Short title; table of contents

(a)

Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Transportation and Housing Choices for Gas Price Relief Act of 2008

. (b)

Table of contents

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

Sec. 2. Findings.

Sec. 3. Community transportation choices investment program.

Sec. 4. Public transportation improvement block grants.

Sec. 5. Improving community transit grants.

Sec. 6. National consumer awareness program.

Sec. 7. Credit for teleworking.

Sec. 8. Transportation fringe benefit to bicycle commuters.

Sec. 9. Increased uniform dollar limitation for all types of transportation fringe benefits.

Sec. 10. Clarification of Federal employee benefits.

Sec. 11. Eligibility of self-employed individuals to receive transit fringe benefits.

Sec. 12. Parking cash-out programs.

Sec. 13. Vanpool credit.

Sec. 14. Participation of Federal agencies in local transportation management associations.

Sec. 15. Disclosure of transit accessibility and transportation costs of housing.

Sec. 16. Location-efficient mortgage goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Sec. 17. Location-efficient mortgages education and outreach campaign.

Sec. 18. Grants for purchase or creation of affordable housing near transit.

Sec. 19. Accessible and efficient schools.

Findings

Congress finds the following: (1)Gas prices have more than tripled since 2001, putting a significant strain on American families and the economy. (2)On average, transportation costs are now Americans’ second largest expense after housing. (3)Polls show that Americans believe that gas prices will continue to rise and they are looking to Congress for help. (4)Eighty-four percent of Americans rely on their own transportation to get to and from work, annually spending on average $2,052 on gas and 264 hours on their commute. (5)The cost of congestion, including added freight costs and lost productivity for consumers, reached $78 billion in 2005 and resulted in 4.2 billion lost hours and 2.9 billion gallons of wasted fuel. (6)One of the most effective ways to reduce transportation costs and traffic congestion for American families is to offer a broader range of transportation options as well as housing choices that reduce transportation costs. (7)Transportation options can include public transit, carpooling, biking, walking, and other alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle trips. (8)The Consumer Electronics Association recently estimated that 4 to 6 million workers telecommute at least once a week, saving an estimated 840 million gallons of fuel and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 10 to 14 million metric tons per year. (9)A typical transit rider consumes less than half as much gasoline on average than a person with no access to transit. (10)Public transportation saves over 4.2 billion gallons of fuel each year. (11)At $4 per gallon gasoline, American families can save $5.6 billion each year on gasoline costs by using transit. (12)Consumer demand for transit and other transportation options is surging. (13)Public transportation ridership rose by 3.4 percent in the first quarter of 2008, according to the American Public Transportation Association. (14)More than 90 percent of public transportation officials report that their ridership is up over the past 3 years. (15)Rising fuel prices have increased costs for public transportation agencies. Public transportation agencies consume more than 760 million gallons of diesel fuel and gasoline each year. For every penny added to the cost of fuel, public transportation agencies around the Nation face $7.6 million in increased annual costs. (16)Bicycle commuters annually save on average $1,825 in auto-related costs, conserve 145 gallons of gasoline, and avoid 50 hours of gridlock traffic. (17)Bicycles can be a viable option for the more than 50 percent of the working population commutes less than 5 miles to work. (18)In 1969, approximately 50 percent of children in the United States got to school by walking or bicycling, but in 2001 only 15 percent of students were walking or biking to school . (19)Too few Americans live in communities equipped with convenient and reliable access to public transportation or other alternatives to driving a vehicle. (20)A study funded by the Environmental Protection Agency found that residents of compact metropolitan areas drive about 25 percent less than those in sprawling areas. (21)Less than 5 percent of Americans live within one-half mile of rail transit. (22)The Federal Government can help American families cope with high gas prices by expanding alternatives and investing in communities.

Community transportation choices investment program

(a)

In general

The Secretary of Transportation shall carry out a grant program to support community efforts to invest in transportation alternatives and travel demand management strategies. (b)

Award of grants

The Secretary shall award grants under the program on a competitive basis. The Secretary give priority to proposals that will have the biggest impact on reducing single occupancy vehicle trips. (c)

Eligible entities

The following entities shall be eligible to receive grants under the program: (1)State and local governments. (2)Metropolitan planning organizations. (3)Rural planning organizations. (d)

Eligible activities

Amounts received in grants under the program may be used to plan for, facilitate, and provide initial support for any of the following activities: (1)Transportation demand management programs, including support for transportation management associations. (2)Carpool or telecommuting projects. (3)Planning, design, acquisition of rights-of-way, construction, improvement, and management of streets, pathways, and public transportation facilities to facilitate expanded bicycle and pedestrian mobility and access. (4)Intelligent transportation improvements, including traffic management systems that reduce congestion and idling (other than projects to increase roadway capacity). (5)Participation in market-based programs to reduce travel demand, such as car or bicycle sharing and pay-as-you-drive insurance. (e)

Application

(1)

In general

To receive a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form and manner as the Secretary prescribes. (2)

Contents

An application under this subsection shall contain, at a minimum, information detailing how the project to be funded using the grant funds would provide for a shift in the use of transportation modes by encouraging walking, biking, or using public transportation as an alternative to driving a motor vehicle. The applicant shall also describe the project goals and objectives and the methods by which the impacts and performance of the project will be measured against the project goals and objectives. For activities expected to be ongoing, the applicant shall describe how the project’s operating costs will be financially sustained beyond the end of the grant. (f)

Federal share

The Federal share of the cost of an activity funded under the program may not exceed 80 percent of the cost of the activity. (g)

Cooperation

In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall work with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, as necessary, to coordinate the activities under this section with the Smart Growth program of the Environmental Protection Agency. (h)

Administrative expenses

Not to exceed 4 percent of the amounts made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used by the Secretary for administrative expenses. (i)

Maximum amount

Not more than $500,000 in grants received by a recipient in a fiscal year under this section may be used for a single project. (j)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011. Such sums shall remain available until expended.

Public transportation improvement block grants

(a)

Authorizations of Appropriations

(1)

Urbanized area formula grants

In addition to amounts allocated under section 5338(b)(2)(B) of title 49, United States Code, to carry out section 5307 of such title, there is authorized to be appropriated $725,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to carry out such section 5307. Such funds shall be apportioned, not later than 7 days after the date on which the funds are appropriated, in accordance with section 5336 (other than subsections (i)(1) and (j)) of such title but may not be combined or commingled with any other funds apportioned under such section 5336. (2)

Formula grants for other than urbanized areas

In addition to amounts allocated under section 5338(b)(2)(G) of title 49, United States Code, to carry out section 5311 of such title, there is authorized to be appropriated $125,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to carry out such section 5311. Such funds shall be apportioned, not later than 7 days after the date on which the funds are appropriated, in accordance with such section 5311 but may not be combined or commingled with any other funds apportioned under such section 5311. (b)

Use of funds

Notwithstanding sections 5307 and 5311 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary of Transportation may make grants under such sections from amounts appropriated under subsection (a) only for one or more of the following: (1)Technology upgrades to make public transportation systems more rider friendly, including— (A)creating and publicizing trip-finder sites online; (B)providing access to real time schedule information through digital displays at public transportation facilities and wireless tools; (C)synchronizing payment methods amongst different modes of transportation; and (D)providing for online trip planners and interactive service maps and mobile access to these tools. (2)Fare subsidies or free-ride days to reduce costs to consumers. (3)Technical assistance for accommodating increased ridership. (4)Maintenance and upgrades to improve service. (5)Purchasing of fuel to run buses to ensure the maintenance of current levels of service and fare prices or to expand service options. (6)Station upgrades that enhance pedestrian and bicycle access or improve rider experience. (7)Planning and design for new public transportation projects, extension of existing public transportation projects, and intercity passenger rail projects. (c)

Federal share

The Federal share of the cost of an activity funded under the program may not exceed 80 percent of the cost of the activity. (d)

Period of availability

Funds appropriated under this section shall remain available for a period of 2 fiscal years.

Improving community transit grants

(a)

Project justification

Section 5309(e)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1)by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F); and (2)by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:

(E)determine the project effectiveness based on the project’s— (i)effectiveness in reducing per capita vehicle miles traveled in the transportation corridor served, including reductions in vehicle miles traveled related to higher density development and improved land use surrounding the project; (ii)ability to achieve higher density development along the corridor served as a result of the project as compared with the surrounding metropolitan area; and (iii)potential for reducing per capita greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the project and the anticipated changes in land use, density, and economic development within the transportation corridor served.

(b)

Project justification factors

Section 5309(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1)by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (8); and (2)by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:

(6)

Weight of project justification factors

For purposes of making the evaluation required under paragraph (4), the Secretary shall give equal weight to each listed factor. (7)

Additional project justification factor

For purposes of making the evaluation required under paragraph (4), the Secretary shall not consider any factor quantifying travel time savings.

National consumer awareness program

(a)

In general

The Secretary of Transportation shall carry out a national consumer awareness program (in this section referred to as the program) to educate the public on the environmental, energy, and economic benefits of transportation alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle, including carpooling, vanpooling, transit, and bicycles. (b)

Grants

(1)

Purposes

In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall make grants to establish, expand, and enhance local marketing and educational campaigns that promote the benefits of alternative transportation and reducing motor vehicle trips. (2)

Eligible recipients

The following entities shall be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection: (A)State and city departments of transportation. (B)Metropolitan planning organizations. (C)Rural planning organizations. (D)City, county, and State governments. (E)Universities and school districts. (F)Public transportation agencies. (G)Councils of government. (3)

Eligible activities

Grant funds made available under this subsection may be used for the following purposes: (A)Public forums to educate and receive feedback. (B)Ride sharing programs and outreach. (C)Print materials. (D)Employer programs. (E)Distributing and publicizing information on alternatives to single occupancy vehicle trips. (F)Creating, upgrading, and promoting Internet websites that offer online access to services that consumers would otherwise have to drive a motor vehicle to access. (G)Research and analysis of the effectiveness or benefits of the activities described in this paragraph. (c)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011. Such sums shall remain available until expended.

Credit for teleworking

(a)

In General

Subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to foreign tax credit, etc.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

30D.

Telework credit

(a)

Allowance of Credit

In the case of an eligible taxpayer, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to the qualified teleworking expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during such year. (b)

Maximum Credit

(1)

Per teleworker limitation

The credit allowed by subsection (a) for a taxable year with respect to qualified teleworking expenses paid or incurred by or on behalf of an individual teleworker shall not exceed $400. (2)

Reduction for teleworking less than full year

In the case of an individual who is in a teleworking arrangement for less than a full taxable year, the amount referred to paragraph (1) shall be reduced by an amount which bears the same ratio to $400 as the number of months in which such individual is not in a teleworking arrangement bears to 12. For purposes of the preceding sentence, an individual shall be treated as being in a teleworking arrangement for a month if the individual is subject to such arrangement for any day of such month. (c)

Definitions

For purposes of this section— (1)

Eligible taxpayer

The term eligible taxpayer means— (A)in the case of an individual, an individual who performs services for an employer under a teleworking arrangement, or (B)in the case of an employer, an employer for whom employees perform services under a teleworking arrangement. (2)

Teleworking arrangement

The term teleworking arrangement means an arrangement under which an employee teleworks for an employer at least 1 day per week. (3)

Qualified teleworking expenses

The term qualified teleworking expenses means expenses paid or incurred under a teleworking arrangement— (A)for purchase or installation of any electronic information or telecommunication equipment which is used to enable an individual to telework, or (B)for any telecommunications service, or Internet access (or related services), relating to the use of such equipment. (4)

Telework

The term telework means to perform work functions, using electronic information and communication technologies, thereby reducing or eliminating the physical commute to and from the traditional worksite. (d)

Limitation Based on Amount of Tax

(1)

Liability for tax

The credit allowable under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed the excess (if any) of— (A)the regular tax for the taxable year, reduced by the sum of the credits allowable under subpart A and the preceding sections of this subpart, over (B)the tentative minimum tax for the taxable year. (2)

Carryforward of unused credit

If the amount of the credit allowable under subsection (a) for any taxable year exceeds the limitation under paragraph (1) for the taxable year, the excess shall be carried to the succeeding taxable year and added to the amount allowable as a credit under subsection (a) for such succeeding taxable year. (e)

Special Rules

(1)

Basis reduction

For purposes of this subtitle, the basis of any property for which a credit is allowable under subsection (a) shall be reduced by the amount of such credit (determined without regard to subsection (d)). (2)

Recapture

The Secretary shall, by regulations, provide for recapturing the benefit of any credit allowable under subsection (a) with respect to any property which ceases to be property eligible for such credit. (3)

Property used outside United States, etc., not qualified

No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) with respect to any property referred to in section 50(b) or with respect to the portion of the cost of any property taken into account under section 179. (4)

Election not to take credit

No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) for any expense if the taxpayer elects to have this section not apply with respect to such expense. (5)

Denial of double benefit

No deduction or credit (other than under this section) shall be allowed under this chapter with respect to any expense which is taken into account in determining the credit under this section. (f)

Reporting requirement

(1)

In general

In the case of an eligible taxpayer who is an employer, no credit shall be allowed under this section for qualified teleworking expenses of the employer with respect to such employer’s employees unless the taxpayer submits to the Secretary (in such form and manner as the Secretary may prescribe)— (A)the survey described in paragraph (2), and (B)a detailed description of the teleworking policies of the employer, including a description of— (i)which employees of the employer are eligible to telework, (ii)any employer goals relating to teleworking, and any progress with respect to such goals, and (iii)any materials or resources of the employer intended to promote or enable teleworking. (2)

Call for Telework Data Survey

The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management, establish, make publicly available to taxpayers, and update as appropriate, a survey designed to track teleworking trends among employers allowed credits under this section. (3)

Report to Congress

Not later than October 15 of each calendar year, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress, and make publicly available on the Internet and at the offices of the Internal Revenue Service, a report, which shall include a summary of the information contained in the submissions under paragraph (1) for taxable years ending in the previous calendar year.

(b)

Conforming Amendment

Subsection (a) of section 1016 of such Code is amended by striking and at the end of paragraph (36), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (37) and inserting , and, and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(38)to the extent provided in section 30D(e), in the case of amounts with respect to which a credit has been allowed under section 30B.

(c)

Clerical Amendment

The table of sections for subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Sec. 30D. Telework credit.

(d)

Effective Date

The amendments made by this section shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2008.

Transportation fringe benefit to bicycle commuters

(a)

In general

Paragraph (1) of section 132(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following:

(D)Any qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement.

(b)

Limitation on exclusion

Paragraph (2) of section 132(f) of such Code is amended by striking and at the end of subparagraph (A), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (B) and inserting , and, and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(C)the applicable annual limitation in the case of any qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement.

(c)

Definitions

Paragraph (5) of section 132(f) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following:

(F)

Definitions related to bicycle commuting reimbursement

(i)

Qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement

The term qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement means, with respect to any calendar year, any employer reimbursement during the 15-month period beginning with the first day of such calendar year for reasonable expenses incurred by the employee during such calendar year for the purchase of a bicycle and bicycle improvements, repair, and storage, if such bicycle is regularly used for travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment. (ii)

Applicable annual limitation

The term applicable annual limitation means, with respect to any employee for any calendar year, the product of $50 multiplied by the number of qualified bicycle commuting months during such year. (iii)

Qualified bicycle commuting month

The term qualified bicycle commuting month means, with respect to any employee, any month during which such employee— (I)regularly uses the bicycle for a substantial portion of the travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment, and (II)does not receive any benefit described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1).

(d)

Constructive receipt of benefit

Paragraph (4) of section 132(f) of such Code is amended by inserting (other than a qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement) after qualified transportation fringe. (e)

Effective date

The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.

Increased uniform dollar limitation for all types of transportation fringe benefits

(a)

In general

Section 132(f)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to limitation on exclusion) is amended— (1)by striking $100 in subparagraph (A) and inserting $200, and (2)by striking $175 in subparagraph (B) and inserting $200. (b)

Inflation adjustment conforming amendments

Subparagraph (A) of section 132(f)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to inflation adjustment) is amended— (1)by striking the last sentence, (2)by striking 1999 and inserting 2009, and (3)by striking 1998 and inserting 2008. (c)

Effective date

The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.

10.

Clarification of Federal employee benefits

Section 7905 of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1)in subsection (a)— (A)in paragraph (2)(C) by inserting and after the semicolon; (B)in paragraph (3) by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (C)by striking paragraph (4); and (2)in subsection (b)(2)(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:

(A)a qualified transportation fringe as defined in section 132(f)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;

11.

Eligibility of self-employed individuals to receive transit fringe benefits

(a)

In general

Subparagraph (E) of section 132(f)(5) is amended— (1)by striking For purposes of this subsection, the term and inserting the following:

(i)

In general

Except as provided in clause (ii), the term

, and

(2)by adding at the end the following new clause:

(ii)

Self-employed individuals eligible for transit pass fringe benefit

For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), such term includes an individual who is an employee within the meaning of section 401(c)(1).

(b)

Effective date

The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.

12.

Parking cash-out programs

(a)

In general

Subparagraph (C) of section 132(f)(5) is amended— (1)by striking The term and inserting the following:

(i)

In general

The term

(2)by adding at the end of clause (i), as amended by paragraph (1), the following: Such term shall not include any parking with respect to any specified employer unless such employer establishes a parking cash-out program., and (3)by adding at the end the following new clauses:

(ii)

Specified employer

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term specified employer means any employer who— (I)employs on average 50 or more employees during the calendar year, (II)leases the parking facilities referred to in clause (i), (III)can separately determine the amount paid per parking space leased, and (IV)can reduce the number of parking space leased (on a basis not less frequently than monthly) without penalty. (iii)

Parking cash-out program

For purposes of this subparagraph, the term parking cash-out program means a program established by the employer under which— (I)the employer offers employees a cash allowance equal to the regular amount paid by the employer for parking for a single employee under clause (i) in lieu of the parking referred to in clause (i), and (II)any employee electing the cash allowance shall certify to the employer that the employee will comply with guidelines established by the employer to avoid neighborhood parking problems and violation of such guidelines are enforced by the employer by termination of eligibility of such employee for such cash allowance and employer sponsored parking.

(b)

Effective date

The amendments made by this section shall apply to parking provided during calendar years beginning after December 31, 2008.

13.

Vanpool credit

(a)

In general

Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

45Q.

Vanpool credit

(a)

General rule

For purposes of section 38, the vanpool credit for any taxable year is an amount equal to 10 percent of the qualified vanpool expenditures of the taxpayer for the taxable year. (b)

Qualified vanpool expenditures

For purposes of this section, the term qualified vanpool expenditures means the aggregate amount paid or incurred by the employer during the taxable year to provide transportation described in section 132(f)(1)(A).

(b)

Credit treated as part of general business credit

Section 38(b) of such Code is amended by striking plus at the end of paragraph (32), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (33) and inserting , plus, and by adding at the end of following new paragraph:

(34)the vanpool credit determined under section 45Q(a).

(c)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Sec. 45Q. Vanpool credit.

(d)

Effective date

The amendments made by this section shall apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2008.

14.

Participation of Federal agencies in local transportation management associations

It is the sense of Congress that Federal agencies should participate in local transportation management associations to encourage more efficient use of transportation and parking resources.

15.

Disclosure of transit accessibility and transportation costs of housing

(a)

Affordability index

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall, to the maximum extent practicable and in a manner consistent with current research— (1)incorporate transportation costs associated with the location of housing into affordability measures and standards used to allocate low-income housing tax credits in connection with vouchers for rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) or other affordable housing programs; (2)work with States to incorporate transportation into the housing plans for the States; and (3)consult with those associations that use affordability indexes to incorporate transportation costs into the affordability indexes of the association. (b)

Model transportation cost field for use by multiple listing service

(1)

Development

The Secretary shall, through a public process, develop a model transportation cost field that can be used by Multiple Listing Services for real estate listings to measure certain transportation costs associated with the location of a home. (2)

Participation

In developing the model transportation cost field, the Secretary shall work with realtors, homebuilders, smart growth experts, transportation planners, and others. (3)

Factors

The field developed under this section for a property may take into consideration the following factors: (A)Bus, transit, and other public transportation options within ½ and 1 mile of the property. (B)The costs associated with traveling to work, school, shopping, and other facilities. (C)If available, the average daily vehicle miles traveled for the community in which the property is located. (D)The availability and accessibility of services in the neighborhood, including grocery stores, parks, bike lanes, community centers, restaurants, coffee shops, medical facilities, laundry/cleaners, libraries, schools, plazas/town squares, and day care facilities. (4)

Technology transfer

Upon development of the field under this section, the Secretary shall make the field available to Multiple Listing Service entities and metropolitan planning organizations to incorporate the field into their Multiple Listing Service programs. (5)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized $3,000,000 for the purposes of carrying out this section, of which— (A)70 percent shall be available for development of the model transportation cost field; and (B)30 percent shall be available for outreach to Multiple Listing Service program to promote the use of the new transportation cost field.

16.

Location-efficient mortgage goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

(a)

Purposes

(1)

Fannie Mae

Section 301 of the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act (12 U.S.C. 1716) is amended— (A)in paragraph (4), by striking and at the end; (B)in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (C)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(6)promote and facilitate the use of location-efficient mortgages.

(2)

Freddie Mac

Subsection (b) of section 301 of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (12 U.S.C. 1451 note) is amended— (A)in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (B)in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (C)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(5)to promote and facilitate the use of location-efficient mortgages.

(b)

Goals for mortgage purchases

The Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 is amended by inserting after section 1334 (12 U.S.C. 4564) the following new section:

1334A.

Location-efficient mortgages goals

(a)

In general

The Director shall establish annual goals for the purchase by each enterprise of mortgages, for single-family, owner-occupied housing, of location-efficient mortgages. (b)

Targets

The annual goals under this section for each enterprise for purchase of location-efficient mortgages shall be as follows: (1)During the years 2009 through 2013, 5 percent of the mortgages for single-family, owner-occupied homes that are purchased during each such year by the enterprise. (2)During the years 2014 through 2018, 10 percent of such mortgages that are purchased during each such year by the enterprise. (3)During 2019 and each year thereafter, 15 percent such mortgages that are purchased during each such year by the enterprise. (c)

Plan and reports

The Director shall require each enterprise— (1)not later than 2009, to develop and submit to the Director a plan that provides for the use and purchase of location-efficient mortgages in a manner designed to help achieve a significant reduction in the number of vehicle miles traveled; and (2)submit a report to the Congress annually that describes the extent of mortgage purchases described in subsection (b) and of compliance with the goal established pursuant to such subsection. (d)

Reports

Not later than December 31 of each year from 2012 through 2018, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall submit to the Congress a report that— (1)identifies the potential markets for location-efficient mortgages for single-family housing and any existing barriers to wider use of such products; and (2)identifies any correlations between defaults on mortgages for single-family or multifamily housing and the extent of the location efficiency of such housing. (e)

Definition

For purposes of this section, the term location efficient mortgage means a mortgage loan under which the income of the borrower, for purposes of qualification for such loan, is considered to be increased by not less than $1 for each $1 of savings projected to be realized by the borrower because the location of the home for which loan is made results in decreased transportation costs for the household of the borrower.

(c)

Reports, enforcement, and conforming amendments

Title XIII of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 is amended— (1)in subsection (b) of section 1324 (12 U.S.C. 4542(b))— (A)in paragraph (4), by striking and 1334 and inserting 1334, and 1334A; (B)by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (7) as paragraphs (5) through (8), respectively; and (C)by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:

(4)aggregate and analyze appropriate data to assess the compliance of each enterprise with the location-efficient mortgages goal;

;

(2)in subsection (a) of section 1331 (12 U.S.C. 4561(a))— (A)by striking and before a central cities; and (B)by inserting before the period at the end of the first sentence the following: , and location-efficient mortgages goals pursuant to section 1334A; (3)in section 1335 (12 U.S.C. 4565)— (A)in the matter in subsection (a) that precedes paragraph (1)— (i)by striking and before the central cities; and (ii)by inserting after section 1334, the following: , and the location-efficient mortgages goals pursuant to section 1334A; (B)in subsection (b), by striking and 1334 and inserting , 1334, and 1334A; and (4)in section 1336 (12 U.S.C. 4566)— (A)in paragraph (1) of subsection (a), by striking and 1334 and inserting , 1334, and 1334A; and (B)by striking or 1334 each place such term appears and inserting , 1334, or 1334A.

17.

Location-efficient mortgages education and outreach campaign

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall carry out a public awareness, education, and outreach campaign to inform and educate residential lenders and prospective mortgagors regarding the availability, benefits, advantages, and terms of location-efficient mortgages, including location-efficient mortgages that meet the requirements of section 1334A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, and other mortgages having location-efficiency features and to publicize such availability, benefits, advantages, and terms. Such actions may include entering into a contract with an appropriate entity to publicize and market such mortgages through appropriate media.

18.

Grants for purchase or creation of affordable housing near transit

(a)

Grant authority

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall, to the extent amounts are available for grants under this section, make grants to States for financial assistance in constructing or acquiring housing that is affordable and location-efficient. (b)

Requirements for housing

For purposes of this section: (1)

Affordability

Housing shall be considered affordable only if the housing is affordable, in accordance with requirements that the Secretary shall establish, for rental or purchase by low-income families, as such term is defined in section 3 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a). (2)

Location efficiency

Housing shall be considered location-efficient only if the housing is on land located not further than one-half mile from a transit stop. (c)

Applications

To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State, through an appropriate State agency, shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (d)

Criteria for approval

The Secretary may approve an application of a State for a grant under this section only if the Secretary determines that the State will use the funds from the grant to carry out a program that— (1)provides financial assistance for the construction or preservation of housing that meets the requirements of subsection (b); and (2)includes such compliance and audit requirements as the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure that the program is operated in a sound and effective manner. (e)

Limitation on aggregate grant amount

The aggregate amount of grants made under this section to any single State may not exceed $2,500,000 (f)

Administrative expenses

Of any amounts made available for grants under this section for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use not more than 15 percent for administrative expenses of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in carrying out this section. (g)

Reports

(1)

To Secretary

Each State that receives a grant under this section shall submit a report to the Secretary, for each year during which amounts from such grant are expended for activities described in subsection (a), describing the State’s program for constructing or preserving location-efficient affordable housing for which the grant was made and the progress of the program. (2)

To Congress

Not later than September 30 of each year that any grants are made under this section, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress describing the total amount of such grants provided under this section to each State during the fiscal year ending on such date and evaluating the effectiveness of the grants made under this section in achieving the purposes of this section. (h)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Fund for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011 such sums as may be necessary for grants under this section.

19.

Accessible and efficient schools

(a)

Inclusion of high schools in safe routes to school program

Section 1404 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (23 U.S.C. 402 note; 119 Stat. 1228) is amended— (1)by striking primary and middle schools in subsection (a), subsection (c)(1)(A), and subsection (c)(1)(B) and inserting primary, middle, and high schools; and (2)in subsection (k)— (A)in the subsection heading by striking

Primary and middle schools

and inserting

Primary, middle, and high schools

; (B)by striking primary and middle schools and inserting primary, middle, and high schools; and (C)by striking eighth grade and inserting twelfth grade. (b)

Expansion of safe routes to school program

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the safe routes to school program authorized by section 1404 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (23 U.S.C. 402 note; 119 Stat. 1228)— (1)$400,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; (2)$500,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and (3)$600,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2013.