102nd Congress > House > Vote 424
Clerk session vote number: 440
Description: INTERMODAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE ACT OF 1991
Bill summary: Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to develop a national intermodal transportation (IT) system that is economically efficient, is environmentally sound, provides the foundation for the nation to compete in the global economy, and will move people and goods in an energy efficient manner.
Title I: Surface Transportation
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Part A: Title 23 Programs
- Declares that the authorizations of appropriations and apportionments for construction of
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the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways (Interstate System - IS) made by this Act are the final authorizations of appropriations and apportionments for completion of construction of the IS.
Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to apportion for all States (other than Massachusetts) for FY 1993 specified sums authorized for such year by the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 for expenditure on the IS, based on the apportionment factors contained in Committee Print 102-24 of the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation.
Extends specified apportionments for the IS through FY 1996.
Authorizes appropriations.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) obligation ceilings for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for FY 1992 through 1997, with exceptions; and (2) the distribution of, limitation on, and redistribution of obligation authority.
Authorizes appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for: (1) the interstate maintenance program; (2) the National Highway System (NHS); (3) the surface transportation program (STP); (4) the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program; (5) the bridge program; (6) the Federal lands highway program, including Indian reservation roads, public lands highways, and parkways and park highways; (7) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) safety programs; and (8) FHWA highway safety research and development (R&D) programs.
Requires: (1) that not less than ten percent of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under titles I (other than part B), III, V, and VI of this Act be expended with small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, with exceptions; (2) each State to annually survey such concerns and compile a list of disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) and the location of such concerns in the State and to notify the Secretary, in writing, of the percentage of such concerns which are controlled by women, by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals other than women, and by women who are otherwise socially and economically disadvantaged; and (3) the Secretary to establish minimum uniform criteria for State governments to use in certifying whether a concern qualifies as a DBE.
Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) conduct a study of the FHWA's DBE program; and (2) report on the results to specified committees.
Makes reductions in specified authorizations.
Sets forth provisions with respect to budget compliance.
Restructures the Federal-aid highway program by reorganizing it into two Federal-aid systems: (1) the IS; and (2) the NHS.
Requires: (1) each State to functionally reclassify the roads and streets in such State; and (2) the Secretary to approve and report to the Congress concerning such reclassification and to study and report on route redesignations of the NHS.
Directs the Secretary to establish a flexible program under which a State may expend funds apportioned to it for carrying out any project or activity for which Federal funds may be obligated under Federal highway provisions.
Includes among eligible NHS projects: (1) construction, resurfacing, and rehabilitation of segments of such system; (2) highway safety and operational improvements for segments of such system; (3) construction of a transit project eligible for assistance under the Federal Transit Act (FTA) (currently known as the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964;
see
title III of this Act), subject to specified conditions; (4) highway-related technology transfer activities; (5) fringe and corridor parking facilities; (6) carpool and vanpool projects; (7) bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways; (8) development and establishment of management systems; and (9) participation in wetland mitigation efforts related to projects funded under this title.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) NHS apportionments to the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; (2) transferability of NHS apportionments; and (3) reconstruction projects and funding with respect to national defense highways located outside the United States.
Establishes the STP to fund projects such as: (1) construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, restoration, and operational improvements for highways and bridges; (2) capital costs for transit projects eligible for assistance under the FTA and publicly owned intracity or intercity bus terminals and facilities; (3) carpool projects, fringe and corridor parking facilities and programs, and bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways; (4) highway and transit safety improvements and programs; (5) highway and transit R&D and technology transfer programs; (6) transportation enhancement activities; (7) development and establishment of management systems; and (8) participation in wetlands mitigation efforts related to projects funded under this title.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) project location; (2) allocations of apportioned funds; (3) administration; and (4) allocation of obligation authority.
Specifies that STP funds shall be apportioned in a manner so that a State's current percentage share of apportionments is equal to the State's 1987-91 percentage share of apportionments. Sets forth additional rules with respect to the calculation of a State's percentage share.
Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program; and (2) an interstate maintenance program.
Directs the Secretary to set aside: (1) $300,000 for each of specified fiscal years for Operation Lifesaver (a public information and education program to prevent and reduce motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and fatalities and to improve driver performance at railway-highway crossings); and (2) $5,000,000 for railway-highway crossing hazard elimination in high speed rail corridors.
Authorizes appropriations under the interstate substitute program for highway and transit projects. Makes funds authorized to be appropriated for substitute transit projects for FY 1993 and 1995 available until expended. (Under current law, such funds are available for the fiscal year for which apportioned or allocated and for the succeeding fiscal year.)
Directs the Secretary to permit Federal participation in the initial construction (current law authorizes such participation in construction) and 4R projects (resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing) with respect to toll highways, bridges, or tunnels, conversion of toll-free bridges or tunnels to toll facilities, and preliminary studies to determine the feasibility of a toll facility for which Federal participation is authorized on the same basis as Federal participation is permitted in the construction of free highways. Sets forth provisions with respect to ownership of such facilities, limitations on the use of revenues and on the Federal share, modification of agreements to allow Federal participation, and loans by a State of all or part of the Federal share of a toll project to a public or private agency constructing a toll facility.
Directs the Secretary to solicit the participation of State and local governments and public authorities for one or more congestion pricing pilot projects. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with as many as five such State or local governments or public authorities to establish, maintain, and monitor such projects. Sets the Federal share payable for such programs at 80 percent. Sets forth: (1) additional funding provisions; and (2) reporting requirements.
Eliminates the public operation requirement for toll ferries.
Continues existing toll road, bridge, tunnel, and ferry agreements, with specified exceptions.
Directs the Secretary, subject to specified circumstances, to void certain agreements with respect to the I-78 Delaware River Bridge. Specifies that the new agreement shall: (1) permit the continuation of tolls without repayment of Federal funds; (2) provide that all toll revenues be used first for repayment of the non-Federal cost of construction of the bridge and second for operation and maintenance costs of the bridge; and (3) permit excess revenues to be used for any other bridge under the jurisdiction of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission.
Directs the Secretary to allocate among the States amounts sufficient to ensure that a State's percentage of the total apportionments in FY 1992 and each fiscal year thereafter and allocations for the prior fiscal year for interstate construction, maintenance, highway substitute, NHS, STP, bridge program, scenic byways, and grants for safety belts and motorcycle helmets shall not be less than 90 percent of the percentage of estimated tax payments attributable to highway users in the State paid into the HTF, other than the Mass Transit Account (MTA), in the latest year for which data is available.
Authorizes appropriations out of the HTF (other than the MTA) for the payment of specified donor State bonus amounts for FY 1992 through 1997.
Provides that: (1) the bonus apportionments which are provided for a fiscal year (under this title) shall be apportioned in such a way as to bring each successive State or States with the lowest dollar return on dollar projected to be contributed into the HTF for such fiscal year up to the highest common return on contributed dollar that can be funded with the annual authorizations provided under this title; and (2) funds so apportioned shall be available for obligation in the same manner and for the same purposes as if such funds were apportioned for the STP, with exceptions.
Provides for reimbursement for segments of the IS constructed without Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) projects in Kansas; and (2) apportionment adjustments. Authorizes appropriations (with respect to the latter).
Requires State highway departments to establish the occupancy requirements of vehicles operating in high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, subject to specified limitations.
Provides for cost reimbursement for preliminary engineering of specified highway projects.
Authorizes State highway departments to approve, on a project by project basis, plans, specifications, and estimates for projects to resurface, restore, and rehabilitate highways on the NHS if the State certifies that all work will meet or exceed standards approved by the Secretary.
Specifies that: (1) any State may request that the Secretary no longer review and approve plans, specifications, and estimates for any project (including any highway project on the NHS with an estimated construction cost of less than $1,000,000 but excluding any other NHS project); (2) after receiving any such notification, the Secretary shall undertake project review only as requested by the State; and (3) safety considerations for such projects may be met by phase construction consistent with an operative safety management system.
Requires that: (1) design and construction standards adopted for new construction, reconstruction, and resurfacing, restoring, and rehabilitating multi-lane limited access highways on the NHS be those approved by the Secretary in cooperation with the State highway department, and that all eligible work for such projects meet or exceed such standards (current law states that projects on the Federal-aid secondary system in which Federal funds participate shall be constructed according to specifications that will provide all-weather service and permit maintenance at a reasonable cost); and (2) non-NHS projects be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with State laws and standards.
Sets forth provisions with respect to standards for projects involving a historic facility or located in an area of historic or scenic value.
Increases from ten to 20 years after Federal funds have been advanced to a State for acquisition of a right-of-way on any Federal-aid highway system the period within which highway construction must be commenced.
Provides that, subject to specified terms and conditions, funds apportioned to a State under Federal highway provisions may be used to participate in the payment of costs incurred by the State for acquisition of: (1) rights-of-way, acquired in advance of any Federal approval or authorization, if the rights-of-way are subsequently incorporated into a project eligible for STP funds; and (2) land necessary to preserve environmental and scenic values.
Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress with a national list of rights-of-way identified in transportation planning by designated metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and the States, including the total mileage involved, an estimate of the total costs, and a strategy for preventing further loss of rights-of-way, including the desirability of creating a transportation right-of-way land bank to preserve vital corridors.
Sets forth provisions with respect to preconstruction activities.
Specifies that convict-produced materials may only be used in highway construction located on a Federal-aid system if such materials are produced by convicts meeting specified requirements (as under current law) after July 1, 1991.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) periods of availability of funds; and (2) set asides for discretionary and 4R projects.
Revises highway provisions with respect to the Federal share payable for highway projects. Provides that, subject to specified limitations, the Federal share payable for any IS project shall be 90 percent of the cost, and for any other project carried out under Federal highway provisions, 80 percent of the cost.
Increases the Federal share to 100 percent for specified safety projects or for a project on a federally owned bridge.
Extends from 90 to 180 days after a natural disaster or catastrophic failure has occurred the period within which emergency repairs must be accomplished in order to receive 100 percent Federal funding. Increases the annual limitation imposed on the territories for emergency relief funds.
Provides that a long combination vehicle (LCV) may continue to operate only if the LCV configuration type was authorized by State officials pursuant to a State statute or regulation conforming to this title and in actual lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis on or before June 1, 1991, or pursuant to provisions of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1991. Specifies that all such operations shall continue to be subject to, at a minimum, all State statutes, regulations, limitations, and conditions, including but not limited to routing- and configuration-specific designations and all other restrictions in force on that date, but permits the State to make minor adjustments of a temporary and emergency nature for specific safety purposes and road construction under specified circumstances.
Sets forth special rules with respect to Wyoming, Ohio, and Alaska. Makes additional exceptions with respect to the operation of certain specialized hauling vehicles on Interstate Route 68 in Garrett and Allegany Counties, Maryland.
Permits any State to further restrict LCV operation, consistent with requirements of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA), but requires such a State to advise the Secretary of such action and the Secretary to publish a notice of such action in the Federal Register.
Requires each State, within 60 days, to submit to the Secretary: (1) for publication in the Federal Register a complete list of all operations of LCVs being conducted as of June 1, 1991, and all statutes, regulations, limitations, and conditions governing their operation; and (2) copies of any such statutes, regulations, limitations, and conditions. Provides for an interim and a final list. Sets forth review and correction procedures.
Requires each State to certify that it is enforcing and complying with such provisions and with provisions of the STAA.
Exempts firefighting vehicles from axle weight limitations and the bridge formula for vehicles using the IS for two years, subject to renewal for an additional year, with respect to: (1) any existing vehicle used to protect persons and property from fires and other disaster that threatens public safety that is in actual operation before the enactment date; and (2) any new vehicle to be used for such purpose while such vehicle is being delivered to a firefighting agency. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of State laws regulating the use on the IS of such vehicles and the issuance of permits by States exempting such vehicles from such requirements to determine whether such State laws and Federal highway provisions need to be modified, whether a permanent exemption should be made for such vehicles, or whether the bridge formula should be modified as it applies to such vehicles. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Bars the Secretary from withholding funds from the State of Montana on the basis of actions taken by such State pursuant to a draft memorandum of understanding with the Province of Alberta, Canada, regarding truck transportation between Canada and Shelby, Montana, except that such actions do not include actions not permitted by Montana on or before June 1, 1991.
Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of State and Federal regulations pertaining to transporters of water well drilling rigs on public highways for the purpose of identifying requirements which place a burden on such transporters without enhancing safety or preservation of public highways. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Requires MPOs, in cooperation with the State, to develop transportation plans and programs for urbanized areas of the State which provide for the development of transportation facilities (including pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities) which will function as an IT system for the State, the metropolitan areas, and the nation.
Sets forth provisions with respect to the designation (and redesignation) of MPOs, metropolitan area boundaries, coordination in multistate areas, coordination of MPOs, factors to be considered in developing transportation plans and programs, and development of a long range plan.
Directs each MPO, in cooperation with the State and affected transit operators, to develop a transportation improvement program (TIP) for the area for which such organization is designated, providing interested parties with an opportunity to comment on the proposed program. Requires the program to be updated at least every two years and approved by the MPO and the Governor. Sets forth provisions with respect to the priority and selection of projects, and major capital investments.
Requires the Secretary to designate as transportation management areas: (1) all urbanized areas over 200,000 population; and (2) any additional areas upon the request of the Governor and the MPO designated for such area or the affected local officials. Specifies that, within a transportation management area, transportation plans and programs shall be based on a continuing and comprehensive transportation planning process carried out by the MPO, and that such process shall include a congestion management system that provides for effective management of new and existing transportation facilities eligible for funding under this title and the FTA through the use of travel demand reduction and operational management strategies. Directs the Secretary to establish an appropriate phase-in schedule for compliance with such requirements.
Sets forth provisions with respect to project selection, certification, abbreviated plans and programs for certain areas, and transfer of funds. Specifies that for transportation management areas classified as nonattainment areas for ozone or carbon monoxide pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA), Federal funds may not be programmed in such areas for any highway project that will result in a significant increase in carrying capacity for single occupant vehicles unless the project is part of an approved congestion management system.
Sets forth provisions with respect to statewide transportation planning. Requires each State to undertake a continuous planning process which considers factors such as the overall social, economic, energy, and environmental effects of transportation decisions, methods to enhance the efficient movement of commercial motor vehicles, and the use of life-cycle costs in the design and engineering of bridges, tunnels, or pavement.
Directs each State, in carrying out such planning, to consider: (1) the coordination of transportation plans and programs developed for metropolitan areas of the State with the State plans and programs and the reconciliation of such plans and programs as necessary to ensure connectivity within transportation systems; (2) investment strategies to improve adjoining State and local roads that support rural economic growth and tourism development, Federal agency renewable resources management, and multipurpose land management practices, including recreation development; and (3) the concerns of Indian tribal governments having jurisdiction over lands within the boundaries of the State.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the development by the State of a long range plan and a TIP, including provisions regarding project selection for areas of less than 50,000 population, in cooperation with the affected local officials, and biennial review and approval; (2) funding; (3) the treatment of certain State laws as congestion management systems; and (4) nondiscrimination and Indian employment preferences (on projects carried out under this title near Indian reservations).
Authorizes: (1) funding to carry out capital transit projects eligible for assistance under the FTA, capital improvements to provide access and coordination between intercity and rural bus service, and construction of facilities to provide connections between highway transportation and other modes of transportation; and (2) the Secretary to approve as a project on a Federal-aid system modifications to existing highway facilities necessary to accommodate other modes of transportation if such modifications will not adversely affect automotive safety.
Makes public mass transportation projects in urbanized areas subject to metropolitan planning requirements under this Act.
Specifies that in any case where sufficient land or air space exists within the publicly acquired rights-of-way of any highway constructed with Federal-aid highway funds to accommodate needed passenger, commuter, or high speed rail, magnetic levitation systems, and highway and non-highway public mass transit facilities, the Secretary shall authorize a State to make such lands, air space, and rights-of-way available with or without charge to a publicly or privately owned authority or company or any other person for such purposes if such accommodation will not adversely affect automotive safety.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) inventory all highway bridges on Indian reservation roads and park bridges; (2) classify them according to serviceability, safety, and essentiality for public use; (3) assign each a priority for replacement or rehabilitation; and (4) determine the cost of replacing each such bridge with a comparable facility or of rehabilitating each such bridge.
Authorizes the Secretary to approve Federal participation in the painting of, or application of calcium magnesium acetate to, the structure of highway bridges upon application by a State for assistance.
Provides for the apportionment of discretionary bridge program funds.
Authorizes the expenditure of certain funds to rehabilitate, paint, or apply calcium magnesium acetate to highway bridges located on public roads other than those on the Federal-aid system.
Requires that projects not on a Federal-aid system be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with State laws, regulations, directives, and safety, design, and construction standards.
Requires a set-aside for such activities with respect to Indian reservation bridges. Directs the Secretary, upon determining a State bridge apportionment and before transferring funds to the State, to transfer the Indian reservation bridge allocation to the Secretary of the Interior for expenditure pursuant to this Act.
Sets forth provisions with respect to the transferability of bridge apportionments.
Makes permanent the extension of the 65 miles per hour speed limit demonstration program.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) collect data on citations, travel speeds, the posted speed limit, and the design characteristics of roads from which such travel speed data are gathered; and (2) issue regulations which ensure that the monitoring programs conducted by the States to collect such data are uniform, that devices and equipment under such programs are placed at locations on maximum speed limit highways on a scientifically random basis, and that the data submitted will be in such form as the Secretary determines is necessary.
Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register, within a year, a proposed rule to establish speed limit enforcement requirements which, at a minimum: (1) provide for the transfer of apportionments if a State fails to enforce speed limits in accordance with this title and such rule; and (2) include a formula for determining compliance which assigns a greater weight for violation of such speed limits in proportion to the amount by which the speed of the motor vehicle exceeds the speed limit and differentiates between the type of road on which the violations occur.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) factors to consider in developing the compliance formula; (2) publication of a final rule; (3) administration of speed limit-related provisions by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the FHWA; (4) reporting requirements; (5) an enforcement moratorium (with respect to FY 1990 and 1991); and (6) the repeal of obsolete enforcement provisions.
Specifies that: (1) up to 15 percent of funds apportioned for Indian reservation roads from the HTF may be used for road sealing projects; and (2) the Bureau of Indian Affairs shall continue to retain responsibility for road maintenance programs on Indian reservations.
Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States which have in effect specified State motorcycle helmet and safety belt laws to: (1) educate the public about motorcycle and passenger vehicle safety, and motorcycle helmet, safety belt, and child restraint system use and to involve public health education and other related agencies in such efforts; and (2) train law enforcement officers in the enforcement of, monitor the rate or compliance with, and enforce, such laws.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the maintenance of State expenditures for traffic safety programs; (2) the Federal share of the cost; (3) eligibility requirements; (4) measuring rates of compliance; and (5) penalties for failing to have in effect such laws. Authorizes appropriations.
Directs the Secretary to conduct a study or studies to determine the benefits of safety belt and motorcycle helmet use for individuals involved in motor vehicle and motorcycle crashes, collecting and analyzing data from regional trauma systems. Sets forth reporting and funding requirements.
Revises the Federal lands highway program to require that the Secretary allocate: (1) 34 percent of sums authorized for public lands highways (currently, 100 percent) based on need, with preference to those projects which are significantly impacted by Federal land and resource management activities (as under current law) which are proposed by a State that contains at least three percent of the total public lands of the nation; and (2) 66 percent of such sums as provided under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1987, giving equal consideration to projects that provide access to and within the National Forest System, as identified by the Secretary of Agriculture through renewable resources and land use planning and the impact of such planning on existing transportation facilities.
Directs the Secretary to develop appropriate transportation planning procedures and safety, bridge, and pavement management systems for roads funded under the Federal lands highway program. Specifies that: (1) no public lands highway project may be undertaken in any State under such provisions unless the State concurs in the selection and planning of the project; and (2) funds available for each class of Federal lands highways shall be available for any kind of transportation project eligible for assistance under this title that is within, is adjacent to, or provides access to the areas served by the particular class of Federal lands highways. Sets forth provisions with respect to eligible projects, transfers of sums to the Secretary of the Interior, construction contracts involving forest development roads and trails, and reporting requirements.
Requires that: (1) up to two percent of funds made available for Indian reservation roads for each fiscal year be allocated to those Indian tribal governments applying for transportation planning; and (2) the Indian tribal government develop a TIP that includes all Indian reservation road projects proposed for funding. Specifies that funds allocated for Indian reservation roads may be used for the purpose of funding road projects on roads of tribally controlled postsecondary vocational institutions.
Authorizes a State, subject to approval by the Secretary, to obligate: (1) STP and congestion mitigation program funds for the construction of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities and for carrying out non-construction projects related to safe bicycle use; and (2) NHS funds for such construction adjacent to any highway on the NHS (other than the IS). Authorizes the use of Federal lands highway funds, at the discretion of the department charged with the administration of such funds, for the construction of such walkways and facilities in conjunction with trails, roads, highways, and parkways on Federal lands.
Requires each State receiving an apportionment under this title to fund, in the State transportation department, a position of bicycle and pedestrian coordinator.
Authorizes highway bridge deck replacement or rehabilitation so as to provide for the safe accommodation of bicycles, subject to certain conditions.
Sets the Federal share of pedestrian walkway and bicycle transportation facility construction at 80 percent.
Requires such walkways and facilities to be located and designed pursuant to an overall plan to be developed by each MPO and State and incorporated into their comprehensive annual long-range plans which shall provide due consideration for safety and contiguous routes.
Limits the use of motorized vehicles on pedestrian walkways and trails under this title.
Requires the Secretary, within one year, to issue regulations for State development, establishment, and implementation of a system (which may include a compliance schedule and minimum standards and which, in metropolitan areas, shall be developed and implemented in cooperation with MPOs) for managing: (1) highway pavement of the Federal-aid system; (2) bridges on and off such system; (3) highway and transportation safety; (4) traffic congestion; (5) public transportation facilities and equipment; and (6) IT facilities and systems.
Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines and requirements for the State development, establishment, and implementation of a traffic monitoring system for highways and public transportation facilities and equipment.
Sets forth additional provisions with respect to State requirements, intermodal requirements, reporting requirements, funding, and congressional review of regulations.
Prohibits the discovery (current law only bars the admission as evidence) of certain reports and surveys compiled to develop a highway safety construction improvement project to enhance the safety of potential accident sites or hazardous conditions.
Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) promote the construction and commercialization of high-speed ground transportation systems; and (2) establish in the shortest time practicable a U.S. designed and constructed magnetic levitation (maglev) transportation technology capable of operating along Federal-aid highway rights-of-way, as part of a U.S. national transportation system.
Establishes a national magnetic levitation prototype development program. Directs the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to establish a national maglev joint project office and to enter into such arrangements as necessary to allow such office to carry out its functions. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) timetables for the solicitation and award of contracts; (2) factors and conditions to be considered; (3) design selection; (4) licensing considerations; and (5) reporting requirements.
Directs the Secretary to lead and coordinate Federal efforts in the R&D of high-speed ground transportation technologies in order to foster the implementation of maglev and high-speed steel wheel on rail transportation systems as alternatives to existing transportation systems. Authorizes the Secretary to award contracts and grants for demonstrations to determine the contributions that high-speed ground transportation could make to more efficient, safe, and economical intercity transportation systems. Direct the Secretary to provide for financial participation by private industry to the maximum extent practicable.
Establishes a national high-speed ground transportation technology demonstration program, separate from the national maglev prototype development program, to be managed by the Secretary. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) application requirements and award criteria; (2) the use of cooperative R&D or funding agreements; (3) the Federal share of the cost; (4) licensing, royalty, and ownership rights; (5) reporting requirements; (6) economic and financial analyses; and (7) technical assessments.
Requires the Secretary to establish a national high-speed ground transportation policy.
Sets forth funding provisions.
Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) periodically analyze the effectiveness of the application of provisions of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to high-speed rail facilities and equipment; and (2) report the results to specified congressional committees.
Extends through 1994 the railroad relocation demonstration program.
Bars the Secretary, for five years, from disapproving a highway project solely on the ground that it includes the use of asphalt containing recycled rubber. Specifies that a patented application process for recycled rubber shall be eligible for approval under the same conditions as an unpatented process.
Requires the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in cooperation with the States, to: (1) coordinate and conduct a study to determine the threat to human health and the environment associated with the production and use of asphalt pavement containing recycled rubber, the degree to which asphalt pavement containing recycled rubber can be recycled, and the performance of the asphalt pavement containing recycled rubber under various climate and use conditions; and (2) jointly conduct a study to determine the economic savings, technical performance qualities, threats to human health and the environment, and environmental benefits of using recycled materials in highway devices and appurtenances and highway projects. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) gather and make available to States information and recommendations concerning the use of asphalt containing recycled rubber in highway projects from States that have extensively researched and experimented with such use; and (2) encourage the use of recycled materials determined to be appropriate by such studies in federally assisted highway projects. Specifies that procuring agencies shall comply with all applicable guidelines or regulations issued by the Administrator of the EPA.
Requires each State, beginning on January 1, 1995, and annually thereafter, to certify to the Secretary that such State has satisfied the minimum utilization requirement (stated as a percentage of the total tons of asphalt laid in such State and financed in whole or part by any assistance pursuant to Federal highway provisions: five percent for 1994; ten percent for 1995; 15 percent for 1996; and 20 percent for each year thereafter) for asphalt pavement containing recycled rubber, subject to specified requirements, waivers, and penalties.
Authorizes the Secretary to make grants under a highway bridge R&D program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) take such action as necessary to ensure that information and technology resulting from such research is made available to State and local transportation departments and other interested persons; and (2) make grants to States for construction of highway timber bridges on rural Federal-aid highways. Sets forth provisions with respect to applications, approval criteria, the Federal share, and funding for such grants.
Directs the Secretary to carry out highway use tax evasion projects, subject to specified limitations. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate specified funds to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the States for such purpose. Bars the Secretary from: (1) imposing any condition on the use of funds so allocated to the IRS; and (2) making such grants unless the State certifies that aggregate expenditure of State funds, exclusive of Federal funds, for motor fuel tax enforcement activities will be maintained at a level which does not fall below the average level of such expenditure for its last two fiscal years. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility and desirability of using dye and markers to aid motor fuel tax enforcement activities and other purposes. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Makes specified funds available from the HTF and the general fund.
Amends specified Federal regulations to: (1) include the coating of steel in the "Buy America" program; and (2) give equal priority to fusees and flares with regard to their use as reflecting signs.
Requires the Secretary to conduct a study on the funding needs for Indian reservation roads taking into account funding and other quality inequities between Indian reservation roads and other highway systems. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on improving the quality of highways constructed with Federal assistance, including addressing Federal design standards, engineering and design services, and construction of Federal-aid highway projects.
Authorizes a State to use as a credit toward the non-Federal matching share requirement for all programs under this Act and under Federal highway provisions, toll revenues that are generated and used by public, quasi-public, and private agencies to build, improve, or maintain highways, bridges, or tunnels that serve the public purpose of interstate commerce, provided that such agencies built, improved, or maintained such facilities without Federal funds, subject to specified requirements.
Authorizes the Secretary to approve substitute highway, bus transit, and light rail transit projects in lieu of construction of the I-94 East-West Transitway project in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, Wisconsin.
Sets forth provisions with respect to the control of outdoor advertising.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish within the Department of Transportation (DOT) an advisory committee to assist the Secretary with respect to the establishment of a national scenic byways program; and (2) provide technical assistance and make grants to the States for the planning, design, and development of State scenic byways programs. Sets forth provisions with respect to the membership, function, and reporting requirements of such committee, the Federal share (80 percent of the cost), and funding.
Establishes an interim scenic byways program during FY 1992 through 1994. Authorizes appropriations. Sets the Federal share at 80 percent. Makes funds available for such years, subject to specified limitations.
Specifies that, for purposes of the scenic byways programs, a scenic highway in the State of Oregon shall be treated as a scenic byway.
Amends the STAA to prohibit the Secretary from using iron in highway or urban transit projects that has not been produced in the United States.
Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report on purchases from foreign entities granted waivers from "Buy America" provisions in FY 1992 and 1993, indicating the dollar value of items for which such waivers were granted.
Makes ineligible to receive any contract or subcontract made with funds authorized under this Act any person determined by a court or Federal agency to have intentionally: (1) affixed a label bearing a "Made in America" inscription to any product used in projects under Federal highway provisions, sold in or shipped to the United States, that was not made in the United States; or (2) represented that any product used in such projects, sold in or shipped to the United States but not produced in the United States, but not produced in the United States.
Specifies that such waiver shall not apply to products produced in a foreign country if the Secretary determines that such country: (1) is a party to an agreement with the United States pursuant to which the head of a U.S. agency has granted a waiver; and (2) has violated the terms of such agreement by discriminating against specified U.S.-produced products.
Directs the Secretary to conduct a survey to identify current State standards relating to geometric design, traffic control devices, roadside safety, safety appurtenance design, uniform traffic control devices, and sign legibility and directional clarity for all Federal-aid highways, taking into consideration posted speed limits as they relate to highway design. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct and transmit to the Congress a study of alternative transportation modes for use in the National Park System (authorizes appropriations); and (2) develop and implement a work zone safety program to improve work zone safety at highway construction sites.
Sets forth provisions with respect to the repayment of funds by New Hampshire to the United States.
Repeals a provision regarding the expenditure of Federal funds for highway signs using the metric system.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) relocation assistance regulations relating to the Rural Electrification Administration; (2) a temporary matching fund waiver regarding qualifying State projects; (3) repayment of increases in the Federal share (on or before March 30, 1994); and (4) deductions from State apportionments.
Amends the STAA to: (1) require notice in the Federal Register and an opportunity for public comment before the State may restrict the use of motorcycles in HOV lanes; and (2) bar the Secretary from recognizing any certification with respect to such use made prior to enactment of this Act until the Secretary publishes notice of such certification in the Federal Register and provides an opportunity for public comment.
Directs the Secretary to develop erosion control guidelines for States to follow in carrying out construction projects funded in whole or in part under this title. Specifies that such guidelines: (1) shall not preempt any more stringent State requirements; and (2) shall be consistent with nonpoint source management programs under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) and coastal nonpoint pollution control guidance under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.
Requires that: (1) not less than two-and-a-half percent of the mileage of roadside barriers installed along Federal-aid highways within the boundaries of a State in each calendar year be innovative safety barriers; and (2) each State annually certify to the Secretary compliance with such requirement.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage the States to provide for equitable participation in the use of tourist-oriented directional or logo signs along the IS and Federal-aid primary system; and (2) conduct a study, and report to the Congress, on participation in the use of such signs and State practices with respect to such use.
Requires the Secretary to establish a private sector involvement program to encourage States to contract with private firms for engineering and design services in carrying out Federal-aid highway projects when it would be cost effective. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) grants to States; and (2) reporting requirements.
Directs the Secretary to carry out a highway project in Arkansas to demonstrate: (1) the benefits of providing training to county and town traffic officials in the need for and application of uniform traffic control devices; and (2) safety benefits of providing for adequate and safe warning and regulatory signs. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a project to make modifications to bridges necessary for the Secretary of the Army to carry out a project for flood control at Molly Ann's Brook, New Jersey; (2) approve the construction of a specified DOT project in Fulton County, Georgia, subject to specified limitations; and (3) carry out a program for construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities.
Exempts certain toll pilot projects in Orange County, California, from requirements applicable to public parks, recreation areas, and wildlife and waterfowl refuges.
Directs the Secretary, by October 1, 1993, to prepare a proposed recodification of title 23 of the U.S. Code (Federal highway provisions) and related laws and submit the proposed recodification to the Congress for consideration.
Makes unobligated balances of funds previously authorized under the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 for demonstration projects available for projects located in Tampa, Florida; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and from Larkspur to Korbel, California. Specifies that a highway project authorized by such Act shall include specified improvements to Passaic and Bergen Counties, New Jersey. Directs the Governor of New Jersey to carry out the responsibilities of the Secretary with respect to such project and authorizes the Governor to waive certain Federal requirements to provide for expedited completion of the project.
Directs the Administrator of the EPA: (1) to establish specified permit application deadlines for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activities from facilities that are owned or operated by a municipality; (2) not to require any municipality with a population of less than 100,000 to apply for or obtain a permit for any stormwater discharge associated with an industrial activity other than an airport, powerplant, or uncontrolled sanitary landfill owned or operated by such municipality before October 1, 1992, unless such permit is required by the FWPCA; and (3) to issue final regulations with respect to general permits for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity on or before February 1, 1992.
Authorizes appropriations for specified highway and highway-related projects throughout the United States.
Makes modifications to the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission Charter.
Requires the Administrator of General Services to lease truck inspection facilities for the Peace Bridge, New York subject to specified conditions.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) coordinate the field testing of the vehicle proximity alert system and comparable systems to determine their feasibility for use by priority vehicles as an effective railroad-highway grade crossing safety device and provide for installation of such or comparable devices where appropriate; and (2) initiate and complete a rulemaking proceeding to revise the guidelines and establish standards for the installation of roadside barriers and other safety appurtenances, reflecting state-of-the-art designs, testing, and evaluation criteria, according to a specified timetable.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) specified hydroelectric projects; and (2) shoreline protection for New York City.
Directs the Secretary to revise the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and such other regulations and agreements of the FHWA as necessary to authorize States and local governments to install stop or yield signs at any rail-highway grade crossing without automatic traffic control devices with two or more trains operating across such crossing per day.
Declares a specified portion of the Hudson River, New York, to be nonnavigable waters of the United States.
Deauthorizes: (1) a portion of the project for modification of Cleveland Harbor, Ohio, and for navigation of the Canaveral Harbor, Florida; and (2) the Academy Creek feature of the Brunswick Harbor, Georgia, project.
Establishes the Commission to Promote Investment in America's Infrastructure. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Designates the William H. Harsha Bridge, J. Clifford Haugle Bypass, Lindy Clairborn Boggs Lock and Dam, and Joseph Ralph Sasser Boat Ramp.
Continues the authorization for the Rhode Island Navigation Project.
Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of: (1) the feasibility of constructing a four-lane highway connecting Interstate Routes 65 and 10 in the vicinity of Pensacola, Florida; (2) the progress being made by the States in adopting and implementing a uniform system for handicapped parking; (3) the advisability and feasibility of establishing an international border highway infrastructure discretionary program; and (4) methods of enhancing traffic flow and minimizing traffic congestion during construction of Federal-aid highway projects and costs associated with implementing such methods. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to include Calhoun County, Mississippi, in Appalachia.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) study the effectiveness and benefits of value engineering review programs applied to Federal-aid highway projects; (2) establish a pilot program for uniform audit procedures; and (3) conduct a study of State compliance with requirements for revocation and suspension of drivers' licenses.
Directs the Comptroller General to complete a study on equipment rental rates for use in reimbursing contractors for extra work on Federal-aid projects.
Authorizes the Administrator of the General Services Administration to: (1) enter into a lease with the U.S. Postal Service for space to house the Federal courts and related Federal agencies in Brooklyn, New York; and (2) provide for the construction of a border station at International Falls, Minnesota.
Directs the General Accounting Office to conduct a study and recommend to the Congress a fair and equitable apportionment formula for the allocation of Federal-aid highway funds.
Establishes an interstate study commission for the national capital region.
Sets forth provisions with respect to effective dates, applicability, and the use and transferability of certain unobligated balances.
Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the effects of climatic conditions on the costs of highway construction and maintenance. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified: (1) high cost bridge projects; and (2) congestion relief projects. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth provisions with respect to allocation percentages, the Federal share (80 percent), delegation of responsibility to the States, and advance construction.
Identifies and authorizes appropriations for specified high priority corridors on the NHS. Sets forth provisions with respect to allocation percentages, the Federal share (80 percent), delegation to the States, and advance construction.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) include all such corridors on the proposed NHS as submitted to the Congress; (2) prepare a long-range plan for the upgrading of each corridor to the appropriate standards for highways on the NHS, including separate plans for developing the corridor and financing the development; (3) prepare feasibility studies, as necessary, for those corridors for which such studies have not been prepared; and (4) use procedures for acceleration of projects in carrying out projects on high priority corridors.
Requires each State in which a priority segment is located to prepare a detailed plan for completion of construction on such segment and for financing such construction. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth criteria for States to use in selecting high priority segments of corridors of national significance.
Authorizes appropriations out of the HTF for feasibility and design studies.
Directs the Secretary to establish a Priority Corridor Revolving Loan Fund. Authorizes appropriations.
Authorizes the Secretary to carry out specified rural access projects, under access and mobility projects, innovative projects, and priority intermodal projects throughout the United States. Sets forth provisions with respect to allocation percentages, the Federal share (80 percent), delegation to the States, and advance construction.
Authorizes the Secretary to fund the production of a documentary in cooperation with a not-for-profit national public television station to create an awareness by the public and State and local governments of the state of the nation's infrastructure and to encourage and stimulate efforts to improve such infrastructure.
Part B: National Recreational Trails Fund Act
- Symms National Recreational Trails Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary, using amounts available in the National Recreational Trails Trust Fund (established by the Internal Revenue Code (IRC)), to administer a program allocating moneys to the States for purposes of providing and maintaining recreation trails.
Sets forth provisions with respect to State eligibility, allocation of moneys in the Fund, use of allocated moneys, and coordination of activities.
Establishes the National Recreational Trails Advisory Committee.
Title II: Highway Safety
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Part A: Highway Safety Grant Programs
- Highway Safety Act of 1991 - Mandates that the uniform guidelines currently required with respect to highway safety programs include programs to: (1) reduce deaths and injuries resulting from motor vehicles being driven in excess of posted speed limits, from persons driving while impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance, and from accidents involving motor vehicles, motorcycles, and school buses; (2) encourage the proper use of occupant protection devices (including the use of safety belts and child restraint systems) by occupants of motor vehicles and increase public awareness of the benefit of motor vehicles equipped with airbags; and (3) improve law enforcement services in motor vehicle accident prevention, traffic supervision, and post-accident procedures. Specifies that if the Secretary does not designate such programs as priority programs he or she shall submit to the Congress a report describing the reasons for not prioritizing such programs.
Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a highway safety program for the collection and reporting of data on traffic-related deaths and injuries by the States; and (2) minimum reporting criteria for such program, including criteria on deaths and injuries resulting from police pursuits, school bus accidents, and speeding, on traffic-related deaths and injuries at highway construction sites, and on the configuration of commercial motor vehicles involved in motor vehicle accidents. Sets forth additional program requirements.
Bars the Secretary from approving a State highway safety program which does not: (1) provide that the Governor of the State shall to be responsible for the administration of the program through a State highway safety agency which shall have adequate powers and be suitably equipped and organized to carry out, to the Secretary's satisfaction, such program; (2) authorize political subdivisions of the State to carry out local highway safety programs within their jurisdictions as a part of the State highway safety program if such local highway safety programs are approved by the Governor and are in accordance with the minimum standards established by the Secretary; (3) provide that at least 40 percent of all Federal funds apportioned for such program to the State for a fiscal year will be expended by the political subdivisions of the State including Indian tribal governments, in carrying out authorized local highway safety programs, with exceptions; and (4) provide adequate and reasonable access for the safe and convenient movement of individuals with disabilities across curbs constructed or replaced on or after July 1, 1976, at all pedestrian crosswalks throughout the State.
Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) encourage States to use technologically advanced traffic enforcement devices by law enforcement officers; (2) use appropriated funds to engage in research on all phases of highway safety and traffic conditions; and (3) undertake, on a cost-shared basis, collaborative R&D with non-Federal entities which may include crash data collection and analysis, research on driver and pedestrian behavior, and demonstrations of technology. Bars the Secretary from agreeing to provide more than 50 percent of the cost of any such R&D projects.
Revises drunk driving provisions to authorize the Secretary to make grants to States which adopt and implement effective programs to reduce traffic safety problems resulting from persons driving while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Bars any such grant to a State which has not entered into such agreement as the Secretary may require to ensure that such State will maintain its aggregate expenditures from all other sources for alcohol traffic safety programs at or above the average level of such expenditures in its two fiscal years preceding the date of enactment of this Act.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) basic grant eligibility; (2) the amount of basic grants; (3) supplemental grants; (4) administrative expenses; (5) apportionment of funds; and (6) credits for State and local expenditures and an increased Federal share for certain Indian tribe programs.
Authorizes appropriations for NHTSA highway safety programs, NHTSA highway safety R&D, and the alcohol traffic safety incentive grant program.
Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a regional program for implementation of drug recognition programs and for training law enforcement officers to recognize and identify individuals who are operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or one or more controlled substances or other drugs; and (2) a citizens advisory committee that shall report to the Congress annually on the progress of the implementation of such program. Authorizes appropriations.
Amends the National Driver Register Act of 1982 to make authorizations of appropriations for highway safety educational programming and for a study of the use of mass media to educate the public of ways of reducing the number and severity of highway accidents.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the effective date of this title; and (2) obligation ceilings.
Part B: NHTSA Authorizations and General Provisions
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Authorization Act of 1991 - Authorizes appropriations for the traffic and motor vehicle safety program and for motor vehicle information and cost savings programs.
Sets forth procedures with respect to the initiation and completion of NHTSA rulemaking proceedings, and the amendment or establishment of motor vehicle safety standards, pursuant to its authority under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (NTMVSA).
Directs the Secretary to address the following matters: (1) protection against unreasonable risk of rollovers of passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs), and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,500 pounds or less; (2) extension of passenger car side impact protection to such MPVs and trucks; (3) safety of child booster seats used in passenger cars and other appropriate motor vehicles; (4) improved design for safety belts; and (5) improved head impact protection from interior components of passenger cars.
Amends the NTMVSA to: (1) authorize the Secretary, upon determining that a notification sent by a manufacturer has not resulted in an adequate number of vehicles or items of equipment being returned for remedy of a defect, to direct the manufacturer to send a second notification in such manner as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe; and (2) limit the sale or lease of certain vehicles containing defects relating to motor vehicle safety.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and periodically review and update on a continuing basis a five-year plan for testing Federal motor vehicle safety standards; (2) expend such portion of the funds authorized to be appropriated under the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act for FY 1993 as necessary to disseminate information to consumers regarding the manner in which passenger cars may be retrofitted with lap and shoulder rear seatbelts; and (3) publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to consider the need for any additional brake performance standards for passenger cars and complete a rulemaking within 36 months from the date of initiation of such notice.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) promulgate, by September 1, 1993, an amendment to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 in a number of ways, including requiring the installation of an airbag that meets the requirements of such Standard on both the driver and front outboard passenger seating positions of passenger cars and MPVs and other light trucks; and (2) require, after the promulgation of such amendment, that owner's manuals contain specific language informing consumers about the need to wear seatbelts even in vehicles equipped with airbags.
Sets forth a schedule for implementation of such requirements. Specifies that the amendment shall take effect for: (1) 95 percent of each manufacturer's annual production of new passenger cars manufactured on and after September 1, 1996, and before September 1, 1997, and for 100 percent of all such production manufactured on and after September 1, 1997; and (2) 80 percent of each manufacturer's annual production of new MPVs and other light trucks and buses manufactured on and after September 1, 1997, and before September 1, 1998, and for 100 percent of each manufacturer's production volume manufactured on and after September 1, 1998.
Provides for a temporary exemption from such requirements due to supply and unavoidable disruptions.
Directs the Secretary to require: (1) labeling for each exempted motor vehicle which can only be removed after recall and installation of the airbag; and (2) if the vehicle is delivered to the dealer without an inflatable restraint, that written notification of the exemption be delivered to the dealer and first purchasers for purposes other than resale of such exempted motor vehicle in such manner and containing such information as the Secretary deems appropriate.
Requires the Secretary to report biannually on the actual effectiveness of occupant restraint systems.
Provides for the establishment of a program under which passenger cars acquired by the Federal Government, will have driver- and passenger-side airbags.
Directs the Secretary to provide a report to the Congress by the end of FY 1993 with respect to the substance and status of a head injury impact study.
Title III: Federal Transit Act Amendments of 1991
- Federal Transit Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to rename it the Federal Transit Act (the Act).
Renames the Urban Mass Transportation Administration of the Department of Transportation the Federal Transit Administration.
Amends the Act to declare as one of the findings of the Congress that significant improvements in public transportation are necessary to achieve national goals for improved air quality, energy conservation, international competitiveness, and mobility for elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged persons in urban and rural areas. Declares that one of the purposes of this Act is to provide financial assistance to State and local governments and their instrumentalities to help implement such national goals as they relate to the mobility of such persons.
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to make grants or loans to States and local public bodies and agencies to finance: (1) transit projects which are designed to meet the special needs of elderly persons and persons with disabilities; and (2) the development of corridors to support fixed guideway systems, including certain bus service improvements.
Allocates on a percentage basis grants or loans for mass transportation projects for FY 1992 through 1997 for: (1) fixed guideway modernization; (2) construction of new fixed guideway systems; and (3) the replacement, rehabilitation, and purchase of buses and related equipment and the construction of bus-related facilities in urban and non-urban areas.
Prohibits the amount of interest on bonds issued by a State or local or public body for a mass transportation project that is considered part of the Federal share of such project costs from being greater than the most favorable interest terms reasonably available for the project at the time of borrowing.
Increases from 75 percent to 80 percent the Federal share of net costs with respect to Federal-aid highway and mass transportation projects, unless the grant recipient requests a lower percentage.
Authorizes the remainder of project costs (local share) for a planned extension to a fixed guideway system to include the cost of rolling stock previously purchased if the purchase was made solely with non-Federal funds.
Requires the Secretary to give equal consideration to differences in the fiscal capacity of State and local governments whenever priority consideration is given to a mass transportation project that includes more than the minimum non-Federal share of the project's net cost.
Authorizes the Secretary to enter into: (1) full funding contracts with applicants for capital grants for mass transportation projects; and (2) early systems work agreements (which promote completion of such projects more rapidly and at less cost) with such applicants if specified conditions are met.
Requires the Secretary to apportion fixed guideway modernization funds for FY 1992 through 1997 to specified urbanized areas according to specified guidelines.
Requires the Secretary to make specified amounts of funds for the replacement, rehabilitation, and purchase of buses and related equipment and the construction of bus related facilities available for the testing of such buses.
Revises criteria for the making of capital grants to loans for construction of new fixed guideway systems or extensions to require the Secretary to consider specified factors when making such determinations with respect to non-federally funded portions of a project. Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines for evaluating the results of alternative analysis, project justification, and local financing commitment. Exempts certain projects from such new starts criteria and the limitation of simultaneous evaluation of projects in more than one corridor. Sets forth a timetable for such projects in alternatives analysis, preliminary engineering, or final design stages.
Declares it is in the national interest to promote the development of transportation systems that integrate various modes of transportation, maximize mobility of people and goods within urbanized areas, and minimize transportation-related fuel consumption and air pollution.
Requires the designation, by agreement among the Governor and local government units representing at least 75 percent of the affected population, of metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) for each urbanized area with a population of more than 50,000. Requires each MPO to develop a transportation improvement program. Requires the Secretary to designate all urbanized areas over 200,000 in population as a transportation management areas. Requires each such area to have a congestion management system.
Authorizes the Secretary to contract for and make grants to States and local public bodies and agencies, or enter into agreements with other Federal departments and agencies, for the planning, engineering, design, and evaluation of public transportation projects, and for other specified technical studies. Requires all plans and programs to encourage to the maximum extent feasible the participation of private enterprise.
Requires the Secretary to ensure that capital and block transportation grants be used to support balanced and comprehensive transportation planning that takes account of the relationships among land use and all transportation modes, without regard to the programmatic source of planning funds. Sets forth a formula for the allocation of planning funds to metropolitan areas and transportation management areas. Declares that the Federal share of costs for such transportation planning activities shall be 80 percent, except where the Secretary determines that it is in the Federal interest not to require a State or local matching share.
Increases the amount allocated in each fiscal year for block grants for public transportation projects in urbanized areas with populations of less than 200,000 and in areas with populations of more than 200,000.
Declares that a recipient's apportionment for public transportation block grants for urbanized areas according to fixed guideway revenue vehicle or route miles shall not be reduced because of a reduction in equipment use if such recipient demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that such actions would achieve energy or operating efficiencies and provide the same frequency of revenue service to the same number of riders.
Applies specified safety provisions of the Act to public transportation block grants.
Allows certain certifications that must be submitted annually by a public transportation block grantee to be consolidated into a single document as part of such grantee's application. Requires the Secretary to publish a list of all required certifications annually. Requires the Secretary to establish streamlined administrative procedures to govern compliance with certification requirements with respect to block grantee control over track and signal equipment used in ongoing operations. Requires a block grantee to submit annually to the Secretary a certification that it will expend not less than one percent of such grant for transit security projects or that such security systems are not necessary.
Revises certain requirements of block grantees with respect to the preparation of a proposed program of projects to require them to assure that such program provides for the coordination of public transportation services assisted under the Act with transportation services assisted by other Federal sources.
Authorizes grants for construction projects in designated transportation management areas to be made available for highway projects if specified requirements are met.
Limits the amount of inflation adjustment increase for operating assistance for urbanized areas.
Authorizes State-operated ferries to operate outside of an urbanized area if existing ferry service is not significantly reduced.
Treats any area that has been designated as an urbanized area under the 1980 census and not under the 1990 census as an urbanized area eligible to receive mass transportation funds.
Requires the Secretary to make certain adjustments to State mass transportation apportionments between the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund and the general fund of the Treasury.
Amends the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 to continue assistance for commuter rail service in southern Florida.
Amends the Act to define "transit" to mean mass transportation.
Authorizes the Secretary to transfer to any public body for any public purpose facilities, equipment, and other assets (including land) that were acquired by a recipient with Federal transportation funds but no longer needed. Sets forth specified determinations to be made by the Secretary with respect to the transfer of such assets for purposes other than mass transportation.
Authorizes the Secretary to allow the solicitation for a turnkey system project (a vendor-specific project under which a recipient contracts with a vendor to build and operate a transit system that meets specific performance criteria) to be awarded before Federal requirements are met so long as such award is made without prejudice to their implementation as a means to advance new technologies and lower the cost of constructing new mass transportation systems. Authorizes the Secretary to approve no less than two projects for an initial demonstration phase.
Authorizes a recipient that procures rolling stock with Federal transportation assistance to enter into multiyear agreements for the purchase of such stock and replacement parts in which the recipient may exercise an option to purchase additional stock or replacement parts for no more than a five-year period from the date of the original contract. Directs the Secretary to permit two or more recipients to form a consortium to purchase such stock.
Provides that the Federal share of net project costs involved in the acquisition of bus-related equipment required by the Clean Air Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 shall be 90 percent.
Changes the term "elderly and handicapped persons" to "elderly persons and persons with disabilities" with respect to the provision of mass transportation services that meet their special needs.
Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to the Governor of each State for allocation to State-approved private nonprofit organizations and public bodies (currently, such assistance goes directly to private nonprofit corporations and associations) to assist them in providing transportation services to elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to allow vehicles purchased with such assistance to be leased to local public bodies and agencies as a means of improving transportation services to such individuals.
Authorizes transit service providers who receive Federal transportation assistance under programs for elderly persons and persons with disabilities and rural transportation programs to assist in providing meal delivery service for homebound persons if such service does not conflict with the provision, or result in a reduction, of mass transportation services.
Authorizes States to transfer facilities and equipment acquired with Federal transportation assistance for non-urbanized areas or elderly persons and persons with disabilities to any recipient eligible to receive such assistance if such equipment or facilities continue to be used in accordance with its requirements.
Requires States to expend a specified percent of formula grant funds for public transportation projects in non-urbanized areas in FY 1992 through 1994 for intercity bus transportation.
Requires the use of population estimates prepared by the Secretary of Commerce after the expiration of four and eight years after the most recent Federal census becomes available.
Authorizes appropriations from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund and the Treasury for FY 1993 through 1997 for specified mass transportation projects.
Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on safety conditions in mass transportation.
Prohibits the Secretary from using more than one-half of one percent of funds for certain mass transportation projects (no more than one-quarter of one percent of funds for major transportation projects) to contract with persons overseeing the construction of such projects.
Directs the Comptroller General to transmit to specified congressional committees a report containing: (1) an evaluation of the extent to which current transit needs are adequately addressed and an estimate of future needs including those in rural areas (particularly access to health care facilities); and (2) the amount of transit funds transferred for non-transit purposes within each State.
Authorizes the Secretary to withhold up to five percent of a State's transportation block grant apportionment if the State does not meet certain requirements for implementation of a safety program plan for its fixed guideway transit system.
Makes funds available to the Secretary for grants or contracts for national mass transportation programs. Earmarks a specified amount of such funds for: (1) transit-related technical assistance, demonstration programs, research, public education, and other appropriate activities to help transit providers to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and (2) special urban transportation demonstration initiatives.
Authorizes the Secretary to undertake a program of transit technology development. Requires the Secretary to establish an Industry Technical Panel to assist in identifying priority technology development areas and in setting guidelines for project development, project cost sharing, and project execution.
Makes funds available for a pilot project to develop an advanced fare collection technology system.
Authorizes appropriations for an inertial navigation system demonstration project.
Directs the Secretary to enter into a full funding grant agreement with a public entity for construction of a suspended light rail system technology pilot project.
Requires the Secretary to enter into a full funding grant agreement for the provision of Federal transportation assistance to the New Jersey Urban Core Project. Exempts such project from certain requirements under the Act relating to criteria for new construction of fixed guideway systems.
Directs the Secretary to complete a draft environmental impact statement for an extension of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) to the San Francisco International Airport.
Directs the Secretary to make grants to BART and Santa Clara County Transit District (SCCTD) to conduct preliminary engineering and complete environmental impact statements on the locally preferred alternatives for the extension of BART to the Airport and for the Tasman Corridor Project.
Requires the Secretary to execute full funding grant agreements consistent with Metropolitan Transportation Commission Resolution No. 1876: (1) with BART for Colma and the San Francisco International Airport; and (2) with SCCTD for the Tesman Corridor Project.
Requires the Secretary to enter into a full funding grant agreement for the Queens Local/Express Connection.
Requires the Secretary, not later than April 1, 1992, to complete preparation of and publish in the Federal Register a final supplemental environmental impact statement for Minimum Operable Segment-3 (other than the East Side Extension) in Los Angeles, California.
Requires the Secretary to negotiate with the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission on an amendment to a specified full funding contract for construction of Minimum Operable Segment-2 of the Los Angeles Metro Rail Project in order to include in such contract construction of Minimum Operable Segment-3, including a commitment for Federal funding for the East Side Extension.
Directs the Secretary to enter into multiyear grant agreements with certain States for the construction of specified transportation projects.
Directs the Federal Transit Administration to allow petroleum violation escrow account funds spent by the New Jersey Transit Corporation on transit improvements to be applied as credit towards the non-Federal match for any transit project funded under the Act.
Requires the Secretary to implement regulations for the provision of charter services.
Requires the Comptroller General to submit to the Congress a report evaluating the impact of existing charter service regulations.
Makes a specified amount of Federal transportation funds available to the State of New York to meet the transportation needs associated with the World University Games.
Increases the limitation on operating assistance to the Staten Island Ferry.
Forgives the outstanding balance on a specified grant agreement made to the Fayetteville Transit Authority, North Carolina.
Forgives the outstanding balances in certain loan agreements with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority.
Declares that nothing in the Federal Transit Act shall be construed to prohibit the use of buses acquired with Federal assistance to provide tripper bus service to students in New York City if such buses display clear markings that they are open to the general public.
Requires the Secretary to study procedures for determining disability in order to obtain off-peak reduced fares under the Act.
Requires the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to undertake an alternative analysis for the East-West Central Milwaukee Corridor.
Title IV: Motor Carrier Act of 1991
- Motor Carrier Act of 1991 - Amends the STAA to require that a State plan, with respect to the enforcement of commercial motor vehicle safety provisions, provide that the State will grant maximum reciprocity for inspections conducted pursuant to the North American Inspection Standard through the use of a nationally accepted system allowing ready identification of previously inspected commercial motor vehicles. (Current law provides for a right of entry and inspection sufficient to enforce rules, regulations, standards, and orders applicable to commercial motor vehicle safety.)
Adds as conditions for approval of State plans (to be eligible for commercial motor vehicle safety enforcement grants) that such plans: (1) ensure that activities funded under such Act not diminish the effectiveness of development and implementation of commercial motor vehicle safety programs, that fines imposed and collected by the State for violations of commercial motor vehicle safety regulations will be reasonable and appropriate (and provide that the State will seek to implement the recommended fine schedule published by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance), and that such State agency will coordinate the plan with the State highway safety plan; (2) ensure participation by the 48 contiguous States in SAFETYNET by January 1, 1994; and (3) give satisfactory assurances that the State will undertake efforts that will emphasize and improve enforcement of State and local traffic safety laws and regulations pertaining to commercial motor vehicle safety; will promote activities to remove impaired commercial motor vehicle drivers from the nation's highways, provide appropriate training to its motor carrier safety assistance program officers and employees on the recognition of drivers impaired by alcohol or controlled substances, promote enforcement of requirements relating to commercial motor vehicle driver licensing, and improve hazardous materials transportation regulations enforcement; and will promote effective interdiction and training activities affecting the transportation of controlled substances by commercial motor vehicle safety and hazardous materials transportation safety.
Requires State plans to provide for maintenance of the level of expenditures for enforcement of commercial motor vehicle size and weight limitations, drug interdiction, and State traffic safety laws and regulations as conditions for approval of such plans at a level which does not fall below the average level of such expenditure for its last three (currently, two) full fiscal years preceding January 6, 1983. Authorizes the Secretary, in estimating such average level, to allow the State to exclude State expenditures for federally sponsored demonstration or pilot programs. Directs the Secretary to require the State to exclude Federal funds and State matching funds used to receive Federal funding under this title.
Authorizes a State, subject to specified limitations, to use grant funds for: (1) enforcement of commercial motor vehicle size and weight limitations at locations other than fixed weight facilities, at specified geographical locations (such as steep grades or mountainous terrains), or at seaports where intermodal shipping containers enter and exit the United States; (2) detecting the unlawful presence of controlled substances in a commercial motor vehicle or on the person of any occupant of such vehicle; and (3) enforcement of State traffic laws and regulations designed to promote safe operation of commercial motor vehicles.
Directs the Secretary to include in-kind contributions by the State in determining costs incurred by the State in the development and implementation of programs to enforce commercial motor vehicle rules, regulations, standards, or orders.
Authorizes appropriations.
Specifies that funds made available with respect to commercial motor vehicle safety shall remain available for obligation by the Secretary until expended, that the allocations to a State shall remain available for expenditure in that State for the fiscal year in which they are allocated and one succeeding fiscal year, that funds not expended by a State during those two fiscal years shall be released to the Secretary for reallocation, and that funds made available under such provisions which as of October 1, 1992, were not obligated shall be available for reallocation and obligation. (Current law limits such grants to a one-year period.)
Revises provisions with respect to the deduction of funds by the Secretary for administrative expenses. Provides for the allocation of funds according to criteria to be established by the Secretary.
Sets forth provisions with respect to the funding of the following programs: (1) training of hazardous materials inspectors; (2) commercial motor vehicle information system review; (3) truck and bus accident data grant program; (4) enforcement of traffic enforcement activities and of licensing requirements; (5) R&D; and (6) public education.
Directs the Secretary to make certain payments to States of costs incurred under this title.
Authorizes appropriations for the motor carrier safety functions of the FHWA.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop an improved formula and processes for the allocation among eligible States of the funds made available under the motor carrier safety assistance program; and (2) issue final regulations specifying tolerance guidelines and standards for ensuring compatibility of intrastate commercial motor vehicle safety laws and regulations with Federal regulations under such programs.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a review of State motor vehicle registration systems pertaining to license tags for commercial motor vehicles; (2) establish standards to ensure uniform data collection and reporting by all States; and (3) include, as part of the information system established under this title, information on the safety fitness of the registrant of the commercial motor vehicle and such other information as the Secretary considers appropriate. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Directs the Secretary to make grants to States: (1) to carry out a project to demonstrate methods of establishing an information system which will link the motor carrier safety information network system of DOT and similar State systems with the motor vehicle registration and licensing systems of the States; and (2) which agree to adopt, or have adopted, the recommendation of the National Governors' Association with respect to police accident reports for truck and bus accidents.
Repeals, effective January 1, 1994, a program which allowed States to require interstate motor carriers to register their interstate operating authority with the State and charge a fee for doing so. Replaces it with a new annual fee system enabling such States to continue to collect funds from such carriers, based upon the carrier's filing of proof of required liability insurance, under a streamlined system in which a carrier will pay its annual fees to a single State (its base State) and that State will distribute the collections to other participating States in which the carrier's vehicles operate. Sets forth additional limitations.
Bars States from allowing on the IS and those classes of qualifying Federal-aid primary system highways as designated by the Secretary any commercial motor vehicle combination (except for those vehicles and loads which cannot be easily dismantled or divided and which have been issued special permits in accordance with applicable State laws) with two or more cargo carrying units (excluding the truck tractor) whose cargo carrying units exceed: (1) the maximum combination of trailer, semitrailer, or other types of length limitation authorized by statute or regulation of that State on or before June 1, 1991; or (2) the length of the cargo carrying units of those commercial motor combinations, by specific configuration, in actual, lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continuing seasonal operation) in that State on or before such date.
Sets forth: (1) special rules with respect to Wyoming, Ohio, and Alaska; (2) additional limitations; (3) requirements with respect to the submission to the Secretary (for publication in the Federal Register) of an interim and final list of State length limitations applicable to commercial motor vehicle combinations operating in each State; and (4) review and correction procedures regarding such lists.
Authorizes a State to make minor adjustments of a temporary and emergency nature to route designations and vehicle operating restrictions in effect on June 1, 1991, for specific safety purposes and road construction. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations: (1) establishing criteria for the States to follow in making such adjustments; and (2) defining regulation loads which cannot be easily dismantled or divided.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to the Congress on the effectiveness of efforts of the private sector to ensure adequate training of entry level drivers of commercial motor vehicles; (2) commence a rulemaking proceeding on the need to require training of all entry level drivers of commercial motor vehicles; (3) submit to specified congressional committees, if the Secretary determines under such proceeding that it is not in the public interest to issue a rule that requires training for all such drivers, a report on the reasons for such decision together with the results of a cost-benefit analysis which the Secretary shall conduct with respect to such proceeding; (4) initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish minimum training requirements for operators of LCVs; and (5) issue a final regulation establishing such requirements.
Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the safety of LCVs for purposes of: (1) comparing the safety characteristics and performance of such vehicles to other truck-trailer combination vehicles; and (2) reviewing the history and effectiveness of State safety enforcement pertaining to such vehicles for those States in which such vehicles are permitted to operate. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Requires: (1) the Secretary to conduct on-the-road tests with respect to the driver and vehicle characteristics of operations of LCVs to determine whether any modifications are necessary to DOT commercial motor vehicle safety standards as they apply to LCVs; and (2) that such tests, at a minimum, examine driver fatigue and stress and time of operation characteristics, as well as the characteristics of LCVs. Sets forth reporting and funding requirements.
Directs the Secretary to establish a working group comprised of State and local government officials, and representatives of other specified groups, for the purpose of: (1) proposing procedures for resolving disputes among States participating in the International Registration Plan (the interstate agreement for the apportionment of vehicle registration fees paid by motor carriers, developed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators) and among States participating in the International Fuel Tax Agreement (the interstate agreement for the collection and distribution of fuel use taxes paid by motor carriers, developed under the auspices of the National Governors' Association), including designation of DOT or any person for resolving such disputes; and (2) providing technical assistance to States participating or seeking to participate in the Plan or in the Agreement. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and appropriate persons for the purpose of facilitating participation in the Plan and in the Agreement, and of administrative improvements in any other base State fuel use tax agreement in existence as of January 1, 1991, including such purposes as providing technical assistance, personnel training, travel costs, and technology and equipment associated with such participation.
Specifies that, after September 30, 1996, no State (other than a State which is participating in the Plan) shall establish, maintain, or enforce any commercial motor vehicle registration law, regulation, or agreement which limits the operation of any commercial motor vehicle within its borders which is not registered under the laws of the State if the vehicle is registered under the laws of any other State participating in the Plan.
Bars any State, after such date, from establishing, maintaining, or enforcing any law or regulation which: (1) has fuel use tax reporting requirements (including tax reporting forms) which are not in conformity with the Agreement; and (2) provides for the payment of a fuel use tax unless such law or regulation is in conformity with the Agreement with respect to collection of such a tax by a single base State and proportional sharing of such taxes charged among the States where a commercial motor vehicle is operated.
Sets forth: (1) additional limitations; (2) enforcement provisions; and (3) funding requirements.
Amends the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 to require the Secretary to issue regulations establishing sanctions and penalties relating to violations of out-of-service orders by persons operating commercial motor vehicles. Exempts custom harvesting farm machinery from the definition of motor vehicle under such Act.
Permits a motor carrier to establish a rate and related rule equal to the rate charged for the transportation of one individual when that rate is for the transportation of: (1) a totally blind individual and an accompanying guide or a dog trained to guide the individual; (2) a disabled individual and accompanying attendant or animal trained to assist the individual, or both, when required because of the disability; or (3) a hearing-impaired individual and a dog trained to assist the individual.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) initiate rulemaking concerning methods for improving braking performance of new commercial motor vehicles; and (2) employ in FY 1992 and maintain thereafter two additional employees in positions at the FHWA headquarters.
Specifies that, if the Secretary identifies a pattern of violations of State or local traffic safety laws or regulations or commercial motor vehicle safety rules, regulations, standards, or orders among the drivers of commercial motor vehicles employed by a particular motor carrier, the Secretary or a State representative shall ensure that such motor carrier receives a high priority for review of such carrier's compliance with applicable Federal and State commercial motor vehicle safety regulations.
Title V: Intermodal Transportation
- Declares it to be Government policy to encourage and promote a national IT system in the United States. Includes among the duties of the Secretary to coordinate Federal policy on IT and initiate policies to promote efficient IT in the United States.
Establishes within the Office of the Secretary an Intermodal Transportation Advisory Board.
Requires: (1) the Secretary to establish within DOT an Office of Intermodalism, headed by a Director; and (2) the Director to develop, maintain, and disseminate IT data through the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) (established pursuant to title VI of this Act), coordinate the collection of data for a data base with the States and MPOs (and make such information available to the public), to be responsible for coordinating Federal research on IT and for carrying out additional research needs, provide technical assistance to States and MPOs for urban areas having a population of 1,000,000 or more in collecting IT-related data, and to provide administrative and clerical support to the IT Advisory Board.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants to States for the purpose of developing model State IT plans, including systems for collecting data relating to IT, subject to specified requirements; (2) enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Public Administration to continue a study of options for organizing DOT to increase the effectiveness of program delivery, reduce costs, and improve intermodal coordination among surface transportation-related agencies; and (3) report to the Congress on the findings of the study and recommend appropriate organizational changes by January 1, 1993.
Establishes a National Commission on Intermodal Transportation to investigate and study IT in the United States and internationally, including: (1) intermodal standardization; (2) intermodal impacts on public works infrastructure; (3) legal impediments to efficient IT; (4) financial impediments; (5) new technologies; (6) documentation; (7) R&D; and (8) productivity.
Sets forth provisions with respect to the membership and qualifications and termination of such Commission, terms of office, vacancies, travel expenses, staff, administrative support, and obtaining official data. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Title VI: Research
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Part A: Programs, Studies, and Activities
- Revises Federal highway research provisions to authorize the Secretary to: (1) engage in research, development, and technology transfer activities on motor carrier transportation and all phases of highway planning and development; (2) make grants to, and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, or any State agency, authority, organization, or person to carry out the authority granted by this title; and (3) make grants for research fellowships for any purpose for which research is authorized by this title.
Directs the Secretary to establish and implement the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program for the purpose of attracting qualified students to the field of transportation engineering and research. Makes specified funds available to carry out such program.
Authorizes the Secretary to undertake, on a cost-shared basis, collaborative R&D with non-Federal entities. Specifies that: (1) in carrying out such provision, the Secretary may enter into cooperative R&D agreements, with the Federal share payable on account of activities carried out under such an agreement of up to 50 percent of the cost or higher if there a substantial public interest or benefit; (2) all costs directly incurred by the non-Federal partners shall be treated as part of the non-Federal share; (3) the research, development, or utilization of any technology pursuant to such an agreement, including the terms under which the technology may be licensed and the resulting royalties may be distributed, shall be subject to the Stevenson-Wyndler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (SWTIA).
Specifies that funds to carry out collaborative research shall be derived from certain administrative funds. Earmarks at least 15 percent of such funds for long-term projects which are unlikely to be completed within ten years.
Makes specified advertising requirements regarding proposals for purchases and contracts for supplies for services for Government departments inapplicable to contracts or agreements entered into under this part.
Requires the Secretary to include in the highway research program under this part studies: (1) of economic highway geometrics, structures, and desirable weight and size standards; and (2) to identify and measure, quantitatively and qualitatively, those factors which relate to economic, social, environmental, and other impacts of highway projects.
Directs: (1) that such program include a program to implement results of the Strategic Highway Research Program, including results relating to automatic intrusion alarms for street and highway construction work zones, and to continue the long-term pavement performance tests being carried out under such program; and (2) the Secretary to expend specified minimum funding for such program.
Specifies that the highway research program shall include a coordinated long-term program of research for the development, use, and dissemination of performance indicators to measure the performance of the U.S. surface transportation system.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct necessary systems research to develop a concept for a lightweight, pneumatic tire multiple-unit, battery-powered system, in conjunction with recharging stations at strategic locations; and (2) create a potential systems concept and, as part of the surface transportation R&D plan, make recommendations to the Congress by January 15, 1993.
Requires the Secretary to establish a program to strengthen and expand surface transportation infrastructure R&D.
Requires that: (1) two percent of specified State apportionments be reserved for State research and planning purposes; and (2) States use 25 percent of such funds for research, development, and technology transfer purposes, with exceptions. Expands the scope of research conducted under Federal highway provisions to include public transportation and intermodal systems planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
Revises provisions with respect to the National Highway Institute (NHI) to: (1) remove the limitation on training to public sector employees working on Federal-aid highways; (2) give NHI specific authority to cooperate with national or international organizations to develop, conduct, and administer training to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals engaged in highway work of interest to the United States who are eligible for participation in NHI training programs; (3) authorize an expansion of the scope of NHI programs to include management, relocation assistance, safety, and motor carrier activities; (4) require private agencies and individuals to pay the full cost of any education and training received by them; and (5) authorize NHI to assess and collect fees solely to defray the costs of NHI in developing and administering education and training programs, subject to specified limitations.
Specifies that not to exceed .16 of one percent of all funds apportioned to a State for the STP shall be available for expenditure by the Sate highway department for payment of not to exceed 80 (currently, 75) percent of the cost of tuition and direct educational expenses in connection with the education and training of State and local highway department employees. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) NHI funding; and (2) waiver of advertising requirements for NHI-related contracts.
Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) engage in activities to inform the domestic highway community of technological innovations abroad that could significantly improve highway transportation in the United States, promote U.S. highway transportation expertise internationally, and increase transfers of U.S. highway transportation technology to foreign countries; and (2) carry out a transportation assistance program that will provide highway and transportation agencies in urbanized areas of 50,000 to 1,000,000 population, and in rural areas, with access to modern highway technology.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and implement an applied research and technology program for the purposes of accelerating testing, evaluation, and implementation of technologies which are designed to improve the durability, efficiency, environmental impact, productivity, and safety of highway, transit, and IT systems; (2) issue guidelines on the selections of foreign and domestic technologies to be tested and test locations, and for the scientific collection and evaluation of appropriate test data; (3) carry out projects to assess the state of technology, feasibility, and costs and benefits with respect to heating the decks of bridges; (4) carry out a project in New Jersey to demonstrate the environmental and safety benefits of elastomer modified asphalt; (5) carry out a program in Missouri to demonstrate the durability and construction efficiency of high performance blended cement; (6) carry out projects to assess the state of technology with respect to thin bonded overlay and surface lamination of pavement and the feasibility, costs, and benefits associated with the repair, rehabilitation, and upgrading of highways and bridges with overlay; (7) carry out a program to demonstrate the safety and durability of all-weather pavement markings; (8) provide technical assistance to States and localities in carrying out projects under this title; and (9) report annually to specified congressional committees. Sets forth provisions with respect to the Federal share (80 percent) and funding.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a program to study the vulnerability of highways, tunnels, and bridges on the Federal-aid system to earthquakes and develop and implement cost-effective methods of retrofitting such highways, tunnels, and bridges to reduce such vulnerability; (2) conduct such program in cooperation with the National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research at the University of Buffalo and in consultation and cooperation with Federal agencies participating in the National Hazards Reduction Program; (3) expend specified funds to carry out such program; and (4) report to specified congressional committees.
Directs the Secretary, in required biennial reports regarding future highway needs of the nation, to provide the means to relate and compare the conditions and service measures used in different years when such measures are changed.
Establishes in DOT the BTS, headed by a Director. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the appointment, qualifications, and responsibilities (compiling transportation statistics and implementing a long-term data collection program) of the Director; (2) prohibition of certain disclosures of information compiled by the BTS; (3) reporting requirements; (4) the performance of functions of the Director pending confirmation; and (5) funding.
Requires the Director to establish an Advisory Council on Transportation Statistics.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into an agreement with the NAS to conduct a study on the adequacy of data collection procedures and capabilities of DOT; and (2) develop an integrated national surface transportation R&D plan. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Establishes a National Council on Surface Transportation Research. Directs the Council to: (1) investigate and study current surface transportation research and technology developments in the United States and internationally; and (2) identify gaps and duplication in current surface transportation research efforts, determine R&D areas which may increase efficiency, productivity, safety, and durability in the nation's surface transportation systems, and develop a national surface transportation R&D plan for immediate implementation. Sets forth: (1) administrative provisions with respect to the Council; and (2) reporting requirements.
Directs the Secretary to establish an independent surface transportation research advisory committee. Sets forth: (1) administrative provisions; and (2) reporting requirements.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study to determine an appropriate symbol or emblem to be placed on highway signs referring to the IS to commemorate the vision of President Eisenhower in creating the IS; and (2) report to the Congress.
Directs the Secretary and the Director of the BTS to begin a comprehensive study of the most appropriate and accurate methods of calculating a State's level of effort in funding surface transportation programs. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study to evaluate State procurement practices; (2) identify existing and emerging trade corridors and transportation subsystems that facilitate trade between the United States, Canada, and Mexico; and (3) investigate and develop priorities and recommendations for rail, highway, water, and air foreign centers and all highway border crossings for States adjoining Canada and Mexico. Sets forth reporting requirements.
Directs the Administrator of the FHWA to: (1) conduct studies of the fundamental chemical and physical property of petroleum asphalts and modified asphalts used in highway construction in the United States; (2) enter into contracts with the Western Research Institute of the University of Wyoming to conduct the necessary technical and analytical research in coordination with existing programs which evaluate performance of asphalts and modified asphalts in roadways, including the Strategic Highway Research Program; and (3) implement a test strip for the purpose of demonstrating and evaluating the unique energy and environmental advantages of using shale oil modified asphalts under extreme climatic conditions. Sets forth funding and reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
Directs the Secretary to promote and undertake R&D related to basic highway vehicle science.
Includes among the purposes of DOT to stimulate technological advances in transportation (as under current law) through R&D or otherwise.
Amends the SWTIA to require the Secretary to: (1) convene a conference of domestic motor vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, Federal laboratories, and motor vehicle users to explore ways in which cooperatively they can improve the competitiveness of the U.S. motor vehicle industry by developing new technologies which will enhance the safety and energy savings, and lessen the environmental impact, of domestic motor vehicles; and (2) publish and submit the results of such conference to the President and specified congressional committees.
Establishes a National Award for the Advancement of Motor Vehicle Research.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility, costs, and benefits of constructing and operating pneumatic capsule pipelines for underground movement of commodities other than hazardous liquids and gas; and (2) report to specified congressional committees on the results of the study.
Includes within the definition of "new model bus" under the FTA (and, thus, within the scope of testing requirements under such Act) any model using alternative fuels.
Amends the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 to require that braking performance and emissions tests be conducted on new bus models. Provides funding for expansion of the bus testing center and for establishment of a revolving loan fund to fund operation and maintenance of such facility.
Amends the FTA to require the Secretary to make grants to Rutgers University to establish a national transit institute to develop and administer training programs for Federal, State, and local transportation employees, U.S. citizens, and foreign nationals engaged or to be engaged in Federal-aid transit work. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) funding; and (2) the provision of training for Federal, State and local transportation employees.
Includes transportation safety as an area of responsibility for university transportation centers. Directs the Secretary to make grants to: (1) Morgan State University to establish a national center for transportation management, research, and development; (2) the New Jersey Institute of Technology to establish and operate a center for transportation and industrial productivity; (3) Monmouth College, West Long Branch, New Jersey, for modification and reconstruction of a specified building; (4) the University of Arkansas to establish a national rural transportation center; and (5) the University of Idaho to establish a National Center for Advanced Transportation Technology. Sets forth provisions with respect to program coordination, evaluation, funding, and obligation limitations. Authorizes appropriations.
Directs the Secretary to make grants to: (1) San Jose State University to establish and operate an institute for national surface transportation policy studies; (2) Northwestern University to establish and operate an infrastructure technology institute; (3) North Carolina A. and T. State University, through the Institute for Transportation Research and Education, and the University of South Florida and a consortium of Florida A and M, Florida State University, and Florida International University, to establish and operate an urban transit institute; (4) the University of Minnesota, Center for Transportation Studies, for a national intelligent vehicle-highway concepts institute; and (5) the University of North Carolina for an institute for transportation research and education. Authorizes appropriations.
Part B: Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems Act
- Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a program to research, develop, and operationally test intelligent vehicle-highway systems (IVHS) and promote implementation of such systems as a component of the nation's surface transportation systems; (2) foster use of the program as a key component of the nation's surface transportation systems, strive to transfer federally owned or patented technology to State and local governments and the U.S. private sector, consult with specified Federal officials, and maximize the involvement of the U.S. private sector, colleges and universities, and State and local governments in all aspects of the program; (3) develop and implement standards and protocols to promote the widespread use and evaluation of IVHS; (4) establish guidelines and requirements for the evaluation of field and related operational tests; and (5) establish and maintain a repository for technical and safety data collected as a result of federally sponsored projects and make such information (except for proprietary information and data) readily available, upon request, to all users at an appropriate cost.
Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) delegate responsibility to an appropriate entity not within DOT, subject to specified requirements; and (2) utilize one or more advisory committees.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop, submit to the Congress, and commence implementation of a plan for the IVHS program within one year; and (2) develop an automated highway and vehicle prototype from which future fully automated IVHS can be developed. Specifies that: (1) the goal of such program is to have the first fully automated roadway in operation by the end of 1997; and (2) such system shall accommodate installation of equipment in new and existing motor vehicles.
Sets forth reporting requirements, including a report addressing the nontechnical constraints and barriers to implementation of the IVHS program (such as antitrust, privacy, staffing, and liability concerns).
Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide planning and technical assistance and information to State and local governments seeking to use and evaluate IVHS technologies (and requires the Secretary to assist State and local officials in developing plans for areawide traffic management control centers, necessary law pertaining to establishment and implementation of such systems, and plans for infrastructure for such systems and in conducting other activities necessary for the IVHS program); and (2) make grants to State and local governments for feasibility and planning studies for development and implementation of IVHS and for operational tests.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) priorities in operational testing; (2) eligibility of traffic management entities to receive Federal assistance; and (3) authority of States and local entities to use funds to implement IVHS-related activities.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate transportation corridors in which the application of IVHS will have particular benefit and, through financial and technical assistance, assist in the development and implementation of such systems; (2) allocate, in providing funding for such corridors, not less than 50 percent of the funds made available to eligible State or local entities for application of IVHS in three to ten corridors with specified characteristics, such as traffic density at least 1.5 times the national average for such class of highway, severe or extreme nonattainment for ozone under the CAA, and complexity of traffic patterns; and (3) allocate the balance of such funds where the application of such systems and associated technologies will demonstrate benefits related to improved operational efficiency, reduced regulatory burden, improved commercial productivity, improved safety, or enhanced motorist and traveler performance.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study to evaluate technology which is designed for installation on a commercial motor vehicle to provide the vehicle operator with a warning if a turn, lane change, or other intended movement will place the vehicle in the path of an adjacent object or vehicle; and (2) report to specified congressional committees.
Provides for the funding of the IVHS corridors program and other IVHS activities. Requires: (1) that at least five percent of such funds be available for innovative, high-risk operational or analytical tests that do not attract substantial non-Federal commitments but are determined to have significant potential to achieve long-term goals established by the plan; and (2) the Secretary to seek maximum private participation in the funding of IVHS activities. Sets the Federal share for activities under this part at 80 percent, with exceptions.
Part C: Advanced Transportation Systems and Electric Vehicles
- Authorizes an eligible consortium to submit to the Secretary a proposal for receiving grants made available under this part for electric vehicle and advanced transportation R&D.
Sets forth provisions with respect to proposal contents, grant authority, extension of deadlines, eligibility criteria, services to be performed by such consortium, and funding.
Title VII: Air Transportation
- Metropolitan Washington Airports Act Amendments of 1991 - Amends the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 to revise provisions with respect to the composition and terms and qualifications of members of the Board of Review of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Requires procedures established by the Board of Review to include requirements for the selection of a Board Chairman. Subjects the following Airport Authority actions to review by the Board: (1) annual plans for the issuance of bonds; (2) the award of approved contracts (other than certain contracts for the issuance or sale of revenue bonds); (3) approval of terminal design or airport layouts; and (4) the authorization for the acquisition or disposal of land and a grant of a long-term easement.
Sets forth provisions with respect to congressional approval or disapproval of Airport Authority actions.
Establishes a new Board of Review for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, while terminating the existing one.
Title VIII: Extension of Highway-Related Taxes and Trust Fund
- Surface Transportation Revenue Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 1999 (currently, 1995) provisions with respect to: (1) taxes on heavy trucks and trailers sold at retail, tires and tread rubber, and highway use, and the HTF financing rates on gasoline and diesel fuel; and (2) exemptions relating to farm use, certain tax-free sales, termination of exemptions for the highway use tax, gasoline used on farms and for certain nonhighway purposes, advance repayment of increased diesel fuel tax, fuels not used for taxable purposes, and other exemptions.
Extends: (1) provisions with respect to floor stock refunds and installment payments on a highway use tax; and (2) deposits into, and certain transfers from, the HTF.
Extends and expands expenditures from the HTF.
Expands mass transit account purposes.
Bars the Secretary from imposing any condition on the use of funds transferred under provisions of this Act for highway use tax evasion projects to the IRS. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, at least 60 days before the beginning of each fiscal year (after FY 1992) for which such funds are to be transferred, to submit a report to specified congressional committees detailing increased enforcement activities to be financed with such funds.
Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees with respect to motor fuel tax enforcement-related activities.
Establishes within the Treasury the National Recreational Trails Trust Fund (Trust Fund). Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the crediting of certain unexpended funds to the Trust Fund; and (2) funds available for expenditure from the Trust Fund.
Directs the Secretary to pay from time to time from the HTF into the Trust Fund amounts equivalent to .3 percent of the total HTF receipts for the period for which the payment is made, subject to specified limitations.
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, within a reasonable period after the close of each of FY 1992 through 1996, to submit a report to specified congressional committees providing an estimate of the amount of nonhighway recreational fuel taxes received in the Treasury during such fiscal year.
Declares that the Congress strongly supports Federal policy that promotes increased use of employer-provided commuter transit benefits.
Requires a proportional reduction in FY 1992 obligations for programs under this Act if outlays pursuant to such obligations will exceed outlays resulting from FY 1992 appropriation Acts.
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Bill titles: To develop a national intermodal surface transportation system, to authorize funds for construction of highways, for highway safety programs, and for mass transit programs, and for other purposes.; Federal Transit Act Amendments of 1991; Highway Safety Act of 1991; Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems Act of 1991; Metropolitan Washington Airports Act Amendments of 1991; Motor Carrier Act of 1991; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Authorization Act of 1991; Surface Transportation Revenue Act of 1991; Symms National Recreational Trails Act of 1991
Links for more info on the vote: congress.gov
