hazmat) within 9 months after the beginning of operations, and (2) transport passengers within 90 days after the beginning of operations.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine the safety fitness and assign a rating for each registered motorcoach owner and operator; and (2) establish a process for monitoring regularly the safety performance of each owner or operator following the assignment of a rating.
Revises medical examiner requirements.
Requires the Secretary to establish a national registry of medical examiners.
Requires a medical examiner to pass an examination developed by the Secretary in order to be listed in the national registry.
Directs the Secretary to issue safety standards for new motorcoaches with respect to: (1) occupant protection systems (including seatbelts) to protect against collisions and rollovers, (2) roof strength, (3) fire prevention and mitigation, and (4) emergency passenger evacuation.
Directs the Secretary to revise window glazing standards for new motorcoaches to prevent passenger ejection.
Directs the Secretary to establish a national clearinghouse for verified positive alcohol and controlled substance test results and test refusals or failures to comply with testing program requirements.
Prohibits an employer from hiring an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle or perform any other safety sensitive function unless the employer requests information from the clearinghouse that indicates, during the preceding three-year period, the individual: (1) did not violate testing program requirements; or (2) is eligible to return to safety sensitive duties, pursuant to an established return-to-duty process, after violating such requirements.
Prescribes new and revises current penalties for violations of certain commercial motor vehicle drug and alcohol prohibitions and specified other requirements.
Directs the Secretary to issue final regulations establishing minimum training requirements for commercial motor vehicle operators.
Requires states to request information from the CDL information system concerning a CDL applicant from the drug and alcohol clearinghouse before renewing or issuing a CDL.
Requires states to submit plans for complying with specified CDL program requirements to avoid the withholding of the state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds.
Requires states to have approved CDL program plans to receive a CDL program improvement grant.
Prohibits the Secretary from requiring individuals with class A CDLs to obtain a hazmat endorsement to operate a truck carrying diesel fuel of 1,000 gallons or less if: (1) the fuel tank is clearly marked with a placard reading "Diesel Fuel," and (2) the individual is acting within the scope of employment as an employee of certain farm-related service industries.
Directs the Secretary to establish accelerated licensing procedures to assist veterans to acquire CDLs.
Directs the Secretary to conduct a field study of the efficacy of FMCSA's 2011 restart rule (the 34-hours of service [HOS] restart rule) with respect to commercial motor vehicle operators subject to federal maximum driving time requirements.
Requires any regulations the Secretary issues regarding electronic logging devices to monitor compliance with HOS requirements to include specified performance standards.
Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to extend through FY2017 FMCSA's Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee.
Amends the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 to revise exemptions from federal maximum driving and on-duty time motor carrier regulations for drivers transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies during planting and harvest periods. Extends such exemptions to drivers transporting agricultural farm supplies between specified points within a 150-mile radius.
Extends these exemptions also to drivers transporting grapes: (1) during a harvest period, and (2) to an area within 175 air-miles radius from the location where the grapes are picked or distributed.
Exempts certain covered farm vehicles from commercial motor vehicle safety requirements relating to CDLs, drug testing, medical certificates, and HOS.
Requires the Comptroller General to study the impact of federal motor carrier safety regulations on small trucking companies.
Directs the Secretary to issue a rule to improve the daytime and nighttime visibility of agricultural equipment that may be operated on a public road.
Prohibits the transportation of horses in a motor vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of each other.
Authorizes appropriations for FY2013 and FY2016 for specified transportation research and education programs.
Replaces the Surface Transportation Research Program with the Surface Transportation Research, Development, and Technology Program.
Replaces the National Technology Deployment Program with the Research and Development Program.
Authorizes the Secretary to establish centers for surface transportation excellence.
Directs the Secretary to carry out a technology and innovation deployment program.
Revises the intelligent transportation system (ITS) program.
Directs the Secretary to carry out an ITS program to research and develop intelligent vehicles and intelligent infrastructure systems for application to U.S. surface transportation systems.
Repeals the national university transportation centers grant program, as well as grants to specified Tier II centers.
Extends the regional university transportation research center grant program through FY2013-FY2016.
Repeals or revises certain intercity passenger rail capital grant programs.
Amends the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to authorize appropriations for FY2012-FY2013 for National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) operations.
Prohibits Amtrak from using federal funds to hire or contract with any outside legal professional to pursue any cause of action in federal or state court against a passenger rail service provider, including any action against a provider arising from a competitive bid process in which Amtrak and the provider participated.
Allows Amtrak to provide food and beverage service on its trains only if the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) selects a qualified bidder whose bid would result in the lowest cost, or the greatest source of revenue, to Amtrak. (Under current law, Amtrak may provide such services on its trains only if revenues from the services each year at least equal the cost of providing them.) Authorizes the FRA to exempt Amtrak from such requirement if no qualified bidder responds to FRA requests for proposals.
Prescribes an environmental review process for freight or intercity passenger rail capital project development decisionmaking.
Authorizes the federal lead agency (DOT), at project sponsor request, to adopt and use a planning product (decisionmaking process) that integrates the planning and environmental review process of a rail project in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) proceedings.
Directs the Secretary to establish a program to eliminate duplicative state and federal environmental reviews and approvals of rail projects.
Directs the Secretary to treat a rail project as a class of action categorically excluded (because not involving significant environmental impact) from environmental review requirements promulgated by the Council on Environmental Quality, if specified circumstances apply.
Directs the Secretary to carry out a rail project delivery program.
Makes high-speed rail facilities eligible for railroad rehabilitation and improvement direct loans and loan guarantees.
Requires the Secretary to give priority to projects that enhance the installation of positive train control systems.
Revises the railroad safety risk reduction program.
Extends from December 31, 2015, to December 31, 2020, the deadline for submission to DOT by each Class I railroad carrier and each entity providing regularly scheduled intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation of a plan for implementing a positive train control system on certain of its tracks. Authorizes such plans, in lieu of installing positive train control, to provide an alternative risk reduction strategy that would reduce the risk of release of poison- or toxic-by-inhalation hazmat to the same extent such risk of release would be reduced if positive train control were installed.
Prescribes requirements for improving regulations issued by Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Hazardous Material Transportation Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability Act of 2012 - Revises hazmat transportation safety requirements.
Eliminates training grants for training instructors to train hazmat employees in the safe loading, unloading, handling, storing, and transporting of hazmat.
Directs the Secretary to review implementation of the hazmat safety permit program.
Authorizes the Secretary to make hazmat planning and training grants to states or Indian tribes in a fiscal year only if they certify that they are in compliance with certain fairness requirements for fees charged to transport hazmat.
Prohibits the Secretary from denying an application for a modification or renewal of a special permit granting a variance from regulations for the safe transport of hazmat, or an application for party status to an existing special permit, for the sole reason that the applicant has a greater than national average hazmat out-of-service percentage.
Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to implement the Uniform Motor Carrier Permit Program.
Authorizes a designated DOT officer, employee, or agent to inspect a package for transportation if the officer, employee, or agent reasonably believes that the package may contain an undeclared hazmat and the inspection takes place at a properly equipped DOT-designated facility.
Authorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 for specified hazmat transportation safety programs.
Directs the Secretary to establish pilot projects to evaluate the feasibility and cost effectiveness of electronic shipping paper systems.
Requires DOT studies: (1) of the transportation of flammable liquids in the external product piping of cargo tank motor vehicles (wetlines); and (2) on whether it is necessary to continue to designate any amount or form of finished pharmaceutical, finished cosmetic, or similar product containing ethyl alcohol as a hazmat.
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is not being used for its intended purpose, (2) the Administration should request full use of the Fund for operating and maintaining the nation's navigation system, and (3) Congress should fully expend amounts in the Fund to operate and maintain such system.
Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2012 - Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to continue through FY2016 the authorized distribution of funds under such Act for coastal wetlands, recreational boating safety, projects under the Clean Vessel Act of 19921, boating infrastructure projects, and the National Outreach and Communications Program.
Extends the set-aside for administrative expenses for carrying out such projects.
Earmarks amounts allocated to the Secretary for recreational boating safety programs for: (1) payment of expenses of the Coast Guard for personnel and related activities, and (2) National Boating Safety Advisory Council activities.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2016 authority for expenditures from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012 - Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II to continue through FY2012, and authorizes appropriations through that date for, specified federal-aid highway programs under SAFETEA-LU, the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Includes among extended funds those for: (1) the surface transportation research, development, and deployment program; (2) training and education; (3) the Bureau of Transportation Statistics; (4) university transportation research; and (5) intelligent transportation systems (ITS) research.
Subjects funding for such programs generally to the same manner of distribution, administration, limitation, and availability for obligation as funds authorized to be appropriated for such programs and activities out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for FY2011.
Subjects contract authority for such programs, however, to the same limitation on obligations included in any Act making appropriations for FY2012 or a portion of that fiscal year. Waives this obligation limitation, though, for emergency relief and for the equity bonus program.
Extends the allocation of certain transportation program funds to: (1) states for specific programs, including the Interstate and National Highway System program, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program, the highway safety improvement program, the Surface Transportation program, and the Highway Bridge program; and (2) the territories and Puerto Rico.
Authorizes appropriations for administrative expenses of the federal-aid highway program through FY2012.
Amends SAFETEA-LU to extend through that date the authorization of appropriations for specified NHTSA safety programs and FMCSA programs (including NHTSA and FMCSA administrative expenses).
Extends through FY2012 the funding for hazmat research projects.
Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to continue through that date the authorized distribution of funds under such Act for coastal wetlands, recreational boating safety, projects under the Clean Vessel Act of 19921, boating infrastructure projects, and the National Outreach and Communications Program.
Extends the set-aside for administrative expenses for carrying out such projects.
Extends through FY2012 the allocation of capital investment grant funds for federal transit programs, including the metropolitan planning program and the state planning and research program.
Extends the special rule authority of the Secretary to award urbanized area formula grants to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation in an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000.
Allocates through FY2012 certain amounts for formula and bus grants and capital investment grants for: (1) certain new fixed guideway capital projects; (2) new fixed guideway ferry systems and extension projects in Alaska and Hawaii; (3) payments to the Denali Commission for docks, waterfront development projects, and related transportation infrastructure; (4) ferry boats or ferry terminal facilities; (5) a set-aside for the national fuel cell bus technology development program; (6) projects in nonurbanized areas; (7) intermodal terminal projects; and (8) bus testing.
Extends the apportionment of nonurbanized area formula grants for public transportation on Indian reservations.
Eliminates the special rule for the apportionment for October 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012, of capital investment grant funds for certain fixed guideway modernization projects.
Extends through FY2012 the authorization appropriations from the HTF Mass Transit Account for: (1) formula and bus grant projects, (2) capital investment grants, (3) transit research, and (4) administration expenses.
Extends through FY2012 certain SAFETEA-LU programs, including: (1) the contracted paratransit pilot program, (2) the public-private partnership pilot program, (3) project authorizations for final design and construction and preliminary engineering of specified fixed guideway projects, and (4) the elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities pilot program.
Extends certain allocations for national research and technology programs.
[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7 Introduced in House (IH)]
112th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7
To authorize funds for Federal-aid highway, public transportation, and
highway and motor carrier safety programs, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 31, 2012
Mr. Mica (for himself and Mr. Duncan of Tennessee) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To authorize funds for Federal-aid highway, public transportation, and
highway and motor carrier safety programs, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``American Energy
and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012''.
(b) Table of Contents.--
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. General definitions.
Sec. 3. Effective date.
TITLE I--FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS
Sec. 1001. Amendments to title 23, United States Code.
Subtitle A--Authorization of Programs
Sec. 1101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 1102. Highway obligation ceiling.
Sec. 1103. Alternative Transportation Account obligation ceiling.
Sec. 1104. Apportionment.
Sec. 1105. Federal-aid systems.
Sec. 1106. National Highway System program.
Sec. 1107. Surface transportation program.
Sec. 1108. Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program.
Sec. 1109. Equity bonus program.
Sec. 1110. Project approval and oversight.
Sec. 1111. Emergency relief.
Sec. 1112. Uniform transferability of Federal-aid highway funds.
Sec. 1113. Ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities.
Sec. 1114. National highway bridge and tunnel inventory and inspection
program.
Sec. 1115. Minimum investment in highway bridges.
Sec. 1116. Minimum penalties for repeat offenders for driving while
intoxicated or driving under the influence.
Sec. 1117. Puerto Rico highway program.
Sec. 1118. Appalachian development highway system.
Sec. 1119. References to Mass Transit Account.
Subtitle B--Innovative Financing
Sec. 1201. Transportation infrastructure finance and innovation.
Sec. 1202. State infrastructure bank program.
Sec. 1203. State infrastructure bank capitalization.
Sec. 1204. Tolling.
Sec. 1205. HOV facilities.
Sec. 1206. Public-private partnerships.
Subtitle C--Highway Safety
Sec. 1301. Highway safety improvement program.
Sec. 1302. Railway-highway crossings.
Sec. 1303. Highway worker safety.
Subtitle D--Freight Mobility
Sec. 1401. National freight policy.
Sec. 1402. State freight advisory committees.
Sec. 1403. State freight plans.
Sec. 1404. Trucking productivity.
Subtitle E--Federal Lands and Tribal Transportation
Sec. 1501. Federal lands and tribal transportation programs.
Sec. 1502. Definitions.
Sec. 1503. Conforming amendments.
Sec. 1504. Repeals; effective date.
Sec. 1505. Clerical amendment.
Subtitle F--Program Elimination and Consolidation
Sec. 1601. Program elimination and consolidation.
Subtitle G--Miscellaneous
Sec. 1701. Transportation enhancement activity defined.
Sec. 1702. Pavement markings.
Sec. 1703. Rest areas.
Sec. 1704. Justification reports for access points on the Interstate
System.
Sec. 1705. Patented or proprietary items.
Sec. 1706. Preventive maintenance.
Sec. 1707. Mapping.
Sec. 1708. Funding flexibility for transportation emergencies.
Sec. 1709. Budget justification.
Sec. 1710. Extension of over-the-road bus and public transit vehicle
exemption from axle weight restrictions.
Sec. 1711. Repeal of requirement for Interstate System designation.
Sec. 1712. Retroreflectivity.
Sec. 1713. Engineering judgment.
Sec. 1714. Evacuation routes.
Sec. 1715. Truck parking.
Sec. 1716. Use of certain administrative expenses.
Sec. 1717. Transportation training and employment programs.
Sec. 1717A. Engineering and design services.
Sec. 1718. Notice of certain grant awards.
TITLE II--PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Sec. 2001. Short title; amendments to title 49, United States Code.
Sec. 2002. Definitions.
Sec. 2003. Planning programs.
Sec. 2004. Private enterprise participation.
Sec. 2005. Urbanized area formula grants.
Sec. 2006. Capital investment grants.
Sec. 2007. Bus and bus facilities formula grants.
Sec. 2008. Rural area formula grants.
Sec. 2009. Transit research.
Sec. 2010. Coordinated access and mobility program formula grants.
Sec. 2011. Training and technical assistance programs.
Sec. 2012. General provisions.
Sec. 2013. Contract requirements.
Sec. 2014. Private sector participation.
Sec. 2015. Project management oversight.
Sec. 2016. State safety oversight.
Sec. 2017. Apportionment of appropriations for formula grants.
Sec. 2018. Fixed guideway modernization formula grants.
Sec. 2019. Authorizations.
Sec. 2020. Obligation limits.
Sec. 2021. Program elimination and consolidation.
TITLE III--ENVIRONMENTAL STREAMLINING
Sec. 3001. Amendments to title 23, United States Code.
Sec. 3002. Declaration of policy.
Sec. 3003. Expedited permits.
Sec. 3004. Exemption in emergencies.
Sec. 3005. Advance acquisition of real property interests.
Sec. 3006. Standards.
Sec. 3007. Letting of contracts.
Sec. 3008. Elimination of duplication in historic preservation
requirements.
Sec. 3009. Funding threshold.
Sec. 3010. Efficient environmental reviews for project decisionmaking.
Sec. 3011. Disposal of historic properties.
Sec. 3012. Integration of planning and environmental review.
Sec. 3013. Development of programmatic mitigation plans.
Sec. 3014. State assumption of responsibility for categorical
exclusions.
Sec. 3015. Surface transportation project delivery program.
Sec. 3016. Program for eliminating duplication of environmental
reviews.
Sec. 3017. State performance of legal sufficiency reviews.
Sec. 3018. Categorical exclusions.
Sec. 3019. Environmental review process deadline.
Sec. 3020. Relocation assistance.
TITLE IV--TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
Sec. 4001. Transportation planning.
Sec. 4002. Special rules for small metropolitan planning organizations.
Sec. 4003. Financial plans.
Sec. 4004. Plan update.
Sec. 4005. State planning and research funding for title 23.
Sec. 4006. National Academy of Sciences study.
Sec. 4007. Congestion relief.
TITLE V--HIGHWAY SAFETY
Sec. 5001. Amendments to title 23, United States Code.
Sec. 5002. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 5003. Highway safety programs.
Sec. 5004. Use of certain funds made available for administrative
expenses.
Sec. 5005. Repeal of programs.
Sec. 5006. Discovery and admission as evidence of certain reports and
surveys.
Sec. 5007. Prohibition on funds to check helmet usage or create
checkpoints for a motorcycle driver or
passenger.
Sec. 5008. National Driver Register.
TITLE VI--COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY
Sec. 6001. Short title.
Sec. 6002. Amendments to title 49, United States Code.
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
Sec. 6101. Motor carrier safety grants.
Sec. 6102. Grant programs.
Subtitle B--Registration
Sec. 6201. Registration requirements.
Sec. 6202. Motor carrier registration.
Sec. 6203. Registration of freight forwarders and brokers.
Sec. 6204. Effective periods of registration.
Sec. 6205. Reincarnated carriers.
Sec. 6206. Financial security of brokers and freight forwarders.
Sec. 6207. Registration fee system.
Sec. 6208. Unlawful brokerage activities.
Sec. 6209. Requirement for registration and USDOT number.
Subtitle C--Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety
Sec. 6301. Motor carrier safety assistance program.
Sec. 6302. Performance and registration information systems management
program.
Sec. 6303. Commercial vehicle information systems and networks
deployment grants.
Sec. 6304. Commercial motor vehicle safety inspection programs.
Sec. 6305. Amendments to safety fitness determination.
Sec. 6306. New entrant carriers.
Sec. 6307. Improved oversight of motor carriers of passengers.
Sec. 6308. Driver medical qualifications.
Sec. 6309. Commercial motor vehicle safety standards.
Sec. 6310. Crash avoidance technology.
Sec. 6311. Expansion of collision mitigation study.
Subtitle D--Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators
Sec. 6401. National clearinghouse for records relating to alcohol and
controlled substances testing of commercial
motor vehicle operators.
Sec. 6402. Commercial motor vehicle operator training.
Sec. 6403. Commercial driver's license program.
Sec. 6404. Commercial driver's license passenger endorsement
requirements.
Sec. 6405. Commercial driver's license hazardous materials endorsement
exemption.
Sec. 6406. Program to assist veterans to acquire commercial driver's
licenses.
Subtitle E--Motor Carrier Safety
Sec. 6501. Motor carrier transportation.
Sec. 6502. Hours of service study.
Sec. 6503. Electronic logging devices.
Sec. 6504. Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee.
Sec. 6505. Transportation of agricultural commodities and farm
supplies.
Sec. 6506. Exemption relating to transportation of grapes during
harvest periods.
Subtitle F--Miscellaneous
Sec. 6601. Exemptions from requirements for certain farm vehicles.
Sec. 6602. Technical correction.
Sec. 6603. Study of impact of regulations on small trucking companies.
Sec. 6604. Report on small trucking companies.
Sec. 6605. Rulemaking on road visibility of agricultural equipment.
Sec. 6606. Transportation of horses.
Sec. 6607. Regulatory review and revision.
Sec. 6608. Issuance of safety regulations.
Sec. 6609. Repeals.
TITLE VII--RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
Sec. 7001. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 7002. Obligation ceiling.
Sec. 7003. Definitions.
Sec. 7004. Surface transportation research, development, and
technology.
Sec. 7005. Research and development.
Sec. 7006. Technology and innovation deployment program.
Sec. 7007. Training and education.
Sec. 7008. State planning and research.
Sec. 7009. International highway transportation outreach program.
Sec. 7010. Surface transportation-environmental cooperative research
program.
Sec. 7011. Transportation research and development strategic planning.
Sec. 7012. National cooperative freight transportation research
program.
Sec. 7013. Future strategic highway research program.
Sec. 7014. National intelligent transportation systems program plan.
Sec. 7015. Use of funds for intelligent transportation systems
activities.
Sec. 7016. Intelligent transportation systems program goals and
purposes.
Sec. 7017. Intelligent transportation systems program general
authorities and requirements.
Sec. 7018. Intelligent transportation systems research and development.
Sec. 7019. Intelligent transportation systems national architecture and
standards.
Sec. 7020. National university transportation centers.
Sec. 7021. University transportation research.
Sec. 7022. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Sec. 7023. Administrative authority.
Sec. 7024. Technical and conforming amendments.
TITLE VIII--RAILROADS
Subtitle A--Repeals and Reforms of Intercity Passenger Rail Capital
Grant Programs
Sec. 8001. Capital grants for Class II and Class III railroads.
Sec. 8002. Congestion grants.
Sec. 8003. Intercity passenger rail capital grants to States.
Subtitle B--Amtrak Reforms
Sec. 8101. Authorization for Amtrak operating expenses.
Sec. 8102. Limitations on Amtrak authority.
Sec. 8103. Applicability of laws.
Sec. 8104. Inspector General of Amtrak.
Sec. 8105. Amtrak management accountability.
Sec. 8106. Amtrak food and beverage service.
Subtitle C--Project Development and Review
Sec. 8201. Project development and review.
Subtitle D--Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing
Sec. 8301. Railroad rehabilitation and improvement financing.
Subtitle E--Positive Train Control
Sec. 8401. Positive train control.
Subtitle F--Regulatory Reform
Sec. 8501. Federal Railroad Administration regulations.
Subtitle G--Technical Corrections
Sec. 8601. Miscellaneous corrections, revisions, and repeals.
TITLE IX--HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TRANSPORTATION
Sec. 9001. Short title.
Sec. 9002. Amendment of title 49, United States Code.
Sec. 9003. Findings.
Sec. 9004. Purposes.
Sec. 9005. Definitions.
Sec. 9006. General regulatory authority.
Sec. 9007. Inspections of motor vehicles transporting radioactive
material.
Sec. 9008. Hazmat employee training requirements and grants.
Sec. 9009. Fees.
Sec. 9010. Motor carrier safety permits.
Sec. 9011. Planning and training grants, monitoring, and review.
Sec. 9012. Special permits and exclusions.
Sec. 9013. Hazardous material uniform motor carrier permit program.
Sec. 9014. International uniformity of standards and requirements.
Sec. 9015. Investigations.
Sec. 9016. Building partnerships for improved safety and system
performance.
Sec. 9017. Safety reporting.
Sec. 9018. Civil penalties.
Sec. 9019. Preemption.
Sec. 9020. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 9021. Electronic shipping papers pilot program.
Sec. 9022. Wetlines.
Sec. 9023. Product study.
TITLE X--WATERBORNE TRANSPORTATION
Sec. 10001. Sense of Congress on harbor maintenance.
TITLE XI--REAUTHORIZATION AND AMENDMENTS TO THE SPORT FISH RESTORATION
AND BOATING TRUST FUND
Sec. 11001. Short title.
Sec. 11002. Reauthorization and amendments to the Sport Fish
Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.
TITLE XII--EXTENSION OF SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS
Sec. 12001. Short title; effective date.
Subtitle A--Federal-Aid Highways
Sec. 12101. Extension of Federal-aid highway programs.
Subtitle B--Extension of Highway Safety Programs
Sec. 12201. Extension of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
highway safety programs.
Sec. 12202. Extension of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
programs.
Sec. 12203. Additional programs.
Subtitle C--Public Transportation Programs
Sec. 12301. Allocation of funds for planning programs.
Sec. 12302. Special rule for urbanized area formula grants.
Sec. 12303. Allocating amounts for capital investment grants.
Sec. 12304. Apportionment of formula grants for other than urbanized
areas.
Sec. 12305. Apportionment based on fixed guideway factors.
Sec. 12306. Authorizations for public transportation.
Sec. 12307. Amendments to SAFETEA-LU.
SEC. 2. GENERAL 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.
SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, titles I through VII of
this Act, including the amendments made by those titles, shall take
effect on October 1, 2012.
TITLE I--FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS
SEC. 1001. AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 23, 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 23,
United States Code.
Subtitle A--Authorization of Programs
SEC. 1101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Highway Trust Fund.--The following sums are authorized to be
appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Alternative
Transportation Account):
(1) National highway system program.--For the National
Highway System program under section 119 of title 23, United
States Code--
(A) $17,400,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(B) $17,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(C) $17,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
(D) $17,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.
(2) Surface transportation program.--For the surface
transportation program under section 133 of title 23, United
States Code--
(A) $10,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(B) $10,550,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(C) $10,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
(D) $10,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.
(3) Highway safety improvement program.--For the highway
safety improvement program under section 148 of title 23,
United States Code--
(A) $2,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(B) $2,605,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(C) $2,610,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
(D) $2,630,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.
(4) Tribal transportation program.--For the tribal
transportation program under section 202 of title 23, United
States Code, $465,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through
2016.
(5) Federal lands transportation program.--For the Federal
lands transportation program under section 203 of title 23,
United States Code, $535,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016.
(6) Recreational trails program.--For the recreational
trails program under section 206 of title 23, United States
Code, $85,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(7) Appalachian development highway system program.--For
the Appalachian development highway system program under
section 14501 of title 40, United States Code, $470,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(b) Alternative Transportation Account.--The following sums are
authorized to be appropriated out of the Alternative Transportation
Account of the Highway Trust Fund:
(1) Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement
program.--For the congestion mitigation and air quality
improvement program under section 149 of title 23, United
States Code, $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016.
(2) Ferry boat and ferry terminal facilities program.--For
the ferry boat and ferry terminal facilities program under
section 147 of title 23, United States Code, $67,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(3) Puerto rico highway program.--For the Puerto Rico
highway program under section 165 of title 23, United States
Code, $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(4) Territorial highway program.--For the territorial
highway program under section 215 of title 23, United States
Code, $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(c) 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'' means--
(i) women; and
(ii) any other socially and economically
disadvantaged individuals (as the term is used
in section 8(d) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 637(d)) and relevant subcontracting
regulations promulgated pursuant to that Act).
(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 I, II, and VII of this Act and section 403(a) 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 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 I, II, and VII of
this Act and section 403(a) 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.
SEC. 1102. HIGHWAY OBLIGATION CEILING.
(a) General Limitation.--Subject to subsection (f), and
notwithstanding any other provision of law, the obligations for
Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs authorized
from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Alternative Transportation
Account) shall not exceed--
(1) $37,366,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(2) $37,621,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(3) $37,676,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
(4) $38,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.
(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
(Public Law 97-134; 95 Stat. 1701);
(4) subsections (b) and (j) of section 131 of the Surface
Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (Public Law 97-424; 96
Stat. 2119);
(5) subsections (b) and (c) of section 149 of the Surface
Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987
(Public Law 100-17; 101 Stat. 198);
(6) sections 1103 through 1108 of the Intermodal Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-240; 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 (Public Law 105-178; 112 Stat. 107) or
subsequent public laws for multiple years or to remain
available until used, but only to the extent that the
obligation authority has not lapsed or been used;
(10) section 105 of title 23, United States Code (as in
effect for fiscal years 2005 through 2012, but only in an
amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of those fiscal years);
(11) section 1603 of SAFETEA-LU (Public Law 109-59; 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 105 of title 23, United States Code (as in
effect for fiscal years 2013 through 2016, but only in an
amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of such fiscal years).
(c) Distribution of Obligation Authority.--For each of fiscal years
2013 through 2016, the Secretary--
(1) shall not distribute obligation authority provided by
subsection (a) for the fiscal year for amounts authorized for
administrative expenses and programs by section 104(a) of title
23, United States Code;
(2) shall not distribute an amount of obligation authority
provided by subsection (a) that is equal to the unobligated
balance of amounts made available for Federal-aid highway and
highway safety construction programs for previous fiscal years
the funds for which are allocated by the Secretary;
(3) shall determine the ratio 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); bears to
(B) the total of the sums authorized to be
appropriated for 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 105 of title
23, United States Code, equal to the amount referred to
in subsection (b)(12) for the fiscal year), less the
aggregate of amounts not distributed under paragraphs
(1) and (2);
(4)(A) shall distribute the obligation authority provided
by subsection (a) less the aggregate of amounts not distributed
under paragraphs (1) and (2), for section 14501 of title 40,
United States Code, so that the amount of obligation authority
available for that section is equal to the amount determined by
multiplying--
(i) the ratio determined under paragraph (3); by
(ii) the sums authorized to be appropriated for
that section for the fiscal year; and
(B) shall distribute $2,000,000,000 for section 105 of
title 23, United States Code;
(5) shall distribute among the States 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 each of the
programs that are allocated by the Secretary under this Act and
title 23, United States Code (other than to programs to which
paragraph (1) applies), by multiplying--
(A) the ratio determined under paragraph (3); by
(B) the amounts authorized to be appropriated for
each such program for the fiscal year; and
(6) shall distribute the obligation authority provided by
subsection (a), less the aggregate of amounts not distributed
under paragraphs (1) and (2) and the aggregate of amounts
distributed under paragraphs (4) and (5), for Federal-aid
highway and highway safety construction programs (other than
the amounts apportioned for the equity bonus program, but only
to the extent that the amounts apportioned for the equity bonus
program for the fiscal year are greater than $2,639,000,000,
and the Appalachian development highway system program) that
are apportioned by the Secretary under this Act and title 23,
United States Code, in the ratio that--
(A) amounts authorized to be appropriated for the
programs that are apportioned to each State for the
fiscal year; bear to
(B) the total of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated for the programs that are apportioned 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 2013 through 2016--
(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 section
104 of title 23, United States Code, and section 144 of such
title (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of
this Act).
(e) 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 2013 through 2016, the Secretary shall
distribute to the States any funds 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, and will not be available for
obligation, in the fiscal year due to the imposition of
any obligation limitation for the fiscal year.
(2) Ratio.--Funds shall be distributed under paragraph (1)
in the same ratio as the distribution of obligation authority
under subsection (c)(6).
(3) Availability.--Funds distributed under paragraph (1)
shall be available for any purpose described in section 133(b)
of title 23, United States Code.
(f) Special Limitation Characteristics.--Obligation authority
distributed for a fiscal year under subsection (c)(4) for the provision
specified in subsection (c)(4) shall--
(1) remain available until used for obligation of funds for
that provision; and
(2) 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.
SEC. 1103. ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION ACCOUNT OBLIGATION CEILING.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
total of all obligations from amounts made available from the
Alternative Transportation Account of the Highway Trust Fund for the
programs for which sums are authorized to be appropriated under
sections 1101(b) and 7101 of this Act shall not exceed $2,707,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(b) Availability of Funds.--Section 118(a) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Mass Transit Account'' and inserting
``Alternative Transportation Account''; and
(2) by inserting ``, and amounts made available from the
Alternative Transportation Account to carry out the congestion
mitigation and air quality improvement program under section
149, the ferry boat and ferry terminal facilities program under
section 147, the Puerto Rico highway program under section 165,
and the territorial highway program under section 215,'' before
``shall be available''.
SEC. 1104. APPORTIONMENT.
Section 104 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 104. Apportionment
``(a) Administrative Expenses.--
``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated
from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Alternative
Transportation Account) to be made available to the Secretary
for administrative expenses of the Federal Highway
Administration $400,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016.
``(2) Purposes.--The funds made available under paragraph
(1) shall be used--
``(A) to administer the provisions of law to be
financed from appropriations for the Federal-aid
highway program and programs authorized under chapter
2; and
``(B) to make transfers of such sums as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate to the
Appalachian Regional Commission for administrative
activities associated with the Appalachian development
highway system.
``(3) Availability.--Funds made available under paragraph
(1) shall remain available until expended.
``(b) Apportionments.--On October 1 of each fiscal year, the
Secretary, after making the set-asides authorized by subsection (f),
subsections (b) and (c) of section 140, and section 130(e), shall
apportion the remainder of the sums authorized to be appropriated for
expenditure on the National Highway System program, the congestion
mitigation and air quality improvement program, the surface
transportation program, and the highway safety improvement program
among the several States in the following manner:
``(1) National highway system program.--
``(A) In general.--For the National Highway System
program, in accordance with the following formula:
``(i) 15 percent of the apportionments in
the ratio that--
``(I) the total lane miles of
principal arterial routes (excluding
Interstate System routes) in each
State; bears to
``(II) the total lane miles of
principal arterial routes (excluding
Interstate System routes) in all
States.
``(ii) 15 percent of the apportionments in
the ratio that--
``(I) the total vehicle miles
traveled on lanes on principal arterial
routes (excluding Interstate System
routes) in each State; bears to
``(II) the total vehicle miles
traveled on lanes on principal arterial
routes (excluding Interstate System
routes) in all States.
``(iii) 5 percent of the apportionments in
the ratio that--
``(I) the quotient obtained by
dividing the total lane miles on
principal arterial highways in each
State by the total population of the
State; bears to
``(II) the quotient obtained by
dividing the total lane miles on
principal arterial highways in all
States by the total population of all
States.
``(iv) 15 percent of the apportionments in
the ratio that--
``(I) the total lane miles on
Interstate System routes open to
traffic in each State; bears to
``(II) the total lane miles on
Interstate System routes open to
traffic in all States.
``(v) 15 percent of the apportionments in
the ratio that--
``(I) the total vehicle miles
traveled on Interstate System routes
open to traffic in each State; bears to
``(II) the total vehicle miles
traveled on Interstate System routes
open to traffic in all States.
``(vi) 35 percent of the apportionments in
the ratio that--
``(I) the total of the annual
contributions to the Highway Trust Fund
(other than the Alternative
Transportation Account) attributable to
commercial vehicles in each State;
bears to
``(II) the total of the annual
contributions to the Highway Trust Fund
(other than the Alternative
Transportation Account) attributable to
commercial vehicles in all States.
``(B) Minimum apportionment.--Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A), each State shall receive a minimum of
\1/2\ of 1 percent of the funds apportioned for a
fiscal year under this paragraph.
``(2) Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement
program.--
``(A) In general.--For the congestion mitigation
and air quality improvement program, in the ratio
that--
``(i) the total of all weighted
nonattainment and maintenance area populations
in each State; bears to
``(ii) the total of all weighted
nonattainment and maintenance area populations
in all States.
``(B) Calculation of weighted nonattainment and
maintenance area population.--Subject to subparagraph
(C), for the purpose of subparagraph (A), the weighted
nonattainment and maintenance area population shall be
calculated by multiplying the population of each area
in a State that was a nonattainment area or maintenance
area as described in section 149(b) for ozone or carbon
monoxide by a factor of--
``(i) 1.0 if, at the time of the
apportionment, the area is a maintenance area;
``(ii) 1.0 if, at the time of the
apportionment, the area is classified as a
marginal ozone nonattainment area under subpart
2 of part D of title I of the Clean Air Act (42
U.S.C. 7511 et seq.);
``(iii) 1.1 if, at the time of the
apportionment, the area is classified as a
moderate ozone nonattainment area under such
subpart;
``(iv) 1.2 if, at the time of the
apportionment, the area is classified as a
serious ozone nonattainment area under such
subpart;
``(v) 1.3 if, at the time of the
apportionment, the area is classified as a
severe ozone nonattainment area under such
subpart;
``(vi) 1.4 if, at the time of the
apportionment, the area is classified as an
extreme ozone nonattainment area under such
subpart;
``(vii) 1.0 if, at the time of the
apportionment, the area is not a nonattainment
or maintenance area as described in section
149(b) for ozone, but is classified under
subpart 3 of part D of title I of such Act (42
U.S.C. 7512 et seq.) as a nonattainment area
described in section 149(b) for carbon
monoxide; or
``(viii) 1.0 if, at the time of the
apportionment, an area is designated as
nonattainment for ozone under subpart 1 of part
D of title I of such Act (42 U.S.C. 7501 et
seq.).
``(C) Additional adjustment for carbon monoxide
areas.--If, in addition to being designated as a
nonattainment or maintenance area for ozone as
described in section 149(b), any county within the area
was also classified under subpart 3 of part D of title
I of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7512 et seq.) as a
nonattainment or maintenance area described in section
149(b) for carbon monoxide, the weighted nonattainment
or maintenance area population of the county, as
determined under clauses (i) through (vi) or clause
(viii) of subparagraph (B), shall be further multiplied
by a factor of 1.2.
``(D) Minimum apportionment.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of this paragraph, each State shall
receive a minimum of \1/2\ of 1 percent of the funds
apportioned for a fiscal year under this paragraph.
``(E) Determinations of population.--In determining
population figures for the purposes of this paragraph,
the Secretary shall use the latest available annual
estimates prepared by the Secretary of Commerce.
``(3) Surface transportation program.--
``(A) In general.--For the surface transportation
program, in accordance with the following formula:
``(i) 15 percent of the apportionments in
the ratio that--
``(I) the total lane miles of
Federal-aid highways in each State;
bears to
``(II) the total lane miles of
Federal-aid highways in all States.
``(ii) 25 percent of the apportionments in
the ratio that--
``(I) the total vehicle miles
traveled on lanes on Federal-aid
highways in each State; bears to
``(II) the total vehicle miles
traveled on lanes on Federal-aid
highways in all States.
``(iii) 25 percent of the apportionments in
the ratio that--
``(I) the estimated tax payments
attributable to highway users in each
State paid into the Highway Trust Fund
(other than the Alternative
Transportation Account) in the latest
fiscal year for which data are
available; bears to
``(II) the estimated tax payments
attributable to highway users in all
States paid into the Highway Trust Fund
(other than the Alternative
Transportation Account) in the latest
fiscal year for which data are
available.
``(iv) 35 percent of the apportionments in
the ratio that--
``(I) the bridge replacement and
rehabilitation costs in each State (as
determined under subsection (c)(4));
bears to
``(II) the bridge replacement and
rehabilitation costs in all States (as
determined under subsection (c)(5)).
``(B) Minimum apportionment.--Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A), each State shall receive a minimum of
\1/2\ of 1 percent of the funds apportioned for a
fiscal year under this paragraph.
``[(4) Repealed.]
``(5) Highway safety improvement program.--
``(A) In general.--For the highway safety
improvement program, in accordance with the following
formula:
``(i) 33\1/3\ percent of the apportionments
in the ratio that--
``(I) the total lane miles of
Federal-aid highways in each State;
bears to
``(II) the total lane miles of
Federal-aid highways in all States.
``(ii) 33\1/3\ percent of the
apportionments in the ratio that--
``(I) the total vehicle miles
traveled on lanes on Federal-aid
highways in each State; bears to
``(II) the total vehicle miles
traveled on lanes on Federal-aid
highways in all States.
``(iii) 33\1/3\ percent of the
apportionments in the ratio that--
``(I) the number of fatalities on
Federal-aid highways in each State in
the latest fiscal year for which data
are available; bears to
``(II) the number of fatalities on
Federal-aid highways in all States in
the latest fiscal year for which data
are available.
``(B) Minimum apportionment.--Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A), each State shall receive a minimum of
\1/2\ of 1 percent of the funds apportioned for a
fiscal year under this paragraph.
``(c) Bridge Calculation.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary
shall determine the bridge replacement and rehabilitation costs as
follows:
``(1) The Secretary shall identify deficient highway
bridges in each State.
``(2) The Secretary shall place each deficient highway
bridge into one of the following categories:
``(A) Federal-aid highway bridges eligible for
replacement.
``(B) Federal-aid highway bridges eligible for
rehabilitation.
``(C) Bridges not on Federal-aid highways eligible
for replacement.
``(D) Bridges not on Federal-aid highways eligible
for rehabilitation.
``(3) The Secretary shall determine--
``(A) the deck area of deficient highway bridges in
each category described in paragraph (2); and
``(B) the respective unit price of such deck area
on a State-by-State basis.
``(4) The Secretary shall determine the bridge replacement
and rehabilitation costs for each State by multiplying the deck
area of deficient bridges in the State by the respective unit
price.
``(5) The Secretary shall determine the bridge replacement
and rehabilitation costs for all States by multiplying the deck
area of deficient bridges in all States by the respective unit
price.
``(d) Certification of Apportionments.--
``(1) In general.--On October 1 of each fiscal year, the
Secretary shall certify to each of the State transportation
departments the sums which the Secretary has apportioned under
this section to each State for such fiscal year. To permit the
States to develop adequate plans for the utilization of
apportioned sums, the Secretary shall advise each State of the
amount that will be apportioned each year under this section
not later than 90 days before the beginning of the fiscal year
for which the sums to be apportioned are authorized.
``(2) Notice to states.--If the Secretary has not made an
apportionment under this section or section 105 by the 21st day
of a fiscal year beginning after September 30, 2012, the
Secretary shall transmit, by such 21st day, to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public
Works of the Senate a written statement of the reason for not
making such apportionment in a timely manner.
``(e) Audits of Highway Trust Fund.--From administrative funds made
available under subsection (a), the Secretary may reimburse the Office
of Inspector General of the Department of Transportation for the
conduct of annual audits of financial statements in accordance with
section 3521 of title 31.
``(f) Metropolitan Planning.--
``(1) Set aside.--On October 1 of each fiscal year, the
Secretary shall set aside 1.15 percent of the funds authorized
to be appropriated for the National Highway System program and
surface transportation program authorized under this title to
carry out the requirements of section 5203 of title 49.
``(2) Apportionment to states of set-aside funds.--Funds
set aside under paragraph (1) shall be apportioned to the
States in the ratio which the population in urbanized areas, or
parts thereof, in each State bears to the total population in
such urbanized areas in all the States as shown by the latest
available census, except that no State shall receive less than
\1/2\ of 1 percent of the amount apportioned.
``(3) Use of funds.--
``(A) In general.--The funds apportioned to any
State under paragraph (2) shall be made available by
the State to the metropolitan planning organizations
responsible for carrying out the provisions of section
5203 of title 49, except that States receiving the
minimum apportionment under paragraph (2) may, in
addition, subject to the approval of the Secretary, use
the funds apportioned to finance transportation
planning outside of urbanized areas.
``(B) Unused funds.--Any funds that are not used to
carry out section 5203 of title 49 may be made
available by a metropolitan planning organization to
the State to fund activities under section 5204 of such
title.
``(4) Distribution of funds within states.--
``(A) In general.--The distribution within any
State of the planning funds made available to agencies
under paragraph (3) shall be in accordance with a
formula developed by each State and approved by the
Secretary that shall consider, but not necessarily be
limited to, population, status of planning, attainment
of air quality standards, metropolitan area
transportation needs, and other factors necessary to
provide for an appropriate distribution of funds to
carry out the requirements of section 5203 of title 49
and other applicable requirements of Federal law.
``(B) Reimbursement.--Not later than 30 days after
the date of receipt by a State of a request for
reimbursement of expenditures made by a metropolitan
planning organization for carrying out section 5203 of
title 49, the State shall reimburse, from funds
distributed under this paragraph to the metropolitan
planning organization by the State, the metropolitan
planning organization for those expenditures.
``(5) Determination of population figures.--For the
purposes of determining population figures under this
subsection, the Secretary shall use the most recent estimate
published by the Secretary of Commerce.
``(g) Report to Congress.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress, and also make available to the public in a
user-friendly format via the Internet, a report on--
``(1) the amount obligated, by each State, for Federal-aid
highways and highway safety construction programs during the
preceding fiscal year;
``(2) the balance, as of the last day of the preceding
fiscal year, of the unobligated apportionment of each State by
fiscal year under this section and section 105;
``(3) the balance of unobligated sums available for
expenditure at the discretion of the Secretary for such
highways and programs for the fiscal year; and
``(4) the rates of obligation of funds apportioned or set
aside under this section and sections 105 and 133, according
to--
``(A) program;
``(B) funding category or subcategory;
``(C) type of improvement;
``(D) State; and
``(E) sub-State geographic area, including
urbanized and rural areas, on the basis of the
population of each such area.
``(h) Transfer of Highway and Transit Funds.--
``(1) Transfer of highway funds for transit projects.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
funds made available under this title for transit
projects or transportation planning may be transferred
to and administered by the Secretary in accordance with
chapter 53 of title 49.
``(B) Non-federal share.--The provisions of this
title relating to the non-Federal share shall apply to
the funds transferred under subparagraph (A).
``(2) Transfer of transit funds for highway projects.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
funds made available under chapter 53 of title 49 for
highway projects or transportation planning may be
transferred to and administered by the Secretary in
accordance with this title.
``(B) Non-federal share.--The provisions of chapter
53 of title 49 relating to the non-Federal share shall
apply to funds transferred under subparagraph (A).
``(3) Transfer of funds among states or to federal highway
administration.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) and
(C), the Secretary, at the request of a State, may
transfer funds apportioned or allocated under this
title to the State to another State, or to the Federal
Highway Administration, for the purpose of funding one
or more projects that are eligible for assistance with
funds so apportioned or allocated.
``(B) Apportionment.--A transfer under subparagraph
(A) shall have no effect on any apportionment of funds
to a State under this section or section 105.
``(C) Surface transportation program.--Funds that
are apportioned or allocated to a State under
subsection (b)(3) and attributed to an urbanized area
of a State with a population of over 200,000
individuals under section 133(d)(3) may be transferred
under this paragraph only if the metropolitan planning
organization designated for the area concurs, in
writing, with the transfer request.
``(4) Transfer of obligation authority.--Obligation
authority for funds transferred under this subsection shall be
transferred in the same manner and amount as the funds for the
projects that are transferred under this subsection.
``(i) Recreational Trails Program.--
``(1) Administrative costs.--Before apportioning sums
authorized to be appropriated to carry out the recreational
trails program under section 206, the Secretary shall deduct
for administrative, research, technical assistance, and
training expenses for such program $840,000 for each fiscal
year. The Secretary may enter into contracts with for-profit
organizations or contracts, partnerships, or cooperative
agreements with other government agencies, institutions of
higher learning, or nonprofit organizations to perform these
tasks.
``(2) Apportionment to the states.--The Secretary shall
apportion the sums authorized to be appropriated for
expenditure on the recreational trails program for each fiscal
year among eligible States in the following manner:
``(A) 50 percent equally among eligible States.
``(B) 50 percent in amounts proportionate to the
degree of non-highway recreational fuel use in each
eligible State during the preceding year.
``(3) Eligible state defined.--In this subsection, the term
`eligible State' means a State that meets the requirements of
section 206(c).''.
SEC. 1105. FEDERAL-AID SYSTEMS.
Section 103(b) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by
inserting ``and the modifications to the system
approved by the Secretary before the date of enactment
of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of
2012'' after ``1996''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C) by inserting ``and
commerce'' before the period at the end;
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``and border
crossings on such routes not included on the National
Highway System before the date of enactment of the
American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012''
before the period at the end; and
(B) in subparagraph (C) by inserting ``not included
on the National Highway System before the date of
enactment of the American Energy and Infrastructure
Jobs Act of 2012'' before the period at the end; and
(3) by striking paragraphs (6) and (7) and inserting the
following:
``(6) Requirement for state asset management plan for
national highway system.--
``(A) In general.--A State shall develop and
implement a risk-based State asset management plan for
managing all infrastructure assets in the right-of-way
corridor of the National Highway System based on a
process established by the Secretary. The process shall
require use of quality information and economic and
engineering analysis to identify a sequence of
maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation actions that
will achieve and maintain a desired state of good
repair over the lifecycle of the network at the least
possible cost.
``(B) Performance goals.--A State asset management
plan shall include strategies leading to a program of
projects that will make progress toward achievement of
the national goals for infrastructure condition and
performance of the National Highway System in a manner
consistent with the requirements of chapter 52 of title
49.
``(C) Plan contents.--A State asset management plan
shall be in a form that the Secretary determines to be
appropriate and shall include, at a minimum, the
following:
``(i) A summary listing of the highway
infrastructure assets on the National Highway
System in the State that includes current
condition and performance statistics by asset.
``(ii) Asset management objectives and
measures.
``(iii) Analysis of lifecycle cost, value
for investment, and risk management.
``(iv) A financial plan.
``(v) Investment strategies.
``(D) Process.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of the American Energy and
Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012, the Secretary shall
establish a process by which a State shall develop and
implement a risk-based State asset management plan
described in subparagraph (A).
``(E) Compliance.--Notwithstanding section 120,
with respect to the second fiscal year beginning after
the date of establishment of the process under
subparagraph (D) or any subsequent fiscal year, if the
Secretary determines that a State has not developed and
implemented a State asset management plan in a manner
consistent with this section, the Federal share payable
on account of any project or activity carried out by
the State in that fiscal year under section 119 shall
be 70 percent.''.
SEC. 1106. NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 119 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 119. National Highway System program
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and implement a
National Highway System program under this section.
``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the National Highway System
program shall be--
``(1) to provide support for the condition and operational
performance of the National Highway System;
``(2) to provide support for the construction of new
facilities on the National Highway System; and
``(3) to ensure that investments of National Highway System
program funds are directed to achievement of performance goals
established in a State's asset management plan for the National
Highway System under section 103(b)(6).
``(c) Eligible Facilities.--Except as otherwise specifically
provided by this section, to be eligible for funding apportioned under
section 104(b)(1) to carry out this section, a facility must be located
on the National Highway System.
``(d) Eligible Projects.--Funds apportioned to a State to carry out
this section may be obligated only for a project that is--
``(1) on an eligible facility, as described in subsection
(c);
``(2) a project, or is a part of a program of projects,
supporting progress toward the achievement of national
performance goals under section 5206 of title 49 for improving
infrastructure condition, safety, mobility, or freight movement
on the National Highway System;
``(3) consistent with the requirements of sections 5203 and
5204 of title 49; and
``(4) for one or more of the purposes specified in
subsection (e).
``(e) Project Purposes.--A project receiving funding under this
section shall be for one or more of the following purposes:
``(1) Construction, reconstruction, resurfacing,
restoration, rehabilitation, preservation, or operational
improvements of segments of the National Highway System.
``(2) Construction, reconstruction, replacement (including
replacement with fill material), rehabilitation, preservation,
and protection (including scour countermeasures, seismic
retrofits, and impact protection measures) of bridges and
tunnels on the National Highway System.
``(3) Inspection and evaluation, as defined in section 151,
of bridges and tunnels on the National Highway System, or
inspection and evaluation of other highway infrastructure
assets on the National Highway System.
``(4) Training of bridge and tunnel inspectors, as defined
in section 151.
``(5) Rehabilitation or replacement of existing ferry boats
and ferry boat facilities, including approaches, that connect
road segments of the National Highway System.
``(6) Highway safety improvements for segments of the
National Highway System.
``(7) Capital and operating costs for traffic management
and traveler information monitoring, management, and control
facilities and programs for the National Highway System.
``(8) Infrastructure-based intelligent transportation
systems capital improvements for the National Highway System.
``(9) Development and implementation of a State asset
management plan for the National Highway System in accordance
with section 103(b), including data collection, maintenance,
and integration and the cost associated with obtaining,
updating, and licensing software and equipment required for
risk-based asset management and performance-based management.
``(10) Environmental mitigation efforts related to projects
funded under this section, as described in subsection (f).
``(11) Construction of publicly owned intracity or
intercity bus terminals.
``(12) Environmental restoration and pollution abatement
associated with a project funded under this section in
accordance with section 328.
``(f) Environmental Mitigation.--
``(1) Eligible activities.--Environmental mitigation
efforts referred to in subsection (e)(10) include--
``(A) participation in mitigation banking or other
third-party mitigation arrangements, such as--
``(i) the purchase of credits from
commercial mitigation banks;
``(ii) the establishment and management of
agency-sponsored mitigation banks; and
``(iii) the purchase of credits or
establishment of in-lieu fee mitigation
programs;
``(B) contributions to statewide and regional
efforts to conserve, restore, enhance, and create
natural habitats, wetlands, and other resources; and
``(C) the development of statewide and regional
environmental protection plans.
``(2) Inclusion of other activities.--The banks, efforts,
and plans described in paragraph (1) include any such banks,
efforts, and plans developed in accordance with applicable law
(including regulations).
``(3) Terms and conditions.--The following terms and
conditions apply to natural habitat and wetlands mitigation
efforts referred to in subsection (e)(10):
``(A) Contributions to the mitigation effort may
take place concurrent with, in advance of, or
subsequent to the construction of a project or
projects.
``(B) Credits from any agency-sponsored mitigation
bank that are attributable to funding under this
section may be used only for projects funded under this
title unless the agency pays to the Secretary an amount
equal to the Federal funds attributable to the
mitigation bank credits the agency uses for purposes
other than mitigation of a project funded under this
title.
``(4) Preference.--At the discretion of the project
sponsor, preference shall be given, to the maximum extent
practicable, to mitigating an environmental impact through the
use of a mitigation bank or other third-party mitigation
arrangement, if the use of credits from the mitigation bank for
the project is approved by the applicable Federal agency.
``(g) Federal Share.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided by paragraph (2), the
Federal share of the cost of a project payable from funds made
available to carry out this section shall be determined under
section 120(b).
``(2) Interstate system.--The Federal share of the cost of
a project on the Interstate System payable from funds made
available to carry out this section shall be determined under
section 120(a).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 1 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 119 and inserting the following:
``119. National Highway System program.''.
SEC. 1107. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM.
(a) Eligible Projects.--Section 133(b) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraphs (1) and (15);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (14) as
paragraphs (5) through (17), respectively;
(3) by inserting before paragraph (5) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(1) Construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation,
resurfacing, restoration, preservation, and operational
improvements for highways, including construction of designated
routes of the Appalachian Development Highway System.
``(2) Replacement (including replacement with fill
material), rehabilitation, preservation, and protection
(including painting, scour countermeasures, seismic retrofits,
impact protection measures, security countermeasures, and
protection against extreme events) for bridges and tunnels on
public roads of all functional classifications.
``(3) Construction of a new bridge or tunnel at a new
location on a Federal-aid highway.
``(4) Inspection and evaluation of bridges and tunnels and
training of bridge and tunnel inspectors (as defined in section
151), and inspection and evaluation of other highway assets
(including signs, retaining walls, and drainage structures).'';
and
(4) by striking paragraph (14) (as so redesignated) and
inserting the following:
``(14) Environmental mitigation efforts relating to
projects funded under this title in the same manner and to the
same extent as such activities are eligible under section
119(f).''.
(b) Location of Projects.--Section 133(c) is amended to read as
follows:
``(c) Location of Projects.--Except for projects described in
subsections (b)(2), (b)(6), and (b)(7), surface transportation program
projects may not be undertaken on roads functionally classified as
local or rural minor collectors unless the roads were on a Federal-aid
highway system on January 1, 1991, and except as approved by the
Secretary.''.
(c) Allocation of Apportioned Funds.--
(1) Repeal.--Section 133(d)(2) is repealed.
(2) Division between urbanized areas of over 200,000
population and other areas.--Section 133(d)(3) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i) by
striking ``62.5 percent of the remaining 90
percent'' and inserting ``50 percent''; and
(ii) in matter following clause (ii) by
striking ``37.5 percent'' and inserting ``50
percent''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Consultation with rural planning
organizations.--For purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii),
before obligating funding attributed to an area with a
population greater than 5,000 and less than 200,000, a
State shall consult with the rural planning
organizations that represent the area, if any.''; and
(3) in paragraph (5)(A) by striking ``funded from the
allocation required under paragraph (2)''.
(d) Administration.--Section 133(e)(3) is amended to read as
follows:
``(3) Payments.--The Secretary shall make payments to a
State of costs incurred by the State for the surface
transportation program in accordance with procedures to be
established by the Secretary.''.
(e) Obligation Authority.--Section 133(f)(1) is amended--
(1) by striking ``2004 through 2006'' and inserting ``2011
through 2013''; and
(2) by striking ``2007 through 2009'' and inserting ``2014
through 2016''.
(f) Division of STP Funds for Areas of Less Than 5,000
Population.--
(1) Special rule.--Notwithstanding section 133(c) of title
23, United States Code, and except as provided in paragraph
(2), up to 15 percent of the amounts required to be obligated
by a State under section 133(d)(3)(B) of such title for each of
fiscal years 2013 through 2016 may be obligated on roads
functionally classified as minor collectors.
(2) Suspension.--The Secretary may suspend the application
of paragraph (1) with respect to a State if the Secretary
determines that the authority provided under paragraph (1) is
being used excessively by the State.
SEC. 1108. CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Eligible Projects.--Section 149(b) is amended to read as
follows:
``(b) Eligible Projects.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Requirements for obligation of funds.--A
State may obligate funds apportioned to the State under
section 104(b)(2) for a transportation project or
program if the project or program meets the
requirements of subparagraph (B) and (C).
``(B) Area served by project or program.--A project
or program meets the requirements of this subparagraph
if the project or program is for an area in the State
that--
``(i) is or was designated as a
nonattainment area for ozone, carbon monoxide,
or particulate matter under section 107(d) of
the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)) and
classified pursuant to section 181(a), 186(a),
188(a), or 188(b) of the Clean Air Act (42
U.S.C. 7511(a), 7512(a), 7513(a), or 7513(b));
``(ii) is or was designated as a
nonattainment area under such section 107(d)
after December 31, 1997; or
``(iii) is required to prepare, and file
with the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency, maintenance plans under the
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7505a).
``(C) Purpose of project or program.--A project or
program meets the requirements of this subparagraph
if--
``(i) the Secretary, after consultation
with the Administrator, determines that--
``(I) on the basis of information
published by the Environmental
Protection Agency pursuant to section
108(f)(1)(A) of the Clean Air Act
(other than clause (xvi) of such
section), the project or program is
likely to contribute to--
``(aa) the attainment of a
national ambient air quality
standard; or
``(bb) the maintenance of a
national ambient air quality
standard in a maintenance area;
or
``(II) the project or program is
part of a program, method, or strategy
described in such section 108(f)(1)(A);
``(ii) the project or program is included
in a State implementation plan that has been
approved pursuant to the Clean Air Act and the
project will have air quality benefits;
``(iii) the Secretary, after consultation
with the Administrator, determines that the
project or program is likely to contribute to
the attainment of a national ambient air
quality standard through reductions in travel
time delay, vehicle miles traveled, or fuel
consumption or through other factors; or
``(iv) the Secretary determines that the
project or program is likely to contribute to
the mitigation of congestion.
``(2) Special rules.--
``(A) Projects resulting in new capacity for single
occupant vehicles.--A State may obligate funds
apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(2) for a
project or program that will result in the construction
of new capacity available to single occupant vehicles
only if the project or program is likely to contribute
to the mitigation of congestion or the improvement of
air quality.
``(B) Projects for pm-10 nonattainment areas.--A
State may obligate funds apportioned to the State under
section 104(b)(2) for a project or program for an area
that is nonattainment 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.''.
(b) Cost-Effective Emission Reduction Guidance.--Section 149 is
amended--
(1) by striking subsection (f); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (g) and (h) as subsections
(f) and (g), respectively.
SEC. 1109. EQUITY BONUS PROGRAM.
Section 105 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 105. Equity bonus program
``(a) Program.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to subsections (c), (d), and
(e), for fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year thereafter, the
Secretary shall apportion among the States amounts sufficient
to ensure that no State receives a percentage of the total
apportionments for the fiscal year for the programs specified
in paragraph (2) that is less than the percentage calculated
under subsection (b).
``(2) Specified programs.--The programs referred to in
paragraph (1) are--
``(A) the metropolitan planning programs under
section 104(f);
``(B) the equity bonus program under this section;
``(C) the National Highway System program under
section 119;
``(D) the rail-highway grade crossing program under
section 130;
``(E) the surface transportation program under
section 133;
``(F) the highway safety improvement program under
section 148;
``(G) the recreational trails programs under
section 206;
``(H) the State infrastructure bank capitalization
program under section 611; and
``(I) the Appalachian development highway system
program under section 14501 of title 40.
``(b) State Percentage.--For each of fiscal years 2013 through
2016, the percentage referred to in subsection (a) for each State shall
be 94 percent of the quotient obtained by dividing--
``(1) the estimated tax payments attributable to highway
users in the State paid into the Highway Trust Fund in the most
recent fiscal year for which data are available; by
``(2) the estimated tax payments attributable to highway
users in all States paid into the Highway Trust Fund for the
fiscal year.
``(c) Minimum Amount.--
``(1) In general.--For each fiscal year, before making the
apportionments under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall
apportion among the States amounts sufficient to ensure that
each State receives a combined total apportionment for the
programs specified in subsection (a)(2) and the congestion
mitigation and air quality improvement program under section
149 that equals or exceeds the combined amount that the State
was apportioned for fiscal year 2012 for the programs specified
in section 105(a)(2) of this title (other than the high
priority projects program under subparagraph (H) of such
section), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment
of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012.
``(2) Special rule.--In determining a State's combined
apportionment for fiscal year 2012 for purposes of paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall not consider amounts apportioned to
the State for such fiscal year under the following:
``(A) Section 111(d)(1) of the Surface
Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II (Public
Law 112-30; 125 Stat. 344).
``(B) Section 111(d)(3) of the Surface
Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II (Public
Law 112-30; 125 Stat. 345).
``(d) No Negative Adjustment.--No negative adjustment shall be made
under subsection (a)(1) to the apportionment of any State.
``(e) Treatment of Funds.--
``(1) Programmatic distribution.--The Secretary shall
apportion the amounts made available under this section that
exceed $2,639,000,000 so that the amount apportioned to each
State under this section for each program referred to in
subparagraphs (C) and (E) of subsection (a)(2) is equal to the
amount determined by multiplying the amount to be apportioned
to such State under this section by the ratio that--
``(A) the amount of funds apportioned to such State
for each program referred to in subparagraphs (C) and
(E) of subsection (a)(2) for a fiscal year; bears to
``(B) the total amount of funds apportioned to such
State for all such programs for such fiscal year.
``(2) Remaining distribution.--The Secretary shall
administer the remainder of funds made available under this
section to the States in accordance with section 133, except
that section 133(d)(3) and section 1115(a) of the American
Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 shall not apply to
the amounts administered pursuant to this paragraph.
``(f) Metropolitan Planning Set-Aside.--Notwithstanding section
104(f), no set aside provided for under that section shall apply to
funds allocated under this section.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), there
is authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund
(other than the Alternative Transportation Account) to carry
out this section $3,900,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016.
``(2) Upward adjustment.--If the amount authorized by
paragraph (1) for a fiscal year is less than the minimum amount
required to ensure that each State receives the minimum
percentage of total apportionments required under subsection
(a)(1) and the minimum amount required under subsection (c)(1)
for the fiscal year--
``(A) the amount authorized by paragraph (1) for
the fiscal year shall be increased by the amount of the
shortfall, so as to equal such minimum amount; and
``(B) the amounts authorized by section 1101(a)(2)
of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of
2012 for the surface transportation program for the
fiscal year shall be decreased by the amount of the
shortfall.
``(3) Downward adjustment.--If the amount authorized by
paragraph (1) for a fiscal year is more than the minimum amount
required to ensure that each State receives the minimum
percentage of total apportionments required under subsection
(a)(1) and the minimum amount required under subsection (c)(1)
for the fiscal year--
``(A) the amount authorized by paragraph (1) for
the fiscal year shall be decreased by the amount of the
excess, so as to equal such minimum amount; and
``(B) the amounts authorized by section 1101(a)(1)
of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of
2012 for the National Highway System program for the
fiscal year shall be increased by the amount of the
excess.''.
SEC. 1110. PROJECT APPROVAL AND OVERSIGHT.
(a) Assumption by States of Responsibilities of the Secretary.--
Section 106(c)(1) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) NHS projects.--For projects under this title that are
on the National Highway System, including projects on the
Interstate System, the State may assume the responsibility of
the Secretary under this title for design, plans,
specifications, estimates, contract awards, and inspections
with respect to such projects unless the Secretary determines
that such assumption is not appropriate.''.
(b) Value Engineering Analysis.--Section 106(e) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(A)--
(A) by striking ``Federal-aid system'' and
inserting ``National Highway System receiving Federal
assistance''; and
(B) by striking ``$25,000,000'' and inserting
``$50,000,000'';
(2) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(A) by inserting ``on the National Highway System
receiving Federal assistance'' after ``project''; and
(B) by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting
``$40,000,000''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Design-build projects.--A requirement to provide a
value engineering analysis under this subsection does not apply
to a project delivered using the design-build method of
construction.''.
(c) Major Projects.--Section 106(h)(3) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and'';
(2) in subparagraph (B) by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) assess the appropriateness of a public-
private partnership to deliver the project.''.
(d) Use of Advanced Modeling Technologies.--Section 106 is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Use of Advanced Modeling Technologies.--
``(1) In general.--With respect to transportation projects
that receive Federal funding, the Secretary shall encourage the
use of advanced modeling technologies during environmental,
planning, financial management, design, simulation, and
construction processes related to the projects.
``(2) Activities.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall--
``(A) compile information relating to advanced
modeling technologies, including industry best
practices with respect to the use of the technologies;
``(B) disseminate to States information relating to
advanced modeling technologies, including industry best
practices with respect to the use of the technologies;
and
``(C) promote the use of advanced modeling
technologies.
``(3) Comprehensive plan.--The Secretary shall develop and
publish on the Internet Web site of the Department of
Transportation a detailed and comprehensive plan for the
implementation of paragraph (1).
``(4) Advanced modeling technology defined.--The term
`advanced modeling technology' means an available or developing
technology, including 3-dimensional digital modeling, that can
accelerate and improve the environmental review process,
increase effective public participation, enhance the detail and
accuracy of project designs, increase safety, accelerate
construction and reduce construction costs, or otherwise
expedite project delivery with respect to transportation
projects that receive Federal funding.''.
(e) Review of Oversight Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall review the oversight
program established under section 106(g) of title 23, United
States Code, to determine the efficacy of the program in
monitoring the effective and efficient use of funds authorized
to carry out title 23, United States Code.
(2) Minimum requirements for review.--At a minimum, the
review under paragraph (1) shall assess the capability of the
program to--
(A) identify projects funded under title 23, United
States Code, for which there are cost or schedule
overruns; and
(B) evaluate the extent of such overruns.
(3) Report to congress.--Not later than 2 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 Environment and Public
Works of the Senate a report on the results of the review
conducted under paragraph (1), which shall include
recommendations for legislative changes to improve the
oversight program established under section 106(g) of title 23,
United States Code.
(f) Transparency and Accountability.--
(1) Data collection.--The Secretary shall compile and make
available to the public on the Internet Web site of the
Department the annual expenditure data for funds made available
under title 23 and chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code.
(2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall ensure that the data made available on the
Internet Web site of the Department--
(A) is organized by project and State;
(B) to the maximum extent possible, is updated
regularly to reflect the current status of obligations,
expenditures, and Federal-aid projects; and
(C) can be searched and downloaded by users of the
Web site.
(3) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall transmit,
annually, to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Environment and Public Works and the Committee on Banking,
Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a report containing a
summary of the data described in paragraph (1) for the 1-year
period ending on the date on which the report is submitted.
SEC. 1111. EMERGENCY RELIEF.
(a) Eligibility.--Section 125(d) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Eligibility.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the requirements of this
subsection, the Secretary may expend funds from the emergency
fund authorized by this section for the repair or
reconstruction of Federal-aid highways in accordance with the
provisions of this chapter.
``(2) Maximum total project costs.--
``(A) In general.--The total cost of a project
carried out under this section may not exceed the cost
of repair or reconstruction of a comparable facility.
``(B) Comparable facility defined.--In this
paragraph, the term `comparable facility' means a
facility that meets the current geometric and
construction standards required for the types and
volume of traffic that the facility will carry over its
design life.
``(3) Debris removal.--The costs of debris removal shall be
an eligible expense under this section only for--
``(A) an event not declared a major disaster or
emergency by the President under the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
5121 et seq.); or
``(B) an event declared a major disaster or
emergency by the President under that Act if the debris
removal is not eligible for assistance pursuant to
section 403, 407, or 502 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b,
5173, 5192).
``(4) Territories.--The total obligations for projects
under this section in a fiscal year in the Virgin Islands,
Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands may not exceed $20,000,000.
``(5) Temporary substitute highway traffic service.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, actual and
necessary costs of maintenance and operation of ferryboats or
additional transit service providing temporary substitute
highway traffic service, less the amount of fares charged, may
be expended from the emergency fund under this section
authorized for Federal-aid highways.
``(6) Applications; emergency declarations.--Except as to
highways, roads, and trails referred to in subsection (e), no
funds may be expended under this section unless--
``(A) a declaration is made--
``(i) by the Governor of the State and
concurred in by the Secretary, that an
emergency exists; or
``(ii) by the President under the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) that a
major disaster or emergency exists; and
``(B) not later than 2 years after a declaration is
made under subparagraph (A), the Secretary has received
an application for assistance from the State
transportation department that includes a comprehensive
list of potentially eligible project sites and repair
costs.''.
(b) Tribal Roads, Federal Lands Highways, and Public Roads on
Federal Lands.--Section 125(e) is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Tribal Roads, Federal Lands Highways, and Public Roads on
Federal Lands.--
``(1) Use of emergency fund.--Notwithstanding subsection
(d)(1), the Secretary may expend funds from the emergency fund
authorized by this section, either independently or in
cooperation with any other branch of the Government, a State
agency, tribal organization, organization, or person, for the
repair or reconstruction of tribal roads, Federal lands
highways, and other federally owned roads that are open to
public travel, whether or not such roads are Federal-aid
highways.
``(2) Reimbursements.--The Secretary may reimburse Federal
agencies, State (including political subdivisions of the
States) agencies, and Indian tribal governments for
expenditures made on projects determined eligible under this
section, including expenditures for emergency repairs made
before a determination of eligibility. Such reimbursements to
Federal agencies and Indian tribal governments shall be
transferred to the account from which the expenditure was made,
or to a similar account that remains available for obligation,
and the budget authority associated with the expenditure shall
be restored to the agency from which it was derived and shall
be available for obligation until the end of the fiscal year
following the year in which the transfer occurs.
``(3) Open to public travel defined.--In this subsection,
the term `open to public travel' means that, except during
scheduled periods, extreme weather conditions, or emergencies,
the road is open to the general public for use with a standard
passenger auto, without restrictive gates or prohibitive signs
or regulations, other than for general traffic control or
restrictions based on size, weight, or class of
registration.''.
(c) Rulemaking.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking to
update regulations governing the emergency relief program under section
125 of title 23, United States Code, to--
(1) ensure that allocations are made to States only for
sums that the State will be able to obligate in the current
fiscal year;
(2) determine whether to raise the threshold for an
eligible event and raise such threshold if warranted; and
(3) address such other matters as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(d) Improving Program Implementation.--The Secretary shall take
steps to--
(1) improve training for Federal and State officials on
emergency relief requirements and processes;
(2) establish an Internet Web site containing information
on best practices for the implementation of the emergency
relief program;
(3) address program differences with the disaster
assistance program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
and
(4) provide guidance on performing a benefit-cost analysis
to justify cases in which a betterment is eligible for funding
under the emergency relief program.
SEC. 1112. UNIFORM TRANSFERABILITY OF FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY FUNDS.
Section 126 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 126. Uniform transferability of Federal-aid highway funds
``(a) General Rule.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
but subject to subsection (b), a State may transfer not to exceed 25
percent of the State's apportionment under paragraph (1), (3), or (5)
of section 104(b) for a fiscal year to any other apportionment of the
State under any of those paragraphs for that fiscal year.
``(b) Application to Certain Set-asides.--No funds may be
transferred under this section that are subject to section 104(f) or
section 133(d)(3).''.
SEC. 1113. FERRY BOATS AND FERRY TERMINAL FACILITIES.
Section 147 is amended--
(1) in subsection (b) by striking ``ferry boats, ferry
terminals, and ferry maintenance facilities'' and inserting
``ferry boats and ferry terminals'';
(2) by striking subsections (c), (d), and (e) and inserting
the following:
``(c) Apportionment of Funds.--The Secretary shall apportion the
sums authorized to be appropriated for expenditure on the construction
of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities for each fiscal year among
eligible States in the following manner:
``(1) 35 percent based on the total annual number of
vehicles carried by ferry systems operating in each eligible
State.
``(2) 35 percent based on the total annual number of
passengers (including passengers in vehicles) carried by ferry
systems operating in each eligible State.
``(3) 30 percent based on the total nautical route miles
serviced by ferry systems operating in each eligible State.
``(d) Eligible State Defined.--In this section, the term `eligible
State' means a State that has a ferry system operating in the State or
between the State and another State.''; and
(3) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e).
SEC. 1114. NATIONAL HIGHWAY BRIDGE AND TUNNEL INVENTORY AND INSPECTION
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 151 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 151. National highway bridge and tunnel inventory and inspection
program
``(a) National Highway Bridge and Tunnel Inventory.--The Secretary,
in consultation with the States and Federal agencies with jurisdiction
over highway bridges and tunnels, shall--
``(1) inventory all bridges on public roads, on and off
Federal-aid highways, including tribally owned and federally
owned bridges, that are over waterways, other topographical
barriers, other highways, and railroads;
``(2) inventory all tunnels on public roads, on and off
Federal-aid highways, including tribally owned and federally
owned tunnels;
``(3) identify each bridge or tunnel inventoried under
paragraph (1) or (2) that is structurally deficient or
functionally obsolete;
``(4) assign a risk-based priority for replacement or
rehabilitation of each structurally deficient bridge or tunnel
identified under paragraph (3) after consideration of safety,
serviceability, and essentiality for public use, including the
potential impacts to emergency evacuation routes and to
regional and national freight and passenger mobility if the
serviceability of the bridge or tunnel is diminished; and
``(5) determine the cost of replacing each structurally
deficient bridge or tunnel identified under paragraph (3) with
a comparable facility or the cost of rehabilitating the bridge
or tunnel.
``(b) National Highway Bridge and Tunnel Inspection Standards.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish and
maintain inspection standards for the proper safety inspection
and evaluation of all highway bridges and tunnels described in
subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2). The standards shall be designed
to ensure uniformity in the conduct of such inspections and
evaluations.
``(2) Minimum requirements for inspection standards.--At a
minimum, the standards established under paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) specify, in detail, the method by which
inspections will be carried out by States, Federal
agencies, and tribal governments;
``(B) establish the maximum time period between
inspections;
``(C) establish the qualifications for those
charged with carrying out inspections;
``(D) require each State, Federal agency, and
tribal government to maintain and make available to the
Secretary upon request--
``(i) written reports on the results of
highway bridge and tunnel inspections, together
with notations of any action taken pursuant to
the findings of such inspections; and
``(ii) inventory data for all highway
bridges and tunnels described in subsections
(a)(1) and (a)(2) under the jurisdiction of the
State, Federal agency, or tribal government
that reflect the findings of the most recent
highway bridge and tunnel inspections;
``(E) establish a procedure for national
certification of highway bridge and tunnel inspectors;
``(F) establish, in consultation with the States,
Federal agencies, and interested and knowledgeable
private organizations and individuals, procedures for
the Secretary to conduct reviews of State and Federal
agency compliance with the standards established under
this subsection; and
``(G) establish, in consultation with the States,
Federal agencies, and interested and knowledgeable
private organizations and individuals, procedures for
the States to follow in reporting to the Secretary--
``(i) critical findings relating to
structural safety-related deficiencies of
highway bridges and tunnels; and
``(ii) monitoring activities and corrective
actions taken in response to a critical finding
described in clause (i).
``(3) Compliance requirements.--
``(A) Reviews of state compliance.--The Secretary
shall annually review State compliance with the
standards established under this section.
``(B) Findings of noncompliance.--If the Secretary
identifies noncompliance by a State in conducting an
annual review under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
shall issue a report detailing the noncompliance by
December 31 of the calendar year in which the review is
conducted and shall provide the State an opportunity to
address the noncompliance by--
``(i) developing a corrective action plan
to remedy the noncompliance; or
``(ii) resolving the noncompliance within
45 days of receiving notification of the
noncompliance.
``(4) Penalty for noncompliance.--
``(A) Funding requirement.--If the Secretary
identifies noncompliance by a State in conducting an
annual review under paragraph (3)(A) in a calendar
year, and the State fails to address the noncompliance
in the manner described in paragraph (3)(B) by August 1
of the succeeding year, on October 1 of such succeeding
year, and each year thereafter as necessary, the
Secretary shall require the State to dedicate funds
apportioned to the State under sections 104(b)(1) and
104(b)(3) to correct the noncompliance.
``(B) Amount.--The amount of the funds dedicated to
correcting the noncompliance in accordance with
subparagraph (A) shall--
``(i) be determined by the State based on
an analysis of the actions needed to address
the noncompliance; and
``(ii) require approval by the Secretary.
``(c) Training Program for Bridge and Tunnel Inspectors.--The
Secretary, in cooperation with State transportation departments, shall
establish a program designed to train appropriate personnel to carry
out highway bridge and tunnel inspections.
``(d) Availability of Funds.--In carrying out this section--
``(1) the Secretary may use funds made available to the
Secretary under sections 104(a) and 503;
``(2) a State may use amounts apportioned to the State
under sections 104(b)(1), 104(b)(3), and 104(b)(5);
``(3) an Indian tribe may use funds made available to the
Indian tribe under section 502; and
``(4) a Federal agency may use funds made available to the
agency under section 503.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 1 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 151 and inserting the following:
``151. National highway bridge and tunnel inventory and inspection
program.''.
SEC. 1115. MINIMUM INVESTMENT IN HIGHWAY BRIDGES.
(a) Minimum Investment Requirements.--
(1) National highway system bridges.--Out of amounts
apportioned to a State for a fiscal year under each of sections
104(b)(1) and 104(b)(3) of title 23, United States Code, an
amount equal to 10 percent of such amounts shall be available
to the State only for eligible projects on highway bridges on
the National Highway System if the Secretary determines under
paragraph (3) for the fiscal year that more than 10 percent of
the total deck area of highway bridges in the State on the
National Highway System is located on highway bridges that have
been classified as structurally deficient.
(2) Bridges not on federal-aid highways.--Out of amounts
apportioned to a State for a fiscal year under section
104(b)(3) of title 23, United States Code, an amount equal to
110 percent of the amount that the State was required to expend
for fiscal year 2009 on projects under section 144(f)(2) of
such title (as in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act) shall be available to the State only for
eligible projects on highway bridges not on Federal-aid
highways if the Secretary determines under paragraph (3) for
the fiscal year that more than 15 percent of the total deck
area of highway bridges not on Federal-aid highways in the
State is located on highway bridges not on Federal-aid highways
that have been classified as structurally deficient.
(3) Use of data in national bridge and tunnel inventory.--
The Secretary shall make the determinations under paragraphs
(1) and (2) with respect to a State for a fiscal year based on
an average of the final data concerning highway bridges in the
State contained in the national bridge and tunnel inventory for
the most recent 3 calendar years for which such data are
available.
(4) Applicability.--This subsection shall apply to amounts
apportioned for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(5) Definitions.--In this subsection, the following
definitions apply:
(A) Eligible project.--The term ``eligible
project'' means a project to replace (including
replacement with fill material), rehabilitate,
preserve, or protect (including through painting, scour
countermeasures, seismic retrofits, impact protection
measures, security countermeasures, and protection
against extreme events) a bridge or tunnel on a public
road of any functional classification.
(B) National bridge and tunnel inventory.--The term
``national bridge and tunnel inventory'' means the
national bridge and tunnel inventory established under
section 151 of title 23, United States Code (as amended
by this title).
(b) Bridge Rehabilitation and Replacement.--Section 217(e) is
amended by striking ``then such bridge'' and all that follows before
the period at the end and inserting ``the State carrying out the
rehabilitation or replacement is encouraged to provide such safe
accommodations as part of the rehabilitation or replacement''.
SEC. 1116. MINIMUM PENALTIES FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS FOR DRIVING WHILE
INTOXICATED OR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE.
(a) Definitions.--Section 164(a) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (3);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs
(3) and (4), respectively; and
(3) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated by paragraph (2)
of this subsection, by amending subparagraph (A) to read as
follows:
``(A) receive--
``(i) a suspension of all driving
privileges for not less than 1 year; or
``(ii) a suspension of unlimited driving
privileges for 1 year with limited driving
privileges permitted (subject to requirements
established under State law) if an ignition
interlock device is installed for not less than
1 year on each motor vehicle owned or operated,
or both, by the individual;''.
(b) Transfer of Funds.--Section 164(b)(1)(A) is amended by striking
``alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures'' and inserting ``projects
and activities addressing impaired driving (as such term is defined in
section 402(p)(11))''.
SEC. 1117. PUERTO RICO HIGHWAY PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 165 is amended by striking subsections (a)
and (b) and inserting the following:
``(a) Allocation of Funds.--On October 1 of each fiscal year, the
Secretary shall allocate the funds made available for the fiscal year
to carry out this section to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to carry
out a highway program in the Commonwealth.
``(b) Applicability of Title.--Amounts made available to carry out
this section shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if
such funds were apportioned under this chapter.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 165 is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1) by striking ``sections 104(b) and
144'' and inserting ``section 104(b)''; and
(2) in subsection (d) by striking ``sections 104 and 144''
and inserting ``section 104''.
SEC. 1118. APPALACHIAN DEVELOPMENT HIGHWAY SYSTEM.
(a) Apportionment.--The Secretary shall apportion funds made
available under section 1101(a) for the Appalachian development highway
system program for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016 among the
States in the ratio that--
(1) the latest available cost to complete estimate for the
Appalachian development highway system under section 14501 of
title 40, United States Code, with respect to each State; bears
to
(2) the latest available cost to complete estimate for that
system with respect to all States.
(b) Minimum and Maximum Apportionment.--Notwithstanding subsection
(a), each State that receives an apportionment under subsection (a)
shall receive--
(1) not less than 1 percent of the funds apportioned under
this section; and
(2) not more than 25 percent of the funds apportioned under
this section.
(c) Applicability of Title 23.--Funds made available under section
1101(a) of this Act for the Appalachian development highway system
program shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if such
funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code,
except that the Federal share of the cost of any project under this
section shall be determined in accordance with section 14501 of title
40, United States Code, and such funds shall be available to construct
highways and access roads under such section 14501 and shall remain
available until expended.
(d) Credit for Non-Federal Share.--Section 120(j)(1)(A) is amended
by striking ``and the Appalachian development highway system program
under section 14501 of title 40''.
SEC. 1119. REFERENCES TO MASS TRANSIT ACCOUNT.
Any reference to the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund
in title 23 or 49, United States Code, or in any other provision of law
shall be deemed to refer to the Alternative Transportation Account of
the Highway Trust Fund.
Subtitle B--Innovative Financing
SEC. 1201. TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE AND INNOVATION.
(a) Definitions.--
(1) Eligible project costs.--Section 601(a)(1) is amended
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by inserting
``(regardless of when incurred)'' after ``including the cost''.
(2) Master credit agreement.--Section 601(a) is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (14) as
paragraphs (8) through (15), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
``(7) Master credit agreement.--The term `master credit
agreement' means an agreement entered into by and between the
Secretary and an obligor for a project that--
``(A) makes contingent commitments of one or more
secured loans or other Federal credit instruments at
future dates;
``(B) establishes the amounts and general terms and
conditions of such secured loans or other Federal
credit instruments;
``(C) identifies the dedicated revenue sources that
will secure the repayment of such secured loans or
other Federal credit instruments, which may differ by
project; and
``(D) provides for the obligation of funds for such
a secured loan or other Federal credit instrument for a
project included in the agreement after all
requirements under this section have been met for the
project.''.
(3) Obligor.--Section 601(a)(8) (as redesignated by
paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection) is amended by inserting
``limited liability company,'' after ``corporation,''.
(4) Project.--Section 601(a)(9) (as redesignated by
paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection) is amended--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph
(C);
(B) by striking the period at the end of
subparagraph (D) and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) a program of related transportation projects
that--
``(i) are coordinated to achieve a common
transportation goal;
``(ii) are eligible for funding under this
title or chapter 53 of title 49; and
``(iii) together receive not more than 30
percent of their funding for capital costs from
Federal grant funds made available under this
title or chapter 53 of title 49; and
``(F) a highway, transit, or pedestrian project, or
grouping of projects, that--
``(i) improves mobility; and
``(ii) is located within the station area
of a transit, passenger rail, or intercity bus
station.''.
(5) Subsidy amount.--Section 601(a)(14) (as redesignated by
paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection) is amended by inserting
``, or other source of funds provided pursuant to section
608(c)(2),'' after ``budget authority''.
(b) Project Applications and Determinations of Eligibility.--
(1) In general.--Section 602 is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 602. PROJECT APPLICATIONS AND DETERMINATIONS OF ELIGIBILITY.
``(a) Project Applications.--
``(1) In general.--A State, local government, agency or
instrumentality of a State or local government, public
authority, private party to a public-private partnership, or
any other legal entity undertaking a project may submit to the
Secretary an application requesting financial assistance under
this chapter for the project.
``(2) Master credit agreements.--An application submitted
under paragraph (1) may request that financial assistance under
this chapter be provided under a master credit agreement.
``(3) Applications where obligor will be identified
later.--A State, local government, agency or instrumentality of
a State or local government, or public authority may submit an
application to the Secretary under paragraph (1) under which a
private party to a public-private partnership will be the
obligor and will be identified later through completion of a
procurement and selection of the private party.
``(b) Eligibility.--
``(1) Approval.--The Secretary shall approve an application
submitted under subsection (a)(1) for each project that meets
the criteria specified in paragraph (2).
``(2) Criteria.--To be eligible to receive financial
assistance under this chapter, a project shall meet the
following criteria:
``(A) Inclusion in transportation plans and
programs.--The project shall satisfy the applicable
planning and programmatic requirements of sections 5203
and 5204 of title 49--
``(i) in the case of an application for
financial assistance to be provided under a
master credit agreement, at such time as credit
assistance is provided for the project pursuant
to the master credit agreement; and
``(ii) in the case of any other project
application, at such time as an agreement to
make available a Federal credit instrument is
entered into under this chapter.
``(B) Creditworthiness.--
``(i) In general.--The project shall
satisfy applicable creditworthiness standards,
including, at a minimum--
``(I) a rate covenant, if
applicable;
``(II) adequate coverage
requirements to ensure repayment;
``(III) an investment grade rating
from at least 2 rating agencies on debt
senior to the Federal credit
instrument; and
``(IV) a rating from at least 2
rating agencies on the Federal credit
instrument.
``(ii) Amounts less than $75,000,000.--
Notwithstanding clauses (i)(III) and (i)(IV),
if the senior debt and Federal credit
instrument is for an amount less than
$75,000,000, 1 rating agency opinion for each
of the senior debt and Federal credit
instrument shall be sufficient.
``(iii) Federal credit instruments that are
the senior debt.--Notwithstanding clauses
(i)(III) and (i)(IV), in a case in which the
Federal credit instrument is the senior debt,
the Federal credit instrument shall be required
to receive an investment grade rating from at
least 2 rating agencies.
``(C) Eligible project costs.--The eligible costs
of the project--
``(i) in the case of a project described in
section 601(a)(9)(F) or a project principally
involving the installation of an intelligent
transportation system, shall be reasonably
anticipated to equal or exceed $15,000,000;
``(ii) in the case of a project for which
financial assistance will be provided under a
master credit agreement, shall be reasonably
anticipated to equal or exceed $1,000,000,000;
and
``(iii) in the case of any other project,
shall be reasonably anticipated to equal or
exceed the lesser of--
``(I) $50,000,000; or
``(II) 33\1/3\ percent of the
amount apportioned, out of amounts made
available from the Highway Trust Fund
(other than the Alternative
Transportation Account), to the State
in which the project is located for
Federal-aid highway and highway safety
construction programs for the most
recently completed fiscal year.
``(D) Dedicated revenue sources.--The Federal
credit instrument for the project shall be repayable,
in whole or in part, from tolls, user fees, payments
owing to the obligor under a public-private
partnership, or other dedicated revenue sources that
also secure or fund the project obligations.
``(E) Regional significance.--The project shall be
regionally significant (as defined in regulations
implementing sections 134 and 135 (as in effect on the
day before the date of enactment of the American Energy
and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012)) or otherwise
significantly enhance the national transportation
system.
``(F) Public sponsorship of private entities.--In
the case of a project undertaken by an entity that is
not a State or local government (or an agency or
instrumentality of a State or local government), the
project shall be publicly sponsored as provided under
subsection (a).
``(G) Beneficial effects.--The Secretary shall
determine that financial assistance for the project
under this chapter will--
``(i) foster an innovative public-private
partnership and attract private debt or equity
investment for the project;
``(ii) enable the project to proceed at an
earlier date than the project would otherwise
be able to proceed or reduce the project's life
cycle costs, including debt service costs; and
``(iii) reduce the contribution of Federal
grant assistance for the project.
``(H) Project readiness.--The applicant shall
demonstrate that the contracting process for
construction of the project can be commenced not later
than 90 days after the date on which a Federal credit
instrument is secured for the project under this
chapter.
``(c) Preliminary Rating Opinion Letter.--For purposes of
subsection (b)(2)(B), the Secretary shall require each applicant for a
project to provide a preliminary rating opinion letter from at least 1
rating agency indicating that the project's senior obligations, which
may consist, in whole or in part, of the Federal credit instrument,
have the potential to achieve an investment-grade rating.
``(d) Approval of Applications and Funding.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) approve applications for projects that meet
the criteria specified in subsection (b)(2) in the
order in which the Secretary receives the applications;
and
``(B) commit or conditionally commit budget
authority for projects, out of amounts made available
to carry out this chapter for a fiscal year, in the
order in which the Secretary approves the applications
for such projects.
``(2) Insufficient funds.--If the Secretary approves an
application submitted under subsection (a)(1) for a project in
a fiscal year, but is unable to provide financial assistance
for the project in that fiscal year as a result of prior
commitments or conditional commitments of budget authority
under this chapter, the Secretary shall provide the project
sponsor with the option of receiving such financial assistance
as soon as sufficient budget authority is made available to
carry out this chapter in a subsequent fiscal year.
``(e) Procedures for Determining Project Eligibility.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish
procedures for--
``(A) processing applications received under
subsection (a)(1) requesting financial assistance for
projects; and
``(B) approving or disapproving the applications
based on whether the projects meet the criteria
specified in subsection (b)(2).
``(2) Application processing procedures.--The procedures
shall meet the following requirements:
``(A) The procedures may not restrict when
applications may be filed.
``(B) The procedures shall ensure that--
``(i) the Secretary will provide written
notice to an applicant, on or before the 15th
day following the date of receipt of the
applicant's application, informing the
applicant of whether the application is
complete;
``(ii) if the application is complete, the
Secretary will provide written notice to the
applicant, on or before the 60th day following
the date of issuance of written notice for the
application under clause (i), informing the
applicant of whether the Secretary has approved
or disapproved the application;
``(iii) if the application is not complete,
the Secretary will provide written notice to
the applicant, together with the written notice
issued for the application under clause (i),
informing the applicant of the information and
materials needed to complete the application;
and
``(iv) if the Secretary does not provide
written notice to an applicant under clause (i)
in the 15-day period specified in clause (i)--
``(I) the applicant's application
is deemed complete; and
``(II) the Secretary will provide
written notice to the applicant, on or
before the 60th day following the last
day of such 15-day period, informing
the applicant of whether the Secretary
has approved or disapproved the
application.
``(C) The procedures may not use eligibility
criteria that are supplemental to those established by
this chapter.
``(D) In accordance with subsection (b)(1), the
procedures shall require approval of an application if
the project meets the eligibility criteria specified in
subsection (b)(2).
``(E) The procedures shall require that any written
notice of disapproval of an application identify the
eligibility criteria that were not satisfied and
contain an explanation of the deficiencies that
resulted in failure to meet such criteria.
``(3) Special rules for master credit agreements.--The
Secretary shall issue special rules for--
``(A) processing applications under which financial
assistance will be provided under a master credit
agreement; and
``(B) approving or disapproving such applications
based on whether the proposed project or program of
related projects meets the applicable eligibility
criteria specified in section 601(a)(7).
``(f) Application Approval.--Approval of an application for a
project under subsection (a)(1) qualifies the project for execution of
a conditional term sheet establishing a conditional commitment of
credit assistance.
``(g) Federal Requirements.--In addition to the requirements of
this title for highway projects, chapter 53 of title 49 for public
transportation projects, and section 5333(a) of title 49 for rail
projects, the following provisions of law shall apply to funds made
available under this chapter and projects assisted with the funds:
``(1) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C.
2000d et seq.).
``(2) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
``(3) The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.).
``(h) Development Phase Activities.--Any credit instrument secured
under this chapter may be used to finance 100 percent of the cost of
development phase activities as described in section 601(a)(1)(A) if
the total amount of the credit instrument does not exceed the maximum
amount for such instrument prescribed in this chapter.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 6 is
amended by striking the item relating to section 602 and
inserting the following:
``602. Project applications and determinations of eligibility.''.
(c) Secured Loans.--
(1) In general.--
(A) Approval of projects.--Section 603 is amended
by striking ``selected'' each place it appears and
inserting ``approved''.
(B) Agreements.--Section 603(a)(1) is amended in
the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by inserting ``,
including master credit agreements,'' after
``agreements''.
(C) Risk assessment.--Section 603(a)(3) is amended
by striking ``602(b)(2)(B)'' and inserting ``602(c)''.
(2) Terms and limitations.--
(A) In general.--Section 603(b)(1) is amended by
inserting ``are consistent with this chapter and its
purpose and that'' before ``the Secretary determines
appropriate.''.
(B) Maximum amounts.--Section 603(b)(2) is amended
to read as follows:
``(2) Maximum amounts.--The amount of the secured loan may
not exceed 49 percent of the reasonably anticipated eligible
project costs.''.
(C) Payment.--Section 603(b)(3)(A)(i) is amended by
inserting ``payments owing to the obligor under a
public-private partnership,'' before ``or other
dedicated revenue sources''.
(D) Nonsubordination.--Section 603(b)(6) is amended
by inserting after ``project obligations'' the
following: ``entered into after the date on which the
agreement to provide the secured loan is entered into
under this section (except that such obligations do not
include project obligations issued to refund prior
project obligations or project obligations not
contemplated by the parties at the time)''.
(d) Lines of Credit.--
(1) Approval of projects.--Section 604(a)(1) is amended by
striking ``selected'' and inserting ``approved''.
(2) Risk assessment.--Section 604(a)(3) is amended by
striking ``602(b)(2)(B)'' and inserting ``602(c)''.
(3) Terms and limitations.--
(A) In general.--Section 604(b)(1) is amended by
inserting ``are consistent with this chapter and its
purpose and that'' before ``the Secretary determines
appropriate.''.
(B) Maximum amounts.--Section 604(b)(2) is amended
to read as follows:
``(2) Maximum amounts.--The total amount of the line of
credit may not exceed 49 percent of the reasonably anticipated
eligible project costs.''.
(C) Security.--Section 604(b)(5)(A)(i) is amended
by inserting ``payments owing to the obligor under a
public-private partnership,'' before ``or other
dedicated revenue sources''.
(D) Nonsubordination.--Section 604(b)(8) is amended
by inserting after ``project obligations'' the
following: ``entered into after the date on which the
agreement to provide the direct loan is entered into
under this section (except that such obligations do not
include project obligations issued to refund prior
project obligations or project obligations not
contemplated by the parties at the time)''.
(E) Relationship to other credit instruments.--
Section 604(b)(10) is amended by striking ``33
percent'' and inserting ``49 percent''.
(e) Program Administration.--Section 605 is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(e) Expedited Processing.--The Secretary shall implement
procedures and measures to economize the time and cost involved in
obtaining approval and the issuance of credit assistance under this
chapter.''.
(f) Funding.--
(1) In general.--Section 608(a)(1) is amended to read as
follows:
``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated
from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Alternative
Transportation Account) to carry out this chapter
$1,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.''.
(2) Administrative costs.--Section 608(a)(3) is amended by
striking ``$2,200,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through
2009'' and inserting ``$3,250,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016''.
(3) Projects under a master credit agreement.--Section
608(a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Projects under a master credit agreement.--The
Secretary may commit or conditionally commit to projects
covered by master credit agreements not more than 15 percent of
the amount of budget authority for each fiscal year under
paragraph (1). This limitation does not apply to a project
under a master credit agreement that has received final credit
approval.''.
(4) Exhaustion of availability.--Section 608 is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(c) Exhaustion of Availability.--
``(1) Notice of exhaustion.--Whenever the Secretary fully
commits budget authority available in a fiscal year under
subparagraph (a)(1), the Secretary shall--
``(A) publish notice of that fact in the Federal
Register; and
``(B) deliver written notice of that fact to the
applicants under all approved and pending applications.
``(2) Election to use other sources for subsidy amount.--An
applicant may elect in its application or at any time after
receipt of such notice to pay the subsidy amount from available
sources other than the budget authority available in a fiscal
year under subparagraph (a)(1), including from Federal
assistance available to the applicant under this title or
chapter 53 of title 49.
``(d) Use of Unallocated Funds.--
``(1) Distribution among states.--On September 1 of each
fiscal year, the Secretary shall distribute any remaining
budget authority made available in subsection (a)(1) among the
States in the ratio that--
``(A) the amount authorized to be apportioned, out
of amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund
(other than the Alternative Transportation Account), to
each State for the National Highway System program, the
surface transportation program, and highway safety
improvement program for the fiscal year; bears to
``(B) the amount authorized to be apportioned, out
of amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund
(other than the Alternative Transportation Account), to
all States for the National Highway System program, the
surface transportation program, and highway safety
improvement program for the fiscal year.
``(2) Eligible purposes.--Such budget authority shall be
available for any purpose eligible for funding under section
133.''.
SEC. 1202. STATE INFRASTRUCTURE BANK PROGRAM.
(a) Funding.--
(1) In general.--Section 610(d) is amended--
(A) by striking ``fiscal years 2005 through 2009''
each place that it appears and inserting ``fiscal years
2013 through 2016''; and
(B) by striking ``10 percent'' each place that it
appears and inserting ``15 percent''.
(2) Highway accounts.--Section 610(d)(1) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) 100 percent of the funds apportioned to the
State for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016 under
section 611.''.
(b) Program Administration.--Section 610(k) is amended by striking
``fiscal years 2005 through 2009'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2013
through 2016''.
SEC. 1203. STATE INFRASTRUCTURE BANK CAPITALIZATION.
(a) In General.--Chapter 6 is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Sec. 611. State infrastructure bank capitalization
``(a) Apportionment of Funds.--On October 1 of each fiscal year,
the Secretary shall apportion amounts made available to carry out this
section for a fiscal year among the States in the ratio that--
``(1) the amount authorized to be apportioned, out of
amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund (other than
the Alternative Transportation Account), to each State for the
National Highway System program, the surface transportation
program, and highway safety improvement program for the fiscal
year; bears to
``(2) the amount authorized to be apportioned, out of
amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund (other than
the Alternative Transportation Account), to all States for the
National Highway System program, the surface transportation
program, and highway safety improvement program for the fiscal
year.
``(b) Eligible Uses of Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
funds apportioned to a State under subsection (a) shall be used
by the State to make capitalization grants to the highway
account of the State's infrastructure bank established under
section 610.
``(2) Fiscal years 2013 and 2014.--Funds apportioned to a
State under subsection (a) for fiscal years 2013 and 2014 may
be used by the State for eligible projects on the National
Highway System, as described in section 119(d).
``(c) Reapportionment of Funds.--For fiscal year 2015 and each
fiscal year thereafter, if by August 1 of the fiscal year a State does
not obligate the funds apportioned to the State for the fiscal year
under subsection (a) for providing capitalization grants described in
subsection (b), the Secretary shall reapportion the remaining funds
among those States that--
``(1) did obligate before such date all of the funds
apportioned to the State for the fiscal year under subsection
(a); and
``(2) certify to the Secretary that the State will use the
additional funds to make capitalization grants described in
subsection (b) before the end of the fiscal year.
``(d) Limitation.--Any reapportionment of funds pursuant to
subsection (d) shall not require a recalculation of percentages under
section 105.
``(e) Applicability of Federal Law.--The requirements referred to
in section 610(h) shall apply to any funds apportioned under this
section.
``(f) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated
out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Alternative
Transportation Account) to carry out this section $750,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
``(2) Contract authority.--Funds made available under
paragraph (1) shall be available for obligation in the same
manner as if the funds were apportioned under chapter 1.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 6 is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``611. State infrastructure bank capitalization.''.
SEC. 1204. TOLLING.
(a) Amendment to Tolling Provision.--Section 129(a) is amended to
read as follows:
``(a) Basic Program.--
``(1) Authorization for federal participation.--Subject to
the provisions of this section, Federal participation shall be
permitted on the same basis and in the same manner as
construction of toll-free highways is permitted under this
chapter in the--
``(A) initial construction of a toll highway,
bridge, or tunnel or approach thereto;
``(B) initial construction of one or more lanes or
other improvements that increase capacity of a highway,
bridge, or tunnel (other than a highway on the
Interstate System) and conversion of that highway,
bridge, or tunnel to a tolled facility;
``(C) initial construction of one or more lanes or
other improvements that increase the capacity of a
highway, bridge, or tunnel on the Interstate System and
conversion of that highway, bridge, or tunnel to a
tolled facility, if the number of toll-free non-HOV
lanes, excluding auxiliary lanes, after such
construction is not less than the number of toll-free
non-HOV lanes, excluding auxiliary lanes, before such
construction;
``(D) reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration,
rehabilitation, or replacement of a toll highway,
bridge, or tunnel or approach thereto;
``(E) reconstruction or replacement of a toll-free
bridge or tunnel and conversion of the bridge or tunnel
to a toll facility;
``(F) reconstruction, restoration, or
rehabilitation of a toll-free Federal-aid highway
(other than a highway on the Interstate System) and
conversion of the highway to a toll facility;
``(G) reconstruction, restoration, or
rehabilitation of a highway on the Interstate System if
the number of toll-free non-HOV lanes, excluding
auxiliary lanes, after reconstruction, restoration, or
rehabilitation is not less than the number of toll-free
non-HOV lanes, excluding auxiliary lanes, before
reconstruction, restoration or rehabilitation;
``(H) conversion of a high occupancy vehicle lane
on a highway, bridge, or tunnel to a toll facility; and
``(I) preliminary studies to determine the
feasibility of a toll facility for which Federal
participation is authorized under this paragraph.
``(2) Ownership.--Each highway, bridge, tunnel, or approach
thereto constructed under this subsection must--
``(A) be publicly owned; or
``(B) be privately owned if the public authority
with jurisdiction over the highway, bridge, tunnel, or
approach has entered into a contract with a private
person or persons to design, finance, construct, and
operate the facility and the public authority will be
responsible for complying with all applicable
requirements of this title with respect to the
facility.
``(3) Limitations on use of revenues.--
``(A) In general.--A public authority with
jurisdiction over a toll facility shall use all toll
revenues received from operation of the toll facility
only for--
``(i) debt service with respect to the
projects on or for which the tolls are
authorized, including funding of reasonable
reserves and debt service on refinancing;
``(ii) reasonable return on investment of
any private person financing the project, as
determined by the State or interstate compact
of States concerned;
``(iii) any costs necessary for the
improvement and proper operation and
maintenance of the toll facility, including
reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, and
rehabilitation;
``(iv) if the toll facility is subject to a
public-private partnership agreement, payments
that the party holding the right to toll
revenues owes to the other party under the
public-private partnership agreement; and
``(v) if the public authority certifies
annually that the tolled facility is being
adequately maintained, the public authority may
use toll revenues for any other purpose for
which Federal funds may be obligated by a State
under this title.
``(B) Annual audit.--A public authority with
jurisdiction over a toll facility shall conduct or have
an independent auditor conduct an annual audit of toll
facility records to verify adequate maintenance and
compliance with subparagraph (A), and report the
results of such audits to the Secretary. Upon
reasonable notice, the public authority shall make all
records of the public authority pertaining to the toll
facility available for audit by the Secretary.
``(C) Noncompliance.--If the Secretary concludes
that a public authority has not complied with the
limitations on the use of revenues described in
subparagraph (A), the Secretary may require the public
authority to discontinue collecting tolls until an
agreement with the Secretary is reached to achieve
compliance with the limitation on the use of revenues
described in subparagraph (A).
``(4) Limitations on conversion of high occupancy vehicle
facilities on interstate system.--
``(A) In general.--A public authority with
jurisdiction over a high occupancy vehicle facility on
the Interstate System may undertake reconstruction,
restoration, or rehabilitation under subsection
(a)(1)(G) on the facility, and may levy tolls on
vehicles, excluding high occupancy vehicles, using the
reconstructed, restored, or rehabilitated facility, if
the public authority--
``(i) in the case of a high occupancy
vehicle facility that affects a metropolitan
area, submits to the Secretary a written
assurance that the metropolitan planning
organization designated under section 5203 of
title 49 for the area has been consulted
concerning the placement and amount of tolls on
the converted facility;
``(ii) develops, manages, and maintains a
system that will automatically collect the
toll; and
``(iii) establishes policies and procedures
to--
``(I) manage the demand to use the
facility by varying the toll amount
that is charged; and
``(II) enforce sanctions for
violations of use of the facility.
``(B) Exemption from tolls.--In levying tolls on a
facility under subparagraph (A), a public authority may
designate classes of vehicles that are exempt from the
tolls or charge different toll rates for different
classes of vehicles.
``(5) Special rule for funding.--In the case of a toll
facility under the jurisdiction of a public authority of a
State (other than the State transportation department), upon
request of the State transportation department and subject to
such terms and conditions as such department and public
authority may agree, the Secretary, working through the State
department of transportation, shall reimburse such public
authority for the Federal share of the costs of construction of
the project carried out on the toll facility under this
subsection in the same manner and to the same extent as such
department would be reimbursed if such project was being
carried out by such department. The reimbursement of funds
under this paragraph shall be from sums apportioned to the
State under this chapter and available for obligations on
projects on the Federal-aid system in such State on which the
project is being carried out.
``(6) Limitation on federal share.--The Federal share
payable for a project described in paragraph (1) shall be a
percentage determined by the State but not to exceed 80
percent.
``(7) Modifications.--If a public authority (including a
State transportation department) with jurisdiction over a toll
facility subject to an agreement under this section or section
119(e), as in effect on the day before the effective date of
title I of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
of 1991, requests modification of such agreement, the Secretary
shall modify such agreement to allow the continuation of tolls
in accordance with paragraph (3) without repayment of Federal
funds.
``(8) Loans.--
``(A) In general.--Using amounts made available
under this title, a State may loan to a public or
private entity constructing or proposing to construct
under this section a toll facility or non-toll facility
with a dedicated revenue source an amount equal to all
or part of the Federal share of the cost of the project
if the project has a revenue source specifically
dedicated to it. Dedicated revenue sources for non-toll
facilities include excise taxes, sales taxes, motor
vehicle use fees, tax on real property, tax increment
financing, and such other dedicated revenue sources as
the Secretary determines appropriate.
``(B) Compliance with federal laws.--As a condition
of receiving a loan under this paragraph, the public or
private entity that receives the loan shall ensure that
the project will be carried out in accordance with this
title and any other applicable Federal law, including
any applicable provision of a Federal environmental
law.
``(C) Subordination of debt.--The amount of any
loan received for a project under this paragraph may be
subordinated to any other debt financing for the
project.
``(D) Obligation of funds loaned.--Funds loaned
under this paragraph may only be obligated for projects
under this paragraph.
``(E) Repayment.--The repayment of a loan made
under this paragraph shall commence not later than 5
years after date on which the facility that is the
subject of the loan is open to traffic.
``(F) Term of loan.--The term of a loan made under
this paragraph shall not exceed 30 years from the date
on which the loan funds are obligated.
``(G) Interest.--A loan made under this paragraph
shall bear interest at or below market interest rates,
as determined by the State, to make the project that is
the subject of the loan feasible.
``(H) Reuse of funds.--Amounts repaid to a State
from a loan made under this paragraph may be
obligated--
``(i) for any purpose for which the loan
funds were available under this title; and
``(ii) for the purchase of insurance or for
use as a capital reserve for other forms of
credit enhancement for project debt in order to
improve credit market access or to lower
interest rates for projects eligible for
assistance under this title.
``(I) Guidelines.--The Secretary shall establish
procedures and guidelines for making loans under this
paragraph.
``(9) State law permitting tolling.--If a State does not
have a highway, bridge, or tunnel toll facility as of the date
of enactment of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act
of 2012, before commencing any activity authorized under this
section, the State must have in effect a law that permits
tolling on a highway, bridge, or tunnel.
``(10) Definitions.--In this subsection, the following
definitions apply:
``(A) High occupancy vehicle; hov.--The term `high
occupancy vehicle' or `HOV' means a vehicle with no
fewer than 2 occupants.
``(B) Initial construction.--The term `initial
construction' means the construction of a highway,
bridge, tunnel, or other facility at any time before it
is open to traffic and does not include any improvement
to a highway, bridge, tunnel, or other facility after
it is open to traffic.
``(C) Public authority.--The term `public
authority' means a State, interstate compact of States,
or public entity designated by a State.
``(D) Toll facility.--The term `toll facility'
means a toll highway, bridge, or tunnel or approach
thereto constructed under this subsection.''.
(b) Electronic Toll Collection Interoperability Requirements.--Not
later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, all toll
facilities on the Federal-aid highways shall implement technologies or
business practices that provide for the interoperability of electronic
toll collection programs.
SEC. 1205. HOV FACILITIES.
(a) HOV Exceptions.--Section 166(b)(5) is amended--
(1) in subparagraphs (A) and (B) by striking ``2009'' and
inserting ``2016''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) by striking ``subparagraph (B)'' and inserting
``this paragraph''; and
(B) by inserting ``or equal to'' after ``less
than''.
(b) Requirements Applicable to Tolls.--Section 166(c)(3) is amended
to read as follows:
``(3) Toll revenue.--Toll revenue collected under this
section is subject to the requirements of section 129(a)(3).''.
(c) HOV Facility Management, Operation, Monitoring, and
Enforcement.--Section 166(d)(2) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(D) Maintenance of operating performance.--Not
later than 6 months after a facility has been
determined to be degraded pursuant to the standard
specified in subparagraph (B), the State agency with
jurisdiction over the facility shall bring the facility
into compliance with the minimum average operating
speed performance standard through changes to operation
of the facility, including--
``(i) increasing the occupancy requirement
for HOV lanes;
``(ii) varying the toll charged to vehicles
allowed under subsection (b) to reduce demand;
``(iii) discontinuing allowing non-HOV
vehicles to use HOV lanes under subsection (b);
or
``(iv) increasing the available capacity of
the HOV facility;''.
SEC. 1206. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) Best Practices.--The Secretary shall compile, and make
available to the public on the Internet Web site of the Department,
best practices on how States, public transportation agencies, and other
public officials can work with the private sector in the development,
financing, construction, and operation of transportation facilities.
(b) Contents.--The best practices shall include polices and
techniques to ensure that the interests of the traveling public and
State and local governments are protected in any agreement entered into
with the private sector for the development, financing, construction,
and operation of transportation facilities.
(c) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary, upon request, may provide
technical assistance to States, public transportation agencies, and
other public officials regarding proposed public-private partnership
agreements for the development, financing, construction, and operation
of transportation facilities, including assistance in analyzing whether
the use of a public-private partnership agreement would provide value
compared with traditional public delivery methods.
(d) Standard Transaction Contracts.--
(1) Development.--Not later than 18 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop standard
public-private partnership transaction model contracts for the
most popular types of public-private partnerships for the
development, financing, construction, and operation of
transportation facilities.
(2) Use.--The Secretary shall encourage States, public
transportation agencies, and other public officials to use the
model contracts as a base template when developing their own
public-private partnership agreements for the development,
financing, construction, and operation of transportation
facilities.
Subtitle C--Highway Safety
SEC. 1301. HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
Section 148 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 148. Highway safety improvement program
``(a) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Highway safety improvement program.--The term
`highway safety improvement program' means the program carried
out under this section.
``(2) Highway safety improvement project.--The term
`highway safety improvement project' means a project consistent
with an applicable State strategic highway safety plan that--
``(A) corrects or improves a roadway feature that
constitutes a hazard to any road users; or
``(B) addresses any other highway safety problem.
``(3) Project to maintain minimum levels of
retroreflectivity.--The term `project to maintain minimum
levels of retroreflectivity' means a project undertaken
pursuant to the provisions of the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices that require the use of an assessment or
management method designed to maintain highway sign or pavement
marking retroreflectivity at or above minimum levels prescribed
in the Manual.
``(4) Road users.--The term `road users' means motor
vehicle drivers and passengers, public transportation operators
and users, truck drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and
pedestrians, including persons with disabilities.
``(5) Safety data.--The term `safety data' includes crash,
roadway, driver licensing, and traffic data with respect to all
public roads and, for highway-rail grade crossings, data on the
characteristics of highway and train traffic.
``(6) Safety project under any other section.--
``(A) In general.--The term `safety project under
any other section' means a project carried out for the
purpose of safety under any other section of this
title.
``(B) Inclusion.--The term `safety project under
any other section' includes--
``(i) projects consistent with an
applicable State strategic highway safety plan
that promote the awareness of the public and
educate the public concerning highway safety
matters (including motorcycle safety);
``(ii) projects to enforce highway safety
laws; and
``(iii) projects to provide infrastructure
and equipment to support emergency services.
``(7) State highway safety improvement program.--The term
`State highway safety improvement program' means a program of
highway safety improvement projects carried out as part of the
statewide transportation improvement program under section
5204(g) of title 49.
``(8) State strategic highway safety plan.--The term `State
strategic highway safety plan' means a comprehensive, data-
driven safety plan developed in accordance with subsection
(c)(2).
``(b) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a highway safety
improvement program that is consistent with achieving a significant
reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public
roads.
``(c) State Highway Safety Improvement Programs.--
``(1) In general.--To obligate funds apportioned under
section 104(b)(5) to carry out this section, a State shall have
in effect a State highway safety improvement program that--
``(A) includes a set of projects that are
consistent with the State strategic highway safety plan
of the State;
``(B) satisfies the requirements of this section;
and
``(C) is consistent with the State's statewide
transportation improvement program under section
5204(g) of title 49.
``(2) Strategic highway safety plan.--As part of the State
highway safety improvement program of the State, each State
shall have in effect, update at least every 2 years, and submit
to the Secretary a State strategic highway safety plan that--
``(A) is developed after consultation with--
``(i) a highway safety representative of
the Governor of the State;
``(ii) regional transportation planning
organizations and metropolitan planning
organizations, if any;
``(iii) representatives of major modes of
transportation;
``(iv) State and local traffic enforcement
officials;
``(v) representatives of entities
conducting a Federal or State motor carrier
safety program;
``(vi) motor vehicle administration
agencies;
``(vii) a highway-rail grade crossing
safety representative of the Governor of the
State; and
``(viii) other major Federal, State,
tribal, regional, and local safety
stakeholders;
``(B) is approved by the Governor of the State or a
responsible State agency;
``(C) defines State safety goals, including with
respect to performance measures established under
section 5206 of title 49;
``(D) addresses engineering, management, operation,
education, enforcement, and emergency services elements
of highway safety (including integrated, interoperable
emergency communications) as key factors in evaluating
highway projects;
``(E) analyzes and makes effective use of State,
regional, and local safety data, including data from
the safety data system required under subsection (e);
``(F) considers the results of Federal, State,
regional, and local transportation and highway safety
planning processes; and
``(G) considers the safety needs of, and high-
fatality segments of, public roads.
``(3) Implementation.--
``(A) Identification and analysis of highway safety
problems and opportunities.--As part of the State
highway safety improvement program of the State, each
State shall, including through use of the safety data
system required under subsection (e)--
``(i) identify roadway features that
constitute a hazard to road users;
``(ii) identify highway safety improvement
projects on the basis of crash history
(including crash rates), crash potential, or
other data-supported means;
``(iii) establish the relative severity of
the risks of roadway features based on crash,
injury, fatality, traffic volume, and other
relevant data (including the number and rates
of crashes, injuries, and fatalities);
``(iv) consider whether highway safety
improvement projects maximize opportunities to
advance safety; and
``(v) in conjunction with the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,
evaluate the progress made each year in
achieving State safety goals identified in the
State strategic highway safety plan.
``(B) Schedule of highway safety improvement
projects.--As part of the State highway safety
improvement program of the State, each State shall,
including through use of the safety data system
required under subsection (e)--
``(i) identify highway safety improvement
projects;
``(ii) determine priorities for the
correction of roadway features that constitute
a hazard to road users as identified through
safety data analysis; and
``(iii) establish and implement a schedule
of highway safety improvement projects to
address roadway features identified as
constituting a hazard to road users.
``(4) Eligible projects.--
``(A) In general.--A State may obligate funds
apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(5) to
carry out--
``(i) any highway safety improvement
project on any public road or publicly owned
pathway or trail;
``(ii) any project to put in effect or
improve the safety data system required under
subsection (e), without regard to whether the
project is included in an applicable State
strategic highway safety plan;
``(iii) any project to maintain minimum
levels of retroreflectivity with respect to a
public road, without regard to whether the
project is included in an applicable State
strategic highway safety plan; or
``(iv) as provided in subsection (d), other
projects.
``(B) Use of other funding for safety improvement
projects.--
``(i) Effect of section.--Nothing in this
section prohibits the use of funds made
available under other provisions of this title
for highway safety improvement projects.
``(ii) Use of other funds.--States are
encouraged to address the full scope of their
safety needs and opportunities by using, for a
highway safety improvement project, funds made
available under other provisions of this title
(except a provision that specifically prohibits
that use).
``(C) Automated traffic enforcement systems.--
``(i) Prohibition.--A State may not
obligate funds apportioned to the State under
section 104(b) to carry out any program to
purchase, operate, or maintain an automated
traffic enforcement system.
``(ii) Automated traffic enforcement system
defined.--In this subparagraph, the term
`automated traffic enforcement system' means
automated technology that monitors compliance
with traffic laws.
``(5) Updated state strategic highway safety plan
required.--
``(A) In general.--A State may obligate funds
apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(5) for
the second fiscal year beginning after the date of
enactment of the American Energy and Infrastructure
Jobs Act of 2012 only if the State has in effect and
has submitted to the Secretary an updated State
strategic highway safety plan that satisfies
requirements under this subsection.
``(B) Transition.--Before the second fiscal year
beginning after the date of enactment of the American
Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012, a State may
obligate funds apportioned to the State under section
104(b)(5) in a manner consistent with a State strategic
highway safety plan of the State developed before such
date of enactment.
``(d) Flexible Funding.--To further the implementation of a State
strategic highway safety plan and the achievement of performance
measures established under section 5206 of title 49, a State may use
not more than 10 percent of the funds apportioned to the State under
section 104(b)(5) for a fiscal year to carry out safety projects under
any other section if--
``(1) the use is consistent with the State strategic
highway safety plan of the State; and
``(2) the State certifies to the Secretary that the funds
are being used for the most effective projects for making
progress toward achieving performance measures established
under section 5206 of title 49.
``(e) Safety Data System.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of
2012, each State, as part of the State highway safety
improvement program of the State, shall have in effect a safety
data system to--
``(A) collect and maintain a record of safety data
with respect to all public roads in the State;
``(B) advance the capabilities of the State with
respect to safety data collection, analysis, and
integration;
``(C) identify roadway features that constitute a
hazard to road users; and
``(D) perform safety problem identification and
countermeasure analysis.
``(2) Improvement efforts.--Each State shall carry out
projects, as needed, to ensure that the safety data system of
the State enhances--
``(A) the timeliness, accuracy, completeness,
uniformity, and accessibility of safety data with
respect to all public roads in the State;
``(B) the ability of the State to integrate all
safety data collected throughout the State;
``(C) the ability of State and national safety data
systems to be compatible and interoperable;
``(D) the ability of the Secretary to observe and
analyze national trends in crash rates, outcomes, and
circumstances; and
``(E) the collection of data on crashes that
involve a bicyclist or pedestrian.
``(3) Evaluation of improvement efforts.--Each State shall
collect and maintain a record of projects undertaken to improve
the safety data system of the State and shall evaluate the
effectiveness of such projects.
``(f) Transparency.--A State shall make all plans and reports
submitted to the Secretary under this section available to the public
through--
``(1) the Internet Web site of the State transportation
department of the State; or
``(2) such other means as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.
``(g) Discovery and Admission Into Evidence of Certain Reports,
Surveys, and Information.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
reports, surveys, schedules, lists, or data compiled or collected for
any purpose directly relating to this section, or published in
accordance with subsection (f), shall not be subject to discovery or
admitted into evidence in a Federal or State court proceeding or
considered for other purposes in any action for damages arising from
any occurrence at a location identified or addressed in such reports,
surveys, schedules, lists, or other data.
``(h) Federal Share of Highway Safety Improvement Projects.--The
Federal share of the cost of a highway safety improvement project
carried out with funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(5)
shall be 90 percent, unless a Federal share exceeding 90 percent would
apply to the project under section 120 or 130.''.
SEC. 1302. RAILWAY-HIGHWAY CROSSINGS.
(a) Transparency of State Surveys and Schedules With Respect to
Railway-highway Crossings.--
(1) Survey and schedule of projects.--Section 130(d) is
amended by adding at the end the following: ``Each State shall
make the surveys conducted and schedules implemented under this
subsection available to the public on an appropriate Internet
Web site of the State.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
shall take effect 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act.
(b) Railway-Highway Crossing Information.--Section 130 is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(m) Railway-Highway Crossing Information.--
``(1) Priority lists and action plans.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this subsection, each State shall
compile and submit to the Secretary a report that
includes--
``(i) a list of the 10 railway-highway
crossings in the State that have the greatest
need for safety improvements;
``(ii) an action plan that identifies
projects and activities the State plans to
carry out to improve safety at those railway-
highway crossings; and
``(iii) a list of projects and activities
the State carried out to improve safety at
those railway-highway crossings during the 2-
year period ending on the date on which the
report is submitted to the Secretary.
``(B) Updates.--Each State shall update and submit
to the Secretary, at least once every 2 years, the
report of that State under subparagraph (A).
``(2) Publication of reports on u.s. dot web site.--The
Secretary shall make the reports submitted under paragraph (1)
available to the public on the Internet Web site of the
Department of Transportation.
``(3) Publication of reports on state web sites.--Each
State shall make the reports compiled under paragraph (1)
available to the public on an appropriate Internet Web site of
the State.
``(4) Limitation on use of data in judicial proceedings.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any report, review,
survey, schedule, list, data, information, or document of any
kind compiled or collected pursuant to this subsection,
including for the purpose of identifying, evaluating, or
planning the safety enhancement of a potential accident site or
railway-highway crossing pursuant to this section, shall not be
subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a Federal or
State court proceeding or considered for other purposes in any
action for damages arising from any occurrence at a location
mentioned or addressed in such report, review, survey,
schedule, list, data, information, or document.
``(5) Noncompliance.--If the Secretary determines that a
State is not in compliance with requirements under this
subsection, the Secretary may withhold funding that would
otherwise be apportioned to that State under this section.''.
SEC. 1303. HIGHWAY WORKER SAFETY.
(a) Positive Protective Measures.--Not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall modify section
630.1108(a) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, to ensure that--
(1) at a minimum, positive protective measures are used to
separate workers on highway construction projects from
motorized traffic in all work zones where traffic is present
and where workers have no means of escape, including tunnels
and bridges, unless an engineering analysis determines such
measures are not necessary;
(2) temporary longitudinal traffic barriers are used to
protect workers on highway construction projects in stationary
work zones lasting 2 weeks or more if traffic is present, the
traffic will be traveling at a speed of 45 miles per hour or
more, and the nature of the work requires workers to be within
1 lane-width from the edge of a live travel lane, unless--
(A) an engineering analysis determines such
barriers are not necessary; or
(B) the project is located--
(i) in a State with a population density of
20 or fewer persons per square mile;
(ii) outside of an urbanized area; and
(iii) on a roadway with an annual average
daily traffic load that is less than 100
vehicles per hour; and
(3) when positive protective measures are necessary for a
highway construction project, such measures are paid for on a
unit pay basis, unless doing so would create a conflict with
innovative contracting approaches, including a design-build
contract or a performance-based contract, under which the
contractor is paid to assume a certain risk allocation and
payment is generally made on a lump sum basis.
(b) Apparel.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall modify regulations issued pursuant to
section 1402 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 401 note)--
(1) to allow fire services personnel, who are subject to
the regulations, to wear apparel meeting the high visibility
requirements set forth in NFPA 1971-2007 (Standard on
Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity
Fire Fighting); and
(2) to not require such personnel to wear apparel meeting
requirements set forth in ANSI/ISEA 107-2004.
Subtitle D--Freight Mobility
SEC. 1401. NATIONAL FREIGHT POLICY.
(a) Development.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary, in
consultation with interested public and private sector freight
stakeholders, including representatives of ports, shippers, carriers,
freight-related associations, State transportation departments, and
local governments, shall develop a 5-year National Freight Policy.
(b) Contents.--The National Freight Policy shall--
(1) specify goals, objectives, and milestones with respect
to the expansion of freight transportation capacity and the
improvement of freight transportation infrastructure in the
United States;
(2) specify programs, strategies, and projects that will
assist in achieving the goals, objectives, and milestones
specified under paragraph (1);
(3) specify the manner in which the programs, strategies,
and projects specified under paragraph (2) will achieve the
goals, objectives, and milestones specified under paragraph
(1), including with respect to a 5-year timeframe for meeting
the goals, objectives, and milestones;
(4) identify protocols to promote and ensure the
implementation of the National Freight Policy; and
(5) identify a cooperative process, which includes State
and local governments, for implementing the National Freight
Policy.
(c) Goals.--In developing the National Freight Policy, the
Secretary shall consider the goals of--
(1) investing in freight transportation infrastructure to
strengthen the economic competitiveness of the United States,
reduce congestion, and increase productivity, particularly with
respect to domestic industries and businesses that create high-
value jobs;
(2) improving and maintaining existing freight
transportation infrastructure to ensure that infrastructure
meets appropriate standards;
(3) expanding the capacity of freight transportation
infrastructure to meet future demand;
(4) incorporating concepts of performance, innovation,
competition, and accountability into the operation and
maintenance of freight transportation infrastructure;
(5) increasing the usage and number of strategically-
located, multi-modal freight transportation facilities to
reduce congestion and emissions relating to highways in the
United States;
(6) improving the safety of freight transportation;
(7) implementing new technologies to improve the
coordination and efficiency of the movement of freight
throughout the United States; and
(8) improving methods for incorporating international trade
estimates into transportation planning.
(d) Reporting.--The Secretary shall include the National Freight
Policy in the National Strategic Transportation Plan developed under
section 5205 of title 49, United States Code.
(e) Commodity Flow Survey.--The Secretary, in consultation with
other relevant Federal agencies, shall make changes to the commodity
flow survey (conducted by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics
pursuant to section 111(c)(5) of title 49, United States Code) that the
Secretary determines will reduce identified freight data gaps and
deficiencies and assist in the evaluation of forecasts of
transportation demand.
SEC. 1402. STATE FREIGHT ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall encourage each State to
establish a freight advisory committee consisting of a representative
cross-section of public and private sector freight stakeholders,
including representatives of ports, shippers, carriers, freight-related
associations, the State's transportation department, and local
governments.
(b) Role of Committee.--A freight advisory committee described in
subsection (a) 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; and
(5) participate in the development of the State's freight
plan described in section 1403 of this Act.
SEC. 1403. STATE FREIGHT PLANS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall encourage each State to
develop a freight plan that provides a comprehensive plan for the
State's immediate and long-range planning activities and investments
with respect to freight.
(b) Plan Contents.--A freight plan described in subsection (a)
shall include, at a minimum--
(1) an identification of significant freight system trends,
needs, and issues with respect to the State;
(2) a description of the freight policies, strategies, and
performance measures that will guide the State's freight-
related transportation investment decisions;
(3) evidence of consideration of innovative technologies
and operational strategies, including intelligent
transportation systems, that improve the safety and efficiency
of freight movement; and
(4) for routes on which travel by heavy vehicles, including
mining, agricultural, and timber vehicles, is projected to
substantially deteriorate the condition of roadways, a
description of improvements that may be required to reduce or
impede such deterioration.
(c) Relationship to Long-Range Plan.--A freight plan described in
subsection (a) may be developed separate from or incorporated into the
statewide strategic long-range transportation plan required by section
5204 of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 1404. TRUCKING PRODUCTIVITY.
(a) Weight Limitations.--Section 127(a) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(13) A State may allow, by special permit, the operation
of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 126,000
pounds, and with loads conforming to such single axle, tandem
axle, and bridge formula limits as may be established by the
State, on a segment on the Interstate System in the State that
is not more than 25 miles in length.''.
(b) Longer Combination Vehicles.--Section 127(d) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(6) Operations on specific routes.--
``(A) In general.--If, as of the date of enactment
of this paragraph, a State has authority under
paragraph (1) to allow longer combination vehicles to
operate in the State, the State may allow, in addition
to such operations, the operation of longer combination
vehicles on additional routes in the State.
``(B) Determinations by the secretary.--The
Secretary may prohibit the operation of a longer
combination vehicle under subparagraph (A) if the
Secretary determines that the operation poses an
unreasonable safety risk based on an analysis of
engineering data, safety data, or other applicable
data.''.
(c) Additional Vehicle Weight Provisions.--Section 127 is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Automobile Transporters Limitations.--
``(1) In general.--A State may not prohibit the operation
of an automobile transporter with a gross weight of 88,000
pounds or less on--
``(A) any segment of the Interstate System (except
a segment exempted under section 31111(f) of title 49);
or
``(B) those classes of qualifying Federal-aid
primary highways designated by the Secretary under
section 31111(e) of title 49.
``(2) Reasonable access.--A State may not enact or enforce
a law denying reasonable access to automobile transporters, to
and from highways described in paragraph (1), to loading or
unloading points or facilities for food, fuel, repair, or rest.
``(3) Axle weight tolerance.--A State shall allow an
automobile transporter a tolerance of no more than 10 percent
on axle weight limitations set forth in subsection (a).
``(4) Automobile transporter defined.--In this subsection,
the term `automobile transporter' has the meaning given that
term in section 31111(a) of title 49.
``(j) Additional Exception to Weight Requirements.--
``(1) Exception for certain vehicles.--
``(A) In general.--A State may allow the maximum
gross weight, including all enforcement tolerances, for
a vehicle using Interstate System routes in the State
to exceed the maximum gross weight otherwise applicable
under subsection (a), if--
``(i) the vehicle is equipped with at least
6 axles;
``(ii) the weight of any single axle on the
vehicle does not exceed 20,000 pounds,
including enforcement tolerances;
``(iii) the weight of any tandem axle on
the vehicle does not exceed 34,000 pounds,
including enforcement tolerances;
``(iv) the weight of any group of 3 or more
axles on the vehicle does not exceed 51,000
pounds, including enforcement tolerances; and
``(v) the gross weight of the vehicle does
not exceed 97,000 pounds, including enforcement
tolerances.
``(B) Determinations by the secretary.--The
Secretary may prohibit the operation of a vehicle under
subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines that the
operation poses an unreasonable safety risk based on an
analysis of engineering data, safety data, or any other
applicable data the Secretary may use.
``(2) Special rules.--
``(A) Special exception for certain states.--This
subsection does not--
``(i) apply to a vehicle exceeding the
maximum gross weight requirements under
subsection (a) that could have operated
lawfully in a State before the date of
enactment of this subsection; or
``(ii) otherwise restrict a vehicle that
may lawfully operate under another provision of
this section.
``(B) Increase in axle weight requirement.--A State
may authorize a vehicle to exceed the maximum axle
weight requirement that applies to any one of the axle
groupings described in clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) of
paragraph (1)(A) by not more than 2,000 pounds.
``(3) Authority to collect fees.--
``(A) General authority.--The Secretary shall
establish and collect a fee for vehicles allowed to
operate on Interstate System routes under paragraph
(1).
``(B) Amount to be collected.--The fee established
under this paragraph shall equal as nearly as possible
the pro rata share of the increased costs, if any, to
the Interstate System attributable to the operation of
vehicles described in paragraph (1) on the Interstate
System.
``(C) Deposit.--The Secretary shall deposit the
amounts collected in fees under this paragraph in the
Highway Trust Fund (other than the Alternative
Transportation Account).
``(k) Special Permits During Periods of Emergency.--
``(1) In general.--A State may issue special permits with
respect to a major disaster or emergency declared under the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) to overweight vehicles and loads that
can be easily dismantled or divided allowing operations on the
Interstate System that would otherwise be prohibited under
subsection (a), if--
``(A) the permits are issued in accordance with
State law; and
``(B) the permits are issued exclusively to
vehicles and loads that are delivering relief supplies
in response to the major disaster or emergency.
``(2) Expiration.--A permit issued with respect to a major
disaster or emergency under paragraph (1) shall expire not
later than 120 days after the date of the declaration of the
major disaster or emergency as described in paragraph (1).
``(l) Emergency Vehicles.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a State
may not enforce against an emergency vehicle a weight limit
of--
``(A) less than 24,000 pounds on a single steering
axle;
``(B) less than 33,500 pounds on a single drive
axle;
``(C) less than 62,000 pounds on a tandem axle; or
``(D) less than 52,000 pounds on a tandem rear
drive steer axle, up to a maximum gross vehicle weight
of 86,000 pounds.
``(2) Emergency vehicle defined.--In this subsection, the
term `emergency vehicle' means a vehicle designed to be used
under emergency conditions--
``(A) to transport personnel and equipment; and
``(B) to support the suppression of fires or
mitigation of other hazardous situations.''.
(d) Waiver of Highway Funding Reduction.--The total amount of funds
apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(1) of title 23, United
States Code, for any period may not be reduced under section 127(a) of
such title on the basis that the State authorizes a vehicle to operate
on the Interstate System in the State in accordance with the amendments
made by this section.
(e) Length Limitations.--Section 31111 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Trailer transporter towing unit.--The term `trailer
transporter towing unit' means a power unit that is not used to
carry property when operating in a towaway trailer transporter
combination.
``(6) Towaway trailer transporter combination.--The term
`towaway trailer transporter combination' means a combination
of vehicles consisting of a trailer transporter towing unit and
2 trailers or semitrailers--
``(A) with a total weight that does not exceed
26,000 pounds; and
``(B) in which the trailers or semitrailers carry
no property and constitute inventory property of a
manufacturer, distributor, or dealer of such trailers
or semitrailers.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) imposes a vehicle length limitation, on any segment
of the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense
Highways (except a segment exempted under subsection (f)) and
those classes of qualifying Federal-aid primary system highways
designated by the Secretary of Transportation under subsection
(e), of--
``(i) less than 45 feet on a bus;
``(ii) less than 53 feet on a semitrailer operating
in a truck tractor-semitrailer combination; or
``(iii) notwithstanding section 31112, less than 33
feet on a semitrailer or trailer operating in a truck
tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination;'';
(B) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``; or'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(C) in subparagraph (F) by striking the period at
the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) imposes a vehicle length limitation of less than 80
feet on a stinger steered automobile transporter with a rear
overhand of less than 6 feet;
``(H) has the effect of imposing an overall length
limitation of less than 82 feet on a towaway trailer
transporter combination;
``(I) imposes a limitation of less than 46 feet on the
distance from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle on a
trailer used exclusively or primarily for the transport of
livestock; or
``(J) has the effect of prohibiting the use of a device
designed by a bus manufacturer to affix to the rear of an
intercity bus purchased after October 1, 2012, for use in
carrying passenger baggage, if the device does not result in
the bus exceeding 47 feet in total length.''.
(f) Property-Carrying Unit Limitation.--Section 31112 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1) by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``, but not including a trailer or semitrailer
transported as part of a towaway trailer transporter
combination as defined in section 31111(a).''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Additional Operations.--
``(1) In general.--If, as of the date of enactment of this
subsection, a State has authority under subsection (b) or (c)
to allow a commercial motor vehicle combination with more than
one property-carrying unit (not including the truck tractor) to
operate in the State, the State may allow, in addition to such
operations, the operation of commercial motor vehicle
combinations with more than one property-carrying unit (not
including the truck tractor) on additional routes in the State.
``(2) Determinations by the secretary.--The Secretary may
prohibit the operation of a vehicle under paragraph (1) if the
Secretary determines that the operation poses an unreasonable
safety risk based on an analysis of engineering data, safety
data, or any other applicable data the Secretary may use.''.
(g) Access to Interstate System.--Section 31114(a)(2) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by inserting ``a towaway trailer
transporter combination as defined in section 31111(a),'' before ``or
any''.
Subtitle E--Federal Lands and Tribal Transportation
SEC. 1501. FEDERAL LANDS AND TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS.
Chapter 2 is amended by striking sections 201 through 203 and
inserting the following:
``Sec. 201. General provisions
``(a) Purpose.--Recognizing the need for all Federal lands
transportation facilities and tribal transportation facilities to be
treated under uniform policies similar to the policies that apply to
Federal-aid highways and other public road and transit facilities
constructed with Federal assistance, the Secretary, in consultation
with the Secretary of each Federal land management agency, shall
establish and coordinate, in accordance with the requirements of this
section, a uniform policy for all transportation facilities constructed
under a covered program.
``(b) Covered Program Defined.--In this section, the term `covered
program' means--
``(1) the tribal transportation program established under
section 202; and
``(2) the Federal lands transportation program established
under section 203.
``(c) Availability of Funds.--
``(1) Availability.--Funds made available to carry out a
covered program shall be available for contract--
``(A) upon apportionment; or
``(B) if no apportionment is required, on October 1
of the fiscal year for which authorized.
``(2) Period of availability.--Funds apportioned or
allocated to carry out a covered program shall remain available
for obligation for a period of 3 years after the last day of
the fiscal year for which the funds are authorized. Any amounts
so apportioned or allocated that remain unobligated at the end
of that period shall lapse.
``(3) Authority of department secretaries.--
``(A) Authority to incur obligations, approve
projects, and enter into contracts.--The Secretary of a
Department charged with the administration of funds
made available to carry out a covered program may incur
obligations, approve projects, and enter into contracts
with respect to such funds.
``(B) Contractual obligations.--A Secretary's
action under subparagraph (A) shall be deemed to be a
contractual obligation of the United States to pay the
cost thereof, and the funds subject to the action shall
be deemed to have been expended when so obligated.
``(4) Expenditure.--Any funds made available to carry out a
covered program for a fiscal year shall be deemed to have been
expended if a sum equal to the total of the sums appropriated
for the fiscal year and previous fiscal years have been
obligated. Any of such funds released by payment of final
voucher or modification of project authorizations shall be
credited to the balance of unobligated appropriations and be
immediately available for expenditure.
``(5) Authority of secretary.--
``(A) Obligating funds for covered programs.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, either of
the following actions shall be deemed to constitute a
contractual obligation of the United States to pay the
total eligible cost of any construction project funded
under a covered program:
``(i) The authorization by the Secretary,
or the Secretary of a Department charged with
the administration of funds made available to
carry out a covered program, of engineering and
related work for the development, design, and
acquisition associated with the project,
whether performed by contract or agreement
authorized by law.
``(ii) The approval by the Secretary, or
the Secretary of a Department charged with the
administration of funds made available to carry
out a covered program, of plans,
specifications, and estimates for the project.
``(B) Limitation on statutory construction.--
Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to affect
the application of the Federal share associated with a
project undertaken under a covered program or to modify
the point of obligation associated with Federal
salaries and expenses.
``(d) Federal Share.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided by paragraph (2), the
Federal share payable on account of a project carried out under
a covered program shall be 100 percent of the total cost of the
project.
``(2) Operating assistance.--The Federal share payable,
with amounts made available to carry out this chapter, on
account of operating expenses for a project carried out under a
covered program may not exceed 50 percent of the net operating
costs, as determined by the Secretary.
``(e) Transportation Planning.--
``(1) Transportation planning procedures.--In consultation
with the Secretary of each Federal land management agency, the
Secretary shall implement transportation planning procedures
for tribal transportation facilities and Federal lands
transportation facilities that are consistent with the planning
processes required under sections 5203 and 5204 of title 49.
``(2) Approval of transportation improvement program.--A
transportation improvement program developed as a part of the
transportation planning process under this subsection shall be
subject to approval by the Secretary, acting in coordination
with the Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management
agency.
``(3) Inclusion in other plans.--Any project under a
covered program that is regionally significant shall--
``(A) be developed in cooperation with appropriate
States and metropolitan planning organizations; and
``(B) be included in--
``(i) plans for the covered program;
``(ii) appropriate State and metropolitan
long-range transportation plans; and
``(iii) appropriate State and metropolitan
transportation improvement programs.
``(4) Inclusion in state programs.--A transportation
improvement program that is approved by the Secretary as a part
of the transportation planning process under this subsection
shall be included in appropriate plans and programs of States
and metropolitan planning organizations without further action
on the transportation improvement program.
``(5) Asset management.--The Secretary and the Secretary of
each Federal land management agency, to the extent appropriate,
shall have in effect safety, bridge, pavement, and congestion
management systems in support of asset management for highways
funded under a covered program.
``(6) Data collection.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary of each Federal
land management agency shall collect and report on the
data that is necessary to implement a covered program,
including at a minimum--
``(i) inventory and condition information
on tribal roads and Federal lands highways; and
``(ii) bridge inspection and inventory
information on any Federal bridge that is open
to the public.
``(B) Standards.--The Secretary, in coordination
with the Secretary of each Federal land management
agency, shall define collection and reporting data
standards for purposes of subparagraph (A).
``(7) Administrative expenses.--The Secretary may use up to
5 percent of the funds made available to carry out section 203
for a fiscal year for purposes of implementing the activities
described in this subsection, including direct support of
transportation planning activities among Federal land
management agencies.
``(f) References to Secretaries of Federal Land Management
Agencies.--In this chapter, the term `Secretary', when used in
connection with a Federal land management agency, means the Secretary
of the department that contains the agency.
``Sec. 202. Tribal transportation program
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a tribal
transportation program in accordance with the requirements of this
section.
``(b) Use of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--Funds made available to carry out the
tribal transportation program shall be used by the Secretary
and the Secretary of the Interior to pay for the following:
``(A) The covered costs of--
``(i) tribal roads;
``(ii) vehicular parking areas adjacent to
tribal roads;
``(iii) pedestrian walkways and bicycle
transportation facilities (as defined in
section 217) on tribal lands; and
``(iv) roadside rest areas, including
sanitary and water facilities, on tribal lands.
``(B) The costs of transportation projects eligible
for assistance under this title that are within, or
provide access to, tribal lands.
``(C) The costs of public transportation projects
eligible for assistance under section 5311(b)(1) of
title 49 that are within, or provide access to, tribal
lands (without regard to whether the project is located
in an urbanized area).
``(D) The costs of rehabilitation, restoration, and
construction of interpretive signage at tribal roads.
``(E) The costs of acquisition of necessary scenic
easements and scenic or historic sites associated with
tribal roads.
``(2) Covered costs defined.--In paragraph (1), the term
`covered costs' means the costs of transportation planning,
research, preventive maintenance, engineering, rehabilitation,
restoration, construction, and reconstruction.
``(3) Contract.--In connection with an activity described
in paragraph (1), the Secretary and the Secretary of the
Interior may enter into a contract or other appropriate
agreement with respect to such activity with--
``(A) a State (including a political subdivision of
a State); or
``(B) an Indian tribe.
``(4) Indian labor.--Indian labor may be employed, in
accordance with such rules and regulations as may be
promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior, to carry out any
construction or other activity described in paragraph (1).
``(5) Federal employment.--No maximum limitation on Federal
employment shall apply to construction or improvement of tribal
transportation facilities.
``(6) Administrative expenses.--
``(A) In general.--Of the funds made available to
carry out the tribal transportation program for a
fiscal year, up to 6 percent may be used by the
Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior for program
management and oversight and project-related
administrative expenses.
``(B) Reservation of funds.--The Secretary of the
Interior may reserve funds from administrative funds of
the Bureau of Indian Affairs that are associated with
the tribal transportation program to fund tribal
technical assistance centers under section 504(b).
``(7) Maintenance.--
``(A) Use of funds.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this title, of the funds allocated to an
Indian tribe under the tribal transportation program
for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use for the
purpose of maintenance (excluding road sealing, which
shall not be subject to any limitation) an amount that
does not exceed the greater of--
``(i) 25 percent of the funds; or
``(ii) $500,000.
``(B) Road maintenance programs on indian
reservations.--
``(i) BIA responsibility.--The Bureau of
Indian Affairs shall continue to retain primary
responsibility, including annual funding
request responsibility, for road maintenance
programs on Indian reservations.
``(ii) Funding.--The Secretary of the
Interior shall ensure that funding made
available under this paragraph for maintenance
of tribal transportation facilities for a
fiscal year is supplementary to and not in lieu
of any obligation of funds by the Bureau of
Indian Affairs for road maintenance programs on
Indian reservations.
``(C) Tribal-state road maintenance agreements.--
``(i) Authority to enter into agreements.--
An Indian tribe and a State may enter into a
road maintenance agreement under which the
Indian tribe assumes the responsibilities of
the State for tribal transportation facilities.
``(ii) Negotiations.--Agreements entered
into under clause (i)--
``(I) shall be negotiated between
the State and the Indian tribe; and
``(II) shall not require the
approval of the Secretary.
``(8) Cooperation of states and counties.--
``(A) In general.--The cooperation of States,
counties, and other political subdivisions of States
may be accepted in construction and improvement of
tribal transportation facilities.
``(B) Crediting of funds.--Any funds received from
a State, county, or other political subdivision of a
State for construction or improvement of tribal
transportation facilities shall be credited to
appropriations available for the tribal transportation
program.
``(9) Competitive bidding.--
``(A) In general.--Construction of a project under
the tribal transportation program shall be performed
pursuant to a contract awarded by competitive bidding
unless the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior
affirmatively finds that, under the circumstances
relating to the project, some other method is in the
public interest.
``(B) Applicability of other laws.--Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A), section 23 of the Act of June 25,
1910 (36 Stat. 861; known as the Buy Indian Act) and
section 7(b) of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (88 Stat. 2205) shall apply to
all funds administered by the Secretary of the Interior
that are appropriated for the construction and
improvement of tribal roads.
``(c) Funds Distribution.--
``(1) In general.--All funds authorized to be appropriated
for the tribal transportation program shall be allocated among
Indian tribes in accordance with the formula maintained by the
Secretary of the Interior under paragraph (4).
``(2) National tribal roads inventory.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior,
in cooperation with the Secretary, shall maintain a
comprehensive national inventory of tribal roads that
are eligible for assistance under the tribal
transportation program.
``(B) Tribal roads included in the inventory.--For
purposes of identifying the tribal transportation
system and determining the relative transportation
needs of Indian tribes, the Secretary of the Interior
shall include in the inventory, at a minimum, tribal
roads that are eligible for assistance under the tribal
transportation program that a tribe has requested,
including facilities that--
``(i) were included in the Bureau of Indian
Affairs system inventory prior to October 1,
2004;
``(ii) are owned by an Indian tribal
government;
``(iii) are owned by the Bureau of Indian
Affairs;
``(iv) were constructed or reconstructed
with funds from the Highway Trust Fund under
the Indian reservation roads program since
1983;
``(v) are community streets or bridges
within the exterior boundary of Indian
reservations, Alaska native villages, or other
recognized Indian communities (including
communities in former Indian reservations in
Oklahoma) in which the majority of residents
are American Indians or Alaska Natives; or
``(vi) are primary access routes proposed
by tribal governments, including roads between
villages, roads to landfills, roads to drinking
water sources, roads to natural resources
identified for economic development, and roads
that provide access to intermodal terminals,
such as airports, harbors, or boat landings.
``(C) Limitation on primary access routes.--For
purposes of this paragraph, a proposed primary access
route is the shortest practicable route connecting 2
points of the proposed route.
``(D) Additional facilities.--Nothing in this
paragraph shall preclude the Secretary of the Interior
from including additional transportation facilities
that are eligible for funding under the tribal
transportation program in the inventory if such
additional facilities are included in the inventory in
a uniform and consistent manner nationally.
``(3) Regulations.--Notwithstanding sections 563(a) and
565(a) of title 5, the Secretary of the Interior shall maintain
regulations governing the tribal transportation program and the
funding formula under paragraph (4) in accordance with
established policies and procedures.
``(4) Basis for funding formula factors.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior
shall maintain a formula for distributing funds made
available under the tribal transportation program among
Indian tribes.
``(B) Factors.--Subject to subparagraph (C), such
formula shall be based on factors that reflect--
``(i) the relative needs among the Indian
tribes, and reservation or tribal communities,
for transportation assistance;
``(ii) the relative administration
capacities of, and challenges faced by, various
Indian tribes, including the cost of road
construction in each Bureau of Indian Affairs
area, geographic isolation, and difficulty in
maintaining all-weather access to employment,
commerce, health, safety, and educational
resources; and
``(iii) the public roads included in the
national tribal roads inventory to be
maintained under paragraph (2)(A).
``(C) Special rule.--Not less than 50 percent of
the funds distributed under the funding formula shall
be allocated among Indian tribes based on an Indian
tribe's relative share of the tribal roads that are
included in the national tribal roads inventory as a
result of paragraph (2)(B)(i), (2)(B)(ii), or
(2)(B)(iii).
``(D) Limitation on statutory construction.--
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit
the Secretary of the Interior from distributing funds
made available under the tribal transportation program
among Indian tribes in accordance with the formula
established by the Secretary of the Interior under part
170 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations, as in
effect on the date of enactment of the American Energy
and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012, except that the
special rule established by subparagraph (C) shall
apply to any such distribution.
``(5) Distribution of funds to indian tribes.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the
date on which funds are made available to the Secretary
of the Interior for a fiscal year to carry out the
tribal transportation program, the funds shall be
distributed to, and available for immediate use by,
eligible Indian tribes in accordance with the formula
maintained by the Secretary of the Interior under
paragraph (4).
``(B) Use of funds.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this section, funds made available to
Indian tribes for tribal transportation facilities
shall be expended on projects identified in a
transportation improvement program approved by the
Secretary.
``(6) Health and safety assurances.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, an Indian tribal government may approve
plans, specifications, and estimates for, and may commence, a
project for construction of a tribal transportation facility
with funds made available to carry out the tribal
transportation program through a contract or agreement entered
into under the Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.) if the Indian tribal
government--
``(A) provides assurances in the contract or
agreement that the construction will meet or exceed
applicable health and safety standards;
``(B) obtains the advance review of the plans and
specifications for the project from a State-licensed
civil engineer that has certified that the plans and
specifications meet or exceed the applicable health and
safety standards;
``(C) provides a copy of the certification under
subparagraph (A) to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Tribal Government Affairs of the Department of
Transportation or the Assistant Secretary of Indian
Affairs of the Department of the Interior, as
appropriate; and
``(D) obtains the advance written approval of the
plans, specifications, and estimates from the facility
owner or public authority having maintenance
responsibility for the facility and provides a copy of
the approval to the officials referred to in
subparagraph (C).
``(7) Contracts and agreements with indian tribes for
program costs.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law or any interagency agreement, program
guideline, manual, or policy directive, all funds made
available under this chapter and section 125(e) for
tribal transportation facilities to pay for the costs
of programs, services, functions, and activities, or
portions thereof, that are specifically or functionally
related to the cost of any tribal transportation
facility that provides access to or is located within
the reservation or community of an Indian tribe shall
be made available, upon request of the Indian tribal
government, to the Indian tribal government for
contracts and agreements for such planning, research,
engineering, and construction in accordance with the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
(25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.).
``(B) Exclusion of agency participation.--Funds for
programs, functions, services, or activities, or
portions thereof (including supportive administrative
functions that are otherwise contractible to which
subparagraph (A) applies) shall be paid in accordance
with subparagraph (A) without regard to the
organizational level at which the Department of the
Interior has previously carried out such programs,
functions, services, or activities.
``(8) Contracts and agreements with indian tribes for
tribal transportation facility programs and projects.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law or any interagency agreement, program
guideline, manual, or policy directive, all funds made
available to an Indian tribal government under this
chapter for a tribal transportation facility program or
project that is located on an Indian reservation or
provides access to the reservation or a community of an
Indian tribe shall be made available, on the request of
the Indian tribal government, to the Indian tribal
government for use in carrying out, in accordance with
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.), contracts and agreements
for the planning, research, design, engineering,
construction, and maintenance relating to the program
or project.
``(B) Exclusion of agency participation.--In
accordance with subparagraph (A), all funds for a
program or project to which subparagraph (A) applies
shall be paid to the Indian tribal government without
regard to the organizational level at which the
Department of the Interior has previously carried out,
or the Department of Transportation has previously
carried out, the programs, functions, services, or
activities involved.
``(C) Consortia.--Two or more Indian tribes that
are otherwise eligible to participate in a program or
project to which this chapter applies may form a
consortium to be considered as a single Indian tribe
for the purpose of participating in the project under
this section.
``(D) Secretary as signatory.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, the Secretary is authorized to
enter into a funding agreement with an Indian tribal
government to carry out a tribal transportation
facility program or project under subparagraph (A) that
is located on an Indian reservation or provides access
to the reservation or a community of the Indian tribe.
``(E) Funding.--The amount an Indian tribal
government receives for a program or project under
subparagraph (A) shall equal the sum of the funding
that the Indian tribal government would otherwise
receive for the program or project in accordance with
the funding formula established under this subsection
and such additional amounts as the Secretary determines
equal the amounts that would have been withheld for the
costs of the Bureau of Indian Affairs for
administration of the program or project.
``(F) Eligibility.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii),
funds may be made available under subparagraph
(A) to an Indian tribal government for a
program or project in a fiscal year only if the
Indian tribal government requesting the funds
demonstrates to the satisfaction of the
Secretary financial stability and financial
management capability during the 3 fiscal years
immediately preceding the fiscal year for which
the request is made.
``(ii) Criteria for determining financial
stability and financial management
capability.--If an Indian tribal government did
not have an uncorrected significant and
material audit exception in a required annual
audit of the Indian tribal government's self-
determination contracts or self-governance
funding agreements with a Federal agency during
the 3-fiscal year period referred in clause
(i), the Indian tribe shall be treated as
having conclusive evidence of its financial
stability and financial management capability
for purposes of clause (i).
``(G) Assumption of functions and duties.--An
Indian tribal government receiving funding under
subparagraph (A) for a program or project shall assume
all functions and duties that the Secretary of the
Interior would have performed with respect to a program
or project under this chapter, other than those
functions and duties that inherently cannot be legally
transferred under the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.).
``(H) Powers.--An Indian tribal government
receiving funding under subparagraph (A) for a program
or project shall have all powers that the Secretary of
the Interior would have exercised in administering the
funds transferred to the Indian tribal government for
such program or project under this section if the funds
had not been transferred, except to the extent that
such powers are powers that inherently cannot be
legally transferred under the Indian Self-Determination
and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.).
``(I) Dispute resolution.--In the event of a
disagreement between the Secretary or the Secretary of
the Interior and an Indian tribe over whether a
particular function, duty, or power may be lawfully
transferred under the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.), the
Indian tribe shall have the right to pursue all
alternative dispute resolutions and appeal procedures
authorized by such Act, including regulations issued to
carry out such Act.
``(J) Termination of contract or agreement.--On the
date of the termination of a contract or agreement
under this section by an Indian tribal government, the
Secretary shall transfer all funds that would have been
allocated to the Indian tribal government under the
contract or agreement to the Secretary of the Interior
to provide continued transportation services in
accordance with applicable law.
``(d) Planning by Indian Tribal Governments.--
``(1) In general.--Of the funds made available for a fiscal
year to carry out the tribal transportation program, up to 2
percent may be allocated to Indian tribal governments that have
been authorized to conduct transportation planning pursuant to
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25
U.S.C. 450 et seq.).
``(2) Cooperation.--An Indian tribal government described
in paragraph (1), in cooperation with the Secretary of the
Interior, and as appropriate with a State, local government, or
metropolitan planning organization, shall carry out a
transportation planning process in accordance with section
201(e).
``(3) Approval.--Projects selected by an Indian tribal
government described in paragraph (1) from a transportation
improvement program shall be subject to the approval of the
Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary.
``(e) Federal-Aid Eligible Project.--Before approving as a project
on a tribal transportation facility any project eligible funds
apportioned under section 104 in a State, the Secretary shall determine
that the obligation of funds for such project is supplementary to and
not in lieu of the obligation, for projects on tribal transportation
facilities, of a fair and equitable share of funds apportioned to such
State under section 104.
``Sec. 203. Federal lands transportation program
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a Federal lands
transportation program in accordance with the requirements of this
section.
``(b) Use of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--Funds made available to carry out the
Federal lands transportation program shall be used by the
Secretary and the Secretaries of Federal land management
agencies to pay for the following:
``(A) The covered costs of--
``(i) Federal lands highways;
``(ii) vehicular parking areas adjacent to
Federal lands highways;
``(iii) pedestrian walkways and bicycle
transportation facilities (as defined in
section 217) on Federal lands; and
``(iv) roadside rest areas, including
sanitary and water facilities, on Federal
lands.
``(B) The costs of transportation projects on
public roads or trails eligible for assistance under
this title that are within, or provide access to,
Federal lands.
``(C) The costs of public transportation projects
eligible for assistance under section 5311(b)(1) of
title 49 that are within, or provide access to, Federal
lands (without regard to whether the project is located
in an urbanized area).
``(D) The costs of rehabilitation, restoration, and
construction of interpretive signage at Federal lands
highways.
``(E) The costs of acquisition of necessary scenic
easements and scenic or historic sites associated with
Federal lands highways.
``(2) Covered costs defined.--In paragraph (1), the term
`covered costs' means the costs of program administration,
transportation planning, research, preventive maintenance,
engineering, rehabilitation, restoration, construction, and
reconstruction.
``(3) Contract.--In connection with an activity described
in paragraph (1), the Secretary and the Secretary of the
appropriate Federal land management agency may enter into a
contract or other appropriate agreement with respect to such
activity with--
``(A) a State (including a political subdivision of
a State); or
``(B) an Indian tribe.
``(4) Administration.--All appropriations for the
construction and improvement of Federal lands transportation
facilities shall be administered in conformity with regulations
and agreements jointly approved by the Secretary and the
Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management agency.
``(5) Cooperation.--
``(A) In general.--The cooperation of States and
political subdivisions of States may be accepted in
construction and improvement of Federal lands
transportation facilities.
``(B) Crediting of funds.--Any funds received from
a State or a political subdivision of a State for such
construction or improvement of Federal lands
transportation facilities shall be credited to
appropriations available for the class of Federal lands
transportation facilities to which funds were
contributed.
``(6) Competitive bidding.--Construction of a project under
the Federal lands transportation program shall be performed
pursuant to a contract awarded by competitive bidding unless
the Secretary or the Secretary of the appropriate Federal land
management agency affirmatively finds that, under the
circumstances relating to the project, some other method is in
the public interest.
``(c) Agency Program Distributions.--
``(1) In general.--On October 1 of each fiscal year, the
Secretary shall allocate the funds made available to carry out
the Federal lands transportation program for the fiscal year on
the basis of applications of need, as determined by the
Secretary, and in coordination with the transportation plans
required by section 201(e), of the respective transportation
systems of the Federal land management agencies.
``(2) Minimum allocations.--When making an allocation of
funds under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary
shall ensure that, of the total amount of funds subject to the
allocation--
``(A) the National Park Service receives, at a
minimum, 38 percent;
``(B) the Forest Service receives, at a minimum, 32
percent; and
``(C) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
receives, at a minimum, 4.5 percent.
``(3) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary of a Federal land
management agency may submit to the Secretary an
application for assistance under the Federal lands
transportation program.
``(B) Contents.--An application submitted by the
Secretary of a Federal land management agency under
subparagraph (A) shall contain such information as the
Secretary may require, including a description of any
proposed program for which the agency is seeking
assistance and the potential funding levels for the
program.
``(C) Considerations.--In reviewing a proposed
program described in an application submitted by the
Secretary of a Federal land management agency under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider the
extent to which the program supports--
``(i) a state of good repair of
transportation facilities across the agency's
inventory;
``(ii) a reduction of deficient bridges
across the agency's inventory;
``(iii) improvement of safety across the
agency's inventory;
``(iv) high use Federal recreation sites or
Federal economic generators; and
``(v) the resource management goals of the
Secretary of the respective Federal land
management agency.
``(d) National Federal Lands Highways Inventory.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretaries of the Federal land
management agencies, in cooperation with the Secretary, shall
maintain a comprehensive national inventory of Federal lands
highways.
``(2) Highways included in the inventory.--For purposes of
identifying the Federal lands transportation system and
determining the relative transportation needs among Federal
land management agencies, the inventory shall include, at a
minimum, highways that--
``(A) provide access to high use Federal recreation
sites or Federal economic generators, as determined by
the Secretary in coordination with the Secretaries of
the Federal land management agencies; and
``(B) are administered by a Federal land management
agency.
``(3) Availability.--The Secretary of each Federal land
management agency shall maintain an inventory of the Federal
lands highways administered by the agency and make the
inventory available to the Secretary.
``(4) Updates.--The Secretary of each Federal land
management agency shall update its inventory referred to in
paragraph (3) as determined by the Secretary.
``(5) Review.--A decision to add or remove a highway from
an inventory referred to in paragraph (1) or (4) shall not be
considered a Federal action for purposes of review under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.).''.
SEC. 1502. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Repeals.--Paragraphs (7), (9), (12), (19), (20), (24), (25),
(26), and (28) of section 101(a) are repealed.
(b) Definitions Relating to Federal Lands and Tribal Transportation
Programs.--Section 101(a) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(40) Federal land management agency.--The term `Federal
land management agency' means each of the following:
``(A) The National Park Service.
``(B) The Forest Service.
``(C) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
``(D) The Corps of Engineers.
``(E) The Bureau of Land Management.
``(41) Federal lands.--The term `Federal lands' means lands
administered by a Federal land management agency.
``(42) Federal lands highway.--The term `Federal lands
highway' means a public road, highway, bridge, or trail that is
located on, is adjacent to, or provides access to Federal lands
and appears on the national inventory of Federal lands highways
maintained under section 203(d).
``(43) Federal lands transportation facility.--The term
`Federal lands transportation facility' means a transportation
facility eligible for assistance under section 203(b).
``(44) Tribal road.--The term `tribal road' means a public
road, highway, bridge, or trail that is located on or provides
access to tribal lands and appears on the national inventory of
tribal roads maintained under section 202(c).
``(45) Tribal transportation facility.--The term `tribal
transportation facility' means a transportation facility
eligible for assistance under section 202(b).''.
SEC. 1503. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Federal Share Payable.--Section 120 is amended--
(1) in subsection (e) by striking ``forest highways, forest
development roads and trails, park roads and trails, parkways,
public lands highways, public lands development roads and
trails, and Indian reservation roads'' and inserting ``tribal
roads and Federal lands highways''; and
(2) in subsection (l)--
(A) in the subsection heading by striking ``Federal
Lands Highways Program'' and inserting ``Tribal
Transportation Program and Federal Lands Transportation
Program''; and
(B) by striking ``the Federal lands highways
program under section 204'' and inserting ``the tribal
transportation program under section 202 and the
Federal lands transportation program under section
203''.
(b) Preservation of Parklands.--Section 138(a) is amended by
striking ``park road or parkway under section 204 of this title'' and
inserting ``Federal lands transportation facility under section 203''.
(c) Efficient Environmental Reviews for Project Decisionmaking.--
Section 139(j)(3) is amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading by striking ``Use of federal
lands highway funds'' and inserting ``Use of tribal
transportation program and federal lands transportation program
funds''; and
(2) by striking ``section 204'' and inserting ``sections
202 and 203''.
(d) Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways.--Section 217(c)
is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading by striking ``Federal Lands
Highways'' and inserting ``Tribal Transportation Program and
Federal Lands Transportation Program Funds''; and
(2) by striking ``Funds authorized for'' and all that
follows through ``public lands highways'' and inserting ``Funds
authorized for tribal transportation facilities and Federal
lands transportation facilities''.
(e) Rules, Regulations, and Recommendations.--Section 315 is
amended by striking ``sections 204(f) and 205(a) of this title'' and
inserting ``sections 203(b)(4) and 205(a)''.
SEC. 1504. REPEALS; EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--Sections 204 and 214, and the items relating to
such sections in the analysis for chapter 2, are repealed.
(b) Existing Funds.--A repeal or amendment made by this subtitle
shall not affect funds apportioned or allocated (or funds awarded but
not yet allocated) before the effective date of the repeal or
amendment.
SEC. 1505. CLERICAL AMENDMENT.
The analysis for chapter 2 is amended by striking the items
relating to sections 201 through 203 and inserting the following:
``201. General provisions.
``202. Tribal transportation program.
``203. Federal lands transportation program.''.
Subtitle F--Program Elimination and Consolidation
SEC. 1601. PROGRAM ELIMINATION AND CONSOLIDATION.
(a) General Provisions.--
(1) Existing funds.--A repeal or amendment made by this
section shall not affect funds apportioned or allocated before
the effective date of the repeal.
(2) Amendatory provisions.--A repeal made by this section
of a provision that contains an amendment to or repeal of
another law shall not be construed to affect that law. The
amendment to or repeal of that law shall remain in effect as if
this section had not been enacted.
(b) Revenue Aligned Budget Authority.--Section 110, and the item
relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 1, are repealed.
(c) High Priority Projects Program.--Section 117, and the item
relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 1, are repealed.
(d) Set Asides for Interstate Discretionary Projects.--Section
118(c) is repealed.
(e) Control of Junkyards.--Section 136, and the item relating to
that section in the analysis for chapter 1, are repealed.
(f) Highway Bridge Program.--Section 144, and the item relating to
that section in the analysis for chapter 1, are repealed.
(g) Hazard Elimination Program.--Section 152, and the item relating
to that section in the analysis for chapter 1, are repealed.
(h) Safety Incentive Grants for the Use of Seat Belts.--Section
157, and the item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter
1, are repealed.
(i) Access Highways to Public Recreation Areas on Certain Lakes.--
Section 155, and the item relating to that section in the analysis for
chapter 1, are repealed.
(j) Reimbursement for Segments of the Interstate System Constructed
Without Federal Assistance.--Section 160, and the item relating to that
section in the analysis for chapter 1, are repealed.
(k) National Scenic Byways Program.--Section 162, and the item
relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 1, are repealed.
(l) Inter-American Highway.--Section 212, and the item relating to
that section in the analysis for chapter 2, are repealed.
(m) Darien Gap Highway.--Section 216, and the item relating to that
section in the analysis for chapter 2, are repealed.
(n) State Coordinators.--Section 217 (as amended by this Act) is
further amended--
(1) by striking subsection (d); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (e) through (j) as
subsections (d) through (i), respectively.
(o) Alaska Highway.--Section 218 is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking the first 2 sentences;
(B) in the third sentence--
(i) by striking ``, in addition to such
funds,''; and
(ii) by striking ``such highway or''; and
(C) by striking ``No expenditures'' and all that
follows through the period at the end;
(2) by striking subsection (b); and
(3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
(p) Management Systems.--Section 303, and the item relating to that
section in the analysis for chapter 3, are repealed.
(q) Cooperation With Other American Republics.--Section 309, and
the item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 3, are
repealed.
(r) Landscaping and Scenic Enhancement.--Section 319 is amended--
(1) by striking ``(a) Landscape and Roadside Development.--
''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b).
(s) Magnetic Levitation Transportation Technology Deployment
Program.--Section 322, and the item relating to that section in the
analysis for chapter 3, are repealed.
(t) Transportation, Community, and System Preservation Program.--
Section 1117 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1177), and the item relating to
that section in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that
Act, are repealed.
(u) Projects of National and Regional Significance.--Section 1301
of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1198), and the item relating to that section
in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are
repealed.
(v) National Corridor Infrastructure Improvement Program.--Section
1302 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1204), and the item relating to that
section in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act,
are repealed.
(w) Truck Parking Facilities.--Section 1305 of SAFETEA-LU (119
Stat. 1214), and the item relating to that section in the table of
contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(x) Freight Intermodal Distribution Pilot Grant Program.--Section
1306 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1215), and the item relating to that
section in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act,
are repealed.
(y) Deployment of Magnetic Levitation Transportation Projects.--
Section 1307 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1217), and the item relating to
that section in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that
Act, are repealed.
(z) Delta Region Transportation Development Program.--Section 1308
of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1218), and the item relating to that section
in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are
repealed.
(aa) Safe Routes to School Program.--Section 1404 of SAFETEA-LU
(119 Stat. 1228), and the item relating to that section in the table of
contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(bb) National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse.--Section
1410 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1233), and the item relating to that
section in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act,
are repealed.
(cc) Roadway Safety.--Section 1411(b) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat.
1234) is repealed.
(dd) Highways for LIFE Pilot Program.--Section 1502 of SAFETEA-LU
(119 Stat. 1236), and the item relating to that section in the table of
contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(ee) Express Lanes Demonstration Program.--Section 1604(b) of
SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1250) is repealed.
(ff) Interstate System Construction Toll Pilot Program.--Section
1604(c) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1253) is repealed.
(gg) America's Byways Resource Center.--Section 1803 of SAFETEA-LU
(119 Stat. 1458), and the item relating to that section in the table of
contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(hh) National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation.--Section 1804
of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1458), and the item relating to that section
in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are
repealed.
(ii) Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program.--Section 1807 of
SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1460), and the item relating to that section in
the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are
repealed.
(jj) Grant Program to Prohibit Racial Profiling.--Section 1906 of
SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1468), and the item relating to that section in
the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are
repealed.
(kk) Pavement Marking Systems Demonstration Projects.--Section 1907
of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1469), and the item relating to that section
in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are
repealed.
(ll) Limitation on Project Approval.--Section 1958 of SAFETEA-LU
(119 Stat. 1515), and the item relating to that section in the table of
contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
Subtitle G--Miscellaneous
SEC. 1701. TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITY DEFINED.
Section 101(a)(35) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraphs (C), (F), (G), (H), and (L);
and
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (D), (E), (I), (J), and
(K) as subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), (F), and (G), respectively.
SEC. 1702. PAVEMENT MARKINGS.
Section 109 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(r) Pavement Markings.--The Secretary may not approve any
pavement markings project that includes the use of glass beads
containing more than 200 parts per million of arsenic or lead.''.
SEC. 1703. REST AREAS.
(a) Agreements Relating to Use of and Access to Rights-of-Way--
Interstate System.--Section 111 is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) in the second sentence by striking
the period and inserting ``and will not change the boundary of
any right-of-way on the Interstate System to accommodate
construction of, or afford access to, an automotive service
station or other commercial establishment.'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections
(c) and (d), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Rest Areas.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), the
Secretary shall permit a State to acquire, construct, operate,
and maintain a rest area along a highway on the Interstate
System in such State.
``(2) Eligible activities.--The Secretary shall permit a
rest area under paragraph (1) to include commercial activities
that provide goods, services, and information serving the
traveling public and the commercial motor carrier industry.
Such commercial activities shall be limited to--
``(A) commercial advertising and media displays if
such advertising and displays are--
``(i) exhibited solely within any facility
constructed in the rest area; and
``(ii) not legible from the main traveled
way;
``(B) State promotional or tourism items;
``(C) tourism-related merchandise and products,
including electronics and clothing;
``(D) historical or tourism-related entertainment
items, including event or attraction tickets;
``(E) travel-related information, including maps,
travel booklets, and hotel coupon booklets;
``(F) automatic teller machines; and
``(G) lottery machines.
``(3) Private operators.--A State may permit a private
party to operate such commercial activities.
``(4) Limitation on use of revenues.--A State shall use any
revenues received from the commercial activities in a rest area
under this section to cover the costs of acquiring,
constructing, operating, and maintaining rest areas in the
State.''.
(b) Control of Outdoor Advertising.--Section 131(i) is amended by
adding at the end the following: ``A State may permit the installation
of signs that acknowledge the sponsorship of rest areas within such
rest areas or along the main traveled way of the system, provided that
such signs shall not affect the safe and efficient utilization of the
Interstate System and the primary system. The Secretary shall establish
criteria for the installation of such signs on the main traveled way,
including criteria pertaining to the placement of rest area sponsorship
acknowledgment signs in relation to the placement of advance guide
signs for rest areas.''.
SEC. 1704. JUSTIFICATION REPORTS FOR ACCESS POINTS ON THE INTERSTATE
SYSTEM.
Section 111 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Justification Reports.--If the Secretary requests or requires
a justification report for a project that would add a point of access
to, or exit from, the Interstate System, the Secretary may permit a
State transportation department to approve such report.''.
SEC. 1705. PATENTED OR PROPRIETARY ITEMS.
Section 112 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Use of Patented or Proprietary Items.--The Secretary shall
approve the use, by a State, of Federal funds made available to carry
out this chapter to pay for patented or proprietary items if the State
transportation department certifies, based on the documented analysis
and professional judgment of qualified State transportation officials,
that--
``(1) no equally suitable alternative item exists;
``(2) any specified patented or proprietary item will be
clearly identified as a patented or proprietary item in bid
documents; and
``(3) any specified patented or proprietary item will be
available in sufficient quantity to complete any project
identified in bid documents.''.
SEC. 1706. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE.
Section 116 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Preventive maintenance.--The term `preventive
maintenance' includes pavement preservation programs and
activities.
``(2) Pavement preservation programs and activities.--The
term `pavement preservation programs and activities' means
programs and activities employing a network level, long-term
strategy that enhances pavement performance by using an
integrated, cost-effective set of practices that extend
pavement life, improve safety, and meet road user
expectations.''.
SEC. 1707. MAPPING.
(a) In General.--Section 306 is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``may'' and inserting
``shall'';
(2) in subsection (b) by striking ``State and'' and
inserting ``State government and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Implementation.--The Secretary shall develop a process for
the oversight and monitoring, on an annual basis, of the compliance of
each State with the guidance issued under subsection (b).''.
(b) Survey.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a survey of all States to
determine what percentage of projects carried out under title 23,
United States Code, in each State utilize private sector sources for
surveying and mapping services.
SEC. 1708. FUNDING FLEXIBILITY FOR TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCIES.
(a) In General.--Chapter 3 is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Sec. 330. Funding flexibility for transportation emergencies
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
chief executive of a State, after declaring an emergency with respect
to a transportation facility under subsection (b), may use any covered
funds of the State to repair or replace the transportation facility.
``(b) Declaration of Emergency.--To declare an emergency with
respect to a transportation facility for purposes of subsection (a),
the chief executive of a State shall provide to the Secretary written
notice of the declaration, which shall specify--
``(1) the emergency;
``(2) the affected transportation facility; and
``(3) the repair or replacement activities to be carried
out.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Covered funds.--The term `covered funds' means any
amounts apportioned to a State under this title, including any
such amounts required to be set aside for a purpose other than
the repair or replacement of a transportation facility under
this section.
``(2) Emergency.--The term `emergency' means any unexpected
event or condition that--
``(A) may cause, or has caused, the catastrophic
failure of a transportation facility; and
``(B) is determined to be an emergency by the chief
executive of a State.
``(3) Transportation facility.--The term `transportation
facility' means any component of the National Highway System.
``(d) Limitation on Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this
section may be construed to allow a State to change the division of
surface transportation program funding under section 133(d)(3).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``330. Funding flexibility for transportation emergencies.''.
SEC. 1709. BUDGET JUSTIFICATION.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 3 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 310. Budget justification
``The Secretary of Transportation and the head of each modal
administration of the Department of Transportation shall submit to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works and
the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a
budget justification concurrently with the President's annual budget
submission to Congress.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 3 is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 309 the following:
``310. Budget justification.''.
SEC. 1710. EXTENSION OF OVER-THE-ROAD BUS AND PUBLIC TRANSIT VEHICLE
EXEMPTION FROM AXLE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS.
Section 1023(h) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act of 1991 (23 U.S.C. 127 note) is amended--
(1) in the heading of paragraph (1) by striking ``Temporary
exemption'' and inserting ``Exemption'';
(2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``, for the period
beginning on October 6, 1992, and ending on October 1, 2009,'';
and
(3) in paragraph (2)(A) by striking ``For the period
beginning on the date of enactment of this subparagraph and
ending on September 30, 2009, a'' and inserting ``A''.
SEC. 1711. REPEAL OF REQUIREMENT FOR INTERSTATE SYSTEM DESIGNATION.
Section 1105(e)(5)(A) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation
Efficiency Act of 1991 is amended by striking ``that the segment'' and
all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``that the
segment meets the Interstate System design standards approved by the
Secretary under section 109(b) of title 23, United States Code.''.
SEC. 1712. RETROREFLECTIVITY.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall amend the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to
remove compliance dates with respect to retroreflectivity standards for
regulatory, warning, and other post-mounted guide signs and for street
name and other overhead guide signs.
SEC. 1713. ENGINEERING JUDGMENT.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall issue guidance to State transportation departments
clarifying that the standards, guidance, and options for design and
application of traffic control devices provided in the Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices should not be considered a substitute
for engineering judgment.
SEC. 1714. EVACUATION ROUTES.
Each State shall give adequate consideration to the needs of
evacuation routes when allocating funds apportioned to the State under
title 23, Unites States Code, for the construction of Federal-aid
highways.
SEC. 1715. TRUCK PARKING.
(a) Truck Parking Survey.--
(1) Requirement.--Not later than 18 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with
appropriate State motor carrier safety personnel, shall conduct
a survey of each State--
(A) to develop a system of metrics to measure the
adequacy of commercial motor vehicle parking facilities
in the State;
(B) to assess the volume of commercial motor
vehicle traffic in the State; and
(C) to evaluate the capability of the State to
provide adequate parking and rest facilities for
commercial motor vehicles engaged in interstate
transportation.
(2) Publication of results.--The Secretary shall make
available to the public on the Internet Web site of the
Department the results of surveys conducted under paragraph
(1).
(3) Periodic updates.--The Secretary shall periodically
update surveys conducted under paragraph (1).
(b) Truck Parking Projects.--A State may obligate funds apportioned
to the State under paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (5) of section 104(b) of
title 23, United States Code, for the following, if serving the
National Highway System:
(1) Constructing a safety rest area (as defined in section
120(c) of such title) that includes parking for commercial
motor vehicles.
(2) Constructing a commercial motor vehicle parking
facility adjacent to a commercial truck stop or travel plaza.
(3) Making a facility available to commercial motor vehicle
parking, including an inspection and weigh station or a park-
and-ride facility.
(4) Promoting the availability of publicly or privately
provided commercial motor vehicle parking using intelligent
transportation systems and other means.
(5) Constructing a turnout for commercial motor vehicles.
(6) Making capital improvements to a seasonal public
commercial motor vehicle parking facility to allow the facility
to remain open throughout the year.
(7) Improving the geometric design of an interchange to
improve access to a commercial motor vehicle parking facility.
SEC. 1716. USE OF CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.
(a) In General.--Out of the funds made available under section
104(a) of title 23, United States Code, the Secretary may use not to
exceed a total of $2,000,000 each fiscal year--
(1) to operate the national work zone safety information
clearinghouse authorized by section 358(b)(2) of the National
Highway System Designation Act of 1995 (23 U.S.C. 401 note; 109
Stat. 625);
(2) to operate a public road safety clearinghouse under
section 1411(a) of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note; 119 Stat.
1234); and
(3) to provide work zone safety grants under subsections
(a) and (b) of section 1409 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 401 note;
119 Stat. 1232).
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Roadway safety.--Section 1411(a) of SAFETEA-LU (23
U.S.C. 402 note; 119 Stat. 1234) is amended by striking
paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Funding.--Funding for activities under this
subsection may be made available as described in section
1716(a) of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of
2012.''.
(2) Work zone safety grants.--Section 1409 of SAFETEA-LU
(23 U.S.C. 401 note; 119 Stat. 1232) is amended by striking
subsection (c)(1) and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--Funding for activities under this
section may be made available as described in section 1716(a)
of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012.''.
SEC. 1717. TRANSPORTATION TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS.
To encourage the development of careers in the transportation
field, the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor are
encouraged to use funds for training and employment education programs
to develop such programs for transportation-related careers and trades,
and to work with the Secretary of Transportation to carry out such
programs.
SEC. 1717A. ENGINEERING AND DESIGN SERVICES.
(a) In General.--For projects carried out under title 23, United
States Code, a State transportation department shall utilize, to the
maximum extent practicable, commercial enterprises for the delivery of
engineering and design services.
(b) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, each State transportation department shall
submit to the Secretary a report documenting the extent to which the
State utilizes commercial enterprises for the delivery of engineering
and design services for projects carried out under title 23, United
States Code, which shall include, at a minimum--
(1) the number and types of engineering and design
activities for which commercial enterprises were utilized in
the preceding year; and
(2) the policies or procedures utilized by the State
transportation department to increase the amount of engineering
and design services for which commercial enterprises were
utilized.
(c) State Transportation Department Defined.--In this section, the
term ``State transportation department'' has the meaning given that
term under section 101 of title 23, United States Code.
SEC. 1718. NOTICE OF CERTAIN GRANT AWARDS.
(a) In General.--Except to the extent otherwise expressly provided
in another provision of law, at least 3 business days before a covered
grant award is announced, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives
written notice of the covered grant award.
(b) Covered Grant Award Defined.--The term ``covered grant award''
means a grant award--
(1) made--
(A) by the Department; and
(B) with funds made available under this Act; and
(2) in an amount equal to or greater than $500,000.
TITLE II--PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
SEC. 2001. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE.
(a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the ``Public
Transportation Act of 2012''.
(b) Amendments to 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.
SEC. 2002. DEFINITIONS.
Section 5302(a) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(I) by striking ``10 percent'' and
inserting ``15 percent'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (12) through (17) as
paragraphs (13) through (18), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (11) the following:
``(12) Rural area.--The term `rural area' means an area
encompassing a population of less than 50,000 people that has
not been designated in the most recent decennial census as an
`urbanized area' by the Secretary of Commerce.''.
SEC. 2003. PLANNING PROGRAMS.
Section 5305 is amended--
(1) in the heading for subsection (d) by inserting
``Transportation'' before ``Planning'';
(2) in paragraph (d)(2), by striking ``designated under
this section'' and inserting ``responsible for carrying out the
provisions of section 5203 of this title''; and
(3) in subsection (e)--
(A) in the subsection heading by striking ``State''
and inserting ``Statewide Transportation''; and
(B) in paragraph (1)(A) by striking ``5315,''.
SEC. 2004. PRIVATE ENTERPRISE PARTICIPATION.
Section 5306(a) is amended by striking ``, as determined by local
policies, criteria, and decisionmaking,''.
SEC. 2005. URBANIZED AREA FORMULA GRANTS.
(a) General Authority.--Section 5307(b)(3) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``Transportation management areas.--''
before ``In a''; and
(2) by moving the text 2 ems to the right.
(b) Grant Recipient Requirements.--Section 5307(d)(1) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D)--
(A) by striking ``elderly and handicapped
individuals, or an'' and inserting ``elderly
individuals, individuals with disabilities, and any'';
and
(B) by striking the comma before ``will be
charged'';
(2) in subparagraph (H) by striking ``section 5301(a),
section 5301(d),'' and inserting ``section 5301'';
(3) in subparagraph (I) by adding ``and'' at the end;
(4) in subparagraph (J)(ii) by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a period; and
(5) by striking subparagraph (K).
SEC. 2006. CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS.
(a) In General.--Section 5309 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 5309. Capital investment grants
``(a) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) New fixed guideway capital project.--The term `new
fixed guideway capital project' means an operable segment of a
capital project for a new fixed guideway system or extension to
an existing fixed guideway system.
``(2) New start project.--The term `new start project'
means a new fixed guideway capital project for which the
Federal assistance provided or to be provided under this
section is $75,000,000 or more.
``(3) Small start project.--The term `small start project'
means a new fixed guideway capital project for which--
``(A) the Federal assistance provided or to be
provided under this section is less than $75,000,000;
and
``(B) the total estimated net capital cost is less
than $250,000,000.
``(b) General Authority.--The Secretary may make grants under this
section to assist State and local governmental authorities in
financing--
``(1) new fixed guideway capital projects under subsections
(d) and (e), including the acquisition of real property, the
initial acquisition of rolling stock for the systems, the
acquisition of rights-of-way, and relocation assistance, for
fixed guideway corridor development for projects in the
advanced stages of planning or in project development; and
``(2) the development of corridors to support new fixed
guideway capital projects under subsections (d) and (e),
including protecting rights-of-way through acquisition,
construction of dedicated bus and high occupancy vehicle lanes,
park and ride lots, and other nonvehicular capital improvements
that the Secretary may determine would result in increased
public transportation usage in the corridor.
``(c) Grant Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may not approve a grant
under this section unless the Secretary determines that--
``(A) the project is part of an approved long-range
transportation plan and program of projects required
under sections 5203, 5204, and 5306; and
``(B) the applicant has, or will have--
``(i) the legal, financial, and technical
capacity to carry out the project, including
safety and security aspects of the project;
``(ii) satisfactory continuing control over
the use of the equipment or facilities; and
``(iii) the capability and willingness to
maintain the equipment or facilities.
``(2) Certification.--An applicant that has submitted the
certifications required under subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and
(H) of section 5307(d)(1) shall be deemed to have provided
sufficient information upon which the Secretary may make the
determinations required under this subsection.
``(3) Grantee requirements.--The Secretary shall require
that any grant awarded under this section to a recipient be
subject to all terms, conditions, requirements, and provisions
that the Secretary determines to be necessary or appropriate
for the purposes of this section, including requirements for
the disposition of net increases in the value of real property
resulting from the project assisted under this section.
``(d) New Start Projects.--
``(1) Full funding grant agreement.--
``(A) In general.--A new start project shall be
carried out through a full funding grant agreement.
``(B) Criteria.--The Secretary shall enter into a
full funding grant agreement, based on the evaluations
and ratings required under this subsection, with each
grantee receiving assistance for a new start project
that--
``(i) is authorized for project
development; and
``(ii) has been rated as high, medium-high,
or medium, in accordance with paragraph (5).
``(2) Approval of grants.--The Secretary may approve a
grant under this section for a new start project only if the
Secretary, based upon evaluations and considerations set forth
in paragraph (3) and subject to paragraph (6), determines that
the project--
``(A) has been adopted as the locally preferred
alternative as part of the long-range transportation
plan required under section 5203;
``(B) is based on the results of an evaluation of
the benefits of the project as set forth in paragraph
(3); and
``(C) is supported by an acceptable degree of local
financial commitment (including evidence of stable and
dependable financing sources) to construct, maintain,
and operate the system or extension, and maintain and
operate the entire public transportation system without
requiring a reduction in existing public transportation
services or level of service to operate the project.
``(3) Evaluation of benefits and federal investment.--In
making a determination for a new start project under paragraph
(2)(B), the Secretary shall analyze, evaluate, and consider the
following evaluation criteria for the project (as compared to a
no-action alternative):
``(A) The cost effectiveness of the project.
``(B) The mobility and accessibility benefits of
the project, including direct intermodal connectivity
with other modes of transportation.
``(C) The degree of congestion relief anticipated
as a result of the project.
``(D) The reductions in energy consumption and air
pollution associated with the project.
``(E) The economic development effects associated
with the project.
``(F) The private contributions to the project,
including cost-effective project delivery, management
or transfer of project risks, expedited project
schedule, financial partnering, and other public-
private strategies.
``(4) Evaluation of local financial commitment.--In making
a determination for a new start project under paragraph (2)(C),
the Secretary shall--
``(A) require that the proposed project plan
provide for the availability of contingency amounts
that the Secretary determines to be reasonable to cover
unanticipated cost increases;
``(B) require that each proposed local source of
capital and operating financing is stable, reliable,
and available within the project timetable;
``(C) consider private contributions to the
project, including cost-effective project delivery,
management or transfer of project risks, expedited
project schedule, financial partnering, and other
public-private partnership strategies;
``(D) consider the extent to which the project has
a local financial commitment that exceeds the required
non-Federal share of the cost of the project; and
``(E) consider the elements of the overall proposed
public transportation system advanced with 100 percent
non-Federal funds.
``(5) Ratings.--In carrying out paragraphs (3) and (4) for
a new start project, the Secretary shall evaluate and rate the
project on a 5-point scale (high, medium-high, medium, medium-
low, or low) based on an evaluation of the benefits of the
project as compared to the Federal assistance to be provided
and the degree of local financial commitment, as required under
this subsection. In rating the projects, the Secretary shall
provide, in addition to the overall project rating, individual
ratings for each of the criteria established by this subsection
and shall give comparable, but not necessarily equal, numerical
weight to the benefits that the project will bring to the
community in calculating the overall project rating.
``(e) Small Start Projects.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Applicability of requirements.--Except as
provided by subparagraph (B), a small start project
shall be subject to the requirements of this
subsection.
``(B) Projects receiving less than $25,000,000 in
federal assistance.--If the assistance provided under
this section for a small start project is less than
$25,000,000--
``(i) the requirements of this subsection
shall not apply to the project if determined
appropriate by the Secretary; and
``(ii) the Secretary shall utilize special
warrants described in subsection (n) to advance
the project and provide Federal assistance as
appropriate.
``(2) Selection criteria.--The Secretary may provide
Federal assistance for a small start project under this
subsection only if the Secretary determines that the project--
``(A) has been adopted as the locally preferred
alternative as part of the long-range transportation
plan required under section 5203;
``(B) is based on the results of an analysis of the
benefits of the project as set forth in paragraph (3);
and
``(C) is supported by an acceptable degree of local
financial commitment.
``(3) Evaluation of benefits and federal investment.--In
making a determination for a small start project under
paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary shall analyze, evaluate, and
consider the following evaluation criteria for the project (as
compared to a no-action alternative):
``(A) The cost effectiveness of the project.
``(B) The mobility and accessibility benefits of
the project, including direct intermodal connectivity
with other modes of transportation.
``(C) The degree of congestion relief anticipated
as a result of the project.
``(D) The economic development effects associated
with the project.
``(4) Evaluation of local financial commitment.--For
purposes of paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary shall require that
each proposed local source of capital and operating financing
is stable, reliable, and available within the proposed project
timetable.
``(5) Ratings.--In carrying out paragraphs (3) and (4) for
a small start project, the Secretary shall evaluate and rate
the project on a 5-point scale (high, medium-high, medium,
medium-low, or low) based on an evaluation of the benefits of
the project as compared to the Federal assistance to be
provided and the degree of local financial commitment, as
required under this subsection. In rating the projects, the
Secretary shall provide, in addition to the overall project
rating, individual ratings for each of the criteria established
by this subsection and shall give comparable, but not
necessarily equal, numerical weight to the benefits that the
project will bring to the community in calculating the overall
project rating.
``(6) Grants and expedited grant agreements.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary, to the maximum
extent practicable, shall provide Federal assistance
under this subsection in a single grant. If the
Secretary cannot provide such a single grant, the
Secretary may execute an expedited grant agreement in
order to include a commitment on the part of the
Secretary to provide funding for the project in future
fiscal years.
``(B) Terms of expedited grant agreements.--In
executing an expedited grant agreement under this
subsection, the Secretary may include in the agreement
terms similar to those established under subsection
(g)(2)(A).
``(C) Notice of proposed grants and expedited grant
agreements.--At least 10 days before making a grant
award or entering into a grant agreement for a project
under this subsection, the Secretary shall notify, in
writing, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee
on Appropriations of the Senate of the proposed grant
or expedited grant agreement, as well as the
evaluations and ratings for the project.
``(7) Inclusion of corridor-based capital projects.--In
this subsection, the term `small start project' includes a
corridor-based capital project if--
``(A) a majority of the project operates in a
separate right-of-way dedicated for transit use during
peak hour operations; or
``(B) the project represents a substantial
investment in a defined corridor as demonstrated by
investment in fixed transit facilities and equipment
such as substantial transit stations, intelligent
transportation systems technology, traffic signal
priority, off-board fare collection, and other direct
investments in the corridor.
``(f) Previously Issued Letter of Intent or Grant Agreement.--
Subsections (d) and (e) do not apply to projects for which the
Secretary has issued a letter of intent, entered into an early systems
work agreement or a full funding grant agreement, or has been approved
to enter final design before the date of enactment of the Public
Transportation Act of 2012.
``(g) Letters of Intent, Full Funding Grant Agreements, and Early
Systems Work Agreements.--
``(1) Letters of intent.--
``(A) Amounts intended to be obligated.--The
Secretary may issue a letter of intent to an applicant
announcing an intention to obligate, for a new start
project, an amount from future available budget
authority specified in law that is not more than the
amount stipulated as the financial participation of the
Secretary in the project.
``(B) Treatment.--The issuance of a letter under
subparagraph (A) is deemed not to be an obligation
under section 1108(c), 1108(d), 1501, or 1502(a) of
title 31 or an administrative commitment.
``(2) Full funding grant agreements.--
``(A) Terms.--The Secretary may enter into a full
funding grant agreement with an applicant for a grant
under this section for a new start project. The
agreement shall--
``(i) establish the terms of participation
by the Government in the project;
``(ii) establish the maximum amount of
Government financial assistance for the
project;
``(iii) cover the period of time for
completing the project, including, if
necessary, a period extending beyond the period
of an authorization;
``(iv) make timely and efficient management
of the project easier according to the laws of
the United States; and
``(v) establish terms requiring the
applicant to repay all Government payments made
under the agreement (plus such reasonable
interest and penalty charges as are established
by the Secretary in the agreement) if the
applicant does not carry out the project for
reasons within the control of the applicant.
``(B) Special financial rules.--
``(i) In general.--A full funding grant
agreement under this paragraph obligates an
amount of available budget authority specified
in law and may include a commitment (contingent
on amounts to be specified in law in advance
for commitments under this paragraph) to
obligate an additional amount from future
available budget authority specified in law.
``(ii) Statement of contingent
commitment.--The full funding grant agreement
shall state that the contingent commitment is
not an obligation of the Government.
``(iii) Interest and other financing
costs.--Interest and other financing costs of
efficiently carrying out a part of the project
within a reasonable time are a cost of carrying
out the project under a full funding grant
agreement, except that eligible costs may not
be more than the cost of the most favorable
financing terms reasonably available for the
project at the time of borrowing. The applicant
shall certify, in a way satisfactory to the
Secretary, that the applicant has shown
reasonable diligence in seeking the most
favorable financing terms.
``(iv) Completion of operable segment.--The
amount stipulated in a full funding grant
agreement for a new start project shall be
sufficient to complete at least one operable
segment.
``(C) Before and after study.--
``(i) In general.--A full funding grant
agreement under this paragraph shall require
the applicant to conduct a study that--
``(I) describes and analyzes the
impacts of the new start project on
transit services and transit ridership;
``(II) evaluates the consistency of
predicted and actual project
characteristics and performance; and
``(III) identifies sources of
differences between predicted and
actual outcomes.
``(ii) Information collection and analysis
plan.--
``(I) Submission of plan.--An
applicant seeking a full funding grant
agreement under this paragraph shall
submit to the Secretary a complete plan
for the collection and analysis of
information to identify the impacts of
the new start project and the accuracy
of the forecasts prepared during the
development of the project. Preparation
of the plan shall be included in the
agreement as an eligible activity.
``(II) Contents of plan.--The plan
submitted under subclause (I) shall
provide for--
``(aa) the collection of
data on the current transit
system of the applicant
regarding transit service
levels and ridership patterns,
including origins and
destinations, access modes,
trip purposes, and rider
characteristics;
``(bb) documentation of the
predicted scope, service
levels, capital costs,
operating costs, and ridership
of the project;
``(cc) collection of data
on the transit system of the
applicant 2 years after the
opening of the new start
project, including analogous
information on transit service
levels and ridership patterns
and information on the as-built
scope and capital costs of the
project; and
``(dd) an analysis of the
consistency of predicted
project characteristics with
the data collected under item
(cc).
``(D) Collection of data on current system.--To be
eligible to enter into a full funding grant agreement
under this paragraph for a new start project, an
applicant shall have collected data on the current
transit system of the applicant, according to the plan
required under subparagraph (C)(ii), before the
beginning of construction of the project. Collection of
the data shall be included in the full funding grant
agreement as an eligible activity.
``(3) Early systems work agreements.--
``(A) Conditions.--The Secretary may enter into an
early systems work agreement with an applicant for a
new start project if a record of decision under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.) has been issued on the project and the
Secretary finds there is reason to believe a full
funding grant agreement for the project will be made.
``(B) Contents.--
``(i) In general.--A work agreement under
this paragraph for a new start project
obligates an amount of available budget
authority specified in law and shall provide
for reimbursement of preliminary costs of
carrying out the project, including land
acquisition, timely procurement of system
elements for which specifications are decided,
and other activities the Secretary decides are
appropriate to make efficient, long-term
project management easier.
``(ii) Period covered.--A work agreement
under this paragraph shall cover the period of
time the Secretary considers appropriate. The
period may extend beyond the period of current
authorization.
``(iii) Interest and other financing
costs.--Interest and other financing costs of
efficiently carrying out the work agreement
within a reasonable time are a cost of carrying
out the agreement, except that eligible costs
may not be more than the cost of the most
favorable financing terms reasonably available
for the project at the time of borrowing. The
applicant shall certify, in a manner
satisfactory to the Secretary, that the
applicant has shown reasonable diligence in
seeking the most favorable financing terms.
``(iv) Failure to carry out project.--If,
after entering into a work agreement under this
paragraph for a new start project, an applicant
does not carry out the project for reasons
within the control of the applicant, the
applicant shall repay all Government payments
made under the work agreement plus reasonable
interest and penalty charges the Secretary
establishes in the agreement.
``(4) Limitation on amounts.--
``(A) New start grants contingent commitment
authority.--The total estimated amount of future
obligations of the Government and contingent
commitments to incur obligations covered by all
outstanding letters of intent, full funding grant
agreements, and early systems work agreements under
this subsection for new start projects may be not more
than the greater of the amount authorized under section
5338(b) for such projects or an amount equivalent to
the last 3 fiscal years of funding allocated under
subsections (m)(2)(B) for such projects, less an amount
the Secretary reasonably estimates is necessary for
grants under this section for the projects that are not
covered by a letter or agreement. The total amount
covered by new letters and contingent commitments
included in full funding grant agreements and early
systems work agreements for such projects may be not
more than a limitation specified in law.
``(B) Appropriation required.--An obligation may be
made under this subsection only when amounts are
appropriated for the obligation.
``(5) Notification of congress.--At least 10 days before
issuing a letter of intent or an early systems work agreement
under this section, and at least 21 days before entering into a
full funding grant agreement under this section, the Secretary
shall notify, in writing, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate
of the proposed letter or agreement. The Secretary shall
include with the notification a copy of the proposed letter or
agreement as well as the evaluations and ratings for the
project.
``(h) Government's Share of Net Project Cost.--
``(1) In general.--Based on engineering studies, studies of
economic feasibility, and information on the expected use of
equipment or facilities, the Secretary shall estimate the net
capital project cost of a new fixed guideway capital project. A
grant under this section for the project shall be for 80
percent of the net capital project cost unless the grant
recipient requests a lower grant percentage.
``(2) Adjustment for completion under budget.--The
Secretary may adjust the final net project cost of a new fixed
guideway capital project evaluated under subsections (d) and
(e) to include the cost of eligible activities not included in
the originally defined project if the Secretary determines that
the originally defined project has been completed at a cost
that is significantly below the original estimate.
``(3) Remainder of net project cost.--The remainder of net
project costs shall be provided from an undistributed cash
surplus, a replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, or
new capital from public or private sources.
``(4) Limitation on statutory construction.--Nothing in
this section shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary to
request or require a non-Federal financial commitment for a
project that is more than 20 percent of the net capital project
cost.
``(5) Special rule for rolling stock costs.--In addition to
amounts allowed pursuant to paragraph (1), a planned extension
to a fixed guideway system may include the cost of rolling
stock previously purchased if the applicant satisfies the
Secretary that only amounts other than amounts of the
Government were used and that the purchase was made for use on
the extension. A refund or reduction of the remainder may be
made only if a refund of a proportional amount of the grant of
the Government is made at the same time.
``(i) Undertaking Projects in Advance.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may pay the Government's
share of the net capital project cost to a State or local
governmental authority that carries out any part of a project
described in this section without the aid of amounts of the
Government and according to all applicable procedures and
requirements if--
``(A) the State or local governmental authority
applies for the payment;
``(B) the Secretary approves the payment; and
``(C) before carrying out the part of the project,
the Secretary approves the plans and specifications for
the part in the same manner as other projects under
this section.
``(2) Financing costs.--
``(A) In general.--The cost of carrying out part of
a project includes the amount of interest earned and
payable on bonds issued by the State or local
governmental authority to the extent proceeds of the
bonds are expended in carrying out the part.
``(B) Limitation on amount of interest.--The amount
of interest under this paragraph may not be more than
the most favorable interest terms reasonably available
for the project at the time of borrowing.
``(C) Certification.--The applicant shall certify,
in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary, that the
applicant has shown reasonable diligence in seeking the
most favorable financial terms.
``(j) Availability of Amounts.--An amount made available or
appropriated under section 5338(b) for new fixed guideway capital
projects shall remain available for a period of 3 fiscal years after
the fiscal year in which the amount is made available or appropriated.
Any of such amount that is unobligated at the end of such period shall
be rescinded and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, where
such amounts shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit
reduction and prohibited from use as an offset for other spending
increases or revenue reductions.
``(k) Reports on New Start Projects.--
``(1) Annual report on funding recommendations.--Not later
than the first Monday in February of each year, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate
a report that includes--
``(A) a proposal of allocations of amounts to be
available to finance grants for new fixed guideway
capital projects among applicants for these amounts;
``(B) evaluations and ratings, as required under
subsections (d) and (e), for each such project that is
authorized by the Public Transportation Act of 2012;
and
``(C) recommendations of such projects for funding
based on the evaluations and ratings and on existing
commitments and anticipated funding levels for the next
3 fiscal years based on information currently available
to the Secretary.
``(2) Biennial gao review.--Beginning 2 years after the
date of enactment of the Public Transportation Act of 2012, the
Comptroller General shall--
``(A) conduct a biennial review of--
``(i) the processes and procedures for
evaluating, rating, and recommending new fixed
guideway capital projects; and
``(ii) the Secretary's implementation of
such processes and procedures; and
``(B) on a biennial basis, report to Congress on
the results of such review by May 31.
``(l) Before and After Study Report.--Not later than the first
Monday of August of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the
committees referred to in subsection (k)(1) a report containing a
summary of the results of the studies conducted under subsection
(g)(2)(C).
``(m) Limitations.--
``(1) Limitation on grants.--The Secretary may make a grant
or enter into a grant agreement for a new fixed guideway
capital project under this section only if the project has been
rated as high, medium-high, or medium or the Secretary has
issued a special warrant described in subsection (n) in lieu of
such ratings.
``(2) Fiscal years 2013 through 2016.--Of the amounts made
available or appropriated for fiscal years 2013 through 2016
under section 5338(b)--
``(A) $150,000,000 for each fiscal year shall be
allocated for small start projects in accordance with
subsection (e); and
``(B) the remainder shall be allocated for new
start projects in accordance with subsection (d).
``(3) Limitation on expenditures.--None of the amounts made
available or appropriated under section 5338(b) may be expended
on a project that has not been adopted as the locally preferred
alternative as part of a long-range transportation plan.
``(n) Expedited Project Advancement.--
``(1) Warrants.--The Secretary, to the maximum extent
practicable, shall develop and utilize special warrants to
advance projects and provide Federal assistance under this
section. Special warrants may be utilized to advance new fixed
guideway projects under this section without requiring
evaluations and ratings described under subsections (d)(5) and
(e)(5). Such warrants shall be--
``(A) based on current transit ridership, corridor
characteristics, and service on existing alignments;
``(B) designed to assess distinct categories of
projects, such as proposed new service enhancements on
existing alignments, new line haul service, and new
urban circulator service; and
``(C) based on the benefits for proposed projects
as set forth in subsections (d)(3) and (e)(3) for the
Federal assistance provided or to be provided under
this subsection.
``(2) New project development.--
``(A) In general.--A project sponsor who requests
Federal funding under this section shall apply to the
Secretary to begin new project development after a
proposed new fixed guideway capital project has been
adopted as the locally preferred alternative as part of
the metropolitan long-range transportation plan
required under section 5303, and funding options for
the non-Federal funding share have been identified. The
application for new project development shall specify
whether the project sponsor is seeking Federal
assistance under subsection (d) or (e).
``(B) Applications.--
``(i) Notice to congress.--Not later than
10 days after the date of receipt of an
application for new project development under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall provide
written notice of the application to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs of the Senate.
``(ii) Approval or disapproval.--On the
11th day following the date on which the
Secretary provides written notice of an
application for new project development under
clause (i), the Secretary shall approve or
disapprove the application.
``(C) Project authorization.--Upon approval of an
application to begin new project development, the
proposed new fixed guideway capital project shall be
authorized and eligible for Federal funding under this
section.
``(3) Letters of intent and early systems work
agreements.--The Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable,
shall issue letters of intent and make early systems work
agreements upon issuance of a record of decision under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.).
``(4) Funding agreements.--The Secretary shall enter into a
full funding grant agreement, expedited grant agreement, or
grant, as appropriate, between the Government and the project
sponsor as soon as the Secretary determines that the project
meets the requirements of subsection (d) or (e).
``(5) Records retention.--The Secretary shall adhere to a
uniform records retention policy regarding all documentation
related to new fixed guideway capital projects.
``(o) Regulations.--Not later than 240 days after the date of
enactment of the Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall
issue regulations establishing new program requirements for the
programs created under this section, including new evaluation and
rating processes for proposed projects under this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 53 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 5309 and inserting the following:
``5309. Capital investment grants.''.
SEC. 2007. BUS AND BUS FACILITIES FORMULA GRANTS.
(a) In General.--Section 5310 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 5310. Bus and bus facilities formula grants
``(a) General Authority.--The Secretary may make grants under this
section to assist States and local governmental authorities in
financing capital projects--
``(1) to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and
related equipment; and
``(2) to construct bus-related facilities.
``(b) Grant Requirements.--The requirements of subsections (c) and
(d) of section 5307 apply to recipients of grants made under this
section.
``(c) Eligible Recipients and Subrecipients.--
``(1) Recipients.--Eligible recipients under this section
are providers of public transportation in urbanized areas that
operate fixed route bus services and that do not operate heavy
rail, commuter rail, or light rail services.
``(2) Subrecipients.--A recipient that receives a grant
under this section may allocate the amounts provided to
subrecipients that are public agencies, private companies
engaged in public transportation, or private nonprofit
organizations.
``(d) Distribution of Grant Funds.--Grants under this section shall
be distributed pursuant to the formula set forth in section 5336 other
than subsection (b).
``(e) Government's Share of Costs.--
``(1) Capital projects.--A grant for a capital project, as
defined in section 5302(a)(1), 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
cost shall be provided--
``(A) in cash from non-Government sources other
than revenues from providing public transportation
services;
``(B) from revenues derived from the sale of
advertising and concessions;
``(C) from an undistributed cash surplus, a
replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, or
new capital; and
``(D) from amounts received under a service
agreement with a State or local social service agency
or private social service organization.
``(f) Period of Availability to Recipients.--A grant made available
under this section may be obligated by the recipient for 3 years after
the fiscal year in which the amount is apportioned. Not later than 30
days after the end of the 3-year period, an amount that is not
obligated at the end of that period shall be added to the amount that
may be apportioned under this section in the next fiscal year.
``(g) Transfers of Apportionments.--
``(1) Transfer to certain areas.--The chief executive
officer of a State may transfer any part of the State's funds
made available under this section to urbanized areas of less
than 200,000 in population or to rural areas in the State,
after consulting with responsible local officials and publicly
owned operators of public transportation in each area for which
the amount originally was provided under this section.
``(2) Transfer to state.--A designated recipient for an
urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000 may
transfer a part of its grant funds provided under this section
to the chief executive officer of a State. The chief executive
officer shall distribute the transferred amounts to urbanized
areas of less than 200,000 in population or to rural areas in
the State.
``(h) Application of Other Sections.--Sections 5302, 5318,
5323(a)(1), 5323(d), 5323(f), 5332, and 5333 apply to this section and
to a grant made with funds apportioned under this section. Except as
provided in this section, no other provision of this chapter applies to
this section or to a grant under this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 53 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 5310 and inserting the following:
``5310. Bus and bus facilities formula grants.''.
SEC. 2008. RURAL AREA FORMULA GRANTS.
(a) Amendment to Section Heading.--Section 5311 is amended by
striking the section designation and heading and inserting the
following:
``Sec. 5311. Rural area formula grants''.
(b) Program Goals.--Section 5311(b) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(5) Program goals.--The goals of this section are--
``(A) to enhance the mobility and access of people
in rural areas by assisting in the development,
construction, operation, improvement, maintenance, and
use of public transportation systems and services in
rural areas;
``(B) to increase the intermodalism of and
connectivity among public transportation systems and
services within rural areas and to urban areas by
providing for maximum coordination of programs and
services;
``(C) to increase the state of good repair of rural
public transportation assets; and
``(D) to enhance the mobility and access of people
in rural areas by assisting in the development and
support of intercity bus transportation.''.
(c) Projects of National Scope.--Section 5311(b)(3)(C) is amended
by adding at the end the following: ``In carrying out such projects,
the Secretary shall enter into a competitively selected contract to
provide on-site technical assistance to local and regional governments,
public transit agencies, and public transportation-related nonprofit
and for-profit organizations in rural areas for the purpose of
developing training materials and providing necessary training
assistance to local officials and agencies in rural areas.''.
(d) Apportionments.--Section 5311(c)(2) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
(2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) 70 percent shall be apportioned to the States
in accordance with paragraph (4); and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) 10 percent shall be apportioned to the States
in accordance with paragraph (5).''.
(e) Apportionments Based on Public Transportation Services Provided
in Rural Areas.--Section 5311(c) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(5) Apportionments based on public transportation
services provided in rural areas.--The Secretary shall
apportion to each State an amount equal to the amount
apportioned under paragraph (2)(C) as follows:
``(A) \1/2\ of such amount multiplied by the ratio
that--
``(i) the number of public transportation
revenue vehicle-miles operated in or
attributable to rural areas in that State, as
determined by the Secretary; bears to
``(ii) the total number of all public
transportation revenue vehicle-miles operated
in or attributable to rural areas in all
States;
``(B) \1/2\ of such amount multiplied by the ratio
that--
``(i) the number of public transportation
unlinked passenger trips operated in or
attributable to rural areas in that State, as
determined by the Secretary; bears to
``(ii) the total number of all public
transportation unlinked passenger trips
operated in or attributable to rural areas in
all States.''.
(f) Use for Administrative, Planning, and Technical Assistance.--
Section 5311(e) is amended by striking ``15 percent'' and inserting
``10 percent''.
(g) Intercity Bus Transportation.--Section 5311(f)(1) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``shelters'' and
inserting ``facilities''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``stops and depots''
and inserting ``facilities''.
(h) Non-Federal Share.--Section 5311(g)(3) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) may be derived from the costs of a private
operator's intercity bus service as an in-kind match
for the operating costs of connecting rural intercity
bus feeder service funded under subsection (f), except
that this subparagraph shall apply only if the project
includes both feeder service and a connecting
unsubsidized intercity route segment and if the private
operator agrees in writing to the use of its
unsubsidized costs as an in-kind match.''.
(i) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 53 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 5311 and inserting the following:
``5311. Rural area formula grants.''.
SEC. 2009. TRANSIT RESEARCH.
(a) Amendment to Section Heading.--Section 5312 is amended by
striking the section designation and heading and inserting the
following:
``Sec. 5312. Transit research''.
(b) Research Projects.--Section 5312(a) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(4) Funding.--The amounts made available under section
5338(c) are available to the Secretary for grants, contracts,
cooperative agreements, or other agreements for the purposes of
this section and sections 5305 and 5322, as the Secretary
considers appropriate.''.
(c) Joint Partnership Program.--Section 5312(b)(5) is amended by
striking ``Mass Transit Account'' and inserting ``Alternative
Transportation Account''.
(d) Transit Cooperative Research Program.--Section 5312(c) is
amended to read as follows:
``(c) Transit Cooperative Research Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a public
transportation cooperative research program using amounts made
available under section 5338(c).
``(2) Independent governing board.--The Secretary shall
establish an independent governing board for the program. The
board shall recommend public transportation research,
development, and technology transfer activities to be carried
out under the program.
``(3) Grants and cooperative agreements.--The Secretary may
make grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, the
National Academy of Sciences to carry out activities under this
subsection that the Secretary determines appropriate.''.
(e) Government Share.--Section 5312 is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(d) Government Share.--If there would be a clear and direct
financial benefit to an entity under a grant or contract financed under
this section, the Secretary shall establish a Government share
consistent with that benefit.''.
(f) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 53 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 5312 and inserting the following:
``5312. Transit research.''.
SEC. 2010. COORDINATED ACCESS AND MOBILITY PROGRAM FORMULA GRANTS.
(a) In General.--Section 5317 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 5317. Coordinated access and mobility program formula grants
``(a) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Elderly individual.--The term `elderly individual'
means an individual who is age 65 or older.
``(2) Eligible low-income individual.--The term `eligible
low-income individual' means an individual whose family income
is at or below 150 percent of the poverty line (as that term is
defined in section 673 of the Community Services Block Grant
Act (42 U.S.C. 9902), including any revision required by that
section) for a family of the size involved.
``(3) Job access and reverse commute project.--The term
`job access and reverse commute project' means a transportation
project to finance planning, capital, and operating costs that
support the development and maintenance of transportation
services designed to transport welfare recipients and eligible
low-income individuals to and from jobs and activities related
to their employment, including transportation projects that
facilitate the provision of public transportation services from
urbanized areas and rural areas to suburban employment
locations.
``(4) Recipient.--The term `recipient' means a designated
recipient (as defined in section 5307(a)) and a State that
directly receives a grant under this section.
``(5) Subrecipient.--The term `subrecipient' means a State
or local governmental authority, nonprofit organization, or
private operator of public transportation services that
receives a grant under this section indirectly through a
recipient.
``(6) Welfare recipient.--The term `welfare recipient'
means an individual who has received assistance under a State
or tribal program funded under part A of title IV of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) at any time during the 3-
year period before the date on which the applicant applies for
a grant under this section.
``(b) Goals.--The goals of the program established under this
section are to--
``(1) improve the accessibility of the Nation's public
transportation systems and services;
``(2) improve the mobility of or otherwise meet the special
needs of elderly individuals, eligible low-income individuals,
and individuals with disabilities; and
``(3) improve the coordination among all providers of
public transportation and human services transportation.
``(c) General Authority.--
``(1) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants under this
section to recipients for the following purposes:
``(A) For public transportation projects planned,
designed, and carried out to meet the special needs of
elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities.
``(B) For job access and reverse commute projects
carried out by the recipient or a subrecipient.
``(C) For new public transportation services, and
for public transportation alternatives beyond those
required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
(42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), that assist individuals with
disabilities with transportation, including
transportation to and from jobs and employment support
services.
``(2) Acquiring public transportation services.--A public
transportation capital project under this section may include
acquisition of public transportation services as an eligible
capital expense.
``(3) Administrative expenses.--A recipient may use not
more than 10 percent of the amounts apportioned to the
recipient under this section to administer, plan, and provide
technical assistance for a project funded under this section.
``(d) Apportionments.--
``(1) Formula.--The Secretary, using the most recent
decennial census data, shall apportion amounts made available
for a fiscal year to carry out this section as follows:
``(A) 50 percent of the funds shall be apportioned
among designated recipients (as defined in section
5307(a)) for urbanized areas with a population of
200,000 or more in the ratio that--
``(i) the number of elderly individuals,
individuals with disabilities, eligible low-
income individuals, and welfare recipients in
each such urbanized area; bears to
``(ii) the number of elderly individuals,
individuals with disabilities, eligible low-
income individuals, and welfare recipients in
all such urbanized areas.
``(B) 25 percent of the funds shall be apportioned
among the States in the ratio that--
``(i) the number of elderly individuals,
individuals with disabilities, eligible low-
income individuals, and welfare recipients in
urbanized areas with a population of less than
200,000 in each State; bears to
``(ii) the number of elderly individuals,
individuals with disabilities, eligible low-
income individuals, and welfare recipients in
urbanized areas with a population of less than
200,000 in all States.
``(C) 25 percent of the funds shall be apportioned
among the States in the ratio that--
``(i) the number of elderly individuals,
individuals with disabilities, eligible low-
income individuals, and welfare recipients in
rural areas with a population of less than
50,000 in each State; bears to
``(ii) the number of elderly individuals,
individuals with disabilities, eligible low-
income individuals, and welfare recipients in
rural areas with a population of less than
50,000 in all States.
``(2) Use of apportioned funds.--Except as provided in
paragraph (3)--
``(A) funds apportioned under paragraph (1)(A)
shall be used for projects serving urbanized areas with
a population of 200,000 or more;
``(B) funds apportioned under paragraph (1)(B)
shall be used for projects serving urbanized areas with
a population of less than 200,000; and
``(C) funds apportioned under paragraph (1)(C)
shall be used for projects serving rural areas.
``(3) Exceptions.--A State may use funds apportioned under
paragraph (1)(B) or (1)(C)--
``(A) for projects serving areas other than the
area specified in paragraph (2)(B) or (2)(C), as the
case may be, if the Governor of the State certifies
that all of the objectives of this section are being
met in the specified area; or
``(B) for projects anywhere in the State if the
State has established a statewide program for meeting
the objectives of this section.
``(4) Minimum apportionment.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may establish a
minimum apportionment for States and territories under
paragraph (1).
``(B) Limitation.--A minimum apportionment received
by a State or territory under this paragraph for a
fiscal year may not exceed the total of the fiscal year
2012 apportionments received by the State or territory
under sections 5310, 5316, and 5317 (as in effect on
the day before the date of enactment of the Public
Transportation Act of 2012).
``(e) Competitive Process for Grants to Subrecipients.--
``(1) Areawide solicitations.--A recipient of funds
apportioned under subsection (d)(1)(A) shall conduct, in
cooperation with the appropriate metropolitan planning
organization, an areawide solicitation for applications for
grants to the recipient and subrecipients under this section.
``(2) Statewide solicitation.--A recipient of funds
apportioned under subsection (d)(1)(B) or (d)(1)(C) shall
conduct a statewide solicitation for applications for grants to
the recipient and subrecipients under this section.
``(3) Special rule.--A recipient of a grant under this
section may allocate the amounts provided under the grant to--
``(A) a nonprofit organization or private operator
of public transportation, if the public transportation
service provided under subsection (c)(1) is
unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate; or
``(B) in the case of a grant to provide the
services described in subsection (c)(1)(A), a
governmental authority that--
``(i) is approved by the recipient to
coordinate services for elderly individuals and
individuals with disabilities; or
``(ii) certifies that there are not any
nonprofit organizations or private operators of
public transportation services readily
available in the area to provide the services
described in subsection (c)(1)(A).
``(4) Application.--Recipients and subrecipients seeking to
receive a grant from funds apportioned under subsection (d)
shall submit to the recipient an application in such form and
in accordance with such requirements as the recipient shall
establish.
``(5) Grant awards.--The recipient shall award grants under
paragraphs (1) and (2) on a competitive basis.
``(6) Fair and equitable distribution.--A recipient of a
grant under this section shall certify to the Secretary that
allocations of the grant to subrecipients will be distributed
on a fair, equitable, and competitive basis.
``(f) Grant Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), a grant under
this section shall be subject to--
``(A) for a project in an urbanized area, the
requirements of section 5307; and
``(B) for a project in a rural area, the
requirements of section 5311.
``(2) Waivers.--With respect to a grant made to provide
services described in subsection (c), the Secretary shall waive
application of the requirements of section 5307 or 5311 to the
extent the Secretary determines appropriate.
``(g) Coordination.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall coordinate
activities under this section with related activities under
programs of other Federal departments and agencies.
``(2) Project selection and planning.--A recipient of funds
under this section shall certify to the Secretary that--
``(A) the projects selected to receive funding
under this section were derived from a locally
developed, coordinated public transportation-human
services transportation plan;
``(B) the plan was developed through a process that
included participation by representatives of public,
private, and nonprofit transportation and human
services providers and participation by the public and
appropriate advocacy organizations; and
``(C) the planning process provided for
consideration of projects and strategies to create or
improve regional transportation services that connect
multiple jurisdictions.
``(h) Government's Share of Costs.--
``(1) Capital projects.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), a grant for a capital project under
this section shall be for 80 percent of the net capital
costs of the project, as determined by the Secretary.
The recipient may provide additional local matching
amounts.
``(B) Exception.--A State described in section
120(b) of title 23 shall receive an increased
Government share in accordance with the formula under
such section.
``(2) Operating assistance.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), a grant made under this section for
operating assistance may not exceed 50 percent of the
net operating costs of the project, as determined by
the Secretary.
``(B) Exception.--A State described in section
120(b) of title 23 shall receive a Government share of
the net operating costs that equals 62.5 percent of the
Government share provided for under paragraph (1)(B).
``(3) Remainder.--The remainder of the net project costs--
``(A) may be provided from an undistributed cash
surplus, a replacement or depreciation cash fund or
reserve, a service agreement with a State or local
social service agency or a private social service
organization, or new capital;
``(B) may be derived from amounts appropriated to
or made available to a department or agency of the
Government (other than the Department of
Transportation) that are eligible to be expended for
transportation; and
``(C) notwithstanding subparagraph (B), may be
derived from amounts made available to carry out the
Federal lands transportation program established by
section 203 of title 23.
``(4) Use of certain funds.--For purposes of paragraph
(3)(B), the prohibitions on the use of funds for matching
requirements under section 403(a)(5)(C)(vii) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(5)(C)(vii)) shall not apply to
Federal or State funds to be used for transportation purposes.
``(5) Limitation on operating assistance.--A recipient
carrying out a program of operating assistance under this
section may not limit the level or extent of use of the
Government grant for the payment of operating expenses.
``(i) Leasing Vehicles.--Vehicles and equipment acquired under this
section may be leased to a recipient or subrecipient to improve
transportation services designed to meet the special needs of elderly
individuals, eligible low-income individuals, and individuals with
disabilities.
``(j) Meal Delivery for Homebound Individuals.--Public
transportation service providers receiving assistance under this
section or section 5311(c) may coordinate and assist in regularly
providing meal delivery service for homebound individuals if the
delivery service does not conflict with providing public transportation
service or reduce service to public transportation passengers.
``(k) Transfers of Facilities and Equipment.--With the consent of
the recipient in possession of a facility or equipment acquired with a
grant under this section, a State may transfer the facility or
equipment to any recipient eligible to receive assistance under this
chapter if the facility or equipment will continue to be used as
required under this section.
``(l) Program Evaluation.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of the Public Transportation Act of 2012, and not later than
2 years thereafter, the Comptroller General shall--
``(1) conduct a study to evaluate the grant program
authorized by this section; and
``(2) transmit to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate
a report describing the results of the study under subparagraph
(A).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 53 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 5317 and inserting the following:
``5317. Coordinated access and mobility program formula grants.''.
SEC. 2011. TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
(a) Amendment to Section Heading.--Section 5322 is amended by
striking the section designation and heading and inserting the
following:
``Sec. 5322. Training and technical assistance programs''.
(b) Training and Outreach.--Section 5322(a) is amended--
(1) by striking ``programs that address'' and all that
follows before the period at the end of the first sentence and
inserting ``programs that address training and outreach needs
as they apply to public transportation activities, and programs
that provide public transportation-related technical assistance
to providers of public transportation services'';
(2) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3);
(3) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) technical assistance provided through national
nonprofit organizations with demonstrated capacity and
expertise in a particular area of public transportation
policy.''.
(c) National Transit Institute, Technical Assistance, and
Funding.--Section 5322 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) National Transit Institute.--
``(1) Grants and contracts.--The Secretary may award grants
or enter into contracts with a public university to establish a
National Transit Institute to support training and educational
programs for Federal, State, and local transportation employees
engaged or to be engaged in Government-aid public
transportation work.
``(2) Education and training.--The National Transit
Institute shall provide education and training to employees of
State and local governments at no cost when the education and
training is related to a responsibility under a Government
program.
``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide public
transportation-related technical assistance under this section as
follows:
``(1) To help public transportation providers comply with
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et
seq.) through a competitively selected contract with a national
nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities
that has a demonstrated capacity to carry out technical
assistance, demonstration programs, research, public education,
and other activities related to complying with such Act.
``(2) To help public transportation providers comply with
human services transportation coordination requirements and to
enhance the coordination of Federal resources for human
services transportation with those of the Department of
Transportation through a competitively selected contract with a
national nonprofit organization that has a demonstrated
capacity to carry out technical assistance, training, and
support services related to complying with such requirements.
``(3) To help public transportation providers meet the
transportation needs of elderly individuals through a
competitively selected contract with a national nonprofit
organization serving elderly individuals that has a
demonstrated capacity to carry out such activities.
``(4) To provide additional technical assistance, mobility
management services, volunteer support services, training, and
research that the Secretary determines will assist public
transportation providers meet the goals of this section.
``(e) Funding.--Training and outreach programs and technical
assistance activities performed under this section shall be paid for
with administrative funds made available under section 5338(c).''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 53 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 5322 and inserting the following:
``5322. Training and technical assistance programs.''.
SEC. 2012. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) Government's Share of Costs for Certain Projects.--Section
5323(i) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Costs incurred by providers of public transportation
by vanpool.--
``(A) Local matching share.--The local matching
share provided by a recipient of assistance for a
capital project under this chapter may include any
amounts expended by a provider of public transportation
by vanpool for the acquisition of rolling stock to be
used by such provider in the recipient's service area,
excluding any amounts the provider may have received in
Federal, State, or local government assistance for such
acquisition.
``(B) Use of revenues.--A private provider of
public transportation by vanpool may use revenues it
receives in the provision of public transportation
service in the service area of a recipient of
assistance under this chapter that are in excess of the
provider's operating costs for the purpose of acquiring
rolling stock, if the private provider enters into a
legally binding agreement with the recipient that
requires the provider to use the rolling stock in the
recipient's service area.
``(C) Definitions.--In this paragraph, the
following definitions apply:
``(i) Private provider of public
transportation by vanpool.--The term `private
provider of public transportation by vanpool'
means a private entity providing vanpool
services in the service area of a recipient of
assistance under this chapter using a commuter
highway vehicle or vanpool vehicle.
``(ii) Commuter highway vehicle; vanpool
vehicle.--The term `commuter highway vehicle'
or `vanpool vehicle' means any vehicle--
``(I) the seating capacity of which
is at least 6 adults (not including the
driver); and
``(II) at least 80 percent of the
mileage use of which can be reasonably
expected to be for the purposes of
transporting commuters in connection
with travel between their residences
and their place of employment.
``(4) Incentives for competitively contracted service.--
``(A) Eligibility.--Subject to subparagraph (C), a
recipient of assistance under this chapter that meets
the targets under subparagraph (B) for competitively
contracted service shall be eligible, at the request of
the recipient, for a Federal share of 90 percent for
the capital cost of buses and bus-related facilities
and equipment purchased with financial assistance made
available under this chapter.
``(B) Target.--To qualify for the competitively
contracted service incentive program under this
paragraph, a public transit agency or governmental unit
shall competitively contract for at least 20 percent of
its fixed route bus service. The percentage of
competitively contracted service shall be calculated by
determining the ratio of competitively contracted
service vehicles operated in annual maximum service to
total vehicles operated in annual maximum service.
``(C) Maintenance of effort.--A public transit
agency or governmental unit shall be eligible for an
increased Federal share under this paragraph only if
the amount of State and local funding provided to the
affected public transit agency or governmental unit for
the capital cost of buses and bus-related facilities
and equipment will not be less than the average amount
of funding for such purposes provided during the 3
fiscal years preceding the date of enactment of this
paragraph.
``(D) Definitions.--In this paragraph, the
following definitions apply:
``(i) Competitively contracted service.--
The term `competitively contracted service'
means fixed route bus transportation service
purchased by a public transit agency or
governmental unit from a private transportation
provider based on a written contract.
``(ii) Vehicles operated in annual maximum
service.--The term `vehicles operated in annual
maximum service' means the number of transit
vehicles operated to meet the annual maximum
service requirement during the peak season of
the year, on the week and day that maximum
service is provided.''.
(b) Reasonable Access to Public Transportation Facilities.--Section
5323 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(q) Reasonable Access to Public Transportation Facilities.--A
recipient of assistance under this chapter may not deny reasonable
access for a private intercity or charter transportation operator to
federally funded public transportation facilities, including intermodal
facilities, park and ride lots, and bus-only highway lanes.''.
(c) Special Condition on Charter Bus Transportation Service.--If,
in any fiscal year, the Secretary is prohibited by law from enforcing
regulations related to charter bus service under part 604 of title 49,
Code of Federal Regulations, for any transit agency that during fiscal
year 2008 was both initially granted a 60-day period to come into
compliance with part 604, and then was subsequently granted an
exception from such part--
(1) the transit agency shall be precluded from receiving
its allocation of urbanized area formula grant funds for that
fiscal year; and
(2) any amounts withheld pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be
added to the amount that the Secretary may apportion under
section 5336 of title 49, United States Code, in the following
fiscal year.
SEC. 2013. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS.
Section 5325(h) is amended by striking ``Federal Public
Transportation Act of 2005'' and inserting ``Public Transportation Act
of 2012''.
SEC. 2014. PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION.
(a) In General.--Chapter 53 is amended by inserting after section
5325 the following:
``Sec. 5326. Private sector participation
``(a) General Purposes.--In the interest of fulfilling the general
purposes of this chapter under section 5301(f), the Secretary shall--
``(1) better coordinate public and private sector-provided
public transportation services; and
``(2) promote more effective utilization of private sector
expertise, financing, and operational capacity to deliver
costly and complex new fixed guideway capital projects.
``(b) Actions to Promote Better Coordination Between Public and
Private Sector Providers of Public Transportation.--The Secretary
shall--
``(1) provide technical assistance to recipients of Federal
transit grant assistance on practices and methods to best
utilize private providers of public transportation; and
``(2) educate recipients of Federal transit grant
assistance on laws and regulations under this chapter that
impact private providers of public transportation.
``(c) Actions to Provide Technical Assistance for Alternative
Project Delivery Methods.--Upon request by a sponsor of a new fixed
guideway capital project, the Secretary shall--
``(1) identify best practices for public-private
partnerships models in the United States and in other
countries;
``(2) develop standard public-private partnership
transaction model contracts; and
``(3) perform financial assessments that include the
calculation of public and private benefits of a proposed
public-private partnership transaction.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended
by inserting after the item relating to section 5325 the following:
``5326. Private sector participation.''.
(c) Public-Private Partnership Procedures and Approaches.--
(1) Identify impediments.--The Secretary shall--
(A) except as provided in paragraph (4), identify
any provisions of chapter 53 of title 49, United States
Code, and any regulations or practices thereunder, that
impede greater use of public-private partnerships and
private investment in public transportation capital
projects;
(B) develop and implement on a project basis
procedures and approaches that--
(i) address such impediments in a manner
similar to the Special Experimental Project
Number 15 of the Federal Highway Administration
(commonly referred to as ``SEP-15''); and
(ii) protect the public interest and any
public investment in covered projects.
(2) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
report on the status of the procedures and approaches developed
and implemented under paragraph (1).
(3) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue rules to carry
out the procedures and approaches developed under paragraph
(1).
(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may
be construed to allow the Secretary to waive any requirement
under--
(A) section 5333 of title 49, United States Code;
(B) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); or
(C) any other provision of Federal law not
described in paragraph (2)(A).
(d) Contracting Out Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs of the Senate a comprehensive report on the
effect of contracting out public transportation operations and
administrative functions on cost, availability and level of
service, efficiency, and quality of service.
(2) Considerations.--In developing the report, the
Comptroller General shall consider--
(A) the number of grant recipients that have
contracted out services and the types of public
transportation services that are performed under
contract, including paratransit service, fixed route
bus service, commuter rail operations, and
administrative functions;
(B) the size of the populations served by such
grant recipients;
(C) the basis for decisions regarding contracting
out such services;
(D) comparative costs of providing service under
contract to providing the same service through public
transit agency employees, using to the greatest extent
possible a standard cost allocation model;
(E) the extent of unionization among privately
contracted employees; and
(F) barriers to contracting out public
transportation operations and administrative functions.
(e) Guidance on Documenting Compliance.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish in
the Federal Register policy guidance regarding how to best document
compliance by recipients of Federal assistance under chapter 53 of
title 49, United States Code, with the requirements regarding private
enterprise participation in public transportation planning and
transportation improvement programs under sections 5203(g)(6) (as added
by title IV of this Act), and sections 5306(a) and 5307(c) of this
title.
SEC. 2015. PROJECT MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT.
Section 5327(c)(1) is amended--
(1) by striking ``to make contracts''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) 1 percent of amounts made available to carry
out section 5337.
``(G) 0.75 percent of amounts made available to
carry out section 5317.''.
SEC. 2016. STATE SAFETY OVERSIGHT.
(a) General Authority.--Section 5330(b) is amended to read as
follows:
``(b) General Authority.--The Secretary may require that up to 100
percent of the amount required to be appropriated for use in a State or
urbanized area in the State under section 5307 for a fiscal year
beginning after September 30, 2013, be utilized on capital safety
improvement and state of good repair projects for the benefit of fixed
guideway transportation systems in such State or urbanized area in the
State before any other transit capital project is undertaken, if--
``(1) the State in the prior fiscal year has not met the
requirements of subsection (c); or
``(2) the Secretary has certified that the State safety
oversight agency (as defined in section 5336(k)(1)(B)) does not
have adequate technical capacity, personnel resources, and
authority under relevant State law to perform the agency's
responsibilities described in that section.''.
SEC. 2017. APPORTIONMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FORMULA GRANTS.
(a) Apportionments.--Section 5336(i) is amended to read as follows:
``(i) Apportionments.--Of the amounts made available for each
fiscal year under section 5338(a)(2)(B)--
``(1) 2 percent shall be apportioned to certain urbanized
areas with populations of less than 200,000 in accordance with
subsection (j);
``(2) 1 percent shall be apportioned to applicable States
for operational support and training costs of State safety
oversight agencies and personnel employed by or under contract
to such agencies in accordance with subsection (k); and
``(3) any amount not apportioned under paragraphs (1) and
(2) shall be apportioned to urbanized areas in accordance with
subsections (a) through (c).''.
(b) State Safety Oversight Agencies.--Section 5336(k) is amended to
read as follows:
``(k) State Safety Oversight Agencies Formula.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection, the following
definitions apply:
``(A) Applicable states.--The term `applicable
States' means States that--
``(i) have rail fixed guideway public
transportation systems that are not subject to
regulation by the Federal Railroad
Administration; or
``(ii) are designing or constructing rail
fixed guideway public transportation systems
that will not be subject to regulation by the
Federal Railroad Administration.
``(B) State safety oversight agencies.--The term
`State safety oversight agency' means a designated
State authority that has responsibility--
``(i) for requiring, reviewing, approving,
and monitoring safety program plans under
section 5330(c)(1);
``(ii) for investigating hazardous
conditions and accidents on fixed guideway
public transportation systems that are not
subject to regulation by the Federal Railroad
Administration; and
``(iii) for requiring action to correct or
eliminate those conditions.
``(2) Apportionment.--
``(A) Apportionment formula.--The amount to be
apportioned under subsection (i)(2) shall be
apportioned among applicable States under a formula to
be established by the Secretary. Such formula shall
take into account factors of fixed guideway revenue
vehicle miles, fixed guideway route miles, and fixed
guideway vehicle passenger miles attributable to all
rail fixed guideway systems not subject to regulation
by the Federal Railroad Administration within each
applicable State.
``(B) Recipients of apportioned amounts.--Amounts
apportioned under the formula established pursuant to
subparagraph (A) shall be made available as grants to
State safety oversight agencies. Such grants are
subject to uniform administrative requirements for
grants and cooperative agreements to State and local
governments under part 18 of title 49, Code of Federal
Regulations, and are subject to the requirements of
this chapter as the Secretary determines appropriate.
``(C) Use of funds.--A State safety oversight
agency may use funds apportioned under subparagraph (A)
for program operational and administrative expenses,
including employee training activities, that assist the
agency in carrying out its responsibilities described
in paragraph (1)(B).
``(D) Certification process.--
``(i) Determinations.--The Secretary shall
determine whether or not each State safety
oversight agency has adequate technical
capacity, personnel resources, and authority
under relevant State law to perform the
agency's defined responsibilities described in
paragraph (1)(B).
``(ii) Issuance of certifications and
denials.--The Secretary shall--
``(I) issue a certification to each
State safety oversight agency that the
Secretary determines under clause (i)
has adequate technical capacity,
personnel resources, and authority; and
``(II) issue a denial of
certification to each State safety
oversight agency that the Secretary
determines under clause (i) does not
have adequate technical capacity,
personnel resources, and authority, and
provide the agency with a written
explanation of the reasons for the
denial.
``(E) Annual report.--On or before July 1 of each
year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing,
and Urban Affairs of the Senate a report on--
``(i) the amount of funds apportioned to
each applicable State; and
``(ii) the certification status of each
State safety oversight agency, including what
steps an agency that has been denied
certification must take in order to be so
certified.''.
SEC. 2018. FIXED GUIDEWAY MODERNIZATION FORMULA GRANTS.
(a) Amendment to Section Heading.--Section 5337 is amended--
(1) by striking the section designation and heading and
inserting the following:
``Sec. 5337. Fixed guideway modernization program''.
(b) Program Goals.--Section 5337 is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (a) through (f) as
subsections (c) through (h), respectively; and
(2) by inserting before subsection (c) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(a) Program Goals.--The goals of the fixed guideway modernization
program are--
``(1) to rehabilitate, maintain, and preserve the Nation's
fixed guideway public transportation systems;
``(2) to reduce the maintenance backlog and increase the
state of good repair of the Nation's fixed guideway public
transportation systems; and
``(3) to increase the overall ridership on fixed guideway
public transportation systems.
``(b) General Authority.--The Secretary may make grants to eligible
recipients under this section to assist State and local government
authorities in financing capital projects to modernize eligible fixed
guideway systems.''.
(c) Distribution.--Section 5337(c) (as redesignated by subsection
(b)(1) of this section) is amended by striking ``under section 5309''
and all that follows before paragraph (1) and inserting ``for a fiscal
year as follows:''.
(d) Availability of Amounts.--Section 5337(f) (as redesignated by
subsection (b)(1) of this section) is amended to read as follows:
``(f) Availability of Amounts.--An amount appropriated under this
section shall remain available for a period of 3 fiscal years after the
fiscal year in which the amount is appropriated. Any of such amount
that is unobligated at the end of such period shall be reapportioned
for the next fiscal year among eligible recipients in accordance with
subsection (c).''.
(e) Grant Requirements.--Section 5337 is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(i) Undertaking Projects in Advance.--
``(1) In general.--When a recipient obligates all amounts
apportioned to it under this section and then carries out a
part of a project described in this section without amounts of
the Government and according to all applicable procedures and
requirements (except to the extent the procedures and
requirements limit a State to carrying out a project with
amounts of the Government previously apportioned to it), the
Secretary may pay to the recipient the Government's share of
the cost of carrying out that part when additional amounts are
apportioned to the recipient under this section if--
``(A) the recipient applies for the payment;
``(B) the Secretary approves the payment; and
``(C) before carrying out that part, the Secretary
approves the plans and specifications for the part in
the same way as for other projects under this section.
``(2) Requirement for approval of applications.--The
Secretary may approve an application under paragraph (1) only
if an authorization for this section is in effect for the
fiscal year to which the application applies.
``(3) Interest payments.--The cost of carrying out that
part of a project includes the amount of interest earned and
payable on bonds issued by the recipient to the extent proceeds
of the bonds are expended in carrying out this part. However,
the amount of interest allowed under this paragraph may not be
more than the most favorable financing terms reasonably
available for the project at the time of borrowing. The
applicant shall certify, in a manner satisfactory to the
Secretary, that the applicant has shown reasonable diligence in
seeking the most favorable financing terms.
``(j) Grant Requirements.--A grant under this section shall be
subject to the requirements of subsections (c), (d), (e), (h), (i), and
(m) of section 5307.''.
(f) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 53 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 5337 and inserting the following:
``5337. Fixed guideway modernization program.''.
SEC. 2019. AUTHORIZATIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 5338 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 5338. Authorizations
``(a) Formula and Bus Grants.--
``(1) In general.--There shall be available from the
Alternative Transportation Account of the Highway Trust Fund to
carry out sections 5305, 5307, 5310, 5311, 5317, 5330, 5335,
and 5337 $8,400,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through
2016.
``(2) Allocation of funds.--Amounts made available under
paragraph (1) shall be allocated as follows:
``(A) $126,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016 shall be available to carry out section
5305.
``(B) $4,578,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016 shall be allocated in accordance with
section 5336 to provide financial assistance for
urbanized areas and State safety oversight agencies
under sections 5307 and 5336(k).
``(C) $840,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016 shall be available to provide financial
assistance for States and local governmental
authorities to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase
buses and related equipment and to construct bus-
related facilities under section 5310. Of such amount,
$3,000,000 shall be available for each fiscal year for
bus testing under section 5318.
``(D) $672,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016 shall be available to provide financial
assistance for rural areas under section 5311.
``(E) $504,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016 shall be available to provide financial
assistance for recipients and subrecipients to provide
coordinated access and mobility public transportation
projects and services under section 5317.
``(F) $3,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016 shall be available to carry out section
5335. Such amount shall be made available from funds
allocated in accordance with section 5336 before the
apportionments under subsection 5336(i) are carried
out.
``(G) $1,680,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016 shall be made available and allocated in
accordance with section 5337 to provide financial
assistance for State and local government authorities
to finance capital projects to modernize eligible fixed
guideway systems.
``(b) Capital Investment Grants.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out section 5309(m)(2) $1,955,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
``(c) Research, Training and Outreach, and Technical Assistance.--
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the transit
research program under section 5312 and the training and outreach,
National Transit Institute, and technical assistance activities
authorized by section 5322, $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016. Such amounts shall remain available until expended.
``(d) Administration.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
carry out sections 5326 and 5334 $98,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2013 through 2016.
``(e) Grants as Contractual Obligations.--
``(1) Grants financed from highway trust fund.--A grant or
contract that is approved by the Secretary and financed with
amounts made available from the Alternative Transportation
Account of the Highway Trust Fund pursuant to this section is a
contractual obligation of the Government to pay the Federal
share of the cost of the project.
``(2) Grants financed from general fund.--A grant or
contract that is approved by the Secretary and financed with
amounts appropriated in advance from the General Fund of the
Treasury pursuant to this section is a contractual obligation
of the Government to pay the Federal share of the cost of the
project only to the extent that amounts are appropriated for
such purpose by an Act of Congress.''.
SEC. 2020. OBLIGATION LIMITS.
The total of all obligations from amounts made available from the
Alternative Transportation Account of the Highway Trust Fund by, and
amounts appropriated under, subsections (a) through (d) of section 5338
of title 49, United States Code, shall not exceed $10,498,000,000 in
each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016, of which not more than
$8,400,000,000 shall be from the Alternative Transportation Account.
SEC. 2021. PROGRAM ELIMINATION AND CONSOLIDATION.
(a) General Provision.--A repeal or amendment made by this section
shall not affect funds apportioned or allocated before the effective
date of the repeal.
(b) Clean Fuels Discretionary Grant Program.--Section 5308, and the
item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 53, are
repealed.
(c) Conforming Amendments Regarding Formula Grants for Special
Needs of Elderly Individuals and Individuals With Disabilities.--
(1) Section 5327(c) is amended by striking ``5310'' each
place it appears and inserting ``5317''.
(2) Section 31138(e)(4) is amended by striking ``section
5307, 5310, or 5311'' and inserting ``section 5307, 5311, or
5317''.
(d) Public Transportation on Indian Reservations.--Section
5311(c)(1) is repealed.
(e) Transit Cooperative Research Program.--Section 5313, and the
item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 53, are
repealed.
(f) National Research Programs.--Section 5314, and the item
relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 53, are repealed.
(g) National Transit Institute.--
(1) Repeal.--Section 5315, and the item relating to that
section in the analysis for chapter 53, are repealed.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Chapter 53 is amended--
(A) in section 5305(e)(1)(A) by striking ``5315,'';
and
(B) in section 5307(k)(1) by striking ``5315(c)''.
(h) Bicycle Facilities.--Section 3519 is amended by striking the
last sentence.
(i) Job Access and Reverse Commute Formula Grants.--
(1) Repeal.--Section 5316, and the item relating to that
section in the analysis for chapter 53, are repealed.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Chapter 53 is amended in section
5333(b)(1) by striking ``5316,'' each place it appears.
(j) Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in the Parks Program.--
(1) Repeal.--Section 5320, and the item relating to that
section in the analysis for chapter 53, are repealed.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Section 5327(c) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking subparagraph (F);
and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B) by striking ``5311, and
5320'' and inserting ``and 5311''
(k) Repeal of Debt Service Reserve Pilot Program.--Section 5323(e)
is amended by striking paragraph (4).
(l) Program of Interrelated Projects.--Section 5328 is amended by
striking subsection (c).
(m) Alternatives Analysis.--Section 5339, and the item relating to
that section in the analysis for chapter 53, are repealed.
(n) Apportionments Based on Growing States and High Density States
Formula Factors.--Section 5340, and the item relating to that section
in the analysis for chapter 53, are repealed.
(o) Contracted Paratransit Pilot.--Section 3009 of SAFETEA-LU (119
Stat. 1572) is amended by striking subsection (i).
(p) Elderly Individuals and Individuals With Disabilities Pilot
Program.--Section 3012(b) of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5310 note; 119 Stat.
1591) is repealed.
(q) National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program.--Section
3045 of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5308 note; 119 Stat. 1705), and the item
relating to that section in the table of contents contained in section
1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(r) Allocations for National Research and Technology Programs.--
Section 3046 of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5338 note; 119 Stat. 1706), and
the item relating to that section in the table of contents contained in
section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(s) Over-the-Road Bus Accessibility Program.--Section 3038 of the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 5310 note;
112 Stat. 392), and the item relating to that section in the table of
contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
TITLE III--ENVIRONMENTAL STREAMLINING
SEC. 3001. AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 23, 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 23,
United States Code.
SEC. 3002. DECLARATION OF POLICY.
(a) Expedited Project Delivery.--Section 101(b) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(4) Expedited project delivery.--Congress declares that
it is in the national interest to expedite the delivery of
surface transportation projects by substantially reducing the
average length of the environmental review process.
Accordingly, it is the policy of the United States that--
``(A) the Secretary shall have the lead role among
Federal agencies in carrying out the environmental
review process for surface transportation projects;
``(B) each Federal agency shall cooperate with the
Secretary to expedite the environmental review process
for surface transportation projects;
``(C) there shall be a presumption that the mode,
facility type, and corridor location for a surface
transportation project will be determined in the
transportation planning process, as established in
sections 5203 and 5204 of title 49;
``(D) project sponsors shall not be prohibited from
carrying out pre-construction project development
activities concurrently with the environmental review
process;
``(E) programmatic approaches shall be used, to the
maximum extent possible, to reduce the need for
project-by-project reviews and decisions by Federal
agencies; and
``(F) the Secretary shall actively support
increased opportunities for project sponsors to assume
responsibilities of the Secretary in carrying out the
environmental review process.''.
SEC. 3003. EXPEDITED PERMITS.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
President may issue, during the 2-year period beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act, an expedited permit for any transportation
infrastructure project determined by the President to enhance the
economic competitiveness of the United States.
(b) Application.--
(1) In general.--For a transportation infrastructure
project to be eligible for a permit under subsection (a), the
Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the President an
application in the manner and containing the information
required by the President.
(2) Other eligible applicants.--A State, local government,
or public transportation agency carrying out a transportation
infrastructure project may submit an application for a permit
under subsection (a) to the Secretary of Transportation, and
the Secretary shall submit the application to the President.
(3) Rule of construction.--The submission of an application
to the President pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) is not
subject to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
(c) Determinations.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date on
which the President receives the application under this
subsection, the President shall--
(A) approve the application if the President
determines the transportation infrastructure project is
imperative to improving the economic competitiveness of
the United States; or
(B) deny the application.
(2) Failure to make a determination.--If the President
fails to approve or deny an application in accordance with
paragraph (1), the application shall be treated as approved.
(d) Effect of Permit.--
(1) Rule of construction.--A transportation infrastructure
project with respect to which a permit is issued under
subsection (a) shall be deemed as in compliance with all
applicable Federal laws, including applicable regulations.
(2) Judicial review.--The submission of an application for
a permit, and any permit issued or approved under this section
(including compliance with all Federal laws and regulations
applicable to such permit) shall not be subject to judicial
review.
(e) Notice.--Not later than 5 days after the date on which a permit
is issued under subsection (a), the Secretary of Transportation shall
provide notice of the permit to the head of each Federal agency that
administers a law, including a regulation, applicable to the project
for which the permit is issued.
(f) Responsibility of Federal Agencies.--The head of each Federal
agency shall establish, maintain, and periodically publish in the
Federal Register a record of any notice received under subsection (e),
including a description of the basis on which the applicable permit was
issued.
SEC. 3004. EXEMPTION IN EMERGENCIES.
Any road, highway, or bridge that is in operation or under
construction when damaged by an emergency declared by the Governor of
the State and concurred in by the Secretary, or declared by the
President pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121), may be reconstructed in the
same location with the same capacity, dimensions, and design as before
the emergency and shall be exempt from any environmental reviews,
approvals, licensing, and permit requirements under--
(1) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
(2) sections 402 and 404 of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342, 1344);
(3) the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470
et seq.);
(4) the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.);
(5) the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et
seq.);
(6) the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661
et seq.);
(7) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.), except when the reconstruction occurs in designated
critical habitat for threatened and endangered species;
(8) Executive Order 11990 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; relating to
the protection of wetlands); and
(9) any Federal law (including regulations) requiring no
net loss of wetlands.
SEC. 3005. ADVANCE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS.
(a) Real Property Interests.--Section 108 is amended--
(1) by striking ``real property'' each place it appears and
inserting ``real property interests'';
(2) by striking ``right-of-way'' each place it appears and
inserting ``real property interest''; and
(3) by striking ``rights-of-way'' each place it appears and
inserting ``real property interests''.
(b) State-funded Early Acquisition of Real Property Interests.--
Section 108(c) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading by striking ``Early
Acquisition of Rights-of-way'' and inserting ``State-funded
Early Acquisition of Real Property Interests'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs
(2) and (3), respectively;
(3) in paragraph (2), as redesignated--
(A) in the heading by striking ``General rule'' and
inserting ``Eligibility for reimbursement''; and
(B) by striking ``Subject to paragraph (2)'' and
inserting ``Subject to paragraph (3)'';
(4) by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the
following:
``(1) In general.--A State may carry out, at the expense of
the State, acquisitions of interests in real property for a
project before completion of the review process required for
the project under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) without affecting subsequent approvals
required for the project by the State or any Federal agency.'';
and
(5) in paragraph (3), as redesignated--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by
striking ``in paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``in
paragraph (2)''; and
(B) in subparagraph (G) by striking ``both the
Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency have concurred'' and inserting ``the
Secretary has determined''.
(c) Federally Funded Acquisition of Real Property Interests.--
Section 108 is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Federally Funded Early Acquisition of Real Property
Interests.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may authorize the use of
Federal funds for the acquisition of a real property interest
by a State. For purposes of this subsection, an acquisition of
a real property interest includes the acquisition of any
interest in land, including the acquisition of a contractual
right to acquire any interest in land, or any other similar
action to acquire or preserve rights-of-way for a
transportation facility.
``(2) State certification.--A State requesting Federal
funding for an acquisition of a real property interest shall
certify in writing that--
``(A) the State has authority to acquire the real
property interest under State law;
``(B) the acquisition of the real property interest
is for a transportation purpose; and
``(C) the State acknowledges that early acquisition
will not be considered by the Secretary in the
environmental assessment of a project, the decision
relative to the need to construct a project, or the
selection of a project design or location.
``(3) Environmental compliance.--Before authorizing Federal
funding for an acquisition of a real property interest, the
Secretary shall complete for the acquisition the review process
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.). For purposes of the review process, the
acquisition of a real property interest shall be treated as
having independent utility and does not limit consideration of
alternatives for future transportation improvements with
respect to the real property interest.
``(4) Programming.--The acquisition of a real property
interest for which Federal funding is requested shall be
included as a project in an applicable transportation
improvement program under sections 5203 and 5204 of title 49,
United States Code. The acquisition project may be included in
the transportation improvement program on its own, without
including the future construction project for which the real
property interest is being acquired. The acquisition project
may consist of the acquisition of a specific parcel, a portion
of a transportation corridor, or an entire transportation
corridor.
``(5) Other requirements.--The acquisition of a real
property interest shall be carried out in compliance with all
requirements applicable to the acquisition of real property
interests for federally funded transportation projects.
``(e) Consideration of Long-range Transportation Needs.--The
Secretary shall encourage States and other public authorities, if
practicable, to acquire transportation real property interests that are
sufficient to accommodate long-range transportation needs and, if
possible, to do so through the acquisition of broad real property
interests that have the capacity for expansion over a 50- to 100-year
period and the potential to accommodate one or more transportation
modes.''.
SEC. 3006. STANDARDS.
Section 109 (as amended by title I of this Act) is further amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(s) Undertaking Design Activities Before Completion of
Environmental Review Process.--
``(1) In general.--A State may carry out, at the expense of
the State, design activities at any level of detail for a
project before completion of the review process required for
the project under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) without affecting subsequent approvals
of the project.
``(2) Eligibility for reimbursement.--Subject to paragraph
(3), funds apportioned to a State under this title may be used
to participate in the payment of costs incurred by the State
for design activities, if the results of the activities are
subsequently incorporated (in whole or in substantial part)
into a project eligible for surface transportation program
funds.
``(3) Terms and conditions.--The Federal share payable of
the costs described in paragraph (2) shall be eligible for
reimbursement out of funds apportioned to a State under this
title when the design activities are incorporated (in whole or
in substantial part) into a project eligible for surface
transportation program funds, if the State demonstrates to the
Secretary and the Secretary finds that--
``(A) before the time that the cost incurred by a
State is approved for Federal participation,
environmental compliance pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.) has been completed for the project for which the
design activities were conducted by the State; and
``(B) the design activities conducted pursuant to
this subsection did not preclude the consideration of
alternatives to the project.''.
SEC. 3007. LETTING OF CONTRACTS.
(a) Bidding Requirements.--Section 112(b)(1) is amended to read as
follows:
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Competitive bidding requirement.--Subject to
paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), construction of each
project, subject to the provisions of subsection (a),
shall be performed by contract awarded by competitive
bidding, unless the State transportation department
demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary,
that some other method is more cost effective or that
an emergency exists.
``(B) Basis of award.--
``(i) In general.--Contracts for the
construction of each project shall be awarded
only on the basis of the lowest responsive bid
submitted by a bidder meeting established
criteria of responsibility.
``(ii) Prohibition.--No requirement or
obligation shall be imposed as a condition
precedent to the award of a contract to such
bidder for a project, or to the Secretary's
concurrence in the award of a contract to such
bidder, unless such requirement or obligation
is otherwise lawful and is specifically set
forth in the advertised specifications.''.
(b) Design-build Contracting.--Section 112(b)(3) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``subparagraph (C)''
and inserting ``subparagraph (B)'';
(2) by striking subparagraph (B);
(3) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (E) as
subparagraphs (B) through (D), respectively; and
(4) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i) by striking
``of the SAFETEA-LU'' and inserting ``of the American
Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012'';
(B) in clause (ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) in clause (iii)--
(i) by striking ``final design or''; and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) permit the State transportation
department, the local transportation agency,
and the design-build contractor to proceed, at
the expense of one or more of those entities,
with design activities at any level of detail
for a project before completion of the review
process required for the project under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) without affecting
subsequent approvals required for the project.
Design activities carried out under this clause
shall be eligible for Federal reimbursement as
a project expense in accordance with the
requirements under section 109(s).''.
(c) Efficiencies in Contracting.--Section 112(b) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(4) Method of contracting.--
``(A) In general.--
``(i) Two-phase contract.--A contracting
agency may award a two-phase contract for
preconstruction and construction services.
``(ii) Pre-construction services phase.--In
the pre-construction services phase, the
contractor shall provide the contracting agency
with advice for scheduling, work sequencing,
cost engineering, constructability, cost
estimating, and risk identification.
``(iii) Agreement.--Prior to the start of
the construction services phase, the
contracting agency and the contractor may agree
to a price and other factors specified in
regulation for the construction of the project
or a portion of the project.
``(iv) Construction phase.--If an agreement
is reached under clause (iii), the contractor
shall be responsible for the construction of
the project or portion of the project at the
negotiated price and other factors specified in
regulation.
``(B) Selection.--A contract shall be awarded to a
contractor using a competitive selection process based
on qualifications, experience, best value, or any other
combination of factors considered appropriate by the
contracting agency.
``(C) Timing.--
``(i) Relationship to nepa process.--Prior
to the completion of the process required under
section 102 of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332), a
contracting agency may--
``(I) issue requests for proposals;
``(II) proceed with the award of a
contract for preconstruction services
under subparagraph (A); and
``(III) issue notices to proceed
with a preliminary design and any work
related to preliminary design.
``(ii) Preconstruction services phase.--If
the preconstruction services phase of a
contract under subparagraph (A)(ii) focuses
primarily on one alternative, the Secretary
shall require that the contract include
appropriate provisions to achieve the
objectives of section 102 of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4332) and comply with other applicable Federal
laws and regulations.
``(iii) Construction services phase.--A
contracting agency may not proceed with the
award of the construction services phase of a
contract under subparagraph (A)(iv) and may not
proceed, or permit any consultant or contractor
to proceed, with construction until completion
of the process required under section 102 of
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4332).
``(iv) Approval requirement.--Prior to
authorizing construction activities, the
Secretary shall approve the contracting
agency's price estimate for the entire project,
as well as any price agreement with the general
contractor for the project or a portion of the
project.
``(v) Design activities.--A contracting
agency may proceed, at its expense, with design
activities at any level of detail for a project
before completion of the review process
required for the project under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.) without affecting subsequent
approvals required for the project. Design
activities carried out under this clause shall
be eligible for Federal reimbursement as a
project expense in accordance with the
requirements under section 109(s).''.
SEC. 3008. ELIMINATION OF DUPLICATION IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION
REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Preservation of Parklands.--Section 138 is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(c) Elimination of Duplication for Historic Sites and
Properties.--The requirements of this section shall be considered to be
satisfied for an historic site or property where its treatment has been
agreed upon in a memorandum of agreement by invited and mandatory
signatories, including the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation,
if participating, in accordance with section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f).''.
(b) Policy on Lands, Wildlife and Waterfowl Refuges, and Historic
Sites.--Section 303 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(e) Elimination of Duplication for Historic Sites and
Properties.--The requirements of this section shall be considered to be
satisfied for an historic site or property where its treatment has been
agreed upon in a memorandum of agreement by invited and mandatory
signatories, including the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation,
if participating, in accordance with Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f).''.
SEC. 3009. FUNDING THRESHOLD.
Section 139(b) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Funding threshold.--The Secretary's approval of a
project receiving funds under this title or under chapter 53 of
title 49 shall not be considered a Federal action for the
purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 if
such funds--
``(A) constitute 15 percent or less of the total
estimated project costs; or
``(B) are less than $10,000,000.''.
SEC. 3010. EFFICIENT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS FOR PROJECT DECISIONMAKING.
(a) Flexibility.--Section 139(b) is further amended--
(1) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``, and any requirements
established in this section may be satisfied,'' after
``exercised''; and
(2) by adding after paragraph (3), as added by section 3009
of this Act, the following:
``(4) Programmatic compliance.--At the request of a State,
the Secretary may modify the procedures developed under this
section to encourage programmatic approaches and strategies
with respect to environmental programs and permits (in lieu of
project-by-project reviews).''.
(b) Federal Lead Agency.--Section 139(c) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by adding at the end the following:
``If the project requires approval from more than one modal
administration within the Department, the Secretary shall
designate a single modal administration to serve as the Federal
lead agency for the Department in the environmental review
process for the project.'';
(2) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``or other approvals by
the Secretary'' after ``chapter 53 of title 49''; and
(3) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
``(5) Adoption and use of documents.--Any environmental
document prepared in accordance with this subsection shall be
adopted and used by any Federal agency in making any approval
of a project subject to this section as the document required
to be completed under the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969.''.
(c) Participating Agencies.--
(1) Effect of designation.--Section 139(d)(4) is amended to
read as follows:
``(4) Effect of designation.--
``(A) Requirement.--A participating agency shall
comply with the requirements of this section and any
schedule established under this section.
``(B) Implication.--Designation as a participating
agency under this subsection shall not imply that the
participating agency--
``(i) supports a proposed project; or
``(ii) has any jurisdiction over, or
special expertise with respect to evaluation
of, the project.''.
(2) Concurrent reviews.--Section 139(d)(7) is amended to
read as follows:
``(7) Concurrent reviews.--Each participating agency and
cooperating agency shall--
``(A) carry out obligations of that agency under
other applicable law concurrently, and in conjunction,
with the review required under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.); and
``(B) formulate and implement administrative,
policy, and procedural mechanisms to enable the agency
to ensure completion of the environmental review
process in a timely, coordinated, and environmentally
responsible manner.''.
(d) Project Initiation.--Section 139(e) is amended by adding at the
end the following: ``The project sponsor may satisfy this requirement
by submitting to the Secretary a draft notice for publication in the
Federal Register announcing the preparation of an environmental impact
statement for the project.''.
(e) Alternatives Analysis.--Section 139(f) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows
``(B) Range of alternatives.--
``(i) In general.--Following participation
under paragraph (1), the lead agency shall
determine the range of alternatives for
consideration in any document which the lead
agency is responsible for preparing for the
project.
``(ii) Limitation.--The range of
alternatives shall be limited to alternatives
that are--
``(I) consistent with the
transportation mode and general design
of the project described in the long-
range transportation plan or
transportation improvement program
prepared pursuant to sections 5203 or
5204 of title 49; and
``(II) consistent with the funding
identified for the project under the
fiscal constraint requirements of
sections 5203 or 5204 of title 49.
``(iii) Restriction.--A Federal agency may
not require the evaluation of any alternative
that was evaluated, but not adopted--
``(I) in any prior State or Federal
environmental document with regard to
the applicable long-range
transportation plan or transportation
improvement program; or
``(II) after the preparation of a
programmatic or tiered environmental
document that evaluated alternatives to
the project.
``(iv) Legal sufficiency.--The evaluation
of the range of alternatives shall be deemed
legally sufficient if the environmental
document complies with the requirements of this
paragraph.'';
(B) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by striking ``(C) methodologies.--The
lead agency'' and inserting the following:
``(C) Methodologies.--
``(i) In general.--The lead agency'';
(ii) by striking ``in collaboration with
participating agencies at appropriate times
during the study process'' and inserting
``after consultation with participating
agencies as part of the scoping process''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Comments.--Each participating agency
shall limit comments on such methodologies to
those issues that are within the authority and
expertise of such participating agency.
``(iii) Studies.--The lead agency may not
conduct studies proposed by any participating
agency that are not within the authority or
expertise of such participating agency.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Limitations on the evaluation of impacts
evaluated in prior environmental documents.--
``(i) In general.--The lead agency may not
reevaluate, and a Federal agency may not
require the reevaluation of, cumulative impacts
or growth-inducing impacts where such impacts
were previously evaluated in--
``(I) a long-range transportation
plan or transportation improvement
program developed pursuant to section
5203 or 5204 of title 49;
``(II) a prior environmental
document approved by the Secretary; or
``(III) a prior State environmental
document approved pursuant to a State
law that is substantially equivalent to
section 102(2)(C) of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
``(ii) Legal sufficiency.--The evaluation
of cumulative impacts and growth inducing
impacts shall be deemed legally sufficient if
the environmental document complies with the
requirements of this paragraph.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Effective decisionmaking.--
``(A) Concurrence.--At the discretion of the lead
agency, a participating agency shall be presumed to
concur in the determinations made by the lead agency
under this subsection unless the participating agency
submits an objection to the lead agency in writing
within 30 days after receiving notice of the lead
agency's determination and specifies the statutory
basis for the objection.
``(B) Adoption of determination.--If the
participating agency concurs or does not object within
the 30-day period, the participating agency shall adopt
the lead agency's determination for purposes of any
reviews, approvals, or other actions taken by the
participating agency as part of the environmental
review process for the project.''.
(f) Coordination Plan.--Section 139(g) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A) by striking ``project or category
of projects'' and inserting ``project, category of projects, or
program of projects'';
(2) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Deadlines for decisions under other laws.--
``(A) Prior approval deadline.--If a participating
agency is required to make a determination regarding or
otherwise approve or disapprove the project prior to
the record of decision or finding of no significant
impact of the lead agency, such participating agency
shall make such determination or approval not later
than 30 days after the lead agency publishes notice of
the availability of a final environmental impact
statement or other final environmental document, or not
later than such other date that is otherwise required
by law, whichever occurs first.
``(B) Other deadlines.--With regard to any
determination or approval of a participating agency
that is not subject to subparagraph (A), each
participating agency shall make any required
determination regarding or otherwise approve or
disapprove the project not later than 90 days after the
date that the lead agency approves the record of
decision or finding of no significant impact for the
project, or not later than such other date that is
otherwise required by law, whichever occurs first.
``(C) Deemed approved.--In the event that any
participating agency fails to make a determination or
approve or disapprove the project within the applicable
deadline described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), the
project shall be deemed approved by such participating
agency, and such approval shall be deemed to comply
with the applicable requirements of Federal law.
``(D) Judicial review.--
``(i) In general.--An approval of a project
under subparagraph (C) shall not be subject to
judicial review.
``(ii) Written finding.--The Secretary may
issue a written finding verifying the approval
made in accordance with this paragraph.''; and
(3) by striking paragraph (4).
(g) Issue Identification and Resolution.--Section 139(h)(4) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Resolution final.--
``(i) In general.--The lead agency and
participating agencies may not reconsider the
resolution of any issue agreed to by the
relevant agencies in a meeting under
subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Compliance with applicable law.--Any
such resolution shall be deemed to comply with
applicable law notwithstanding that the
agencies agreed to such resolution prior to the
approval of the environmental document.''.
(h) Streamlined Documentation and Decisionmaking.--Section 139 (as
amended by title I of this Act) is further amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (i) through (l) as
subsections (k) through (n), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (h) the following:
``(i) Streamlined Documentation and Decisionmaking.--
``(1) In general.--The lead agency in the environmental
review process for a project, in order to reduce paperwork and
expedite decisionmaking, shall prepare a condensed final
environmental impact statement.
``(2) Condensed format.--A condensed final environmental
impact statement for a project in the environmental review
process shall consist only of--
``(A) an incorporation by reference of the draft
environmental impact statement;
``(B) any updates to specific pages or sections of
the draft environmental impact statement as
appropriate; and
``(C) responses to comments on the draft
environmental impact statement and copies of the
comments.
``(3) Timing of decision.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, in conducting the environmental review
process for a project, the lead agency shall combine a final
environmental impact statement and a record of decision for the
project into a single document if--
``(A) the alternative approved in the record of
decision is either a preferred alternative that was
identified in the draft environmental impact statement
or is a modification of such preferred alternative that
was developed in response to comments on the draft
environmental impact statement;
``(B) the Secretary has received a certification
from a State under section 128, if such a certification
is required for the project; and
``(C) the Secretary determines that the lead
agency, participating agency, or the project sponsor
has committed to implement the measures applicable to
the approved alternative that are identified in the
final environmental impact statement.
``(j) Supplemental Environmental Review and Re-evaluation.--
``(1) Supplemental environmental review.--After the
approval of a record of decision or finding of no significant
impact with regard to a project, an agency may not require the
preparation of a subsequent environmental document for such
project unless the lead agency determines that--
``(A) changes to the project will result in new
significant impacts that were not evaluated in the
environmental document; or
``(B) new information has become available or
changes in circumstances have occurred after the lead
agency approval of the project that will result in new
significant impacts that were not evaluated in the
environmental document.
``(2) Re-evaluations.--The Secretary may only require the
re-evaluation of a document prepared under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) if--
``(A) the Secretary determines that the events in
paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) apply; and
``(B) more than 5 years has elapsed since the
Secretary's prior approval of the project or
authorization of project funding.
``(3) Change to record of decision.--After the approval of
a record of decision, the Secretary may not require the record
of decision to be changed solely because of a change in the
fiscal circumstances surrounding the project.''.
(i) Regulations.--Section 139(m) (as redesignated by subsection
(h)(1) of this section) is further amended to read as follows:
``(m) Regulations.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of
2012, the Secretary, by regulation, shall--
``(A) implement this section; and
``(B) establish methodologies and procedures for
evaluating the environmental impacts, including
cumulative impacts and growth-inducing impacts, of
transportation projects subject to this section.
``(2) Compliance with applicable law.--Any environmental
document that utilizes the methodologies and procedures
established under this subsection shall be deemed to comply
with the applicable requirements of--
``(A) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or its implementing
regulations; or
``(B) any other Federal environmental statute
applicable to transportation projects.''.
(j) Limitations on Claims.--Section 139(n) (as redesignated by
subsection (h)(1) of this section) is further amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``180 days'' and inserting
``90 days''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) New information.--The preparation of a supplemental
environmental impact statement or other environmental document
when required by this section shall be considered a separate
final agency action and the deadline for filing a claim for
judicial review of such action shall be 90 days after the date
of publication of a notice in the Federal Register announcing
such action.''.
(k) Limitations on Judicial Relief.--Section 139 is further amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(o) Limitations on Judicial Relief.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the following limitations shall apply to actions
brought before a court in connection with a project under this section:
``(1) Venue for any action shall be where the project is
located.
``(2) A specific property interest impacted by the
transportation project in question must exist in order to have
standing to bring an action.
``(3) No action may be commenced by any person alleging a
violation of--
``(A) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), chapters 5 and 7 of title 5,
United States Code, or any other Federal law applicable
to the evaluation, avoidance, or mitigation of
environmental impacts of the project if such Federal
law is identified in the draft environmental impact
statement, unless such person provided written notice
to the lead agency of the alleged violation of law, and
the facts supporting such claim, during the public
comment period on the draft environmental impact
statement; or
``(B) any other law with regard to the project
unless such person provided written notice to the
applicable approving agency of the alleged violation of
law, and the facts supporting such claim, during the
public comment period on such agency approval.
``(4) Elected or appointed officials working for the
Government or a State government may not be named in their
individual capacities in an action if they are acting within
the scope of their official duties.''.
SEC. 3011. DISPOSAL OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES.
(a) Disposal of Historic Properties.--Section 156 is amended--
(1) by striking the section heading and inserting ``Sale or
lease of real property''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Assessment of Adverse Effects.--Notwithstanding part 800 of
title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, the sale or lease by a State of
any historic property that is not listed in the National Register of
Historic Places shall not be considered an adverse effect to the
property within any consultation process carried out under section 106
of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 1 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 156 and inserting the following:
``156. Sale or lease of real property.''''.
SEC. 3012. INTEGRATION OF PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.
(a) In General.--Chapter 1 is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Sec. 167. Integration of planning and environmental review
``(a) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Environmental review process.--
``(A) In general.--The term `environmental review
process' means the process for preparing for a project
an environmental impact statement, environmental
assessment, categorical exclusion, or other document
prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
``(B) Inclusions.--The term `environmental review
process' includes the process for and completion of any
environmental permit, approval, review, or study
required for a project under any Federal law other than
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
``(2) Planning product.--The term `planning product' means
any decision, analysis, study, or other documented result of an
evaluation or decisionmaking process carried out during
transportation planning.
``(3) Project.--The term `project' means any highway
project or program of projects, public transportation capital
project or program of projects, or multimodal project or
program of projects that requires the approval of the
Secretary.
``(4) Project sponsor.--The term `project sponsor' means
the agency or other entity, including any private or public-
private entity, that seeks approval of the Secretary for a
project.
``(b) Purpose and Findings.--
``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to establish
the authority and provide procedures for achieving integrated
planning and environmental review processes to--
``(A) enable statewide and metropolitan planning
processes to more effectively serve as the foundation
for project decisions;
``(B) foster better decisionmaking;
``(C) reduce duplication in work;
``(D) avoid delays in transportation improvements;
and
``(E) better transportation and environmental
results for communities and the United States.
``(2) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
``(A) This section is consistent with and is
adopted in furtherance of sections 101 and 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4331 and 4332) and section 109 of this title.
``(B) This section should be broadly construed and
may be applied to any project, class of projects, or
program of projects carried out under this title or
chapter 53 of title 49.
``(c) Adoption of Planning Products for Use in NEPA Proceedings.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law and subject to the conditions set forth in subsection (e),
the Federal lead agency for a project, at the request of the
project sponsors, may adopt and use a planning product in
proceedings relating to any class of action in the
environmental review process of the project.
``(2) Partial adoption of planning products.--The Federal
lead agency may adopt a planning product under paragraph (1) in
its entirety or may select portions for adoption.
``(3) Timing.--A determination under paragraph (1) with
respect to the adoption of a planning product shall be made at
the time the lead agencies decide the appropriate scope of
environmental review for the project.
``(d) Applicability.--
``(1) Planning decisions.--Planning decisions that may be
adopted pursuant to this section include--
``(A) a purpose and need or goals and objectives
statement for the project, including with respect to
whether tolling, private financial assistance, or other
special financial measures are necessary to implement
the project;
``(B) a decision with respect to travel corridor
location, including project termini;
``(C) a decision with respect to modal choice,
including a decision to implement corridor or subarea
study recommendations to advance different modal
solutions as separate projects with independent
utility;
``(D) a decision with respect to the elimination of
unreasonable alternatives and the selection of the
range of reasonable alternatives for detailed study
during the environmental review process;
``(E) a basic description of the environmental
setting;
``(F) a decision with respect to methodologies for
analysis; and
``(G) identifications of programmatic level
mitigation for potential impacts that the Federal lead
agency, in consultation with Federal, State, local, and
tribal resource agencies, determines are most
effectively addressed at a regional or national program
level, including--
``(i) system-level measures to avoid,
minimize, or mitigate impacts of proposed
transportation investments on environmental
resources, including regional ecosystem and
water resources; and
``(ii) potential mitigation activities,
locations, and investments.
``(2) Planning analyses.--Planning analyses that may be
adopted pursuant to this section include studies with respect
to--
``(A) travel demands;
``(B) regional development and growth;
``(C) local land use, growth management, and
development;
``(D) population and employment;
``(E) natural and built environmental conditions;
``(F) environmental resources and environmentally
sensitive areas;
``(G) potential environmental effects, including
the identification of resources of concern and
potential cumulative effects on those resources,
identified as a result of a statewide or regional
cumulative effects assessment; and
``(H) mitigation needs for a proposed action, or
for programmatic level mitigation, for potential
effects that the Federal lead agency determines are
most effectively addressed at a regional or national
program level.
``(e) Conditions.--Adoption and use of a planning product under
this section is subject to a determination by the Federal lead agency,
in consultation with joint lead agencies and project sponsors as
appropriate, that the following conditions have been met:
``(1) The planning product was developed through a planning
process conducted pursuant to applicable Federal law.
``(2) The planning process included broad multidisciplinary
consideration of systems-level or corridor-wide transportation
needs and potential effects.
``(3) During the planning process, notice was provided
through publication or other means to Federal, State, and local
government agencies and tribal governments that might have an
interest in the proposed project, and to members of the general
public, of the planning products that the planning process
might produce and that might be relied on during the
environmental review process, and such entities have been
provided an appropriate opportunity to participate in the
planning process leading to such planning product.
``(4) Prior to determining the scope of environmental
review for the project, the joint lead agencies have made
documentation relating to the planning product available to
Federal, State, and local governmental agencies and tribal
governments that may have an interest in the proposed action,
and to members of the general public.
``(5) There is no significant new information or new
circumstance that has a reasonable likelihood of affecting the
continued validity or appropriateness of the planning product.
``(6) The planning product is based on reliable and
reasonably current data and reasonable and scientifically
acceptable methodologies.
``(7) The planning product is documented in sufficient
detail to support the decision or the results of the analysis
and to meet requirements for use of the information in the
environmental review process.
``(8) The planning product is appropriate for adoption and
use in the environmental review process for the project.
``(f) Effect of Adoption.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, any planning product adopted by the Federal lead agency in
accordance with this section shall not be reconsidered or made the
subject of additional interagency consultation during the environmental
review process of the project unless the Federal lead agency, in
consultation with joint lead agencies and project sponsors as
appropriate, determines that there is significant new information or
new circumstances that affect the continued validity or appropriateness
of the adopted planning product. Any planning product adopted by the
Federal lead agency in accordance with this section may be relied upon
and used by other Federal agencies in carrying out reviews of the
project.
``(g) Rule of Construction.--This section may not be construed to
make the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.) process applicable to the transportation planning process
conducted under chapter 52 of title 49. Initiation of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 process as a part of, or concurrently
with, transportation planning activities does not subject
transportation plans and programs to the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 process. This section may not be construed to affect the
use of planning products in the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 process pursuant to other authorities under law or to restrict the
initiation of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 process
during planning.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended
by adding at end the following:
``167. Integration of planning and environmental review.''.
SEC. 3013. DEVELOPMENT OF PROGRAMMATIC MITIGATION PLANS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 1 (as amended by this title) is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 168. Development of programmatic mitigation plans
``(a) In General.--As part of the statewide or metropolitan
transportation planning process, a State or metropolitan planning
organization may develop one or more programmatic mitigation plans to
address the potential environmental impacts of future transportation
projects.
``(b) Scope.--
``(1) Scale.--A programmatic mitigation plan may be
developed on a regional, ecosystem, watershed, or statewide
scale.
``(2) Resources.--The plan may encompass multiple
environmental resources within a defined geographic area or may
focus on a specific resource, such as aquatic resources,
parklands, or wildlife habitat.
``(3) Project impacts.--The plan may address impacts from
all projects in a defined geographic area or may focus on a
specific type of project, such as bridge replacements.
``(4) Consultation.--The scope of the plan shall be
determined by the State or metropolitan planning organization,
as appropriate, in consultation with the agency or agencies
with jurisdiction over the resources being addressed in the
mitigation plan.
``(c) Contents.--A programmatic mitigation plan may include--
``(1) an assessment of the condition of environmental
resources in the geographic area covered by the plan, including
an assessment of recent trends and any potential threats to
those resources;
``(2) an assessment of potential opportunities to improve
the overall quality of environmental resources in the
geographic area covered by the plan, through strategic
mitigation for impacts of transportation projects;
``(3) standard measures for mitigating certain types of
impacts;
``(4) parameters for determining appropriate mitigation for
certain types of impacts, such as mitigation ratios or criteria
for determining appropriate mitigation sites;
``(5) adaptive management procedures, such as protocols
that involve monitoring predicted impacts over time and
adjusting mitigation measures in response to information
gathered through the monitoring; and
``(6) acknowledgment of specific statutory or regulatory
requirements that must be satisfied when determining
appropriate mitigation for certain types of resources.
``(d) Process.--Before adopting a programmatic mitigation plan, a
State or metropolitan planning organization shall--
``(1) consult with the agency or agencies with jurisdiction
over the environmental resources considered in the programmatic
mitigation plan;
``(2) make a draft of the plan available for review and
comment by applicable environmental resource agencies and the
public;
``(3) consider any comments received from such agencies and
the public on the draft plan; and
``(4) address such comments in the final plan.
``(e) Integration With Other Plans.--A programmatic mitigation plan
may be integrated with other plans, including watershed plans,
ecosystem plans, species recovery plans, growth management plans, and
land use plans.
``(f) Consideration in Project Development and Permitting.--If a
programmatic mitigation plan has been developed pursuant to this
section, any Federal agency responsible for environmental reviews,
permits, or approvals for a transportation project shall give
substantial weight to the recommendations in a programmatic mitigation
plan when carrying out their responsibilities under applicable laws.
``(g) Preservation of Existing Authorities.--Nothing in this
section limits the use of programmatic approaches to reviews under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter (as amended
by this title) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``168. Development of programmatic mitigation plans.''.
SEC. 3014. STATE ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR CATEGORICAL
EXCLUSIONS.
Section 326(a) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2) by striking ``and only for types of
activities specifically designated by the Secretary'' and
inserting ``and for any type of activity for which a
categorical exclusion classification is appropriate''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Preservation of flexibility.--The Secretary shall not
require a State, as a condition of assuming responsibility
under this section, to forego project delivery methods that are
otherwise permissible for highway projects.''.
SEC. 3015. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DELIVERY PROGRAM.
(a) Program Name.--Section 327 is amended--
(1) in the section heading by striking ``pilot''; and
(2) in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``pilot''.
(b) Assumption of Responsibility.--Section 327(a)(2) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``highway'';
(2) in subparagraph (B) by striking clause (ii) and
inserting the following:
``(ii) the Secretary may not assign any
responsibility imposed on the Secretary by
section 5203 or 5204 of title 49.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) Preservation of flexibility.--The Secretary
may not require a State, as a condition of
participation in the program, to forego project
delivery methods that are otherwise permissible for
projects.''.
(c) State Participation.--Section 327(b) is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) Participating states.--All States are eligible to
participate in the program.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``this section, the
Secretary shall promulgate'' and inserting ``amendments to this
section by the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of
2012, the Secretary shall amend, as appropriate,''.
(d) Written Agreement.--Section 327(c) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)(D) by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) have a term of not more than 5 years; and
``(5) be renewable.''.
(e) Conforming Amendment.--Section 327(e) is amended by striking
``subsection (i)'' and inserting ``subsection (j)''.
(f) Audits.--Section 327(g)(1)(B) is amended by striking
``subsequent year'' and inserting ``of the third and fourth years''.
(g) Monitoring.--Section 327 is further amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (h) and (i) as subsections
(i) and (j), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
``(h) Monitoring.--After the fourth year of the participation of a
State in the program, the Secretary shall monitor compliance by the
State with the written agreement, including the provision by the State
of financial resources to carry out the written agreement.''.
(h) Termination.--Section 327(j) (as redesignated by subsection
(g)(1) of this section) is amended to read as follows:
``(j) Termination.--The Secretary may terminate the participation
of any State in the program if--
``(1) the Secretary determines that the State is not
adequately carrying out the responsibilities assigned to the
State;
``(2) the Secretary provides to the State--
``(A) notification of the determination of
noncompliance; and
``(B) a period of at least 30 days during which to
take such corrective action as the Secretary determines
is necessary to comply with the applicable agreement;
and
``(3) the State, after the notification and period provided
under paragraph (2), fails to take satisfactory corrective
action, as determined by the Secretary.''.
(i) Definitions.--Section 327 is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(k) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Multimodal project.--The term `multimodal project'
means a project funded, in whole or in part, under this title
or chapter 53 of title 49 and involving the participation of
more than one Department of Transportation administration or
agency.
``(2) Project.--The term `project' means any highway
project, public transportation capital project, or multimodal
project that requires the approval of the Secretary.''.
(j) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 3 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 327 and inserting the following:
``327. Surface transportation project delivery program.''.
SEC. 3016. PROGRAM FOR ELIMINATING DUPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEWS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 3 (as amended by title I of this Act) is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 331. Program for eliminating duplication of environmental
reviews
``(a) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a program
to eliminate duplicative environmental reviews and approvals
under State and Federal law of projects. Under this program, a
State may use State laws and procedures to conduct reviews and
make approvals in lieu of Federal environmental laws and
regulations, consistent with the provisions of this section.
``(2) Participating states.--All States are eligible to
participate in the program.
``(3) Scope of alternative review and approval
procedures.--For purposes of this section, alternative
environmental review and approval procedures may include one or
more of the following:
``(A) Substitution of one or more State
environmental laws for one or more Federal
environmental laws, if the Secretary determines in
accordance with this section that the State
environmental laws provide environmental protection and
opportunities for public involvement that are
substantially equivalent to the applicable Federal
environmental laws.
``(B) Substitution of one or more State regulations
for Federal regulations implementing one or more
Federal environmental laws, if the Secretary determines
in accordance with this section that the State
regulations provide environmental protection and
opportunities for public involvement that are
substantially equivalent to the Federal regulations.
``(b) Application.--To participate in the program, a State shall
submit to the Secretary an application containing such information as
the Secretary may require, including--
``(1) a full and complete description of the proposed
alternative environmental review and approval procedures of the
State;
``(2) for each State law or regulation included in the
proposed alternative environmental review and approval
procedures of the State, an explanation of the basis for
concluding that the law or regulation meets the requirements
under subsection (a)(3); and
``(3) evidence of having sought, received, and addressed
comments on the proposed application from the public and
appropriate Federal environmental resource agencies.
``(c) Review of Application.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) review an application submitted under subsection (b);
``(2) approve or disapprove the application in accordance
with subsection (d) not later than 90 days after the date of
the receipt of the application; and
``(3) transmit to the State notice of the approval or
disapproval, together with a statement of the reasons for the
approval or disapproval.
``(d) Approval of State Programs.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall approve each such
application if the Secretary finds that the proposed
alternative environmental review and approval procedures of the
State are substantially equivalent to the applicable Federal
environmental laws and Federal regulations.
``(2) Exclusion.--The National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) shall not apply to any decision
by the Secretary to approve or disapprove any application
submitted pursuant to this section.
``(e) Compliance With Permits.--Compliance with a permit or other
approval of a project issued pursuant to a program approved by the
Secretary under this section shall be deemed compliance with the
Federal laws and regulations identified in the program approved by the
Secretary pursuant to this section.
``(f) Review and Termination.--
``(1) Review.--All State alternative environmental review
and approval procedures approved under this section shall be
reviewed by the Secretary not less than once every 5 years.
``(2) Public notice and comment.--In conducting the review
process under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide notice
and an opportunity for public comment.
``(3) Extensions and terminations.--At the conclusion of
the review process, the Secretary may extend the State
alternative environmental review and approval procedures for an
additional 5-year period or terminate the State program.
``(g) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this section and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall
submit to Congress a report that describes the administration of the
program.
``(h) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(1) Environmental law.--The term `environmental law'
includes any law that provides procedural or substantive
protection, as applicable, for the natural or built environment
with regard to the construction and operation of projects.
``(2) Federal environmental laws.--The term `Federal
environmental laws' means laws governing the review of
environmental impacts of, and issuance of permits and other
approvals for, the construction and operation of projects,
including section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)), section 404 of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), section
106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f),
and sections 7(a)(2), 9(a)(1)(B), and 10(a)(1)(B) of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2),
1538(a)(1)(B), 1539(a)(1)(B)).
``(3) Multimodal project.--The term `multimodal project'
means a project funded, in whole or in part, under this title
or chapter 53 of title 49 and involving the participation of
more than one Department of Transportation administration or
agency.
``(4) Project.--The term `project' means any highway
project, public transportation capital project, or multimodal
project that requires the approval of the Secretary.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter (as amended
by title I of this Act) is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``331. Program for eliminating duplication of environmental reviews.''.
SEC. 3017. STATE PERFORMANCE OF LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEWS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 3 (as amended by this title) is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 332. STATE PERFORMANCE OF LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEWS.
``(a) In General.--At the request of any State transportation
department, the Federal Highway Administration shall enter into an
agreement with the State transportation department to authorize the
State to carry out the legal sufficiency reviews for environmental
impact statements and environmental assessments under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) in accordance
with this section.
``(b) Terms of Agreement.--An agreement authorizing a State to
carry out legal sufficiency reviews for Federal-aid highway projects
shall contain the following provisions:
``(1) A finding by the Federal Highway Administration that
the State has the capacity to carry out legal sufficiency
reviews that are equivalent in quality and consistency to the
reviews that would otherwise be conducted by attorneys employed
by such Administration.
``(2) An oversight process, including periodic reviews
conducted by attorneys employed by such Administration, to
evaluate the quality of the legal sufficiency reviews carried
out by the State transportation department under the agreement.
``(3) A requirement for the State transportation department
to submit a written finding of legal sufficiency to the Federal
Highway Administration concurrently with the request by the
State for Federal approval of the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) document.
``(4) An opportunity for the Federal Highway Administration
to conduct an additional legal sufficiency review for any
project, for not more than 30 days, if considered necessary by
the Federal Highway Administration.
``(5) Procedures allowing either party to the agreement to
terminate the agreement for any reason with 30 days notice to
the other party.
``(c) Effect of Agreement.--A legal sufficiency review carried out
by a State transportation department under this section shall be deemed
by the Federal Highway Administration to satisfy the requirement for a
legal sufficiency review in sections 771.125(b) and 774.7(d) of title
23, Code of Federal Regulations, or other applicable regulations issued
by the Federal Highway Administration.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter (as amended
by this title) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``332. State performance of legal sufficiency reviews.''.
SEC. 3018. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall treat an activity carried out
under title 23, United States Code, or project within a right-of-way as
a class of action categorically excluded from the requirements relating
to environmental assessments or environmental impact statements under
section 771.117(c) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations.
(b) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) Multimodal project.--The term ``multimodal project''
means a project funded, in whole or in part, under title 23,
United States Code, or chapter 53 of title 49 of such Code and
involving the participation of more than one Department of
Transportation administration or agency.
(2) Project.--The term ``project'' means any highway
project, public transportation capital project, or multimodal
project that requires the approval of the Secretary.
SEC. 3019. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS DEADLINE.
(a) In General.--
(1) Deadline.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
the environmental review process for a project shall be
completed not later than 270 days after the date on which the
notice of project initiation under section 139(e) of title 23,
United States Code, is published in the Federal Register.
(2) Consequences of missed deadline.--If the environmental
review process for a project is not completed in accordance
with paragraph (1)--
(A) the project shall be considered to have no
significant impact to the human environment for
purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
(B) that classification shall be considered to be a
final agency action.
(b) Appeal.--In this section, the following rules shall apply:
(1) There shall be a single administrative appeal for the
environmental review process carried out pursuant to this
section.
(2) Upon resolution of the administrative appeal, judicial
review of the final agency decision after exhaustion of
administrative remedies shall lie with the United States Court
of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
(3) An appeal to the court specified in paragraph (2) shall
be based only on the administrative record.
(4) After an agency has made a final decision with respect
to the environmental review process carried out under this
section, that decision shall be effective during the course of
any subsequent appeal to a court specified in paragraph (2).
(5) All civil actions arising under this section shall be
considered to arise under the laws of the United States.
(c) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) Environmental review process.--
(A) In general.--The term ``environmental review
process'' means the process for preparing for a project
an environmental impact statement, environmental
assessment, categorical exclusion, or other document
prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``environmental review
process'' includes the process for and completion of
any environmental permit, approval, review, or study
required for a project under any Federal law other than
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
(2) Lead agency.--The term ``lead agency'' means the
Department of Transportation and, if applicable, any State or
local governmental entity serving as a joint lead agency
pursuant to this section.
(3) Multimodal project.--The term ``multimodal project''
means a project funded, in whole or in part, under title 23,
United States Code, or chapter 53 of title 49 of such Code and
involving the participation of more than one Department of
Transportation administration or agency.
(4) Project.--The term ``project'' means any highway
project, public transportation capital project, or multimodal
project that requires the approval of the Secretary.
SEC. 3020. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE.
(a) Alternative Relocation Payment Process.--
(1) Establishment.--For the purpose of identifying
improvements in the timeliness of providing relocation
assistance to persons displaced as a result of Federal or
federally-assisted programs and projects, the Secretary shall
establish an alternative relocation payment process under which
payments to displaced persons eligible for relocation
assistance pursuant to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and
Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601
et seq.), are calculated based on reasonable estimates and paid
in advance of the physical displacement of the displaced
person.
(2) Payments.--
(A) Timing of payments.--Relocation assistance
payments may be provided to the displaced person at the
same time as payments of just compensation for real
property acquired for a program or project of the
State.
(B) Combined payment.--Payments for relocation and
just compensation may be combined into a single
unallocated amount.
(3) Conditions for state use of alternative process.--
(A) In general.--After public notice and an
opportunity to comment, the Secretary shall adopt
criteria for States to use the alternative relocation
payment process established by the Secretary.
(B) Memorandum of agreement.--In order to use the
alternative relocation payment process, a State shall
enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Secretary
that includes provisions relating to--
(i) the selection of projects or programs
within the State to which the alternative
relocation payment process will be applied;
(ii) program and project-level monitoring;
(iii) performance measurement;
(iv) reporting requirements; and
(v) the circumstances under which the
Secretary may terminate or suspend the
authority of the State to use the alternative
relocation payment process.
(C) Required information.--A State may use the
alternative relocation payment process only after the
displaced persons affected by a program or project--
(i) are informed in writing--
(I) that the relocation payments
the displaced persons receive under the
alternative relocation payment process
may be higher or lower than the amount
that the displaced persons would have
received under the standard relocation
assistance process; and
(II) of their right not to
participate in the alternative
relocation payment process; and
(ii) agree in writing to the alternative
relocation payment process.
(D) Election not to participate.--The displacing
agency shall provide any displaced person who elects
not to participate in the alternative relocation
payment process with relocation assistance in
accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and
Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42
U.S.C. 4601 et seq.).
(4) Protections against inconsistent treatment.--If other
Federal agencies plan displacements in or adjacent to an area
of a project using the alternative relocation payment process
within the same time period as a project acquisition and
relocation action of the project, the Secretary shall adopt
measures to protect against inconsistent treatment of displaced
persons. Such measures may include a determination that the
alternative relocation payment process authority may not be
used on a specific project.
(5) Report.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall submit to
Congress an annual report on the implementation of the
alternative relocation payment process.
(B) Contents.--The report shall include an
evaluation of the merits of the alternative relocation
payment process, including the effects of the
alternative relocation payment process on--
(i) displaced persons and the protections
afforded to such persons by the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C.
4601 et seq.);
(ii) the efficiency of the delivery of
Federal-aid highway projects and overall
effects on the Federal-aid highway program; and
(iii) the achievement of the purposes of
the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real
Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42
U.S.C. 4601 et seq.).
(6) Limitation.--The alternative relocation payment process
under this section may be used only on projects funded under
title 23, United States Code, in cases in which the funds are
administered by the Federal Highway Administration.
(7) NEPA applicability.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the use of the alternative relocation payment
process established under this section on a project funded
under title 23, United States Code, and administered by the
Federal Highway Administration is not a major Federal action
requiring analysis or approval under the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
(b) Uniform Relocation Assistance Act Amendments.--
(1) Moving and related expenses.--Section 202 of the
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition
Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4622) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(4) by striking ``$10,000''
and inserting ``$25,000, as adjusted by regulation, in
accordance with section 213(d)''; and
(B) in the second sentence of subsection (c) by
striking ``$20,000'' and inserting ``$40,000, as
adjusted by regulation, in accordance with section
213(d)''.
(2) Replacement housing for homeowners.--The first sentence
of section 203(a)(1) of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and
Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C.
4623(a)(1)) is amended by--
(A) striking ``$22,500'' and inserting ``$31,000,
as adjusted by regulation, in accordance with
213(d),''; and
(B) striking ``one hundred and eighty days prior
to'' and inserting ``90 days before''.
(3) Replacement housing for tenants and certain others.--
Section 204 of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real
Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4624) is
amended--
(A) in the second sentence of subsection (a) by
striking ``$5,250'' and inserting ``$7,200, as adjusted
by regulation, in accordance with section 213(d)''; and
(B) in the second sentence of subsection (b) by
striking ``, except'' and all that follows through the
end of the subsection and inserting a period.
(4) Duties of lead agency.--Section 213 of the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies
Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4633) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (2) by striking ``and'';
(ii) in paragraph (3) by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) that each Federal agency that has programs or
projects requiring the acquisition of real property or causing
a displacement from real property subject to the provisions of
this Act shall provide to the lead agency an annual summary
report that describes the activities conducted by the Federal
agency.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Adjustment of Payments.--The head of the lead agency may
adjust, by regulation, the amounts of relocation payments provided
under sections 202(a)(4), 202(c), 203(a), and 204(a) if the head of the
lead agency determines that cost of living, inflation, or other factors
indicate that the payments should be adjusted to meet the policy
objectives of this Act.''.
(5) Agency coordination.--Title II of the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies
Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.) is amended by inserting
after section 213 (42 U.S.C. 4633) the following:
``Sec. 214. Agency coordination
``(a) Agency Capacity.--Each Federal agency responsible for funding
or carrying out relocation and acquisition activities shall have
adequately trained personnel and such other resources as are necessary
to manage and oversee the relocation and acquisition program of the
Federal agency in accordance with this Act.
``(b) Interagency Agreements.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of the enactment of this section, each Federal agency responsible for
funding relocation and acquisition activities (other than the agency
serving as the lead agency) shall enter into a memorandum of
understanding with the lead agency that--
``(1) provides for periodic training of the personnel of
the Federal agency, which in the case of a Federal agency that
provides Federal financial assistance, may include personnel of
any displacing agency that receives Federal financial
assistance;
``(2) addresses ways in which the lead agency may provide
assistance and coordination to the Federal agency relating to
compliance with this Act on a program or project basis; and
``(3) addresses the funding of the training, assistance,
and coordination activities provided by the lead agency, in
accordance with subsection (c).
``(c) Interagency Payments.--
``(1) In general.--For the fiscal year that begins 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this section, and each
fiscal year thereafter, each Federal agency responsible for
funding relocation and acquisition activities (other than the
agency serving as the lead agency) shall transfer to the lead
agency for the fiscal year, such funds as are necessary, but
not less than $35,000, to support the training, assistance, and
coordination activities of the lead agency described in
subsection (b).
``(2) Included costs.--The cost to a Federal agency of
providing the funds described in paragraph (1) shall be
included as part of the cost of 1 or more programs or projects
undertaken by the Federal agency or with Federal financial
assistance that result in the displacement of persons or the
acquisition of real property.''.
(c) Cooperation With Federal Agencies.--Section 308(a) is amended
to read as follows:
``(a) Authorized Activities.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may perform, by contract
or otherwise, authorized engineering or other services in
connection with the survey, construction, maintenance, or
improvement of highways for other Federal agencies, cooperating
foreign countries, and State cooperating agencies.
``(2) Inclusions.--Services authorized under paragraph (1)
may include activities authorized under section 214 of the
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition
Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.).
``(3) Reimbursement.--Reimbursement for services carried
out under this subsection, including depreciation on
engineering and road-building equipment, shall be credited to
the applicable appropriation.''.
TITLE IV--TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
SEC. 4001. TRANSPORTATION PLANNING.
(a) In General.--Subtitle III of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after chapter 51 the following:
``CHAPTER 52--TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
``Sec.
``5201. Policy.
``5202. Definitions.
``5203. Metropolitan transportation planning.
``5204. Statewide transportation planning.
``5205. National strategic transportation plan.
``5206. National performance management system.
``Sec. 5201. Policy
``(a) In General.--It is in the national interest to--
``(1) encourage and promote the safe and efficient
management, operation, and development of surface
transportation systems that will serve the mobility needs of
people and freight and foster economic growth and development
within and between States and urbanized areas, while minimizing
transportation-related fuel consumption and air pollution
through metropolitan and statewide transportation planning
processes identified in this chapter; and
``(2) encourage the continued improvement and evolution of
the metropolitan and statewide transportation planning
processes by metropolitan planning organizations, State
departments of transportation, and public transportation
operators as guided by the planning factors identified in
sections 5203(f) and 5204(d).
``(b) Common Transportation Planning Program.--This chapter
provides a common transportation planning program to be administered by
the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit
Administration.
``Sec. 5202. Definitions
``In this chapter, the following definitions apply:
``(1) Metropolitan planning area.--The term `metropolitan
planning area' means the geographic area determined by
agreement between the metropolitan planning organization for
the area and the Governor under section 5203(c).
``(2) Metropolitan long-range transportation plan.--The
term `metropolitan long-range transportation plan' means a
long-range transportation plan developed by an MPO under
section 5203 for a metropolitan planning area.
``(3) Metropolitan planning organization; mpo.--The term
`metropolitan planning organization' or `MPO' means the policy
board of an organization created as a result of the designation
process in section 5203(b).
``(4) Metropolitan transportation improvement program;
metropolitan tip.--The term `metropolitan transportation
improvement program' or `metropolitan TIP' means a
transportation improvement program developed by an MPO under
section 5203 for a metropolitan planning area.
``(5) Nonmetropolitan area.--The term `nonmetropolitan
area' means a geographic area outside designated metropolitan
planning areas.
``(6) Nonmetropolitan local official.--The term
`nonmetropolitan local official' means elected and appointed
officials of general purpose local government in a
nonmetropolitan area with responsibility for transportation.
``(7) Regional transportation planning organization.--The
term `regional transportation planning organization' means a
policy board of an organization created as the result of a
designation under section 5204(k).
``(8) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
``(9) State.--The term `State' means any of the 50 States,
the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
``(10) Statewide strategic long-range transportation
plan.--The term `statewide strategic long-range transportation
plan' means a strategic long-range transportation plan
developed by a State under section 5204 for all areas of the
State.
``(11) Statewide transportation improvement program;
statewide tip.--The term `statewide transportation improvement
program' or `statewide TIP' means a transportation improvement
program developed by a State under section 5204 for all areas
of the State.
``(12) Urbanized area.--The term `urbanized area' means a
geographic area with a population of 50,000 or more, as
designated by the Bureau of the Census.
``Sec. 5203. Metropolitan transportation planning
``(a) General Requirements.--
``(1) Development of metropolitan long-range plans and
tips.--To accomplish the objectives set forth in section 5201,
metropolitan planning organizations designated under subsection
(b), in cooperation with the State and public transportation
operators, shall develop metropolitan long-range transportation
plans and transportation improvement programs for metropolitan
planning areas of the State.
``(2) Contents.--Metropolitan long-range transportation
plans and TIPs shall provide for the development and integrated
management and operation of transportation systems and
facilities (including accessible pedestrian walkways, bicycle
transportation facilities, and intermodal facilities that
support intercity transportation, including intercity buses and
intercity bus facilities) that will function as an intermodal
transportation system for the metropolitan planning area and as
an integral part of an intermodal transportation system for the
State and the United States.
``(3) Process of development.--The process for developing
metropolitan long-range transportation plans and TIPs shall
provide for consideration of all modes of transportation and
shall be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive to the
degree appropriate, based on the complexity of the
transportation problems to be addressed.
``(b) Designation of MPOs.--
``(1) In general.--To carry out the transportation planning
process required by this section, an MPO shall be designated
for an urbanized area with a population of more than 100,000
individuals--
``(A) by agreement between the Governor and units
of general purpose local government that together
represent at least 75 percent of the affected
population (including the largest incorporated city
(based on population) as named by the Bureau of the
Census); or
``(B) in accordance with procedures established by
applicable State or local law.
``(2) Structure.--An MPO that serves an area designated as
a transportation management area, when designated or
redesignated under this subsection, shall consist of--
``(A) local elected officials;
``(B) officials of public agencies that administer
or operate major modes of transportation in the
metropolitan area; and
``(C) appropriate State officials.
``(3) Limitation on statutory construction.--Nothing in
this subsection may be construed to interfere with the
authority, under any State law in effect on December 18, 1991,
of a public agency with multimodal transportation
responsibilities to--
``(A) develop metropolitan long-range
transportation plans or TIPs for adoption by an MPO;
and
``(B) develop long-range capital plans, coordinate
public transportation services or projects, or carry
out other activities pursuant to State law.
``(4) Continuing designation.--A designation of an MPO
under this subsection or any other provision of law shall
remain in effect until the MPO is redesignated under paragraph
(5) or revoked by agreement among the Governor and units of
general purpose local government that together represent at
least 75 percent of the affected population or as otherwise
provided under State or local procedures.
``(5) Redesignation procedures.--An MPO may be redesignated
by agreement between the Governor and units of general purpose
local government that together represent at least 75 percent of
the existing planning area population (including the largest
incorporated city (based on population) as named by the Bureau
of the Census) as appropriate to carry out this section.
``(6) Designation of multiple mpos.--More than 1 MPO may be
designated within an existing metropolitan planning area only
if the Governor and the existing MPO determine that the size
and complexity of the existing metropolitan planning area make
designation of more than 1 MPO for the area appropriate.
``(c) Metropolitan Planning Area Boundaries.--
``(1) In general.--For the purposes of this section, the
boundaries of a metropolitan planning area shall be determined
by agreement between the MPO and the Governor.
``(2) Included area.--A metropolitan planning area--
``(A) shall encompass at least the existing
urbanized area and the contiguous area expected to
become urbanized within a 20-year forecast period for
the metropolitan long-range transportation plan; and
``(B) may encompass the entire metropolitan
statistical area or consolidated metropolitan
statistical area, as defined by the Bureau of the
Census.
``(3) Identification of new urbanized areas within existing
planning area boundaries.--The designation by the Bureau of the
Census of new urbanized areas within an existing metropolitan
planning area shall not require the redesignation of the
existing MPO.
``(4) Existing metropolitan planning areas in
nonattainment.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), in the case of
an urbanized area designated as a nonattainment area for ozone
or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et
seq.) as of August 10, 2005, the boundaries of the metropolitan
planning area in existence as of such date shall be retained,
except that the boundaries may be adjusted by agreement of the
Governor and affected MPOs in the manner described in
subsection (b)(5).
``(5) New metropolitan planning areas in nonattainment.--In
the case of an urbanized area designated after August 10, 2005,
as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide, the
boundaries of the metropolitan planning area--
``(A) shall be established in the manner described
in subsection (b)(1);
``(B) shall encompass the areas described in
subsection (c)(2)(A);
``(C) may encompass the areas described in
subsection (c)(2)(B); and
``(D) may address any nonattainment area identified
under the Clean Air Act for ozone or carbon monoxide.
``(d) Coordination in Multistate Areas.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall encourage a Governor
with responsibility for a portion of a multistate metropolitan
area and the appropriate MPOs to provide coordinated
transportation planning for the entire metropolitan area.
``(2) Interstate compacts.--The consent of Congress is
granted to any 2 or more States--
``(A) to enter into agreements or compacts, not in
conflict with any law of the United States, for
cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in support of
activities authorized under this section as the
activities pertain to interstate areas and localities
within the States; and
``(B) to establish such agencies, joint or
otherwise, as the States may determine desirable for
making the agreements and compacts effective.
``(3) Reservation of rights.--The right to alter, amend, or
repeal interstate compacts entered into under this subsection
is expressly reserved.
``(e) MPO Consultation in Plan and TIP Coordination.--
``(1) Nonattainment areas.--If more than 1 MPO has
authority within a metropolitan area or an area that is
designated as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide
under the Clean Air Act, each MPO shall consult with the other
MPOs designated for such area and the State in the coordination
of metropolitan long-range transportation plans and TIPs.
``(2) Transportation improvements located in areas
represented by multiple mpos.--If a transportation improvement,
funded from the Highway Trust Fund or authorized under chapter
53 of this title, is located within the boundaries of more than
1 metropolitan planning area, the MPOs shall coordinate
metropolitan long-range transportation plans and TIPs regarding
the transportation improvement.
``(3) Relationship with other planning officials.--The
Secretary shall encourage an MPO to consult with officials
responsible for other types of planning activities that are
affected by transportation in the area (including State and
local planned growth, economic development, environmental
protection, airport operations, and freight movements) or to
coordinate its planning process, to the maximum extent
practicable, with such planning activities. Under the
metropolitan planning process, metropolitan long-range
transportation plans and TIPs shall be developed with due
consideration of other related planning activities within the
metropolitan area, and the process shall provide for the design
and delivery of transportation services within the metropolitan
area that are provided by--
``(A) recipients of assistance under chapter 53;
``(B) governmental agencies and nonprofit
organizations (including representatives of the
agencies and organizations) that receive Federal
assistance from a source other than the Department of
Transportation to provide nonemergency transportation
services; and
``(C) recipients of assistance under sections 202
and 203 of title 23.
``(f) Scope of Planning Process.--
``(1) In general.--The metropolitan planning process for a
metropolitan planning area under this section shall provide for
consideration of projects and strategies that will--
``(A) support the economic vitality of the
metropolitan area, especially by enabling global
competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
``(B) increase the safety of the transportation
system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
``(C) increase the security of the transportation
system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
``(D) increase the accessibility and mobility of
people and for freight;
``(E) protect and enhance the environment, promote
energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and
promote consistency between transportation improvements
and State and local planned growth and economic
development patterns;
``(F) enhance the integration and connectivity of
the transportation system, across and between modes,
for people and freight;
``(G) promote efficient system management and
operation, including through the use of intelligent
transportation systems;
``(H) emphasize the preservation of the existing
transportation system; and
``(I) support intermodal facilities or facilitate
regional growth.
``(2) Failure to consider factors.--The failure to consider
any factor specified in paragraph (1) shall not be reviewable
by any court under title 23, chapter 53 of this title,
subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, or chapter 7 of title 5
in any matter affecting a metropolitan long-range
transportation plan or TIP, a project or strategy, or the
certification of a planning process.
``(g) Development of Long-Range Transportation Plan.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Existing and former nonattainment areas.--An
MPO shall prepare and update a metropolitan long-range
transportation plan for its metropolitan planning area
in accordance with the requirements of this subsection.
The MPO shall prepare and update the plan every 4 years
(or more frequently, if the MPO elects to update more
frequently) in the case of each of the following:
``(i) Any area designated as nonattainment,
as defined in section 107(d) of the Clean Air
Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)).
``(ii) Any area that was nonattainment and
subsequently designated to attainment in
accordance with section 107(d)(3) of that Act
(42 U.S.C. 7407(d)(3)) and that is subject to a
maintenance plan under section 175A of that Act
(42 U.S.C. 7505a).
``(B) Other areas.--In the case of any other area
required to have a metropolitan long-range
transportation plan, the MPO shall prepare and update
the plan every 5 years unless the MPO elects to update
more frequently.
``(2) Long-range transportation plan.--A metropolitan long-
range transportation plan shall be in a form that the Secretary
determines to be appropriate and shall contain, at a minimum,
the following:
``(A) Identification of transportation
facilities.--An identification of transportation
facilities (including major roadways, public
transportation facilities, intercity bus facilities,
multimodal and intermodal facilities, and intermodal
connectors) that should function as an integrated
metropolitan transportation system, giving emphasis to
those facilities that serve important national and
regional transportation functions. In formulating the
plan, the MPO shall consider factors described in
subsection (f) and other relevant data and factors
disseminated by the Secretary pursuant to section
5205(b) as such factors relate to a 20-year forecast
period.
``(B) Mitigation activities.--
``(i) In general.--A metropolitan long-
range transportation plan shall include a
discussion of types of potential environmental
mitigation activities and potential areas to
carry out these activities, including
activities that may have the greatest potential
to restore and maintain the environmental
functions affected by the plan.
``(ii) Consultation.--The discussion shall
be developed in consultation with Federal,
State, and tribal wildlife, land management,
and regulatory agencies.
``(C) Financial plan.--
``(i) In general.--A financial plan that--
``(I) demonstrates how the adopted
metropolitan long-range transportation
plan can be implemented;
``(II) indicates resources from
public and private sources that are
reasonably expected to be made
available to carry out the metropolitan
long-range transportation plan;
``(III) recommends any additional
financing strategies for needed
projects and programs; and
``(IV) may include, for
illustrative purposes, additional
projects that would be included in the
adopted metropolitan long-range
transportation plan if reasonable
additional resources beyond those
identified in the financial plan were
available.
``(ii) Estimates of funds.--For the purpose
of developing the metropolitan long-range
transportation plan, the MPO, public
transportation operator, and State shall
cooperatively develop estimates of funds that
will be available to support plan
implementation.
``(D) Operational and management strategies.--
Operational and management strategies to improve the
performance of existing transportation facilities to
relieve vehicular congestion and maximize the safety
and mobility of people and goods.
``(E) Capital investment and other strategies.--
Capital investment and other strategies to preserve the
existing and projected future metropolitan
transportation infrastructure and provide for
multimodal capacity increases based on regional
priorities and needs.
``(3) Intercity bus.--A metropolitan long-range
transportation plan shall consider the role intercity buses may
play in reducing congestion, pollution, and energy consumption
in a cost-effective manner and strategies and investments that
preserve and enhance intercity bus systems, including systems
that are privately owned and operated.
``(4) Coordination with clean air act agencies.--In
metropolitan areas that are in nonattainment for ozone or
carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act, the MPO shall
coordinate the development of a metropolitan long-range
transportation plan with the process for development of the
transportation control measures of the State implementation
plan required by that Act.
``(5) Consultation; comparisons.--
``(A) Consultation.--A metropolitan long-range
transportation plan shall be developed, as appropriate,
in consultation with State and local agencies
responsible for land use management, natural resources,
environmental protection, conservation, and historic
preservation.
``(B) Comparisons.--Consultation under subparagraph
(A) shall involve, as appropriate, a comparison of the
metropolitan long-range transportation plan--
``(i) to State conservation plans and maps,
if available; and
``(ii) to inventories of natural and
historic resources, if available.
``(6) Participation by interested parties.--
``(A) In general.--An MPO shall provide citizens,
affected public agencies, representatives of public
transportation employees, freight shippers, providers
of freight transportation services, private providers
of transportation, including intercity bus services,
representatives of users of public transportation,
representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and
bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of
the disabled, and other interested parties with a
reasonable opportunity to comment on its metropolitan
long-range transportation plan.
``(B) Contents of participation plan.--A
participation plan shall--
``(i) be developed in consultation with all
interested parties; and
``(ii) provide that all interested parties
have reasonable opportunities to comment on the
contents of the metropolitan long-range
transportation plan.
``(C) Methods.--In carrying out subparagraph (A),
the MPO shall, to the maximum extent practicable--
``(i) hold any public meetings at
convenient and accessible locations and times;
``(ii) employ visualization techniques to
describe plans; and
``(iii) make public information available
in electronically accessible format and means,
such as the Internet, as appropriate to afford
a reasonable opportunity for consideration of
public information under subparagraph (A).
``(7) Publication.--A metropolitan long-range
transportation plan involving Federal participation shall be
published or otherwise made readily available by the MPO for
public review (including to the maximum extent practicable in
electronically accessible formats and means, such as the
Internet) approved by the MPO, and submitted for information
purposes to the Governor, at such times and in such manner as
the Secretary shall establish.
``(8) Selection of projects from illustrative list.--
Notwithstanding paragraph (2)(C), a State or MPO shall not be
required to select any project from the illustrative list of
additional projects included in the financial plan under such
paragraph.
``(h) Metropolitan TIP.--
``(1) Development.--
``(A) In general.--In cooperation with the State
and any affected public transportation operator, the
MPO designated for a metropolitan area shall develop a
metropolitan TIP for the area for which the
organization is designated.
``(B) Opportunity for comment.--In developing the
metropolitan TIP, the MPO, in cooperation with the
State and any affected public transportation operator,
shall provide an opportunity for participation by
interested parties in the development of the program,
in accordance with subsection (g)(6).
``(C) Funding estimates.--For the purpose of
developing the metropolitan TIP, the MPO, public
transportation agency, and State shall cooperatively
develop estimates of funds that are reasonably expected
to be available to support program implementation.
``(D) Updating and approval.--The metropolitan TIP
shall be updated at least once every 4 years and shall
be approved by the MPO and the Governor.
``(2) Contents.--
``(A) Priority list.--The metropolitan TIP shall
include a priority list of proposed federally supported
projects and strategies to be carried out within each
4-year period after the initial adoption of the
metropolitan TIP.
``(B) Financial plan.--The metropolitan TIP shall
include a financial plan that--
``(i) demonstrates how the metropolitan TIP
can be implemented;
``(ii) indicates resources from public and
private sources that are reasonably expected to
be available to carry out the metropolitan TIP;
``(iii) identifies innovative financing
techniques to finance projects, programs, and
strategies; and
``(iv) may include, for illustrative
purposes, additional projects that would be
included in the approved metropolitan TIP if
reasonable additional resources beyond those
identified in the financial plan were
available.
``(C) Descriptions.--A project in the metropolitan
TIP shall include sufficient descriptive material (such
as type of work, termini, length, and other similar
factors) to identify the project or phase of the
project.
``(3) Included projects.--
``(A) Projects under title 23 and chapter 53 of
this title.--A metropolitan TIP for an area shall
include the projects within the area that are proposed
for funding under chapter 1 of title 23 and chapter 53
of this title.
``(B) Projects under chapter 2 of title 23.--
``(i) Regionally significant projects.--
Regionally significant projects proposed for
funding under chapter 2 of title 23 shall be
identified individually in the metropolitan
TIP.
``(ii) Other projects.--Projects proposed
for funding under such chapter that are not
determined to be regionally significant shall
be grouped in one line item or identified
individually in the metropolitan TIP.
``(C) Consistency with long-range transportation
plan.--A project shall be consistent with the
metropolitan long-range transportation plan for the
area.
``(D) Requirement of anticipated full funding.--The
program shall include a project, or the identified
phase of a project, only if full funding can reasonably
be anticipated to be available for the project or the
identified phase within the time period contemplated
for completion of the project or the identified phase.
``(E) TIP modifications by governor.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding any
other provisions of this section or section
5204, if a State and an MPO fail to agree on
programming a project of statewide significance
on the Interstate System (as defined in section
101(a) of title 23) into a metropolitan TIP,
the Governor may modify the metropolitan TIP to
add the project without approval or endorsement
by the MPO.
``(ii) Conforming amendments to
metropolitan long-range transportation plan.--
If the Governor modifies a metropolitan TIP
under clause (i), the MPO shall amend its
metropolitan long-range transportation plan to
be consistent with the modified metropolitan
TIP.
``(4) Notice and comment.--Before approving a metropolitan
TIP, an MPO, in cooperation with the State and any affected
public transportation operator, shall provide an opportunity
for participation by interested parties in the development of
the program, in accordance with subsection (g)(5).
``(5) Selection of projects.--
``(A) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in
subsection (i)(4) and in addition to the metropolitan
TIP development required under paragraph (1), the
selection of federally funded projects in metropolitan
areas shall be carried out from the approved
metropolitan TIP--
``(i) by--
``(I) in the case of projects under
title 23, the State; and
``(II) in the case of projects
under chapter 53, the designated
recipients of public transportation
funding; and
``(ii) in cooperation with the MPO.
``(B) Modifications to project priority.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, action by
the Secretary shall not be required to advance a
project included in the approved metropolitan TIP in
place of another project in the program.
``(6) Selection of projects from illustrative list.--
``(A) No required selection.--Notwithstanding
paragraph (2)(B)(iv), a State or MPO shall not be
required to select any project from the illustrative
list of additional projects included in the financial
plan under paragraph (2)(B)(iv).
``(B) Required action by the secretary.--Action by
the Secretary shall be required for a State or MPO to
select any project from the illustrative list of
additional projects included in the financial plan
under paragraph (2)(B)(iv) for inclusion in an approved
metropolitan TIP.
``(7) Publication.--
``(A) Publication of tips.--A metropolitan TIP
involving Federal participation shall be published or
otherwise made readily available, including on the
Internet, by the MPO for public review.
``(B) Publication of annual listings of projects.--
An annual listing of projects (including investments in
pedestrian walkways, bicycle transportation facilities,
and intermodal facilities that support intercity
transportation) for which Federal funds have been
obligated in the preceding year shall be published or
otherwise made available, including on the Internet, by
the cooperative effort of the State, public
transportation operator, and MPO for public review. The
listing shall be consistent with the categories
identified in the metropolitan TIP.
``(i) Transportation Management Areas.--
``(1) Identification and designation.--
``(A) Required identification.--The Secretary shall
identify as a transportation management area each
urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census)
with a population of over 200,000 individuals.
``(B) Designations on request.--The Secretary shall
designate any additional area as a transportation
management area on the request of the Governor and the
MPO designated for the area.
``(2) Long-range transportation plans.--In a transportation
management area, metropolitan long-range transportation plans
shall be based on a continuing and comprehensive transportation
planning process carried out by the MPO in cooperation with the
State and public transportation operators.
``(3) Congestion management process.--Within a metropolitan
planning area serving a transportation management area, the
transportation planning process under this section shall
address congestion management through a process that provides
for effective management and operation, based on a
cooperatively developed and implemented metropolitan-wide
strategy, of new and existing transportation facilities
eligible for funding under title 23 and chapter 53 of this
title through the use of travel demand reduction and
operational management strategies. The Secretary shall
establish an appropriate phase-in schedule for compliance with
the requirements of this section but not sooner than 1 year
after the identification of a transportation management area.
``(4) Selection of projects.--
``(A) In general.--All federally funded projects
carried out within the boundaries of a metropolitan
planning area serving a transportation management area
under title 23 (excluding projects carried out on the
National Highway System under such title) or under
chapter 53 of this title shall be selected for
implementation from the approved metropolitan TIP by
the MPO designated for the area in consultation with
the State and any affected public transportation
operator.
``(B) National highway system projects.--Projects
carried out within the boundaries of a metropolitan
planning area serving a transportation management area
on the National Highway System under title 23 shall be
selected for implementation from the approved
metropolitan TIP by the State in cooperation with the
MPO designated for the area.
``(5) Certification.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall--
``(i) ensure that the metropolitan planning
process of an MPO serving a transportation
management area is being carried out in
accordance with applicable provisions of
Federal law; and
``(ii) subject to subparagraph (B),
certify, not less often than once every 4
years, that the requirements of this paragraph
are met with respect to the metropolitan
planning process.
``(B) Requirements for certification.--The
Secretary may make the certification under subparagraph
(A) if--
``(i) the transportation planning process
complies with the requirements of this section
and other applicable requirements of Federal
law; and
``(ii) there is a metropolitan TIP for the
metropolitan planning area that has been
approved by the MPO and the Governor.
``(C) Effect of failure to certify.--
``(i) Withholding of project funds.--If the
metropolitan planning process of an MPO serving
a transportation management area is not
certified, the Secretary may withhold up to 20
percent of the funds attributable to the
metropolitan planning area of the MPO for
projects funded under title 23 and chapter 53
of this title.
``(ii) Restoration of withheld funds.--The
withheld funds shall be restored to the
metropolitan planning area at such time as the
metropolitan planning process is certified by
the Secretary.
``(D) Review of certification.--In making
certification determinations under this paragraph, the
Secretary shall provide for public involvement
appropriate to the metropolitan area under review.
``(j) Abbreviated Plans for Certain Areas.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of
a metropolitan area not designated as a transportation
management area under this section, the Secretary may provide
for the development of an abbreviated metropolitan long-range
transportation plan and TIP for the metropolitan planning area
that the Secretary determines is appropriate to achieve the
purposes of this section, taking into account the complexity of
transportation problems in the area.
``(2) Nonattainment areas.--The Secretary may not permit
abbreviated plans or TIPs for a metropolitan area that is in
nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air
Act.
``(k) Additional Requirements for Certain Nonattainment Areas.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
title 23, this chapter, or chapter 53 of this title, for
transportation management areas classified as nonattainment for
ozone or carbon monoxide pursuant to the Clean Air Act, Federal
funds may not be advanced in such area for any highway project
that will result in a significant increase in the carrying
capacity for single-occupant vehicles unless the project is
addressed through a congestion management process.
``(2) Applicability.--This subsection applies to a
nonattainment area within the metropolitan planning area
boundaries determined under subsection (c).
``(l) Limitation on Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this
section may be construed to confer on an MPO the authority to impose
legal requirements on any transportation facility, provider, or project
not eligible under title 23 or chapter 53 of this title.
``(m) Funding.--Funds set aside under section 104(f) of title 23 or
section 5305(g) of this title shall be available to carry out this
section.
``(n) Continuation of Current Review Practice.--Since metropolitan
long-range transportation plans and TIPs are subject to a reasonable
opportunity for public comment, since individual projects included in
such plans and TIPs are subject to review under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and since
decisions by the Secretary concerning such plans and TIPs have not been
reviewed under that Act as of January 1, 1997, any decision by the
Secretary concerning such plans and TIPs shall not be considered to be
a Federal action subject to review under that Act.
``Sec. 5204. Statewide transportation planning
``(a) General Requirements.--
``(1) Development of plans and programs.--To accomplish the
objectives stated in section 5201, a State shall develop a
statewide strategic long-range transportation plan and a
statewide transportation improvement program for all areas of
the State, subject to section 5203.
``(2) Contents.--Statewide strategic long-range
transportation plans and TIPs shall provide for the development
and integrated management and operation of transportation
systems and facilities (including accessible pedestrian
walkways, bicycle transportation facilities, and intermodal
facilities that support intercity transportation, including
intercity buses and intercity bus facilities) that will
function as an intermodal transportation system for the State
and an integral part of an intermodal transportation system for
the United States.
``(3) Process of development.--The process for developing
statewide strategic long-range transportation plans and TIPs
shall provide for consideration of all modes of transportation
and the policies stated in section 5201, and shall be
continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive to the degree
appropriate, based on the complexity of the transportation
problems to be addressed.
``(b) Coordination With Metropolitan Planning; State Implementation
Plan.--A State shall--
``(1) coordinate planning carried out under this section
with the transportation planning activities carried out under
section 5203 for metropolitan areas of the State and with
statewide trade and economic development planning activities
and related multistate planning efforts; and
``(2) develop the transportation portion of the State
implementation plan as required by the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.
7401 et seq.).
``(c) Interstate Agreements.--
``(1) In general.--The consent of Congress is granted to 2
or more States entering into agreements or compacts, not in
conflict with any law of the United States, for cooperative
efforts and mutual assistance in support of activities
authorized under this section related to interstate areas and
localities in the States and establishing authorities the
States consider desirable for making the agreements and
compacts effective.
``(2) Reservation of rights.--The right to alter, amend, or
repeal interstate compacts entered into under this subsection
is expressly reserved.
``(d) Scope of Planning Process.--
``(1) In general.--A State shall carry out a statewide
transportation planning process that provides for consideration
and implementation of projects, strategies, and services that
will--
``(A) support the economic vitality of the United
States, the States, nonmetropolitan areas, and
metropolitan areas, especially by enabling global
competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
``(B) increase the safety of the transportation
system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
``(C) increase the security of the transportation
system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
``(D) increase the accessibility and mobility of
people and freight;
``(E) protect and enhance the environment, promote
energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and
promote consistency between transportation improvements
and State and local planned growth and economic
development patterns;
``(F) enhance the integration and connectivity of
the transportation system, across and between modes
throughout the State, for people and freight;
``(G) promote efficient system management and
operation; and
``(H) emphasize the preservation of the existing
transportation system.
``(2) Failure to consider factors.--The failure to consider
any factor specified in paragraph (1) shall not be reviewable
by any court under title 23, chapter 53 of this title,
subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, or chapter 7 of title 5
in any matter affecting a statewide strategic long-range
transportation plan or TIP, a project or strategy, or the
certification of a planning process.
``(e) Additional Requirements.--In carrying out planning under this
section, a State shall, at a minimum--
``(1) with respect to nonmetropolitan areas, cooperate with
affected nonmetropolitan local officials or, if applicable,
through regional transportation planning organizations
described in subsection (k);
``(2) consider the concerns of Indian tribal governments
and Federal land management agencies that have jurisdiction
over land within the boundaries of the State; and
``(3) coordinate statewide long-range transportation plans
and TIPs and planning activities with related planning
activities being carried out outside of metropolitan planning
areas and between States.
``(f) Statewide Strategic Long-Range Transportation Plan.--
``(1) Development.--
``(A) In general.--A State shall develop a
statewide strategic long-range transportation plan,
with a minimum 20-year forecast period for all areas of
the State, that provides for the development and
implementation of the intermodal interconnected
transportation system of the State.
``(B) Statewide strategic long-range transportation
plan requirements.--
``(i) National transportation statistics.--
In developing a statewide strategic long-range
transportation plan, the State shall consider
the data and factors disseminated by the
Secretary pursuant to section 5205(b) for that
particular State.
``(ii) Transportation projects that are of
statewide, regional, and national importance.--
The State shall identify transportation
projects across all modes of transportation in
the State that have statewide, regional, and
national significance. In identifying these
projects, the State shall consider the factors
described in section 5205(b).
``(iii) States with congested airports.--If
a State has an airport in its jurisdiction that
had at least 1 percent of all delayed aircraft
operations in the United States, as identified
by the Federal Aviation Administration's
Airport Capacity Benchmark Report, the
statewide strategic long-range transportation
plan shall include measures to alleviate
congestion at that airport either through
expansion or the development of additional
facilities.
``(iv) States with congested freight rail
corridors.--If data from the Department of
Transportation and the freight railroad
industry project that a State has freight
railroad corridors that operate at levels of
service that are at or exceed capacity, the
statewide strategic long-range transportation
plan shall include measures by which the State
department of transportation and the freight
railroads provide relief for the congested
corridors.
``(v) States with deep draft ports.--If a
State has a deep draft port, the statewide
strategic long-range transportation plan shall
take into account any plan for expansion at
that port and any projected increase in
shipping traffic at that port.
``(vi) States with navigable inland
waterways.--A State that has navigable inland
waterways shall include in its statewide
strategic long-range transportation plan any
plans to use those waterways to facilitate the
efficient and reliable transportation of
freight and people.
``(vii) Project interconnectivity.--In
developing a statewide strategic long-range
transportation plan, the State shall ensure
interconnectivity for freight and passengers
between different facilities and between
different modes of transportation.
``(viii) Cost estimates for projects that
are of statewide, regional, and national
importance.--In developing the statewide
strategic long-range transportation plan, the
State shall include estimates of the costs of
each of the projects identified in clause (ii).
``(2) Consultation with governments.--
``(A) Metropolitan areas.--The statewide strategic
long-range transportation plan shall be developed for
each metropolitan area in the State in cooperation with
the metropolitan planning organization designated for
the metropolitan area under section 5203.
``(B) Nonmetropolitan areas.--With respect to
nonmetropolitan areas, the statewide strategic long-
range transportation plan shall be developed in
cooperation with affected nonmetropolitan local
officials or, if applicable, through regional
transportation planning organizations described in
subsection (k).
``(C) Indian tribal areas.--With respect to an area
of the State under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribal
government, the statewide strategic long-range
transportation plan shall be developed in consultation
with the tribal government and the Secretary of the
Interior.
``(D) Consultation; comparisons.--
``(i) Consultation.--A statewide strategic
long-range transportation plan shall be
developed, as appropriate, in consultation with
State, tribal, regional, and local agencies
responsible for land use management, natural
resources, environmental protection,
conservation, and historic preservation.
``(ii) Comparisons.--Consultation under
clause (i) shall involve, as appropriate,
comparison of statewide strategic long-range
transportation plans--
``(I) to State and tribal
conservation plans and maps, if
available; and
``(II) to inventories of natural
and historic resources, if available.
``(3) Participation by interested parties.--
``(A) In general.--The State shall provide
citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of
public transportation employees, freight shippers,
providers of freight transportation services, private
providers of transportation, including intercity bus
services, representatives of users of public
transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian
walkways and bicycle transportation facilities,
representatives of the disabled, and other interested
parties with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the
statewide strategic long-range transportation plan.
``(B) Methods.--In carrying out subparagraph (A),
the State shall, to the maximum extent practicable--
``(i) hold any public meetings at
convenient and accessible locations and times;
``(ii) employ visualization techniques to
describe plans; and
``(iii) make public information available
in electronically accessible format and means,
such as the Internet, as appropriate to afford
a reasonable opportunity for consideration of
public information under subparagraph (A).
``(4) Mitigation activities.--
``(A) In general.--A statewide strategic long-range
transportation plan shall include a discussion of
potential environmental mitigation activities and
potential areas to carry out these activities,
including activities that may have the greatest
potential to restore and maintain the environmental
functions affected by the plan.
``(B) Consultation.--The discussion shall be
developed in consultation with Federal, State, and
tribal wildlife, land management, and regulatory
agencies.
``(5) Financial plan.--The statewide strategic long-range
transportation plan may include a financial plan that--
``(A) demonstrates how the adopted statewide
strategic long-range transportation plan can be
implemented;
``(B) indicates resources from public and private
sources that are reasonably expected to be made
available to carry out the statewide strategic long-
range transportation plan;
``(C) recommends any additional financing
strategies for needed projects and programs; and
``(D) may include, for illustrative purposes,
additional projects that would be included in the
adopted statewide strategic long-range transportation
plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those
identified in the financial plan were available.
``(6) Selection of projects from illustrative list.--A
State shall not be required to select any project from the
illustrative list of additional projects included in the
financial plan described in paragraph (5).
``(7) Existing system.--A statewide strategic long-range
transportation plan should include capital, operations, and
management strategies, investments, procedures, and other
measures to ensure the preservation and most efficient use of
the existing transportation system.
``(8) Intercity bus.--A statewide strategic long-range
transportation plan shall consider the role intercity buses may
play in reducing congestion, pollution, and energy consumption
in a cost-effective manner and strategies and investments that
preserve and enhance intercity bus systems, including systems
that are privately owned and operated.
``(9) Publication of statewide strategic long-range
transportation plans.--A statewide strategic long-range
transportation plan prepared by a State shall be published or
otherwise made available, including to the maximum extent
practicable in electronically accessible formats and means,
such as the Internet.
``(g) Statewide TIP.--
``(1) Development.--A State shall develop a statewide TIP
for all areas of the State. Such program shall cover a period
of 4 years and be updated every 4 years or more frequently if
the Governor elects to update more frequently.
``(2) Consultation with governments.--
``(A) Metropolitan areas.--With respect to a
metropolitan area in the State, the program shall be
developed in cooperation with the MPO designated for
the metropolitan area under section 5203.
``(B) Nonmetropolitan areas.--With respect to a
nonmetropolitan area in the State, the program shall be
developed in cooperation with affected nonmetropolitan
local officials or, if applicable, through regional
transportation planning organizations described in
subsection (k).
``(C) Indian tribal areas.--With respect to an area
of the State under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribal
government, the program shall be developed in
consultation with the tribal government and the
Secretary of the Interior.
``(3) Participation by interested parties.--In developing
the program, the State shall provide citizens, affected public
agencies, representatives of public transportation employees,
freight shippers, private providers of transportation,
providers of freight transportation services, representatives
of users of public transportation, representatives of users of
pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities,
representatives of the disabled, and other interested parties
with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed
program.
``(4) Included projects.--
``(A) In general.--A statewide TIP developed for a
State shall include federally supported surface
transportation expenditures within the boundaries of
the State.
``(B) Listing of projects.--An annual listing of
projects for which funds have been obligated in the
preceding year in each metropolitan planning area shall
be published or otherwise made available by the
cooperative effort of the State, public transportation
operator, and the MPO for public review. The listing
shall be consistent with the funding categories
identified in each metropolitan TIP.
``(C) Projects under chapter 2 of title 23.--
``(i) Regionally significant projects.--
Regionally significant projects proposed for
funding under chapter 2 of title 23 shall be
identified individually in the statewide TIP.
``(ii) Other projects.--Projects proposed
for funding under such chapter that are not
determined to be regionally significant shall
be grouped in one line item or identified
individually in the statewide TIP.
``(D) Consistency with statewide strategic long-
range transportation plan.--A project shall be--
``(i) consistent with the statewide
strategic long-range transportation plan
developed under this section for the State;
``(ii) identical to the project or phase of
the project as described in an approved
metropolitan long-range transportation plan;
``(iii) identical to the project or phase
of the project as described in a metropolitan
TIP approved by the Governor; and
``(iv) in conformance with the applicable
State air quality implementation plan developed
under the Clean Air Act, if the project is
carried out in an area designated as
nonattainment for ozone, particulate matter, or
carbon monoxide under that Act.
``(E) Requirement of anticipated full funding.--The
statewide TIP shall include a project, or the
identified phase of a project, only if full funding can
reasonably be anticipated to be available for the
project or the identified phase within the time period
contemplated for completion of the project or the
identified phase.
``(F) Financial plan.--The statewide TIP may
include a financial plan that--
``(i) demonstrates how the approved
statewide TIP can be implemented;
``(ii) indicates resources from public and
private sources that are reasonably expected to
be made available to carry out the statewide
TIP;
``(iii) recommends any additional financing
strategies for needed projects and programs;
and
``(iv) may include, for illustrative
purposes, additional projects that would be
included in the adopted statewide TIP if
reasonable additional resources beyond those
identified in the financial plan were
available.
``(G) Selection of projects from illustrative
list.--
``(i) No required selection.--
Notwithstanding subparagraph (F), a State shall
not be required to select any project from the
illustrative list of additional projects
included in the financial plan under
subparagraph (F).
``(ii) Required action by the secretary.--
An action by the Secretary shall be required
for a State to select any project from the
illustrative list of additional projects
included in the financial plan under
subparagraph (F) for inclusion in an approved
statewide TIP.
``(H) Priorities.--The statewide TIP shall reflect
the priorities for programming and expenditures of
funds required by title 23, this chapter, and chapter
53 of this title.
``(5) Project selection for areas without mpos.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided by
subparagraph (B), projects carried out in areas without
a designated MPO shall be selected from the approved
statewide TIP by the State in cooperation with affected
nonmetropolitan local officials or, if applicable,
through regional transportation planning organizations
described in subsection (k).
``(B) NHS projects.--Projects carried out on the
National Highway System under title 23 or under
sections 5311 and 5317 of this title in areas without a
designated MPO shall be selected from the approved
statewide TIP by the State in consultation with
affected nonmetropolitan local officials.
``(6) TIP approval.--Every 4 years, a statewide TIP shall
be reviewed and approved by the Secretary if based on a current
planning finding.
``(7) Planning finding.--A finding shall be made by the
Secretary at least once every 4 years that the transportation
planning process through which statewide strategic long-range
transportation plans and TIPs are developed is consistent with
this section and section 5203.
``(8) Modifications to project priority.--Notwithstanding
any other provision of law, action by the Secretary shall not
be required to advance a project included in the approved
statewide TIP in place of another project in the program.
``(h) Funding.--Funds set aside pursuant to sections 104(f) and 505
of title 23 and section 5305(g) of this title shall be available to
carry out this section.
``(i) Treatment of Certain State Laws as Congestion Management
Processes.--For purposes of this section and section 5203, State laws,
rules, or regulations pertaining to congestion management systems or
programs may constitute the congestion management process under this
section and section 5203 if the Secretary finds that the State laws,
rules, or regulations are consistent with, and fulfill the intent of,
the purposes of this section and section 5203, as appropriate.
``(j) Continuation of Current Review Practice.--Since statewide
strategic long-range transportation plans and TIPs are subject to a
reasonable opportunity for public comment, individual projects included
in such plans and TIPs are subject to review under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and
decisions by the Secretary concerning such plans and TIPs have not been
reviewed under that Act as of January 1, 1997, any decision by the
Secretary concerning such plans and TIPS shall not be considered to be
a Federal action subject to review under that Act.
``(k) Designation of Regional Transportation Planning
Organizations.--
``(1) In general.--To carry out the transportation planning
process required by this section, a State may establish and
designate regional transportation planning organizations to
enhance the planning, coordination, and implementation of
statewide strategic long-range transportation plans and TIPs,
with an emphasis on addressing the needs of nonmetropolitan
areas of the State.
``(2) Structure.--A regional transportation planning
organization shall be established as a multi-jurisdictional
organization of volunteers from nonmetropolitan local officials
or their designees and representatives of local transportation
systems.
``(3) Requirements.--A regional transportation planning
organization shall establish, at a minimum--
``(A) a policy committee, the majority of which
shall consist of nonmetropolitan local officials, or
their designees, and which shall also include, as
appropriate, additional representatives from the State,
private business, transportation service providers,
economic development practitioners, and the public in
the region; and
``(B) a fiscal and administrative agent, such as an
existing regional planning and development
organization, to provide professional planning,
management, and administrative support.
``(4) Duties.--The duties of a regional transportation
planning organization shall include--
``(A) developing and maintaining, in cooperation
with the State, regional long-range multimodal
transportation plans;
``(B) developing a regional transportation
improvement program for consideration by the State;
``(C) fostering the coordination of local planning,
land use, and economic development plans with State,
regional, and local transportation plans and programs;
``(D) providing technical assistance to local
officials;
``(E) participating in national, multistate, and
State policy and planning development processes to
ensure the regional and local input of nonmetropolitan
areas;
``(F) providing a forum for public participation in
the statewide and regional transportation planning
processes;
``(G) considering and sharing plans and programs
with neighboring regional transportation planning
organizations, MPOs, and, where appropriate, tribal
organizations; and
``(H) conducting other duties, as necessary, to
support and enhance the statewide planning process
under subsection (d).
``(5) States without regional transportation planning
organizations.--If a State chooses not to establish or
designate a regional transportation planning organization, the
State shall consult with affected nonmetropolitan local
officials to determine projects that may be of regional
significance.
``Sec. 5205. National strategic transportation plan
``(a) Development of National Strategic Transportation Plan.--
``(1) Development of plan.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation
with State departments of transportation, shall develop
a national strategic transportation plan (in this
section referred to as the `national plan') in
accordance with the requirements of this section.
``(B) Solicitation.--Not later than 30 days after
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary
shall publish in the Federal Register a solicitation
requesting each State department of transportation to
submit to the Secretary, not later than 90 days after
such date of enactment, a list of projects that the
State recommends for inclusion in the national plan.
``(C) State selection of projects.--In selecting
projects under subparagraph (B), a State department of
transportation shall consider the elements of the
national plan described in paragraph (2).
``(D) Failure to submit recommendations.--If a
State does not submit a list of recommended projects in
accordance with this paragraph, the Secretary shall
select projects in the State that will be considered
for inclusion in the national plan.
``(E) Selection of projects.--Not later than 60
days after the date on which the Secretary receives a
list of recommended projects from a State department of
transportation under this paragraph, the Secretary
shall review the list and select projects from the list
for inclusion in the national plan.
``(F) Basis for selection.--In selecting projects
for inclusion in the national plan, the Secretary shall
consider, at a minimum--
``(i) the projects recommended by State
departments of transportation under this
paragraph;
``(ii) the ability of projects to improve
mobility by increasing transportation options
for passengers and freight;
``(iii) the degree to which projects create
intermodal links between different modes of
transportation, including passenger and freight
rail, public transportation, intercity bus,
airports, seaports, and navigable inland
waterways; and
``(iv) the ability of projects to generate
national economic benefits, including--
``(I) improvements to economic
productivity through congestion relief;
and
``(II) improvements to passenger
and freight movement.
``(2) Elements of national plan.--
``(A) Role of statewide strategic long-range
transportation plans.--The national plan shall be
modeled after the statewide strategic long-range
transportation plans developed under section 5204(f).
``(B) National and regional transportation
projects.--Giving emphasis to the facilities that serve
important national and regional transportation
functions, the national plan shall include an
identification of transportation projects (including
major roadways, public transportation facilities,
intercity bus facilities, multimodal and intermodal
facilities, and intermodal connectors) that facilitate
the development of--
``(i) a national transportation system; and
``(ii) an integrated regional
transportation system.
``(C) Interconnectivity between states and
regions.--The national plan shall ensure a level of
interconnectivity among transportation facilities and
strategies at State and regional borders.
``(D) Identification of potential high-speed
intercity rail corridors and shipping routes.--In
developing the national plan, the Secretary, in
consultation with State departments of transportation,
shall identify potential high-speed passenger rail
projects and potential short seas shipping routes.
``(E) Intercity bus network.--The national plan
shall identify projects to preserve and expand the
Nation's intercity bus network and provide
interconnectivity to other forms of intercity and local
transportation.
``(F) Cost estimates for projects.--In developing
the national plan, the Secretary shall include
estimates of the costs of each of the projects and
strategies identified in the national plan and a total
cost of all of the projects and strategies identified
in the national plan.
``(3) Issuance and updating of national plan.--
``(A) Issuance.--Not later than April 30, 2014, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Environment and
Public Works, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs, and the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate the national plan
developed under this section.
``(B) Updates.--At least once every 2 years after
the date of submission of the national plan under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary--
``(i) in consultation with State
departments of transportation, shall update the
national plan; and
``(ii) shall submit the updated national
plan to the committees referred to in
subparagraph (A).
``(b) Dissemination of Transportation Data and Statistics for
Development of Strategic Long-Range Transportation Plans.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop, and
disseminate to the States, relevant long-range transportation
data and statistics that a State or the Secretary, as the case
may be, shall use in the development of statewide, regional,
and national strategic long-range transportation plans.
``(2) Types of transportation data and statistics to be
developed.--The data and statistics referred to in paragraph
(1) shall include, at a minimum, 20-year projections--
``(A) of population growth in each State;
``(B) from the Department of Transportation's
Freight Analysis Framework (referred to in this
paragraph as `FAF'), including projections for annual
average daily truck flow on specific highway routes;
``(C) from the Department of Transportation's
Highway Performance Monitoring System (referred to in
this paragraph as `HPMS') of estimated peak period
congestion on major highway routes or segments of
routes and in metropolitan areas;
``(D) from HPMS and FAF of estimated traffic
volumes on segments of highway that are projected to be
classified as moderately or highly congested;
``(E) from HPMS and FAF for highway bottlenecks;
``(F) of public transportation use in urbanized
areas, including for each urbanized area a comparison
of estimated ridership growth and estimated public
transportation revenue vehicle miles to available
system capacity and current service levels;
``(G) of aviation passenger enplanements and cargo
ton miles flown;
``(H) of increases in unmanned aerial system and
general aviation active aircraft and hours flown;
``(I) of capacity-constrained airports and
congested air traffic routes;
``(J) of passenger demand for suborbital space
tourism;
``(K) of demand on major freight rail lines;
``(L) of shipping traffic at United States ports;
and
``(M) of intercity bus and passenger rail ridership
demand.
``Sec. 5206. National performance management system
``(a) Establishment of National Performance Management System.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
national performance management system to track the Nation's
progress toward broad national performance goals for the
Nation's highway and public transportation systems.
``(2) Components.--The National Performance Management
System shall include the following components:
``(A) A national performance management goal.
``(B) Core performance measures.
``(C) Technical guidance.
``(D) A State performance management process,
including--
``(i) performance targets;
``(ii) strategies; and
``(iii) reporting requirements.
``(b) National Performance Management Goal.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish, in
broad qualitative terms, a national performance management goal
for the Nation's highway and public transportation systems to
ensure economic growth, safety improvement, and increased
mobility.
``(2) Consistency with national strategic transportation
plan.--The national strategic transportation plan, to the
greatest extent practicable, shall be consistent with the
national performance management goal.
``(c) Core Performance Measures.--
``(1) Establishment.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this section, the Secretary, in collaboration
with the States, metropolitan planning organizations, and
public transportation agencies through the process described in
paragraph (4) shall establish core performance measures.
``(2) Implementation.--A State shall be required to
implement the core performance measures as part of the State's
performance management process established in subsection (e).
``(3) Categories.--The core performance measures shall
include not more than 2 measures from each of the following
categories:
``(A) Pavement condition on the National Highway
System.
``(B) Bridge condition on the National Highway
System.
``(C) Highway and motor carrier safety.
``(D) Highway safety infrastructure asset
management.
``(E) Bike and pedestrian safety.
``(F) Highway congestion.
``(G) Air emissions and energy consumption.
``(H) Freight mobility.
``(I) Public transportation state of good repair.
``(J) Public transportation service availability.
``(K) Rural connectivity.
``(4) Process.--The core performance measures shall be
established under the following process:
``(A) At any time after the date of enactment of
this section, the State departments of transportation
(in consultation with metropolitan planning
organizations and public transportation agencies),
acting through their national organization, may jointly
submit to the Secretary a complete set of recommended
core performance measures for use in statewide
transportation planning.
``(B) The Secretary shall give substantial weight
to the recommendations submitted by the State
departments of transportation, if such recommendations
are submitted not later than 18 months after enactment
of this section.
``(C) After consultation with the State departments
of transportation regarding the recommendations, the
Secretary shall issue a notice in the Federal Register
announcing the Secretary's proposed set of core
performance measures and providing an opportunity for
comment.
``(D) After considering any comments, the Secretary
shall publish a notice in the Federal Register not
later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this
section announcing the final set of core performance
measures.
``(d) Technical Guidance.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the
Secretary publishes the final set of core performance measures
in the Federal Register under subsection (c)(4)(D), the
Secretary shall issue technical guidance, including a uniform
methodology for collecting data, for use by the States in
applying the core performance measures.
``(2) Development.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) develop the technical guidance in
collaboration with the State departments of
transportation;
``(B) give substantial weight to any
recommendations submitted by the State departments of
transportation through their national organization, if
such recommendations are submitted not later than 3
months after the Secretary publishes the final set of
core performance measures in the Federal Register under
subsection (c)(4)(D); and
``(C) provide a reasonable opportunity for State
departments of transportation to comment on the
technical guidance before it is issued.
``(e) State Performance Management Process.--
``(1) Establishment of performance targets.--
``(A) Initial targets.--Not later than 1 year after
the Secretary publishes the final set of core
performance measures in the Federal Register under
subsection (c)(4)(D), a State shall amend its statewide
strategic long-range transportation plan to include a
target level of performance for each of the core
performance measures.
``(B) Revisions to targets.--A State may revise its
performance targets for the core performance measures
at any time by amending its statewide strategic long-
range transportation plan and resubmitting the plan to
the Secretary.
``(2) Reporting requirements.--
``(A) In general.--In order to improve the outcomes
of the transportation planning process, the States
shall implement a national performance reporting
process in accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C).
``(B) Baseline report.--Not later than 6 months
after adopting its initial performance targets for the
core performance measures pursuant to paragraph (1)(A),
a State shall publish a baseline report including data
from the most recent year for which data is available
for the full set of core performance measures.
``(C) Annual progress reports.--Not later than 18
months after publication of the baseline report, and
annually thereafter, a State shall publish a report
documenting the progress that the State has made in
meeting its performance targets for the core
performance measures.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subtitle analysis.--The analysis for subtitle III of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the
item relating to chapter 51 the following:
``52. Transportation Planning............................... 5201.''.
(2) Metropolitan transportation planning.--
(A) Title 23.--Section 134 of title 23, United
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 134. Metropolitan transportation planning
``Metropolitan transportation planning programs funded under
section 104(f) shall be carried out in accordance with the metropolitan
planning provisions of section 5203 of title 49, United States Code.''.
(B) Chapter 53 of title 49.--Section 5303 of title
49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 5303. Metropolitan transportation planning
``Metropolitan transportation planning programs funded under
section 5305 shall be carried out in accordance with the metropolitan
planning provisions of section 5203.''.
(3) Statewide transportation planning.--
(A) Title 23.--Section 135 of title 23, United
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 135. Statewide transportation planning
``Statewide transportation planning programs funded under sections
104(f) and 505 shall be carried out in accordance with the metropolitan
planning provisions of section 5204 of title 49, United States Code.''.
(B) Chapter 53 of title 49.--Section 5304 of title
49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 5304. Statewide transportation planning
``Statewide transportation planning programs funded under section
5305 shall be carried out in accordance with the metropolitan planning
provisions of section 5204.''.
SEC. 4002. SPECIAL RULES FOR SMALL METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS.
(a) Continuation of Applicability of Section 134.--A metropolitan
planning organization that serves an urbanized area with a population
of more than 50,000 and less than 100,000 and that is subject to the
provisions of section 134 of title 23, United States Code, and section
5303 of title 49, United States Code (as in effect on the day before
the date of enactment of this Act), shall continue to be designated as
a metropolitan planning organization subject to section 5203 of title
49, United States Code (as added by this title), unless the Governor
and units of general purpose local government that together represent
at least 75 percent of the affected population, including the largest
incorporated city (based on population) as determined by the Bureau of
the Census, agree to terminate the designation.
(b) Treatment.--A metropolitan planning organization described in
paragraph (1) shall be treated, for purposes of title 23, United States
Code, and chapters 52 and 53 of title 49, United States Code, the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (Public Law 105-178),
and SAFETEA-LU (Public Law 109-59) as a metropolitan planning
organization that is subject to the provisions of section 5203 of title
49, United States Code (as added by this title).
SEC. 4003. FINANCIAL PLANS.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall issue revised regulations under sections 5203 and 5204
of title 49, United States Code (as added by this title), to clarify
that--
(1) a financial plan for a long-range transportation plan
or transportation improvement program is required to be updated
not more than once every 4 years;
(2) an amendment to a long-range transportation plan or
transportation improvement program does not require a review of
the entire financial plan, but rather requires only a plan for
covering any incremental costs associated with the amendment;
(3) project costs and revenue estimates used in developing
a financial plan for a long-range plan should be based on long-
term trends, and need not be adjusted to reflect short-term
fluctuations;
(4) the Department shall defer to the judgment of State and
local governments regarding the magnitude of potential State
and local revenue streams, including the likelihood that State
or local governments will approve tax increases, tolling,
bonding, or other measures to increase revenues; and
(5) the requirement for a financial plan does not give the
Secretary the authority or responsibility to determine the
adequacy of a State or metropolitan area's funding levels for
operation and maintenance of the transportation system.
SEC. 4004. PLAN UPDATE.
Not later than September 30, 2012, a State shall update its
statewide strategic long-range transportation plan to comply with the
requirements of section 5205 of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 4005. STATE PLANNING AND RESEARCH FUNDING FOR TITLE 23.
Section 505 of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(5) by inserting ``intercity bus,''
after ``public transportation,''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1) by inserting ``intercity bus,''
after ``public transportation,''.
SEC. 4006. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES STUDY.
(a) Study.--The Secretary shall enter into appropriate arrangements
with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the
implementation of section 5206 of title 49, United States Code (as
added by this title).
(b) Contents.--The study shall--
(1) report on the timeliness of implementation, the quality
and consistency of performance measurement practices, the costs
of compliance, and impact on the transportation planning
process;
(2) include recommendations for changes to improve
implementation; and
(3) include recommendations for future additions or changes
to the performance categories as described in this section.
(c) Consultation.--The National Academy of Sciences shall conduct
the study required under this section in consultation with the Federal
Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, American
Public Transit Association, and Association of Metropolitan Planning
Organizations.
(d) Completion in Phases.--
(1) In general.--The National Academy of Sciences shall
complete the study in 2 phases, corresponding to the major
stages of implementation of section 5206 of title 49, United
States Code.
(2) Phase i.--Phase 1 of the study shall--
(A) address implementation of performance measures;
and
(B) be completed not later than 3 years after the
date of enactment of this Act.
(3) Phase ii.--Phase 2 of the study shall--
(A) address implementation of performance targets,
as well as performance measures; and
(B) be completed not later than 5 years after the
date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4007. CONGESTION RELIEF.
The Secretary shall--
(1) encourage States and metropolitan planning
organizations to prioritize congestion relief projects in
transportation improvement programs in order to improve the
flow of commerce and the productivity of the Federal-aid
system; and
(2) provide technical assistance and educational materials
to States to quantify the economic, environmental, and quality-
of-life damage caused by traffic congestion as well as identify
multiple options for solutions, including new roads and lanes,
bottleneck removal, and low-cost congestion relief projects.
TITLE V--HIGHWAY SAFETY
SEC. 5001. AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 23, 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 23,
United States Code.
SEC. 5002. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--The following sums are authorized to be
appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Alternative
Transportation Account):
(1) Highway safety programs.--For carrying out section 402
of title 23, United States Code, $493,312,000 for each of
fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(2) National driver register.--For the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration to carry out chapter 303 of title
49, United States Code, $4,116,000 for each of fiscal years
2013 through 2016.
(3) 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 title (including the amendments
made by this title) $162,572,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016.
(b) Prohibition on Other Uses.--Except as otherwise provided in
chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, and this title (including
the amendments made by this title), the amounts made available from the
Highway Trust Fund (other than the Alternative Transportation Account)
for a program under that chapter shall be used only to carry out such
program and may not be used by States or local governments for
construction purposes.
(c) Applicability of Chapter 1.--Except as otherwise provided in
chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, and this title (including
the amendments made by this title), the amounts made available under
subsection (a) for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016 shall be
available for obligation in the same manner as if such funds were
apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code.
SEC. 5003. HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 402(a) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) State Highway Safety Programs.--
``(1) In general.--Each State shall have a highway safety
program that is subject to approval by the Secretary and is
designed to reduce traffic crashes and the fatalities,
injuries, and property damage resulting therefrom.
``(2) Uniform guidelines.--A State's highway safety program
under paragraph (1) shall be established and carried out in
accordance with uniform guidelines promulgated by the
Secretary, which shall be expressed in terms of performance
criteria and shall include programs--
``(A) to reduce injuries and fatalities resulting
from motor vehicles being driven in excess of posted
speed limits;
``(B) to encourage the proper use of occupant
protection devices (including the use of seat belts and
child restraints) by occupants of motor vehicles;
``(C) to reduce fatalities and injuries resulting
from persons driving motor vehicles while impaired by
alcohol or a controlled substance;
``(D) to prevent crashes and reduce fatalities and
injuries resulting from crashes involving motor
vehicles and motorcycles;
``(E) to reduce crashes resulting from unsafe
driving behavior (including aggressive or fatigued
driving and distracted driving arising from the use of
electronic devices in vehicles);
``(F) to improve law enforcement activities
relating to motor vehicle crash prevention, traffic
supervision, and postcrash procedures;
``(G) to improve the timeliness, accuracy,
completeness, uniformity, and accessibility of the
safety data of States that is needed--
``(i) for activities relating to
performance targets established under
subsection (m);
``(ii) to identify priorities for national,
State, and local highway and traffic safety
programs; and
``(iii) to improve the compatibility and
interoperability of the data systems of each
State with national data systems and the data
systems of other States;
``(H) to improve driver performance, including
through driver education, driver testing to determine
proficiency to operate motor vehicles, driver
examinations (both physical and mental), and driver
licensing; and
``(I) to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.
``(3) Record system.--The uniform guidelines promulgated
under paragraph (2) shall include provisions for an effective
record system of--
``(A) traffic crashes, including injuries and
fatalities resulting therefrom;
``(B) crash investigation activities carried out to
determine the probable causes of crashes, injuries, and
fatalities;
``(C) vehicle registration, operation, and
inspection activities;
``(D) highway design and maintenance activities,
including lighting, markings, and surface treatment
activities;
``(E) traffic surveillance activities relating to
the detection and correction of locations with a
significant potential for crashes; and
``(F) emergency services.
``(4) Applicability of guidelines.--The uniform guidelines
applicable to State highway safety programs shall, to the
extent determined appropriate by the Secretary, be applicable
to federally administered areas where a Federal department or
agency controls the highways or supervises traffic
operations.''.
(b) Administration of State Programs.--Section 402(b) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (E)--
(i) in clause (i) by striking ``national
law enforcement mobilizations'' and inserting
``any national traffic safety law enforcement
mobilizations coordinated by the Secretary'';
and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) demonstrate that the State has established a
highway safety data and traffic records coordinating
committee with a multidisciplinary membership that
includes, among others, managers, collectors, and users
of traffic records and public health and injury control
data systems;
``(G) demonstrate that the State has developed a
multiyear highway safety data and traffic records
system strategic plan that--
``(i) addresses existing deficiencies in
the State's highway safety data and traffic
records system;
``(ii) is approved by the State's highway
safety data and traffic records coordinating
committee;
``(iii) specifies how existing deficiencies
in the State's highway safety data and traffic
records system were identified;
``(iv) prioritizes, on the basis of the
identified highway safety data and traffic
records system deficiencies of the State, the
highway safety data and traffic records system
needs and goals of the State;
``(v) identifies performance-based measures
by which progress toward those goals will be
determined; and
``(vi) specifies how funds apportioned to
the State under subsection (c) and any other
funds of the State are to be used to address
needs and goals identified in the multiyear
plan; and
``(H) demonstrate that an assessment or audit of
the State's highway safety data and traffic records
system was conducted or updated during the 5-year
period ending on the date on which such State highway
safety program is submitted to the Secretary for
approval.''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (3).
(c) Apportionment of Funds.--Section 402(c) is amended to read as
follows:
``(c) Apportionment of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--Funds made available to carry out this
section shall be used to aid States in conducting the highway
safety programs approved under subsection (a).
``(2) Apportionment formula.--Funds described in paragraph
(1) shall be apportioned among the States each fiscal year in
the following manner:
``(A) 62.5 percent in the ratio that the population
of each State bears to the total population of all
States, as shown by the latest available Federal
census.
``(B) 20 percent in the ratio that the public road
mileage in each State bears to the total public road
mileage in all States.
``(C) 10 percent only to States that have enacted
and are enforcing a primary safety belt use law, in the
ratio that the population of each such State bears to
the total population of all such States, as shown by
the latest available Federal census.
``(D) 5 percent only to States that have enacted
and are enforcing an ignition interlock law, in the
ratio that the population of each such State bears to
the total population of all such States, as shown by
the latest available Federal census.
``(E) 2.5 percent only to States that have enacted
and are enforcing a graduated drivers licensing law, in
the ratio that the population of each such State bears
to the total population of all such States, as shown by
the latest available Federal census.
``(3) Minimum apportionment.--The annual apportionment
under paragraph (2) to each State shall not be less than three-
quarters of 1 percent of the total apportionment under that
paragraph in the applicable fiscal year, except that the
apportionment to the Secretary of the Interior shall not be
less than 1.5 percent of the total apportionment and the
apportionments to the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall not be
less than one-quarter of 1 percent of the total apportionment.
``(4) Implementation of approved highway safety programs.--
``(A) Requirement for receiving apportionments.--
The Secretary shall not apportion any funds under this
section to any State that is not implementing a highway
safety program approved by the Secretary under this
section.
``(B) Limitations on requirements relating to
motorcycle safety helmets.--A highway safety program
approved by the Secretary shall not include any
requirement that a State implement such program by
adopting or enforcing any law, rule, or regulation
based on a guideline promulgated by the Secretary under
this section that requires any motorcycle operator 18
years of age or older or passenger 18 years of age or
older to wear a safety helmet when operating or riding
a motorcycle on the streets and highways of that State.
``(C) Compliance with implementation
requirements.--Implementation of a highway safety
program under this section shall not be construed to
require the Secretary to require compliance with every
uniform guideline promulgated under this section, or
with every element of every uniform guideline, in every
State.
``(D) Minimum requirements for impaired driving
high range states.--An impaired driving high range
State shall expend in a fiscal year, on projects and
activities addressing impaired driving, at least 30
percent of the funds apportioned to that State under
paragraph (2) for that fiscal year.
``(E) Automated traffic enforcement systems.--
``(i) Prohibition.--A State may not expend
funds apportioned to that State under paragraph
(2) to carry out any program to purchase,
operate, or maintain an automated traffic
enforcement system.
``(ii) Automated traffic enforcement system
defined.--In this subparagraph, the term
`automated traffic enforcement system' means
automated technology that monitors compliance
with traffic laws.''.
(d) Miscellaneous.--Section 402 is amended--
(1) in subsection (d) by striking ``(d) All provisions''
and inserting ``(d) Applicability of Certain Provisions.--All
provisions'';
(2) in subsection (e) by striking ``(e) Uniform
guidelines'' and inserting ``(e) Cooperation.--Uniform
guidelines'';
(3) in subsection (f) by striking ``(f) The Secretary'' and
inserting ``(f) Department and Agency Participation.--The
Secretary'';
(4) in subsection (g)--
(A) by striking ``(g) Nothing in'' and inserting
``(g) Limitation on Funds.--Nothing in'';
(B) by striking ``for (1) highway construction''
and inserting ``for highway construction''; and
(C) by striking ``guidelines) or'' and all that
follows before the period at the end and inserting
``guidelines) or for any purpose for which funds are
authorized under section 403(a)'';
(5) by striking subsection (k); and
(6) by redesignating subsections (l) and (m) as subsections
(k) and (l), respectively.
(e) Highway Safety Performance Management.--Section 402 (as amended
by this Act) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(m) Establishment of Performance Targets.--
``(1) In general.--The Governor of each State shall
establish quantifiable performance targets for their State--
``(A) to be incorporated into the highway safety
plan of the State under subsection (n) each year; and
``(B) with respect to, at a minimum--
``(i) the average number of fatalities in
the State resulting from traffic crashes per
100,000,000 vehicle miles traveled;
``(ii) the average number of serious
injuries in the State resulting from traffic
crashes per 100,000,000 vehicle miles traveled;
``(iii) the average number of traffic
fatalities in the State involving drivers or
motorcycle operators with a blood alcohol
content of .08 or above per 100,000,000 vehicle
miles traveled;
``(iv) the average number of traffic
crashes in the State involving drivers or
motorcycle operators with a blood alcohol
content of .08 or above per 100,000,000 vehicle
miles traveled;
``(v) the average number of unrestrained
motor vehicle occupant fatalities, for all seat
positions, in the State resulting from traffic
crashes per 100,000,000 vehicle miles traveled;
and
``(vi) the average number of motorcyclist
fatalities in the State resulting from traffic
crashes per 100,000,000 vehicle miles traveled.
``(2) Considerations in establishing performance targets.--
In establishing performance targets for a State under this
subsection, a Governor shall consider, at a minimum--
``(A) the number of fatalities in the State
resulting from traffic crashes during the preceding 3
years;
``(B) the number of serious injuries in the State
resulting from traffic crashes during the preceding 3
years;
``(C) the extent to which vehicle miles traveled in
the State may impact the number of fatalities and
serious injuries in the State resulting from traffic
crashes; and
``(D) data available from the Fatality Analysis
Reporting System of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration.
``(n) Highway Safety Plan and Reporting Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--With respect to fiscal year 2014, and
each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall require the
Governor of each State, as a condition of the approval of the
State's highway safety program for that fiscal year, to develop
and submit to the Secretary for approval a highway safety plan
applicable to that fiscal year in accordance with this
subsection. The plan required under this paragraph may be
incorporated into any other document required to be submitted
under this section.
``(2) Timing.--Each Governor shall submit to the Secretary
the highway safety plan of their State not later than September
1 of the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year to which the
plan applies.
``(3) Contents.--A State's highway safety plan shall
include, at a minimum--
``(A) current data with respect to each performance
target established for the State under subsection (m);
``(B) for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year
to which the plan applies, a description of the State's
performance regarding each performance target category
described in subsection (m)(1)(B);
``(C) for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year
to which the plan applies, a description of the
projects and activities for which the State obligated
funding apportioned to the State under this section;
``(D) for the fiscal year to which the plan
applies, the State's strategy for using funds
apportioned to the State under this section for
projects and activities that will allow the State to
meet the performance targets established for the State
under subsection (m);
``(E) data and data analysis supporting the
effectiveness of projects and activities proposed in
the strategy under subparagraph (D);
``(F) a description of any Federal, State, local,
or private funds that the State plans to use, in
addition to funds apportioned to the State under this
section, to carry out the State's strategy under
subparagraph (D); and
``(G) a certification that the State will maintain
its aggregate expenditures for highway safety
activities, from sources other than funds apportioned
to the State under this section, at or above the
average level of such expenditures in the 2 fiscal
years preceding the date of enactment of this
subsection.
``(4) Review of highway safety plans.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the
date on which the Secretary receives a State's highway
safety plan, the Secretary shall approve or disapprove
the plan.
``(B) Approvals and disapprovals.--The Secretary
shall approve or disapprove a State's highway safety
plan based on a review of the plan, including an
evaluation of whether, in the Secretary's judgment, the
plan is evidence-based, is supported by data and
analysis, and, if implemented, will allow the State to
meet the performance targets established for the State
under subsection (m). The Secretary shall disapprove a
State's highway safety plan if the plan does not, in
the Secretary's judgment, provide for the evidenced-
based use of funding in a manner sufficient to allow
the State to meet performance targets.
``(C) Actions upon disapproval.--If the Secretary
disapproves a State's highway safety plan, the
Secretary shall inform the Governor of the State of the
reasons for the disapproval and require the Governor to
resubmit the plan with such modifications as the
Secretary determines necessary.
``(D) Review of resubmitted plans.--If the
Secretary requires a Governor to resubmit a highway
safety plan with modifications, the Secretary shall
approve or disapprove the modified plan not later than
30 days after the date on which the modified plan is
submitted to the Secretary.
``(E) Funding allocations.--If a State failed to
accomplish, as determined by the Secretary, a
performance target established for that State under
subsection (m) in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal
year to which a State highway safety plan under review
applies, the Secretary shall require the following to
be included in the highway safety plan under review:
``(i) If the State failed to accomplish a
performance target established under subsection
(m)(1)(B)(iii) or (m)(1)(B)(iv), a
certification that the State will expend funds
apportioned to the State under this section,
during the fiscal year to which the plan
applies, for projects and activities addressing
impaired driving in an amount that is at least
5 percent more than the amount expended on such
projects and activities in the preceding fiscal
year using such funds.
``(ii) If the State failed to accomplish a
performance target established under subsection
(m)(1)(B)(v), a certification that the State
will expend funds apportioned to the State
under this section, during the fiscal year to
which the plan applies, for projects and
activities addressing occupant protection in an
amount that is at least 5 percent more than the
amount expended on such projects and activities
in the preceding fiscal year using such funds.
``(iii) If the State failed to accomplish a
performance target established under subsection
(m)(1)(B)(vi), a certification that the State
will expend funds apportioned to the State
under this section, during the fiscal year to
which the plan applies, for projects and
activities addressing motorcycle safety in an
amount that is at least 5 percent more than the
amount expended on such projects and activities
in the preceding fiscal year using such funds.
``(F) Data.--
``(i) Fatalities data.--A State's
compliance with performance targets relating to
fatalities shall be determined using the most
recent data from the Fatality Analysis
Reporting System of the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration.
``(ii) Crash data.--A State's compliance
with performance targets relating to serious
injuries shall be determined using State crash
data files.
``(G) Public notice.--A State shall make each
highway safety plan of the State available to the
public.
``(o) Annual Report to Congress.--Not later than October 1, 2015,
and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit 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 containing--
``(1) an evaluation of each State's performance with
respect to the State's highway safety plan under subsection (n)
and performance targets under subsection (m); and
``(2) such recommendations as the Secretary may have for
improvements to activities carried out under subsections (m)
and (n).
``(p) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Child restraint.--The term `child restraint' means
any product designed to provide restraint to a child in a motor
vehicle (including booster seats and other products used with a
lap and shoulder belt assembly) that meets applicable Federal
motor vehicle safety standards prescribed by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
``(2) Controlled substance.--The term `controlled
substance' has the meaning given that term in section 102 of
the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802).
``(3) Driving while intoxicated; driving under the
influence.--The terms `driving while intoxicated' and `driving
under the influence' have the meaning given those terms in
section 164.
``(4) Graduated drivers licensing law.--The term `graduated
drivers licensing law' means a law enacted by a State that
requires, before the granting of an unrestricted driver's
license to individuals under the age of 21 years, a 2-stage
licensing process that includes the following:
``(A) A learner's permit stage that--
``(i) allows for the acquisition of a
learner's permit by an individual not earlier
than the date on which that individual attains
15 years and 6 months of age;
``(ii) is at least 6 months in duration;
``(iii) requires an individual with a
learner's permit to complete at least 30 hours
of driving supervised by a licensed driver who
is 21 years of age or older;
``(iv) requires an individual with a
learner's permit to be accompanied and
supervised by a licensed driver who is 21 years
of age or older at all times when operating a
motor vehicle; and
``(v) is in effect until the commencement
of the intermediate stage or until the date on
which the applicable individual attains 18
years of age.
``(B) An intermediate stage that--
``(i) applies to an individual immediately
after the expiration of the learner's permit
stage for that individual;
``(ii) is at least 6 months in duration;
``(iii) prohibits the operation of a motor
vehicle by an individual to whom the stage
applies, if that individual is transporting
more than one nonfamilial passenger under the
age of 18 years and there is no licensed driver
21 years of age or older present in the motor
vehicle; and
``(iv) prohibits an individual to whom the
stage applies from operating a motor vehicle
between the hours of midnight and 4 a.m.,
unless such individual is accompanied and
supervised by a licensed driver who is 21 years
of age or older.
``(5) Impaired driving high range state.--The term
`impaired driving high range State' means a State that averaged
more than .50 alcohol impaired driving fatalities per
100,000,000 vehicle miles traveled, as determined using data
from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System of the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for the most recent 3
years for which data are available.
``(6) Ignition interlock device.--The term `ignition
interlock device' means an in-vehicle device that requires a
driver to provide a breath sample prior to a motor vehicle
starting and that prevents a motor vehicle from starting if the
blood alcohol content of the driver is above the legal limit.
``(7) Ignition interlock law.--The term `ignition interlock
law' means a law enacted by a State that requires throughout
the State the installation of an ignition interlock device, for
a minimum of 6 months, on each motor vehicle operated by an
individual who is convicted of driving while intoxicated or
driving under the influence.
``(8) Motor vehicle.--The term `motor vehicle' has the
meaning given that term in section 157.
``(9) Motorcyclist safety training.--The term `motorcyclist
safety training' means a formal program of instruction that is
approved for use in a State by the designated State authority
having jurisdiction over motorcyclist safety issues, which may
include a State motorcycle safety administrator or a motorcycle
advisory council appointed by the Governor of the State.
``(10) Primary safety belt use law.--The term `primary
safety belt use law' means a law enacted by a State that--
``(A) requires all occupants in the front seat of a
motor vehicle to utilize a seat belt when the motor
vehicle is being driven; and
``(B) allows for a law enforcement officer to stop
a vehicle solely for the purpose of issuing a citation
for a violation of the requirement in subparagraph (A)
in the absence of evidence of another offense.
``(11) Projects and activities addressing impaired
driving.--The term `projects and activities addressing impaired
driving' means projects and activities--
``(A) to develop and implement law enforcement
measures and tools designed to reduce impaired driving,
including training, education, equipment, and other
methods of support for law enforcement and criminal
justice professionals;
``(B) to improve impaired driving prosecution and
adjudication, including the establishment of courts
that specialize in impaired driving cases;
``(C) to carry out safety campaigns relating to
impaired driving using paid media;
``(D) to provide inpatient and outpatient alcohol
rehabilitation based on mandatory assessment and
appropriate treatment;
``(E) to establish and improve information systems
containing data on impaired driving; or
``(F) to establish and implement an ignition
interlock system for individuals convicted of driving
while intoxicated or driving under the influence.
``(12) Projects and activities addressing motorcycle
safety.--The term `projects and activities addressing
motorcycle safety' means projects and activities--
``(A) to improve the content and delivery of
motorcyclist safety training curricula;
``(B) to support licensing, training, and safety
education for motorcyclists, including new entrants;
``(C) to enhance motorcycle safety through public
service announcements, including safety messages on
road sharing, outreach, and public awareness
activities; or
``(D) to provide for the safety of motorcyclists
through the promotion of appropriate protective
equipment.
``(13) Projects and activities addressing occupant
protection.--The term `projects and activities addressing
occupant protection' means projects and activities--
``(A) to provide for occupant protection training,
education, equipment, and other methods of support for
law enforcement and criminal justice professionals;
``(B) to carry out safety campaigns relating to
occupant protection using paid media;
``(C) to establish and improve information systems
containing data on occupant protection;
``(D) to provide for training of firefighters, law
enforcement officers, emergency medical services
professionals, and others on the provision of community
child passenger safety services; or
``(E) to purchase child restraints for low-income
families.
``(14) Public road.--The term `public road' means any road
under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a public authority
and open to public travel.
``(15) Public road mileage.--The term `public road mileage'
means the number of public road miles in a State as--
``(A) determined at the end of the calendar year
preceding the year in which applicable funds are
apportioned; and
``(B) certified by the Governor of the State,
subject to approval by the Secretary.
``(16) Seat belt.--The term `seat belt' has the meaning
given that term in section 157.''.
SEC. 5004. USE OF CERTAIN FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPENSES.
(a) In General.--Section 403 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 403. Use of certain funds made available for administrative
expenses
``(a) Highway Safety Research and Development.--The Secretary is
authorized to carry out, using funds made available out of the Highway
Trust Fund (other than the Alternative Transportation Account) under
section 5002(a)(3) of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act
of 2012--
``(1) ongoing research into driver behavior and its effect
on traffic safety;
``(2) research on, initiatives to counter, and
demonstration projects on fatigued driving by drivers of motor
vehicles and distracted driving in such vehicles, including the
effect that the use of electronic devices and other factors
determined relevant by the Secretary have on driving;
``(3) training or education programs in cooperation with
other Federal departments and agencies, States, private sector
persons, highway safety personnel, and law enforcement
personnel;
``(4) research on and evaluations of the effectiveness of
traffic safety countermeasures, including seat belts and
impaired driving initiatives;
``(5) research on, evaluations of, and identification of
best practices related to driver education programs (including
driver education curricula, instructor training and
certification, program administration, and delivery mechanisms)
and make recommendations for harmonizing driver education and
multistage graduated licensing systems;
``(6) research, training, and education programs related to
older drivers;
``(7) highway safety demonstration projects related to
driver behavior; and
``(8) research, training, and programs relating to
motorcycle safety, including impaired driving.
``(b) High Visibility Enforcement Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator of the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall establish and
administer, using funds made available out of the Highway Trust
Fund (other than the Alternative Transportation Account) under
section 5002(a)(3) of the American Energy and Infrastructure
Jobs Act of 2012, a program under which at least 2 high-
visibility traffic safety law enforcement campaigns will be
carried out for the purpose specified in paragraph (2) in each
of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of each law enforcement
campaign under this subsection shall be to achieve one or more
of the following objectives:
``(A) Reduce alcohol-impaired or drug-impaired
operation of motor vehicles.
``(B) Increase the use of seat belts by occupants
of motor vehicles.
``(C) Reduce distracted driving of motor vehicles.
``(3) Advertising.--The Administrator may use, or authorize
the use of, funds made available to carry out this subsection
to pay for the development, production, and use of broadcast
and print media advertising in carrying out law enforcement
campaigns under this subsection. Consideration shall be given
to advertising directed at non-English speaking populations,
including those who listen to, read, or watch nontraditional
media.
``(4) Coordination with states.--The Administrator shall
coordinate with States in carrying out law enforcement
campaigns under this subsection, including advertising funded
under paragraph (3), with a view toward--
``(A) relying on States to provide the law
enforcement resources for the campaigns out of funding
available under this subsection and section 402; and
``(B) providing out of National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration resources most of the means
necessary for national advertising and education
efforts associated with the law enforcement campaigns.
``(5) Annual evaluation.--The Secretary shall conduct an
annual evaluation of the effectiveness of campaigns carried out
under this subsection.
``(6) State defined.--In this subsection, the term `State'
has the meaning given that term in section 401.
``(c) Availability of Funds.--The Secretary shall ensure that at
least $137,244,000 of the funds made available out of the Highway Trust
Fund (other than the Alternative Transportation Account) under section
5002(a)(3) of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012
each fiscal year are used for programs and activities authorized under
this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 4 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 403 and inserting the following:
``403. Use of certain funds made available for administrative
expenses.''.
SEC. 5005. REPEAL OF PROGRAMS.
(a) General Provision.--A repeal made by this section shall not
affect funds apportioned or allocated before the effective date of the
repeal.
(b) Occupant Protection Incentive Grants.--Section 405, and the
item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 4, are
repealed.
(c) Safety Belt Performance Grants.--Section 406, and the item
relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 4, are repealed.
(d) Innovative Project Grants.--Section 407, and the item relating
to that section in the analysis for chapter 4, are repealed.
(e) State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements.--Section
408, and the item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter
4, are repealed.
(f) Alcohol-Impaired Driving Countermeasures.--Section 410, and the
item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 4, are
repealed.
(g) State Highway Safety Data Improvements.--Section 411, and the
item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 4, are
repealed.
(h) High Visibility Enforcement Program.--Section 2009 of SAFETEA-
LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note; 119 Stat. 1535), and the item relating to that
section in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act,
are repealed.
(i) Motorcyclist Safety.--Section 2010 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 402
note; 119 Stat. 1535), and the item relating to that section in the
table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(j) Child Safety and Child Booster Seat Incentive Grants.--Section
2011 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 405 note; 119 Stat. 1538), and the item
relating to that section in the table of contents contained in section
1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(k) Drug-Impaired Driving Enforcement.--Section 2013 of SAFETEA-LU
(23 U.S.C. 403 note; 119 Stat. 1539), and the item relating to that
section in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act,
are repealed.
(l) First Responder Vehicle Safety Program.--Section 2014 of
SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note; 119 Stat. 1540), and the item relating
to that section in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of
that Act, are repealed.
(m) Rural State Emergency Medical Services Optimization Pilot
Program.--Section 2016 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1541), and the item
relating to that section in the table of contents contained in section
1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(n) Older Driver Safety; Law Enforcement Training.--Section 2017 of
SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1541), and the item relating to that section in
the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are
repealed.
SEC. 5006. DISCOVERY AND ADMISSION AS EVIDENCE OF CERTAIN REPORTS AND
SURVEYS.
Section 409 is amended by striking ``and 148'' and inserting ``148,
and 402''.
SEC. 5007. PROHIBITION ON FUNDS TO CHECK HELMET USAGE OR CREATE
CHECKPOINTS FOR A MOTORCYCLE DRIVER OR PASSENGER.
The Secretary may not provide a grant or otherwise make available
funding to a State, Indian tribe, county, municipality, or other local
government to be used for any program to check helmet usage or create
checkpoints for a motorcycle driver or passenger.
SEC. 5008. NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER.
(a) Accuracy of Information.--Not later than October 1, 2013, to
ensure the accuracy of information contained in the National Driver
Register established under section 30302 of title 49, United States
Code, the Secretary, in cooperation with the States, shall--
(1) establish and implement procedures to--
(A) ensure that participating States submit reports
required under section 30304(a) of such title with
respect to a conviction not later than 31 days after
receiving notice of the conviction, as required under
section 30304(c)(2) of such title; and
(B) verify and improve the accuracy of reports
submitted for inclusion in the Register under section
30304 of such title; and
(2) establish and implement a process for--
(A) the removal or modification of an invalid or
duplicative driver record contained in the Register;
and
(B) the verification of a request for the removal
or modification of an invalid or duplicative driver
record contained in the Register.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than February 1, 2013, and every
February 1 thereafter, the Secretary shall submit 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 describing--
(1) the timeliness and completeness of State submissions
under section 30304 of title 49, United States Code;
(2) the Department's efforts to monitor and ensure
compliance with the reporting requirements under such section;
and
(3) recommendations for improving the National Driver
Register established under section 30302 of title 49, United
States Code, including the accuracy of information contained in
the Register, and the Problem Driver Pointer System of the
American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
TITLE VI--COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY
SEC. 6001. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Motor Carrier Safety, Efficiency,
and Accountability Act of 2012''.
SEC. 6002. AMENDMENTS TO 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.
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
SEC. 6101. MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANTS.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 31104(a) is amended
to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (f), there is authorized
to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the
Alternative Transportation Account) to carry out section 31102
$247,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.''.
(b) Administrative Takedown.--
(1) In general.--Section 31104(e) is amended to read as
follows:
``(e) Deduction for Administrative Expenses.--
``(1) In general.--On October 1 of each fiscal year (or as
soon after that date as practicable), the Secretary may deduct,
from amounts made available under subsection (a) for that
fiscal year, not more than 1.25 percent of those amounts for
administrative expenses incurred in carrying out section 31102
in that fiscal year.
``(2) Training.--The Secretary shall use at least 75
percent of the amounts deducted under paragraph (1) to train
non-Government employees and to develop related training
materials in carrying out section 31102.''.
(2) Report to congress.--At the end of each fiscal year,
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report detailing the
use of amounts deducted under section 31104(e) of title 49,
United States Code, as amended by paragraph (1) of this
subsection.
(c) Allocation Criteria.--Section 31104(f) is amended to read as
follows:
``(f) Allocation Criteria.--
``(1) In general.--On October 1 of each fiscal year (or as
soon after that date as practicable) and after making the
deduction under subsection (e), the Secretary shall allocate
amounts made available to carry out section 31102 for such
fiscal year among the States that are eligible for grant funds
under section 31102(f)(2).
``(2) Allocation formula.--The amounts made available to
carry out section 31102 shall be allocated among the States in
the following manner:
``(A) 20 percent in the ratio that--
``(i) the total public road mileage in each
State; bears to
``(ii) the total public road mileage in all
States.
``(B) 20 percent in the ratio that--
``(i) the total vehicle miles traveled in
each State; bears to
``(ii) the total vehicle miles traveled in
all States.
``(C) 20 percent in the ratio that--
``(i) the total population of each State
(as shown in the annual census estimates issued
by the Bureau of the Census); bears to
``(ii) the total population of all States
(as shown in the annual census estimates issued
by the Bureau of the Census).
``(D) 20 percent in the ratio that--
``(i) the total special fuel consumption
(net after reciprocity adjustment) in each
State (as determined by the Secretary); bears
to
``(ii) the total special fuel consumption
(net after reciprocity adjustment) in all
States (as determined by the Secretary).
``(E) 10 percent only to those States that share a
land border with another country and conduct border
commercial motor vehicle safety programs and related
activities (in this subparagraph referred to as a
`border State'), with--
``(i) 70 percent of such amount to be
allocated among border States in the ratio
that--
``(I) the total number of
international commercial motor vehicle
inspections conducted within the
boundaries of each border State (as
determined by the Secretary); bears to
``(II) the total number of
international commercial motor vehicle
inspections conducted within the
boundaries of all border States (as
determined by the Secretary); and
``(ii) 30 percent of such amount to be
allocated among border States in the ratio
that--
``(I) the total number of land
border crossing locations with State-
maintained commercial motor vehicle
safety enforcement infrastructure
within the boundaries of each border
State (as determined by the Secretary);
bears to
``(II) the total number of land
border crossing locations with State-
maintained commercial motor vehicle
safety enforcement infrastructure
within the boundaries of all border
States (as determined by the
Secretary).
``(F) 10 percent only to those States that reduce
the rate of large truck-involved fatal accidents in the
State for the most recent calendar year for which data
are available when compared to the average rate of
large truck-involved fatal accidents in the State for
the 10-year period ending on the last day preceding
that calendar year (in this subparagraph referred to as
an `eligible State'), with--
``(i) 25 percent of such amount to be
allocated among eligible States in the ratio
that--
``(I) the total public road mileage
in each eligible State; bears to
``(II) the total public road
mileage in all eligible States;
``(ii) 25 percent of such amount to be
allocated among eligible States in the ratio
that--
``(I) the total vehicle miles
traveled in each eligible State; bears
to
``(II) the total vehicle miles
traveled in all eligible States;
``(iii) 25 percent of such amount to be
allocated among eligible States in the ratio
that--
``(I) the total population of each
eligible State (as shown in the annual
census estimates issued by the Bureau
of the Census); bears to
``(II) the total population of all
eligible States (as shown in the annual
census estimates issued by the Bureau
of the Census); and
``(iv) 25 percent of such amount to be
allocated among eligible States in the ratio
that--
``(I) the total special fuel
consumption (net after reciprocity
adjustment) in each eligible State (as
determined by the Secretary); bears to
``(II) the total special fuel
consumption (net after reciprocity
adjustment) in all eligible States (as
determined by the Secretary).
``(3) Maximum and minimum allocations.--
``(A) Maximum allocation.--The allocation under
subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (2) for a
fiscal year to each State (excluding the Virgin
Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana
Islands) shall be not greater than 4.944 percent of the
total allocation under those subparagraphs in that
fiscal year.
``(B) Minimum allocation.--The allocation under
paragraph (2) for a fiscal year to each State
(excluding the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam,
and the Northern Mariana Islands) shall be not less
than 0.44 percent of the total allocation under that
paragraph in that fiscal year.
``(C) Allocation to territories.--The annual
allocation to each of the Virgin Islands, American
Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands shall be
$350,000.''.
(d) Administrative Expenses.--Section 31104(i) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the
Alternative Transportation Account) for the Secretary of
Transportation to pay administrative expenses of the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration $244,144,000 for each of
fiscal years 2013 through 2016.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Outreach and education.--
``(A) In general.--Using the funds authorized by
this subsection, the Secretary shall conduct an
outreach and education program to be administered by
the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration in cooperation with the Administrator of
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
``(B) Program elements.--The program shall include,
at a minimum, the following:
``(i) A program to promote a more
comprehensive and national effort to educate
commercial motor vehicle operators and
passenger vehicle drivers about how such
operators and 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.
``(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) 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.''.
SEC. 6102. GRANT PROGRAMS.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Alternative
Transportation Account) the following sums for the following Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration programs:
(1) Commercial driver's license program implementation
grants.--For commercial driver's license program implementation
grants under section 31313 of title 49, United States Code,
$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(2) Commercial vehicle information systems and networks
deployment.--For carrying out the commercial vehicle
information systems and networks deployment program under
section 4126 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1738) $30,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(b) Period of Availability.--The amounts made available under this
section shall remain available until expended.
(c) Initial Date of Availability.--Amounts authorized to be
appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Alternative
Transportation Account) 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) Contract Authority.--Approval by the Secretary of a grant with
funds made available under this section imposes upon the United States
a contractual obligation for payment of the Government's share of costs
incurred in carrying out the objectives of the grant.
Subtitle B--Registration
SEC. 6201. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS.
(a) General Requirements.--Section 13901 is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 13901. Requirement for registration
``(a) In General.--A person may provide the following
transportation or services only if the person is registered under this
chapter to provide the transportation or service:
``(1) Transportation as a motor carrier subject to
jurisdiction under subchapter I of chapter 135.
``(2) Service as a freight forwarder subject to
jurisdiction under subchapter III of chapter 135.
``(3) Service as a broker for transportation subject to
jurisdiction under subchapter I of chapter 135.
``(b) Registration Numbers.--
``(1) In general.--If the Secretary registers a person
under this chapter to provide transportation or service,
including as a motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker, the
Secretary shall issue a distinctive registration number to the
person for the transportation or service. In the case of a
person registered by the Secretary to provide more than one
type of transportation or service, the Secretary shall issue a
separate registration number to the person for each authority
to provide transportation or service.
``(2) Transportation or service type indicator.--A
registration number issued under paragraph (1) shall include an
indicator of the type of transportation or service for which
the registration number is issued, including whether the
registration number is issued for registration of a motor
carrier, freight forwarder, or broker.
``(c) Specification of Authority.--For each agreement to provide
transportation or service for which registration is required under this
chapter, the registrant shall specify, in writing, the authority under
which the person is providing the transportation or service.''.
(b) Availability of Information.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 139 is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``Sec. 13909. Availability of information
``The Secretary shall make information relating to registration and
financial security required by this chapter publicly available on the
Internet, including--
``(1) the names and addresses of the principals of each
entity holding such registration;
``(2) the status of such registration; and
``(3) the electronic address of the entity's surety
provider for the submission of claims.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``13909. Availability of information.''.
SEC. 6202. MOTOR CARRIER REGISTRATION.
(a) Motor Carrier Generally.--Section 13902(a) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in this section, the
Secretary shall register a person to provide transportation
subject to jurisdiction under subchapter I of chapter 135 as a
motor carrier using self-propelled vehicles the motor carrier
owns, rents, or leases if the Secretary finds that the person--
``(A) is willing and able to comply with--
``(i) this part and the applicable
regulations of the Secretary and the Board;
``(ii) any safety regulations imposed by
the Secretary;
``(iii) the duties of employers and
employees established by the Secretary under
section 31135;
``(iv) the safety fitness requirements
established by the Secretary under section
31144;
``(v) the accessibility requirements
established by the Secretary under subpart H of
part 37 of title 49, Code of Federal
Regulations, or a successor regulation, for
transportation provided by an over-the-road
bus; and
``(vi) the minimum financial responsibility
requirements established by the Secretary
pursuant to sections 13906 and 31138;
``(B) has demonstrated, through successful
completion of a proficiency examination, to be
developed by the Secretary by regulation, knowledge of
the requirements and regulations described in
subparagraph (A);
``(C) has disclosed to the Secretary any
relationship involving common stock, common ownership,
common control, common management, or common familial
relationship between that person and any other motor
carrier in the 3-year period preceding the date of the
filing of the application for registration; and
``(D) has been issued a Department of
Transportation number under section 31134.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Separate registration required.--A motor carrier may
not broker transportation services unless the motor carrier has
registered as a broker under this chapter.''.
(b) Enhanced Registration Procedures for Household Goods Motor
Carriers.--
(1) In general.--Section 13902(a)(2) is amended to read as
follows:
``(2) Registration for household goods motor carriers.--
``(A) Additional requirements.--In addition to
meeting the requirements of paragraph (1), the
Secretary may register a person to provide
transportation of household goods as a household goods
motor carrier only after the person--
``(i) provides evidence of participation in
an arbitration program under section 14708 and
provides a copy of the notice of the
arbitration program as required by section
14708(b)(2);
``(ii) identifies the motor carrier's
tariff and provides a copy of the notice of the
availability of that tariff for inspection as
required by section 13702(c);
``(iii) provides evidence that the person
has access to, has read, is familiar with, and
will observe all applicable Federal laws
relating to consumer protection, estimating,
consumers' rights and responsibilities, and
options for limitations of liability for loss
and damage;
``(iv) discloses any relationship involving
common stock, common ownership, common control,
common management, or common familial
relationships between the person and any other
motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker of
household goods within 3 years of the proposed
date of registration;
``(v) demonstrates that the person is
willing and able to comply with the household
goods consumer protection rules of the
Secretary; and
``(vi) demonstrates, through successful
completion of a proficiency examination, to be
developed by the Secretary by regulation,
knowledge of the requirements and regulations
described in this subparagraph.
``(B) Household goods audits.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
require, by regulation, each registrant
described in subparagraph (A) to undergo a
household goods audit during the 180-day period
beginning 1 year after the date of issuance of
a provisional registration to the registrant.
``(ii) Regulations.--
``(I) Deadline.--The Secretary
shall issue regulations under clause
(i) not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of the Motor Carrier
Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability
Act of 2012.
``(II) Issuance of standards.--The
regulations shall include standards for
household goods audits.
``(iii) Contents.--The Secretary shall
ensure that the standards issued under clause
(ii)(II) require evidence demonstrating that a
registrant described in subparagraph (A)--
``(I) has consistently adhered to
the household goods regulations of the
Secretary;
``(II) has consistently adhered to
the requirements of its tariff;
``(III) has not wrongfully withheld
the household goods of a customer;
``(IV) has not had a pattern of
substantiated customer service
complaints filed against it; and
``(V) has complied with all
relevant arbitration requirements.
``(C) Corrective action plan.--
``(i) In general.--If a registrant
described in subparagraph (A) fails a household
goods audit, the registrant may submit to the
Secretary for approval a corrective action plan
to address deficiencies identified in the
audit. The registrant shall submit the plan
during the 60-day period beginning on the date
the registrant is notified of the results of
the audit.
``(ii) Deadline for approval or
disapproval.--The Secretary shall approve or
disapprove a corrective action plan submitted
under clause (i) not later than 60 days after
the date of submission of the plan.
``(iii) Assessment of implementation of
corrective action plan.--If the Secretary
approves a corrective action plan submitted by
a registrant under clause (i), the Secretary
shall determine, during the 1-year period
beginning on the date of such approval, whether
the registrant has carried out the plan
satisfactorily.
``(D) Provisional registration.--
``(i) In general.--Any registration issued
under subparagraph (A) shall be designated as a
provisional registration until the audit
required by subparagraph (B) is completed.
``(ii) Requirement for issuance of
permanent registration.--A provisional
registration issued to a registrant under
subparagraph (A) shall become permanent after
the registrant--
``(I) passes the household goods
audit required under subparagraph (B);
or
``(II) implements to the
satisfaction of the Secretary a
corrective action plan under
subparagraph (C).
``(iii) Revocation of provisional
registration.--If a registrant fails a
household goods audit required under
subparagraph (B) or does not implement to the
satisfaction of the Secretary a corrective
action plan under subparagraph (C), the
Secretary shall revoke the provisional
registration of the registrant.
``(E) Reapplying for registration.--
``(i) In general.--Nothing in this
paragraph permanently prohibits a person from
reapplying for registration to provide
transportation of household goods as a
household goods motor carrier.
``(ii) Limitation.--If the Secretary
revokes the provisional registration of a
person under this paragraph, the person shall
be required to wait at least 1 year before
reapplying for a registration to provide
transportation of household goods as a
household goods motor carrier.''.
(2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule
establishing the proficiency examination referred to in section
13902(a)(2)(A)(vi) of title 49, United States Code, as amended
by paragraph (1).
(c) Registration as Freight Forwarder or Broker Required.--Section
13902 is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
``(g) Registration as Freight Forwarder or Broker Required.--A
motor carrier registered under this chapter--
``(1) may only provide transportation of property with--
``(A) self-propelled motor vehicles owned or leased
by the motor carrier; or
``(B) interchanges, as permitted under regulations
issued by the Secretary and subject to requirements
that the originating carrier physically transports the
cargo at some point and retains liability for the cargo
and payment of interchanged carriers; and
``(2) may not arrange such transportation unless the motor
carrier has obtained a separate registration as a freight
forwarder or broker for transportation under section 13903 or
13904, as the case may be.''.
SEC. 6203. REGISTRATION OF FREIGHT FORWARDERS AND BROKERS.
(a) Registration of Freight Forwarders.--Section 13903 is amended
to read as follows:
``Sec. 13903. Registration of freight forwarders
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall register a person to provide
service subject to jurisdiction under subchapter III of chapter 135 as
a freight forwarder if the Secretary finds that the person--
``(1) is qualified by experience to act as a freight
forwarder; and
``(2) is fit, willing, and able to provide the service and
to comply with this part and applicable regulations of the
Secretary.
``(b) Financial Security Requirements.--A registration issued under
subsection (a) shall remain in effect only as long as the freight
forwarder is in compliance with section 13906(c).
``(c) Experience or Training Requirement.--A freight forwarder
shall employ, as an officer, an individual who--
``(1) has at least 3 years of relevant experience; or
``(2) provides the Secretary with satisfactory evidence of
completion of relevant training.
``(d) Registration as Motor Carrier Required.--A freight forwarder
may not provide transportation as a motor carrier unless the freight
forwarder has registered separately under this chapter to provide
transportation as a motor carrier.''.
(b) Registration of Brokers.--Section 13904 is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 13904. Registration of brokers
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall register a person to be a
broker for transportation of property subject to jurisdiction under
subchapter I of chapter 135, if the Secretary finds that the person--
``(1) is qualified by experience to act as a broker for
transportation; and
``(2) is fit, willing, and able to be a broker for
transportation and to comply with this part and applicable
regulations of the Secretary.
``(b) Financial Security Requirements.--A registration issued under
subsection (a) shall remain in effect only as long as the broker for
transportation is in compliance with section 13906(b).
``(c) Experience or Training Requirement.--A broker shall employ,
as an officer, an individual who--
``(1) has at least 3 years of relevant experience; or
``(2) provides the Secretary with satisfactory evidence of
completion of relevant training.
``(d) Registration as Motor Carrier Required.--
``(1) In general.--A broker for transportation may not
provide transportation as a motor carrier unless the broker has
registered separately under this chapter to provide
transportation as a motor carrier.
``(2) Limitation.--This subsection does not apply to a
motor carrier registered under this chapter or to an employee
or agent of the motor carrier to the extent the transportation
is to be provided entirely by the motor carrier.
``(e) Regulations To Protect Motor Carriers and Shippers.--
Regulations of the Secretary applicable to brokers registered under
this section shall provide for the protection of motor carriers and
shippers by motor vehicle.
``(f) Bond and Insurance.--The Secretary may impose on brokers for
motor carriers of passengers such requirements for bonds or insurance
(or both) as the Secretary determines are needed to protect passengers
and carriers dealing with such brokers.''.
SEC. 6204. EFFECTIVE PERIODS OF REGISTRATION.
Section 13905(c) is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Effective Period.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in this part, each
registration issued under section 13902, 13903, or 13904 shall
be effective from the date specified by the Secretary and shall
remain in effect for such period as the Secretary determines
appropriate by regulation.
``(2) Reissuance of registration.--Not later than 4 years
after the date of enactment of the Motor Carrier Safety,
Efficiency, and Accountability Act of 2012, the Secretary shall
require a freight forwarder or broker to renew its registration
issued under this chapter. Such registration shall expire not
later than 5 years after the date of such renewal and may be
further renewed as provided under this chapter.
``(3) Requirement for information update.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall require a
motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker to update
its registration information under this chapter within
30 days of any change in address, other contact
information, officers, process agent, or other
essential information as determined by the Secretary
and published in the Federal Register.
``(B) Motor carriers of passengers.--In addition to
the requirements of subparagraph (A), the Secretary
shall require a motor carrier of passengers to update
its registration information, including numbers of
vehicles, annual mileage, and individuals responsible
for compliance with Federal safety regulations
quarterly for the first 2 years after being issued a
registration under section 13902.''.
SEC. 6205. REINCARNATED CARRIERS.
(a) Denials, Suspensions, Amendments, and Revocations.--Section
13905(d) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4);
(2) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) Applications.--On application of the registrant, the
Secretary may deny, suspend, amend, or revoke a registration.
``(2) Complaints and actions on secretary's own
initiative.--On complaint or on the Secretary's own initiative
and after notice and an opportunity for a proceeding, the
Secretary may--
``(A) deny, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of
the registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight
forwarder for willful failure to comply with--
``(i) this part;
``(ii) an applicable regulation or order of
the Secretary or the Board, including the
accessibility requirements established by the
Secretary under subpart H of part 37 of title
49, Code of Federal Regulations, or a successor
regulation, for transportation provided by an
over-the-road bus; or
``(iii) a condition of its registration;
``(B) deny, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of
the registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight
forwarder for failure to--
``(i) pay a civil penalty imposed under
chapter 5, 51, 149, or 311 of this title; or
``(ii) arrange and abide by an acceptable
payment plan for such civil penalty, within 90
days of the time specified by order of the
Secretary for the payment of such penalty; and
``(C) deny, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of a
registration of a motor carrier following a
determination by the Secretary that the motor carrier
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 the Board; or
``(iii) a condition of its registration.
``(3) Limitation.--Paragraph (2)(B) shall not apply to any
person who is unable to pay a civil penalty because such person
is a debtor in a case under chapter 11 of title 11.''; and
(3) in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)
of this paragraph) by striking ``paragraph (1)(B)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (2)(B)''.
(b) Procedure.--Section 13905(e) is amended by inserting ``or if
the Secretary determines that the registrant has failed to disclose a
material fact in an application for registration in accordance with
subsection (d)(2)(C)'' before the first comma.
(c) Duties of Employers and Employees.--Section 31135 is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Avoiding Compliance.--
``(1) In general.--Two or more employers shall not use
common ownership, common management, common control, or common
familial relationship to enable any or all such employers to
avoid compliance, or mask or otherwise conceal noncompliance,
or a history of noncompliance, with commercial motor vehicle
safety regulations issued under this subchapter or an order of
the Secretary issued under this subchapter or such regulations.
``(2) Penalty.--If the Secretary determines that actions
described in the preceding sentence have occurred, the
Secretary shall--
``(A) deny, suspend, amend, or revoke all or part
of any such employer's registration under sections
13905 and 31134; and
``(B) take into account such noncompliance for
purposes of determining civil penalty amounts under
section 521(b)(2)(D).''.
(d) Information Systems.--Section 31106(a)(3) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (F) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (G) by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) determine whether a motor carrier is or has
been related, through common stock, common ownership,
common control, common management, or common familial
relationship to any other motor carrier.''.
SEC. 6206. FINANCIAL SECURITY OF BROKERS AND FREIGHT FORWARDERS.
(a) In General.--Section 13906 is amended by striking subsections
(b) and (c) and inserting the following:
``(b) Broker Financial Security Requirements.--
``(1) Requirements.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may register a
person as a broker under section 13904 only if the
person files with the Secretary a surety bond, proof of
trust fund, or other financial security, or a
combination thereof, in a form and amount, and from a
provider, determined by the Secretary to be adequate to
ensure financial responsibility.
``(B) Use of a group surety bond, trust fund, or
other surety.--In implementing the standards
established by subparagraph (A), the Secretary may
authorize the use of a group surety bond, trust fund,
or other financial security, or a combination thereof,
that meets the requirements of this subsection.
``(C) Surety bonds.--A surety bond obtained under
this section may only be obtained from a bonding
company that has been approved by the Secretary of the
Treasury.
``(D) Proof of trust or other financial security.--
For purposes of subparagraph (A), a trust fund or other
financial security may be acceptable to the Secretary
only if the trust fund or other financial security
consists of assets readily available to pay claims
without resort to personal guarantees or collection of
pledged accounts receivable.
``(2) Scope of financial responsibility.--
``(A) Payment of claims.--A surety bond, trust
fund, or other financial security obtained under
paragraph (1) shall be available to pay any claim
against a broker arising from its failure to pay
freight charges under its contracts, agreements, or
arrangements for transportation subject to jurisdiction
under chapter 135 if--
``(i) subject to the review by the surety
provider, the broker consents to the payment;
``(ii) in the case the broker does not
respond to adequate notice to address the
validity of the claim, the surety provider
determines the claim is valid; or
``(iii) the claim is not resolved within a
reasonable period of time following a
reasonable attempt by the claimant to resolve
the claim under clauses (i) and (ii) and the
claim is reduced to a judgment against the
broker.
``(B) Response of surety providers to claims.--If a
surety provider receives notice of a claim described in
subparagraph (A), the surety provider shall--
``(i) respond to the claim on or before the
30th day following receipt of the notice; and
``(ii) in the case of a denial, set forth
in writing for the claimant the grounds for the
denial.
``(C) Costs and attorneys fees.--In any action
against a surety provider to recover on a claim
described in subparagraph (A), the prevailing party
shall be entitled to recover its reasonable costs and
attorneys fees.
``(3) Minimum financial security.--A broker subject to the
requirements of this section shall provide financial security
of $100,000, regardless of the number of branch offices or
sales agents of the broker.
``(4) Cancellation notice.--If a financial security
required under this subsection is canceled--
``(A) the holder of the financial security shall
provide electronic notification to the Secretary of the
cancellation not later than 30 days before the
effective date of the cancellation; and
``(B) the Secretary shall immediately post such
notification on the public Internet Web site of the
Department of Transportation.
``(5) Suspension.--The Secretary shall immediately suspend
the registration of a broker issued under this chapter if the
available financial security of the broker falls below the
amount required under this subsection.
``(6) Payment of claims in cases of financial failure or
insolvency.--If a broker registered under this chapter
experiences financial failure or insolvency, the surety
provider of the broker shall--
``(A) submit a notice to cancel the financial
security to the Administrator in accordance with
paragraph (4);
``(B) publicly advertise for claims for 60 days
beginning on the date of publication by the Secretary
of the notice to cancel the financial security; and
``(C) pay, not later than 30 days after the
expiration of the 60-day period for submission of
claims--
``(i) all uncontested claims received
during such period; or
``(ii) a pro rata share of such claims if
the total amount of such claims exceeds the
financial security available.
``(7) Penalties.--
``(A) Civil actions.--Either the Secretary or the
Attorney General may bring a civil action in an
appropriate district court of the United States to
enforce the requirements of this subsection or a
regulation prescribed or order issued under this
subsection. The court may award appropriate relief,
including injunctive relief.
``(B) Civil penalties.--If the Secretary
determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing,
that a surety provider of a broker registered under
this chapter has violated the requirements of this
subsection or a regulation prescribed under this
subsection, the surety provider shall be liable to the
United States for a civil penalty in an amount not to
exceed $10,000.
``(C) Eligibility.--If the Secretary determines,
after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a
surety provider of a broker registered under this
chapter has violated the requirements of this
subsection or a regulation prescribed under this
subsection, the surety provider shall be ineligible to
provide the financial security of a broker for 5 years.
``(8) Deduction of costs prohibited.--The amount of the
financial security required under this subsection may not be
reduced by deducting attorney's fees or administrative costs.
``(9) Financial security amount assessment.--Every 5 years,
the Secretary shall review, with public notice and comment, the
amounts of the financial security required under this
subsection to determine whether the amounts are sufficient to
provide adequate financial security, and shall be authorized to
increase the amounts, if necessary, based upon that
determination.
``(c) Freight Forwarder Financial Security Requirements.--
``(1) Requirements.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may register a
person as a freight forwarder under section 13903 only
if the person files with the Secretary a surety bond,
proof of trust fund, or other financial security, or a
combination thereof, in a form and amount, and from a
provider, determined by the Secretary to be adequate to
ensure financial responsibility.
``(B) Use of a group surety bond, trust fund, or
other financial security.--In implementing the
standards established by subparagraph (A), the
Secretary may authorize the use of a group surety bond,
trust fund, or other financial security, or a
combination thereof, that meets the requirements of
this subsection.
``(C) Surety bonds.--A surety bond obtained under
this section may only be obtained from a bonding
company that has been approved by the Secretary of the
Treasury.
``(D) Proof of trust or other financial security.--
For purposes of subparagraph (A), a trust fund or other
financial security may be acceptable to the Secretary
only if the trust fund or other financial security
consists of assets readily available to pay claims
without resort to personal guarantees or collection of
pledged accounts receivable.
``(2) Scope of financial responsibility.--
``(A) Payment of claims.--A surety bond, trust
fund, or other financial security obtained under
paragraph (1) shall be available to pay any claim
against a freight forwarder arising from its failure to
pay freight charges under its contracts, agreements, or
arrangements for transportation subject to jurisdiction
under chapter 135 if--
``(i) subject to the review by the surety
provider, the freight forwarder consents to the
payment;
``(ii) in the case the freight forwarder
does not respond to adequate notice to address
the validity of the claim, the surety provider
determines the claim is valid; or
``(iii) the claim is not resolved within a
reasonable period of time following a
reasonable attempt by the claimant to resolve
the claim under clauses (i) and (ii) and the
claim is reduced to a judgment against the
freight forwarder.
``(B) Response of surety providers to claims.--If a
surety provider receives notice of a claim described in
subparagraph (A), the surety provider shall--
``(i) respond to the claim on or before the
30th day following receipt of the notice; and
``(ii) in the case of a denial, set forth
in writing for the claimant the grounds for the
denial.
``(C) Costs and attorneys fees.--In any action
against a surety provider to recover on a claim
described in subparagraph (A), the prevailing party
shall be entitled to recover its reasonable costs and
attorneys fees.
``(3) Freight forwarder insurance.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may register a
person as a freight forwarder under section 13903 only
if the person files with the Secretary a surety bond,
insurance policy, or other type of financial security
that meets standards to be prescribed by the Secretary.
``(B) Liability insurance.--A financial security
filed by a freight forwarder under subparagraph (A)
shall be sufficient to pay an amount, not to exceed the
amount of the financial security, for each final
judgment against the freight forwarder for--
``(i) bodily injury to, or death of, an
individual, or
``(ii) loss of, or damage to, property
(other than property referred to in
subparagraph (C)),
resulting from the negligent operation, maintenance, or
use of motor vehicles by, or under the direction and
control of, the freight forwarder when providing
transfer, collection, or delivery service under this
part.
``(C) Cargo insurance.--The Secretary may require a
registered freight forwarder to file with the Secretary
a surety bond, insurance policy, or other type of
financial security approved by the Secretary that will
pay an amount, not to exceed the amount of the
financial security, for loss of, or damage to, property
for which the freight forwarder provides service.
``(4) Minimum financial security.--Each freight forwarder
subject to the requirements of this section shall provide
financial security of $100,000, regardless of the number of
branch offices or sales agents of the freight forwarder.
``(5) Cancellation notice.--If a financial security
required under this subsection is canceled--
``(A) the holder of the financial security shall
provide electronic notification to the Secretary of the
cancellation not later than 30 days before the
effective date of the cancellation; and
``(B) the Secretary shall immediately post such
notification on the public Internet Web site of the
Department of Transportation.
``(6) Suspension.--The Secretary shall immediately suspend
the registration of a freight forwarder issued under this
chapter if the available financial security of the freight
forwarder falls below the amount required under this
subsection.
``(7) Payment of claims in cases of financial failure or
insolvency.--If a freight forwarder registered under this
chapter experiences financial failure or insolvency, the surety
provider of the freight forwarder shall--
``(A) submit a notice to cancel the financial
security to the Administrator in accordance with
paragraph (5);
``(B) publicly advertise for claims for 60 days
beginning on the date of publication by the Secretary
of the notice to cancel the financial security; and
``(C) pay, not later than 30 days after the
expiration of the 60-day period for submission of
claims--
``(i) all uncontested claims received
during such period; or
``(ii) a pro rata share of such claims if
the total amount of such claims exceeds the
financial security available.
``(8) Penalties.--
``(A) Civil actions.--Either the Secretary or the
Attorney General may bring a civil action in an
appropriate district court of the United States to
enforce the requirements of this subsection or a
regulation prescribed or order issued under this
subsection. The court may award appropriate relief,
including injunctive relief.
``(B) Civil penalties.--If the Secretary
determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing,
that a surety provider of a freight forwarder
registered under this chapter has violated the
requirements of this subsection or a regulation
prescribed under this subsection, the surety provider
shall be liable to the United States for a civil
penalty in an amount not to exceed $10,000.
``(C) Eligibility.--If the Secretary determines,
after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a
surety provider of a freight forwarder registered under
this chapter has violated the requirements of this
subsection or a regulation prescribed under this
subsection, the surety provider shall be ineligible to
provide the financial security of a freight forwarder
for 5 years.
``(9) Deduction of costs prohibited.--The amount of the
financial security required under this subsection may not be
reduced by deducting attorney's fees or administrative costs.
``(10) Financial security and insurance amount
assessment.--Every 5 years, the Secretary shall review, with
public notice and comment, the amounts of the financial
security and insurance required under this subsection to
determine whether the amounts are sufficient to provide
adequate financial security, and shall be authorized to
increase the amounts, if necessary, based upon that
determination.''.
(b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations to implement and
enforce the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of section 13906 of
title 49, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act.
(d) Review of Security Requirements.--Not later than 15 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the
Department of Transportation shall--
(1) review the regulations and enforcement practices of the
Secretary under subsections (b) and (c) of section 13906 of
title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act; and
(2) make any recommendations to the Secretary that may be
necessary to improve the enforcement of such regulations.
SEC. 6207. REGISTRATION FEE SYSTEM.
Section 13908(d)(1) is amended by striking ``but shall not exceed
$300''.
SEC. 6208. UNLAWFUL BROKERAGE ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--Chapter 149 is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Sec. 14916. Unlawful brokerage activities
``(a) Prohibited Activities.--A person may provide interstate
brokerage services as a broker only if the person--
``(1) is registered under, and in compliance with, section
13904; and
``(2) has satisfied the financial security requirements
under section 13906.
``(b) Subsection (a) shall not apply to--
``(1) a non-vessel-operating common carrier (as defined in
section 40102 of title 46);
``(2) an ocean freight forwarder (as defined in section
40102 of title 46);
``(3) a customs broker licensed in accordance with section
111.2 of title 19, Code of Federal Regulations; or
``(4) an indirect air carrier holding a Standard Security
Program approved by the Transportation Security Administration,
when arranging for inland transportation as part of an international
through movement involving ocean transportation between the United
States and a foreign port.
``(c) Civil Penalties and Private Cause of Action.--Any person who
knowingly authorizes, consents to, or permits, directly or indirectly,
either alone or in conjunction with any other person, a violation of
subsection (a) is liable--
``(1) to the United States Government for a civil penalty
in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each violation; and
``(2) to the injured party for all valid claims incurred
without regard to amount.
``(d) Liable Parties.--The liability for civil penalties and for
claims under this section for unauthorized brokering shall apply,
jointly and severally--
``(1) to any corporate entity or partnership involved; and
``(2) to the individual officers, directors, and principals
of such entities.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``14916. Unlawful brokerage activities.''.
SEC. 6209. REQUIREMENT FOR REGISTRATION AND USDOT NUMBER.
(a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 311 is amended by
inserting after section 31133 the following:
``Sec. 31134. Requirement for registration and Department of
Transportation number
``(a) In General.--An employer or an employee of the employer may
operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce only if the
Secretary of Transportation registers the employer under this section
and issues the employer a Department of Transportation number.
``(b) Registration.--Upon application for registration and a
Department of Transportation number under this section, the Secretary
shall register the employer if the Secretary determines that--
``(1) the employer is willing and able to comply with the
requirements of this subchapter and chapter 51 if applicable;
and
``(2)(A) during the 3-year period before the date of the
filing of the application, the employer was not related through
common stock, common ownership, common control, common
management, or common familial relationship to any other person
subject to safety regulations under this subchapter who, during
such 3-year period, was unwilling or unable to comply with the
requirements of this subchapter or chapter 51 if applicable; or
``(B) the employer has disclosed to the Secretary any
relationship involving common stock, common ownership, common
control, common management, or common familial relationship
between that person and any other motor carrier.
``(c) Revocation or Suspension.--The Secretary shall revoke or
suspend the registration of an employer issued under subsection (b) if
the Secretary determines that--
``(1) the authority of the employer to operate as a motor
carrier, freight forwarder, or broker pursuant to chapter 139
is revoked or suspended under section 13905(d)(1) or 13905(f);
or
``(2) the employer has willfully failed to comply with the
requirements for registration set forth in subsection (b).
``(d) Commercial Registration.--An employer registered under this
section may not provide transportation subject to jurisdiction under
subchapter I of chapter 135 unless the employer is also registered
under section 13902 to provide such transportation.
``(e) State Authority.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
as affecting the authority of a State to issue a Department of
Transportation number under State law to a person operating in
intrastate commerce.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 311 is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 31133 the following:
``31134. Requirement for registration and Department of Transportation
number.''.
Subtitle C--Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety
SEC. 6301. MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) General Authority.--Section 31102 is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 31102. Motor carrier safety assistance program
``(a) General Authority.--The Secretary of Transportation shall
administer a motor carrier safety assistance program to assist States
with--
``(1) the development or implementation of programs for
improving motor carrier safety; and
``(2) the enforcement of Federal regulations, standards,
and orders (and compatible State regulations, standards, and
orders) on--
``(A) commercial motor vehicle safety; and
``(B) hazardous materials transportation safety.
``(b) State Plans.--
``(1) Procedures.--The Secretary shall prescribe procedures
for a State to participate in the program, including procedures
under which the State shall submit a plan, in writing, to the
Secretary in which the State agrees--
``(A) to assume responsibility for improving motor
carrier safety in the State; and
``(B) to adopt and enforce Federal regulations,
standards, and orders (and compatible State
regulations, standards, and orders) on--
``(i) commercial motor vehicle safety; and
``(ii) hazardous materials transportation
safety.
``(2) Contents.--A plan submitted by a State under
paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) provide for implementation of performance-
based activities, including deployment of technology,
to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of
commercial motor vehicle safety programs;
``(B) provide for implementation of a border
commercial motor vehicle safety program and related
enforcement activities if the State shares a land
border with another country;
``(C) designate a State motor vehicle safety agency
(in this paragraph referred to as the `designated State
agency') responsible for administering the plan
throughout the State;
``(D) provide satisfactory assurances that the
designated State agency has or will have the legal
authority, resources, and qualified personnel necessary
to enforce the regulations, standards, and orders;
``(E) provide satisfactory assurances that the
State will devote adequate amounts to the
administration of the plan and enforcement of the
regulations, standards, and orders;
``(F) provide a right of entry and inspection to
carry out the plan;
``(G) provide that all reports required under this
section be submitted to the designated State agency and
that the designated State agency will make the reports
available to the Secretary on request;
``(H) provide that the designated State agency will
adopt the reporting requirements and use the forms for
recordkeeping, inspections, and investigations the
Secretary prescribes;
``(I) require registrants of commercial motor
vehicles to make a declaration of knowledge of
applicable safety regulations, standards, and orders of
the Government and the State;
``(J) provide that the State will grant maximum
reciprocity for inspections conducted under the North
American Inspection Standard through the use of a
nationally accepted system that allows ready
identification of previously inspected commercial motor
vehicles;
``(K) ensure that activities described in
subsection (f)(3)(B), if financed with grants under
this section, will not diminish the effectiveness of
the development and implementation of commercial motor
vehicle safety programs described in subsection (a);
``(L) ensure that the designated State agency will
coordinate the plan, data collection, and information
systems with State highway safety programs under title
23;
``(M) ensure participation in appropriate Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration information systems
and other information systems by all appropriate
jurisdictions receiving funding under this section;
``(N) provide satisfactory assurances that the
State is willing and able to exchange information with
other States in a timely manner;
``(O) provide 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;
``(P) provide satisfactory assurances that the
State will promote activities in support of national
priorities, including--
``(i) activities aimed at removing impaired
commercial motor vehicle drivers from the
highways of the United States--
``(I) through adequate enforcement
of regulations on the use of alcohol
and controlled substances; and
``(II) by ensuring ready roadside
access to alcohol detection and
measuring equipment;
``(ii) 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
``(iii) interdiction activities affecting
the transportation of controlled substances by
commercial motor vehicle drivers and training
on appropriate strategies for carrying out
those interdiction activities;
``(Q) provide satisfactory assurances that the
State has established a program to ensure that--
``(i) accurate, complete, and timely motor
carrier safety data is collected and reported
to the Secretary; and
``(ii) the State will participate in a
national motor carrier safety data correction
system prescribed by the Secretary;
``(R) ensure that the State will cooperate in the
enforcement of financial responsibility requirements
under sections 13906, 31138, and 31139 and regulations
issued thereunder;
``(S) ensure consistent, effective, and reasonable
sanctions;
``(T) ensure that roadside inspections will be
conducted at a location that is adequate to protect the
safety of drivers and enforcement personnel;
``(U) provide satisfactory assurances that the
State will include, in the training manual for the
licensing examination to drive a noncommercial motor
vehicle and a commercial motor vehicle, information on
best practices for driving safely in the vicinity of
noncommercial and commercial motor vehicles;
``(V) provide satisfactory assurances that the
State will enforce the registration requirements of
sections 13902 and 31134 by prohibiting the operation
of any vehicle discovered to be operated by a motor
carrier--
``(i) without a registration issued under
such sections; or
``(ii) beyond the scope of such
registration;
``(W) provide satisfactory assurances that the
State will conduct comprehensive and highly visible
traffic enforcement and commercial motor vehicle safety
inspection programs in high-risk locations and
corridors; and
``(X) provide for implementation of activities to
monitor the safety performance of motor carriers of
passengers, including inspections of commercial motor
vehicles designed or used to transport passengers;
except that roadside inspections must be conducted at a
station, terminal, border crossing, maintenance
facility, destination, or other location where a motor
carrier may make a planned stop, except in the case of
an imminent or obvious safety hazard.
``(3) Maintenance of effort.--
``(A) In general.--A plan submitted by a State
under this subsection shall provide that the total
expenditure of amounts of the State and political
subdivisions of the State (not including amounts of the
United States) for commercial motor vehicle safety
programs and for enforcement of commercial motor
vehicle size and weight limitations, drug interdiction,
and State traffic safety laws and regulations under
subsection (f) will be maintained at a level at least
equal to the average level of that expenditure for the
3 most recent fiscal years ending before the date of
enactment of the Motor Carrier Safety, Efficiency, and
Accountability Act of 2012.
``(B) Calculating state expenditures.--In
calculating the average level of State expenditure, the
Secretary--
``(i) may allow the State to exclude State
expenditures for Government-sponsored
demonstration or pilot programs; and
``(ii) shall require the State to exclude
Government amounts.
``(c) Guidance and Standards.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than October 1, 2013, the
Secretary shall--
``(A) develop guidance on the effectiveness of
specific enforcement and related activities in
generating reductions in fatalities and crashes
involving commercial motor vehicles; and
``(B) publish standards for data timeliness,
accuracy, and completeness that will allow States to
meet the objectives of this section and that are
consistent with the standards issued under section
31106(a)(4).
``(2) Optimization of allocations.--The Secretary shall
develop a tool for States to optimize allocations of motor
carrier safety resources to carry out enforcement and related
activities to meet the objectives of this section.
``(3) Updates of guidance.--The Secretary shall update the
guidance issued under paragraph (1)(A) periodically to reflect
new information.
``(d) Performance Measures.--
``(1) State targets.--For fiscal year 2014, and each fiscal
year thereafter, each State, in the plan submitted by that
State under subsection (b), shall--
``(A) establish targets, in quantifiable metrics,
for enforcement activities, data quality, and other
benchmarks to reduce fatalities and crashes involving
commercial motor vehicles;
``(B) select target activities in accordance with
the Secretary's latest guidance to ensure States pursue
activities likely to generate maximum fatality and
crash reduction; and
``(C) meet the standards for data published by the
Secretary under subsection (c)(1)(B).
``(2) Annual updates of state plans.--A State shall--
``(A) update its plan under subsection (b) annually
to establish targets for the following fiscal year; and
``(B) submit the updated plan to the Secretary.
``(3) Requirements for targets.--If a State receives an
increase in grant funds under this section in a fiscal year as
compared to the previous fiscal year, the targets established
by the State under paragraph (1) for the fiscal year shall
exceed the levels achieved by the State in the previous fiscal
year.
``(4) State reports.--
``(A) Information on fatalities and crashes
involving commercial motor vehicles.--Under the motor
carrier safety assistance program, a State shall report
to the Secretary the number and rate of fatalities and
crashes involving commercial motor vehicles occurring
in the State in the previous fiscal year.
``(B) Other information.--A State shall include in
the report required under subparagraph (A) information
on commercial motor vehicles registered in the State
and involved in crashes in such fiscal year and any
other information requested by the Secretary.
``(5) Assessments.--As part of the annual plan approval
process under subsection (e), the Secretary shall assess
whether--
``(A) a State met its targets in the previous
fiscal year; and
``(B) targeted activities are reducing fatalities
and crashes involving commercial motor vehicles.
``(e) Plan Review.--
``(1) Approval process.--Before distributing grant funds
under subsection (f) in a fiscal year, the Secretary shall--
``(A) review each State plan submitted to the
Secretary under subsection (b), as updated by the State
under subsection (d); and
``(B)(i) approve the plan if the Secretary
determines that the plan is adequate to promote the
objectives of this section; or
``(ii) disapprove the plan.
``(2) Resubmittal.--If the Secretary disapproves a plan
under this subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) give the State a written explanation; and
``(B) allow the State to modify and resubmit the
plan for approval.
``(3) Continuous evaluation of plans.--
``(A) In general.--On the basis of reports
submitted by the motor vehicle safety agency of a State
with a plan approved under this subsection and the
Secretary's own investigations, the Secretary shall
make a continuing evaluation of the way the State is
carrying out the plan.
``(B) Withdrawal of approval.--
``(i) In general.--If the Secretary finds,
after notice and opportunity for comment, a
State plan previously approved under this
subsection is not being followed or has become
inadequate to ensure enforcement of the
regulations, standards, or orders, the
Secretary shall withdraw approval of the plan
and notify the State.
``(ii) Effective date.--The plan shall not
be effective beginning on the date the notice
is received.
``(iii) Judicial review.--A State adversely
affected by a withdrawal under this
subparagraph may seek judicial review under
chapter 7 of title 5.
``(C) Administrative and judicial proceedings.--
Notwithstanding a withdrawal of approval of a State
plan under this paragraph, the State may retain
jurisdiction in administrative or judicial proceedings
begun before the date of the withdrawal if the issues
involved are not related directly to the reasons for
the withdrawal.
``(f) Grants to States.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of funds,
the Secretary shall make grants to States for the development
or implementation of programs under this section in accordance
with paragraph (3).
``(2) Eligibility.--
``(A) In general.--A State shall be eligible for a
grant under this subsection in a fiscal year in an
amount equal to the State's allocated amount determined
under section 31104(f) if the State has in effect a
State plan under subsection (b) that has been approved
by the Secretary under subsection (e) for that fiscal
year.
``(B) Withholding of funds.--In the case of a State
that does not meet the requirements of subparagraph (A)
in a fiscal year, the Secretary may withhold grant
funds from a State's allocated amount determined under
section 31104(f) for that fiscal year as follows:
``(i) The Secretary may withhold up to 25
percent of such funds if the State had a plan
approved under subsection (e) for the fiscal
year preceding the fiscal year of the grant,
but has not had a plan approved under
subsection (e) for the fiscal year of the
grant.
``(ii) The Secretary may withhold up to 50
percent of such funds if the State had a plan
approved under subsection (e) for the second
fiscal year preceding the fiscal year of the
grant, but has not had a plan approved under
subsection (e) for the fiscal year of the grant
and the preceding fiscal year.
``(iii) The Secretary may withhold up to 75
percent of such funds if the State had a plan
approved under subsection (e) for the third
fiscal year preceding the fiscal year of the
grant, but has not had a plan approved under
subsection (e) for the fiscal year of the grant
and the 2 preceding fiscal years.
``(iv) The Secretary may withhold 100
percent of such funds if the State has not had
a plan approved under subsection (e) for the
fiscal year of the grant and the 3 preceding
fiscal years.
``(C) Subsequent availability of withheld funds.--
The Secretary shall make available to a State the grant
funds withheld from the State for a fiscal year under
subparagraph (B) if the Secretary approves the State's
plan under subsection (e) on or before the last day of
that fiscal year.
``(D) Reallocation of withheld funds.--If the
Secretary withholds grant funds from a State for a
fiscal year under subparagraph (B), and the State does
not have a plan approved under subsection (e) on or
before the last day of that fiscal year, such funds
shall be released to the Secretary for reallocation
among the States under section 31104(f) in the
following fiscal year.
``(3) Use of grant funds.--
``(A) In general.--A State receiving a grant under
this subsection shall use the grant funds for
activities to further the State's plan under subsection
(b).
``(B) Use of grants to enforce other laws.--Subject
to subparagraph (C), a State may use grant funds
received under this subsection--
``(i) if carried out in conjunction with an
appropriate inspection of a commercial motor
vehicle to enforce Federal or State commercial
motor vehicle safety regulations, for--
``(I) enforcement of commercial
motor vehicle size and weight
limitations at locations other than
fixed weight facilities, at specific
locations such as 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
``(II) detection of the unlawful
presence of a controlled substance (as
defined under section 102 of the
Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and
Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 802)) in
a commercial motor vehicle or on the
person of any occupant (including the
operator) of the vehicle; and
``(ii) 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.
``(C) Limitations.--
``(i) Effect on commercial motor vehicle
safety programs.--A State may use grant funds
received under this subsection for an activity
described in subparagraph (B) only if the
activity will not diminish the effectiveness of
commercial motor vehicle safety programs
described in subsection (a).
``(ii) Enforcement activities relating to
noncommercial motor vehicles.--A State may not
use more than 5 percent of the total amount of
grants received by the State under this
subsection in a fiscal year for enforcement
activities relating to noncommercial motor
vehicles described in subparagraph (B)(ii)
unless the Secretary determines a higher
percentage will result in significant increases
in commercial motor vehicle safety.
``(g) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate an annual report that--
``(1) analyzes commercial motor vehicle safety trends among
the States and documents the most effective commercial motor
vehicle safety programs implemented with grants under this
section;
``(2) describes the effect of activities carried out with
grants made under this section on commercial motor vehicle
safety; and
``(3) documents the number and rate of fatalities and
crashes involving commercial motor vehicles by State.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 31103(a) is amended by striking
``section 31102(b)(1)(E) of this title'' and inserting ``section
31102(b)(3)''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 311 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 31102 and inserting the
following:
``31102. Motor carrier safety assistance program.''.
SEC. 6302. PERFORMANCE AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 31109 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 31109. Performance and registration information systems
management program
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a performance and
registration information systems management program to link Federal
motor carrier safety information systems with State commercial vehicle
registration and licensing systems as part of the motor carrier
information system established under section 31106.
``(b) Design.--The program shall enable a State to--
``(1) determine the safety fitness of a motor carrier or
registrant--
``(A) when licensing or registering the motor
carrier or registrant; or
``(B) while the license or registration is in
effect; and
``(2) deny, suspend, or revoke the commercial motor vehicle
registration of a motor carrier or registrant to whom the
Secretary has issued an operations out-of-service order.
``(c) Program Participation.--Not later than September 30, 2015,
the Secretary shall require a State to participate in the program by--
``(1) complying with the uniform policies, procedures, and
technical and operational standards prescribed by the Secretary
under section 31106(a)(4);
``(2) having in effect a law providing the State with the
authority to impose the sanctions described in paragraph (3)(A)
on the basis of an out-of-service order issued by the
Secretary; and
``(3) establishing and implementing a process, approved by
the Secretary, to--
``(A) deny, suspend, or revoke the vehicle
registration or seize the registration plates of a
commercial motor vehicle registered to a motor carrier
to whom the Secretary has issued an out-of-service
order; and
``(B) reinstate the vehicle registration or return
the registration plates of the commercial motor vehicle
subject to sanctions under subparagraph (A) if the
Secretary permits such carrier to resume operations
after the date of issuance of such order.
``(d) Funding.--A State may use grant funds made available to the
State under section 4126 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1738) for each of
fiscal years 2013 through 2016 to meet the requirements of this section
for participation in the program under subsection (c).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 31106(b) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraphs (2) through (4);
(2) by striking ``(b) Performance and Registration
Information Program.--'' and all that follows through ``(1)
Information clearinghouse.--The Secretary'' and inserting the
following:
``(b) Information Clearinghouse.--The Secretary''; and
(3) by aligning the remaining text accordingly.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 311 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 31109 and inserting the
following:
``31109. Performance and registration information systems management
program.''.
SEC. 6303. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS
DEPLOYMENT GRANTS.
(a) In General.--Section 4126(a) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1738) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``and Federal'' and all
that follows through the period at the end and inserting a
semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) facilitate compliance with Federal and State
commercial motor vehicle regulatory requirements; and
``(4) provide assistance for State participation in the
performance and registration information systems management
program under section 31109.''.
(b) Amount of Grants.--
(1) Core deployment grants.--Section 4126(c) of such Act
(119 Stat. 1738) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (2); and
(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(2).
(2) Expanded deployment grants.--Section 4126(d) of such
Act (119 Stat. 1739) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (3); and
(B) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph
(3).
(c) Eligibility.--Section 4126(e) of such Act (119 Stat. 1739) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(A) by inserting ``in interstate commerce'' after
``efficiency''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) shall be participating not later than September 30,
2015, in the performance and registration information systems
management program under section 31109 of title 49, United
States Code.''.
(d) Federal Share.--Section 4126(f) of such Act (119 Stat. 1739) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``The Federal'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--The Federal''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Performance and registration information systems
management program.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this subsection, the Federal share of the cost of a project
relating to participation in the performance and registration
information systems management program under section 31109 of
title 49, United States Code, shall be 100 percent for fiscal
years 2013 through 2016.''.
SEC. 6304. COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 31142(b) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Inspection of Vehicles and Record Retention.--
``(1) Regulations on government standards.--The Secretary
of Transportation shall prescribe regulations on Government
standards for inspection of commercial motor vehicles and
retention by employers of records of such inspections.
``(2) Contents of standards.--The standards shall provide
for--
``(A) annual or more frequent inspections of a
commercial motor vehicle designed or used to transport
property unless the Secretary finds that another
inspection system is as effective as an annual or more
frequent inspection system; and
``(B) annual or more frequent inspections of a
commercial motor vehicle designed or used to transport
passengers.
``(3) Treatment of regulations.--Regulations prescribed
under this subsection shall be treated as regulations
prescribed under section 31136.
``(4) Special rules for inspection program.--Any inspection
required under paragraph (2)(B) shall be conducted by, or under
a program established by, the State in which the vehicle is
registered. A roadside inspection conducted by a State or other
jurisdiction shall not be considered an inspection for the
purposes of meeting the requirements of paragraph (2)(B).''.
(b) Periodic Review of State Safety Inspection Programs.--The
Secretary shall periodically review State safety inspection programs of
commercial motor vehicles designed or used to transport passengers.
SEC. 6305. AMENDMENTS TO SAFETY FITNESS DETERMINATION.
On and after the date the Secretary publishes in the Federal
register the final rule revising the safety fitness determination
methodology established pursuant to 31144 of title 49, United States
Code, to correspond with the Compliance Safety Accountability program,
the Secretary shall consider Safety Recommendation H-99-6 of the
National Transportation Safety Board, issued February 26, 1999, closed.
SEC. 6306. NEW ENTRANT CARRIERS.
(a) Safety Review.--Section 31144(g)(1) is amended to read as
follows:
``(1) Safety review.--The Secretary shall require, by
regulation, each owner and operator issued a new registration
under section 13902 or 31134 to undergo a safety review under
this section--
``(A) except as provided by subparagraphs (B) and
(C), within the first 18 months after the date on which
the owner or operator begins operations under such
registration;
``(B) in the case of an owner or operator with
authority to transport hazardous materials, within the
first 9 months after the date on which the owner or
operator begins operations under such registration; and
``(C) in the case of an owner or operator with
authority to transport passengers, within the first 90
days after the date on which the owner or operator
begins operations under such registration.''.
(b) New Entrant Registration.--Section 31144(g)(4) is amended to
read as follows:
``(4) New entrant registration.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this title, any new registration issued
under section 13902 or 31134 shall each be designated
as new entrant registration until the safety review
required by paragraph (1) is completed.
``(B) Requirement for issuance of permanent
operating authority.--A new registration issued to an
owner or operator under section 13902 or 31134 shall
become permanent after the owner or operator has passed
the safety review required under paragraph (1).''.
(c) Funding.--Section 31144(g)(5) is amended to read as follows:
``(5) Funding.--
``(A) In general.--A State shall carry out the
requirements of this section with funds allocated to
the State under section 31104(f).
``(B) Determination.--If the Secretary determines
that a State or local government is not able to use
government employees to conduct new entrant motor
carrier safety reviews with funds allocated to the
State under section 31104(f), the Secretary may conduct
for the State or local government the safety reviews
that the State or local government is not able to
conduct with such funds.''.
(d) Federal Share.--Section 31103(b) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) New Entrant Motor Carrier Safety Reviews.--
``(1) Increase in share of costs.--Subject to paragraph
(2), the Secretary may reimburse a State an amount that is up
to 100 percent of the costs incurred by the State in a fiscal
year for new entrant motor carrier safety reviews conducted
under section 31144(g).
``(2) Limitation.--The increased Federal share provided
under paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to reimbursements
of costs described in paragraph (1) made using not more than 20
percent of the funds allocated to a State under section
31104(f) for a fiscal year. Any such reimbursements made using
an amount in excess of 20 percent of such funds shall be
subject to the cost-sharing requirements of subsection (a).''.
(e) Conforming Amendment.--Section 31144(g) is amended, in the
subsection heading, by striking ``Safety Reviews of New Operators'' and
inserting ``New Entrant Motor Carrier Safety Reviews''.
SEC. 6307. IMPROVED OVERSIGHT OF MOTOR CARRIERS OF PASSENGERS.
Section 31144 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Safety Reviews of Owners and Operators of Interstate For-Hire
Commercial Motor Vehicles Designed or Used To Transport Passengers.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than September 30, 2015, the
Secretary shall determine the safety fitness of each owner, and
each operator, of a commercial motor vehicle designed or used
to transport passengers who the Secretary registers, on or
before September 30, 2014 (including before the date of
enactment of this subsection), under section 13902 or 31134.
``(2) Safety fitness rating.--As part of the safety fitness
determination required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
assign a safety fitness rating to each owner and each operator
described in paragraph (1).
``(3) Periodic monitoring.--
``(A) Process.--The Secretary shall establish a
process, by regulation, for monitoring on a regular
basis the safety performance of an owner or operator of
a commercial motor vehicle designed or used to
transport passengers, following the assignment of a
safety rating to such owner or operator.
``(B) Elements of monitoring and safety
enforcement.--Regulations issued under subparagraph (A)
shall provide for the following:
``(i) Monitoring of the safety performance,
in critical safety areas (as defined by the
Secretary, by regulation) of an owner or
operator of a commercial motor vehicle designed
or used to transport passengers (including by
activities conducted onsite at the offices of
the owner or operator or offsite).
``(ii) Increasingly more stringent
interventions designed to correct unsafe
practices of an owner or operator of a
commercial motor vehicle designed or used to
transport passengers.
``(iii) Periodic updates to the safety
fitness rating of an owner or operator if the
Secretary determines that such update will
improve the safety performance of the owner or
operator.
``(iv) Enforcement action, including
determining that the owner or operator is not
fit and may not operate a commercial motor
vehicle under subsection (c)(2).''.
SEC. 6308. DRIVER MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS.
(a) Examination Requirement for National Registry of Medical
Examiners.--Section 31149(c)(1)(D) is amended to read as follows:
``(D) develop requirements applicable to a medical
examiner in order for the medical examiner to be listed
in the national registry established under this
section, including--
``(i) specific courses and materials that
must be completed;
``(ii) at a minimum, self-certification
requirements to verify that the medical
examiner has completed specific training,
including refresher courses, that the Secretary
determines are necessary; and
``(iii) an examination developed by the
Secretary for which a passing grade must be
achieved.''.
(b) Additional Oversight of Licensing Authorities.--
(1) In general.--Section 31149(c)(1) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (F) by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) review each year the implementation of
commercial driver's license requirements of a minimum
of 10 States to assess the accuracy, validity, and
timeliness of--
``(i) submission of physical examination
reports and medical certificates to State
licensing agencies; and
``(ii) the processing of such submissions
by State licensing agencies.''.
(2) Internal oversight policy.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
establish an oversight policy and process within the
Department for the purposes of carrying out the
requirement of section 31149(c)(1)(G) of title 49,
United States Code, as added by paragraph (1) of this
subsection.
(B) Effective date.--Section 31149(c)(1)(G) of
title 49, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1)
of this subsection, shall take effect on the date that
the oversight policy and process is established
pursuant to subparagraph (A).
(c) Deadline for Establishment of National Registry of Medical
Examiners.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary shall establish a national registry of medical
examiners as required by section 31149(d)(1) of title 49, United States
Code.
SEC. 6309. COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.
(a) Safety Standards for Commercial Motor Vehicles of Property.--
(1) Research.--The Secretary shall conduct research on the
need for roof strength, pillar strength, frontal and back wall
strength, and other potential occupant protection standards for
commercial motor vehicles of property.
(2) Commercial motor vehicle of property defined.--In this
subsection, the term ``commercial motor vehicle of property''
means a motor vehicle used in commerce to transport property
that has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight
of at least 26,001 pounds, whichever is greater.
(b) Safety Standards for Motorcoaches.--
(1) Safety standards for new motorcoaches.--
(A) Occupant protection systems.--
(i) In general.--Not later than 3 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall issue standards for motorcoach
occupant protection systems that account for
frontal impact collisions, side impact
collisions, rear impact collisions, and
rollovers. Such standards shall not eliminate
or lessen the occupant protection standards in
effect on the date of enactment of this Act and
shall--
(I) be based on sound scientific
research, extensive testing, and
analysis by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration,
consistent with the recommendations of
the National Transportation Safety
Board regarding motorcoach occupant
protection; and
(II) take into consideration the
various types of motorcoaches and the
various uses and configurations of the
occupant compartment as well as local,
State, and Federal size and weight
limits and restrictions.
(ii) Contents.--Such standards may include
seatbelts or other occupant protection systems,
passive or otherwise, for passengers, including
those in child safety restraint systems.
(iii) Consultation.--Prior to issuing such
standards, the Secretary shall consult with
affected parties, as appropriate, on the
proceedings leading to the issuance of the
standards required by this subparagraph. Any
communications concerning such consultation
shall be included in the public record of the
proceedings leading to the issuance of such
standards and shall be subject to public
comment.
(B) Roof strength.--
(i) Research and testing.--The Secretary
shall conduct research and testing on roof
strength to determine the method or methods
that provide adequate survival space for all
seating positions.
(ii) Standards.--Not later than 3 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall issue roof strength standards
for motorcoaches based on the results of such
research and testing and taking into account
all motorcoach window dimensions and highway
size and weight restrictions.
(C) Window glazing.--
(i) Research and testing.--The Secretary
shall conduct research and testing on advanced
window glazing and securement to determine the
best method or methods for window glazing to
prevent motorcoach occupant ejection.
(ii) Standards.--Not later than 3 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall revise window glazing standards
for motorcoaches based on the results of such
research and testing and taking into account
all motorcoach window dimensions and highway
height and weight restrictions.
(D) Fire prevention and mitigation.--
(i) Research and testing.--The Secretary
shall conduct research and testing to determine
the most prevalent causes of motorcoach fires
and the best methods to prevent such fires and
to mitigate the effect of such fires, both
inside and outside the motorcoach.
(ii) Standards.--Not later than 3 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall issue fire prevention and
mitigation standards for motorcoaches, based on
the results of the Secretary's research and
testing, taking into account motorcoach highway
size and weight restrictions.
(E) Emergency evacuation design.--
(i) Research and testing.--The Secretary
shall conduct research and testing to determine
any necessary changes in motorcoach design
standards, including windows and doors, to
improve motorcoach emergency evacuation.
(ii) Standards.--Not later than 3 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall issue motorcoach emergency
evacuation design standards, including--
(I) window standards that enhance
the use of windows for emergency
evacuation to the maximum extent
feasible, while not detracting from the
window glazing standards to be issued
under this paragraph; and
(II) door standards, including
design of the wheelchair lift door for
emergency evacuation use.
(iii) Motorcoach highway size and weight
restrictions.--Such standards shall take into
account motorcoach highway size and weight
restrictions.
(F) General provisions.--
(i) Effect on state and local laws.--
Notwithstanding any provision of chapter 301 of
title 49, United States Code, a State or a
political subdivision of a State may not adopt
or enforce a law or regulation related to a
motorcoach crash avoidance and occupant
protection system prior to the effective date
of the regulations issued pursuant to this
paragraph.
(ii) Applicability of standards.--The
standards issued under subparagraphs (A)
through (E) shall require motorcoaches
manufactured after the last day of 3-year
period beginning on the date on which such
standards are issued to be engineered and
equipped to meet such standards.
(iii) Limitation on statutory
construction.--Nothing in this subsection or in
the regulations issued pursuant to this
subsection may be construed as indicating an
intention by Congress to affect, change, or
modify in any way the liability, if any, of a
motorcoach manufacturer or motorcoach owner or
operator under applicable law to buses or
motorcoaches, manufactured and operated with or
without passenger seat belts or other passenger
restraint systems, prior to the effective date
of the regulations issued under this
subsection.
(2) Safety standards for existing motorcoaches.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the
date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary
shall issue standards for motorcoaches that are
manufactured before the date that is 3 years after the
date on which the standards required under paragraph
(1) are issued, taking into account the limitations
posed by the need to retrofit existing motorcoaches.
Such standards shall have the same objectives as the
standards required under subparagraphs (A) through (E)
of paragraph (1), but may differ from such standards
based on what is technically feasible for existing
motorcoaches.
(B) Standards for component parts and equipment.--
In lieu of issuing comprehensive standards for
motorcoaches under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may
develop standards for various component parts and
equipment of motorcoaches that would increase occupant
protection.
(C) Effective date.--The effective date for the
standards issued under this subsection shall be the
same as the effective date for the standards issued
under paragraph (1).
(D) Certification.--The Secretary shall establish,
by regulation, a system whereby the motorcoaches to
which the standards issued under subparagraph (A) apply
shall be certified as in compliance with such
standards. Such certification shall be carried out by
the Secretary or by private parties at the discretion
and authorization of the Secretary.
(3) Compliance timetables.--
(A) Effective date.--The effective date of the
standards issued under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be
3 years after the date on which such final standards
are issued. All motorcoaches manufactured after such
date shall comply with such standards.
(B) Phased in requirements.--
(i) First phase.--Not later than 6 years
after the effective date of the standards
issued under paragraphs (1) and (2), a
motorcoach owner or operator shall ensure that
at least 50 percent of the motorcoaches used by
the owner or operator comply with either the
standards issued under paragraph (1) or the
standards issued under paragraph (2), as
appropriate.
(ii) Second phase.--Not later than 12 years
after the effective date of the standards
issued under paragraphs (1) and (2), a
motorcoach owner or operator shall ensure that
100 percent of the motorcoaches used by the
owner or operator comply with either of such
standards.
(C) State and local laws.--
(i) Liability of motorcoach manufacturers
and owners and operators.--Nothing in this
subsection may be construed to affect, change,
or modify in any way the liability, if any, of
a motorcoach manufacturer or motorcoach owner
or operator under applicable law to buses or
motorcoaches unless the manufacturer or owner
or operator is shown not to be in compliance
with the timetables set forth in subparagraphs
(A) and (B).
(ii) Preemption.--Notwithstanding any
provision of chapter 301 of title 49, United
States Code, a State or a political subdivision
of a State may not adopt or enforce a law or
regulation related to any of the standards
required by paragraphs (1) and (2) during the
time periods set forth in subparagraphs (A) and
(B).
(4) Definition of motorcoach.--In this subsection, the term
``motorcoach'' means an over-the-road bus, characterized by an
elevated passenger deck located over a baggage compartment.
SEC. 6310. CRASH AVOIDANCE TECHNOLOGY.
(a) Study.--The Secretary shall study the effectiveness of crash
avoidance technologies as countermeasures to lessen the impact of
distracted driving in commercial motor vehicle crashes.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than October 1, 2013, the
Secretary shall submit 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 detailing
the results of the study.
SEC. 6311. EXPANSION OF COLLISION MITIGATION STUDY.
(a) Study.--The Secretary shall expand the ongoing study of the
Department on collision mitigation systems in commercial motor vehicles
to include systems that can react to a stopped vehicle.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than October 1, 2013, the
Secretary shall submit 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 detailing
the results of the study.
Subtitle D--Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators
SEC. 6401. NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE FOR RECORDS RELATING TO ALCOHOL AND
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TESTING OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE
OPERATORS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 313 is amended by inserting after section
31306 the following:
``Sec. 31306a. National clearinghouse for records relating to alcohol
and controlled substances testing
``(a) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the requirements of this
section, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish and
maintain an information system that will serve as a national
clearinghouse for records relating to the alcohol and
controlled substances testing program applicable to operators
of commercial motor vehicles under section 31306.
``(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the clearinghouse shall
be--
``(A) to improve compliance with the requirements
of the testing program; and
``(B) to help prevent accidents and injuries
resulting from the misuse of alcohol or use of
controlled substances by operators of commercial motor
vehicles.
``(3) Contents.--The clearinghouse shall be a repository of
records relating to violations of the testing program by
individuals submitted to the Secretary in accordance with this
section.
``(4) Electronic exchange of records.--The Secretary shall
ensure the ability for records to be submitted to the
clearinghouse, and requested from the clearinghouse, on an
electronic basis.
``(5) Deadline.--The Secretary shall establish the
clearinghouse not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this section.
``(b) Employment Prohibitions.--
``(1) In general.--An employer may permit an individual to
operate a commercial motor vehicle or perform any other safety
sensitive function only if the employer makes a request for
information from the clearinghouse at such times as the
Secretary shall specify, by regulation, and the information in
the clearinghouse at the time of the request indicates that the
individual--
``(A) has not violated the requirements of the
testing program in the preceding 3-year period; or
``(B) if the individual has violated the
requirements of the testing program during that period,
is eligible to return to safety sensitive duties
pursuant to the return-to-duty process established
under the testing program.
``(2) Violations.--For purposes of paragraph (1), an
individual shall be considered to have violated the
requirements of the testing program if the individual--
``(A) has a confirmed or verified, as applicable,
positive alcohol or controlled substances test result
under the testing program;
``(B) has failed or refused to submit to an alcohol
or controlled substances test under the testing
program; or
``(C) has otherwise failed to comply with the
requirements of the testing program.
``(3) Applicability.--Paragraph (1) shall apply to an
individual who performs a safety sensitive function for an
employer as a full-time regularly employed driver, casual,
intermittent, or occasional driver, or leased driver, or
independent owner-operator contractor of such employer or, as
determined by the Secretary, pursuant to another arrangement.
``(4) Written notice that clearinghouse is operational.--
The Secretary shall issue a written notice when the Secretary
determines that the clearinghouse is operational and employers
are able to use the clearinghouse to meet the requirements of
section 382.413 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as in
effect on the date of enactment of this section.
``(5) Effective date.--Paragraph (1) shall take effect on a
date specified by the Secretary in the written notice issued
under paragraph (4) that is not later than 30 days after the
date of issuance of the written notice.
``(6) Continued application of existing requirements.--
Following the date on which paragraph (1) takes effect, an
employer shall continue to be subject to the requirements of
section 382.413 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as in
effect on the date of enactment of this section, for a period
of 3 years or for such longer period as the Secretary
determines appropriate.
``(7) Notice of requirements applicable to employers.--The
Secretary shall provide notice of the requirements applicable
to employers under this section through published notices in
the Federal Register.
``(c) Reporting of Records.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require employers
and appropriate service agents, including medical review
officers, to submit to the Secretary for inclusion in the
clearinghouse records of violations of the testing program by
individuals described in subsection (b)(3).
``(2) Specific reporting requirements.--In carrying out
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall require, at a minimum--
``(A) a medical review officer to report promptly,
as determined by the Secretary, to the clearinghouse--
``(i) a verified positive controlled
substances test result of an individual under
the testing program; and
``(ii) a failure or refusal of an
individual to submit to a controlled substances
test in accordance with the requirements of the
testing program; and
``(B) an employer (or, in the case of an operator
of a commercial motor vehicle who is self-employed, the
service agent administering the operator's testing
program) to report promptly, as determined by the
Secretary, to the clearinghouse--
``(i) a confirmed positive alcohol test
result of an individual under the testing
program; and
``(ii) a failure or refusal of an
individual to provide a specimen for a
controlled substances test in accordance with
the requirements of the testing program.
``(3) Updating of records.--The Secretary shall ensure that
a record in the clearinghouse is updated to include a return-
to-duty test result of an individual under the testing program.
``(4) Inclusion of records in clearinghouse.--The Secretary
shall include all records of violations received pursuant to
this subsection in the clearinghouse.
``(5) Modifications and deletions.--If the Secretary
determines that a record contained in the clearinghouse is not
accurate, the Secretary shall modify or delete the record.
``(6) Notification of individuals.--The Secretary shall
establish a process to provide notification to an individual
of--
``(A) a submission of a record to the clearinghouse
relating to the individual; and
``(B) any modification or deletion of a record in
the clearinghouse pertaining to the individual,
including the reason for the modification or deletion.
``(7) Timely and accurate reporting.--The Secretary may
establish additional requirements, as appropriate, to ensure
timely and accurate reporting of records to the clearinghouse.
``(8) Deletion of records.--The Secretary shall delete a
record of a violation submitted to the clearinghouse after a
period of 3 years beginning on the date the individual is
eligible to return to safety sensitive duties pursuant to the
return-to-duty process established under the testing program.
``(d) Access to Clearinghouse by Employers.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a process
for an employer to request and receive records in the
clearinghouse pertaining to an individual in accordance with
subsection (b).
``(2) Written consent of individuals.--An employer shall
obtain the written consent of an individual before requesting
any records in the clearinghouse pertaining to the individual.
``(3) Access to records.--Upon receipt of a request for
records from an employer under paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall provide the employer with access to the records as
expeditiously as practicable.
``(4) Records of requests.--The Secretary shall require an
employer to maintain for a 3-year period--
``(A) a record of each request made by the employer
for records from the clearinghouse; and
``(B) any information received pursuant to the
request.
``(5) Use of records.--
``(A) In general.--An employer--
``(i) may obtain from the clearinghouse a
record pertaining to an individual only for the
purpose of determining whether a prohibition
applies with respect to the individual to
operate a commercial motor vehicle or perform
any other safety sensitive function under
subsection (b)(1); and
``(ii) may use the record only for such
purpose.
``(B) Protection of privacy of individuals.--An
employer that receives a record from the clearinghouse
pertaining to an individual shall protect the privacy
of the individual and the confidentiality of the
record, including taking reasonable precautions to
ensure that information contained in the record is not
divulged to any person who is not directly involved in
determining whether a prohibition applies with respect
to the individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle
or perform any other safety sensitive function under
subsection (b)(1).
``(e) Access to Clearinghouse by Individuals.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a process
for an individual to request and receive information from the
clearinghouse--
``(A) to learn whether a record pertaining to the
individual is contained in the clearinghouse;
``(B) to verify the accuracy of the record;
``(C) to verify updates to the individual's record,
including completion of a return-to-duty process under
the testing program; and
``(D) to learn of requests for information from the
clearinghouse regarding the individual.
``(2) Dispute procedure.--The Secretary shall establish a
procedure, including an appeal process, for an individual to
dispute and remedy an administrative error in a record
pertaining to the individual in the clearinghouse, except that
the appeal process shall not be used to dispute or remedy the
validity of a controlled substance or alcohol test result.
``(3) Access to records.--Upon receipt of a request for
records from an individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall provide the individual with access to the records as
expeditiously as practicable.
``(f) Access to Clearinghouse by Chief Commercial Driver Licensing
Officials.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a process
for the chief commercial driver licensing official of a State
to request and receive records pertaining to an individual from
the clearinghouse.
``(2) Use of information.--The chief commercial driver
licensing official of a State may not obtain from the
clearinghouse a record pertaining to an individual for any
purpose other than to take an action related to a commercial
driver's license for the individual under applicable State law
or to comply with section 31311(a)(22).
``(g) Use of Clearinghouse Information for Enforcement Purposes.--
The Secretary may use the records in the clearinghouse for the purposes
of enforcement activities under this chapter.
``(h) Design of Clearinghouse.--
``(1) In general.--In establishing the clearinghouse, the
Secretary shall develop a secure process for--
``(A) registration, authorization, and
authentication of a user of the clearinghouse;
``(B) registration, authorization, and
authentication of individuals required to report to the
clearinghouse under subsection (c);
``(C) preventing information from the clearinghouse
from being accessed by unauthorized users;
``(D) timely and accurate electronic submissions of
data to the clearinghouse under subsection (c);
``(E) timely and accurate access to records from
the clearinghouse under subsections (d), (e), and (f);
and
``(F) updates to an individual's record related to
compliance with the return-to-duty process under the
testing program.
``(2) Archive capability.--The clearinghouse shall be
designed to allow for an archive of the receipt, modification,
and deletion of records for the purposes of auditing and
evaluating the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of data
in the clearinghouse.
``(3) Security standards.--The clearinghouse shall be
designed and administered in compliance with applicable
Department of Transportation information technology security
standards.
``(4) Interoperability with other systems.--In establishing
the clearinghouse and developing requirements for data to be
included in the clearinghouse, the Secretary, to the maximum
extent practicable, shall take into consideration--
``(A) existing information systems containing
regulatory and safety data for motor vehicle operators;
``(B) the efficacy of using or combining
clearinghouse data with 1 or more of such systems; and
``(C) the potential interoperability of the
clearinghouse with existing and future information
systems containing regulatory and safety data for motor
vehicle operators.
``(i) Privacy.--
``(1) Availability of clearinghouse information.--The
Secretary shall establish a process to make information
available from the clearinghouse in a manner that is consistent
with this section and applicable Federal information and
privacy laws, including regulations.
``(2) Unauthorized individuals.--The Secretary may not
provide information from the clearinghouse to an individual who
is not authorized by this section to receive the information.
``(j) Fees.--
``(1) Authority to collect fees.--
``(A) General authority.--The Secretary may collect
fees for requests for information from the
clearinghouse.
``(B) Amount to be collected.--Fees collected under
this subsection in a fiscal year shall equal as nearly
as possible the costs of operating the clearinghouse in
that fiscal year, including personnel costs.
``(C) Receipts to be credited as offsetting
collections.--The amount of any fee collected under
this subsection shall be--
``(i) credited as offsetting collections to
the account that finances the activities and
services for which the fee is imposed; and
``(ii) available without further
appropriation for such activities and services
until expended.
``(2) Limitation.--The Secretary shall ensure that an
individual requesting information from the clearinghouse in
order to dispute or remedy an error in a record pertaining to
the individual pursuant to subsection (e)(2) may obtain the
information without being subject to a fee authorized by
paragraph (1).
``(k) Enforcement.--An employer, and any person acting as a service
agent, shall be subject to civil and criminal penalties for a violation
of this section in accordance with section 521(b).
``(l) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Chief commercial driver licensing official.--The term
`chief commercial driver licensing official' means the official
in a State who is authorized--
``(A) to maintain a record about a commercial
driver's license issued by the State; and
``(B) to take action on a commercial driver's
license issued by the State.
``(2) Clearinghouse.--The term `clearinghouse' means the
clearinghouse to be established under subsection (a).
``(3) Employer.--Notwithstanding section 31301, the term
`employer' means a person or entity employing 1 or more
employees (including an individual who is self-employed) that
is subject to Department of Transportation requirements under
the testing program. The term does not include a service agent.
``(4) Medical review officer.--The term `medical review
officer' means a person who is a licensed physician and who is
responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory results
generated under the testing program and evaluating medical
explanations for certain controlled substances test results.
``(5) Safety sensitive function.--The term `safety
sensitive function' has the meaning such term has under part
382 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor
regulation.
``(6) Service agent.--The term `service agent' means a
person or entity, other than an employee of an employer, who
provides services covered by part 40 of title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation, to employers
or employees (or both) under the testing program, and the term
includes a medical review officer.
``(7) Testing program.--The term `testing program' means
the alcohol and controlled substances testing program
established under section 31306.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is amended
by inserting after the item relating to section 31306 the following:
``31306a. National clearinghouse for records relating to alcohol and
controlled substances testing.''.
(c) Penalties.--
(1) Application of penalty.--Section 31306(j) is amended by
inserting ``An employer, including an individual who is self-
employed, shall be subject to civil and criminal penalties in
accordance with section 521(b) for a violation of this
section.'' before ``This section''.
(2) Violations relating to commercial motor vehicle safety
regulations and operators.--Section 521(b) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A) by inserting ``31306,
31306a,'' before ``31310(g)(1)(A)'';
(B) in paragraphs (2)(A), (2)(B), and (6)(A) by
inserting ``31306, 31306a, or'' before ``31502''; and
(C) in paragraph (5)(A) by inserting ``31306,
31306a,'' before ``or 31502''.
(3) Controlled substance or alcohol testing.--Any person
acting as a service agent under the Secretary's regulations in
part 40 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect
on the date of enactment of this Act, who violates the
requirements prescribed by the Secretary for conducting alcohol
or controlled substances testing under such part or any related
regulation of the Department shall be liable to the United
States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $10,000
for each violation. Each day that a violation continues shall
constitute a separate violation.
SEC. 6402. COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR TRAINING.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue final regulations
establishing minimum training requirements for commercial motor vehicle
operators.
(b) Requirements.--The regulations shall--
(1) require commercial motor vehicle operators, before
obtaining a commercial driver's license for the first time or
upgrading from one class of commercial driver's license to
another, to receive training that meets the requirements
established by the Secretary;
(2) address the knowledge and skills necessary for an
operator of a commercial motor vehicle to safely operate a
commercial motor vehicle;
(3) address the specific and additional training needs of
commercial motor vehicle operators seeking passenger or
hazardous materials endorsements;
(4) require instruction that is effective for acquiring the
knowledge and skills referred to in paragraphs (2) and (3);
(5) require the issuance of a certification that a
commercial motor vehicle operator has met the requirements
established by the Secretary; and
(6) require a training provider (including public or
private driving schools, motor carriers, or owners or operators
of a commercial motor vehicle) offering training that results
in the issuance of a certification to an operator under
paragraph (5) to demonstrate that such training meets the
requirements of the regulations, through a process established
by the Secretary.
(c) Commercial Driver's License Uniform Standards.--Section
31308(1) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) an individual issued a commercial driver's license--
``(A) pass written and driving tests for the
operation of a commercial motor vehicle that comply
with the minimum standards prescribed by the Secretary
under section 31305(a); and
``(B) present certification of completion of driver
training that meets the requirements established by the
Secretary under section 4042 of the Motor Carrier
Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability Act of 2012;''.
SEC. 6403. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 31309(e)(4)(A) is amended by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``and must use the systems to receive
and submit conviction and disqualification data.''.
(b) Requirements for State Participation.--
(1) In general.--Section 31311(a) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (5) by striking ``At least'' and
all that follows through ``regulation),'' and inserting
the following: ``Within the time period the Secretary
prescribes by regulation,''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(22) Before renewing or issuing a commercial driver's
license to an individual, the State shall request information
pertaining to the individual from the drug and alcohol
clearinghouse maintained under section 31306a.
``(23) The State shall ensure that the State's commercial
driver's license information system complies with applicable
Federal information technology standards.''.
(2) State commercial driver's license program plan.--
Section 31311 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) State Commercial Driver's License Program Plan.--
``(1) In general.--A State shall develop and submit to the
Secretary for approval a plan for complying with the
requirements of subsection (a) in the period beginning on the
date that the plan is approved and ending on September 30,
2017.
``(2) Contents.--A plan submitted by a State under
paragraph (1) shall identify--
``(A) the actions that the State must take to
address any deficiencies in the State's commercial
driver's license program, as identified by the
Secretary in the most recent audit of the program; and
``(B) other actions that the State must take to
comply with the requirements of subsection (a).
``(3) Priority.--
``(A) Implementation schedule.--A plan submitted by
a State under paragraph (1) shall include a schedule
for the implementation of the actions identified under
paragraph (2).
``(B) Deadline for compliance with requirements.--A
plan submitted by a State under paragraph (1) shall
include assurances that the State will take the
necessary actions to comply with the requirements of
subsection (a) not later than September 30, 2017.
``(4) Approval and disapproval.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) review a plan submitted by a State under
paragraph (1); and
``(B)(i) approve the plan if the Secretary
determines that the plan is adequate to promote the
objectives of this section; or
``(ii) disapprove the plan.
``(5) Modification of disapproved plans.--If the Secretary
disapproves a plan under this subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) provide the State a written explanation of
the disapproval; and
``(B) allow the State to modify and resubmit the
plan for approval.
``(6) Plan updates.--The Secretary may require States to
review and update plans, as appropriate.''.
(3) Annual comparison of state levels of compliance.--
Section 31311 is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(e) Annual Comparison of State Levels of Compliance.--On an
annual basis, the Secretary shall--
``(1) conduct a comparison of the relative levels of
compliance by States with the requirements of subsection (a);
and
``(2) make available to the public the results of the
comparison, using a mechanism that the Secretary determines
appropriate.''.
(c) Grants for Commercial Driver's License Program
Implementation.--
(1) In general.--Section 31313(a) is amended to read as
follows:
``(a) Grants for Commercial Driver's License Program
Implementation.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation may make
a grant to a State in a fiscal year to assist the State in
complying with the requirements of section 31311.
``(2) Eligibility.--A State shall be eligible for a grant
under this subsection if the State has in effect a commercial
driver's license program plan approved by the Secretary under
section 31311(d).
``(3) Uses of grant funds.--A State may use grant funds
under this subsection--
``(A) to comply with section 31311; and
``(B) in the case of a State that is making a good
faith effort toward substantial compliance with the
requirements of section 31311 and this section, 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; and
``(iv) to establish and implement a system
to notify an employer of an operator of a
commercial motor vehicle of a suspension or
revocation of such operator's driver's license.
``(C) Prohibitions.--A State may not use grant
funds under this subsection to rent, lease, or buy land
or buildings.
``(4) Maintenance of expenditures.--The Secretary may make
a grant to a State under this subsection only if the State
provides assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the
total expenditure of amounts of the State and political
subdivisions of the State (not including amounts of the United
States) for the State's commercial driver's license program
will be maintained at a level that at least equals the average
level of that expenditure by the State and political
subdivisions of the State for the most recent 3 fiscal years
ending before the date of enactment of the Motor Carrier
Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability Act of 2012.''.
(2) Apportionment.--Section 31313 is amended--
(A) by striking subsections (b) and (c);
(B) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection
(b); and
(C) by striking subsection (b) (as so redesignated)
and inserting the following:
``(b) Apportionment.--
``(1) Apportionment formula.--Subject to paragraph (2), the
amounts made available to carry out this section for a fiscal
year shall be apportioned among the States in the ratio that--
``(A) the number of commercial driver's licenses
issued in each State; bears to
``(B) the total number of commercial driver's
licenses issued in all States.
``(2) Minimum apportionment.--The apportionment to each
State that has in effect a commercial driver's license program
plan approved by the Secretary under section 31311(d) shall be
not less than one-half of 1 percent of the total funds
available to carry out this section.''.
(3) Conforming amendment.--The section heading for section
31313 is amended by striking ``improvements'' and inserting
``implementation''.
(4) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 313 is
amended by striking the item relating to section 31313 and
inserting the following:
``31313. Grants for commercial driver's license program
implementation.''.
SEC. 6404. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT
REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall review and assess the current
knowledge and skill testing requirements for a commercial driver's
license passenger endorsement to determine what improvements to the
knowledge test or examination of driving skills are necessary to ensure
the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles designed or used to
transport passengers.
(b) Report.--Not later than 120 days after completion of the review
and assessment under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate--
(1) a report on the review and assessment conducted under
subsection (a);
(2) a plan to implement any changes to the knowledge and
skills tests; and
(3) a timeframe by which the Secretary will implement the
changes.
SEC. 6405. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT
EXEMPTION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may not require an individual with a
class A commercial driver's license to obtain a hazardous materials
endorsement under part 383 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or
any successor regulation), in order to operate a service vehicle
carrying diesel fuel in quantities of 3,785 liters (1,000 gallons) or
less if--
(1) the tank containing such fuel is clearly marked with a
placard reading ``Diesel Fuel''; and
(2) the individual is acting within the scope of the
individual's employment as an employee of any of the following
farm-related service industries:
(A) Agri-chemical business.
(B) Custom harvesters.
(C) Farm retail outlets and suppliers.
(D) Livestock feeders.
(b) Implementation.--The Secretary shall carry out subsection (a)
in a manner consistent with the exemption provided to restricted
commercial driver's license holders under section 383.3(f) of title 49,
Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 6406. PROGRAM TO ASSIST VETERANS TO ACQUIRE COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S
LICENSES.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of Defense and in cooperation with the States, shall
establish accelerated licensing procedures to assist veterans to
acquire commercial driver's licenses.
(b) Accelerated Licensing Procedures.--The procedures established
under subsection (a) shall be designed to be applicable to any veteran
who--
(1) is attempting to acquire a commercial driver's license;
and
(2) obtained, during military service, driving experience
that, in the determination of the Secretary, makes the use of
accelerated licensing procedures appropriate.
(c) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) Commercial driver's license.--The term ``commercial
driver's license'' has the meaning given that term in section
31301 of title 49, United States Code.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' has the meaning given that
term in section 31301 of title 49, United States Code.
(3) Veteran.--The term ``veteran'' has the meaning given
that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
Subtitle E--Motor Carrier Safety
SEC. 6501. MOTOR CARRIER TRANSPORTATION.
Section 13506(a)(4) is amended by inserting ``in interstate or
intrastate commerce'' after ``a motor vehicle''.
SEC. 6502. HOURS OF SERVICE STUDY.
(a) Hours of Service Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than March 31, 2013, the
Secretary shall complete a field study on the efficacy of the
restart rule published on December 27, 2011 (in this section
referred to as the ``2011 restart rule''), applicable to
operators of commercial motor vehicles of property subject to
maximum driving time requirements of the Secretary.
(2) Requirement.--The study shall expand upon the results
of the laboratory-based study relating to commercial motor
vehicle driver fatigue sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration presented in the report of December 2010
titled ``Investigation into Motor Carrier Practices to Achieve
Optimal Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Performance: Phase I''.
(3) Criteria.--In conducting the field study, the Secretary
shall ensure that--
(A) the methodology for the field study is
consistent, to the maximum extent possible, with the
laboratory-based study methodology;
(B) the data collected is representative of the
drivers and motor carriers affected by the maximum
driving time requirements;
(C) the analysis is statistically valid; and
(D) the field study follows the plan for the
``Scheduling and Fatigue Recovery Project'' developed
by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than April 30, 2013, the
Secretary shall submit 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 detailing
the results of the study.
(c) Rule Modification and Implementation.--
(1) Applicable restart rule.--The restart rule published on
November 19, 2008, shall remain in effect until the Secretary
completes the field study on the 2011 restart rule under
subsection (a).
(2) Implementation on schedule.--If the Secretary
determines that the results of the field study support the 2011
restart rule, the rule shall be implemented beginning on the
effective date established in the rule.
(3) Modification.--
(A) In general.--If the Secretary determines that
the results of the field study do not support the 2011
restart rule, the Secretary shall--
(i) stay the implementation of the rule;
and
(ii) conduct a rulemaking to modify the
rule based on the results of the study.
(B) Interim rule.--If the Secretary stays the
implementation of the 2011 restart rule under
subparagraph (A)(i), the restart rule published on
November 19, 2008, shall remain in effect until the
effective date of a final rule issued under
subparagraph (A)(ii).
SEC. 6503. ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICES.
(a) In General.--If the Secretary issues regulations regarding
electronic logging devices to be used to monitor compliance with the
Secretary's requirements for hours of service of drivers under part 395
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, the regulations shall include
performance standards.
(b) Performance Standards and Certification Criteria.--
(1) Performance standards.--Any performance standards
issued under subsection (a) shall ensure, at a minimum, that an
electronic logging device installed in a commercial motor
vehicle--
(A) is synchronized to the operation of the vehicle
engine or provides real-time tracking of vehicle
location;
(B) is able to identify each individual who
operates the vehicle and track the periods during which
such individual operates the vehicle;
(C) enables law enforcement personnel to access
information contained in the recorder quickly and
easily during a roadside inspection; and
(D) is tamperproof.
(2) Certification criteria.--
(A) In general.--If the Secretary issues
regulations described in subsection (a), the Secretary,
in issuing the regulations, shall establish the
criteria and a process for the certification of
electronic logging devices to ensure that such devices
meet the performance standards issued under subsection
(a).
(B) Effect of noncertification.--Electronic logging
devices that are not certified in accordance with the
certification process established under subparagraph
(A) shall not be acceptable evidence of hours of
service and record of duty status requirements under
part 395 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
(3) Additional requirements.--If the Secretary issues
regulations described in subsection (a), the Secretary, in
issuing the regulations, shall--
(A) define a standardized user interface to aid
vehicle operator compliance and law enforcement
reviews;
(B) establish a secure process for--
(i) standardized and unique vehicle
operator identification;
(ii) data access;
(iii) data transfer for vehicle operators
between motor vehicles;
(iv) data storage for motor carriers; and
(v) data transfer and transportability for
law enforcement; and
(C) establish a standard security level for
electronic logging devices to be tamper resistant.
(c) Additional Considerations.--If the Secretary issues regulations
described in subsection (a), the Secretary, in issuing the regulations,
shall--
(1) evaluate the ability of electronic logging device
technologies that meet the performance standards described in
subsection (b)--
(A) to record accurately the time an individual
operating a commercial motor vehicle spends on duty but
not driving, including time spent loading and
unloading; and
(B) to ensure all time on duty is accounted for and
cannot be altered or otherwise tampered with by the
operator or motor carrier;
(2) reduce or eliminate requirements for drivers and motor
carriers to retain supporting documentation associated with
paper-based records of duty status if--
(A) data contained in an electronic logging device
supplants such documentation; and
(B) using such data without paper-based records
does not diminish the Secretary's ability to audit and
review compliance with the Secretary's hours of service
regulations; and
(3) include such measures as the Secretary determines are
necessary to protect the privacy of individuals whose personal
information is contained in an electronic logging device.
(d) Use of Data.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may utilize information
contained in an electronic logging device only to enforce the
Secretary's motor carrier safety and related regulations,
including record-of-duty status regulations.
(2) Measures to preserve confidentiality of personal
data.--The Secretary shall institute appropriate measures to
preserve the confidentiality of any personal data contained in
an electronic logging device and disclosed in the course of
actions taken by the Secretary or law enforcement officials to
enforce the regulations referred to in paragraph (1).
(e) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) Commercial motor vehicle.--The term ``commercial motor
vehicle'' has the meaning given that term in section 31132 of
title 49, United States Code.
(2) Electronic logging device.--The term ``electronic
logging device'' means an electronic device that acquires and
stores data showing the record of duty status of the vehicle
operator and performs the functions required in section
395.16(b) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as in
effect on April 5, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg. 17246).
SEC. 6504. MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
Section 4144(d) of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 31100 note; 119 Stat.
1748) is amended by striking ``shall terminate'' and all that follows
through the period at the end and inserting ``shall terminate on
September 30, 2017.''.
SEC. 6505. TRANSPORTATION OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES AND FARM
SUPPLIES.
Section 229(a)(1) of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of
1999 (49 U.S.C. 31136 note) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) Transportation of agricultural commodities and farm
supplies.--Regulations issued by the Secretary under sections
31136 and 31502 of title 49, United States Code, regarding
maximum driving and on-duty time for a driver used by a motor
carrier, shall not apply during a planting or harvest period of
a State, as that period is determined by the State, to--
``(A) drivers transporting agricultural commodities
in the State from the source of the agricultural
commodities to a location within a 150 air-mile radius
from the source;
``(B) drivers transporting farm supplies for
agricultural purposes in the State from a wholesale or
retail distribution point of the farm supplies to a
farm or other location where the farm supplies are
intended to be used within a 150 air-mile radius from
the distribution point; or
``(C) drivers transporting farm supplies for
agricultural purposes in the State from a wholesale
distribution point of the farm supplies to a retail
distribution point of the farm supplies within a 150
air-mile radius from the wholesale distribution
point.''.
SEC. 6506. EXEMPTION RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION OF GRAPES DURING
HARVEST PERIODS.
Regulations issued by the Secretary of Transportation under
sections 31136 and 31502 of title 49, United States Code, regarding
maximum driving and on-duty time for a driver used by a motor carrier,
shall not apply, beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, to a
driver transporting grapes in a State if the transportation--
(1) is during a harvest period (as that period is
determined by the State); and
(2) is limited to an area within a 175 air-mile radius from
the location where the grapes are picked or distributed.
Subtitle F--Miscellaneous
SEC. 6601. EXEMPTIONS FROM REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN FARM VEHICLES.
(a) Federal Requirements.--A covered farm vehicle, including the
individual operating that vehicle, shall be exempt from the following:
(1) Any requirement relating to commercial driver's
licenses established under chapter 313 of title 49, United
States Code.
(2) Any requirement relating to drug testing established
under chapter 313 of title 49, United States Code.
(3) Any requirement relating to medical certificates
established under--
(A) subchapter III of chapter 311 of title 49,
United States Code; or
(B) chapter 313 of title 49, United States Code.
(4) Any requirement relating to hours of service
established under--
(A) subchapter III of chapter 311 of title 49,
United States Code; or
(B) chapter 315 of title 49, United States Code.
(b) State Requirements.--
(1) In general.--Federal transportation funding to a State
may not be terminated, limited, or otherwise interfered with as
a result of the State exempting a covered farm vehicle,
including the individual operating that vehicle, from any State
requirement relating to the operation of that vehicle.
(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) does not apply with respect
to a covered farm vehicle transporting hazardous materials that
require a placard.
(c) Covered Farm Vehicle Defined.--
(1) In general.--In this section, the term ``covered farm
vehicle'' means a motor vehicle--
(A) that--
(i) is traveling in the State in which the
vehicle is registered or another State;
(ii) is operated by--
(I) a farm owner or operator;
(II) a ranch owner or operator; or
(III) an employee or family member
of an individual specified in subclause
(I) or (II);
(iii) is transporting to or from a farm or
ranch--
(I) agricultural commodities;
(II) livestock; or
(III) machinery or supplies;
(iv) except as provided in paragraph (2),
is not used in the operations of a for-hire
motor carrier; and
(v) is equipped with a special license
plate or other designation by the State in
which the vehicle is registered to allow for
identification of the vehicle as a farm vehicle
by law enforcement personnel; and
(B) that has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross
vehicle weight, whichever is greater, that is--
(i) 26,001 pounds or less; or
(ii) greater than 26,001 pounds and
traveling within 150 air miles of the farm or
ranch with respect to which the vehicle is
being operated.
(2) Inclusion.--In this section, the term ``covered farm
vehicle'' includes a motor vehicle that meets the requirements
of paragraph (1) (other than paragraph (1)(A)(iv)) and is--
(A) operated pursuant to a crop share farm lease
agreement;
(B) owned by a tenant with respect to that
agreement; and
(C) transporting the landlord's portion of the
crops under that agreement.
SEC. 6602. TECHNICAL CORRECTION.
Section 306(c)(2)(B) of the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of
2008 (29 U.S.C. 207 note; 122 Stat. 1621) is amended--
(1) in clause (ii) by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in clause (iii) by striking ``and'' at the end and
inserting ``or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) operating under contracts with rail
carriers subject to part A of subtitle IV of
title 49, United States Code, and used to
transport employees of such rail carriers;
and''.
SEC. 6603. STUDY OF IMPACT OF REGULATIONS ON SMALL TRUCKING COMPANIES.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
conduct a study to assess trends in motor carrier safety relating to
small trucking companies and independent operators, including the
extent to which Federal motor carrier safety regulation adversely
impacts and economically and competitively disadvantages small trucking
companies and independent operators and the extent to which there is a
correlation between company size and crash rates and crash causation.
(b) Contents.--The study shall contain the following:
(1) Overall trends in highway crashes involving large
trucks for the past 2 decades, including a separate analysis of
the annual number of incidents involving a large truck only, a
truck and automobile, and more than one large truck.
(2) Crash causation factors typical in each type of
incident described in paragraph (1), including the frequency of
large truck crashes caused by or in which an automobile driver
was predominately at fault, and the ratio of truck driver
fatigue versus automobile driver fatigue.
(3) The correlation of--
(A) truck driver turnover and truck driver
retention and longevity rates with a given trucking
company to company crash rates, crash causation, the
severity of injuries, number of fatalities, and fault;
and
(B) truck driver experience and safety records
proportional to company size.
(4) The role of truck driver experience level, longevity
with a given trucking company, retention rate, high driver
turnover rates, and truck driver inexperience in highway
crashes involving trucks, and the degree to which each is a
factor in a crash.
(5) The degree and frequency of such contributing factors
as weather conditions, traffic congestion, daytime or nighttime
conditions, variety of road and vehicle types, and types of
pick-up and delivery locations (such as urban, rural, and small
metropolitan areas) in crashes involving a truck.
(6) Impacts and incentives perceived by truck drivers
caused by current Federal motor carrier safety regulations and
the inflexibility in the application and enforcement of
regulations.
(7) An assessment of the data quality of the Compliance,
Safety, and Accountability initiative of the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration, including compliance with the
Data Quality Act (Public Law 106-554; section 515 of H.R. 5658,
as introduced on December 14, 2000), the number of carriers for
which there is insufficient data, discrepancies in measurements
and methodologies, complaints about data quality, and whether
company size impacts data quality.
(c) Report.--Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 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 on the results of the study, including recommendations for
achieving a better balance of safety with competition and efficiency
and recommendations to reduce adverse regulatory impacts on small
trucking companies and independent operators.
(d) Prohibition.--No proposed regulations from the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration that relate to the contents of the study
may become final or take effect before the expiration of the 180-day
period beginning on the date the Comptroller General submits to the
Committees the report described in subsection (c).
SEC. 6604. REPORT ON SMALL TRUCKING COMPANIES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall
submit 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 on the efforts of the Department
of Transportation to better balance truck competition and efficiency
with safety.
(b) Contents.--The report shall contain the following:
(1) A description of specific steps that modal
administrations within the Department have taken and plan to
take to reduce economic and competitive disadvantages imposed
by specific regulations on small trucking companies, their
truck drivers, and independent operators.
(2) A description of specific performance goals, plans for,
and performance to date on regulatory flexibility measures,
pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Public Law 96-354),
the Data Quality Act (Public Law 106-554; section 515 of H.R.
5658, as introduced on December 14, 2000), and the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-511), that are
affirmatively and precisely designed to achieve greater
flexibility with respect to regulatory compliance, in
particular detailing concrete steps to reasonably accommodate
the needs unique to small trucking companies, independent
operators, and special load haulers (such as of livestock,
frozen foodstuffs, and automobiles), relating to hours of
service rules, log- and recordkeeping, and the accounting of
driver time lost due to loading and unloading, traffic, or
weather delays.
(3) A table showing the relation of truck driver experience
and tenure with a trucking company or as an independent
operator to incidence of being at fault in an accident.
SEC. 6605. RULEMAKING ON ROAD VISIBILITY OF AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT.
(a) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary, after consultation with the American
Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, other appropriate
Federal agencies, and other appropriate persons, shall issue a rule to
improve the daytime and nighttime visibility of agricultural equipment
that may be operated on a public road. Such rule shall establish
minimum lighting and marking standards for applicable agricultural
equipment manufactured 1 year or more subsequent to the effective date
of the rule. Such rule shall provide for methods, materials,
specifications, or equipment employed, equivalent to the standard set
in ANSI/ASAE S279.14 published in July 2008 by the American Society of
Agriculture and Biological Engineers and entitled ``Lighting and
Marking of Agricultural Equipment on Highways'', or any successor
standard.
(b) Review.--The Secretary shall periodically, and not less than
once every 5 years, review the standards established under this section
and shall revise the standards to reflect the provisions of the edition
of ANSI/ASAE S279 that is in effect at the time of the review.
(c) Rules of Construction.--
(1) Compliance with successor standards.--No provision of
any rule issued pursuant to this section shall prohibit the
operation on public roads of agricultural equipment that is
equipped according to any adopted edition of ANSI/ASAE S279
that is later than the edition of such standard that is
referenced during the issuance of the rule.
(2) No retrofitting required.--No provision of any rule
issued pursuant to this section shall require the retrofitting
of agricultural equipment that is manufactured prior to 1 year
after the date on which a final rule is issued pursuant to
subsection (a).
(3) No effect on additional materials and equipment.--No
provision of any rule issued pursuant to this section shall
prohibit the operation on public roads of agricultural
equipment that is equipped with materials or equipment that are
in addition to the minimum materials and equipment specified by
the standards established under the rule.
(d) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) Agricultural equipment.--The term ``agricultural
equipment'' means ``agricultural field equipment'' as defined
under the standard ANSI/ASABE S390.4 published by the American
Society of Agriculture and Biological Engineers, or any
successor standard.
(2) Public road.--The term ``public road'' has the meaning
given that term in section 101 of title 23, United States Code.
SEC. 6606. TRANSPORTATION OF HORSES.
Section 80502 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c) by striking ``This section does not''
and inserting ``Subsections (a) and (b) do not'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
(3) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Transportation of Horses.--
``(1) Prohibition.--No person may transport, or cause to be
transported, a horse from a place in a State, the District of
Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States
through or to a place in another State, the District of
Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States in
a motor vehicle containing 2 or more levels stacked on top of
each other.
``(2) Motor vehicle defined.--In this subsection, the term
`motor vehicle' has the meaning given that term in section
13102.''; and
(4) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (2) of
this subsection)--
(A) by striking ``A rail carrier'' and inserting
the following:
``(1) In general.--A rail carrier'';
(B) by striking ``this section'' and inserting
``subsection (a) or (b)'';
(C) by striking ``On learning of a violation'' and
inserting the following:
``(2) Transportation of horses in multilevel trailer.--
``(A) Civil penalty.--A person that knowingly
violates subsection (d) is liable to the United States
Government for a civil penalty of at least $100 but not
more than $500 for each violation. A separate violation
occurs under subsection (d) for each horse that is
transported, or caused to be transported, in violation
of subsection (d).
``(B) Relationship to other laws.--The penalty
provided under subparagraph (A) shall be in addition to
any penalty or remedy available under any other law or
common law.
``(3) Civil action.--On learning of a violation of a
provision of this section''.
SEC. 6607. REGULATORY REVIEW AND REVISION.
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall review and revise the Federal motor carrier safety
regulations contained in chapter III of subtitle B of title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations, to--
(1) simplify the regulations; and
(2) eliminate those requirements that are outmoded or
excessively burdensome.
SEC. 6608. ISSUANCE OF SAFETY REGULATIONS.
The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary in fiscal
year 2012 to expedite the issuance of safety regulations to carry out
this title (and the amendments made by this title) following the
effective date of this title.
SEC. 6609. REPEALS.
(a) Repeal of High-Priority Program.--Section 31104(k) is repealed.
(b) Border Enforcement Grants.--Section 31107, and the item
relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 311, are repealed.
(c) Commercial Driver's License Information System Modernization.--
Subsections (c), (d), and (e) of section 4123 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat.
1735-1736) are repealed.
(d) Outreach and Education.--Section 4127 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat.
1741), and the item relating to that section in the table of contents
contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(e) Safety Data Improvement Program.--Section 4128 of SAFETEA-LU
(119 Stat. 1742), and the item relating to that section in the table of
contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(f) Grant Program for Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators.--Section
4134 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1744), and the item relating to that
section in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act,
are repealed.
(g) Report on Motor Carrier Employee Protections.--Section 4023 of
the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 31105
note; 112 Stat. 415), and the item relating to that section in the
table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
TITLE VII--RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
SEC. 7001. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--The following sums are authorized to be
appropriated out of the Alternative Transportation Account of the
Highway Trust Fund:
(1) Highway research and development program.--To carry out
section 503 of title 23, United States Code, $141,750,000 for
each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(2) Technology and innovation deployment program.--To carry
out section 503a of title 23, United States Code, $60,750,000
for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(3) Training and education.--To carry out section 504 of
title 23, United States Code, $25,500,000 for each of fiscal
years 2013 through 2016.
(4) Intelligent transportation systems research.--To carry
out sections 512, 514, 515, 516, and 517 of title 23, United
States Code, $110,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through
2016.
(5) University transportation research.--To carry out
section 5506 of title 49, United States Code, $75,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(6) Bureau of transportation statistics.--To carry out
section 111 of title 49, United States Code, $27,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
(b) Applicability of Chapter 1 of Title 23.--Funds authorized to be
appropriated by subsection (a) shall be available for obligation in the
same manner as if such 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 such funds shall be 80 percent,
unless otherwise expressly provided by this Act (including the
amendments made by this Act) or otherwise determined by the Secretary,
and such funds shall remain available until expended and shall not be
transferable.
SEC. 7002. OBLIGATION CEILING.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the total of all
obligations from amounts made available from the Alternative
Transportation Account of the Highway Trust Fund by section 7001(a)
shall be $440,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016.
SEC. 7003. DEFINITIONS.
Section 501 of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (7);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (1) as paragraph (2);
(3) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(1) Connected vehicle technology.--The term `connected
vehicle technology' means the utilization of wireless
technology to enable multiple vehicles to communicate
information to each other.''; and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(3) Incident.--The term `incident' means a crash, natural
disaster, workzone activity, special event, or other emergency
road user occurrence that adversely affects or impedes the
normal flow of traffic.
``(4) Intelligent transportation infrastructure.--The term
`intelligent transportation infrastructure' means fully
integrated public sector intelligent transportation system
components, as defined by the Secretary.
``(5) Intelligent transportation system.--The term
`intelligent transportation system' means electronics,
photonics, communications, or information processing used
singly or in combination to improve the efficiency or safety of
a surface transportation system.
``(6) National architecture.--The term `national
architecture' means the common framework for interoperability
that defines--
``(A) the functions associated with intelligent
transportation system user services;
``(B) the physical entities or subsystems within
which the functions reside;
``(C) the data interfaces and information flows
between physical subsystems; and
``(D) the communications requirements associated
with the information flows.''.
SEC. 7004. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND
TECHNOLOGY.
(a) In General.--Section 502 of title 23, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in the section heading by striking ``research'' and
inserting ``research, development, and technology'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (B)
through (D) as subparagraphs (C) through (E),
respectively;
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A)
the following:
``(B) addresses current or emerging needs;'';
(iii) in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated
by clause (i) of this subparagraph) by striking
``supports research in which there is'' and
inserting ``delivers'';
(iv) in subparagraph (D) (as redesignated
by clause (i) of this subparagraph) by striking
``or'' after the semicolon;
(v) in subparagraph (E) (as redesignated by
clause (i) of this subparagraph) by striking
the period at the end and inserting a
semicolon; and
(vi) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) presents the best means to align resources
with multiyear plans and priorities; or
``(G) ensures the coordination of highway research
and technology transfer activities, including those
performed by the university transportation centers
established under subchapter I of chapter 55 of title
49.'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``support and'' and
inserting ``partner with State
transportation departments and other
stakeholders as appropriate to''; and
(II) by striking ``by State highway
agencies'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) by striking ``share'' and
inserting ``communicate'';
(II) by inserting ``on-going and''
before ``completed''; and
(III) by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (D)--
(I) by striking ``support and
facilitate technology'' and inserting
``lead efforts to coordinate areas of
national emphasis for highway research,
technology,''; and
(II) by striking the period at the
end and inserting a semicolon; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) leverage partnerships with industry,
academia, and other entities; and
``(F) conduct, facilitate, and support training and
education of current and future transportation
professionals.'';
(C) in paragraph (4)(C) by striking ``policy and
planning'' and inserting ``all highway objectives
seeking to improve the performance of the
transportation system'';
(D) in paragraph (5) by inserting ``tribal
governments,'' after ``local governments,'';
(E) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the
following:
``(7) Performance review and evaluation.--
``(A) In general.--To the maximum extent
practicable, all surface transportation research and
development projects shall include a component of
performance measurement and evaluation.
``(B) Performance measures.--Performance measures
shall be established during the proposal stage of a
research and development project and shall, to the
maximum extent practicable, be outcome-based.
``(C) Program plan.--To the maximum extent
practicable, each program pursued under this chapter
shall be part of a data-driven, outcome-oriented
program plan.
``(D) Availability of evaluations.--All evaluations
under this paragraph shall be made readily available to
the public.''; and
(F) in paragraph (8) by striking ``surface'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the
following:
``(4) Technological innovation.--The Secretary shall ensure
that the programs and activities carried out under this chapter
are consistent with the transportation research and development
strategic plan developed under section 508.'';
(B) in paragraph (5) by striking ``section'' each
place it appears and inserting ``chapter'';
(C) in paragraph (6) by adding at the end the
following:
``(C) Transfer of funds among states or to federal
highway administration.--The Secretary, at the request
of a State, may transfer funds apportioned or allocated
under this chapter to the State to another State, or to
the Federal Highway Administration, for the purpose of
funding research, development, and technology transfer
activities of mutual interest on a pooled funds basis.
``(D) Transfer of obligation authority.--Obligation
authority for funds transferred under this subsection
shall be transferred in the same manner and amount as
the funds for projects that are transferred under this
subsection.''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Prize competitions.--
``(A) In general.--Consistent with section 24 of
the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980,
the Secretary may carry out a program to award prizes
competitively to stimulate innovation in the area of
surface transportation that has the potential to
advance the Federal Highway Administration's research
and technology objectives and activities under section
503.
``(B) Annual report.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than March 1
of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure
and Science, Space, and Technology of the House
of Representatives and the Committees on
Environment and Public Works and Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a
report on the activities carried out during the
preceding fiscal year under the authority in
subparagraph (A) if such authority under
subparagraph (A) was utilized by the Secretary.
``(ii) Information included.--A report
under this subparagraph shall include, for each
prize competition under subparagraph (A), the
following:
``(I) A description of the proposed
goals of each prize competition.
``(II) An analysis of why the
utilization of the authority in
subparagraph (A) was the preferable
method of achieving the goals described
in subclause (I) as opposed to other
authorities available to the agency,
such as contracts, grants, and
cooperative agreements.
``(III) The total amount of cash
prizes awarded for each prize
competition, including a description of
the amount of private funds contributed
to the program, the sources of such
funds, and the manner in which the
amounts of cash prizes awarded and
claimed were allocated among the
accounts of the agency for recording as
obligations and expenditures.
``(IV) The methods used for the
solicitation and evaluation of
submissions under each prize
competition, together with an
assessment of the effectiveness of such
methods and lessons learned for future
prize competitions.
``(V) A description of the
resources, including personnel and
funding, used in the execution of each
prize competition together with a
detailed description of the activities
for which such resources were used and
an accounting of how funding for
execution was allocated among the
accounts of the agency for recording as
obligations and expenditures.
``(VI) A description of how each
prize competition advanced the mission
of the Department of Transportation.'';
(4) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (3)(A)--
(i) by striking ``The'' and inserting
``Except as otherwise provided in this chapter,
the'';
(ii) by striking ``subsection'' and
inserting ``chapter''; and
(iii) by striking ``50'' and inserting
``80'';
(B) in paragraph (4) by striking ``subsection'' and
inserting ``chapter''; and
(5) by striking subsections (d) through (j).
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23,
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section
502 and inserting the following:
``502. Surface transportation research, development, and technology.''.
SEC. 7005. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Section 503 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 503. Research and development
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a research and
development program in accordance with this section and the strategic
plan developed under section 508.
``(b) Responsibilities.--To address current and emerging highway
transportation needs, the Secretary, in carrying out the program under
this section, shall--
``(1) identify research topics;
``(2) conduct research, testing, and evaluation activities;
``(3) facilitate technology transfer;
``(4) provide technical assistance; and
``(5) ensure program activities are coordinated with the
transportation research and development strategic plan
developed under section 508.
``(c) Improving Highway Safety.--
``(1) Objectives.--In carrying out the program under this
section, the Secretary shall create systematic measures to
improve highway safety for all road users, vehicles, and public
roads to--
``(A) achieve greater long-term safety gains;
``(B) reduce the number of fatalities and serious
injuries;
``(C) fill knowledge gaps that currently limit the
effectiveness of research;
``(D) support the development and implementation of
State strategic highway safety plans under section 148;
``(E) advance improvements in and use of
performance prediction analysis for decisionmaking;
``(F) expand technology transfer to partners and
stakeholders;
``(G) achieve safety benefits through connected
vehicle technology; and
``(H) enhance rural highway safety.
``(2) Activities.--Research and development activities
carried out under this subsection may include activities
relating to--
``(A) safety assessments and decisionmaking tools;
``(B) data collection and analysis;
``(C) crash reduction projections;
``(D) low-cost safety countermeasures;
``(E) innovative operational improvements and
designs of roadway and roadside features;
``(F) evaluation of countermeasure costs and
benefits;
``(G) development of tools for projecting impacts
of safety countermeasures;
``(H) rural road safety;
``(I) safety policy studies;
``(J) human factors studies and methods;
``(K) safety technology deployment;
``(L) safety program and process improvements; and
``(M) tools and methods to enhance safety
performance, including achievement of statewide safety
performance targets.
``(d) Improving Highway Infrastructure Integrity.--
``(1) Objectives.--In carrying out the program under this
section, the Secretary shall improve the ability to maintain
highway infrastructure integrity, meet user needs, and improve
system performance through targeted Federal transportation
investments to--
``(A) reduce the number of fatalities attributable
to highway infrastructure design characteristics and
work zones;
``(B) improve the safety of highway infrastructure;
``(C) increase the reliability of life-cycle
performance predictions used in highway infrastructure
design, construction, and management;
``(D) improve the ability of transportation
agencies to deliver projects that meet expectations for
timeliness, quality, and cost;
``(E) reduce user delay attributable to highway
infrastructure system performance, maintenance,
rehabilitation, and construction;
``(F) improve highway condition and performance
through increased use of innovative pavements during
highway design, construction, and maintenance;
``(G) improve highway condition and performance
through increased use of innovative designs, materials,
and construction methods in the construction, repair,
and rehabilitation of bridges;
``(H) reduce the life-cycle environmental impacts
of highway infrastructure, including design,
construction, operation, preservation, and maintenance;
and
``(I) improve the resiliency of roadways to
commercial heavy freight traffic.
``(2) Activities.--Research and technology activities
carried out under this subsection may include activities
relating to--
``(A) long-term infrastructure performance programs
addressing pavements, bridges, tunnels, and other
structures;
``(B) short-term and accelerated studies of highway
infrastructure performance;
``(C) the development of more durable highway and
bridge infrastructure materials and systems, including
the use of carbon fiber composite materials in bridge
replacement and rehabilitation;
``(D) advanced highway and bridge infrastructure
design methods;
``(E) accelerated highway construction;
``(F) performance-based specifications;
``(G) construction and materials quality assurance;
``(H) comprehensive and integrated highway
infrastructure asset management;
``(I) technology transfer and adoption of
permeable, pervious, or porous paving materials,
practices, and systems that are designed to minimize
environmental impacts, stormwater runoff, and flooding
and to treat or remove pollutants by allowing
stormwater to infiltrate through the pavement in a
manner similar to predevelopment hydrologic conditions;
``(J) sustainable highway infrastructure design and
construction;
``(K) highway and bridge infrastructure
rehabilitation and preservation techniques, including
those techniques to address historic infrastructure;
``(L) hydraulic, geotechnical, and aerodynamic
aspects of highway infrastructure;
``(M) improved highway construction technologies
and practices;
``(N) improved tools, technologies, and models for
highway and bridge infrastructure management, including
assessment and monitoring of infrastructure condition;
``(O) improving flexibility and resiliency of
highway and bridge infrastructure systems to withstand
climate variability; and
``(P) highway infrastructure resilience and other
adaptation measures.
``(e) Reducing Congestion, Improving Highway Operations, and
Enhancing Freight Productivity.--
``(1) Objectives.--In carrying out the program under this
section, the Secretary shall examine approaches to reduce
traffic congestion (including freight-related congestion
throughout the transportation network), reduce the costs of
such congestion, and improve freight movement.
``(2) Activities.--Research and technology activities
carried out under this subsection may include examination of--
``(A) active traffic and demand management;
``(B) accelerating deployment of intelligent
transportation systems;
``(C) arterial management and traffic signal
operation;
``(D) congestion pricing;
``(E) corridor management;
``(F) emergency operations;
``(G) freeway management;
``(H) impacts of vehicle size and weight;
``(I) freight operations and technology;
``(J) operations and freight performance
measurement and management;
``(K) organizing and planning for operations;
``(L) planned special events management;
``(M) real-time transportation information;
``(N) road weather management;
``(O) traffic and freight data and analysis tools;
``(P) traffic control devices;
``(Q) traffic incident management;
``(R) workzone management;
``(S) mechanisms that communicate travel, roadway,
and emergency information to all road users (as defined
in section 148); and
``(T) enhanced mode choice and intermodal
connectivity.
``(f) Assessing Policy and System Financing Alternatives.--
``(1) Objectives.--In carrying out the program under this
section, the Secretary shall conduct policy analysis on
emerging issues in the transportation community to provide
information to policymakers and decisionmakers.
``(2) Activities.--Research and technology activities
carried out under this subsection may include activities
relating to--
``(A) highway needs and investment analysis;
``(B) analysis of legislative development and
implementation;
``(C) highway policy analysis;
``(D) the effect of highway congestion on the
economy;
``(E) research in emerging policy areas;
``(F) advancing innovations in revenue generation,
financing, and procurement for project delivery;
``(G) improving project financial and cost
analysis;
``(H) highway performance measurement;
``(I) travel demand performance measurement; and
``(J) highway finance performance measurement.
``(3) Infrastructure investment needs report.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than July 31, 2012,
and July 31 of every second year thereafter, the
Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Environment and
Public Works of the Senate a report that describes
estimates of the future highway and bridge needs of the
United States and the backlog of highway and bridge
needs at the time of the report.
``(B) Comparison.--Each report under subparagraph
(A) shall provide the means, including all necessary
information, to relate and compare the conditions and
service measures used in the previous biennial reports.
``(g) Exploratory Advanced Research.--In carrying out the program
under this section, the Secretary shall conduct long-term, higher-risk
research, consistent with the transportation research and development
plan under section 508, with the potential for dramatic breakthroughs
in the field of highway transportation.
``(h) Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Contracts.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out the program under this
section, the Secretary may make grants to, and enter into
cooperative agreements and contracts with, States, other
Federal agencies, institutions of higher education, private
sector entities, and nonprofit organizations to pay the Federal
share of the cost of research, development, and technology
transfer activities.
``(2) Applications.--To receive a grant under this
subsection, an entity described in paragraph (1) shall submit
an application to the Secretary. The application shall be in
such form and contain such information and assurances as the
Secretary may require.
``(3) Technology and information transfer.--The Secretary
shall ensure that the information and technology resulting from
research conducted under this subsection is made available to
State and local transportation departments and other interested
parties as specified by the Secretary.
``(i) Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall operate in the
Federal Highway Administration a Turner-Fairbank Highway
Research Center.
``(2) Uses of the center.--The Center shall support--
``(A) the conduct of highway research and
development related to new highway technology,
including connected vehicle technology;
``(B) the development of understandings, tools, and
techniques that provide solutions to complex technical
problems through the development of economical and
environmentally sensitive designs, efficient and
quality-controlled construction practices, and durable
materials;
``(C) the development of innovative highway
products and practices; and
``(D) long-term high-risk research to improve the
materials used in highway infrastructure.
``(j) Centers for Surface Transportation Excellence.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary may establish not more
than 4 centers for surface transportation excellence.
``(2) Goals.--The goals of the centers for surface
transportation excellence are to promote and support strategic
national surface transportation programs and activities
relating to the work of State departments of transportation.
``(3) Role of the centers.--To achieve the goals set forth
in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall establish centers that
provide technical assistance, information sharing of best
practices, and training in the use of tools and decisionmaking
processes that can assist States in effectively implementing
surface transportation programs, projects, and policies.
``(4) Program administration.--
``(A) Competition.--A party entering into a
contract, cooperative agreement, or other transaction
with the Secretary under this subsection, or receiving
a grant to perform research or provide technical
assistance under this subsection, shall be selected on
a competitive basis.
``(B) Strategic plan.--The Secretary shall require
each center to develop a multiyear strategic plan, and
submit the plan to the Secretary at such time as the
Secretary requires, that describes--
``(i) the activities to be undertaken by
the center; and
``(ii) how the work of the center will be
coordinated with the activities of the Federal
Highway Administration and the various other
research, development, and technology transfer
activities authorized by this chapter.
``(5) Funding.--Of the amounts made available by section
7001(a)(1) of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act
of 2012, not more than $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016 shall be available to carry out this
subsection.''.
SEC. 7006. TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 503 the following:
``Sec. 503a. Technology and innovation deployment program
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in accordance with the strategic
plan developed under section 508, shall carry out a technology and
innovation deployment program on all aspects of highway transportation
by promoting and facilitating the products, technologies, tools,
methods, or other findings resulting from highway research conducted
under this chapter.
``(b) Objectives.--The Secretary shall seek to advance the
following objectives:
``(1) Significantly accelerate the adoption of innovative
technologies by the surface transportation community.
``(2) Significantly accelerate the adoption of advanced
modeling technologies, as described in section 106, by the
surface transportation community.
``(3) Provide leadership and incentives to demonstrate and
promote state-of-the-art technologies, elevated performance
standards, and new business practices in highway construction
processes that result in improved safety, faster construction,
reduced congestion from construction, and improved quality and
user satisfaction.
``(4) Advance longer-lasting highways using innovative
technologies and practices to accomplish more rapid
construction of efficient and safe highways and bridges.
``(5) Improve highway efficiency, safety, mobility,
reliability, service life, and environmental protection.
``(6) Develop and deploy new tools, techniques, and
practices to accelerate the adoption of innovation in all
aspects of highway transportation.
``(c) Activities.--The program may include--
``(1) activities conducted under section 503;
``(2) other technologies and innovations requiring
additional development and testing not performed under section
503 but necessary to bring about successful deployment and
delivery; and
``(3) developing and improving innovative technologies and
practices and exploring new technologies to accelerate
innovation adoption.
``(d) Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Contracts.--
``(1) In general.--Under the program, the Secretary may
make grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements and
contracts with, States, other Federal agencies, institutions of
higher education, private sector entities, Federal
laboratories, and nonprofit organizations to pay the Federal
share of the cost of research, development, and deployment
activities.
``(2) Applications.--To receive a grant under this
subsection, an entity described in paragraph (1) shall submit
an application to the Secretary. The application shall be in
such form and contain such information and assurances as the
Secretary may require.
``(3) Technology and information transfer.--The Secretary
shall ensure that the information and technology resulting from
research conducted under this subsection is made available to
State and local transportation departments and other interested
parties as specified by the Secretary.
``(e) Deployment of Future Strategic Highway Research Program
Results and Products.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials and the National Academy of Sciences, shall promote
research results and products developed under the Strategic
Highway Research Program 2 administered by the Transportation
Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences.
``(2) Strategy of promotion.--The Secretary, to the extent
practicable, shall base the deployment of research results and
products described in paragraph (1) on the recommendations
included in the Transportation Research Board Special Report
296 entitled `Implementing the Results of the Second Strategic
Highway Research Program: Saving Lives, Reducing Congestion,
Improving Quality of Life'.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 503 the following:
``503a. Technology and innovation deployment program.''.
SEC. 7007. TRAINING AND EDUCATION.
Section 504 of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2) by striking subparagraph (A) and
inserting the following:
``(A) Federal Highway Administration employees,
State and local transportation agency employees, and
Federal agency partners;'';
(2) in subsection (b) by striking paragraph (3) and
inserting the following:
``(3) Federal share.--
``(A) Local technical assistance centers.--Subject
to clause (ii), the Federal share of the cost of any
activity carried out by a local technical assistance
center under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be 50
percent, except that the remaining share may include
funds provided to a recipient under subsection (e) or
section 505.
``(B) Tribal technical assistance centers.--The
Federal share of the cost of activities carried out by
the tribal technical assistance centers under paragraph
(2)(D)(ii) shall be 100 percent.'';
(3) in subsection (c)(2) by adding at the end the
following: ``Funds provided to institutions of higher education
to carry out this paragraph shall be used in direct support of
student expenses associated with their transportation
studies.'';
(4) by striking subsection (d);
(5) by redesignating subsections (e) through (g) as
subsections (d) through (f), respectively;
(6) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``sections 104(b)(1),
104(b)(2), 104(b)(3), 104(b)(4), and 144(e)''
and inserting ``paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of
section 104(b)'';
(ii) in subparagraph (D) by striking
``and'';
(iii) in subparagraph (E) by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) activities delivered by the National Highway
Institute under subsection (a); and
``(G) the local technical assistance program under
subsection (b).''; and
(B) in paragraph (2) by inserting before the period
at the end the following: ``, except for activities
carried out under paragraph (1)(G), for which the
Federal share shall be 50 percent as described in
subsection (b)(3)(A)''; and
(7) in the heading of subsection (e) (as redesignated by
paragraph (4) of this section) by striking ``Pilot''.
SEC. 7008. STATE PLANNING AND RESEARCH.
Section 505(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended in the
first sentence by striking ``104(h)) and under section 144'' and
inserting ``104(i))''.
SEC. 7009. INTERNATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION OUTREACH PROGRAM.
Section 506 of title 23, United States Code, and the item relating
to such section in the analysis for chapter 5 of such title, are
repealed.
SEC. 7010. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION-ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATIVE RESEARCH
PROGRAM.
Section 507 of title 23, United States Code, and the item relating
to such section in the analysis for chapter 5 of such title, are
repealed.
SEC. 7011. TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLANNING.
Section 508(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``SAFETEA-LU'' and inserting
``American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of
2012''; and
(B) by adding ``, acting through the Administrator
of the Research and Innovative Technology
Administration,'' after ``Secretary''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(A)(iii) by striking ``promoting
security'' and inserting ``improving goods movement''.
SEC. 7012. NATIONAL COOPERATIVE FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH
PROGRAM.
Section 509 of title 23, United States Code, and the item relating
to such section in the analysis for chapter 5 of such title, are
repealed.
SEC. 7013. FUTURE STRATEGIC HIGHWAY RESEARCH PROGRAM.
Section 510 of title 23, United States Code, and the item relating
to such section in the analysis for chapter 5 of such title, are
repealed.
SEC. 7014. NATIONAL INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS PROGRAM PLAN.
(a) In General.--Section 512 of title 23, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in the section heading by striking ``ITS'' and
inserting ``intelligent transportation systems''; and
(2) in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``SAFETEA-LU'' and
inserting ``American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of
2012''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23,
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section
512 and inserting the following:
``512. National intelligent transportation systems program plan.''.
SEC. 7015. USE OF FUNDS FOR INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--Section 513 of title 23, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in the section heading by striking ``ITS'' and
inserting ``intelligent transportation systems''; and
(2) in subsection (a) by striking ``subtitle C of title V
of the SAFETEA-LU'' and inserting ``section 7001(a)(4) of the
American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23,
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section
513 and inserting the following:
``513. Use of funds for intelligent transportation systems
activities.''.
SEC. 7016. INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS PROGRAM GOALS AND
PURPOSES.
(a) In General.--Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 514. Intelligent transportation systems program goals and
purposes
``(a) Goals.--The goals of the intelligent transportation system
program include--
``(1) enhancement of surface transportation efficiency and
facilitation of intermodalism and international trade to enable
existing facilities to meet a significant portion of future
transportation needs, including public access to employment,
goods, and services, and to reduce regulatory, financial, and
other transaction costs to public agencies and system users;
``(2) achievement of national transportation safety goals,
including the enhancement of safe operation of motor vehicles
and nonmotorized vehicles and improved emergency response to a
crash, with particular emphasis on decreasing the number and
severity of collisions;
``(3) protection and enhancement of the natural environment
and communities affected by surface transportation, with
particular emphasis on assisting State and local governments to
achieve national environmental goals;
``(4) accommodation of the needs of all users of surface
transportation systems, including operators of commercial motor
vehicles, passenger motor vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles
and pedestrians, including individuals with disabilities; and
``(5) improvement of the Nation's ability to respond to
emergencies and natural disasters.
``(b) Purposes.--The Secretary shall implement activities under the
intelligent system transportation program to, at a minimum--
``(1) expedite, in both metropolitan and rural areas,
deployment and integration of intelligent transportation
systems for consumers of passenger and freight transportation;
``(2) ensure that Federal, State, and local transportation
officials have adequate knowledge of intelligent transportation
systems for consideration in the transportation planning
process;
``(3) improve regional cooperation and operations planning
for effective intelligent transportation system deployment;
``(4) promote the innovative use of private resources;
``(5) facilitate, in cooperation with the motor vehicle
industry, the introduction of vehicle-based safety enhancing
systems;
``(6) support the application of intelligent transportation
systems that increase the safety and efficiency of commercial
motor vehicle operations;
``(7) develop a workforce capable of developing, operating,
and maintaining intelligent transportation systems; and
``(8) provide continuing support for operations and
maintenance of intelligent transportation systems.''.
(b) Repeal.--Section 5303 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users is repealed.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23,
United States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to
section 513 the following:
``514. Intelligent transportation systems program goals and
purposes.''.
SEC. 7017. INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS PROGRAM GENERAL
AUTHORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 515. Intelligent transportation systems program general
authority and requirements
``(a) Scope.--Subject to the provisions of this chapter, the
Secretary shall conduct an ongoing intelligent transportation system
program to research, develop, and operationally test intelligent
transportation systems and to provide technical assistance in the
nationwide application of those systems as a component of the surface
transportation systems of the United States.
``(b) Policy.--Intelligent transportation system research projects
and operational tests funded pursuant to this chapter shall encourage
and not displace public-private partnerships or private sector
investment in such tests and projects.
``(c) Cooperation With Governmental, Private, and Educational
Entities.--The Secretary shall carry out the intelligent transportation
system program in cooperation with State and local governments and
other public entities, private sector firms in the United States,
Federal laboratories, and institutions of higher education, including
historically Black colleges and universities and other minority
institutions of higher education.
``(d) Consultation With Federal Officials.--In carrying out the
intelligent transportation system program, the Secretary shall consult
with the heads of other Federal departments and agencies, as
appropriate.
``(e) Technical Assistance, Training, and Information.--The
Secretary may provide technical assistance, training, and information
to State and local governments seeking to implement, operate, maintain,
or evaluate intelligent transportation system technologies and
services.
``(f) Transportation Planning.--The Secretary may provide funding
to support adequate consideration of transportation systems management
and operations, including intelligent transportation systems, within
metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes.
``(g) Information Clearinghouse.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) maintain a repository for technical and
safety data collected as a result of federally
sponsored projects carried out under this chapter; and
``(B) make, on request, that information (except
for proprietary information and data) readily available
to all users of the repository at an appropriate cost.
``(2) Agreement.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may enter into an
agreement with a third party for the maintenance of the
repository for technical and safety data under
paragraph (1)(A).
``(B) Federal financial assistance.--If the
Secretary enters into an agreement with an entity for
the maintenance of the repository, the entity shall be
eligible for Federal financial assistance under this
section.
``(3) Availability of information.--Information in the
repository shall not be subject to sections 552 and 555 of
title 5, United States Code.
``(h) Infrastructure Development.--Funds made available to carry
out this chapter for operational tests--
``(1) shall be used primarily for the development of
intelligent transportation system infrastructure; and
``(2) to the maximum extent practicable, shall not be used
for the construction of physical highway and public
transportation infrastructure unless the construction is
incidental and critically necessary to the implementation of an
intelligent transportation system project.''.
(b) Repeal.--Sections 5304 and 5305 of the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users are
repealed.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23,
United States Code, is further amended by adding after the item
relating to section 514 the following:
``515. Intelligent transportation systems program general authority and
requirements.''.
SEC. 7018. INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 516. Intelligent transportation systems research and development
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a comprehensive
program of intelligent transportation system research, development, and
operational tests of intelligent vehicles and intelligent
infrastructure systems and other similar activities that are necessary
to carry out this chapter.
``(b) Priority Areas.--Under the program, the Secretary shall give
higher priority to funding projects that--
``(1) enhance mobility and productivity through improved
traffic management, incident management, transit management,
freight management, road weather management, toll collection,
traveler information, or highway operations systems and remote
sensing products;
``(2) utilize interdisciplinary approaches to develop
traffic management strategies and tools to address multiple
impacts of congestion concurrently;
``(3) address traffic management, incident management,
transit management, toll collection traveler information, or
highway operations systems;
``(4) incorporate research on the impact of environmental,
weather, and natural conditions on intelligent transportation
systems, including the effects of cold climates;
``(5) enhance intermodal use of intelligent transportation
systems for diverse groups, including for emergency and health-
related services;
``(6) enhance safety through improved crash avoidance and
protection, crash and other emergency personnel notification,
commercial motor vehicle operations, and infrastructure-based
or cooperative safety systems; and
``(7) facilitate the integration of intelligent
infrastructure, vehicle, and control technologies.''.
(b) Repeal.--Section 5306 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users is repealed.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23,
United States Code, is further amended by adding after the item
relating to section 515 the following:
``516. Intelligent transportation systems research and development.''.
SEC. 7019. INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AND
STANDARDS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 517. Intelligent transportation systems national architecture
and standards
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Development, implementation, and maintenance.--
Consistent with section 12(d) of the National Technology
Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note; 110
Stat. 783), the Secretary shall develop, implement, and
maintain a national architecture and supporting standards and
protocols to promote the widespread use and evaluation of
intelligent transportation system technology as a component of
the surface transportation systems of the United States.
``(2) Interoperability and efficiency.--To the maximum
extent practicable, the national architecture shall promote
interoperability among, and efficiency of, intelligent
transportation system technologies implemented throughout the
United States.
``(3) Use of standards development organizations.--In
carrying out this section, the Secretary shall use the services
of such standards development organizations as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
``(b) Provisional Standards.--
``(1) In general.--If the Secretary finds that the
development or balloting of an intelligent transportation
system standard jeopardizes the timely achievement of the
objectives identified in subsection (a), the Secretary may
establish a provisional standard, after consultation with
affected parties, using, to the extent practicable, the work
product of appropriate standards development organizations.
``(2) Period of effectiveness.--A provisional standard
established under paragraph (1) shall be published in the
Federal Register and remain in effect until the appropriate
standards development organization adopts and publishes a
standard.
``(c) Conformity With National Architecture.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and
(3), the Secretary shall ensure that intelligent transportation
system projects carried out using funds made available from the
Highway Trust Fund, including funds made available under this
chapter, to deploy intelligent transportation system
technologies conform to the national architecture, applicable
standards or provisional standards, and protocols developed
under subsection (a).
``(2) Secretary's discretion.--The Secretary may authorize
exceptions to paragraph (1) for--
``(A) projects designed to achieve specific
research objectives outlined in the national
intelligent transportation system program plan or the
surface transportation research and development
strategic plan developed under section 508; or
``(B) the upgrade or expansion of an intelligent
transportation system in existence on the date of
enactment of the SAFETEA-LU if the Secretary determines
that the upgrade or expansion--
``(i) would not adversely affect the goals
or purposes of this chapter;
``(ii) is carried out before the end of the
useful life of such system; and
``(iii) is cost-effective as compared to
alternatives that would meet the conformity
requirement of paragraph (1).
``(3) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to funds
used for operation or maintenance of an intelligent
transportation system in existence on the date of enactment of
the SAFETEA-LU.
``(d) Standard Defined.--The term `standard' means a document
that--
``(1) contains technical specifications or other precise
criteria for intelligent transportation systems that are to be
used consistently as rules, guidelines, or definitions of
characteristics so as to ensure that materials, products,
processes, and services are fit for their purposes; and
``(2) may support the national architecture and promote--
``(A) the widespread use and adoption of
intelligent transportation system technology as a
component of the surface transportation systems of the
United States; and
``(B) interoperability among intelligent
transportation system technologies implemented
throughout the States.''.
(b) Repeal.--Section 5307 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users is repealed.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23,
United States Code, is further amended by adding after the item
relating to section 516 the following:
``517. Intelligent transportation systems national architecture and
standards.''.
SEC. 7020. NATIONAL UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION CENTERS.
Section 5505 of title 49, United States Code, and the item relating
to such section in the analysis of chapter 55 of such title, is
repealed.
SEC. 7021. UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH.
Section 5506 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1) by adding ``that is consistent
with section 503 of title 23'' after ``applied research'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the heading by striking ``Regional, Tier I,
and Tier II Centers'' and inserting ``Regional and
Standard Centers'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the heading by striking ``Regional
and tier i centers'' and inserting ``Regional
and standard centers'';
(ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A) by striking ``2005 through 2009'' and
inserting ``2013 through 2016''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``10
Tier I'' and inserting ``20 standard'';
(C) by striking paragraph (2); and
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as
paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively;
(3) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``March 31, 2006,
and not later than March 31st of every 4th year
thereafter'' and inserting ``180 days after the date of
enactment of the American Energy and Infrastructure
Jobs Act of 2012, and every 4 years thereafter'';
(B) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in subparagraph (B) by striking
``and'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking the
period and adding ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) $3,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2016.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Research requirement.--
``(A) Comprehensive transportation safety.--The
Secretary shall make a grant to 1 of the 10 regional
university transportation centers established under
subsection (c) for the purpose of furthering the
objectives described in subsection (b) in the field of
comprehensive transportation safety.
``(B) Intelligent transportation systems.--The
Secretary shall make a grant to 1 of the 10 regional
university transportation centers established under
subsection (c) (other than the center described in
subparagraph (A)) for the purpose of furthering the
objectives described in subsection (b) in the field of
intelligent transportation systems.'';
(4) in subsection (f)--
(A) by striking ``Tier I'' in the subsection
heading and inserting ``Standard'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``June 30, 2006, and not
later than June 30 of every 4th year
thereafter'' and inserting ``180 days after the
date of enactment of the American Energy and
Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012, and every 4
years thereafter''; and
(ii) by striking ``10 Tier I'' and
inserting ``20 standard'';
(C) in paragraph (3) by striking ``Tier I'' and
inserting ``standard''; and
(D) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by striking ``$1,000,000'' and
inserting ``$2,000,000'';
(ii) by striking ``2005 through 2009'' and
inserting ``2013 through 2016''; and
(iii) by striking ``Tier I'' and inserting
``standard'';
(5) by striking subsection (g) and redesignating
subsections (h) through (m) as subsections (g) through (l),
respectively;
(6) in subsection (h) (as redesignated by paragraph (5) of
this section)--
(A) by striking ``Maintenance of Effort.--''and all
that follows through ``In order to be'' and inserting
``Maintenance of Effort.--In order to be''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (2); and
(7) in subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (5) of
this section)--
(A) by striking ``50'' and inserting ``65''; and
(B) by striking ``503'' and inserting ``503A''.
SEC. 7022. BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS.
Section 111 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c) by striking paragraph (5) and
inserting the following:
``(5) Transportation statistics.--Collecting, compiling,
analyzing, and publishing a comprehensive set of transportation
statistics on the performance and impacts of the national
transportation system, including statistics on--
``(A) transportation safety across all modes and
intermodally;
``(B) the state of good repair of United States
transportation infrastructure;
``(C) the extent, connectivity, and condition of
the transportation system, building on the national
transportation atlas database developed under
subsection (g);
``(D) economic efficiency across the entire
transportation sector;
``(E) the effects of the transportation system on
global and domestic economic competitiveness;
``(F) demographic, economic, and other variables
influencing travel behavior, including choice of
transportation mode and goods movement;
``(G) transportation-related variables that
influence the domestic economy and global
competiveness;
``(H) economic costs and impacts for passenger
travel and freight movement;
``(I) intermodal and multimodal passenger movement;
and
``(J) consequences of transportation for the
environment.'';
(2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) Access to Federal Data.--In carrying out subsection (c), the
Director shall be provided access to all transportation and
transportation-related information and data, including safety-related
data, held by an agency of the Department of Transportation and, upon
written request and subject to any statutory or regulatory
restrictions, to all such data held by any other Federal Government
agency, that is germane to carrying out subsection (c).'';
(3) in subsection (n) by striking ``Mass Transit'' and
inserting ``Alternative Transportation''; and
(4) in subsection (o)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``and'' after
the semicolon;
(B) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (B).
SEC. 7023. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY.
Section 112 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(f) Program Evaluation and Oversight.--For each of fiscal years
2013 through 2016, the Administrator may expend not more than 1 \1/2\
percent of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for the
administration and operation of the Research and Innovative Technology
Administration to carry out the coordination, evaluation, and oversight
of the programs administered by the Administration.
``(g) Collaborative Research and Development.--
``(1) In general.--To encourage innovative solutions to
multimodal transportation problems and stimulate the deployment
of new technology, the Administrator may carry out, on a cost-
shared basis, collaborative research and development 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.
``(2) Cooperation, grants, contracts, and agreements.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator
may 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.
``(3) Federal share.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out
under paragraph (2) shall not exceed 50 percent.
``(B) Exception.--If the Secretary determines that
the activity is of substantial public interest or
benefit, the Secretary may approve a greater Federal
share.
``(C) 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 subparagraph
(A).
``(4) 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.).''.
SEC. 7024. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Additional Repeals.--Sections 5308, 5309, 5310, 5501, 5506,
5507, 5511, and 5513 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users are repealed.
(b) Table of Contents for SAFETEA-LU.--The table of contents for
the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users is amended by striking the items relating to sections
5303 through 5310, 5501, 5506, 5507, 5511, and 5513.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 6010(c) of the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy
for Users (23 U.S.C. 512 note) is amended by striking ``subtitle C of
title V of this Act'' and inserting ``section 501 of title 23, United
States Code''.
TITLE VIII--RAILROADS
Subtitle A--Repeals and Reforms of Intercity Passenger Rail Capital
Grant Programs
SEC. 8001. CAPITAL GRANTS FOR CLASS II AND CLASS III RAILROADS.
Chapter 223 of title 49, United States Code, and the item relating
thereto in the table of chapters for subtitle V of such title, are
repealed.
SEC. 8002. CONGESTION GRANTS.
Section 24105 of title 49, United States Code, and the item
relating thereto in the table of sections for chapter 241 of such
title, are repealed.
SEC. 8003. INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL CAPITAL GRANTS TO STATES.
(a) Amendments.--Section 24402 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``capital
investment grants to support intercity passenger rail service''
and inserting ``intercity passenger rail capital grants to
states'';
(2) by striking subsection (b);
(3) by redesignating subsections (c) through (l) as
subsections (b) through (k), respectively;
(4) in subsection (b)(1)(D), as so redesignated by
paragraph (3) of this subsection, by striking ``that if an
applicant has selected the proposed operator of its service
competitively, that the applicant provide'' and inserting
``that the applicant shall select the proposed operator of its
service competitively, and that the applicant shall provide'';
(5) in subsection (b)(2)(B), as so redesignated by
paragraph (3) of this subsection--
(A) by inserting ``and'' at the end of clause (ii);
and
(B) by inserting ``and'' at the end of clause
(iii); and
(C) by striking clauses (iv) and (v);
(6) in subsection (c), as so redesignated by paragraph (3)
of this subsection, by striking ``subsection (c)(1)(A)'' and
inserting ``subsection (b)(1)(A)'';
(7) in subsection (d), as so redesignated by paragraph (3)
of this subsection, by striking ``subsection (g)'' and
inserting ``subsection (f)'';
(8) in subsection (e)(2), as so redesignated by paragraph
(3) of this subsection, by striking ``subsection (c)'' and
inserting ``subsection (b)'';
(9) in subsection (f), as so redesignated by paragraph (3)
of this subsection, by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and
(10) in subsection (g), as so redesignated by paragraph (3)
of this subsection, by amending the second sentence to read as
follows: ``If any amount provided as a grant under this section
is not obligated within 3 years after the date on which the
State is awarded the grant, such amount shall be rescinded and
deposited to the general fund of the Treasury, where such
amount shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit
reduction and prohibited from use as an offset for other
spending increases or revenue reductions.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The item relating to section 24402 in
the table of sections for chapter 244 of title 49, United States Code,
is amended to read as follows:
``Intercity passenger rail capital grants to States.''.
Subtitle B--Amtrak Reforms
SEC. 8101. AUTHORIZATION FOR AMTRAK OPERATING EXPENSES.
Section 101(a) of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act
of 2008 (Division B of Public Law 110-432, 122 Stat. 4908) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``$616,000,000'' and
inserting ``$466,000,000''; and
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``$631,000,000'' and
inserting ``$473,250,000''.
SEC. 8102. LIMITATIONS ON AMTRAK AUTHORITY.
Section 24305 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Limitations on Use of Federal Funds.--
``(1) Limitations.--Amtrak may not use any Federal funds
for the following purposes:
``(A) Hiring or contracting with any outside legal
professional for the purpose of filing, litigating, or
otherwise pursuing any cause of action in a Federal or
State court against a passenger rail service provider.
``(B) Filing, litigating, or otherwise pursuing in
any Federal or State court any cause of action against
a passenger rail service provider arising from a
competitive bid process in which Amtrak and the
passenger rail service provider participated.
``(2) Definitions.--For the purposes of this subsection--
``(A) the term `outside legal professional' means
any individual, corporation, partnership, limited
liability corporation, limited liability partnership,
or other private entity in the business of providing
legal services that is not employed on a full-time
basis solely by Amtrak; and
``(B) the term `passenger rail service provider'
means any company, partnership, or other public or
private entity that operates passenger rail service or
bids to operate passenger rail service in a competitive
process.''.
SEC. 8103. APPLICABILITY OF LAWS.
(a) Title 18 Violations.--For purposes of sections 286, 287, 371,
641, 1001, and 1002 of title 18, United States Code, and, with respect
to audits conducted by the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General, for
purposes of section 1516 of such title, Amtrak and the Amtrak Office of
the Inspector General shall be considered to be agencies of the United
States Government.
(b) False Claims.--Claims made or presented to Amtrak shall be
considered as claims under section 3729(b)(2)(A)(ii) of title 31,
United States Code, and statements made or presented to Amtrak shall be
considered as statements under section 3729(a)(1)(B) and (G) of title
31, United States Code.
(c) Limitation.--Subsections (a) and (b) shall be effective only
with respect to a fiscal year for which Amtrak receives a Federal
subsidy.
SEC. 8104. INSPECTOR GENERAL OF AMTRAK.
(a) In General.--Chapter 243 is amended by inserting after section
24316 the following:
``Sec. 24317. Inspector General
``(a) Investigation Authority.--The Inspector General of Amtrak
shall have all authority available to other Inspectors General, as
necessary in carrying out the duties specified in the Inspector General
Act 1978 (5 U.S.C. App. 3), to investigate any alleged violation of
section 286, 287, 371, 641, 1001, or 1002 of title 18, and, with
respect to audits conducted by the Amtrak Office of the Inspector
General, any violation of section 1516 of such title.
``(b) Services From General Services Administration.--The Inspector
General of Amtrak may obtain from the Administrator of General
Services, and the Administrator shall provide to the Inspector General,
services under sections 502(a) and 602 of title 40, including travel
programs.
``(c) Qualified Immunity.--
``(1) In general.--An employee of the Amtrak Office of
Inspector General shall enjoy the same personal qualified
immunity from lawsuit or liability as the employees of other
inspectors general that operate under authority of the
Inspector General Act of 1978 with respect to the performance
of investigative, audit, or inspection functions authorized
under that Act that are carried out for the Amtrak Office of
Inspector General.
``(2) Federal government liability.--No liability of any
kind shall attach to or rest upon the United States for any
damages from or by any actions of the Amtrak Office of
Inspector General, its employees, agents, or
representatives.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 243 is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 24316 the
following:
``24317. Inspector General.''.
SEC. 8105. AMTRAK MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY.
Section 24310 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 24310. Management accountability
``(a) In General.--Promptly after the date of enactment of the
American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012, and again not
later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the Passenger Rail
Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, the Inspector General of the
Department of Transportation shall complete an overall assessment of
the progress made by the Department of Transportation, and the
Inspector General of Amtrak shall complete an overall assessment of the
progress made by Amtrak management, in implementing the provisions of
the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008.
``(b) Assessment.--The management assessment undertaken by the
Amtrak Inspector General may include a review of--
``(1) effectiveness in improving annual financial planning;
``(2) effectiveness in implementing improved financial
accounting;
``(3) efforts to implement minimum train performance
standards;
``(4) progress maximizing revenues, minimizing Federal
subsidies, and improving financial results; and
``(5) any other aspect of Amtrak operations the Amtrak
Inspector General finds appropriate to review.''.
SEC. 8106. AMTRAK FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE.
(a) Authority.--Section 24305(c)(4) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``only if revenues from the services each
year at least equal the cost of providing the services'' and inserting
``only as provided in subsection (h)''.
(b) Procedures.--Section 24305 of title 49, United States Code, is
further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(h) Food and Beverage Service.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (6),
food and beverage service may be provided on Amtrak trains only
by a bidder selected by the Federal Railroad Administration
under paragraph (5). The Federal Railroad Administration may
consult with and obtain assistance from the General Services
Administration in carrying out this subsection.
``(2) Requests for proposals.--Not later than 60 days after
the date of enactment of this subsection, the Federal Railroad
Administration shall issue separate requests for proposals for
provision of food and beverage service on Amtrak trains on the
national rail passenger transportation system for each of
subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 24102(5).
``(3) Deadlines.--
``(A) Submittal of bids.--Bids for the provision of
food and beverage service on Amtrak trains pursuant to
the requests for proposals issued under paragraph (2)
shall be submitted to the Federal Railroad
Administration not later than 60 days after the
issuance of the relevant request for proposals.
``(B) Selection of winning bids.--The Federal
Railroad Administration shall select winning bidders
pursuant to paragraph (5) not later than 90 days after
the issuance of the relevant request for proposals.
``(4) Amtrak participation.--Amtrak may participate in the
bidding pursuant to a request for proposals issued under
paragraph (2).
``(5) Selection of providers.--The Federal Railroad
Administration shall select for the provision of food and
beverage service on Amtrak trains the qualified bidder
responding to the request for proposals issued under paragraph
(2) whose bid would result in the lowest cost, or the greatest
source of revenue, to Amtrak.
``(6) Exemption.--If no qualified bidder responds to the
request for proposals issued under paragraph (2), Amtrak, after
transmitting to the Federal Railroad Administration and the
Congress an explanation of the reasons for the need of an
exemption, may request from the Federal Railroad
Administration, and the Federal Railroad Administration may
grant, an exemption from the limitations under this subsection.
``(7) Subsidy for net loss.--The Federal Railroad
Administration shall provide directly to the entity providing
food and beverage service on Amtrak trains any portion of
appropriations for Amtrak necessary to cover a net loss
resulting from the provision of such service, but only to the
extent that such net loss was anticipated in the bid
selected.''.
Subtitle C--Project Development and Review
SEC. 8201. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW.
(a) Amendment.--Part B of subtitle V of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 229--PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW
``Sec.
``22901. Applicability.
``22902. Definitions.
``22903. Efficient environmental reviews for rail project
decisionmaking.
``22904. Integration of planning and environmental review.
``22905. Program for eliminating duplication of environmental reviews.
``22906. Railroad corridor preservation.
``22907. Treatment of railroads for historic preservation.
``22908. Categorical exclusion.
``22909. State assumption of responsibility for categorical exclusions.
``22910. Rail project delivery program.
``22911. Exemption in emergencies.
``Sec. 22901. Applicability
``The provisions of this chapter--
``(1) shall be applicable to any freight or intercity
passenger rail capital project that is carried out or planned
to be carried out with the use of Federal funds administered by
the Federal Railroad Administration through a grant, contract,
loan, or other financing instrument;
``(2) shall be broadly construed; and
``(3) may be applied by the Secretary to any class or
program of such projects.
``Sec. 22902. Definitions
``In this chapter, the following definitions apply:
``(1) Agency.--The term `agency' means any agency,
department, or other unit of Federal, State, local, or Indian
tribal government.
``(2) Environmental impact statement.--The term
`environmental impact statement' means the detailed statement
of environmental impacts required to be prepared under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.).
``(3) Environmental law.--The term `environmental law'
includes any law that provides procedural or substantive
protection, as applicable, for the natural or built environment
with regard to the construction and operation of transportation
projects.
``(4) Environmental review process.--
``(A) In general.--The term `environmental review
process' means the process for preparing for a rail
project an environmental impact statement,
environmental assessment, categorical exclusion, or
other document prepared under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.).
``(B) Inclusions.--The term `environmental review
process' includes the process for and completion of any
environmental permit, approval, review, or study
required for a rail project under any Federal law other
than the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
``(5) Federal environmental laws.--The term `Federal
environmental laws' means Federal laws governing the review,
including through the issuance of permits and other approvals
of environmental impacts of, the construction and operation of
transportation projects. Such term includes section 102(2)(C)
of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4332(2)(C)), section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f), and sections 7(a)(2),
9(a)(1)(B), and 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2), 1538(a)(1)(B), 1539(a)(1)(B)).
``(6) Federal lead agency.--The term `Federal lead agency'
means the Department of Transportation.
``(7) Joint lead agency.--The term `joint lead agency'
means an agency designated as a joint lead agency as described
in paragraph (1) or (2) of section 22903(b).
``(8) Lead agency.--The term `lead agency' means the
Department of Transportation and, if applicable, any joint lead
agency.
``(9) Planning product.--The term `planning product' means
any decision, analysis, study, or other documented result of an
evaluation or decisionmaking process carried out during rail
and transportation planning.
``(10) Project sponsor.--The term `project sponsor' means
the State agency or other entity, including any private or
public-private entity, that seeks approval of the Secretary for
a rail project.
``(11) Rail project.--The term `rail project' means any
freight or intercity passenger rail capital project that is
carried out or is planned to be carried out with the use of
Federal funds administered by the Federal Railroad
Administration through a grant, contract, loan, or other
financing instrument.
``(12) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
``(13) State.--The term `State' has the meaning given that
term in section 22701(3).
``(14) State transportation department.--The term `State
transportation department' means any statewide agency of a
State with responsibility for one or more modes of
transportation.
``Sec. 22903. Efficient environmental reviews for rail project
decisionmaking
``(a) Applicability.--
``(1) In general.--The project development procedures in
this section are applicable to all rail projects for which an
environmental impact statement is prepared under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and may be applied, to the
extent determined appropriate by the Secretary, to other rail
projects for which an environmental document is prepared as
part of an environmental review process.
``(2) Flexibility.--Any authorities granted in this section
may be exercised, and any requirements established in this
section may be satisfied, for a rail project, class of
projects, or program of rail projects.
``(3) Funding threshold.--The Secretary's approval of a
rail project involving Federal funds shall not be considered a
Federal action for the purposes of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 if the Federal funding share--
``(A) constitutes 15 percent or less of the total
estimated project costs; or
``(B) is less than $10,000,000.
``(4) Programmatic compliance.--At the request of a State,
the Secretary may modify the procedures developed under this
section to encourage programmatic approaches and strategies
with respect to environmental programs and permits (in lieu of
project-by-project reviews).
``(b) Lead Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--If the rail project requires approval
from more than one modal administration within the Department
of Transportation, the Secretary shall designate a single modal
administration to serve as the Federal lead agency for the
Department in the environmental review process for the project.
``(2) Joint lead agencies.--Nothing in this section
precludes another agency from being a joint lead agency in
accordance with regulations under the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969.
``(3) Project sponsor as joint lead agency.--Any project
sponsor that is a State or local governmental entity applying
to receive or receiving Federal funds for the rail project
shall serve as a joint lead agency with the Department of
Transportation for purposes of preparing any environmental
document under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
and may prepare any such environmental document required in
support of any action or approval by the Secretary if the
Federal lead agency furnishes guidance in such preparation and
independently evaluates such document and the document is
approved and adopted by the Secretary prior to the Secretary
taking any subsequent action or making any approval based on
such document, whether or not the Secretary's action or
approval results in Federal funding.
``(4) Ensuring compliance.--The Secretary shall ensure that
a project sponsor complies with all design and mitigation
commitments made jointly by the Secretary and the project
sponsor in any environmental document prepared by the project
sponsor in accordance with this subsection, and that such
document is appropriately supplemented if rail project changes
become necessary.
``(5) Adoption and use of documents.--Any environmental
document prepared in accordance with this subsection shall be
adopted and used by any Federal agency in making any approval
of a rail project as the document required to be completed
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
``(6) Roles and responsibility of lead agency.--With
respect to the environmental review process for any rail
project, the lead agency shall have authority and
responsibility--
``(A) to take such actions as are necessary and
proper, within the authority of the lead agency, to
facilitate the expeditious resolution of the
environmental review process for the rail project; and
``(B) to prepare or ensure that any required
environmental impact statement or other document
required to be completed under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 is completed in
accordance with this section and other applicable
Federal law.
``(c) Participating Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--The lead agency shall be responsible for
inviting and designating participating agencies in accordance
with this subsection.
``(2) Invitation.--The lead agency shall identify, as early
as practicable in the environmental review process for a rail
project, any other Federal and non-Federal agencies that may
have an interest in the rail project, and shall invite such
agencies to become participating agencies in the environmental
review process for the rail project. The invitation shall set a
deadline for responses to be submitted. The deadline may be
extended by the lead agency for good cause.
``(3) Federal participating agencies.--Any Federal agency
that is invited by the lead agency to participate in the
environmental review process for a rail project shall be
designated as a participating agency by the lead agency unless
the invited agency informs the lead agency, in writing, by the
deadline specified in the invitation that the invited agency--
``(A) has no jurisdiction or authority with respect
to the rail project;
``(B) has no expertise or information relevant to
the rail project; and
``(C) does not intend to submit comments on the
rail project.
``(4) Effect of designation.--
``(A) Requirement.--A participating agency shall
comply with the requirements of this section and any
schedule established under this section.
``(B) Implication.--Designation as a participating
agency under this subsection shall not imply that the
participating agency--
``(i) supports a proposed rail project; or
``(ii) has any jurisdiction over, or
special expertise with respect to evaluation
of, the rail project.
``(5) Cooperating agency.--A participating agency may also
be designated by a lead agency as a `cooperating agency' under
the regulations contained in part 1500 of title 40, Code of
Federal Regulations.
``(6) Designations for categories of rail projects.--The
Secretary may exercise the authorities granted under this
subsection for a rail project, class of rail projects, or
program of rail projects.
``(7) Concurrent reviews.--Each participating agency and
cooperating agency shall--
``(A) carry out obligations of that agency under
other applicable law concurrently, and in conjunction,
with the review required under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.); and
``(B) formulate and implement administrative,
policy, and procedural mechanisms to enable the agency
to ensure completion of the environmental review
process in a timely, coordinated, and environmentally
responsible manner.
``(d) Rail Project Initiation.--The project sponsor shall notify
the Secretary of the type of work, length, and general location of the
proposed rail project, together with a statement of any Federal
approvals anticipated to be necessary for the proposed rail project,
for the purpose of informing the Secretary that the environmental
review process should be initiated. The project sponsor may satisfy
this requirement by submitting to the Secretary a draft notice for
publication in the Federal Register announcing the preparation of an
environmental impact statement for the rail project.
``(e) Purpose and Need.--
``(1) Participation.--As early as practicable during the
environmental review process, the lead agency shall provide an
opportunity for involvement by participating agencies and the
public in defining the purpose and need for a rail project.
``(2) Definition.--Following participation under paragraph
(1), the lead agency shall define the rail project's purpose
and need for purposes of any document which the lead agency is
responsible for preparing for the rail project.
``(3) Objectives.--The statement of purpose and need shall
include a clear statement of the objectives that the proposed
action is intended to achieve, which may include--
``(A) achieving a transportation objective
identified in an applicable rail or transportation
plan;
``(B) supporting land use, economic development, or
growth objectives established in applicable Federal,
State, local, or tribal plans;
``(C) serving national defense, national security,
or other national objectives, as established in Federal
laws, plans, or policies; and
``(D) serving the purpose for which the applicable
grant, contract, loan, or other financing program was
established.
``(4) Alternatives analysis.--
``(A) Participation.--As early as practicable
during the environmental review process, the lead
agency shall provide an opportunity for involvement by
participating agencies and the public in determining
the range of alternatives to be considered for a rail
project.
``(B) Range of alternatives.--
``(i) In general.--Following participation
under paragraph (1), the lead agency shall
determine the range of alternatives for
consideration in any document which the lead
agency is responsible for preparing for the
rail project.
``(ii) Restriction.--A Federal agency may
not require the evaluation of any alternative
that was evaluated, but not adopted--
``(I) in any prior State or Federal
environmental document with regard to
the applicable transportation or rail
plan or program; or
``(II) after the preparation of a
programmatic or tiered environmental
document that evaluated alternatives to
the rail project.
``(iii) Legal sufficiency.--The evaluation
of the range of alternatives shall be deemed
legally sufficient if the environmental
document complies with the requirements of this
paragraph.
``(C) Methodologies.--
``(i) In general.--The lead agency also
shall determine, after consultation with
participating agencies as part of the scoping
process, the methodologies to be used and the
level of detail required in the analysis of
each alternative for a rail project.
``(ii) Comments.--Each participating agency
shall limit comments on such methodologies to
those issues that are within the authority and
expertise of such participating agency.
``(iii) Studies.--The lead agency may not
conduct studies proposed by any participating
agency that are not within the authority or
expertise of such participating agency.
``(D) Preferred alternative.--At the discretion of
the lead agency, the preferred alternative for a rail
project, after being identified, may be developed to a
higher level of detail than other alternatives in order
to facilitate the development of mitigation measures or
concurrent compliance with other applicable laws if the
lead agency determines that the development of such
higher level of detail will not prevent the lead agency
from making an impartial decision as to whether to
accept another alternative which is being considered in
the environmental review process.
``(E) Limitations on the evaluation of impacts
evaluated in prior environmental documents.--
``(i) In general.--The lead agency may not
reevaluate, and a Federal agency may not
require the reevaluation of, cumulative impacts
or growth-inducing impacts where such impacts
were previously evaluated in--
``(I) a rail transportation plan or
program;
``(II) a prior environmental
document approved by the Secretary; or
``(III) a prior State environmental
document approved pursuant to a State
law that is substantially equivalent to
section 102(2)(C) of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
``(ii) Legal sufficiency.--The evaluation
of cumulative impacts and growth inducing
impacts shall be deemed legally sufficient if
the environmental document complies with the
requirements of this paragraph.
``(5) Effective decisionmaking.--
``(A) Concurrence.--At the discretion of the lead
agency, a participating agency shall be presumed to
concur in the determinations made by the lead agency
under this subsection unless the participating agency
submits an objection to the lead agency in writing
within 30 days after receiving notice of the lead
agency's determination and specifies the statutory
basis for the objection.
``(B) Adoption of determination.--If the
participating agency concurs or does not object within
the 30-day period, the participating agency shall adopt
the lead agency's determination for purposes of any
reviews, approvals, or other actions taken by the
participating agency as part of the environmental
review process for the rail project.
``(f) Coordination and Scheduling.--
``(1) Coordination plan.--
``(A) In general.--The lead agency shall establish
a rail plan for coordinating public and agency
participation in and comment on the environmental
review process for a rail project, category of rail
projects, or program of rail projects. The coordination
plan may be incorporated into a memorandum of
understanding.
``(B) Schedule.--
``(i) In general.--The lead agency may
establish as part of the coordination plan,
after consultation with each participating
agency for the rail project and with each State
in which the rail project is located (and, if
the State is not the project sponsor, with the
project sponsor), a schedule for completion of
the environmental review process for the rail
project.
``(ii) Factors for consideration.--In
establishing the schedule, the lead agency
shall consider factors such as--
``(I) the responsibilities of
participating agencies under applicable
laws;
``(II) resources available to the
cooperating agencies;
``(III) overall size and complexity
of the rail project;
``(IV) the overall schedule for and
cost of the rail project; and
``(V) the sensitivity of the
natural and historic resources that
could be affected by the rail project.
``(C) Consistency with other time periods.--A
schedule under subparagraph (B) shall be consistent
with any other relevant time periods established under
Federal law.
``(D) Modification.--The lead agency may--
``(i) lengthen a schedule established under
subparagraph (B) for good cause; and
``(ii) shorten a schedule only with the
concurrence of the affected cooperating
agencies.
``(E) Dissemination.--A copy of a schedule
established under subparagraph (B), and of any
modifications to the schedule, shall be--
``(i) provided to all participating
agencies and to the State transportation
department of each State in which the rail
project is located (and, if the State is not
the project sponsor, to the project sponsor);
and
``(ii) made available to the public.
``(2) Comment deadlines.--The lead agency shall establish
the following deadlines for comment during the environmental
review process for a rail project:
``(A) For comments by agencies and the public on a
draft environmental impact statement, a period of not
more than 60 days after publication in the Federal
Register of notice of the date of public availability
of such document, unless--
``(i) a different deadline is established
by agreement of the lead agency, the project
sponsor, and all participating agencies; or
``(ii) the deadline is extended by the lead
agency for good cause.
``(B) For all other comment periods established by
the lead agency for agency or public comments in the
environmental review process, a period of no more than
30 days from availability of the materials on which
comment is requested, unless--
``(i) a different deadline is established
by agreement of the lead agency, the project
sponsor, and all participating agencies; or
``(ii) the deadline is extended by the lead
agency for good cause.
``(3) Deadlines for decisions under other laws.--
``(A) Prior approval deadline.--If a participating
agency is required to make a determination regarding or
otherwise approve or disapprove the rail project prior
to the record of decision or finding of no significant
impact of the lead agency, such participating agency
shall make such determination or approval no later than
30 days after the lead agency publishes notice of the
availability of a final environmental impact statement
or other final environmental document, or no later than
such other date that is otherwise required by law,
whichever occurs first.
``(B) Other deadlines.--With regard to any
determination or approval of a participating agency
that is not subject to subparagraph (A), each
participating agency shall make any required
determination regarding or otherwise approve or
disapprove the rail project no later than 90 days after
the date that the lead agency approves the record of
decision or finding of no significant impact for the
rail project, or not later than such other date that is
otherwise required by law, whichever occurs first.
``(C) Deemed approved.--In the event that any
participating agency fails to make a determination or
approve or disapprove the rail project within the
applicable deadline described in subparagraphs (A) and
(B), the rail project shall be deemed approved by such
participating agency and such approval shall be deemed
to comply with the applicable requirements of Federal
law.
``(D) Judicial review.--
``(i) In general.--An approval of a rail
project under subparagraph (C) shall not be
subject to judicial review.
``(ii) Written finding.--The Secretary may
issue a written finding verifying the approval
made in accordance with this paragraph.
``(g) Issue Identification and Resolution.--
``(1) Cooperation.--The lead agency and the participating
agencies shall work cooperatively in accordance with this
section to identify and resolve issues that could delay
completion of the environmental review process or could result
in denial of any approvals required for the rail project under
applicable laws.
``(2) Lead agency responsibilities.--The lead agency shall
make information available to the participating agencies as
early as practicable in the environmental review process
regarding the environmental and socioeconomic resources located
within the rail project area and the general locations of the
alternatives under consideration. Such information may be based
on existing data sources, including geographic information
systems mapping.
``(3) Participating agency responsibilities.--Based on
information received from the lead agency, participating
agencies shall identify, as early as practicable, any issues of
concern regarding the rail project's potential environmental or
socioeconomic impacts. In this paragraph, issues of concern
include any issues that could substantially delay or prevent an
agency from granting a permit or other approval that is needed
for the rail project.
``(4) Issue resolution.--
``(A) Meeting of participating agencies.--At any
time upon request of a project sponsor or the Governor
of a State in which the rail project is located, the
lead agency shall promptly convene a meeting with the
relevant participating agencies, the project sponsor,
and the Governor (if the meeting was requested by the
Governor) to resolve issues that could delay completion
of the environmental review process or could result in
denial of any approvals required for the rail project
under applicable laws.
``(B) Notice that resolution cannot be achieved.--
If a resolution cannot be achieved within 30 days
following such a meeting and a determination by the
lead agency that all information necessary to resolve
the issue has been obtained, the lead agency shall
notify the heads of all participating agencies, the
project sponsor, the Governor, the Committee on
Environment and Public Works of the Senate, the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives, and the Council on
Environmental Quality, and shall publish such
notification in the Federal Register.
``(C) Resolution final.--
``(i) In general.--The lead agency and
participating agencies may not reconsider the
resolution of any issue agreed to by the
relevant agencies in a meeting under
subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Compliance with applicable law.--Any
such resolution shall be deemed to comply with
applicable law notwithstanding that the
agencies agreed to such resolution prior to the
approval of the environmental document.
``(h) Streamlined Documentation and Decisionmaking.--
``(1) In general.--The lead agency in the environmental
review process for a rail project, in order to reduce paperwork
and expedite decisionmaking, shall prepare a condensed final
environmental impact statement.
``(2) Condensed format.--A condensed final environmental
impact statement for a rail project in the environmental review
process shall consist only of--
``(A) an incorporation by reference of the draft
environmental impact statement;
``(B) any updates to specific pages or sections of
the draft environmental impact statement as
appropriate; and
``(C) responses to comments on the draft
environmental impact statement and copies of the
comments.
``(3) Timing of decision.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, in conducting the environmental review
process for a rail project, the lead agency shall combine a
final environmental impact statement and a record of decision
for the rail project into a single document if--
``(A) the alternative approved in the record of
decision is either a preferred alternative that was
identified in the draft environmental impact statement
or is a modification of such preferred alternative that
was developed in response to comments on the draft
environmental impact statement; and
``(B) the Secretary determines that the lead
agency, participating agency, or the project sponsor
has committed to implement the measures applicable to
the approved alternative that are identified in the
final environmental impact statement.
``(i) Supplemental Environmental Review and Re-evaluation.--
``(1) Supplemental environmental review.--After the
approval of a record of decision or finding of no significant
impact with regard to a rail project, an agency may not require
the preparation of a subsequent environmental document for such
rail project unless the lead agency determines that--
``(A) changes to the rail project will result in
new significant impacts that were not evaluated in the
environmental document; or
``(B) new information has become available or
changes in circumstances have occurred after the lead
agency approval of the rail project that will result in
new significant impacts that were not evaluated in the
environmental document.
``(2) Re-evaluations.--The Secretary may only require the
re-evaluation of a document prepared under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) if--
``(A) the Secretary determines that the events in
paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) apply; and
``(B) more than 5 years has elapsed since the
Secretary's prior approval of the rail project or
authorization of rail project funding.
``(3) Change to record of decisions.--After the approval of
a record of decision, the Secretary may not require the record
of decision to be changed based solely because of a change in
the fiscal circumstances surrounding the rail project.
``(j) Performance Measurement.--The Secretary shall establish a
program to measure and report on progress toward improving and
expediting the planning and environmental review processes.
``(k) Assistance to Affected State and Federal Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--For a rail project that is subject to
the environmental review process established under this section
and for which funds are made available to a State under funding
programs administered by the Federal Railroad Administration,
the Secretary may approve a request by the State to provide
such funds to affected Federal agencies (including the
Department of Transportation), State agencies, and Indian
tribes participating in the environmental review process for
the rail projects in that State or participating in a State
process that has been approved by the Secretary for that State.
Such funds may be provided only to support activities that
directly and meaningfully contribute to expediting and
improving transportation or rail project planning and delivery
for rail projects in that State.
``(2) Activities eligible for funding.--Activities for
which funds may be provided under paragraph (1) include
transportation planning activities that precede the initiation
of the environmental review process, dedicated staffing,
training of agency personnel, information gathering and
mapping, and development of programmatic agreements.
``(3) Amounts.--Requests under paragraph (1) 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 meet the time limits for environmental
review.
``(4) Condition.--A request under paragraph (1) to expedite
time limits for environmental review may be approved only if
such time limits are less than the customary time necessary for
such review.
``(l) Regulations.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of
2012, the Secretary, by regulation, shall--
``(A) implement this section; and
``(B) establish methodologies and procedures for
evaluating the environmental impacts, including
cumulative impacts and growth-inducing impacts, of rail
projects subject to this section.
``(2) Compliance with applicable law.--Any environmental
document that utilizes the methodologies and procedures
established under this subsection shall be deemed to comply
with the applicable requirements of--
``(A) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or its implementing
regulations; or
``(B) any other Federal environmental statute
applicable to rail projects.
``(m) Limitations on Claims.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, a claim arising under Federal law seeking judicial review
of a permit, license, or approval issued by a Federal agency
for a rail project shall be barred unless it is filed within 90
days after publication of a notice in the Federal Register
announcing that the permit, license, or approval is final
pursuant to the law under which the agency action is taken,
unless a shorter time is specified in the Federal law pursuant
to which judicial review is allowed. Nothing in this subsection
shall create a right to judicial review or place any limit on
filing a claim that a person has violated the terms of a
permit, license, or approval.
``(2) New information.--The preparation of a supplemental
environmental impact statement or other environmental document
when required by this section shall be considered a separate
final agency action and the deadline for filing a claim for
judicial review of such action shall be 90 days after the date
of publication of a notice in the Federal Register announcing
such action.
``(n) Limitations on Judicial Relief.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the following limitations shall apply to actions
brought before a court in connection with a rail project under this
section:
``(1) Venue for any action shall be where the rail project
is located.
``(2) A specific property interest impacted by the rail
project in question must exist in order to have standing to
bring an action.
``(3) No action may be commenced by any person alleging a
violation of--
``(A) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), chapters 5 and 7 of title 5,
or any other Federal environmental law if such Federal
law is identified in the draft environmental impact
statement, unless such person provided written notice
to the lead agency of the alleged violation of law, and
the facts supporting such claim, during the public
comment period on the draft environmental impact
statement; or
``(B) any other law with regard to the rail project
unless such person provided written notice to the
applicable approving agency of the alleged violation of
law, and the facts supporting such claim, during the
public comment period on such agency approval.
``(4) Elected or appointed officials working for the
Federal Government or a State government may not be named in
their individual capacities in an action if they are acting
within the scope of their official duties.
``Sec. 22904. Integration of planning and environmental review
``(a) Adoption of Planning Products for Use in NEPA Proceedings.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law and subject to the conditions set forth in subsection (c),
the Federal lead agency for a rail project, at the request of
the project sponsors, may adopt and use a planning product in
proceedings relating to any class of action in the
environmental review process of the rail project.
``(2) Partial adoption of planning products.--The Federal
lead agency may adopt a planning product under paragraph (1) in
its entirety or may select portions for adoption.
``(3) Timing.--A determination under paragraph (1) with
respect to the adoption of a planning product shall be made at
the time the lead agencies decide the appropriate scope of
environmental review for the rail project.
``(b) Applicability.--
``(1) Planning decisions.--Planning decisions that may be
adopted pursuant to this section include--
``(A) a purpose and need or goals and objectives
statement for the rail project, including with respect
to whether private financial assistance or other
special financial measures are necessary to implement
the rail project;
``(B) a decision with respect to rail project
location;
``(C) a decision with respect to the elimination of
unreasonable alternatives and the selection of the
range of reasonable alternatives for detailed study
during the environmental review process;
``(D) a basic description of the environmental
setting;
``(E) a decision with respect to methodologies for
analysis; and
``(F) identifications of programmatic level
mitigation for potential impacts that the Federal lead
agency, in consultation with Federal, State, local, and
tribal resource agencies, determines are most
effectively addressed at a regional or national program
level, including--
``(i) system-level measures to avoid,
minimize, or mitigate impacts of proposed
transportation and rail investments on
environmental resources, including regional
ecosystem and water resources; and
``(ii) potential mitigation activities,
locations, and investments.
``(2) Planning analyses.--Planning analyses that may be
adopted pursuant to this section include studies with respect
to--
``(A) freight and passenger rail needs and demands;
``(B) regional development and growth;
``(C) local land use, growth management, and
development;
``(D) population and employment;
``(E) natural and built environmental conditions;
``(F) environmental resources and environmentally
sensitive areas;
``(G) potential environmental effects, including
the identification of resources of concern and
potential cumulative effects on those resources,
identified as a result of a statewide or regional
cumulative effects assessment; and
``(H) mitigation needs for a proposed action, or
programmatic level mitigation, for potential effects
that the Federal lead agency determines are most
effectively addressed at a regional or national program
level.
``(c) Conditions.--Adoption and use of a planning product under
this section is subject to a determination by the Federal lead agency,
in consultation with joint lead agencies and project sponsors as
appropriate, that the following conditions have been met:
``(1) The planning product was developed through a planning
process conducted pursuant to applicable Federal law.
``(2) The planning process included broad consideration of
freight and passenger rail needs and potential effects.
``(3) During the planning process, notice was provided, to
the extent required by applicable law, through publication or
other means to Federal, State, and local government agencies
and tribal governments that might have an interest in the
proposed rail project, and to members of the general public, of
the planning products that the planning process might produce
and that might be relied on during the environmental review
process, and such entities have been provided an appropriate
opportunity to participate in the planning process leading to
such planning product.
``(4) Prior to determining the scope of environmental
review for the rail project, the joint lead agencies have made
documentation relating to the planning product available to
Federal, State, and local governmental agencies and tribal
governments that may have an interest in the proposed action,
and to members of the general public.
``(5) There is no significant new information or new
circumstance that has a reasonable likelihood of affecting the
continued validity or appropriateness of the planning product.
``(6) The planning product is based on reliable and
reasonably current data and reasonable and scientifically
acceptable methodologies.
``(7) The planning product is documented in sufficient
detail to support the decision or the results of the analysis
and to meet requirements for use of the information in the
environmental review process.
``(8) The planning product is appropriate for adoption and
use in the environmental review process for the rail project.
``(d) Effect of Adoption.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, any planning product adopted by the Federal lead agency in
accordance with this section shall not be reconsidered or made the
subject of additional interagency consultation during the environmental
review process of the rail project unless the Federal lead agency, in
consultation with joint lead agencies and project sponsors as
appropriate, determines that there is significant new information or
new circumstances that affect the continued validity or appropriateness
of the adopted planning product. Any planning product adopted by the
Federal lead agency in accordance with this section may be relied upon
and used by other Federal agencies in carrying out reviews of the rail
project.
``(e) Rule of Construction.--This section may not be construed to
make the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.) process applicable to the transportation planning processes
conducted under chapters 52 and 227 of this title, section 211 of the
Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, or section 26101
of this title. Initiation of the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 process as a part of, or concurrently with, transportation
planning activities does not subject transportation plans and programs
to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 process. This section
may not be construed to affect the use of planning products in the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 process pursuant to other
authorities under law or to restrict the initiation of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 process during planning.
``Sec. 22905. Program for eliminating duplication of environmental
reviews
``(a) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a program
to eliminate duplicative environmental reviews and approvals
under State and Federal law of rail projects. Under this
program, a State may use State laws and procedures to conduct
reviews and make approvals in lieu of Federal environmental
laws and regulations, consistent with the provisions of this
section.
``(2) Participating states.--All States are eligible to
participate in the program.
``(3) Scope of alternative review and approval
procedures.--For purposes of this section, alternative
environmental review and approval procedures may include one or
more of the following:
``(A) Substitution of one or more State
environmental laws for one or more Federal
environmental laws, if the Secretary determines in
accordance with this section that the State
environmental laws provide environmental protection and
opportunities for public involvement that are
substantially equivalent to the applicable Federal
environmental laws.
``(B) Substitution of one or more State regulations
for Federal regulations implementing one or more
Federal environmental laws, if the Secretary determines
in accordance with this section that the State
regulations provide environmental protection and
opportunities for public involvement that are
substantially equivalent to the Federal regulations.
``(b) Application.--To participate in the program, a State shall
submit to the Secretary an application containing such information as
the Secretary may require, including--
``(1) a full and complete description of the proposed
alternative environmental review and approval procedures of the
State;
``(2) for each State law or regulation included in the
proposed alternative environmental review and approval
procedures of the State, an explanation of the basis for
concluding that the law or regulation meets the requirements
under subsection (a)(3); and
``(3) evidence of having sought, received, and addressed
comments on the proposed application from the public and
appropriate Federal environmental resource agencies.
``(c) Review of Application.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) review an application submitted under subsection (b);
``(2) approve or disapprove the application in accordance
with subsection (d) not later than 90 days after the date of
the receipt of the application; and
``(3) transmit to the State notice of the approval or
disapproval, together with a statement of the reasons for the
approval or disapproval.
``(d) Approval of State Programs.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall approve each such
application if the Secretary finds that the proposed
alternative environmental review and approval procedures of the
State are substantially equivalent to the applicable Federal
environmental laws and Federal regulations.
``(2) Exclusion.--The National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) shall not apply to any decision
by the Secretary to approve or disapprove any application
submitted pursuant to this section.
``(e) Compliance With Permits.--Compliance with a permit or other
approval of a rail project issued pursuant to a program approved by the
Secretary under this section shall be deemed compliance with the
Federal laws and regulations identified in the program approved by the
Secretary pursuant to this section.
``(f) Review and Termination.--
``(1) Review.--All State alternative environmental review
and approval procedures approved under this section shall be
reviewed by the Secretary not less than once every 5 years.
``(2) Public notice and comment.--In conducting the review
process under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide notice
and an opportunity for public comment.
``(3) Extensions and terminations.--At the conclusion of
the review process, the Secretary may extend the State
alternative environmental review and approval procedures for an
additional 5-year period or terminate the State program.
``(g) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall
submit to Congress a report that describes the administration of the
program.
``Sec. 22906. Railroad corridor preservation
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may assist an applicant to acquire
railroad right-of-way and adjacent real property interests before the
completion of the environmental reviews for any rail project that may
use the right-of-way and the real property interests if the acquisition
is otherwise permitted under Federal law. The Secretary may establish
restrictions on such an acquisition as the Secretary determines to be
necessary and appropriate.
``(b) Environmental Reviews.--Railroad right-of-way and real
property interests acquired under this section may not be developed in
anticipation of final approval of the rail project until all required
environmental reviews for the rail project have been completed.
``Sec. 22907. Treatment of railroads for historic preservation
``Except for a railroad operated as a historic site with the
purpose of preserving the railroad for listing in the National Register
of Historic Places, a railroad subject to the safety regulation
jurisdiction of the Federal Railroad Administration, or any portion of
such railroad, or any property in current or former use by a railroad
and intended to be restored to use by a railroad, shall not be
considered a historic site, district, object, structure, or property of
national, State, or local significance for purposes of section 303 of
this title or section 106 or 110 of the National Historic Preservation
Act (16 U.S.C. 470f or 470h-2) by virtue of being listed as a resource
in, or eligible for listing in, the National Register of Historic
Places. At the discretion of the Secretary, with the advice of the
Department of the Interior, significant individual elements of a
railroad such as depots and major bridges would be subject to such
section 106 or 110.
``Sec. 22908. Categorical exclusion
``(a) Treatment of Rail Projects.--The Secretary shall, for the
purposes of this title, treat a rail project as a class of action
categorically excluded from the requirements relating to the
environmental assessment process or the preparation of environmental
impact statements under the standards promulgated by the Council on
Environmental Quality (40 C.F.R. 1508.4), if such rail project--
``(1) replaces or maintains existing railroad equipment;
track and bridge structures; electrification, communication,
signaling, or security facilities; stations; maintenance-of-way
and maintenance-of-equipment bases; or other existing railroad-
related facilities;
``(2) is a rail line addition of any length within an
existing right of way;
``(3) is related to the implementation of positive train
control systems, as required by section 20157 of title 49,
United States Code; or
``(4) replaces, reconstructs, or rehabilitates an existing
railroad bridge, including replacement of a culvert, that does
not require the acquisition of a significant amount of right-
of-way.
``(b) Additional Actions.--If a rail project qualifies for
categorical exclusion under this section except for additional actions
that do not fit in the relevant category, the rail project may be
categorically excluded if the Secretary determines, based on
information provided by the project sponsor, that the additional
actions meet the standards for categorical exclusion promulgated by the
Council on Environmental Quality (40 C.F.R. 1508.4).
``(c) Other Operating Administrations' Categorical Exclusions.--If
a rail project would be eligible for categorical exclusion from the
requirements relating to the environmental assessment process or the
preparation of environmental impact statements by another operating
administration of the Department of Transportation, the Federal
Railroad Administration may categorically exclude the rail project.
``Sec. 22909. State assumption of responsibility for categorical
exclusions
``(a) Categorical Exclusion Determinations.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may assign, and a State
may assume, responsibility for determining whether certain
designated activities are included within classes of action
identified by the Secretary that are categorically excluded
from requirements for environmental assessments or
environmental impact statements pursuant to regulations
promulgated by the Council on Environmental Quality under part
1500 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on
October 1, 2003).
``(2) Scope of authority.--A determination described in
paragraph (1) shall be made by a State in accordance with
criteria established by the Secretary and for any type of
activity for which a categorical exclusion classification is
appropriate.
``(3) Criteria.--The criteria under paragraph (2) shall
include provisions for public availability of information
consistent with section 552 of title 5 and the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
``(4) Preservation of flexibility.--The Secretary shall not
require a State, as a condition of assuming responsibility
under this section, to forego project delivery methods that are
otherwise permissible for rail projects.
``(b) Other Applicable Federal Laws.--
``(1) In general.--If a State assumes responsibility under
subsection (a), the Secretary may also assign and the State may
assume all or part of the responsibilities of the Secretary for
environmental review, consultation, or other related actions
required under any Federal environmental law applicable to
activities that are classified by the Secretary as categorical
exclusions, with the exception of government-to-government
consultation with Indian tribes, subject to the same procedural
and substantive requirements as would be required if that
responsibility were carried out by the Secretary.
``(2) Sole responsibility.--A State that assumes
responsibility under paragraph (1) with respect to a Federal
law shall be solely responsible and solely liable for complying
with and carrying out that law, and the Secretary shall have no
such responsibility or liability.
``(c) Memoranda of Understanding.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary and the State, after
providing public notice and opportunity for comment, shall
enter into a memorandum of understanding setting forth the
responsibilities to be assigned under this section and the
terms and conditions under which the assignments are made,
including establishment of the circumstances under which the
Secretary would reassume responsibility for categorical
exclusion determinations.
``(2) Term.--A memorandum of understanding--
``(A) shall have a term of not more than 3 years;
and
``(B) shall be renewable.
``(3) Acceptance of jurisdiction.--In a memorandum of
understanding, the State shall consent to accept the
jurisdiction of the Federal courts for the compliance,
discharge, and enforcement of any responsibility of the
Secretary that the State assumes.
``(4) Monitoring.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) monitor compliance by the State with the
memorandum of understanding and the provision by the
State of financial resources to carry out the
memorandum of understanding; and
``(B) take into account the performance by the
State when considering renewal of the memorandum of
understanding.
``(d) Termination.--The Secretary may terminate any assumption of
responsibility under a memorandum of understanding on a determination
that the State is not adequately carrying out the responsibilities
assigned to the State.
``(e) State Agency Deemed to Be Federal Agency.--A State agency
that is assigned a responsibility under a memorandum of understanding
shall be deemed to be a Federal agency for the purposes of the Federal
law under which the responsibility is exercised.
``Sec. 22910. Rail project delivery program
``(a) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a rail
project delivery program (referred to in this section as the
`program').
``(2) Assumption of responsibility.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to the other provisions
of this section, with the written agreement of the
Secretary and a State, which may be in the form of a
memorandum of understanding, the Secretary may assign,
and the State may assume, the responsibilities of the
Secretary with respect to one or more rail projects
within the State under the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
``(B) Additional responsibility.--If a State
assumes responsibility under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) the Secretary may assign to the
State, and the State may assume, all or part of
the responsibilities of the Secretary for
environmental review, consultation, or other
action required under any Federal environmental
law pertaining to the review or approval of a
specific rail project; but
``(ii) the Secretary may not assign any
responsibility imposed on the Secretary by
chapter 227 of this title.
``(C) Procedural and substantive requirements.--A
State shall assume responsibility under this section
subject to the same procedural and substantive
requirements as would apply if that responsibility were
carried out by the Secretary.
``(D) Federal responsibility.--Any responsibility
of the Secretary not explicitly assumed by the State by
written agreement under this section shall remain the
responsibility of the Secretary.
``(E) No effect on authority.--Nothing in this
section preempts or interferes with any power,
jurisdiction, responsibility, or authority of an
agency, other than the Department of Transportation,
under applicable law (including regulations) with
respect to a rail project.
``(F) Preservation of flexibility.--The Secretary
may not require a State, as a condition of
participation in the program, to forego project
delivery methods that are otherwise permissible for
rail projects.
``(b) State Participation.--
``(1) Participating states.--All States are eligible to
participate in the program.
``(2) Application.--Not later than 270 days after the date
of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate
regulations that establish requirements relating to information
required to be contained in any application of a State to
participate in the program, including, at a minimum--
``(A) the rail projects or classes of projects for
which the State anticipates exercising the authority
that may be granted under the program;
``(B) verification of the financial resources
necessary to carry out the authority that may be
granted under the program; and
``(C) evidence of the notice and solicitation of
public comment by the State relating to participation
of the State in the program, including copies of
comments received from that solicitation.
``(3) Public notice.--
``(A) In general.--Each State that submits an
application under this subsection shall give notice of
the intent of the State to participate in the program
not later than 30 days before the date of submission of
the application.
``(B) Method of notice and solicitation.--The State
shall provide notice and solicit public comment under
this paragraph by publishing the complete application
of the State in accordance with the appropriate public
notice law of the State.
``(4) Selection criteria.--The Secretary may approve the
application of a State under this section only if--
``(A) the regulatory requirements under paragraph
(2) have been met;
``(B) the Secretary determines that the State has
the capability, including financial and personnel, to
assume the responsibility; and
``(C) the head of the State agency having primary
jurisdiction over rail matters enters into a written
agreement with the Secretary described in subsection
(c).
``(5) Other federal agency views.--If a State applies to
assume a responsibility of the Secretary that would have
required the Secretary to consult with another Federal agency,
the Secretary shall solicit the views of the Federal agency
before approving the application.
``(c) Written Agreement.--A written agreement under this section
shall--
``(1) be executed by the Governor or the top-ranking
transportation official in the State who is charged with
responsibility for rail construction;
``(2) be in such form as the Secretary may prescribe;
``(3) provide that the State--
``(A) agrees to assume all or part of the
responsibilities of the Secretary described in
subsection (a);
``(B) expressly consents, on behalf of the State,
to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts for
the compliance, discharge, and enforcement of any
responsibility of the Secretary assumed by the State;
``(C) certifies that State laws (including
regulations) are in effect that--
``(i) authorize the State to take the
actions necessary to carry out the
responsibilities being assumed; and
``(ii) are comparable to section 552 of
title 5, including providing that any decision
regarding the public availability of a document
under those State laws is reviewable by a court
of competent jurisdiction; and
``(D) agrees to maintain the financial resources
necessary to carry out the responsibilities being
assumed;
``(4) shall have a term of not more than 5 years; and
``(5) shall be renewable.
``(d) Jurisdiction.--
``(1) In general.--The United States district courts shall
have exclusive jurisdiction over any civil action against a
State for failure to carry out any responsibility of the State
under this section.
``(2) Legal standards and requirements.--A civil action
under paragraph (1) shall be governed by the legal standards
and requirements that would apply in such a civil action
against the Secretary had the Secretary taken the actions in
question.
``(3) Intervention.--The Secretary shall have the right to
intervene in any action described in paragraph (1).
``(e) Effect of Assumption of Responsibility.--A State that assumes
responsibility under subsection (a)(2) shall be solely responsible and
solely liable for carrying out, in lieu of the Secretary, the
responsibilities assumed under subsection (a)(2), until the program is
terminated as provided in subsection (j).
``(f) Limitations on Agreements.--Nothing in this section permits a
State to assume any rulemaking authority of the Secretary under any
Federal law.
``(g) Audits.--
``(1) In general.--To ensure compliance by a State with any
agreement of the State under subsection (c) (including
compliance by the State with all Federal laws for which
responsibility is assumed under subsection (a)(2)), for each
State participating in the program under this section, the
Secretary shall conduct--
``(A) semiannual audits during each of the first 2
years of State participation; and
``(B) annual audits during each of the third and
fourth years of State participation.
``(2) Public availability and comment.--
``(A) In general.--An audit conducted under
paragraph (1) shall be provided to the public for
comment.
``(B) Response.--Not later than 60 days after the
date on which the period for public comment ends, the
Secretary shall respond to public comments received
under subparagraph (A).
``(h) Monitoring.--After the fourth year of participation of the
State in the program, the Secretary shall monitor compliance by the
State with the written agreement, including the provision by the State
of financial resources to carry out the written agreement.
``(i) Report to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress
an annual report that describes the administration of the program.
``(j) Termination.--The Secretary may terminate the participation
of any State in the program if--
``(1) the Secretary determines that the State is not
adequately carrying out the responsibilities assigned to the
State;
``(2) the Secretary provides to the State--
``(A) notification of the determination of
noncompliance; and
``(B) a period of at least 30 days during which to
take such corrective action as the Secretary determines
is necessary to comply with the applicable agreement;
and
``(3) the State, after the notification and period provided
under paragraph (2), fails to take satisfactory corrective
action, as determined by Secretary.
``Sec. 22911. Exemption in emergencies
``Any railroad, track, bridge, or other facility that is in
operation or under construction when damaged by an emergency declared
by the Governor of the State and concurred in by the Secretary, or
declared by the President pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121), and is proposed
to be reconstructed with Federal funds may be reconstructed in the same
location with the same capacity, dimensions, and design as before the
emergency and shall be exempt from any environmental reviews,
approvals, licensing, and permit requirements under--
``(1) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
``(2) sections 402 and 404 of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342, 1344);
``(3) the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470
et seq.);
``(4) the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et
seq.);
``(5) the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et
seq.);
``(6) the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661
et seq.);
``(7) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.), except when the reconstruction occurs in designated
critical habitat for threatened and endangered species;
``(8) Executive Order 11990 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; relating
to the protection of wetlands); and
``(9) any Federal law (including regulations) requiring no
net loss of wetlands.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for subtitle V of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item
relating to chapter 227 the following:
``229. Project development and review....................... 22901''.
Subtitle D--Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing
SEC. 8301. RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING.
(a) Purpose and Regulations.--
(1) Purpose.--The amendments made by this section are
intended to encourage a higher level of participation in the
railroad rehabilitation and improvement financing program under
section 502 of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory
Reform Act of 1976 and to make the loan process under that
program faster, more efficient, and more predictable.
(2) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations
implementing the amendments made by this section in a manner
that achieves the purpose stated in paragraph (1).
(b) High-speed Rail.--Section 502(b)(1)(C) of such Act (45 U.S.C.
822(b)(1)(C)) is amended by inserting ``, including high-speed rail (as
defined in section 26101(6)) of title 49, United States Code)
facilities'' after ``railroad facilities''.
(c) Private Insurance.--Section 502(f)(1) of such Act (45 U.S.C.
822(f)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``under this section a commitment'' and
inserting ``under this section private insurance, including
bond insurance, or any other commitment''; and
(2) by inserting ``or private insurance, including bond
insurance,'' after ``authority and credit risk premiums''.
(d) Financing of Credit Risk Premium.--Section 502(f)(3) of such
Act (45 U.S.C. 822(f)(3)) is amended by inserting ``, or, at the
discretion of the Secretary, in a series of payments over the term of
the loan. If private insurance, including bond insurance, is used, the
policy premium shall be paid before the loan is disbursed'' after ``of
loan amounts''.
(e) Collateral.--
(1) Full value.--Section 502(h)(2) of such Act (45 U.S.C.
822(h)(2)) is amended by inserting ``Such collateral shall be
valued at 100 percent of the liquidated asset valuation, or
going concern valuation when applicable.'' after ``operation of
the project.''.
(2) Dedicated revenue and subordination.--Such section
502(h)(2) is further amended--
(A) by striking ``(2) The Secretary'' and inserting
``(2)(A) The Secretary'';
(B) by adding at the end of subparagraph (A) the
following: ``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''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(B) In the case of an applicant that is a State, an
Interstate compact, a local government authority as defined in
section 5302 of title 49, United States Code, or a high-speed
rail system as defined in section 26101 of title 49, United
States Code, the Secretary shall, for purposes of making a
finding under subsection (g)(4), accept the net present value
on a future stream of State or local subsidy income or
dedicated revenue as collateral offered to secure the loan.''.
(f) Office of Management and Budget.--Section 502(i) of such Act
(45 U.S.C. 822(i)) is amended by inserting ``In order to enable
compliance with such time limit, the Office of Management and Budget
shall take any actions required with respect to the application within
such 90-day period.'' after ``disapprove the application.''.
(g) Completion of Application.--Section 502(i) of such Act (45
U.S.C. 822(i)) is further amended--
(1) by striking ``Disapproval.--Not later than 90 days
after receiving'' and inserting ``Disapproval.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after an
application is determined pursuant to paragraph (2) to be'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Completion of application.--The Secretary shall
establish procedures for making a determination not later than
45 days after submission of an application under this section
whether the application is complete. Such procedures shall--
``(A) provide for a checklist of the required
components of a complete application;
``(B) provide that an independent financial analyst
be assigned within 45 days of submittal to review the
application;
``(C) require the Secretary to provide to the
applicant a description of the specific components of
the application that remain incomplete or
unsatisfactory if an application is determined to be
incomplete; and
``(D) permit reapplication without prejudice for
applications determined to be incomplete or
unsatisfactory.''.
(h) Repayment Deferral.--Section 502(j) of such Act (45 U.S.C.
822(j)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Treatment of costs associated with deferral.--Any
additional costs associated with a deferred repayment schedule
under paragraph (1) may be financed over the remaining term of
the loan beginning at the time the payments begin, or may be
included in the credit risk premium determined under subsection
(f)(2).''.
(i) Positive Train Control.--
(1) Priority.--Section 502(c)(1) of such Act (45 U.S.C.
822(c)(1)) is amended by inserting ``, including projects for
the installation of positive train control systems as defined
in section 20157(a) of title 49, United States Code'' after
``public safety''.
(2) Collateral.--Section 502(h)(2) of such Act (45 U.S.C.
822(h)(2)), as amended by this section, is further amended by
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) For purposes of making a finding under subsection
(g)(4) with respect to an application for a project for the
installation of positive train control systems, the collateral
value of that asset shall be deemed to be equal to the total
cost of the labor and materials associated with installing the
positive train control systems.''.
(j) Report to Congress.--Section 502 of such Act (45 U.S.C. 822) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012,
and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall transmit to the Congress a
report on the program under this section that summarizes the number of
loans approved and disapproved by the Secretary during the previous
year. Such report shall not disclose the identity of loan or loan
guarantee recipients. The report shall describe--
``(1) the number of preapplication meetings with potential
applicants;
``(2) the number of applications received and determined
complete under subsection (i)(2), including the requested loan
amounts;
``(3) the dates of receipt of applications;
``(4) the dates applications were determined complete under
subsection (i)(2);
``(5) the number of applications determined incomplete
under subsection (i)(2);
``(6) the final decision dates for both approvals and
denials of applications;
``(7) the number of applications withdrawn from
consideration; and
``(8) the annual loan portfolio asset quality.''.
(k) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 502 of such Act (45
U.S.C. 822) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary for purposes of carrying out subsections
(f)(3) and (j)(3), $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.''.
Subtitle E--Positive Train Control
SEC. 8401. POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL.
(a) Railroad Safety Risk Reduction Program.--Section 20156(e)(4) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(4) Positive train control.--Except as required by
section 20157 (relating to the requirements for implementation
of positive train control systems), the Secretary shall ensure
that each railroad carrier's technology implementation plan
required under paragraph (1) that includes a schedule for
implementation of a positive train control system complies with
that schedule. Nothing in this section shall be construed as
requiring the installation of positive train control on
railroad tracks if positive train control is not required on
those tracks by section 20157 and positive train control on
those tracks is not chosen by the railroad as a technology to
be implemented under this section.''.
(b) Implementation of Positive Train Control Systems.--Section
20157 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) by striking ``December 31, 2015'' and inserting
``December 31, 2020'';
(B) by inserting ``and'' after the semicolon at the
end of subparagraph (A);
(C) by striking ``; and'' at the end of
subparagraph (B) and inserting ``on or after December
31, 2020.''; and
(D) by striking subparagraph (C);
(2) by adding at the end of subsection (a) the following
new paragraph:
``(3) Alternative strategy.--A plan submitted under this
subsection may provide that, in lieu of installing positive
train control on all or some of the tracks on which positive
train control is otherwise required to be installed pursuant to
paragraph (1)(B), the railroad carrier will utilize an
alternative risk reduction strategy that would reduce the risk
of release of poison- or toxic-by-inhalation hazardous
materials to the same extent the risk of a release of poison-
or toxic-by-inhalation hazardous materials would be reduced if
positive train control were installed on those tracks. An
alternative risk reduction strategy may only be used pursuant
to this paragraph on tracks for which positive train control is
not required pursuant to paragraph (1)(A).'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``Approval.--Not later than 90 days
after the Secretary receives a plan'' and inserting
``Approval.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
Secretary receives a plan or revision of a plan under this
section''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(2) Revision of plan.--A railroad carrier may revise a
plan under this section as necessary to reflect rail lines that
are added or removed, or to reflect alternative risk reduction
strategies proposed pursuant to subsection (a)(3).'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking ``December 31, 2012'' and inserting
``December 31, 2015''; and
(B) by inserting ``and alternative risk reduction
strategies. Such report shall include any
recommendations for improving the ability of rail
carriers to implement positive train control systems or
alternative risk reduction strategies in accordance
with this section'' after ``positive train control
systems'';
(5) in subsection (e), by inserting ``and alternative risk
reduction strategies'' after ``positive train control''; and
(6) in subsection (f), by striking ``or section 20156'' the
first place it appears.
Subtitle F--Regulatory Reform
SEC. 8501. FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS.
(a) Amendment.--Section 103 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(l) Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review.--
``(1) In general.--Before any final regulation within the
jurisdiction of the Administration is issued, the Administrator
shall make all preliminary and final determinations based on
evidence and consider, in addition to other applicable
considerations, the following:
``(A) The legal authority under which a rule may be
proposed, including whether a rulemaking is required by
statute, and if so, whether by a specific date, or
whether the agency has discretion to commence a
rulemaking.
``(B) Other statutory considerations applicable to
whether the agency can or should propose a rule or
undertake other agency action.
``(C) The specific nature and significance of the
problem the agency may address with a rule (including
the degree and nature of risks the problem poses and
the priority of addressing those risks compared to
other matters or activities within the agency's
jurisdiction), whether the problem warrants new agency
action, and the countervailing risks that may be posed
by alternatives for new agency action.
``(D) Whether existing rules have created or
contributed to the problem the agency may address with
a rule and whether those rules could be amended or
rescinded to address the problem in whole or part.
``(E) The best reasonably obtainable scientific,
technical, and other information related to the need
for, and consequences of, the rule.
``(F) The potential costs and benefits, including
direct, indirect, and cumulative costs and benefits and
estimated impacts on jobs, economic growth, innovation,
and economic competitiveness.
``(G) Means to increase the cost-effectiveness of
any Federal response.
``(H) Incentives for innovation, consistency,
predictability, lower costs of enforcement and
compliance (to government entities, regulated entities,
and the public), and flexibility.
``(I) Any reasonable alternatives for a new rule or
other response identified by the agency or interested
persons, including not only responses that mandate
particular conduct or manners of compliance, but also--
``(i) the alternative of no Federal
response;
``(ii) amending or rescinding existing
rules;
``(iii) potential regional, State, local,
or tribal regulatory action or other responses
that could be taken in lieu of agency action;
and
``(iv) potential responses that--
``(I) specify performance
objectives rather than conduct or
manners of compliance;
``(II) establish economic
incentives to encourage desired
behavior;
``(III) provide information upon
which choices can be made by the
public; or
``(IV) incorporate other innovative
alternatives rather than agency actions
that specify conduct or manners of
compliance.
``(2) Public comment.--The Administrator shall solicit and
take into consideration public comment on the subjects
described in subparagraphs (A) through (I) of paragraph (1)
before issuance of a final regulation described in paragraph
(1).
``(3) Agency statements.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall follow
applicable rulemaking procedures under section 553 of
title 5 before issuing a binding obligation applicable
to recipients of Federal assistance.
``(B) Binding obligation defined.--In this
paragraph, the term `binding obligation' means a
substantive policy statement, rule, or guidance
document issued by the Administration that grants
rights, imposes obligations, produces significant
effects on private interests, or effects a significant
change in existing policy.''.
(b) Effective Date.--Paragraphs (1) and (2) of the subsection (l)
added by the amendment made by subsection (a) of this section shall be
effective only with respect to regulations with respect to which no
notice of proposed rulemaking has been issued before the date of
enactment of this Act.
Subtitle G--Technical Corrections
SEC. 8601. MISCELLANEOUS CORRECTIONS, REVISIONS, AND REPEALS.
(a) Technical Corrections to Provisions of the United States Code
Enacted in, or Amended by, the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.--
(1) Section 1139 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``phone number'' and
inserting ``telephone number'';
(B) in subsection (a)(2) by striking ``post trauma
communication with families'' and inserting ``post-trauma
communication with families''; and
(C) in subsection (j)(2) by striking ``railroad passenger
accident'' and inserting ``rail passenger accident''.
(2) Section 10909 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (b), by striking ``Clean Railroad Act of
2008,'' and inserting ``Clean Railroads Act of 2008,''; and
(B) in subsection (e), by striking ``Upon the granting of
petition from the State'' and inserting ``Upon the granting of
a petition from the State''.
(3) Section 20116 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(A) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``unless''; and
(B) 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.''.
(4) Section 20120(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(A) by striking ``website'' and inserting ``Web site'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``accident and incidence
reporting'' and inserting ``accident and incident reporting'';
(C) in paragraph (2)(G), by inserting ``and'' at the end;
and
(D) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ``Administrative
Hearing Officer or Administrative Law Judge'' and inserting
``administrative hearing officer or administrative law judge''.
(5) Section 20156 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (c), by inserting a comma after ``In
developing its railroad safety risk reduction program''; and
(B) in subsection (g)(1), by inserting a comma after ``good
faith'' and by striking ``non-profit'' and inserting
``nonprofit''.
(6) Section 20157(a)(1)(B) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by striking ``parts 171.8, 173.115, and 173.132'' and inserting
``sections 171.8, 173.115, and 173.132''.
(7) Section 20159 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``the Secretary'' and inserting ``the Secretary of
Transportation''.
(8) Section 20160 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``or with'' and
inserting ``with''; and
(B) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by striking ``or with'' and
inserting ``with''.
(9) Section 20162(a)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by striking ``railroad compliance with Federal standards'' and
inserting ``railroad carrier compliance with Federal standards''.
(10) Section 20164(a) of title 49, United States Code, 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''.
(11) Section 22106(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by striking ``interest thereof'' and inserting ``interest thereon''.
(12) The item relating to section 24316 in the chapter analysis for
chapter 243 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking
``to assist families of passengers'' and inserting ``to address needs
of families of passengers''.
(b) Technical Corrections to Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.--
(1) The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Rail Safety
Improvement Act of 2008 is amended--
(A) in the item relating to section 307, by striking
``website'' and inserting ``Web site'';
(B) in the item relating to section 403, by striking
``Track inspection time study'' and inserting ``Study and
rulemaking on track inspection time; rulemaking on concrete
cross ties'';
(C) in the item relating to section 408, by striking
``Conrail'' and inserting ``Consolidated Rail Corporation'';
(D) in the item relating to title VI, by striking ``Solid
waste facilities'' and inserting ``Solid waste rail transfer
facilities''; and
(E) in the item relating to section 602 by striking ``solid
waste transfer facilities'' and inserting ``solid waste rail
transfer facilities''.
(2) Section 2(a)(1) of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is
amended by inserting a comma after ``tracks at grade''.
(3) Section 102(a)(6) of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is
amended to read as follows:
``(6) 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.''.
(4) Section 206(a) of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is
amended by striking ``Public Service Announcements'' and inserting
``public service announcements''.
(5) Section 307 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is
amended--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``website'' and
inserting ``web site'';
(B) in subsection (a), by striking ``website'' and
inserting ``Web site''; and
(C) in subsection (b), by striking ``website's'' and
inserting ``Web site's''.
(6) Section 403 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is
amended in the section heading by striking ``track inspection time
study'' and inserting ``study and rulemaking on track inspection time;
rulemaking on concrete cross ties''.
(7) Section 405 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is
amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``cell phones'' and
inserting ``cellular telephones''; and
(B) in subsection (d), by striking ``Secretary of
Transportation'' and inserting ``Secretary''.
(8) Section 408 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is
amended in the section heading by striking ``conrail'' and inserting
``consolidated rail corporation''.
(9) Section 412 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is
amended by striking ``Secretary of Transportation'' and inserting
``Secretary''.
(10) Section 414 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is
amended--
(A) by striking ``parts 171.8, 173.115,'' and inserting
``sections 171.8, 173.115,''; and
(B) by striking ``part 1520.5'' and inserting ``section
1520.5''.
(11) Section 416 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is
amended--
(A) by striking ``Secretary of Transportation'' and
inserting ``Secretary''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``subsection'' and
inserting ``section''.
(12) Section 417(c) of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is
amended by striking ``each railroad'' and inserting ``each railroad
carrier''.
(13) Section 503 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is
amended--
(A) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``passenger rail
accidents'' and inserting ``rail passenger accidents'';
(ii) by striking ``passenger rail accident'' each
place it appears and inserting ``rail passenger
accident''; and
(iii) in paragraph (4), by striking ``a count of
the number of passengers onboard the train'' and
inserting ``a count of the number of passengers aboard
the train''; and
(B) by adding at the end a new subsection (d) to read as
follows:
``(d) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `passenger' and
`rail passenger accident' have the meaning given those terms by section
1139 of this title.''.
(14) The heading title VI of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of
2008 is amended by striking ``SOLID WASTE FACILITIES'' and inserting
``SOLID WASTE RAIL TRANSFER FACILITIES''.
(15) The heading of section 602 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act
of 2008 is amended by striking ``solid waste transfer facilities'' and
inserting ``solid waste rail transfer facilities''.
(c) Technical Corrections to Provisions of the United States Code
Enacted in, or Amended by, the Passenger Rail Investment and
Improvement Act of 2008.--
(1) Alternate passenger rail service pilot.--Section 24711
of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``a period not
to exceed 5 years after the date of enactment of the
Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008''
and inserting ``an operations period of 5 years,
renewable for a second 5-year operations period at the
discretion of the Administrator''; and
(B) by inserting after subsection (e) the following
new subsection:
``(f) Transfer Authority.--The Secretary of Transportation may
provide directly to a winning bidder selected under this section any
portion of appropriations for Amtrak operations necessary to cover the
operating subsidy described in subsection (a)(5)(B).''.
(2) Competitive grant selection and criteria for grants.--
Section 26106(e)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(v), by striking ``that if
an applicant has selected the proposed operator of its
service, that the applicant provide'', and inserting
``that the applicant shall select the proposed operator
of its service competitively, and that the applicant
shall provide''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)(ii)--
(i) by inserting ``and'' at the end of
subclause (I);
(ii) by inserting ``and'' at the end of
subclause (II); and
(iii) by striking subclauses (III) and
(IV).
(d) State-supported Routes.--Section 209(c) of the Passenger Rail
Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-432, 122 Stat.
4918) is amended by striking ``within 1 year after the Board's
determination'' and inserting ``by the first day of the first fiscal
year beginning at least 1 year after the Board's determination''.
TITLE IX--HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TRANSPORTATION
SEC. 9001. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Hazardous Material Transportation
Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability Act of 2012''.
SEC. 9002. AMENDMENT OF TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE.
Except as otherwise provided, whenever in this Act 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 title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 9003. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) There are annually 2.2 billion tons of hazardous
material shipments by all modes across the United States
totaling more than $1.4 trillion.
(2) The number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by
the transportation of hazardous material has been historically
low, averaging 4.2 fatalities per 100 million shipments -
meaning an American is about 4 times more likely to be killed
by lightning than a hazardous material in transportation. In
fiscal year 2010, there was the lowest number of hazardous
material incidents on record.
(3) It is critical to the economic health of the Nation
that the laws and regulations governing the transportation of
hazardous material maintain a high level of safety, while
balancing the need for economic growth, innovation,
competitiveness, and job creation.
(4) The individuals involved in the transportation stream
and the public benefit from a regulatory regime that is
certain, uniform, cost-efficient, and science-based.
(5) Because of the potential risks to life, property, and
the environment posed by an unintentional release of hazardous
material, consistency and uniformity in laws and regulation
regarding the transportation of hazardous material is necessary
and desirable.
SEC. 9004. PURPOSES.
Section 5101 is amended by striking ``that are inherent''.
SEC. 9005. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Hazmat Employer.--Section 5102(4)(A)(i)(I) is amended by
striking ``or uses''.
(b) Transports.--Section 5102(13) is amended to read as follows:
``(13) `transports' or `transportation'--
``(A) means the movement of property and loading,
unloading, handling, or storage incidental to the
movement;
``(B) includes all activities related to--
``(i) loading or unloading packaged or
containerized hazardous material, such as
portable tanks, cylinders, and intermediate
bulk containers, onto a transport vehicle, rail
car, aircraft, or vessel at its origin, during
en route movement, or at its destination; or
``(ii) loading or unloading a hazardous
material into or from a bulk packaging with a
capacity greater than 3,000 liters, such as a
portable tank, cargo tank, or rail tank car, at
its origin, during en route movement, or at its
destination; and
``(C) includes storage of a hazardous material from
the time the hazardous material is loaded for purposes
of movement until the hazardous material is unloaded at
its destination, including during en route movement.''.
SEC. 9006. GENERAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY.
(a) Regulations for Safe Transportation.-- Section 5103(b)(1)(A) is
amended--
(1) in clause (vi) by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) by redesignating clause (vii) as clause (viii);
(3) by inserting after clause (vi) the following:
``(vii) provides hazardous material
transportation emergency response information
services required or governed by regulations
prescribed under this chapter; or''; and
(4) in clause (viii) (as redesignated by paragraph (2) of
this section) by striking ``(vi); and'' and inserting
``(vii);''.
(b) Fitness Determinations.--
(1) In general.--Section 5103(b)(1) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (B) by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) shall govern the procedures and criteria used
by the Secretary for determining the fitness of a
person applying for an approval under the
regulations.''.
(2) Regulation required.--In accordance with section
5103(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, not later than 1
year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Transportation shall take all actions necessary to finalize a
regulation pursuant to section 5103(b)(1)(C) of such title.
(c) Improving Regulations and Regulatory Review.--
(1) In general.--Section 5103(b) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(3) Before any final regulation within the jurisdiction of the
Secretary is issued, the Secretary shall make all preliminary and final
determinations based on evidence and consider, in addition to other
applicable considerations, the following:
``(A) The legal authority under which a rule may be
proposed, including whether a rulemaking is required by
statute, and if so, whether by a specific date, or whether the
agency has discretion to commence a rulemaking.
``(B) Other statutory considerations applicable to whether
the agency can or should propose a rule or undertake other
agency action.
``(C) The specific nature and significance of the problem
the agency may address with a rule (including the degree and
nature of risks the problem poses and the priority of
addressing those risks compared to other matters or activities
within the agency's jurisdiction), whether the problem warrants
new agency action, and the countervailing risks that may be
posed by alternatives for new agency action.
``(D) Whether existing rules have created or contributed to
the problem the agency may address with a rule and whether
those rules could be amended or rescinded to address the
problem in whole or part.
``(E) The best reasonably obtainable scientific, technical,
and other information related to the need for, and consequences
of, the rule.
``(F) The potential costs and benefits, including direct,
indirect, and cumulative costs and benefits and estimated
impacts on jobs, economic growth, innovation, and economic
competitiveness.
``(G) Means to increase the cost-effectiveness of any
Federal response.
``(H) Incentives for innovation, consistency,
predictability, lower costs of enforcement and compliance (to
government entities, regulated entities, and the public), and
flexibility.
``(I) Any reasonable alternatives for a new rule or other
response identified by the agency or interested persons,
including not only responses that mandate particular conduct or
manners of compliance, but also--
``(i) the alternative of no Federal response;
``(ii) amending or rescinding existing rules;
``(iii) potential regional, State, local, or tribal
regulatory action or other responses that could be
taken in lieu of agency action; and
``(iv) potential responses that--
``(I) specify performance objectives rather
than conduct or manners of compliance;
``(II) establish economic incentives to
encourage desired behavior;
``(III) provide information upon which
choices can be made by the public; or
``(IV) incorporate other innovative
alternatives rather than agency actions that
specify conduct or manners of compliance.
``(4) The Secretary shall solicit and take into consideration
public comment on the subjects described in subparagraphs (A) through
(I) of paragraph (3) before issuance of a final regulation described in
paragraph (3).
``(5) The Secretary shall follow applicable rulemaking procedures
under section 553 of title 5 before issuing a binding obligation
applicable to recipients of Federal assistance. In this paragraph, the
term `binding obligation' means a substantive policy statement, rule,
or guidance document issued by the Secretary that grants rights,
imposes obligations, produces significant effects on private interests,
or effects a significant change in existing policy.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) of
this subsection shall apply to regulations for which the notice
of proposed rulemaking is published after the date of enactment
of this Act.
(d) Incorporation by Reference.--Section 5103(b) is further amended
by adding after paragraph (5) (as added by subsection (c)(1) of this
section) the following:
``(6) In considering whether to incorporate by reference any
publication in prescribing regulations, the Secretary shall--
``(A) consider--
``(i) the cost of such publication;
``(ii) the broadness of its applicability;
``(iii) the cost imposed on the public in acquiring
such publication; and
``(iv) other alternatives to incorporation by
reference; and
``(B) either incorporate by reference the publication or
use the alternative that meets the Department of
Transportation's safety objectives in the most cost-effective
manner.''.
SEC. 9007. INSPECTIONS OF MOTOR VEHICLES TRANSPORTING RADIOACTIVE
MATERIAL.
Section 5105(d) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Inspections of Motor Vehicles Transporting Certain
Material.--
``(1) Requirement.--The Secretary shall require by
regulation that before each use of a motor vehicle to transport
a highway-route-controlled quantity of radioactive material in
commerce, the vehicle shall be inspected and certified as
complying with this chapter and applicable United States motor
carrier safety laws and regulations.
``(2) Type of inspector.--In carrying out paragraph (1),
the Secretary may--
``(A) require that the inspection be carried out by
an authorized United States Government inspector or
according to appropriate State procedures; or
``(B) allow a person, transporting or causing to be
transported a highway-route-controlled quantity of
radioactive material, to inspect the motor vehicle used
to transport the material and to certify that the
vehicle complies with this chapter.
``(3) Qualification requirements.--An individual conducting
an inspection under paragraph (2)(B) shall be in compliance
with the inspector qualification requirements the Secretary
prescribes for an individual inspecting a motor vehicle.
``(4) Preemption.--Each State that a motor vehicle
transporting a highway-route-controlled quantity of radioactive
material in commerce enters shall recognize the inspection and
certification required by paragraph (1) and may not require a
new inspection at an equivalent level and certification except
as provided in paragraph (5).
``(5) Changed condition.--If an en route change to the
condition of the cargo, the driver, the motor vehicle, or the
operation of the motor vehicle invalidates the certification
under paragraph (1), the State where such change is discovered
may require a new inspection and certification under such
paragraph.''.
SEC. 9008. HAZMAT EMPLOYEE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND GRANTS.
(a) Training Grants.--Section 5107 is amended--
(1) by striking subsections (e) and (h); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections
(e) and (f), respectively.
(b) Safe Loading, Unloading, and Handling.--Section 5107(f)(2), as
redesignated by subsection (a)(2) of this section, is amended by
striking ``and section 5106''.
SEC. 9009. FEES.
Section 5108(g)(2) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in the matter before clause (i) by striking
``be at least $250 but not more than'' and inserting
``not exceed''; and
(B) in clause (viii) by striking ``sections
5108(g)(2), 5115,'' and inserting ``this paragraph and
sections 5115''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) In establishing and collecting a fee under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary may not consider whether a
person has or is likely to apply for a special permit or
approval, nor is the Secretary authorized to establish a
separate fee in order to apply for or receive a special permit
or approval.''.
SEC. 9010. MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY PERMITS.
(a) Applicable Transportation.--Section 5109(b)(1) is amended by
striking ``class A or B'' and inserting ``division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3''.
(b) Offeror Responsibility.--The heading for subsection (f) of
section 5109 is amended by striking ``Shipper'' and inserting
``Offeror''.
(c) Technical Amendment.--Section 5109 is amended by striking
subsection (h).
(d) Program Review and Report.--
(1) Program review.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 9 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Transportation shall conduct a proceeding, using notice
and comment procedures in accordance with section 553
of title 5, United States Code, to examine the
implementation of the hazardous material safety permit
program established by section 5109 of title 49 of such
Code, including--
(i) safety concerns related to former
permit holders that have re-applied for a
permit after being out of the program for a
year or longer; and
(ii) fairness of the program for carriers
whose total number of inspections over the
course of the fiscal year cycle may create a
disadvantage.
(B) Consultation.--In carrying out subparagraph
(A), the Secretary shall consult with motor carriers,
persons offering hazardous material for transportation
in commerce, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance,
and others that have direct experience with the
implementation of the program.
(2) Report.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Transportation 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 on the
implementation of the hazardous material safety permit
program established by section 5109 of title 49, United
States Code.
(B) Contents.--The report shall include--
(i) an identification of the number of
permits that have been issued, denied, revoked,
or suspended for each registration cycle since
the inception of the program by the type of
covered hazardous material transported;
(ii) an explanation of the reason for each
denial, revocation, and suspension, including
administrative denials, revocations, and
suspensions;
(iii) a record and analysis of the types of
implementation issues identified in the
proceeding under paragraph (1)(A); and
(iv) a description of the Secretary's
actions--
(I) to simplify the permit
application process;
(II) to minimize the number of
administrative denials, revocations,
and suspensions;
(III) to address the issues
identified under clause (iii); and
(IV) to ensure a consistent
standard of safety fitness that does
not fluctuate over time.
(e) Regulation.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall take such actions as
are necessary to ensure that regulations prescribed to carry out the
program under section 5109 of title 49, United States Code, ensure a
consistent standard of safety fitness that does not fluctuate over time
and address issues identified in the proceeding in subsection
(d)(1)(A).
SEC. 9011. PLANNING AND TRAINING GRANTS, MONITORING, AND REVIEW.
(a) Training Grants.--Section 5116(b)(4) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(A) by inserting ``and subsection (a)'' after
``this subsection''; and
(B) by inserting ``planning and'' after ``emergency
response''; and
(2) in subparagraph (E) by inserting ``and subsection (a)''
before the period at the end.
(b) Compliance With Certain Laws.--Section 5116(c) is amended to
read as follows:
``(c) Compliance With Certain Law.--The Secretary may make a grant
to a State or Indian tribe under this section in a fiscal year only
if--
``(1) 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); and
``(2) the State or Indian tribe certifies to the Secretary
that such State or Indian tribe is in compliance with section
5125(f).''.
(c) Supplemental Training Grants.--Section 5116(j) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``funds,'' and all that
follows through ``fighting fires for'' and inserting ``funds
and through a competitive process, make grants to national
nonprofit fire service organizations for'';
(2) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking ``train'' and inserting
``provide portable training for''; and
(3) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking ``train'' and inserting ``provide
portable training for''; and
(B) by inserting after ``training courses shall''
the following: ``comply with national consensus
standards for hazardous material response and''.
(d) Reports.--Section 5116(k) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence by striking ``planning grants''
and all that follows through ``and under section 5107'' and
inserting ``grants allocated under subsections (a), (b), and
(j)'';
(2) in the second sentence--
(A) by inserting ``planning and'' before ``training
grants''; and
(B) by inserting ``planning and'' before ``training
programs''.''.
SEC. 9012. SPECIAL PERMITS AND EXCLUSIONS.
Section 5117 is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``(a) Authority to Issue Special
Permits.--(1) As provided under procedures prescribed
by regulation,'' and inserting the following:
``(a) Authority to Issue Special Permits.--
``(1) In general.--As provided under procedures and
criteria prescribed by regulation in accordance with section
553 of title 5, United States Code,'';
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Requirements.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
procedures and criteria prescribed under paragraph (1) provide
adequate consistency, predictability, and transparency in
making the determinations to issue, modify, or terminate a
special permit.''; and
(C) by striking ``(2) A special permit'' and
inserting the following:
``(3) Effective period.--A special permit''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Limitation on Denial.--The Secretary may not deny an
application for a modification or renewal of a special permit or an
application for party status to an existing special permit for the sole
reason that the applicant has a hazardous material out-of-service
percentage of greater than the national average, according to the
safety and fitness records maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration.
``(g) Incorporation Into Regulation.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date on
which a special permit has been in continuous effect for a 6-
year period, the Secretary shall develop and implement a
rulemaking pursuant to section 5103 to incorporate the special
permit into regulation if the special permit--
``(A) concerns a matter of general applicability;
``(B) has future effect; and
``(C) is consistent with hazardous material safety.
``(2) Intent.--Nothing in paragraph (1) limits the
Secretary from incorporating a special permit into regulation
at any time before the deadline set by paragraph (1).
``(3) Older special permits.--Not later than 3 years after
the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall
finalize a rulemaking pursuant to section 5103 to incorporate
into regulation any special permit that concerns a matter of
general applicability, has future effect, is consistent with
hazardous material safety, and has been in continuous effect
for more than a 6-year period as of the date of enactment of
this subsection.''.
SEC. 9013. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL UNIFORM MOTOR CARRIER PERMIT PROGRAM.
Section 5119 is amended by striking subsection (a) and all that
follows and inserting the following:
``(a) Uniform Motor Carrier Permit Program Defined.--In this
section, the term `Uniform Motor Carrier Permit Program' means the
State-based, reciprocal program of uniform forms and procedures for
registering and permitting persons who transport hazardous material by
motor vehicle developed and recommended by the Alliance for Uniform
Hazmat Transportation Procedures, including any superseding amendments
or revisions adopted by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (b).
``(b) Regulations.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the Hazardous Material Transportation Safety,
Efficiency, and Accountability Act of 2012, the Secretary shall
issue regulations to implement the Uniform Motor Carrier Permit
Program.
``(2) Revisions.--The Secretary may modify the regulations
issued under paragraph (1) only as necessary to promote safety,
efficiency, and uniformity.
``(c) Financial and Technical Assistance and Support.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may provide planning and
transition assistance to States to facilitate the adoption of
the Uniform Motor Carrier Permit Program.
``(2) Use of funds.--A State shall use assistance awarded
under this subsection only to transition existing State
registration and permitting programs to the Uniform Motor
Carrier Permit Program.
``(3) Termination of authority.--The authority to provide
assistance to States under this subsection shall terminate 6
years after the date of enactment of the Hazardous Material
Transportation Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability Act of
2012.
``(d) Cooperative Agreement.--The Secretary may enter into a
cooperative agreement for outreach, data management, and other
centralized functions supporting implementation of the Uniform Motor
Carrier Permit Program.
``(e) Related Expenses.--For purposes of section 5125(f)(1), a fee
used for a purpose related to transporting hazardous material may
include the costs incurred in implementing and administering the
Uniform Motor Carrier Permit Program, including the costs of
establishing or modifying forms, procedures, and systems.
``(f) Transition of State Programs.--Not later than 6 years after
the date of enactment of the Hazardous Material Transportation Safety,
Efficiency, and Accountability Act of 2012, a State may enforce
registration and permitting requirements for motor carriers that
transport hazardous material in commerce only in accordance with the
Uniform Motor Carrier Permit Program.
``(g) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall define or limit
the amount of a fee a State may impose or collect for registration and
permitting.''.
SEC. 9014. INTERNATIONAL UNIFORMITY OF STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS.
Section 5120 is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``State, the Secretary of
Transportation shall participate'' and inserting ``State and
the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the
Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, or the
Administrator's designee, shall represent the United States and
serve as the United States competent authority''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting
``The Administrator''; and
(B) by striking ``sections 5103(b), 5104, 5110, and
5112 of this title'' and inserting ``this chapter''.
SEC. 9015. INVESTIGATIONS.
(a) Inspections and Investigations.--Section 5121(c)(1) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``may contain a
hazardous material;'' and inserting ``may contain an undeclared
hazardous material and such activity takes place at a properly
equipped facility designated by the Secretary for this
purpose;'';
(2) in subparagraph (C), in the matter preceding clause
(i), by striking ``or related packages'' and inserting
``suspected of containing undeclared hazardous material'';
(3) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``may order'' and all
that follows through ``; and'' and inserting ``may order the
offeror, after giving notice to the carrier, to have the
package transported to, opened, and the contents examined and
analyzed at a properly equipped facility designated by the
Secretary for this purpose;'';
(4) in subparagraph (F) by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) shall provide contemporaneous notice to the
affected offeror and carrier of its decision to
exercise its authority under subparagraphs (B), (C),
(D), or (E).''.
(b) Regulations.--
(1) In general.--Section 5121(e) is amended to read as
follows:
``(e) Regulations.--To carry out subsections (c) and (d), the
Secretary shall issue regulations in accordance with section 553 of
title 5 that address, at a minimum, the following:
``(1) Avoidance of delay in the transportation of time-
sensitive materials, such as medical products, perishables, and
other packages that are not the subject of the inspection.
``(2) Appropriate training and equipment for inspectors.
``(3) Restoration of the properly certified status of the
inspected package before resumption of transportation of that
package.
``(4) Consideration of the costs and damages that might
occur as a result of an inspection.''.
(2) Regulation required.--In accordance with section
5103(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, not later than 1
year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Transportation shall take all actions necessary to finalize a
regulation pursuant to section 5121(e) of such title.
SEC. 9016. BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR IMPROVED SAFETY AND SYSTEM
PERFORMANCE.
Section 5121(g) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3) by striking ``or'' after the
semicolon;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) to work with State enforcement personnel with
information and training relating to the uniform enforcement of
the regulations governing the transportation of hazardous
material; or''.
SEC. 9017. SAFETY REPORTING.
Section 5121(h) is amended--
(1) in the heading by inserting ``Biennial'' before
``Report'';
(2) in the matter before paragraph (1) by striking
``materials during'' and inserting ``material in all modes of
transportation during'';
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as
paragraphs (3) through (7), respectively;
(4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) a summary of the hazardous material transported
during the period covered by the report, set forth by the type
and quantity of hazardous material and by mode;'';
(5) in paragraph (4), as redesignated by paragraph (3) of
this section, by striking ``permit'' and inserting ``permit
issued'';
(6) in paragraph (5), as redesignated by paragraph (3) of
this section, by striking ``activities'' and inserting
``activities, including activities conducted under subsections
(c) and (d),''; and
(7) in paragraph (7), as redesignated by paragraph (3) of
this section, by striking ``appropriate legislation'' and
inserting ``legislative action that the Secretary considers
appropriate''.
SEC. 9018. CIVIL PENALTIES.
(a) Penalty.--Section 5123(a) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``at least $250 but'';
(2) by striking paragraph (3) and redesignating paragraph
(4) as paragraph (3); and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) A carrier shall not be liable for violations of this chapter,
or a regulation issued under this chapter, stemming from pre-
transportation functions, as defined in section 171.1 of title 49, Code
of Federal Regulations, that are performed by another person unless the
carrier has actual knowledge of a violation.''.
(b) Penalty for Failure to Maintain Records, Reports, and
Information.--Section 5123 is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(h) Penalty for Failure to Maintain Records, Reports, and
Information.--The Secretary may impose a penalty on a person who fails
to comply with section 5121(b).''.
SEC. 9019. PREEMPTION.
(a) Burden on Commerce.--Section 5125(a) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``or'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) the requirement of the State, political subdivision,
or Indian tribe, as applied or enforced, is an unreasonable
burden on commerce.''.
(b) Substantive Differences.--Section 5125(b)(1)(D) is amended by
striking ``written''.
(c) Route Registry.--Section 5125(c)(1) is amended by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``and is published in the Department's
hazardous material route registry under section 5112(c).''.
(d) Fees.--Section 5125(f)(2) is amended by striking ``, upon the
Secretary's request,'' and inserting ``biennially''.
(e) Non-Federal Enforcement Standards.--Section 5125 is amended by
striking subsection (h).
(f) Conforming Change.--Section 5125 is further amended--
(1) in subsections (d)(1) and (e) by striking ``or section
5119(f)''; and
(2) in subsection (g) by striking ``, and in section
5119(f),''.
SEC. 9020. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 5128 is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 5128. Authorization of appropriations
``(a) In General.--In order to carry out this chapter (except
sections 5108(g)(2), 5113, 5115, 5116, and 5119), there are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary $39,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2012 through 2016.
``(b) Hazardous Material Emergency Preparedness Fund.--For each of
the fiscal years 2012 through 2016, there shall be available to the
Secretary, from the account established pursuant to section 5116(i),
the following:
``(1) To carry out section 5115, $188,000.
``(2) To carry out subsections (a) and (b) of section 5116,
$21,800,000.
``(3) To carry out section 5116(f), $150,000.
``(4) To publish and distribute the Emergency Response
Guidebook under section 5116(j)(3), $625,000.
``(5) To carry out section 5116(j), $1,000,000.
``(c) Issuance of Hazmat Licenses.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary such amounts as may be necessary to carry
out section 5103a.
``(d) Credits to Appropriations.--The Secretary may credit to any
appropriation to carry out this chapter an amount received from a
State, Indian tribe, or other public authority or private entity for
expenses the Secretary incurs in providing training to the State,
tribe, authority, or entity.
``(e) Uniform Forms and Procedures.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary $1,000,000 to carry out section 5119.
This amount shall remain available to be expended by the Secretary for
the 6-year period that begins on the date of enactment of this section.
``(f) Availability of Amounts.--Amounts made available by or under
this section, except for the amount under subsection (e), shall remain
available until expended.''.
SEC. 9021. ELECTRONIC SHIPPING PAPERS PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish
pilot projects, at least one of which shall be in a rural area, to
evaluate the feasibility and cost effectiveness of electronic shipping
paper systems that facilitate the exchange of shipping paper
information between offerors of hazardous material under chapter 51 of
title 49, United States Code, carriers, and emergency responders.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--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 on the results of the
pilot projects carried out under this section.
(2) Contents.--The report shall contain, at a minimum--
(A) an evaluation of each pilot project, including
an evaluation of the impacts on safety and the
performance of each system evaluated under that project
and a cost-benefit analysis for each mode of
transportation; and
(B) based on the results of the cost-benefit
analyses, a recommendation on whether electronic
shipping papers systems described in subsection (a)
should be incorporated into the Federal hazardous
material safety program under chapter 51 of title 49,
United States Code, on a permanent basis.
SEC. 9022. WETLINES.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation shall
enter into an arrangement with an objective non-profit
organization to conduct a peer-reviewed study of the
transportation of flammable liquids in the external product
piping of cargo tank motor vehicles (commonly referred to as
``wetlines'').
(2) Contents.--The study shall--
(A) accurately quantify the number of wetlines
incidents over a 10-year period;
(B) identify various alternatives to loading and
transporting flammable liquids in cargo tank wetlines;
(C) examine the costs and benefits of each
alternative; and
(D) identify existing obstacles to implementing
each alternative.
(3) Transmittal.--Not later than 1 year 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 copy of the study.
(b) Regulatory Restriction.--The Secretary may not issue a final
rule regulating the transportation of flammable liquids in the external
product piping of cargo tank motor vehicles.
SEC. 9023. PRODUCT STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a study on whether it
is necessary to continue to designate any amount or form of finished
pharmaceutical, finished cosmetic, or similar product containing ethyl
alcohol as a hazardous material under section 5103(a) of title 49,
United States Code.
(b) Contents.--The study conducted under subsection (a) shall
include, at a minimum--
(1) an evaluation of the history, severity, and costs of
any incidents in transporting such products;
(2) an evaluation of the risk posed by such products in
commercial packaging in current use in transportation and the
risk associated in transporting the products without any
specific packaging required by any applicable special permit or
regulation;
(3) the costs to the industry of designating the products
as hazardous material, including the cost of regulation, as
compared with the costs of incidents that have occurred or are
probable with regard to the products; and
(4) a summary of comments from industry stakeholders and
the public on whether there is a need for continued designation
of such products as hazardous material.
(c) Transmittal.--Not later than 1 year 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 on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a) and
any proposed actions to be taken by the Secretary resulting from the
study.
TITLE X--WATERBORNE TRANSPORTATION
SEC. 10001. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON HARBOR MAINTENANCE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) There are 926 ports served by federally maintained
channels which handle more than 2.2 billion tons of cargo
annually, and this figure is expected to increase.
(2) More than $1.1 trillion in foreign commerce enters the
United States through the Nation's ports annually, and this
figure is expected to increase.
(3) Expansion of the Panama Canal system in Central America
will likely be completed in 2014, and this will present
opportunities and challenges for the Nation's economic well-
being.
(4) Insufficient maintenance dredging of the Nation's
navigation channels results in inefficient water transportation
and harmful economic consequences.
(5) In 1986, Congress created the Harbor Maintenance Trust
Fund to provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the
Nation's navigation channels.
(6) The fiscal year 2011, Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund
equity grew by 13.7 percent from fiscal year 2010 (to $6.42
billion) and total annual receipts increased 17.3 percent (to
$1.6 billion).
(7) Despite growth of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund,
expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund continue to
decline.
(8) Despite growth of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund,
federally maintained channels are only at their authorized
widths or depths 35 percent of the time, thereby restricting
access to the Nation's ports for both imports and exports.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is not being used for
its intended purpose and charging maritime commerce a harbor
maintenance tax while failing to provide the service for which
it was established is unfair and places the Nation at economic
risk;
(2) the Administration should request full use of the
Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for operating and maintaining the
Nation's navigation system; and
(3) Congress should fully expend the amounts in the Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund to operate and maintain the Nation's
navigation system.
TITLE XI--REAUTHORIZATION AND AMENDMENTS TO THE SPORT FISH RESTORATION
AND BOATING TRUST FUND
SEC. 11001. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Sportfishing and Recreational
Boating Safety Act of 2012''.
SEC. 11002. REAUTHORIZATION AND AMENDMENTS TO THE SPORT FISH
RESTORATION AND BOATING TRUST FUND.
(a) Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act.--Section 4 of the
Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777c) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a) in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``For each of'' and all that follows through
``the balance of each annual'' and inserting ``For each fiscal
year through fiscal year 2016, the balance of each annual'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by striking ``From the
annual'' and all that follows through ``the Secretary'' and
inserting ``From the annual appropriation made in accordance
with section 3 for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2016,
the Secretary''; and
(3) in subsection (b)(1)(B)--
(A) by striking ``The available amount'' and all
that follows through ``the sum of--'' and inserting
``The available amount referred to in subparagraph (A)
is, for each fiscal year, the sum of--''; and
(B) by redesignating subitems (aa) and (bb) as
clauses (i) and (ii), and moving them 4 ems to the
left.
(b) Extension of Expenditure Authority From the Sport Fish
Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.--Section 9504 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``(as in effect on''
each place it appears and all that follows through the next
closed parenthesis and inserting ``(as in effect on the date of
enactment of the Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety
Act of 2012)'', and
(2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``before'' and all
that follows through ``in accordance'' and inserting ``before
October 1, 2016, in accordance''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Chapter 131 of title 46,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 13107(a)(2), by striking ``two'' and
inserting ``1.5''; and
(2) in section 13107(c), by striking so much as precedes
paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(c)(1) Of the amount transferred to the Secretary under section
4(a)(2) of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C.
777c(a)(2))--
``(A) $6,000,000 is available to the Secretary for the
payment of expenses of the Coast Guard for personnel and
activities directly related to coordinating and carrying out
the national recreational boating safety program under this
title, of which not less than $2,000,000 shall be available to
the Secretary only to ensure compliance with chapter 43 of this
title; and
``(B) $100,000 is available to fund the activities of the
National Boating Safety Advisory Council established under this
chapter.''.
TITLE XII--EXTENSION OF SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS
SEC. 12001. SHORT TITLE; EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the ``Surface
Transportation Extension Act of 2012''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this title take effect
on April 1, 2012.
Subtitle A--Federal-Aid Highways
SEC. 12101. EXTENSION OF FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 111 of the Surface Transportation
Extension Act of 2011, Part II (Public Law 112-30; 125 Stat. 343) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``the period beginning on October 1, 2011,
and ending on March 31, 2012,'' each place it appears and
inserting ``fiscal year 2012'';
(2) by striking ``\1/2\ of'' each place it appears; and
(3) in subsection (a) by striking ``March 31, 2012'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2012''.
(b) Use of Funds.--Section 111(c) of the Surface Transportation
Extension Act of 2011, Part II (125 Stat. 343) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``, except that
during such period'' and all that follows before the
period at the end; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)(ii) by striking
``$319,500,000'' and inserting ``$639,000,000''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (4).
(c) Extension of Authorizations Under Title V of SAFETEA-LU.--
Section 111(e)(2) of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011,
Part II (125 Stat. 343) is amended by striking ``the period beginning
on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012.'' and inserting
``fiscal year 2012.''.
(d) Administrative Expenses.--Section 112(a) of the Surface
Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II (125 Stat. 346) is
amended by striking ``$196,427,625 for the period beginning on October
1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012.'' and inserting ``$392,855,250
for fiscal year 2012.''.
Subtitle B--Extension of Highway Safety Programs
SEC. 12201. EXTENSION OF NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS.
(a) Chapter 4 Highway Safety Programs.--Section 2001(a)(1) of
SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1519) is amended by striking ``$235,000,000 for
fiscal year 2009'' and all that follows through the period at the end
and inserting ``and $235,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through
2012.''.
(b) Highway Safety Research and Development.--Section 2001(a)(2) of
SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1519) is amended by striking ``$108,244,000 for
fiscal year 2011'' and all that follows through the period at the end
and inserting ``and $108,244,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 and
2012.''.
(c) Occupant Protection Incentive Grants.--Section 2001(a)(3) of
SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1519) is amended by striking ``, $25,000,000 for
fiscal year 2006'' and all that follows through the period at the end
and inserting ``and $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through
2012.''.
(d) Safety Belt Performance Grants.--Section 2001(a)(4) of SAFETEA-
LU (119 Stat. 1519) is amended by striking ``and $24,250,000 for the
period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012.''
and inserting ``and $48,500,000 for fiscal year 2012.''.
(e) State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements.--Section
2001(a)(5) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1519) is amended by striking ``for
fiscal year 2006'' and all that follows through the period at the end
and inserting ``for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2012.''.
(f) Alcohol-Impaired Driving Countermeasures Incentive Grant
Program.--Section 2001(a)(6) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1519) is amended
by striking ``$139,000,000 for fiscal year 2009'' and all that follows
through the period at the end and inserting ``and $139,000,000 for each
of fiscal years fiscal years 2009 through 2012.''.
(g) National Driver Register.--Section 2001(a)(7) of SAFETEA-LU
(119 Stat. 1520) is amended by striking ``and $2,058,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012.'' and
inserting ``and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.''.
(h) High Visibility Enforcement Program.--Section 2001(a)(8) of
SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1520) is amended by striking ``for fiscal year
2006'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting
``for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2012.''.
(i) Motorcyclist Safety.--Section 2001(a)(9) of SAFETEA-LU (119
Stat. 1520) is amended by striking ``$7,000,000 for fiscal year 2009''
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``and
$7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.''.
(j) Child Safety and Child Booster Seat Safety Incentive Grants.--
Section 2001(a)(10) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1520) is amended by
striking ``$7,000,000 for fiscal year 2009'' and all that follows
through the period at the end and inserting ``and $7,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.''.
(k) Administrative Expenses.--Section 2001(a)(11) of SAFETEA-LU
(119 Stat. 1520) is amended by striking ``$25,328,000 for fiscal year
2011'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting
``and $25,328,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 and 2012.''.
SEC. 12202. EXTENSION OF FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
PROGRAMS.
(a) Motor Carrier Safety Grants.--Section 31104(a)(8) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(8) $212,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.''.
(b) Administrative Expenses.--Section 31104(i)(1)(H) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(H) $244,144,000 for fiscal year 2012.''.
(c) Grant Programs.--Section 4101(c) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1715)
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and $15,000,000 for the
period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012.'' and inserting ``and $30,000,000 for fiscal year
2012.'';
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``2011 and $16,000,000 for
the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March
31, 2012.'' and inserting ``2012.'';
(3) in paragraph (3) by striking ``2011 and $2,500,000 for
the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March
31, 2012.'' and inserting ``2012.'';
(4) in paragraph (4) by striking ``2011 and $12,500,000 for
the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March
31, 2012.'' and inserting ``2012.''; and
(5) in paragraph (5) by striking ``2011 and $1,500,000 for
the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March
31, 2012.'' and inserting ``2012.''.
(d) High-Priority Activities.--Section 31104(k)(2) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``2011 and $7,500,000 for
the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``2012''.
(e) New Entrant Audits.--Section 31144(g)(5)(B) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``and up to $14,500,000 for the
period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,''.
(f) Outreach and Education.--Section 4127(e) of SAFETEA-LU (119
Stat. 1741) is amended by striking ``and 2011 (and $500,000 to the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and $1,500,000 to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012)'' and
inserting ``2011, and 2012''.
(g) Grant Program for Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators.--Section
4134(c) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1744) is amended by striking ``2011
and $500,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,'' and inserting ``2012''.
(h) Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee.--Section 4144(d) of
SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1748) is amended by striking ``March 31, 2012''
and inserting ``September 30, 2012''.
(i) Working Group for Development of Practices and Procedures To
Enhance Federal-State Relations.--Section 4213(d) of SAFETEA-LU (49
U.S.C. 14710 note; 119 Stat. 1759) is amended by striking ``March 31,
2012'' and inserting ``September 30, 2012''.
SEC. 12203. ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS.
(a) Hazardous Materials Research Projects.--Section 7131(c) of
SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1910) is amended by striking ``2011 and $580,000
for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``2012''.
(b) Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act.--Section 4 of the
Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777c) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``2011 and for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,''
and inserting ``2012,''; and
(2) in the first sentence of subsection (b)(1)(A) by
striking ``2011 and for the period beginning on October 1,
2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,'' and inserting ``2012,''.
Subtitle C--Public Transportation Programs
SEC. 12301. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR PLANNING PROGRAMS.
Section 5305(g) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``2011 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and
ending on March 31, 2012'' and inserting ``2012''.
SEC. 12302. SPECIAL RULE FOR URBANIZED AREA FORMULA GRANTS.
Section 5307(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking the paragraph heading and inserting
``Special rule for fiscal years 2005 through 2012.--'';
(2) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``2011 and the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,''
and inserting ``2012,'' ; and
(3) in subparagraph (E)--
(A) by striking the subparagraph heading and
inserting ``Maximum amounts in fiscal years 2008
through 2012.--''; and
(B) in the matter preceding clause (i) by striking
``2011 and during the period beginning on October 1,
2011, and ending on March 31, 2012'' and inserting
``2012''.
SEC. 12303. ALLOCATING AMOUNTS FOR CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS.
Section 5309(m) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking the paragraph heading and inserting
``Fiscal years 2006 through 2012.--'';
(B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by
striking ``2011 and the period beginning on October 1,
2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,'' and inserting
``2012''; and
(C) in subparagraph (A)(i) by striking ``2011 and
$100,000,000 for the period beginning on October 1,
2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,'' and inserting
``2012'';
(2) in paragraph (6)--
(A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``2011 and
$7,500,000 shall be available for the period beginning
on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,'' and
inserting ``2012''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``2011 and
$2,500,000 shall be available for the period beginning
on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,'' and
inserting ``2012''; and
(3) in paragraph (7)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i)--
(I) in the first sentence by
striking ``2011 and $5,000,000 shall be
available for the period beginning on
October 1, 2011, and ending on March
31, 2012,'' and inserting ``2012''; and
(II) in the second sentence by
inserting ``each fiscal year'' before
the colon;
(ii) in clause (i) by striking ``for each
fiscal year and $1,250,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,'';
(iii) in clause (ii) by striking ``for each
fiscal year and $1,250,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,'';
(iv) in clause (iii) by striking ``for each
fiscal year and $500,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,'';
(v) in clause (iv) by striking ``for each
fiscal year and $500,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,'';
(vi) in clause (v) by striking ``for each
fiscal year and $500,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,'';
(vii) in clause (vi) by striking ``for each
fiscal year and $500,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,'';
(viii) in clause (vii) by striking ``for
each fiscal year and $325,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,''; and
(ix) in clause (viii) by striking ``for
each fiscal year and $175,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,'';
(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking clause (vii)
and inserting the following:
``(vii) $13,500,000 for fiscal year
2012.'';
(C) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and during
the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on
March 31, 2012,'';
(D) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``and not less
than $17,500,000 shall be available for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,''; and
(E) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``and
$1,500,000 shall be available for the period beginning
on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,''.
SEC. 12304. APPORTIONMENT OF FORMULA GRANTS FOR OTHER THAN URBANIZED
AREAS.
Section 5311(c)(1)(G) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
to read as follows:
``(G) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.''.
SEC. 12305. APPORTIONMENT BASED ON FIXED GUIDEWAY FACTORS.
Section 5337 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking subsection (g).
SEC. 12306. AUTHORIZATIONS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
(a) Formula and Bus Grants.--Section 5338(b) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking subparagraph (G) and
inserting the following:
``(G) $8,360,565,000 for fiscal year 2012.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``$113,500,000
for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010, $113,500,000
for fiscal year 2011, and $56,750,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``and $113,500,000 for each of
fiscal years 2009 through 2012'';
(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking
``$4,160,365,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 and
2010, $4,160,365,000 for fiscal year 2011, and
$2,080,182,500 for the period beginning on October 1,
2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,'' and inserting
``and $4,160,365,000 for each of fiscal years 2009
through 2012'';
(C) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``$51,500,000
for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010, $51,500,000 for
fiscal year 2011, and $25,750,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``and $51,500,000 for each of
fiscal years 2009 through 2012'';
(D) in subparagraph (D) by striking
``$1,666,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 and
2010, $1,666,500,000 for fiscal year 2011, and
$833,250,000 for the period beginning on October 1,
2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,'' and inserting
``and $1,666,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009
through 2012'';
(E) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``$984,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010, $984,000,000
for fiscal year 2011, and $492,000,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``and $984,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2009 through 2012'';
(F) in subparagraph (F) by striking ``$133,500,000
for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010, $133,500,000
for fiscal year 2011, and $66,750,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``and $133,500,000 for each of
fiscal years 2009 through 2012'';
(G) in subparagraph (G) by striking ``$465,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010, $465,000,000
for fiscal year 2011, and $232,500,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``and $465,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2009 through 2012'';
(H) in subparagraph (H) by striking ``$164,500,000
for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010, $164,500,000
for fiscal year 2011, and $82,250,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``and $164,500,000 for each of
fiscal years 2009 through 2012'';
(I) in subparagraph (I) by striking ``$92,500,000
for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010, $92,500,000 for
fiscal year 2011, and $46,250,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``and $92,500,000 for each of
fiscal years 2009 through 2012'';
(J) in subparagraph (J) by striking ``$26,900,000
for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010, $26,900,000 for
fiscal year 2011, and $13,450,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``and $26,900,000 for each of
fiscal years 2009 through 2012'';
(K) in subparagraph (K) by striking ``in fiscal
year 2006'' and all that follows through ``March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``for each of fiscal years 2006
through 2012'';
(L) in subparagraph (L) by striking ``in fiscal
year 2006'' and all that follows through ``March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``for each of fiscal years 2006
through 2012'';
(M) in subparagraph (M) by striking ``$465,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010, $465,000,000
for fiscal year 2011, and $232,500,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``and $465,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2009 through 2012''; and
(N) in subparagraph (N) by striking ``$8,800,000
for each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010, $8,800,000 for
fiscal year 2011, and $4,400,000 for the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31,
2012,'' and inserting ``and $8,800,000 for each of
fiscal years 2009 through 2012''.
(b) Capital Investment Grants.--Section 5338(c)(7) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(7) $1,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.''.
(c) Research and University Research Centers.--Section 5338(d) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``and 2010, $69,750,000 for fiscal year 2011,
and $29,500,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011,
and ending on March 31, 2012,'' and inserting ``through 2011
and $44,000,000 for fiscal year 2012''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) Additional authorizations.--
``(A) Research.--Of amounts authorized to be
appropriated under paragraph (1) for fiscal year 2012,
the Secretary shall allocate for each of the activities
and projects described in subparagraphs (A) through (F)
of paragraph (1) an amount equal to 63 percent of the
amount allocated for fiscal year 2009 under each such
subparagraph.
``(B) University centers program.--
``(i) Fiscal year 2012.--Of the amounts
allocated under subparagraph (A)(i) for the
university centers program under section 5506
for fiscal year 2012, the Secretary shall
allocate for each program described in clauses
(i) through (iii) and (v) through (viii) of
paragraph (2)(A) an amount equal to 63 percent
of the amount allocated for fiscal year 2009
under each such clause.
``(ii) Funding.--If the Secretary
determines that a project or activity described
in paragraph (2) received sufficient funds in
fiscal year 2011, or a previous fiscal year, to
carry out the purpose for which the project or
activity was authorized, the Secretary may not
allocate any amounts under clause (i) for the
project or activity for fiscal year 2012 or any
subsequent fiscal year.''.
(d) Administration.--Section 5338(e)(7) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(7) $98,713,000 for fiscal year 2012.''.
SEC. 12307. AMENDMENTS TO SAFETEA-LU.
(a) Contracted Paratransit Pilot.--Section 3009(i)(1) of SAFETEA-LU
(119 Stat. 1572) is amended by striking ``2011 and the period beginning
on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,'' and inserting
``2012,''.
(b) Public-Private Partnership Pilot Program.--Section 3011 of
SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5309 note; 119 Stat. 1588) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(5) by striking ``2011 and the period
beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012''
and inserting ``2012''; and
(2) in the second sentence of subsection (d) by striking
``2011 and the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending
on March 31, 2012,'' and inserting ``2012''.
(c) Elderly Individuals and Individuals With Disabilities Pilot
Program.--Section 3012(b)(8) of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5310 note; 119
Stat. 1593) is amended by striking ``March 31, 2012'' and inserting
``September 30, 2012''.
(d) Obligation Ceiling.--Section 3040(8) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat.
1639) is amended to read as follows:
``(8) $10,458,278,000 for fiscal year 2012, of which not
more than $8,360,565,000 shall be from the Mass Transit
Account.''.
(e) Project Authorizations for New Fixed Guideway Capital
Projects.--Section 3043 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1640) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``2011 and the period beginning on October 1,
2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,'' and inserting ``2012'';
and
(2) in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``2011 and the period beginning on October 1,
2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,'' and inserting ``2012''.
(f) Allocations for National Research and Technology Programs.--
Section 3046 of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5338 note; 119 Stat. 1706) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b) by striking ``fiscal year or period''
and inserting ``fiscal year''; and
(2) by striking subsection (c)(2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) for fiscal year 2012, in amounts equal to 63 percent
of the amounts allocated for fiscal year 2009 under each of
paragraphs (2), (3), (5), and (8) through (25) of subsection
(a).''.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 29 - 24.
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Discharged.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 112-397.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 112-397.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 277.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 547 Reported to House. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on H.R. 3408. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. Specified amendments printed in part A of the report accompanying this resolution are in order. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on H.R. 3813. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. Specified amendments printed in part B of the report accompanying this resolution are in order. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on H.R. 7.
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Rule H. Res. 547 passed House.