II 110th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3672 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES October 1 (legislative day, September 17), 2008 Mr. Baucus introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works A BILL To amend title 23, United States Code, to improve economic opportunity and development in rural States through highway investment, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Rural Opportunity and Development Act or the ROAD Act.

2.

Findings

Congress finds that investment in highway preservation and improvement is essential to the economic development and well-being of rural areas.

3.

Rural Opportunity and Development Program

(a)

In general

Subchapter I of chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 149 the following:

150.

Rural opportunity and development program

(a)

Establishment

The Secretary shall establish and implement a rural opportunity and development program to promote opportunity and economic development in rural States by allocating funds to States for the preservation and improvement of highways. (b)

State allocations

(1)

In general

Funds authorized to be appropriated for the program established under subsection (a) shall be allocated for each fiscal year among States in accordance with this subsection. (2)

State shares

The Secretary shall determine the number of shares to be allocated among eligible States by assigning— (A)6 shares to each State with a population density of 20 or fewer individuals per square mile of land area; (B)3 shares to each State with a population density of between 20 and 40 individuals per square mile of land area; (C)1 share to each State with a population density of between 40 and 70 individuals per square mile of land area; and (D)1 share to each State that has more than 57,000 square miles of land area and a population density of greater than 70 individuals per square mile of land area. (3)

Use of 2000 decennial census

In determining the population density of States under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall use data contained in the 2000 decennial census. (4)

Calculation of shares

For each fiscal year, for each share assigned to a State under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall allocate to such State an amount equal to the quotient obtained by dividing— (A)$1,000,000,000; by (B)the total number of shares assigned under paragraph (2) for the fiscal year. (c)

Use of funds

Funds allocated to a State for the program established under subsection (a)— (1)may be used for any type of project eligible under section 133; (2)are not subject to other provisions of section 133; and (3)may not be expended on projects located within the geographical boundaries of an area that has been identified or designated as a transportation management area under section 134(k)(1).

. (b)

Conforming amendment

The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 149 the following: 150. Rural opportunity and development program. .

4.

Authorization of appropriations

From amounts available in the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account), there is authorized to be appropriated, for fiscal year 2010 and for each subsequent fiscal year, $1,000,000,000, which— (1)shall be used for the rural opportunity and development program established under section 150 of title 23, United States Code; (2)shall remain available until expended; and (3)(A)shall be available for obligation as if the funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code; but (B)shall not be subject to any limitation on obligations.