MAP-21
Public Law 112–141, as amended
MAP-21
141
117–58
Statute Compilation
United States House of Representatives
Office of the Legislative Counsel
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
GPO Statute Compilations USLM converter, version 20210527.1
2021-12-13
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act
MAP-21
21st Century Act
America Fast Forward Financing Innovation Act of 2012
Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012
COASTAL Act of 2012
Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012
Consumer Option for an Alternative System to Allocate Losses Act of 2012
Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012
Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2012
Highway Investment, Job Creation, and Economic Growth Act of 2012
Mariah’s Act
Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012
Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012
Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012
Safe Roads Act of 2012
Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2012
Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, Part II
Transportation Research and Innovative Technology Act of 2012
10008
112
2012-07-06
MAP-21
[(Public Law 112–141)]
[As Amended Through P.L. 117–58, Enacted November 15, 2021]
[Currency: This publication is a compilation of the text of Public Law 112-141. It was last amended by the public law listed in the As Amended Through note above and below at the bottom of each page of the pdf version and reflects current law through the date of the enactment of the public law listed at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/comps/]
[Note: While this publication does not represent an official version of any Federal statute, substantial efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents. The official version of Federal law is found in the United States Statutes at Large and in the United States Code. The legal effect to be given to the Statutes at Large and the United States Code is established by statute (1 U.S.C. 112, 204).]

AN ACT
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1.

SHORT TITLE; ORGANIZATION OF ACT INTO DIVISIONS; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a)
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

Short Title.—
This Act may be cited as the “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act” or the “MAP-21”.
(b)

Divisions.—
This Act is organized into 8 divisions as follows:
(1)
Division A-Federal-aid Highways and Highway Safety Construction Programs.
(2)
Division B-Public Transportation.
(3)
Division C-Transportation Safety and Surface Transportation Policy.
(4)
Division D-Finance.
(5)
Division E-Research and Education.
(6)
Division F-Miscellaneous.
(7)
Division G-Surface Transportation Extension.
(8)
Division H-Budgetary Effects.
(c)

Table of Contents.—
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1.
Short title; organization of Act into divisions; table of contents.
Sec. 2.
Definitions.
Sec. 3.
Effective date.
DIVISION A—
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS AND HIGHWAY SAFETY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS
TITLE I—
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS
Subtitle A—
Authorizations and Programs
Sec. 1101.
Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 1102.
Obligation ceiling.
Sec. 1103.
Definitions.
Sec. 1104.
National Highway System.
Sec. 1105.
Apportionment.
Sec. 1106.
National highway performance program.
Sec. 1107.
Emergency relief.
Sec. 1108.
Surface transportation program.
Sec. 1109.
Workforce development.
Sec. 1110.
Highway use tax evasion projects.
Sec. 1111.
National bridge and tunnel inventory and inspection standards.
Sec. 1112.
Highway safety improvement program.
Sec. 1113.
Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program.
Sec. 1114.
Territorial and Puerto Rico highway program.
Sec. 1115.
National freight policy.
[Secs. 1116-1118 Repealed.]
Sec. 1119.
Federal lands and tribal transportation programs.
Sec. 1120.
Projects of national and regional significance.
Sec. 1121.
Construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities.
Sec. 1122.
Transportation alternatives.
Sec. 1123.
Tribal high priority projects program.
Subtitle B—
Performance Management
Sec. 1201.
Metropolitan transportation planning.
Sec. 1202.
Statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning.
Sec. 1203.
National goals and performance management measures.
Subtitle C—
Acceleration of Project Delivery
Sec. 1301.
Declaration of policy and project delivery initiative.
Sec. 1302.
Advance acquisition of real property interests.
Sec. 1303.
Letting of contracts.
Sec. 1304.
Innovative project delivery methods.
Sec. 1305.
Efficient environmental reviews for project decisionmaking.
Sec. 1306.
Accelerated decisionmaking.
Sec. 1307.
Assistance to affected Federal and State agencies.
Sec. 1308.
Limitations on claims.
Sec. 1309.
Accelerating completion of complex projects within 4 years.
Sec. 1310.
Integration of planning and environmental review.
Sec. 1311.
Development of programmatic mitigation plans.
Sec. 1312.
State assumption of responsibility for categorical exclusions.
Sec. 1313.
Surface transportation project delivery program.
Sec. 1314.
Application of categorical exclusions for multimodal projects.
Sec. 1315.
Categorical exclusions in emergencies.
Sec. 1316.
Categorical exclusions for projects within the right-of-way.
Sec. 1317.
Categorical exclusion for projects of limited Federal assistance.
Sec. 1318.
Programmatic agreements and additional categorical exclusions.
[ Sec. 1319. Repealed. ]
Sec. 1320.
Memoranda of agency agreements for early coordination.
Sec. 1321.
Environmental procedures initiative.
Sec. 1322.
Review of State environmental reviews and approvals for the purpose of eliminating duplication of environmental reviews.
Sec. 1323.
Review of Federal project and program delivery.
Subtitle D—
Highway Safety
Sec. 1401.
Jason’s law.
Sec. 1402.
Open container requirements.
Sec. 1403.
Minimum penalties for repeat offenders for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence.
Sec. 1404.
Adjustments to penalty provisions.
Sec. 1405.
Highway worker safety.
Subtitle E—
Miscellaneous
Sec. 1501.
Real-time ridesharing.
Sec. 1502.
Program efficiencies.
Sec. 1503.
Project approval and oversight.
Sec. 1504.
Standards.
Sec. 1505.
Justification reports for access points on the Interstate System.
Sec. 1506.
Construction.
Sec. 1507.
Maintenance.
Sec. 1508.
Federal share payable.
Sec. 1509.
Transferability of Federal-aid highway funds.
Sec. 1510.
Idle reduction technology.
Sec. 1511.
Special permits during periods of national emergency.
Sec. 1512.
Tolling.
Sec. 1513.
Miscellaneous parking amendments.
Sec. 1514.
HOV facilities.
Sec. 1515.
Funding flexibility for transportation emergencies.
Sec. 1516.
Defense access road program enhancements to address transportation infrastructure in the vicinity of military installations.
Sec. 1517.
Mapping.
Sec. 1518.
Buy America provisions.
Sec. 1519.
Consolidation of programs; repeal of obsolete provisions.
Sec. 1520.
Denali Commission.
Sec. 1521.
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 amendments.
Sec. 1522.
Extension of public transit vehicle exemption from axle weight restrictions.
Sec. 1523.
Use of debris from demolished bridges and overpasses.
Sec. 1524.
Use of youth service and conservation corps.
Sec. 1525.
State autonomy for culvert pipe selection.
Sec. 1526.
Evacuation routes.
Sec. 1527.
Consolidation of grants.
Sec. 1528.
Appalachian development highway system.
Sec. 1529.
Engineering judgment.
Sec. 1530.
Transportation training and employment programs.
Sec. 1531.
Notice of certain grant awards.
Sec. 1532.
Budget justification.
Sec. 1533.
Prohibition on use of funds for automated traffic enforcement.
Sec. 1534.
Public-private partnerships.
Sec. 1535.
Report on Highway Trust Fund expenditures.
Sec. 1536.
Sense of Congress on harbor maintenance.
Sec. 1537.
Estimate of harbor maintenance needs.
Sec. 1538.
Asian carp.
Sec. 1539.
Rest areas.
Subtitle F—
Gulf Coast Restoration
Sec. 1601.
Short title.
Sec. 1602.
Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund.
Sec. 1603.
Gulf Coast natural resources restoration and economic recovery.
Sec. 1604.
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology program.
Sec. 1605.
Centers of excellence research grants.
Sec. 1606.
Effect.
Sec. 1607.
Restoration and protection activity limitations.
Sec. 1608.
Inspector General.
TITLE II—
AMERICA FAST FORWARD FINANCING INNOVATION
Sec. 2001.
Short title.
Sec. 2002.
Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1998 amendments.
DIVISION B—
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Sec. 20001.
Short title.
Sec. 20002.
Repeals.
Sec. 20003.
Policies and purposes.
Sec. 20004.
Definitions.
Sec. 20005.
Metropolitan transportation planning.
Sec. 20006.
Statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning.
Sec. 20007.
Urbanized area formula grants.
Sec. 20008.
Fixed guideway capital investment grants.
Sec. 20009.
Mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Sec. 20010.
Formula grants for rural areas.
Sec. 20011.
Research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects.
Sec. 20012.
Technical assistance and standards development.
Sec. 20013.
Private sector participation.
Sec. 20014.
Bus testing facilities.
Sec. 20015.
Human resources and training.
Sec. 20016.
General provisions.
Sec. 20017.
Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program.
Sec. 20018.
Contract requirements.
Sec. 20019.
Transit asset management.
Sec. 20020.
Project management oversight.
Sec. 20021.
Public transportation safety.
Sec. 20022.
Alcohol and controlled substances testing.
Sec. 20023.
Nondiscrimination.
Sec. 20024.
Administrative provisions.
Sec. 20025.
National transit database.
Sec. 20026.
Apportionment of appropriations for formula grants.
Sec. 20027.
State of good repair grants.
Sec. 20028.
Authorizations.
Sec. 20029.
Bus and bus facilities formula grants.
Sec. 20030.
Technical and conforming amendments.
DIVISION C—
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION POLICY
TITLE I—
MOTOR VEHICLE AND HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2012
Sec. 31001.
Short title.
Sec. 31002.
Definition.
Subtitle A—
Highway Safety
Sec. 31101.
Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 31102.
Highway safety programs.
Sec. 31103.
Highway safety research and development.
Sec. 31104.
National driver register.
Sec. 31105.
National priority safety programs.
Sec. 31106.
High visibility enforcement program.
Sec. 31107.
Agency accountability.
Sec. 31108.
Emergency medical services.
Sec. 31109.
Repeal of programs.
Subtitle B—
Enhanced Safety Authorities
Sec. 31201.
Definition of motor vehicle equipment.
Sec. 31202.
Permit reminder system for non-use of safety belts.
Sec. 31203.
Civil penalties.
Sec. 31204.
Motor vehicle safety research and development.
Sec. 31205.
Odometer requirements.
Sec. 31206.
Increased penalties and damages for odometer fraud.
Sec. 31207.
Extend prohibitions on importing noncompliant vehicles and equipment to defective vehicles and equipment.
Sec. 31208.
Conditions on importation of vehicles and equipment.
Sec. 31209.
Port inspections; samples for examination or testing.
Subtitle C—
Transparency and Accountability
Sec. 31301.
Public availability of recall information.
Sec. 31302.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration outreach to manufacturer, dealer, and mechanic personnel.
Sec. 31303.
Public availability of communications to dealers.
Sec. 31304.
Corporate responsibility for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports.
Sec. 31305.
Passenger motor vehicle information program.
Sec. 31306.
Promotion of vehicle defect reporting.
Sec. 31307.
Whistleblower protections for motor vehicle manufacturers, part suppliers, and dealership employees.
Sec. 31308.
Anti-revolving door.
Sec. 31309.
Study of crash data collection.
Sec. 31310.
Update means of providing notification; improving efficacy of recalls.
Sec. 31311.
Expanding choices of remedy available to manufacturers of replacement equipment.
Sec. 31312.
Recall obligations and bankruptcy of manufacturer.
Sec. 31313.
Repeal of insurance reports and information provision.
Sec. 31314.
Monroney sticker to permit additional safety rating categories.
Subtitle D—
Vehicle Electronics and Safety Standards
Sec. 31401.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration electronics, software, and engineering expertise.
Sec. 31402.
Electronic systems performance.
Subtitle E—
Child Safety Standards
Sec. 31501.
Child safety seats.
Sec. 31502.
Child restraint anchorage systems.
Sec. 31503.
Rear seat belt reminders.
Sec. 31504.
Unattended passenger reminders.
Sec. 31505.
New deadline.
Subtitle F—
Improved Daytime and Nighttime Visibility of Agricultural Equipment
Sec. 31601.
Rulemaking on visibility of agricultural equipment.
TITLE II—
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2012
Sec. 32001.
Short title.
Sec. 32002.
References to title 49, United States Code.
Subtitle A—
Commercial Motor Vehicle Registration
Sec. 32101.
Registration of motor carriers.
Sec. 32102.
Safety fitness of new operators.
Sec. 32103.
Reincarnated carriers.
Sec. 32104.
Financial responsibility requirements.
Sec. 32105.
USDOT number registration requirement.
Sec. 32106.
Registration fee system.
Sec. 32107.
Registration update.
Sec. 32108.
Increased penalties for operating without registration.
Sec. 32109.
Revocation of registration for imminent hazard.
Sec. 32110.
Revocation of registration and other penalties for failure to respond to subpoena.
Sec. 32111.
Fleetwide out of service order for operating without required registration.
Sec. 32112.
Motor carrier and officer patterns of safety violations.
Subtitle B—
Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety
Sec. 32201.
Crashworthiness standards.
Sec. 32202.
Canadian safety rating reciprocity.
Sec. 32203.
State reporting of foreign commercial driver convictions.
Sec. 32204.
Authority to disqualify foreign commercial drivers.
Sec. 32205.
Revocation of foreign motor carrier operating authority for failure to pay civil penalties.
Sec. 32206.
Rental truck accident study.
Subtitle C—
Driver Safety
Sec. 32301.
Hours of service study and electronic logging devices.
Sec. 32302.
Driver medical qualifications.
Sec. 32303.
Commercial driver’s license notification system.
Sec. 32304.
Commercial motor vehicle operator training.
Sec. 32305.
Commercial driver’s license program.
Sec. 32306.
Commercial motor vehicle driver information systems.
Sec. 32307.
Employer responsibilities.
Sec. 32308.
Program to assist Veterans to acquire commercial driver’s licenses.
Subtitle D—
Safe Roads Act of 2012
Sec. 32401.
Short title.
Sec. 32402.
National clearinghouse for controlled substance and alcohol test results of commercial motor vehicle operators.
Subtitle E—
Enforcement
Sec. 32501.
Inspection demand and display of credentials.
Sec. 32502.
Out of service penalty for denial of access to records.
Sec. 32503.
Penalties for violation of operation out of service orders.
Sec. 32504.
Impoundment and immobilization of commercial motor vehicles for imminent hazard.
Sec. 32505.
Increased penalties for evasion of regulations.
Sec. 32506.
Violations relating to commercial motor vehicle safety regulation and operators.
Sec. 32507.
Emergency disqualification for imminent hazard.
Sec. 32508.
Disclosure to State and local law enforcement agencies.
Sec. 32509.
Grade crossing safety regulations.
Subtitle F—
Compliance, Safety, Accountability
Sec. 32601.
Motor carrier safety assistance program.
Sec. 32602.
Performance and registration information systems management program.
Sec. 32603.
Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 32604.
Grants for commercial driver’s license program implementation.
Sec. 32605.
Commercial vehicle information systems and networks.
Subtitle G—
Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012
Sec. 32701.
Short title.
Sec. 32702.
Definitions.
Sec. 32703.
Regulations for improved occupant protection, passenger evacuation, and crash avoidance.
Sec. 32704.
Fire prevention and mitigation.
Sec. 32705.
Occupant protection, collision avoidance, fire causation, and fire extinguisher research and testing.
Sec. 32706.
Concurrence of research and rulemaking.
Sec. 32707.
Improved oversight of motorcoach service providers.
Sec. 32708.
Report on feasibility, benefits, and costs of establishing a system of certification of training programs.
Sec. 32709.
Commercial driver’s license passenger endorsement requirements.
Sec. 32710.
Safety inspection program for commercial motor vehicles of passengers.
Sec. 32711.
Regulations.
Subtitle H—
Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation
Sec. 32801.
Comprehensive truck size and weight limits study.
Sec. 32802.
Compilation of existing State truck size and weight limit laws.
Subtitle I—
Miscellaneous
PART I—
Miscellaneous
Sec. 32911.
Prohibition of coercion.
Sec. 32912.
Motor carrier safety advisory committee.
Sec. 32913.
Waivers, exemptions, and pilot programs.
Sec. 32914.
Registration requirements.
Sec. 32915.
Additional motor carrier registration requirements.
Sec. 32916.
Registration of freight forwarders and brokers.
Sec. 32917.
Effective periods of registration.
Sec. 32918.
Financial security of brokers and freight forwarders.
Sec. 32919.
Unlawful brokerage activities.
PART II—
Household Goods Transportation
Sec. 32921.
Additional registration requirements for household goods motor carriers.
Sec. 32922.
Failure to give up possession of household goods.
Sec. 32923.
Settlement authority.
PART III—
Technical Amendments
Sec. 32931.
Update of obsolete text.
Sec. 32932.
Correction of interstate commerce commission references.
Sec. 32933.
Technical and conforming amendments.
Sec. 32934.
Exemptions from requirements for covered farm vehicles.
TITLE III—
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2012
Sec. 33001.
Short title.
Sec. 33002.
Definition.
Sec. 33003.
References to title 49, United States Code.
Sec. 33004.
Training for emergency responders.
Sec. 33005.
Paperless Hazard Communications Pilot Program.
Sec. 33006.
Improving data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Sec. 33007.
Hazardous material technical assessment, research and development, and analysis program.
Sec. 33008.
Hazardous Material Enforcement Training.
Sec. 33009.
Inspections.
Sec. 33010.
Civil penalties.
Sec. 33011.
Reporting of fees.
Sec. 33012.
Special permits, approvals, and exclusions.
Sec. 33013.
Highway routing disclosures.
Sec. 33014.
Motor carrier safety permits.
Sec. 33015.
Wetlines.
Sec. 33016.
Hazmat employee training requirements and grants.
Sec. 33017.
Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE IV—
SPORT FISH RESTORATION AND RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY ACT OF 2012
Sec. 34001.
Short title.
Sec. 34002.
Amendment of Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act.
TITLE V—
MISCELLANEOUS
Sec. 35001.
Overflights in Grand Canyon National Park.
Sec. 35002.
Commercial air tour operations.
Sec. 35003.
Qualifications for public aircraft status.
DIVISION D—
FINANCE
Sec. 40001.
Short title.
TITLE I—
EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY TRUST FUND EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY AND RELATED TAXES
Sec. 40101.
Extension of trust fund expenditure authority.
Sec. 40102.
Extension of highway-related taxes.
TITLE II—
REVENUE PROVISIONS
Subtitle A—
Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund
Sec. 40201.
Transfer from Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund to Highway Trust Fund.
Subtitle B—
Pension Provisions
PART I—
Pension Funding Stabilization
Sec. 40211.
Pension funding stabilization.
PART II—
PBGC Premiums
Sec. 40221.
Single employer plan annual premium rates.
Sec. 40222.
Multiemployer annual premium rates.
PART III—
Improvements of PBGC
Sec. 40231.
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Governance Improvement.
Sec. 40232.
Participant and plan sponsor advocate.
Sec. 40233.
Quality control procedures for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
Sec. 40234.
Line of credit repeal.
PART IV—
Transfers of Excess Pension Assets
Sec. 40241.
Extension for transfers of excess pension assets to retiree health accounts.
Sec. 40242.
Transfer of excess pension assets to retiree group term life insurance accounts.
Subtitle C—
Additional Transfers to Highway Trust Fund
Sec. 40251.
Additional transfers to Highway Trust Fund.
DIVISION E—
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
Sec. 50001.
Short title.
TITLE I—
FUNDING
Sec. 51001.
Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE II—
RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY, AND EDUCATION
Sec. 52001.
Research, technology, and education.
Sec. 52002.
Surface transportation research, development, and technology.
Sec. 52003.
Research and technology development and deployment.
Sec. 52004.
Training and education.
Sec. 52005.
State planning and research.
Sec. 52006.
International highway transportation program.
Sec. 52007.
Surface transportation environmental cooperative research program.
Sec. 52008.
National cooperative freight research.
Sec. 52009.
University transportation centers program.
Sec. 52010.
University transportation research.
Sec. 52011.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Sec. 52012.
Administrative authority.
Sec. 52013.
Transportation research and development strategic planning.
TITLE III—
INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH
Sec. 53001.
Use of funds for ITS activities.
Sec. 53002.
Goals and purposes.
Sec. 53003.
General authorities and requirements.
Sec. 53004.
Research and development.
Sec. 53005.
National architecture and standards.
Sec. 53006.
Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications systems deployment.
DIVISION F—
MISCELLANEOUS
TITLE I—
REAUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN PROGRAMS
Subtitle A—
Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-determination Program
Sec. 100101.
Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Program.
Subtitle B—
Payment in Lieu of Taxes Program
Sec. 100111.
Payments in lieu of taxes.
Subtitle C—
Offsets
Sec. 100121.
Phased retirement authority.
Sec. 100122.
Roll-your-own cigarette machines.
Sec. 100123.
Change in FMAP increase for disaster recovery states.
Sec. 100124.
Repeals.
Sec. 100125.
Limitation on payments from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund.
TITLE II—
FLOOD INSURANCE
Subtitle A—
Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization
Sec. 100201.
Short title.
Sec. 100202.
Definitions.
Sec. 100203.
Extension of National Flood Insurance Program.
Sec. 100204.
Availability of insurance for multifamily properties.
Sec. 100205.
Reform of premium rate structure.
Sec. 100207.
Premium adjustment.
Sec. 100208.
Enforcement.
Sec. 100209.
Escrow of flood insurance payments.
Sec. 100210.
Minimum deductibles for claims under the National Flood Insurance Program.
Sec. 100211.
Considerations in determining chargeable premium rates.
Sec. 100212.
Reserve fund.
Sec. 100213.
Repayment plan for borrowing authority.
Sec. 100214.
Payment of condominium claims.
Sec. 100215.
Technical mapping advisory council.
Sec. 100216.
National flood mapping program.
Sec. 100217.
Scope of appeals.
Sec. 100218.
Scientific Resolution Panel.
Sec. 100219.
Removal of limitation on State contributions for updating flood maps.
Sec. 100220.
Coordination.
Sec. 100221.
Interagency coordination study.
Sec. 100222.
Notice of flood insurance availability under RESPA.
Sec. 100223.
Participation in State disaster claims mediation programs.
Sec. 100224.
Oversight and expense reimbursements of insurance companies.
Sec. 100225.
Mitigation.
Sec. 100226.
Flood Protection Structure Accreditation Task Force.
Sec. 100227.
Flood in progress determinations.
Sec. 100228.
Clarification of residential and commercial coverage limits.
Sec. 100229.
Local data requirement.
Sec. 100230.
Eligibility for flood insurance for persons residing in communities that have made adequate progress on the reconstruction or improvement of a flood protection system.
Sec. 100231.
Studies and reports.
Sec. 100232.
Reinsurance.
Sec. 100233.
GAO study on business interruption and additional living expenses coverages.
Sec. 100234.
Policy disclosures.
Sec. 100235.
Report on inclusion of building codes in floodplain management criteria.
Sec. 100236.
Study of participation and affordability for certain policyholders.
Sec. 100237.
Study and report concerning the participation of Indian tribes and members of Indian tribes in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Sec. 100238.
Technical corrections.
Sec. 100239.
Use of private insurance to satisfy mandatory purchase requirement.
Sec. 100240.
Levees constructed on certain properties.
Sec. 100241.
Insurance coverage for private properties affected by flooding from Federal lands.
Sec. 100242.
Permissible land use under Federal flood insurance plan.
Sec. 100243.
CDBG eligibility for flood insurance outreach activities and community building code administration grants.
Sec. 100244.
Termination of force-placed insurance.
Sec. 100245.
FEMA authority on transfer of policies.
Sec. 100246.
Reimbursement of certain expenses.
Sec. 100247.
FIO study on risks, hazards, and insurance.
Sec. 100248.
Flood protection improvements constructed on certain properties.
Sec. 100249.
No cause of action.
Subtitle B—
Alternative Loss Allocation
Sec. 100251.
Short title.
Sec. 100252.
Assessing and modeling named storms over coastal States.
Sec. 100253.
Alternative loss allocation system for indeterminate claims.
Subtitle C—
HEARTH Act Amendment
Sec. 100261.
HEARTH Act technical corrections.
TITLE III—
STUDENT LOAN INTEREST RATE EXTENSION
Sec. 100301.
Federal Direct Stafford Loan interest rate extension.
Sec. 100302.
Eligibility for, and interest charges on, Federal Direct Stafford Loans for new borrowers on or after July 1, 2013.
DIVISION G—
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION
Sec. 110001.
Short title.
TITLE I—
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS
Sec. 111001.
Extension of Federal-aid highway programs.
TITLE II—
EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS
Sec. 112001.
Extension of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highway safety programs.
Sec. 112002.
Extension of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration programs.
Sec. 112003.
Additional programs.
TITLE III—
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS
Sec. 113001.
Allocation of funds for planning programs.
Sec. 113002.
Special rule for urbanized area formula grants.
Sec. 113003.
Allocating amounts for capital investment grants.
Sec. 113004.
Apportionment of formula grants for other than urbanized areas.
Sec. 113005.
Apportionment based on fixed guideway factors.
Sec. 113006.
Authorizations for public transportation.
Sec. 113007.
Amendments to SAFETEA-LU.
TITLE IV—
EFFECTIVE DATE
Sec. 114001.
Effective date.
DIVISION H—
BUDGETARY EFFECTS
Sec. 120001.
Budgetary effects.
SEC. 2.
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1)

Department.—
The term “Department” means the Department of Transportation.
(2)

Secretary.—
The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation.
SEC. 3.

EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a)
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

In General.—
Except as otherwise provided, divisions A, B, C (other than sections 32603(d), 32603(g), 32912, and 34002 of that division) and E, including the amendments made by those divisions, take effect on October 1, 2012.
(b)
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

References.—
Except as otherwise provided, any reference to the date of enactment of the MAP-21 or to the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012 in the divisions described in subsection (a) or in an amendment made by those divisions shall be deemed to be a reference to the effective date of those divisions.
DIVISION A—

FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS AND HIGHWAY SAFETY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS
TITLE I—

FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS
Subtitle A—

Authorizations and Programs
SEC. 1101.

AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a)

In General.—
The following sums are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account):
(1)

Federal-aid highway program.—
For the national highway performance program under section 119 of title 23, United States Code, the surface transportation program under section 133 of that title, the highway safety improvement program under section 148 of that title, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under section 149 of that title, and to carry out section 134 of that title—
(A)
$37,476,819,674 for fiscal year 2013; and
(B)
$37,798,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
(2)

Transportation infrastructure finance and innovation program.—
For credit assistance under the transportation infrastructure finance and innovation program under chapter 6 of title 23, United States Code—
(A)
$750,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
(B)
$1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
(3)

Federal lands and tribal transportation programs.—
(A)

Tribal transportation program.—
For the tribal transportation program under section 202 of title 23, United States Code, $450,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
(B)

Federal lands transportation program.—
For the Federal lands transportation program under section 203 of title 23, United States Code, $300,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014, of which $240,000,000 of the amount made available for each fiscal year shall be the amount for the National Park Service and $30,000,000 of the amount made available for each fiscal year shall be the amount for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(C)

Federal lands access program.—
For the Federal lands access program under section 204 of title 23, United States Code, $250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
(4)

Territorial and puerto rico highway program.—
For the territorial and Puerto Rico highway program under section 165 of title 23, United States Code, $190,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
(b)
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.—
(1)

Findings.—
Congress finds that—
(A)
while significant progress has occurred due to the establishment of the disadvantaged business enterprise program, discrimination and related barriers continue to pose significant obstacles for minority- and women-owned businesses seeking to do business in federally-assisted surface transportation markets across the United States;
(B)
the continuing barriers described in subparagraph (A) merit the continuation of the disadvantaged business enterprise program;
(C)
Congress has received and reviewed testimony and documentation of race and gender discrimination from numerous sources, including congressional hearings and roundtables, scientific reports, reports issued by public and private agencies, news stories, reports of discrimination by organizations and individuals, and discrimination lawsuits, which show that race- and gender-neutral efforts alone are insufficient to address the problem;
(D)
the testimony and documentation described in subparagraph (C) demonstrate that discrimination across the United States poses a barrier to full and fair participation in surface transportation-related businesses of women business owners and minority business owners and has impacted firm development and many aspects of surface transportation-related business in the public and private markets; and
(E)
the testimony and documentation described in subparagraph (C) provide a strong basis that there is a compelling need for the continuation of the disadvantaged business enterprise program to address race and gender discrimination in surface transportation-related business.
(2)

Definitions.—
In this subsection, the following definitions apply:
(A)

Small business concern.—
(i)

In general.—
The term “small business concern” means a small business concern (as the term is used in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)).
(ii)

Exclusions.—
The term “small business concern” does not include any concern or group of concerns controlled by the same socially and economically disadvantaged individual or individuals that have average annual gross receipts during the preceding 3 fiscal years in excess of $22,410,000, as adjusted annually by the Secretary for inflation.
(B)

Socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.—
The term “socially and economically disadvantaged individuals” has the meaning given the term in section 8(d) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)) and relevant subcontracting regulations issued pursuant to that Act, except that women shall be presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged individuals for purposes of this subsection.
(3)

Amounts for small business concerns.—
Except to the extent that the Secretary determines otherwise, not less than 10 percent of the amounts made available for any program under divisions A and B of this Act and section 403 of title 23, United States Code, shall be expended through small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
(4)

Annual listing of disadvantaged business enterprises.—
Each State shall annually—
(A)
survey and compile a list of the small business concerns referred to in paragraph (2) in the State, including the location of the small business concerns in the State; and
(B)
notify the Secretary, in writing, of the percentage of the small business concerns that are controlled by—
(i)
women;
(ii)
socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (other than women); and
(iii)
individuals who are women and are otherwise socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
(5)

Uniform certification.—
(A)

In general.—
The Secretary shall establish minimum uniform criteria for use by State governments in certifying whether a concern qualifies as a small business concern for the purpose of this subsection.
(B)

Inclusions.—
The minimum uniform criteria established under subparagraph (A) shall include, with respect to a potential small business concern—
(i)
on-site visits;
(ii)
personal interviews with personnel;
(iii)
issuance or inspection of licenses;
(iv)
analyses of stock ownership;
(v)
listings of equipment;
(vi)
analyses of bonding capacity;
(vii)
listings of work completed;
(viii)
examination of the resumes of principal owners;
(ix)
analyses of financial capacity; and
(x)
analyses of the type of work preferred.
(6)

Reporting.—
The Secretary shall establish minimum requirements for use by State governments in reporting to the Secretary—
(A)
information concerning disadvantaged business enterprise awards, commitments, and achievements; and
(B)
such other information as the Secretary determines to be appropriate for the proper monitoring of the disadvantaged business enterprise program.
(7)

Compliance with court orders.—
Nothing in this subsection limits the eligibility of an individual or entity to receive funds made available under divisions A and B of this Act and section 403 of title 23, United States Code, if the entity or person is prevented, in whole or in part, from complying with paragraph (2) because a Federal court issues a final order in which the court finds that a requirement or the implementation of paragraph (2) is unconstitutional.
SEC. 1102.
[23 U.S.C. 104 note]

OBLIGATION CEILING.
(a)

General Limitation.—
Subject to subsection (e), and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the obligations for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs shall not exceed—
(1)
$39,699,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(2)
$40,256,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(3)
$40,256,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
(4)
$7,134,218,915 for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on December 4, 2015.
(b)

Exceptions.—
The limitations under subsection (a) shall not apply to obligations under or for—
(1)
section 125 of title 23, United States Code;
(2)
section 147 of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978 (23 U.S.C. 144 note; 92 Stat. 2714);
(3)
section 9 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1981 (95 Stat. 1701);
(4)
subsections (b) and (j) of section 131 of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (96 Stat. 2119);
(5)
subsections (b) and (c) of section 149 of the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 (101 Stat. 198);
(6)
sections 1103 through 1108 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 2027);
(7)
section 157 of title 23, United States Code (as in effect on June 8, 1998);
(8)
section 105 of title 23, United States Code (as in effect for fiscal years 1998 through 2004, but only in an amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of those fiscal years);
(9)
Federal-aid highway programs for which obligation authority was made available under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (112 Stat. 107) or subsequent Acts for multiple years or to remain available until expended, but only to the extent that the obligation authority has not lapsed or been used;
(10)
section 105 of title 23, United States Code (but, for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2012, only in an amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of those fiscal years);
(11)
section 1603 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 118 note; 119 Stat. 1248), to the extent that funds obligated in accordance with that section were not subject to a limitation on obligations at the time at which the funds were initially made available for obligation; and
(12)
section 119 of title 23, United States Code (but, for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2015, only in an amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of those fiscal years, and for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on December 4, 2015, only in an amount equal to $639,000,000, less any reductions that would have otherwise been required for that year by section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901a), then multiplied by 65⁄366 for that period).
(c)

Distribution of Obligation Authority.—
For each of fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on December 4, 2015, the Secretary—
(1)
shall not distribute obligation authority provided by subsection (a) for the fiscal year or period for—
(A)
amounts provided for administrative expenses and programs; and
(B)
amounts authorized for the Bureau of Transportation Statistics;
(2)
shall not distribute an amount of obligation authority provided by subsection (a) that is equal to the unobligated balance of amounts or, for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on December 4, 2015, that is equal to 65⁄366 of such unobligated balance—
(A)
made available from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs for previous fiscal years the funds for which are allocated by the Secretary (or apportioned by the Secretary under sections 202 or 204 of title 23, United States Code); and
(B)
for which obligation authority was provided in a previous fiscal year;
(3)
shall determine the proportion that—
(A)
the obligation authority provided by subsection (a) for the fiscal year or period, less the aggregate of amounts not distributed under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection; bears to
(B)
the total of the sums authorized to be appropriated for the Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs (other than sums authorized to be appropriated for provisions of law described in paragraphs (1) through (11) of subsection (b) and sums authorized to be appropriated for section 119 of title 23, United States Code, equal to the amount referred to in subsection (b)(12) for the fiscal year or period), less the aggregate of the amounts not distributed under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection;
(4)
shall distribute the obligation authority provided by subsection (a), less the aggregate amounts not distributed under paragraphs (1) and (2), for each of the programs (other than programs to which paragraph (1) applies) that are allocated by the Secretary under this Act and title 23, United States Code, or apportioned by the Secretary under sections 202 or 204 of that title, by multiplying—
(A)
the proportion determined under paragraph (3); by
(B)
the amounts authorized to be appropriated for each such program for the fiscal year or period; and
(5)
shall distribute the obligation authority provided by subsection (a), less the aggregate amounts not distributed under paragraphs (1) and (2) and the amounts distributed under paragraph (4), for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs that are apportioned by the Secretary under title 23, United States Code (other than the amounts apportioned for the national highway performance program in section 119 of title 23, United States Code, that are exempt from the limitation under subsection (b)(12) and the amounts apportioned under sections 202 and 204 of that title) in the proportion that—
(A)
amounts authorized to be appropriated for the programs that are apportioned under title 23, United States Code, to each State for the fiscal year or period; bears to
(B)
the total of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for the programs that are apportioned under title 23, United States Code, to all States for the fiscal year or period.
(d)

Redistribution of Unused Obligation Authority.—
Notwithstanding subsection (c), the Secretary shall, after August 1 of each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016—
(1)
revise a distribution of the obligation authority made available under subsection (c) if an amount distributed cannot be obligated during that fiscal year; and
(2)
redistribute sufficient amounts to those States able to obligate amounts in addition to those previously distributed during that fiscal year, giving priority to those States having large unobligated balances of funds apportioned under sections 144 (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act) and 104 of title 23, United States Code.
(e)

Applicability of Obligation Limitations to Transportation Research Programs.—
(1)

In general.—
Except as provided in paragraph (2), obligation limitations imposed by subsection (a) shall apply to contract authority for transportation research programs carried out under—
(A)
chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code; and
(B)
division E of this Act.
(2)

Exception.—
Obligation authority made available under paragraph (1) shall—
(A)
remain available for a period of 4 fiscal years; and
(B)
be in addition to the amount of any limitation imposed on obligations for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs for future fiscal years.
(f)

Redistribution of Certain Authorized Funds.—
(1)

In general.—
Not later than 30 days after the date of distribution of obligation authority under subsection (c) for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on December 4, 2015, the Secretary shall distribute to the States any funds (excluding funds authorized for the program under section 202 of title 23, United States Code) that—
(A)
are authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year or period for Federal-aid highway programs; and
(B)
the Secretary determines will not be allocated to the States (or will not be apportioned to the States under section 204 of title 23, United States Code), and will not be available for obligation, for the fiscal year or period because of the imposition of any obligation limitation for the fiscal year or period.
(2)

Ratio.—
Funds shall be distributed under paragraph (1) in the same proportion as the distribution of obligation authority under subsection (c)(5).
(3)

Availability.—
Funds distributed to each State under paragraph (1) shall be available for any purpose described in section 133(b) of title 23, United States Code.
SEC. 1103.

DEFINITIONS.
(a)

Definitions.—
Section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraphs (6), (7), (9), (12), (19), (20), (24), (25), (26), (28), (38), and (39);
(2)
by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (8), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (21), (22), (23), (27), (29), (30), (31), (32), (33), (34), (35), (36), and (37) as paragraphs (3), (4), (5), (6), (9), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (23), (24), (25), (26), (28), (29), (33), and (34), respectively;
(3)
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
“(2)

Asset management.
The term ‘asset management’ means a strategic and systematic process of operating, maintaining, and improving physical assets, with a focus on both engineering and economic analysis based upon quality information, to identify a structured sequence of maintenance, preservation, repair, rehabilitation, and replacement actions that will achieve and sustain a desired state of good repair over the lifecycle of the assets at minimum practicable cost.”
;
(4)
in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting “or any project eligible for assistance under this title” after “of a highway”;
(B)
by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
“(A)
preliminary engineering, engineering, and design-related services directly relating to the construction of a highway project, including engineering, design, project development and management, construction project management and inspection, surveying, mapping (including the establishment of temporary and permanent geodetic control in accordance with specifications of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and architectural-related services;”
;
(C)
in subparagraph (B)—
(i)
by inserting “reconstruction,” before “resurfacing”; and
(ii)
by striking “and rehabilitation” and inserting “rehabilitation, and preservation”;
(D)
in subparagraph (E) by striking “railway” and inserting “railway-highway”; and
(E)
in subparagraph (F) by striking “obstacles” and inserting “hazards”;
(5)
in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
by inserting “public” before “highway eligible”; and
(B)
by inserting “functionally” before “classified”;
(6)
by inserting after paragraph (6) (as so redesignated) the following:
“(7)

Federal lands access transportation facility.
The term ‘Federal Lands access transportation facility’ means a public highway, road, bridge, trail, or transit system that is located on, is adjacent to, or provides access to Federal lands for which title or maintenance responsibility is vested in a State, county, town, township, tribal, municipal, or local government.
“(8)

Federal lands transportation facility.
The term ‘Federal lands transportation facility’ means a public highway, road, bridge, trail, or transit system that is located on, is adjacent to, or provides access to Federal lands for which title and maintenance responsibility is vested in the Federal Government, and that appears on the national Federal lands transportation facility inventory described in section 203(c).”
;
(7)
in paragraph (11)(B) by inserting “including public roads on dams” after “drainage structure”;
(8)
in paragraph (14) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
by striking “as a” and inserting “as an air quality”; and
(B)
by inserting “air quality” before “attainment area”;
(9)
in paragraph (18) (as so redesignated) by striking “an undertaking to construct a particular portion of a highway, or if the context so implies, the particular portion of a highway so constructed or any other undertaking” and inserting “any undertaking”;
(10)
in paragraph (19) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
by striking “the State transportation department and”; and
(B)
by inserting “and the recipient” after “Secretary”;
(11)
by striking paragraph (23) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following:
“(23)

Safety improvement project.
The term ‘safety improvement project’ means a strategy, activity, or project on a public road that is consistent with the State strategic highway safety plan and corrects or improves a roadway feature that constitutes a hazard to road users or addresses a highway safety problem.”
;
(12)
by inserting after paragraph (26) (as so redesignated) the following:
“(27)

State strategic highway safety plan.
The term ‘State strategic highway safety plan’ has the same meaning given such term in section 148(a).”
;
(13)
by striking paragraph (29) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following:
“(29)

Transportation alternatives.
The term ‘transportation alternatives’ means any of the following activities when carried out as part of any program or project authorized or funded under this title, or as an independent program or project related to surface transportation:
“(A)
Construction, planning, and design of on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorized forms of transportation, including sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, traffic calming techniques, lighting and other safety-related infrastructure, and transportation projects to achieve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).
“(B)
Construction, planning, and design of infrastructure-related projects and systems that will provide safe routes for non-drivers, including children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities to access daily needs.
“(C)
Conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other nonmotorized transportation users.
“(D)
Construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas.
“(E)
Community improvement activities, including—
“(i)
inventory, control, or removal of outdoor advertising;
“(ii)
historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities;
“(iii)
vegetation management practices in transportation rights-of-way to improve roadway safety, prevent against invasive species, and provide erosion control; and
“(iv)
archaeological activities relating to impacts from implementation of a transportation project eligible under this title.
“(F)
Any environmental mitigation activity, including pollution prevention and pollution abatement activities and mitigation to—
“(i)
address stormwater management, control, and water pollution prevention or abatement related to highway construction or due to highway runoff, including activities described in sections 133(b)(11), 328(a), and 329; or
“(ii)
reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality or to restore and maintain connectivity among terrestrial or aquatic habitats.”
; and
(14)
by inserting after paragraph (29) (as so redesignated) the following:
“(30)

Transportation systems management and operations.
“(A)

In general.
The term ‘transportation systems management and operations’ means integrated strategies to optimize the performance of existing infrastructure through the implementation of multimodal and intermodal, cross-jurisdictional systems, services, and projects designed to preserve capacity and improve security, safety, and reliability of the transportation system.
“(B)

Inclusions.
The term ‘transportation systems management and operations’ includes—
“(i)
actions such as traffic detection and surveillance, corridor management, freeway management, arterial management, active transportation and demand management, work zone management, emergency management, traveler information services, congestion pricing, parking management, automated enforcement, traffic control, commercial vehicle operations, freight management, and coordination of highway, rail, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian operations; and
“(ii)
coordination of the implementation of regional transportation system management and operations investments (such as traffic incident management, traveler information services, emergency management, roadway weather management, intelligent transportation systems, communication networks, and information sharing systems) requiring agreements, integration, and interoperability to achieve targeted system performance, reliability, safety, and customer service levels.
“(31)

Tribal transportation facility.
The term ‘tribal transportation facility’ means a public highway, road, bridge, trail, or transit system that is located on or provides access to tribal land and appears on the national tribal transportation facility inventory described in section 202(b)(1).
“(32)

Truck stop electrification system.
The term ‘truck stop electrification system’ means a system that delivers heat, air conditioning, electricity, or communications to a heavy-duty vehicle.”
.
(b)

Sense of Congress.—
Section 101(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “system” and inserting “highway”.
SEC. 1104.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM.
(a)

In General.—
Section 103 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 103.

National Highway System
“(a)

In General.
For the purposes of this title, the Federal-aid system is the National Highway System, which includes the Interstate System.
“(b)

National Highway System.
“(1)

Description.
The National Highway System consists of the highway routes and connections to transportation facilities that shall—
“(A)
serve major population centers, international border crossings, ports, airports, public transportation facilities, and other intermodal transportation facilities and other major travel destinations;
“(B)
meet national defense requirements; and
“(C)
serve interstate and interregional travel and commerce.
“(2)

Components.
The National Highway System described in paragraph (1) consists of the following:
“(A)
The National Highway System depicted on the map submitted by the Secretary of Transportation to Congress with the report entitled ‘Pulling Together: The National Highway System and its Connections to Major Intermodal Terminals’ and dated May 24, 1996, and modifications approved by the Secretary before the date of enactment of the MAP-21.
“(B)
Other urban and rural principal arterial routes, and border crossings on those routes, that were not included on the National Highway System before the date of enactment of the MAP-21.
“(C)
Other connector highways (including toll facilities) that were not included in the National Highway System before the date of enactment of the MAP-21 but that provide motor vehicle access between arterial routes on the National Highway System and a major intermodal transportation facility.
“(D)
A strategic highway network that—
“(i)
consists of a network of highways that are important to the United States strategic defense policy, that provide defense access, continuity, and emergency capabilities for the movement of personnel, materials, and equipment in both peacetime and wartime, and that were not included on the National Highway System before the date of enactment of the MAP-21;
“(ii)
may include highways on or off the Interstate System; and
“(iii)
shall be designated by the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies and the States.
“(E)
Major strategic highway network connectors that—
“(i)
consist of highways that provide motor vehicle access between major military installations and highways that are part of the strategic highway network but were not included on the National Highway System before the date of enactment of the MAP-21; and
“(ii)
shall be designated by the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies and the States.
“(3)

Modifications to nhs.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary may make any modification, including any modification consisting of a connector to a major intermodal terminal, to the National Highway System that is proposed by a State if the Secretary determines that the modification—
“(i)
meets the criteria established for the National Highway System under this title after the date of enactment of the MAP-21; and
“(ii)
enhances the national transportation characteristics of the National Highway System.
“(B)

Cooperation.
“(i)

In general.
In proposing a modification under this paragraph, a State shall cooperate with local and regional officials.
“(ii)

Urbanized areas.
In an urbanized area, the local officials shall act through the metropolitan planning organization designated for the area under section 134.
“(c)

Interstate System.
“(1)

Description.
“(A)

In general.
The Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways within the United States (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) consists of highways designed, located, and selected in accordance with this paragraph.
“(B)

Design.
“(i)

In general.
Except as provided in clause (ii), highways on the Interstate System shall be designed in accordance with the standards of section 109(b).
“(ii)

Exception.
Highways on the Interstate System in Alaska and Puerto Rico shall be designed in accordance with such geometric and construction standards as are adequate for current and probable future traffic demands and the needs of the locality of the highway.
“(C)

Location.
Highways on the Interstate System shall be located so as—
“(i)
to connect by routes, as direct as practicable, the principal metropolitan areas, cities, and industrial centers;
“(ii)
to serve the national defense; and
“(iii)
to the maximum extent practicable, to connect at suitable border points with routes of continental importance in Canada and Mexico.
“(D)

Selection of routes.
To the maximum extent practicable, each route of the Interstate System shall be selected by joint action of the State transportation departments of the State in which the route is located and the adjoining States, in cooperation with local and regional officials, and subject to the approval of the Secretary.
“(2)

Maximum mileage.
The mileage of highways on the Interstate System shall not exceed 43,000 miles, exclusive of designations under paragraph (4).
“(3)

Modifications.
The Secretary may approve or require modifications to the Interstate System in a manner consistent with the policies and procedures established under this subsection.
“(4)

Interstate system designations.
“(A)

Additions.
If the Secretary determines that a highway on the National Highway System meets all standards of a highway on the Interstate System and that the highway is a logical addition or connection to the Interstate System, the Secretary may, upon the affirmative recommendation of the State or States in which the highway is located, designate the highway as a route on the Interstate System.
“(B)

Designations as future interstate system routes.
“(i)

In general.
Subject to clauses (ii) through (vi), if the Secretary determines that a highway on the National Highway System would be a logical addition or connection to the Interstate System and would qualify for designation as a route on the Interstate System under subparagraph (A) if the highway met all standards of a highway on the Interstate System, the Secretary may, upon the affirmative recommendation of the State or States in which the highway is located, designate the highway as a future Interstate System route.
“(ii)

Written agreement.
A designation under clause (i) shall be made only upon the written agreement of each State described in that clause that the highway will be constructed to meet all standards of a highway on the Interstate System by not later than the date that is 25 years after the date of the agreement.
“(iii)

Failure to complete construction.
If a State described in clause (i) has not substantially completed the construction of a highway designated under this subparagraph by the date specified in clause (ii), the Secretary shall remove the designation of the highway as a future Interstate System route.
“(iv)

Effect of removal.
Removal of the designation of a highway under clause (iii) shall not preclude the Secretary from designating the highway as a route on the Interstate System under subparagraph (A) or under any other provision of law providing for addition to the Interstate System.
“(v)

Retroactive effect.
An agreement described in clause (ii) that is entered into before August 10, 2005, shall be deemed to include the 25-year time limitation described in that clause, regardless of any earlier construction completion date in the agreement.
“(vi)

References.
No law, rule, regulation, map, document, or other record of the United States, or of any State or political subdivision of a State, shall refer to any highway designated as a future Interstate System route under this subparagraph, and no such highway shall be signed or marked, as a highway on the Interstate System, until such time as the highway—
“(I)
is constructed to the geometric and construction standards for the Interstate System; and
“(II)
has been designated as a route on the Interstate System.
“(C)

Financial responsibility.
Except as provided in this title, the designation of a highway under this paragraph shall create no additional Federal financial responsibility with respect to the highway.
“(5)

Exemption of interstate system.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Interstate System shall not be considered to be a historic site under section 303 of title 49 or section 138 of this title, regardless of whether the Interstate System or portions or elements of the Interstate System are listed on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places.
“(B)

Individual elements.
Subject to subparagraph (C)—
“(i)
the Secretary shall determine, through the administrative process established for exempting the Interstate System from section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f), those individual elements of the Interstate System that possess national or exceptional historic significance (such as a historic bridge or a highly significant engineering feature); and
“(ii)
those elements shall be considered to be historic sites under section 303 of title 49 or section 138 of this title, as applicable.
“(C)

Construction, maintenance, restoration, and rehabilitation activities.
Subparagraph (B) does not prohibit a State from carrying out construction, maintenance, preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation activities for a portion of the Interstate System referred to in subparagraph (B) upon compliance with section 303 of title 49 or section 138 of this title, as applicable, and section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f).”
.
(b)

Inclusion of Certain Route Segments on Interstate System.—
(1)

In general.—
Section 1105(e)(5)(A) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 2031; 109 Stat. 597; 115 Stat. 872) is amended—
(A)
in the first sentence, by striking “and in subsections (c)(18) and (c)(20)” and inserting “, in subsections (c)(18) and (c)(20), and in subparagraphs (A)(iii) and (B) of subsection (c)(26)”; and
(B)
in the second sentence, by striking “that the segment” and all that follows through the period and inserting “that the segment meets the Interstate System design standards approved by the Secretary under section 109(b) of title 23, United States Code, and is planned to connect to an existing Interstate System segment by the date that is 25 years after the date of enactment of the MAP-21.”.
(2)

Route designation.—
Section 1105(e)(5)(C)(i) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 2032; 109 Stat. 598) is amended by adding at the end the following: “The routes referred to subparagraphs (A)(iii) and (B)(i) of subsection (c)(26) are designated as Interstate Route I-11.”.
(c)

Conforming Amendments.—
(1)

Analysis.—
The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 103 and inserting the following:
“103. National Highway System.”.
(2)

Section 113.—
Section 113 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in subsection (a) by striking “the Federal-aid systems” and inserting “Federal-aid highways”; and
(B)
in subsection (b), in the first sentence, by striking “of the Federal-aid systems” and inserting “Federal-aid highway”.
(3)

Section 123.—
Section 123(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended in the first sentence by striking “Federal-aid system” and inserting “Federal-aid highway”.
(4)

Section 217.—
Section 217(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended in the subsection heading by striking “National Highway System” and inserting “National Highway Performance Program”.
(5)

Section 304.—
Section 304 of title 23, United States Code, is amended in the first sentence by striking “the Federal-aid highway systems” and inserting “Federal-aid highways”.
(6)

Section 317.—
Section 317(d) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “system” and inserting “highway”.
SEC. 1105.

APPORTIONMENT.
(a)

In General.—
Section 104 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 104.

Apportionment
“(a)

Administrative Expenses.
“(1)

In general.
There are authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to be made available to the Secretary for administrative expenses of the Federal Highway Administration—
“(A)
$454,180,326 for fiscal year 2013; and
“(B)
$440,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
“(2)

Purposes.
The amounts authorized to be appropriated by this subsection shall be used—
“(A)
to administer the provisions of law to be funded from appropriations for the Federal-aid highway program and programs authorized under chapter 2;
“(B)
to make transfers of such sums as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to the Appalachian Regional Commission for administrative activities associated with the Appalachian development highway system; and
“(C)
to reimburse, as appropriate, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Transportation for the conduct of annual audits of financial statements in accordance with section 3521 of title 31.
“(3)

Availability.
The amounts made available under paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.
“(b)

Division of State Apportionments Among Programs.
The Secretary shall distribute the amount apportioned to a State for a fiscal year under subsection (c) among the national highway performance program, the surface transportation program, the highway safety improvement program, and the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, and to carry out section 134 as follows:
“(1)

National highway performance program.
For the national highway performance program, 63.7 percent of the amount remaining after distributing amounts under paragraphs (4) and (5).
“(2)

Surface transportation program.
For the surface transportation program, 29.3 percent of the amount remaining after distributing amounts under paragraphs (4) and (5).
“(3)

Highway safety improvement program.
For the highway safety improvement program, 7 percent of the amount remaining after distributing amounts under paragraphs (4) and (5).
“(4)

Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program.
For the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, an amount determined by multiplying the amount determined for the State under subsection (c) by the proportion that—
“(A)
the amount apportioned to the State for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program for fiscal year 2009; bears to
“(B)
the total amount of funds apportioned to the State for that fiscal year for the programs referred to in section 105(a)(2) (except for the high priority projects program referred to in section 105(a)(2)(H)), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21.
“(5)

Metropolitan planning.
To carry out section 134, an amount determined by multiplying the amount determined for the State under subsection (c) by the proportion that—
“(A)
the amount apportioned to the State to carry out section 134 for fiscal year 2009; bears to
“(B)
the total amount of funds apportioned to the State for that fiscal year for the programs referred to in section 105(a)(2) (except for the high priority projects program referred to in section 105(a)(2)(H)), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21.
“(c)

Calculation of State Amounts.
“(1)

For fiscal year 2013.
“(A)

Calculation of amount.
For fiscal year 2013, the amount for each State of combined apportionments for the national highway performance program under section 119, the surface transportation program under section 133, the highway safety improvement program under section 148, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under section 149, and to carry out section 134 shall be equal to the combined amount of apportionments that the State received for fiscal year 2012.
“(B)

State apportionment.
On October 1 of such fiscal year, the Secretary shall apportion the sum authorized to be appropriated for expenditure on the national highway performance program under section 119, the surface transportation program under section 133, the highway safety improvement program under section 148, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under section 149, and to carry out section 134 in accordance with subparagraph (A).
“(2)

For fiscal year 2014.
“(A)

State share.
For fiscal year 2014, the amount for each State of combined apportionments for the national highway performance program under section 119, the surface transportation program under section 133, the highway safety improvement program under section 148, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under section 149, and to carry out section 134 shall be determined as follows:
“(i)

Initial amount.
The initial amount for each State shall be determined by multiplying the total amount available for apportionment by the share for each State which shall be equal to the proportion that—
“(I)
the amount of apportionments that the State received for fiscal year 2012; bears to
“(II)
the amount of those apportionments received by all States for that fiscal year.
“(ii)

Adjustments to amounts.
The initial amounts resulting from the calculation under clause (i) shall be adjusted to ensure that, for each State, the amount of combined apportionments for the programs shall not be less than 95 percent of the estimated tax payments attributable to highway users in the State paid into the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) in the most recent fiscal year for which data are available.
“(B)

State apportionment.
On October 1 of such fiscal year, the Secretary shall apportion the sum authorized to be appropriated for expenditure on the national highway performance program under section 119, the surface transportation program under section 133, the highway safety improvement program under section 148, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under section 149, and to carry out section 134 in accordance with subparagraph (A).
“(d)

Metropolitan Planning.
“(1)

Use of amounts.
“(A)

Use.
“(i)

In general.
Except as provided in clause (ii), the amounts apportioned to a State under subsection (b)(5) shall be made available by the State to the metropolitan planning organizations responsible for carrying out section 134 in the State.
“(ii)

States receiving minimum apportionment.
A State that received the minimum apportionment for use in carrying out section 134 for fiscal year 2009 may, subject to the approval of the Secretary, use the funds apportioned under subsection (b)(5) to fund transportation planning outside of urbanized areas.
“(B)

Unused funds.
Any funds that are not used to carry out section 134 may be made available by a metropolitan planning organization to the State to fund activities under section 135.
“(2)

Distribution of amounts within states.
“(A)

In general.
The distribution within any State of the planning funds made available to organizations under paragraph (1) shall be in accordance with a formula that—
“(i)
is developed by each State and approved by the Secretary; and
“(ii)
takes into consideration, at a minimum, population, status of planning, attainment of air quality standards, metropolitan area transportation needs, and other factors necessary to provide for an appropriate distribution of funds to carry out section 134 and other applicable requirements of Federal law.
“(B)

Reimbursement.
Not later than 15 business days after the date of receipt by a State of a request for reimbursement of expenditures made by a metropolitan planning organization for carrying out section 134, the State shall reimburse, from amounts distributed under this paragraph to the metropolitan planning organization by the State, the metropolitan planning organization for those expenditures.
“(3)

Determination of population figures.
For the purpose of determining population figures under this subsection, the Secretary shall use the latest available data from the decennial census conducted under section 141(a) of title 13, United States Code.
“(e)

Certification of Apportionments.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall—
“(A)
on October 1 of each fiscal year, certify to each of the State transportation departments the amount that has been apportioned to the State under this section for the fiscal year; and
“(B)
to permit the States to develop adequate plans for the use of amounts apportioned under this section, advise each State of the amount that will be apportioned to the State under this section for a fiscal year not later than 90 days before the beginning of the fiscal year for which the sums to be apportioned are authorized.
“(2)

Notice to states.
If the Secretary has not made an apportionment under this section for a fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1998, by not later than the date that is the twenty-first day of that fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit, by not later than that date, to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, a written statement of the reason for not making the apportionment in a timely manner.
“(3)

Apportionment calculations.
“(A)

In general.
The calculation of official apportionments of funds to the States under this title is a primary responsibility of the Department and shall be carried out only by employees (and not contractors) of the Department.
“(B)

Prohibition on use of funds to hire contractors.
None of the funds made available under this title shall be used to hire contractors to calculate the apportionments of funds to States.
“(f)

Transfer of Highway and Transit Funds.
“(1)

Transfer of highway funds for transit projects.
“(A)

In general.
Subject to subparagraph (B), amounts made available for transit projects or transportation planning under this title may be transferred to and administered by the Secretary in accordance with chapter 53 of title 49.
“(B)

Non-federal share.
The provisions of this title relating to the non-Federal share shall apply to the amounts transferred under subparagraph (A).
“(2)

Transfer of transit funds for highway projects.
“(A)

In general.
Subject to subparagraph (B), amounts made available for highway projects or transportation planning under chapter 53 of title 49 may be transferred to and administered by the Secretary in accordance with this title.
“(B)

Non-federal share.
The provisions of chapter 53 of title 49 relating to the non-Federal share shall apply to amounts transferred under subparagraph (A).
“(3)

Transfer of funds among states or to federal highway administration.
“(A)

In general.
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may, at the request of a State, transfer amounts apportioned or allocated under this title to the State to another State, or to the Federal Highway Administration, for the purpose of funding 1 or more projects that are eligible for assistance with amounts so apportioned or allocated.
“(B)

Apportionment.
The transfer shall have no effect on any apportionment of amounts to a State under this section.
“(C)

Funds suballocated to urbanized areas.
Amounts that are apportioned or allocated to a State under subsection (b)(3) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21) or subsection (b)(2) and attributed to an urbanized area of a State with a population of more than 200,000 individuals under section 133(d) may be transferred under this paragraph only if the metropolitan planning organization designated for the area concurs, in writing, with the transfer request.
“(4)

Transfer of obligation authority.
Obligation authority for amounts transferred under this subsection shall be transferred in the same manner and amount as the amounts for the projects that are transferred under this section.
“(g)

Report to Congress.
For each fiscal year, the Secretary shall make available to the public, in a user-friendly format via the Internet, a report that describes—
“(1)
the amount obligated, by each State, for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs during the preceding fiscal year;
“(2)
the balance, as of the last day of the preceding fiscal year, of the unobligated apportionment of each State by fiscal year under this section;
“(3)
the balance of unobligated sums available for expenditure at the discretion of the Secretary for such highways and programs for the fiscal year; and
“(4)
the rates of obligation of funds apportioned or set aside under this section, according to—
“(A)
program;
“(B)
funding category of subcategory;
“(C)
type of improvement;
“(D)
State; and
“(E)
sub-State geographical area, including urbanized and rural areas, on the basis of the population of each such area.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
Section 146(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “sections 104(b)(l) and 104(b)(3)” and inserting “section 104(b)(2)”.
SEC. 1106.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY PERFORMANCE PROGRAM.
(a)

In General.—
Section 119 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 119.

National highway performance program
“(a)

Establishment.
The Secretary shall establish and implement a national highway performance program under this section.
“(b)

Purposes.
The purposes of the national highway performance program shall be—
“(1)
to provide support for the condition and performance of the National Highway System;
“(2)
to provide support for the construction of new facilities on the National Highway System; and
“(3)
to ensure that investments of Federal-aid funds in highway construction are directed to support progress toward the achievement of performance targets established in an asset management plan of a State for the National Highway System.
“(c)

Eligible Facilities.
Except as provided in subsection (d), to be eligible for funding apportioned under section 104(b)(1) to carry out this section, a facility shall be located on the National Highway System, as defined in section 103.
“(d)

Eligible Projects.
Funds apportioned to a State to carry out the national highway performance program may be obligated only for a project on an eligible facility that is—
“(1)
(A)
a project or part of a program of projects supporting progress toward the achievement of national performance goals for improving infrastructure condition, safety, mobility, or freight movement on the National Highway System; and
“(B)
consistent with sections 134 and 135; and
“(2)
for 1 or more of the following purposes:
“(A)
Construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, preservation, or operational improvement of segments of the National Highway System.
“(B)
Construction, replacement (including replacement with fill material), rehabilitation, preservation, and protection (including scour countermeasures, seismic retrofits, impact protection measures, security countermeasures, and protection against extreme events) of bridges on the National Highway System.
“(C)
Construction, replacement (including replacement with fill material), rehabilitation, preservation, and protection (including impact protection measures, security countermeasures, and protection against extreme events) of tunnels on the National Highway System.
“(D)
Inspection and evaluation, as described in section 144, of bridges and tunnels on the National Highway System, and inspection and evaluation of other highway infrastructure assets on the National Highway System, including signs and sign structures, earth retaining walls, and drainage structures.
“(E)
Training of bridge and tunnel inspectors, as described in section 144.
“(F)
Construction, rehabilitation, or replacement of existing ferry boats and ferry boat facilities, including approaches, that connect road segments of the National Highway System.
“(G)
Construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation of, and operational improvements for, a Federal-aid highway not on the National Highway System, and construction of a transit project eligible for assistance under chapter 53 of title 49, if—
“(i)
the highway project or transit project is in the same corridor as, and in proximity to, a fully access-controlled highway designated as a part of the National Highway System;
“(ii)
the construction or improvements will reduce delays or produce travel time savings on the fully access-controlled highway described in clause (i) and improve regional traffic flow; and
“(iii)
the construction or improvements are more cost-effective, as determined by benefit-cost analysis, than an improvement to the fully access-controlled highway described in clause (i).
“(H)
Bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways in accordance with section 217.
“(I)
Highway safety improvements for segments of the National Highway System.
“(J)
Capital and operating costs for traffic and traveler information monitoring, management, and control facilities and programs.
“(K)
Development and implementation of a State asset management plan for the National Highway System in accordance with this section, including data collection, maintenance, and integration and the cost associated with obtaining, updating, and licensing software and equipment required for risk-based asset management and performance-based management.
“(L)
Infrastructure-based intelligent transportation systems capital improvements.
“(M)
Environmental restoration and pollution abatement in accordance with section 328.
“(N)
Control of noxious weeds and aquatic noxious weeds and establishment of native species in accordance with section 329.
“(O)
Environmental mitigation efforts related to projects funded under this section, as described in subsection (g).
“(P)
Construction of publicly owned intracity or intercity bus terminals servicing the National Highway System.
“(e)

State Performance Management.
“(1)

In general.
A State shall develop a risk-based asset management plan for the National Highway System to improve or preserve the condition of the assets and the performance of the system.
“(2)

Performance driven plan.
A State asset management plan shall include strategies leading to a program of projects that would make progress toward achievement of the State targets for asset condition and performance of the National Highway System in accordance with section 150(d) and supporting the progress toward the achievement of the national goals identified in section 150(b).
“(3)

Scope.
In developing a risk-based asset management plan, the Secretary shall encourage States to include all infrastructure assets within the right-of-way corridor in such plan.
“(4)

Plan contents.
A State asset management plan shall, at a minimum, be in a form that the Secretary determines to be appropriate and include—
“(A)
a summary listing of the pavement and bridge assets on the National Highway System in the State, including a description of the condition of those assets;
“(B)
asset management objectives and measures;
“(C)
performance gap identification;
“(D)
lifecycle cost and risk management analysis;
“(E)
a financial plan; and
“(F)
investment strategies.
“(5)

Requirement for plan.
Notwithstanding section 120, with respect to the second fiscal year beginning after the date of establishment of the process established in paragraph (8) or any subsequent fiscal year, if the Secretary determines that a State has not developed and implemented a State asset management plan consistent with this section, the Federal share payable on account of any project or activity carried out by the State in that fiscal year under this section shall be 65 percent.
“(6)

Certification of plan development process.
“(A)

In general.
Not later than 90 days after the date on which a State submits a request for approval of the process used by the State to develop the State asset management plan for the National Highway System, the Secretary shall—
“(i)
review the process; and
“(ii)
(I)
certify that the process meets the requirements established by the Secretary; or
“(II)
deny certification and specify actions necessary for the State to take to correct deficiencies in the State process.
“(B)

Recertification.
Not less frequently than once every 4 years, the Secretary shall review and recertify that the process used by a State to develop and maintain the State asset management plan for the National Highway System meets the requirements for the process, as established by the Secretary.
“(C)

Opportunity to cure.
If the Secretary denies certification under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall provide the State with—
“(i)
not less than 90 days to cure the deficiencies of the plan, during which time period all penalties and other legal impacts of a denial of certification shall be stayed; and
“(ii)
a written statement of the specific actions the Secretary determines to be necessary for the State to cure the plan.
“(7)

Performance achievement.
A State that does not achieve or make significant progress toward achieving the targets of the State for performance measures described in section 150(d) for the National Highway System for 2 consecutive reports submitted under this paragraph shall include in the next report submitted a description of the actions the State will undertake to achieve the targets.
“(8)

Process.
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, the Secretary shall, by regulation and in consultation with State departments of transportation, establish the process to develop the State asset management plan described in paragraph (1).
“(f)

Interstate System and NHS Bridge Conditions.
“(1)

Condition of interstate system.
“(A)

Penalty.
If, during 2 consecutive reporting periods, the condition of the Interstate System, excluding bridges on the Interstate System, in a State falls below the minimum condition level established by the Secretary under section 150(c)(3), the State shall be required, during the following fiscal year—
“(i)
to obligate, from the amounts apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(1), an amount that is not less than the amount of funds apportioned to the State for fiscal year 2009 under the Interstate maintenance program for the purposes described in this section (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21), except that for each year after fiscal year 2013, the amount required to be obligated under this clause shall be increased by 2 percent over the amount required to be obligated in the previous fiscal year; and
“(ii)
to transfer, from the amounts apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(2) (other than amounts suballocated to metropolitan areas and other areas of the State under section 133(d)) to the apportionment of the State under section 104(b)(1), an amount equal to 10 percent of the amount of funds apportioned to the State for fiscal year 2009 under the Interstate maintenance program for the purposes described in this section (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21).
“(B)

Restoration.
The obligation requirement for the Interstate System in a State required by subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year shall remain in effect for each subsequent fiscal year until such time as the condition of the Interstate System in the State exceeds the minimum condition level established by the Secretary.
“(2)

Condition of nhs bridges.
“(A)

Penalty.
If the Secretary determines that, for the 3-year-period preceding the date of the determination, more than 10 percent of the total deck area of bridges in the State on the National Highway System is located on bridges that have been classified as structurally deficient, an amount equal to 50 percent of funds apportioned to such State for fiscal year 2009 to carry out section 144 (as in effect the day before enactment of MAP-21) shall be set aside from amounts apportioned to a State for a fiscal year under section 104(b)(1) only for eligible projects on bridges on the National Highway System.
“(B)

Restoration.
The set-aside requirement for bridges on the National Highway System in a State under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year shall remain in effect for each subsequent fiscal year until such time as less than 10 percent of the total deck area of bridges in the State on the National Highway System is located on bridges that have been classified as structurally deficient, as determined by the Secretary.
“(g)

Environmental Mitigation.
“(1)

Eligible activities.
In accordance with all applicable Federal law (including regulations), environmental mitigation efforts referred to in subsection (d)(2)(O) include participation in natural habitat and wetlands mitigation efforts relating to projects funded under this title, which may include—
“(A)
participation in mitigation banking or other third-party mitigation arrangements, such as—
“(i)
the purchase of credits from commercial mitigation banks;
“(ii)
the establishment and management of agency-sponsored mitigation banks; and
“(iii)
the purchase of credits or establishment of in-lieu fee mitigation programs;
“(B)
contributions to statewide and regional efforts to conserve, restore, enhance, and create natural habitats and wetlands; and
“(C)
the development of statewide and regional environmental protection plans, including natural habitat and wetland conservation and restoration plans.
“(2)

Inclusion of other activities.
The banks, efforts, and plans described in paragraph (1) include any such banks, efforts, and plans developed in accordance with applicable law (including regulations).
“(3)

Terms and conditions.
The following terms and conditions apply to natural habitat and wetlands mitigation efforts under this subsection:
“(A)
Contributions to the mitigation effort may—
“(i)
take place concurrent with, or in advance of, commitment of funding under this title to a project or projects; and
“(ii)
occur in advance of project construction only if the efforts are consistent with all applicable requirements of Federal law (including regulations) and State transportation planning processes.
“(B)
Credits from any agency-sponsored mitigation bank that are attributable to funding under this section may be used only for projects funded under this title, unless the agency pays to the Secretary an amount equal to the Federal funds attributable to the mitigation bank credits the agency uses for purposes other than mitigation of a project funded under this title.
“(4)

Preference.
At the discretion of the project sponsor, preference shall be given, to the maximum extent practicable, to mitigating an environmental impact through the use of a mitigation bank, in-lieu fee, or other third-party mitigation arrangement, if the use of credits from the mitigation bank or in-lieu fee, or the other third-party mitigation arrangement for the project, is approved by the applicable Federal agency.”
.
(b)
[23 U.S.C. 119 note]

Transition Period.—
(1)

In general.—
Except as provided in paragraph (2), until such date as a State has in effect an approved asset management plan and has established performance targets as described in sections 119 and 150 of title 23, United States Code, that will contribute to achieving the national goals for the condition and performance of the National Highway System, but not later than 18 months after the date on which the Secretary promulgates the final regulation required under section 150(c) of that title, the Secretary shall approve obligations of funds apportioned to a State to carry out the national highway performance program under section 119 of that title, for projects that otherwise meet the requirements of that section.
(2)

Extension.—
The Secretary may extend the transition period for a State under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that the State has made a good faith effort to establish an asset management plan and performance targets referred to in that paragraph.
(c)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 119 and inserting the following:
“119. National highway performance program.”.
SEC. 1107.

EMERGENCY RELIEF.
Section 125 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 125.

Emergency relief
“(a)

In General.
Subject to this section and section 120, an emergency fund is authorized for expenditure by the Secretary for the repair or reconstruction of highways, roads, and trails, in any area of the United States, including Indian reservations, that the Secretary finds have suffered serious damage as a result of—
“(1)
a natural disaster over a wide area, such as by a flood, hurricane, tidal wave, earthquake, severe storm, or landslide; or
“(2)
catastrophic failure from any external cause.
“(b)

Restriction on Eligibility.
“(1)

Definition of construction phase.
In this subsection, the term ‘construction phase’ means the phase of physical construction of a highway or bridge facility that is separate from any other identified phases, such as planning, design, or right-of-way phases, in the State transportation improvement program.
“(2)

Restriction.
In no case shall funds be used under this section for the repair or reconstruction of a bridge—
“(A)
that has been permanently closed to all vehicular traffic by the State or responsible local official because of imminent danger of collapse due to a structural deficiency or physical deterioration; or
“(B)
if a construction phase of a replacement structure is included in the approved Statewide transportation improvement program at the time of an event described in subsection (a).
“(c)

Funding.
“(1)

In general.
Subject to the limitations described in paragraph (2), there are authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) such sums as are necessary to establish the fund authorized by this section and to replenish that fund on an annual basis.
“(2)

Limitations.
The limitations referred to in paragraph (1) are that—
“(A)
not more than $100,000,000 is authorized to be obligated in any 1 fiscal year commencing after September 30, 1980, to carry out this section, except that, if for any fiscal year the total of all obligations under this section is less than the amount authorized to be obligated for the fiscal year, the unobligated balance of that amount shall—
“(i)
remain available until expended; and
“(ii)
be in addition to amounts otherwise available to carry out this section for each year; and
“(B)
(i)
pending such appropriation or replenishment, the Secretary may obligate from any funds appropriated at any time for obligation in accordance with this title, including existing Federal-aid appropriations, such sums as are necessary for the immediate prosecution of the work herein authorized; and
“(ii)
funds obligated under this subparagraph shall be reimbursed from the appropriation or replenishment.
“(d)

Eligibility.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may expend funds from the emergency fund authorized by this section only for the repair or reconstruction of highways on Federal-aid highways in accordance with this chapter, except that—
“(A)
no funds shall be so expended unless an emergency has been declared by the Governor of the State with concurrence by the Secretary, unless the President has declared the emergency to be a major disaster for the purposes of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) for which concurrence of the Secretary is not required; and
“(B)
the Secretary has received an application from the State transportation department that includes a comprehensive list of all eligible project sites and repair costs by not later than 2 years after the natural disaster or catastrophic failure.
“(2)

Cost limitation.
“(A)

Definition of comparable facility.
In this paragraph, the term ‘comparable facility’ means a facility that meets the current geometric and construction standards required for the types and volume of traffic that the facility will carry over its design life.
“(B)

Limitation.
The total cost of a project funded under this section may not exceed the cost of repair or reconstruction of a comparable facility.
“(3)

Debris removal.
The costs of debris removal shall be an eligible expense under this section only for—
“(A)
an event not declared a major disaster or emergency by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.); or
“(B)
an event declared a major disaster or emergency by the President under that Act if the debris removal is not eligible for assistance under section 403, 407, or 502 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b, 5173, 5192).
“(4)

Territories.
The total obligations for projects under this section for any fiscal year in the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall not exceed $20,000,000.
“(5)

Substitute traffic.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, actual and necessary costs of maintenance and operation of ferryboats or additional transit service providing temporary substitute highway traffic service, less the amount of fares charged for comparable service, may be expended from the emergency fund authorized by this section for Federal-aid highways.
“(e)

Tribal Transportation Facilities, Federal Lands Transportation Facilities, and Public Roads on Federal Lands.
“(1)

Definition of open to public travel.
In this subsection, the term ‘open to public travel’ means, with respect to a road, that, except during scheduled periods, extreme weather conditions, or emergencies, the road is open to the general public for use with a standard passenger vehicle, without restrictive gates or prohibitive signs or regulations, other than for general traffic control or restrictions based on size, weight, or class of registration.
“(2)

Expenditure of funds.
Notwithstanding subsection (d)(1), the Secretary may expend funds from the emergency fund authorized by this section, independently or in cooperation with any other branch of the Federal Government, a State agency, a tribal government, an organization, or a person, for the repair or reconstruction of tribal transportation facilities, Federal lands transportation facilities, and other federally owned roads that are open to public travel, whether or not those facilities are Federal-aid highways.
“(3)

Reimbursement.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary may reimburse Federal and State agencies (including political subdivisions) for expenditures made for projects determined eligible under this section, including expenditures for emergency repairs made before a determination of eligibility.
“(B)

Transfers.
With respect to reimbursements described in subparagraph (A)—
“(i)
those reimbursements to Federal agencies and Indian tribal governments shall be transferred to the account from which the expenditure was made, or to a similar account that remains available for obligation; and
“(ii)
the budget authority associated with the expenditure shall be restored to the agency from which the authority was derived and shall be available for obligation until the end of the fiscal year following the year in which the transfer occurs.
“(f)

Treatment of Territories.
For purposes of this section, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall be considered to be States and parts of the United States, and the chief executive officer of each such territory shall be considered to be a Governor of a State.
“(g)

Protecting Public Safety and Maintaining Roadways.
The Secretary may use not more than 5 percent of amounts from the emergency fund authorized by this section to carry out projects that the Secretary determines are necessary to protect the public safety or to maintain or protect roadways that are included within the scope of an emergency declaration by the Governor of the State or by the President, in accordance with this section, and the Governor deems to be an ongoing concern in order to maintain vehicular traffic on the roadway.”
.
SEC. 1108.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM.
(a)

Eligible Projects.—
Section 133(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking “section 104(b)(3)” and inserting “section 104(b)(2)”;
(2)
by striking paragraph (1);
(3)
by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (15) as paragraphs (5) through (18), respectively;
(4)
by inserting before paragraph (5) (as so redesignated) the following:
“(1)
Construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, restoration, preservation, or operational improvements for highways, including construction of designated routes of the Appalachian development highway system and local access roads under section 14501 of title 40.
“(2)
Replacement (including replacement with fill material), rehabilitation, preservation, protection (including painting, scour countermeasures, seismic retrofits, impact protection measures, security countermeasures, and protection against extreme events) and application of calcium magnesium acetate, sodium acetate/formate, or other environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti-icing and deicing compositions for bridges (and approaches to bridges and other elevated structures) and tunnels on public roads of all functional classifications, including any such construction or reconstruction necessary to accommodate other transportation modes.
“(3)
Construction of a new bridge or tunnel at a new location on a Federal-aid highway.
“(4)
Inspection and evaluation of bridges and tunnels and training of bridge and tunnel inspectors (as defined in section 144), and inspection and evaluation of other highway assets (including signs, retaining walls, and drainage structures).”
;
(5)
by striking paragraph (6) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following:
“(6)
Carpool projects, fringe and corridor parking facilities and programs, including electric vehicle and natural gas vehicle infrastructure in accordance with section 137, bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways in accordance with section 217, and the modifications of public sidewalks to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).”
;
(6)
by striking paragraph (7) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following:
“(7)
Highway and transit safety infrastructure improvements and programs, installation of safety barriers and nets on bridges, hazard eliminations, projects to mitigate hazards caused by wildlife, and railway-highway grade crossings.”
;
(7)
in paragraph (11) (as so redesignated) by striking “enhancement activities” and inserting “alternatives”;
(8)
by striking paragraph (14) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following:
“(14)
Environmental mitigation efforts relating to projects funded under this title in the same manner and to the same extent as such activities are eligible under section 119(g).”
; and
(9)
by inserting after paragraph (18) (as so redesignated) the following:
“(19)
Projects and strategies designed to support congestion pricing, including electric toll collection and travel demand management strategies and programs.
“(20)
Recreational trails projects eligible for funding under section 206.
“(21)
Construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities eligible for funding under section 129(c).
“(22)
Border infrastructure projects eligible for funding under section 1303 of the SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 101 note; Public Law 109-59).
“(23)
Truck parking facilities eligible for funding under section 1401 of the MAP-21.
“(24)
Development and implementation of a State asset management plan for the National Highway System in accordance with section 119, including data collection, maintenance, and integration and the costs associated with obtaining, updating, and licensing software and equipment required for risk based asset management and performance based management, and for similar activities related to the development and implementation of a performance based management program for other public roads.
“(25)
A project that, if located within the boundaries of a port terminal, includes only such surface transportation infrastructure modifications as are necessary to facilitate direct intermodal interchange, transfer, and access into and out of the port.
“(26)
Construction and operational improvements for any minor collector if—
“(A)
the minor collector, and the project to be carried out with respect to the minor collector, are in the same corridor as, and in proximity to, a Federal-aid highway designated as part of the National Highway System;
“(B)
the construction or improvements will enhance the level of service on the Federal-aid highway described in subparagraph (A) and improve regional traffic flow; and
“(C)
the construction or improvements are more cost-effective, as determined by a benefit-cost analysis, than an improvement to the Federal-aid highway described in subparagraph (A).”
.
(b)

Location of Projects.—
Section 133 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
“(c)

Location of Projects.
Surface transportation program projects may not be undertaken on roads functionally classified as local or rural minor collectors unless the roads were on a Federal-aid highway system on January 1, 1991, except—
“(1)
as provided in subsection (g);
“(2)
for projects described in paragraphs (2), (4), (6), (7), (11), (20), (25), and (26) of subsection (b); and
“(3)
as approved by the Secretary.”
.
(c)

Allocation of Apportioned Funds.—
Section 133 of the title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
“(d)

Allocations of Apportioned Funds to Areas Based on Population.
“(1)

Calculation.
Of the funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(2)—
“(A)
50 percent for a fiscal year shall be obligated under this section, in proportion to their relative shares of the population of the State—
“(i)
in urbanized areas of the State with an urbanized area population of over 200,000;
“(ii)
in areas of the State other than urban areas with a population greater than 5,000; and
“(iii)
in other areas of the State; and
“(B)
50 percent may be obligated in any area of the State.
“(2)

Metropolitan areas.
Funds attributed to an urbanized area under paragraph (1)(A)(i) may be obligated in the metropolitan area established under section 134 that encompasses the urbanized area.
“(3)

Consultation with regional transportation planning organizations.
For purposes of paragraph (1)(A)(ii), before obligating funding attributed to an area with a population greater than 5,000 and less than 200,000, a State shall consult with the regional transportation planning organizations that represent the area, if any.
“(4)

Distribution among urbanized areas of over 200,000 population.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amount of funds that a State is required to obligate under paragraph (1)(A)(i) shall be obligated in urbanized areas described in paragraph (1)(A)(i) based on the relative population of the areas.
“(B)

Other factors.
The State may obligate the funds described in subparagraph (A) based on other factors if the State and the relevant metropolitan planning organizations jointly apply to the Secretary for the permission to base the obligation on other factors and the Secretary grants the request.
“(5)

Applicability of planning requirements.
Programming and expenditure of funds for projects under this section shall be consistent with sections 134 and 135.”
.
(d)

Administration.—
Section 133 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
“(e)

Administration.
“(1)

Submission of project agreement.
For each fiscal year, each State shall submit a project agreement that—
“(A)
certifies that the State will meet all the requirements of this section; and
“(B)
notifies the Secretary of the amount of obligations needed to carry out the program under this section.
“(2)

Request for adjustments of amounts.
Each State shall request from the Secretary such adjustments to the amount of obligations referred to in paragraph (1)(B) as the State determines to be necessary.
“(3)

Effect of approval by the secretary.
Approval by the Secretary of a project agreement under paragraph (1) shall be deemed a contractual obligation of the United States to pay surface transportation program funds made available under this title.”
.
(e)

Obligation Authority.—
Section 133(f)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “2004 through 2006 and the period of fiscal years 2007 through 2009” and inserting “2011 through 2014”.
(f)

Bridges Not on Federal-aid Highways.—
Section 133 of the title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(g)

Bridges Not on Federal-aid Highways.
“(1)

Definition of off-system bridge.
In this subsection, the term ‘off-system bridge’ means a highway bridge located on a public road, other than a bridge on a Federal-aid highway.
“(2)

Special rule.
“(A)

Set-aside.
Of the amounts apportioned to a State for fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year thereafter under this section, the State shall obligate for activities described in subsection (b)(2) for off-system bridges an amount that is not less than 15 percent of the amount of funds apportioned to the State for the highway bridge program for fiscal year 2009, except that amounts allocated under subsection (d) shall not be obligated to carry out this subsection.
“(B)

Reduction of expenditures.
The Secretary, after consultation with State and local officials, may reduce the requirement for expenditures for off-system bridges under subparagraph (A) with respect to the State if the Secretary determines that the State has inadequate needs to justify the expenditure.
“(3)

Credit for bridges not on federal-aid highways.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, with respect to any project not on a Federal-aid highway for the replacement of a bridge or rehabilitation of a bridge that is wholly funded from State and local sources, is eligible for Federal funds under this section, is noncontroversial, is certified by the State to have been carried out in accordance with all standards applicable to such projects under this section, and is determined by the Secretary upon completion to be no longer a deficient bridge—
“(A)
any amount expended after the date of enactment of this subsection from State and local sources for the project in excess of 20 percent of the cost of construction of the project may be credited to the non-Federal share of the cost of other bridge projects in the State that are eligible for Federal funds under this section; and
“(B)
that crediting shall be conducted in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary.
“(h)

Special Rule for Areas of Less Than 5,000 Population.
“(1)

Special rule.
Notwithstanding subsection (c), and except as provided in paragraph (2), up to 15 percent of the amounts required to be obligated by a State under subsection (d)(1)(A)(iii) for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2014 may be obligated on roads functionally classified as minor collectors.
“(2)

Suspension.
The Secretary may suspend the application of paragraph (1) with respect to a State if the Secretary determines that the authority provided under paragraph (1) is being used excessively by the State.”
.
SEC. 1109.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
(a)

On-the-job Training.—
Section 140(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the second sentence, by striking “Whenever apportionments are made under section 104(b)(3) of this title,” and inserting “From administrative funds made available under section 104(a),”; and
(2)
in the fifth sentence, by striking “and the bridge program under section 144”.
(b)

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.—
Section 140(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended in the second sentence by striking “Whenever apportionments are made under section 104(b)(3),” and inserting “From administrative funds made available under section 104(a),”.
SEC. 1110.

HIGHWAY USE TAX EVASION PROJECTS.
Section 143 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
“(2)

Funding.
“(A)

In general.
From administrative funds made available under section 104(a), the Secretary shall deduct such sums as are necessary, not to exceed $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014, to carry out this section.
“(B)

Allocation of funds.
Funds made available to carry out this section may be allocated to the Internal Revenue Service and the States at the discretion of the Secretary, except that of funds so made available for each fiscal year, $2,000,000 shall be available only to carry out intergovernmental enforcement efforts, including research and training.”
; and
(B)
in paragraph (8) by striking “section 104(b)(3)” and inserting “section 104(b)(2)”; and
(2)
in subsection (c)(3) by striking “for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009,” and inserting “for each fiscal year,”.
SEC. 1111.

NATIONAL BRIDGE AND TUNNEL INVENTORY AND INSPECTION STANDARDS.
(a)

In General.—
Section 144 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 144.

National bridge and tunnel inventory and inspection standards
“(a)

Findings and Declarations.
“(1)

Findings.
Congress finds that—
“(A)
the condition of the bridges of the United States has improved since the date of enactment of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (Public Law 105-178; 112 Stat. 107), yet continued improvement to bridge conditions is essential to protect the safety of the traveling public and allow for the efficient movement of people and goods on which the economy of the United States relies; and
“(B)
the systematic preventative maintenance of bridges, and replacement and rehabilitation of deficient bridges, should be undertaken through an overall asset management approach to transportation investment.
“(2)

Declarations.
Congress declares that it is in the vital interest of the United States—
“(A)
to inventory, inspect, and improve the condition of the highway bridges and tunnels of the United States;
“(B)
to use a data-driven, risk-based approach and cost-effective strategy for systematic preventative maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation of highway bridges and tunnels to ensure safety and extended service life;
“(C)
to use performance-based bridge management systems to assist States in making timely investments;
“(D)
to ensure accountability and link performance outcomes to investment decisions; and
“(E)
to ensure connectivity and access for residents of rural areas of the United States through strategic investments in National Highway System bridges and bridges on all public roads.
“(b)

National Bridge and Tunnel Inventories.
The Secretary, in consultation with the States and Federal agencies with jurisdiction over highway bridges and tunnels, shall—
“(1)
inventory all highway bridges on public roads, on and off Federal-aid highways, including tribally owned and Federally owned bridges, that are bridges over waterways, other topographical barriers, other highways, and railroads;
“(2)
inventory all tunnels on public roads, on and off Federal-aid highways, including tribally owned and Federally owned tunnels;
“(3)
classify the bridges according to serviceability, safety, and essentiality for public use, including the potential impacts to emergency evacuation routes and to regional and national freight and passenger mobility if the serviceability of the bridge is restricted or diminished;
“(4)
based on that classification, assign each a risk-based priority for systematic preventative maintenance, replacement, or rehabilitation; and
“(5)
determine the cost of replacing each structurally deficient bridge identified under this subsection with a comparable facility or the cost of rehabilitating the bridge.
“(c)

General Bridge Authority.
“(1)

In general.
Except as provided in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the General Bridge Act of 1946 (33 U.S.C. 525 et seq.) shall apply to bridges authorized to be replaced, in whole or in part, by this title.
“(2)

Exception.
Section 502(b) of the General Bridge Act of 1946 (33 U.S.C. 525(b)) and section 9 of the Act of March 3, 1899 (33 U.S.C. 401), shall not apply to any bridge constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated, or replaced with assistance under this title, if the bridge is over waters that—
“(A)
are not used and are not susceptible to use in the natural condition of the bridge or by reasonable improvement as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce; and
“(B)
are—
“(i)
not tidal; or
“(ii)
if tidal, used only by recreational boating, fishing, and other small vessels that are less than 21 feet in length.
“(d)

Inventory Updates and Reports.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall—
“(A)
annually revise the inventories authorized by subsection (b); and
“(B)
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the inventories.
“(2)

Inspection report.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, each State and appropriate Federal agency shall report element level data to the Secretary, as each bridge is inspected pursuant to this section, for all highway bridges on the National Highway System.
“(3)

Guidance.
The Secretary shall provide guidance to States and Federal agencies for implementation of this subsection, while respecting the existing inspection schedule of each State.
“(4)

Bridges not on national highway system.
The Secretary shall—
“(A)
conduct a study on the benefits, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility of requiring element-level data collection for bridges not on the National Highway System; and
“(B)
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the results of the study.
“(e)

Bridges Without Taxing Powers.
“(1)

In general.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any bridge that is owned and operated by an agency that does not have taxing powers and whose functions include operating a federally assisted public transit system subsidized by toll revenues shall be eligible for assistance under this title, but the amount of such assistance shall in no event exceed the cumulative amount which such agency has expended for capital and operating costs to subsidize such transit system.
“(2)

Insufficient assets.
Before authorizing an expenditure of funds under this subsection, the Secretary shall determine that the applicant agency has insufficient reserves, surpluses, and projected revenues (over and above those required for bridge and transit capital and operating costs) to fund the bridge project or activity eligible for assistance under this title.
“(3)

Crediting of non-federal funds.
Any non-Federal funds expended for the seismic retrofit of the bridge may be credited toward the non-Federal share required as a condition of receipt of any Federal funds for seismic retrofit of the bridge made available after the date of the expenditure.
“(f)

Replacement of Destroyed Bridges and Ferry Boat Service.
“(1)

In general.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a State may use the funds apportioned under section 104(b)(2) to construct any bridge that replaces—
“(A)
any low water crossing (regardless of the length of the low water crossing);
“(B)
any bridge that was destroyed prior to January 1, 1965;
“(C)
any ferry that was in existence on January 1, 1984; or
“(D)
any road bridge that is rendered obsolete as a result of a Corps of Engineers flood control or channelization project and is not rebuilt with funds from the Corps of Engineers.
“(2)

Federal share.
The Federal share payable on any bridge construction carried out under paragraph (1) shall be 80 percent of the cost of the construction.
“(g)

Historic Bridges.
“(1)

Definition of historic bridge.
In this subsection, the term ‘historic bridge’ means any bridge that is listed on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places.
“(2)

Coordination.
The Secretary shall, in cooperation with the States, encourage the retention, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, and future study of historic bridges.
“(3)

State inventory.
The Secretary shall require each State to complete an inventory of all bridges on and off Federal-aid highways to determine the historic significance of the bridges.
“(4)

Eligibility.
“(A)

In general.
Subject to subparagraph (B), reasonable costs associated with actions to preserve, or reduce the impact of a project under this chapter on, the historic integrity of a historic bridge shall be eligible as reimbursable project costs under section 133 if the load capacity and safety features of the historic bridge are adequate to serve the intended use for the life of the historic bridge.
“(B)

Bridges not used for vehicle traffic.
In the case of a historic bridge that is no longer used for motorized vehicular traffic, the costs eligible as reimbursable project costs pursuant to this chapter shall not exceed the estimated cost of demolition of the historic bridge.
“(5)

Preservation.
Any State that proposes to demolish a historic bridge for a replacement project with funds made available to carry out this section shall first make the historic bridge available for donation to a State, locality, or responsible private entity if the State, locality, or responsible entity enters into an agreement—
“(A)
to maintain the bridge and the features that give the historic bridge its historic significance; and
“(B)
to assume all future legal and financial responsibility for the historic bridge, which may include an agreement to hold the State transportation department harmless in any liability action.
“(6)

Costs incurred.
“(A)

In general.
Costs incurred by the State to preserve a historic bridge (including funds made available to the State, locality, or private entity to enable it to accept the bridge) shall be eligible as reimbursable project costs under this chapter in an amount not to exceed the cost of demolition.
“(B)

Additional funding.
Any bridge preserved pursuant to this paragraph shall not be eligible for any other funds authorized pursuant to this title.
“(h)

National Bridge and Tunnel Inspection Standards.
“(1)

Requirement.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall establish and maintain inspection standards for the proper inspection and evaluation of all highway bridges and tunnels for safety and serviceability.
“(B)

Uniformity.
The standards under this subsection shall be designed to ensure uniformity of the inspections and evaluations.
“(2)

Minimum requirements of inspection standards.
The standards established under paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum—
“(A)
specify, in detail, the method by which the inspections shall be carried out by the States, Federal agencies, and tribal governments;
“(B)
establish the maximum time period between inspections;
“(C)
establish the qualifications for those charged with carrying out the inspections;
“(D)
require each State, Federal agency, and tribal government to maintain and make available to the Secretary on request—
“(i)
written reports on the results of highway bridge and tunnel inspections and notations of any action taken pursuant to the findings of the inspections; and
“(ii)
current inventory data for all highway bridges and tunnels reflecting the findings of the most recent highway bridge and tunnel inspections conducted; and
“(E)
establish a procedure for national certification of highway bridge inspectors and tunnel inspectors.
“(3)

State compliance with inspection standards.
The Secretary shall, at a minimum—
“(A)
establish, in consultation with the States, Federal agencies, and interested and knowledgeable private organizations and individuals, procedures to conduct reviews of State compliance with—
“(i)
the standards established under this subsection; and
“(ii)
the calculation or reevaluation of bridge load ratings; and
“(B)
establish, in consultation with the States, Federal agencies, and interested and knowledgeable private organizations and individuals, procedures for States to follow in reporting to the Secretary—
“(i)
critical findings relating to structural or safety-related deficiencies of highway bridges and tunnels; and
“(ii)
monitoring activities and corrective actions taken in response to a critical finding described in clause (i).
“(4)

Reviews of state compliance.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall annually review State compliance with the standards established under this section.
“(B)

Noncompliance.
If an annual review in accordance with subparagraph (A) identifies noncompliance by a State, the Secretary shall—
“(i)
issue a report detailing the issues of the noncompliance by December 31 of the calendar year in which the review was made; and
“(ii)
provide the State an opportunity to address the noncompliance by—
“(I)
developing a corrective action plan to remedy the noncompliance; or
“(II)
resolving the issues of noncompliance not later than 45 days after the date of notification.
“(5)

Penalty for noncompliance.
“(A)

In general.
If a State fails to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (4)(B) by August 1 of the calendar year following the year of a finding of noncompliance, the Secretary shall, on October 1 of that year, and each year thereafter as may be necessary, require the State to dedicate funds apportioned to the State under sections 119 and 133 after the date of enactment of the MAP-21 to correct the noncompliance with the minimum inspection standards established under this subsection.
“(B)

Amount.
The amount of the funds to be directed to correcting noncompliance in accordance with subparagraph (A) shall—
“(i)
be determined by the State based on an analysis of the actions needed to address the noncompliance; and
“(ii)
require approval by the Secretary.
“(6)

Update of standards.
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, the Secretary shall update inspection standards to cover—
“(A)
the methodology, training, and qualifications for inspectors; and
“(B)
the frequency of inspection.
“(7)

Risk-based approach.
In carrying out the revisions required by paragraph (6), the Secretary shall consider a risk-based approach to determining the frequency of bridge inspections.
“(i)

Training Program for Bridge and Tunnel Inspectors.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary, in cooperation with the State transportation departments, shall maintain a program designed to train appropriate personnel to carry out highway bridge and tunnel inspections.
“(2)

Revisions.
The training program shall be revised from time to time to take into account new and improved techniques.
“(j)

Availability of Funds.
In carrying out this section—
“(1)
the Secretary may use funds made available to the Secretary under sections 104(a) and 503;
“(2)
a State may use amounts apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(1) and 104(b)(3);
“(3)
an Indian tribe may use funds made available to the Indian tribe under section 202; and
“(4)
a Federal agency may use funds made available to the agency under section 503.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 144 and inserting the following:
“144. National bridge and tunnel inventory and inspection standards.”.
SEC. 1112.

HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a)

In General.—
Section 148 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 148.

Highway safety improvement program
“(a)

Definitions.
In this section, the following definitions apply:
“(1)

High risk rural road.
The term ‘high risk rural road’ means any roadway functionally classified as a rural major or minor collector or a rural local road with significant safety risks, as defined by a State in accordance with an updated State strategic highway safety plan.
“(2)

Highway basemap.
The term ‘highway basemap’ means a representation of all public roads that can be used to geolocate attribute data on a roadway.
“(3)

Highway safety improvement program.
The term ‘highway safety improvement program’ means projects, activities, plans, and reports carried out under this section.
“(4)

Highway safety improvement project.
“(A)

In general.
The term ‘highway safety improvement project’ means strategies, activities, and projects on a public road that are consistent with a State strategic highway safety plan and—
“(i)
correct or improve a hazardous road location or feature; or
“(ii)
address a highway safety problem.
“(B)

Inclusions.
The term ‘highway safety improvement project’ includes, but is not limited to, a project for 1 or more of the following:
“(i)
An intersection safety improvement.
“(ii)
Pavement and shoulder widening (including addition of a passing lane to remedy an unsafe condition).
“(iii)
Installation of rumble strips or another warning device, if the rumble strips or other warning devices do not adversely affect the safety or mobility of bicyclists and pedestrians, including persons with disabilities.
“(iv)
Installation of a skid-resistant surface at an intersection or other location with a high frequency of crashes.
“(v)
An improvement for pedestrian or bicyclist safety or safety of persons with disabilities.
“(vi)
Construction and improvement of a railway-highway grade crossing safety feature, including installation of protective devices.
“(vii)
The conduct of a model traffic enforcement activity at a railway-highway crossing.
“(viii)
Construction of a traffic calming feature.
“(ix)
Elimination of a roadside hazard.
“(x)
Installation, replacement, and other improvement of highway signage and pavement markings, or a project to maintain minimum levels of retroreflectivity, that addresses a highway safety problem consistent with a State strategic highway safety plan.
“(xi)
Installation of a priority control system for emergency vehicles at signalized intersections.
“(xii)
Installation of a traffic control or other warning device at a location with high crash potential.
“(xiii)
Transportation safety planning.
“(xiv)
Collection, analysis, and improvement of safety data.
“(xv)
Planning integrated interoperable emergency communications equipment, operational activities, or traffic enforcement activities (including police assistance) relating to work zone safety.
“(xvi)
Installation of guardrails, barriers (including barriers between construction work zones and traffic lanes for the safety of road users and workers), and crash attenuators.
“(xvii)
The addition or retrofitting of structures or other measures to eliminate or reduce crashes involving vehicles and wildlife.
“(xviii)
Installation of yellow-green signs and signals at pedestrian and bicycle crossings and in school zones.
“(xix)
Construction and operational improvements on high risk rural roads.
“(xx)
Geometric improvements to a road for safety purposes that improve safety.
“(xxi)
A road safety audit.
“(xxii)
Roadway safety infrastructure improvements consistent with the recommendations included in the publication of the Federal Highway Administration entitled ‘Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians’ (FHWA-RD-01-103), dated May 2001 or as subsequently revised and updated.
“(xxiii)
Truck parking facilities eligible for funding under section 1401 of the MAP-21.
“(xxiv)
Systemic safety improvements.
“(5)

Model inventory of roadway elements.
The term ‘model inventory of roadway elements’ means the listing and standardized coding by the Federal Highway Administration of roadway and traffic data elements critical to safety management, analysis, and decisionmaking.
“(6)

Project to maintain minimum levels of retroreflectivity.
The term ‘project to maintain minimum levels of retroreflectivity’ means a project that is designed to maintain a highway sign or pavement marking retroreflectivity at or above the minimum levels prescribed in Federal or State regulations.
“(7)

Road safety audit.
The term ‘road safety audit’ means a formal safety performance examination of an existing or future road or intersection by an independent multidisciplinary audit team.
“(8)

Road users.
The term ‘road user’ means a motorist, passenger, public transportation operator or user, truck driver, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian, including a person with disabilities.
“(9)

Safety data.
“(A)

In general.
The term ‘safety data’ means crash, roadway, and traffic data on a public road.
“(B)

Inclusion.
The term ‘safety data’ includes, in the case of a railway-highway grade crossing, the characteristics of highway and train traffic, licensing, and vehicle data.
“(10)

Safety project under any other section.
“(A)

In general.
The term ‘safety project under any other section’ means a project carried out for the purpose of safety under any other section of this title.
“(B)

Inclusion.
The term ‘safety project under any other section’ includes—
“(i)
a project consistent with the State strategic highway safety plan that promotes the awareness of the public and educates the public concerning highway safety matters (including motorcycle safety);
“(ii)
a project to enforce highway safety laws; and
“(iii)
a project to provide infrastructure and infrastructure-related equipment to support emergency services.
“(11)

State highway safety improvement program.
The term ‘State highway safety improvement program’ means a program of highway safety improvement projects, activities, plans and reports carried out as part of the Statewide transportation improvement program under section 135(g).
“(12)

State strategic highway safety plan.
The term ‘State strategic highway safety plan’ means a comprehensive plan, based on safety data, developed by a State transportation department that—
“(A)
is developed after consultation with—
“(i)
a highway safety representative of the Governor of the State;
“(ii)
regional transportation planning organizations and metropolitan planning organizations, if any;
“(iii)
representatives of major modes of transportation;
“(iv)
State and local traffic enforcement officials;
“(v)
a highway-rail grade crossing safety representative of the Governor of the State;
“(vi)
representatives conducting a motor carrier safety program under section 31102, 31106, or 31309 of title 49;
“(vii)
motor vehicle administration agencies;
“(viii)
county transportation officials;
“(ix)
State representatives of nonmotorized users; and
“(x)
other major Federal, State, tribal, and local safety stakeholders;
“(B)
analyzes and makes effective use of State, regional, local, or tribal safety data;
“(C)
addresses engineering, management, operation, education, enforcement, and emergency services elements (including integrated, interoperable emergency communications) of highway safety as key factors in evaluating highway projects;
“(D)
considers safety needs of, and high-fatality segments of, all public roads, including non-State-owned public roads and roads on tribal land;
“(E)
considers the results of State, regional, or local transportation and highway safety planning processes;
“(F)
describes a program of strategies to reduce or eliminate safety hazards;
“(G)
is approved by the Governor of the State or a responsible State agency;
“(H)
is consistent with section 135(g); and
“(I)
is updated and submitted to the Secretary for approval as required under subsection (d)(2).
“(13)

Systemic safety improvement.
The term ‘systemic safety improvement’ means an improvement that is widely implemented based on high-risk roadway features that are correlated with particular crash types, rather than crash frequency.
“(b)

Program.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall carry out a highway safety improvement program.
“(2)

Purpose.
The purpose of the highway safety improvement program shall be to achieve a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads, including non-State-owned public roads and roads on tribal land.
“(c)

Eligibility.
“(1)

In general.
To obligate funds apportioned under section 104(b)(3) to carry out this section, a State shall have in effect a State highway safety improvement program under which the State—
“(A)
develops, implements, and updates a State strategic highway safety plan that identifies and analyzes highway safety problems and opportunities as provided in subsections (a)(12) and (d);
“(B)
produces a program of projects or strategies to reduce identified safety problems; and
“(C)
evaluates the strategic highway safety plan on a regularly recurring basis in accordance with subsection (d)(1) to ensure the accuracy of the data and priority of proposed strategies.
“(2)

Identification and analysis of highway safety problems and opportunities.
As part of the State highway safety improvement program, a State shall—
“(A)
have in place a safety data system with the ability to perform safety problem identification and countermeasure analysis—
“(i)
to improve the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, uniformity, integration, and accessibility of the safety data on all public roads, including non-State-owned public roads and roads on tribal land in the State;
“(ii)
to evaluate the effectiveness of data improvement efforts;
“(iii)
to link State data systems, including traffic records, with other data systems within the State;
“(iv)
to improve the compatibility and interoperability of safety data with other State transportation-related data systems and the compatibility and interoperability of State safety data systems with data systems of other States and national data systems;
“(v)
to enhance the ability of the Secretary to observe and analyze national trends in crash occurrences, rates, outcomes, and circumstances; and
“(vi)
to improve the collection of data on nonmotorized crashes;
“(B)
based on the analysis required by subparagraph (A)—
“(i)
identify hazardous locations, sections, and elements (including roadside obstacles, railway-highway crossing needs, and unmarked or poorly marked roads) that constitute a danger to motorists (including motorcyclists), bicyclists, pedestrians, and other highway users;
“(ii)
using such criteria as the State determines to be appropriate, establish the relative severity of those locations, in terms of crashes (including crash rates), fatalities, serious injuries, traffic volume levels, and other relevant data;
“(iii)
identify the number of fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads by location in the State;
“(iv)
identify highway safety improvement projects on the basis of crash experience, crash potential, crash rate, or other data-supported means; and
“(v)
consider which projects maximize opportunities to advance safety;
“(C)
adopt strategic and performance-based goals that—
“(i)
address traffic safety, including behavioral and infrastructure problems and opportunities on all public roads;
“(ii)
focus resources on areas of greatest need; and
“(iii)
are coordinated with other State highway safety programs;
“(D)
advance the capabilities of the State for safety data collection, analysis, and integration in a manner that—
“(i)
complements the State highway safety program under chapter 4 and the commercial vehicle safety plan under section 31102 of title 49;
“(ii)
includes all public roads, including public non-State-owned roads and roads on tribal land;
“(iii)
identifies hazardous locations, sections, and elements on all public roads that constitute a danger to motorists (including motorcyclists), bicyclists, pedestrians, persons with disabilities, and other highway users;
“(iv)
includes a means of identifying the relative severity of hazardous locations described in clause (iii) in terms of crashes (including crash rate), serious injuries, fatalities, and traffic volume levels; and
“(v)
improves the ability of the State to identify the number of fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads in the State with a breakdown by functional classification and ownership in the State;
“(E)
(i)
determine priorities for the correction of hazardous road locations, sections, and elements (including railway-highway crossing improvements), as identified through safety data analysis;
“(ii)
identify opportunities for preventing the development of such hazardous conditions; and
“(iii)
establish and implement a schedule of highway safety improvement projects for hazard correction and hazard prevention; and
“(F)
(i)
establish an evaluation process to analyze and assess results achieved by highway safety improvement projects carried out in accordance with procedures and criteria established by this section; and
“(ii)
use the information obtained under clause (i) in setting priorities for highway safety improvement projects.
“(d)

Updates to Strategic Highway Safety Plans.
“(1)

Establishment of requirements.
“(A)

In general.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, the Secretary shall establish requirements for regularly recurring State updates of strategic highway safety plans.
“(B)

Contents of updated strategic highway safety plans.
In establishing requirements under this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that States take into consideration, with respect to updated strategic highway safety plans—
“(i)
the findings of road safety audits;
“(ii)
the locations of fatalities and serious injuries;
“(iii)
the locations that do not have an empirical history of fatalities and serious injuries, but possess risk factors for potential crashes;
“(iv)
rural roads, including all public roads, commensurate with fatality data;
“(v)
motor vehicle crashes that include fatalities or serious injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists;
“(vi)
the cost-effectiveness of improvements;
“(vii)
improvements to rail-highway grade crossings; and
“(viii)
safety on all public roads, including non-State-owned public roads and roads on tribal land.
“(2)

Approval of updated strategic highway safety plans.
“(A)

In general.
Each State shall—
“(i)
update the strategic highway safety plans of the State in accordance with the requirements established by the Secretary under this subsection; and
“(ii)
submit the updated plans to the Secretary, along with a detailed description of the process used to update the plan.
“(B)

Requirements for approval.
The Secretary shall not approve the process for an updated strategic highway safety plan unless—
“(i)
the updated strategic highway safety plan is consistent with the requirements of this subsection and subsection (a)(12); and
“(ii)
the process used is consistent with the requirements of this subsection.
“(3)

Penalty for failure to have an approved updated strategic highway safety plan.
If a State does not have an updated strategic highway safety plan with a process approved by the Secretary by August 1 of the fiscal year beginning after the date of establishment of the requirements under paragraph (1), the State shall not be eligible to receive any additional limitation pursuant to the redistribution of the limitation on obligations for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs that occurs after August 1 for each succeeding fiscal year until the fiscal year during which the plan is approved.
“(e)

Eligible Projects.
“(1)

In general.
Funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(3) may be obligated to carry out—
“(A)
any highway safety improvement project on any public road or publicly owned bicycle or pedestrian pathway or trail;
“(B)
as provided in subsection (g); or
“(C)
any project to maintain minimum levels of retroreflectivity with respect to a public road, without regard to whether the project is included in an applicable State strategic highway safety plan.
“(2)

Use of other funding for safety.
“(A)

Effect of section.
Nothing in this section prohibits the use of funds made available under other provisions of this title for highway safety improvement projects.
“(B)

Use of other funds.
States are encouraged to address the full scope of the safety needs and opportunities of the States by using funds made available under other provisions of this title (except a provision that specifically prohibits that use).
“(f)

Data Improvement.
“(1)

Definition of data improvement activities.
In this subsection, the following definitions apply:
“(A)

In general.
The term ‘data improvement activities’ means a project or activity to further the capacity of a State to make more informed and effective safety infrastructure investment decisions.
“(B)

Inclusions.
The term ‘data improvement activities’ includes a project or activity—
“(i)
to create, update, or enhance a highway basemap of all public roads in a State;
“(ii)
to collect safety data, including data identified as part of the model inventory for roadway elements, for creation of or use on a highway basemap of all public roads in a State;
“(iii)
to store and maintain safety data in an electronic manner;
“(iv)
to develop analytical processes for safety data elements;
“(v)
to acquire and implement roadway safety analysis tools; and
“(vi)
to support the collection, maintenance, and sharing of safety data on all public roads and related systems associated with the analytical usage of that data.
“(2)

Model inventory of roadway elements.
The Secretary shall—
“(A)
establish a subset of the model inventory of roadway elements that are useful for the inventory of roadway safety; and
“(B)
ensure that States adopt and use the subset to improve data collection.
“(g)

Special Rules.
“(1)

High-risk rural road safety.
If the fatality rate on rural roads in a State increases over the most recent 2-year period for which data are available, that State shall be required to obligate in the next fiscal year for projects on high risk rural roads an amount equal to at least 200 percent of the amount of funds the State received for fiscal year 2009 for high risk rural roads under subsection (f) of this section, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21.
“(2)

Older drivers.
If traffic fatalities and serious injuries per capita for drivers and pedestrians over the age of 65 in a State increases during the most recent 2-year period for which data are available, that State shall be required to include, in the subsequent Strategic Highway Safety Plan of the State, strategies to address the increases in those rates, taking into account the recommendations included in the publication of the Federal Highway Administration entitled ‘Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians’ (FHWA-RD-01-103), and dated May 2001, or as subsequently revised and updated.
“(h)

Reports.
“(1)

In general.
A State shall submit to the Secretary a report that—
“(A)
describes progress being made to implement highway safety improvement projects under this section;
“(B)
assesses the effectiveness of those improvements; and
“(C)
describes the extent to which the improvements funded under this section have contributed to reducing—
“(i)
the number and rate of fatalities on all public roads with, to the maximum extent practicable, a breakdown by functional classification and ownership in the State;
“(ii)
the number and rate of serious injuries on all public roads with, to the maximum extent practicable, a breakdown by functional classification and ownership in the State; and
“(iii)
the occurrences of fatalities and serious injuries at railway-highway crossings.
“(2)

Contents; schedule.
The Secretary shall establish the content and schedule for the submission of the report under paragraph (1).
“(3)

Transparency.
The Secretary shall make strategic highway safety plans submitted under subsection (d) and reports submitted under this subsection available to the public through—
“(A)
the website of the Department; and
“(B)
such other means as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
“(4)

Discovery and admission into evidence of certain reports, surveys, and information.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, reports, surveys, schedules, lists, or data compiled or collected for any purpose relating to this section, shall not be subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a Federal or State court proceeding or considered for other purposes in any action for damages arising from any occurrence at a location identified or addressed in the reports, surveys, schedules, lists, or other data.
“(i)

State Performance Targets.
If the Secretary determines that a State has not met or made significant progress toward meeting the performance targets of the State established under section 150(d) by the date that is 2 years after the date of the establishment of the performance targets, the State shall—
“(1)
use obligation authority equal to the apportionment of the State for the prior year under section 104(b)(3) only for highway safety improvement projects under this section until the Secretary determines that the State has met or made significant progress toward meeting the performance targets of the State; and
“(2)
submit annually to the Secretary, until the Secretary determines that the State has met or made significant progress toward meeting the performance targets of the State, an implementation plan that—
“(A)
identifies roadway features that constitute a hazard to road users;
“(B)
identifies highway safety improvement projects on the basis of crash experience, crash potential, or other data-supported means;
“(C)
describes how highway safety improvement program funds will be allocated, including projects, activities, and strategies to be implemented;
“(D)
describes how the proposed projects, activities, and strategies funded under the State highway safety improvement program will allow the State to make progress toward achieving the safety performance targets of the State; and
“(E)
describes the actions the State will undertake to meet the performance targets of the State.
“(j)

Federal Share of Highway Safety Improvement Projects.
Except as provided in sections 120 and 130, the Federal share of the cost of a highway safety improvement project carried out with funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(3) shall be 90 percent.”
.
(b)
[23 U.S.C. 148 note]

Study of High-risk Rural Roads Best Practices.—
(1)

Study.—
(A)

In general.—
The Secretary shall conduct a study of the best practices for implementing cost-effective roadway safety infrastructure improvements on high-risk rural roads.
(B)

Methodology.—
In carrying out the study, the Secretary shall—
(i)
conduct a thorough literature review;
(ii)
survey current practices of State departments of transportation; and
(iii)
survey current practices of local units of government, as appropriate.
(C)

Consultation.—
In carrying out the study, the Secretary shall consult with—
(i)
State departments of transportation;
(ii)
county engineers and public works professionals;
(iii)
appropriate local officials; and
(iv)
appropriate private sector experts in the field of roadway safety infrastructure.
(2)

Report.—
(A)

In general.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the study.
(B)

Contents.—
The report shall include—
(i)
a summary of cost-effective roadway safety infrastructure improvements;
(ii)
a summary of the latest research on the financial savings and reduction in fatalities and serious bodily injury crashes from the implementation of cost-effective roadway safety infrastructure improvements; and
(iii)
recommendations for State and local governments on best practice methods to install cost-effective roadway safety infrastructure on high-risk rural roads.
(3)

Manual.—
(A)

Development.—
Based on the results of the study under paragraph (2), the Secretary, in consultation with the individuals and entities described in paragraph (1)(C), shall develop a best practices manual to support Federal, State, and local efforts to reduce fatalities and serious bodily injury crashes on high-risk rural roads through the use of cost-effective roadway safety infrastructure improvements.
(B)

Availability.—
The manual shall be made available to State and local governments not later than 180 days after the date of submission of the report under paragraph (2).
(C)

Contents.—
The manual shall include, at a minimum, a list of cost-effective roadway safety infrastructure improvements and best practices on the installation of cost-effective roadway safety infrastructure improvements on high-risk rural roads.
(D)

Use of manual.—
Use of the manual shall be voluntary and the manual shall not establish any binding standards or legal duties on State or local governments, or any other person.
SEC. 1113.

CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a)

Eligible Projects.—
Section 149(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking “in subsection (c)” and inserting “in subsection (d)”; and
(B)
by striking “section 104(b)(2)” and inserting “section 104(b)(4)”;
(2)
in paragraph (5)—
(A)
by inserting “add turning lanes,” after “improve intersections,”; and
(B)
by striking “paragraph;” and inserting “paragraph, including programs or projects to improve incident and emergency response or improve mobility, such as through real-time traffic, transit, and multimodal traveler information;”;
(3)
in paragraph (6) by striking “or” at the end;
(4)
in paragraph (7)(A)(ii) by striking “published in the list under subsection (f)(2)” and inserting “verified technologies (as defined in section 791 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16131))”;
(5)
by striking the matter following paragraph (7);
(6)
by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
(7)
by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
“(7)
if the project or program shifts traffic demand to nonpeak hours or other transportation modes, increases vehicle occupancy rates, or otherwise reduces demand for roads through such means as telecommuting, ridesharing, carsharing, alternative work hours, and pricing; or”
.
(b)

Special Rules.—
Section 149 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsections (c) through (h) as subsections (d) through (i) respectively;
(2)
by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
“(c)

Special Rules.
“(1)

Projects for pm-10 nonattainment areas.
A State may obligate funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(4) for a project or program for an area that is nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide, or both, and for PM- 10 resulting from transportation activities, without regard to any limitation of the Department of Transportation relating to the type of ambient air quality standard such project or program addresses.
“(2)

Electric vehicle and natural gas vehicle infrastructure.
A State may obligate funds apportioned under section 104(b)(4) for a project or program to establish electric vehicle charging stations or natural gas vehicle refueling stations for the use of battery powered or natural gas fueled trucks or other motor vehicles at any location in the State except that such stations may not be established or supported where commercial establishments serving motor vehicle users are prohibited by section 111 of title 23, United States Code.
“(3)

HOV facilities.
No funds may be provided under this section for a project which will result in the construction of new capacity available to single occupant vehicles unless the project consists of a high occupancy vehicle facility available to single occupant vehicles only at other than peak travel times.”
;
(3)
by striking subsection (d) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)) and inserting the following:
“(d)

States Flexibility.
“(1)

States without a nonattainment area.
If a State does not have, and never has had, a nonattainment area designated under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), the State may use funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(4) for any project in the State that—
“(A)
would otherwise be eligible under subsection (b) as if the project were carried out in a nonattainment or maintenance area; or
“(B)
is eligible under the surface transportation program under section 133.
“(2)

States with a nonattainment area.
“(A)

In general.
If a State has a nonattainment area or maintenance area and received funds in fiscal year 2009 under section 104(b)(2)(D), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21, above the amount of funds that the State would have received based on the nonattainment and maintenance area population of the State under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 104(b)(2), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21, the State may use for any project that is eligible under the surface transportation program under section 133 an amount of funds apportioned to such State under section 104(b)(4) that is equal to the product obtained by multiplying—
“(i)
the amount apportioned to such State under section 104(b)(4) (excluding the amount of funds reserved under paragraph (l)); by
“(ii)
the ratio calculated under subparagraph (B).
“(B)

Ratio.
For purposes of this paragraph, the ratio shall be calculated as the proportion that—
“(i)
the amount for fiscal year 2009 such State was permitted by section 149(c)(2), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21, to obligate in any area of the State for projects eligible under section 133, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21t; bears to
“(ii)
the total apportionment to such State for fiscal year 2009 under section 104(b)(2), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21.
“(3)

Changes in designation.
If a new nonattainment area is designated or a previously designated nonattainment area is redesignated as an attainment area in a State under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), the Secretary shall modify the amount such State is permitted to obligate in any area of the State for projects eligible under section 133.”
;
(4)
in subsection (f)(3) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)) by striking “104(b)(2)” and inserting “104(b)(4)”;
(5)
in subsection (g) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
“(3)

Priority consideration.
States and metropolitan planning organizations shall give priority in areas designated as nonattainment or maintenance for PM2.5 under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) in distributing funds received for congestion mitigation and air quality projects and programs from apportionments under section 104(b)(4) to projects that are proven to reduce PM2.5, including diesel retrofits.”
;
(6)
by striking subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)) and inserting the following:
“(i)

Evaluation and Assessment of Projects.
“(1)

Database.
“(A)

In general.
Using appropriate assessments of projects funded under the congestion mitigation and air quality program and results from other research, the Secretary shall maintain and disseminate a cumulative database describing the impacts of the projects, including specific information about each project, such as the project name, location, sponsor, cost, and, to the extent already measured by the project sponsor, cost-effectiveness, based on reductions in congestion and emissions.
“(B)

Availability.
The database shall be published or otherwise made readily available by the Secretary in electronically accessible format and means, such as the Internet, for public review.
“(2)

Cost effectiveness.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall evaluate projects on a periodic basis and develop a table or other similar medium that illustrates the cost-effectiveness of a range of project types eligible for funding under this section as to how the projects mitigate congestion and improve air quality.
“(B)

Contents.
The table described in subparagraph (A) shall show measures of cost-effectiveness, such as dollars per ton of emissions reduced, and assess those measures over a variety of timeframes to capture impacts on the planning timeframes outlined in section 134.
“(C)

Use of table.
States and metropolitan planning organizations shall consider the information in the table when selecting projects or developing performance plans under subsection (l).
“(j)

Optional Programmatic Eligibility.
“(1)

In general.
At the discretion of a metropolitan planning organization, a technical assessment of a selected program of projects may be conducted through modeling or other means to demonstrate the emissions reduction projection required under this section.
“(2)

Applicability.
If an assessment described in paragraph (1) successfully demonstrates an emissions reduction, all projects included in such assessment shall be eligible for obligation under this section without further demonstration of emissions reduction of individual projects included in such assessment.
“(k)

Priority for Use of Funds in PM2.5 Areas.
“(1)

In general.
For any State that has a nonattainment or maintenance area for fine particulate matter, an amount equal to 25 percent of the funds apportioned to each State under section 104(b)(4) for a nonattainment or maintenance area that are based all or in part on the weighted population of such area in fine particulate matter nonattainment shall be obligated to projects that reduce such fine particulate matter emissions in such area, including diesel retrofits.
“(2)

Construction equipment and vehicles.
In order to meet the requirements of paragraph (1), a State or metropolitan planning organization may elect to obligate funds to install diesel emission control technology on nonroad diesel equipment or on-road diesel equipment that is operated on a highway construction project within a PM2.5 nonattainment or maintenance area.
“(l)

Performance Plan.
“(1)

In general.
Each metropolitan planning organization serving a transportation management area (as defined in section 134) with a population over 1,000,000 people representing a nonattainment or maintenance area shall develop a performance plan that—
“(A)
includes an area baseline level for traffic congestion and on-road mobile source emissions for which the area is in nonattainment or maintenance;
“(B)
describes progress made in achieving the performance targets described in section 150(d); and
“(C)
includes a description of projects identified for funding under this section and how such projects will contribute to achieving emission and traffic congestion reduction targets.
“(2)

Updated plans.
Performance plans shall be updated biennially and include a separate report that assesses the progress of the program of projects under the previous plan in achieving the air quality and traffic congestion targets of the previous plan.
“(m)

Operating Assistance.
A State may obligate funds apportioned under section 104(b)(2) in an area of such State that is otherwise eligible for obligations of such funds for operating costs under chapter 53 of title 49 or on a system that was previously eligible under this section.”
.
(c)

Air Quality and Congestion Mitigation Measure Outcomes Assessment Study.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall examine the outcomes of actions funded under the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program since the date of enactment of the SAFETEA-LU (Public Law 109-59).
(2)

Goals.—
The goals of the program shall include—
(A)
the assessment and documentation, through outcomes research conducted on a representative sample of cases, of—
(i)
the emission reductions achieved by federally supported surface transportation actions intended to reduce emissions or lessen traffic congestion; and
(ii)
the air quality and human health impacts of those actions, including potential unrecognized or indirect consequences, attributable to those actions;
(B)
an expanded base of empirical evidence on the air quality and human health impacts of actions described in paragraph (1); and
(C)
an increase in knowledge of—
(i)
the factors determining the air quality and human health changes associated with transportation emission reduction actions; and
(ii)
other information to more accurately understand the validity of current estimation and modeling routines and ways to improve those routines.
(3)

Administrative elements.—
To carry out this subsection, the Secretary shall—
(A)
make a grant for the coordination, selection, management, and reporting of component studies to an independent scientific research organization with the necessary experience in successfully conducting accountability and other studies on mobile source air pollutants and associated health effects;
(B)
ensure that case studies are identified and conducted by teams selected through a competitive solicitation overseen by an independent committee of unbiased experts; and
(C)
ensure that all findings and reports are peer-reviewed and published in a form that presents the findings together with reviewer comments.
(4)

Report.—
The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives—
(A)
not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, and for the following year, a report providing an initial scoping and plan, and status updates, respectively, for the program under this subsection; and
(B)
not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, a final report that describes the findings of, and recommendations resulting from, the program under this subsection.
(5)

Funding.—
Of the amounts made available to carry out section 104(a) for fiscal year 2013, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this subsection not more than $1,000,000.
SEC. 1114.

TERRITORIAL AND PUERTO RICO HIGHWAY PROGRAM.
(a)

In General.—
Section 165 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 165.

Territorial and Puerto Rico highway program
“(a)

Division of Funds.
Of funds made available in a fiscal year for the territorial and Puerto Rico highway program—
“(1)
$150,000,000 shall be for the Puerto Rico highway program under subsection (b); and
“(2)
$40,000,000 shall be for the territorial highway program under subsection (c).
“(b)

Puerto Rico Highway Program.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall allocate funds made available to carry out this subsection to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to carry out a highway program in the Commonwealth.
“(2)

Treatment of funds.
Amounts made available to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year shall be administered as follows:
“(A)

Apportionment.
“(i)

In general.
For the purpose of imposing any penalty under this title or title 49, the amounts shall be treated as being apportioned to Puerto Rico under sections 104(b) and 144 (as in effect for fiscal year 1997) for each program funded under those sections in an amount determined by multiplying—
“(I)
the aggregate of the amounts for the fiscal year; by
“(II)
the proportion that—
- “(aa)
the amount of funds apportioned to Puerto Rico for each such program for fiscal year 1997; bears to
- “(bb)
the total amount of funds apportioned to Puerto Rico for all such programs for fiscal year 1997.
“(ii)

Exception.
Funds identified under clause (i) as having been apportioned for the national highway system, the surface transportation program, and the Interstate maintenance program shall be deemed to have been apportioned 50 percent for the national highway performance program and 50 percent for the surface transportation program for purposes of imposing such penalties.
“(B)

Penalty.
The amounts treated as being apportioned to Puerto Rico under each section referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be deemed to be required to be apportioned to Puerto Rico under that section for purposes of the imposition of any penalty under this title or title 49.
“(C)

Eligible uses of funds.
Of amounts allocated to Puerto Rico for the Puerto Rico Highway Program for a fiscal year—
“(i)
at least 50 percent shall be available only for purposes eligible under section 119;
“(ii)
at least 25 percent shall be available only for purposes eligible under section 148; and
“(iii)
any remaining funds may be obligated for activities eligible under chapter 1.
“(3)

Effect on apportionments.
Except as otherwise specifically provided, Puerto Rico shall not be eligible to receive funds apportioned to States under this title.
“(c)

Territorial Highway Program.
“(1)

Territory defined.
In this subsection, the term ‘territory’ means any of the following territories of the United States:
“(A)
American Samoa.
“(B)
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
“(C)
Guam.
“(D)
The United States Virgin Islands.
“(2)

Program.
“(A)

In general.
Recognizing the mutual benefits that will accrue to the territories and the United States from the improvement of highways in the territories, the Secretary may carry out a program to assist each government of a territory in the construction and improvement of a system of arterial and collector highways, and necessary inter-island connectors, that is—
“(i)
designated by the Governor or chief executive officer of each territory; and
“(ii)
approved by the Secretary.
“(B)

Federal share.
The Federal share of Federal financial assistance provided to territories under this subsection shall be in accordance with section 120(g).
“(3)

Technical assistance.
“(A)

In general.
To continue a long-range highway development program, the Secretary may provide technical assistance to the governments of the territories to enable the territories, on a continuing basis—
“(i)
to engage in highway planning;
“(ii)
to conduct environmental evaluations;
“(iii)
to administer right-of-way acquisition and relocation assistance programs; and
“(iv)
to design, construct, operate, and maintain a system of arterial and collector highways, including necessary inter-island connectors.
“(B)

Form and terms of assistance.
Technical assistance provided under subparagraph (A), and the terms for the sharing of information among territories receiving the technical assistance, shall be included in the agreement required by paragraph (5).
“(4)

Nonapplicability of certain provisions.
“(A)

In general.
Except to the extent that provisions of this chapter are determined by the Secretary to be inconsistent with the needs of the territories and the intent of this subsection, this chapter (other than provisions of this chapter relating to the apportionment and allocation of funds) shall apply to funds made available under this subsection.
“(B)

Applicable provisions.
The agreement required by paragraph (5) for each territory shall identify the sections of this chapter that are applicable to that territory and the extent of the applicability of those sections.
“(5)

Agreement.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in subparagraph (D), none of the funds made available under this subsection shall be available for obligation or expenditure with respect to any territory until the chief executive officer of the territory has entered into an agreement (including an agreement entered into under section 215 as in effect on the day before the enactment of this section) with the Secretary providing that the government of the territory shall—
“(i)
implement the program in accordance with applicable provisions of this chapter and paragraph (4);
“(ii)
design and construct a system of arterial and collector highways, including necessary inter-island connectors, in accordance with standards that are—
“(I)
appropriate for each territory; and
“(II)
approved by the Secretary;
“(iii)
provide for the maintenance of facilities constructed or operated under this subsection in a condition to adequately serve the needs of present and future traffic; and
“(iv)
implement standards for traffic operations and uniform traffic control devices that are approved by the Secretary.
“(B)

Technical assistance.
The agreement required by subparagraph (A) shall—
“(i)
specify the kind of technical assistance to be provided under the program;
“(ii)
include appropriate provisions regarding information sharing among the territories; and
“(iii)
delineate the oversight role and responsibilities of the territories and the Secretary.
“(C)

Review and revision of agreement.
The agreement entered into under subparagraph (A) shall be reevaluated and, as necessary, revised, at least every 2 years.
“(D)

Existing agreements.
With respect to an agreement under this subsection or an agreement entered into under section 215 of this title as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this subsection—
“(i)
the agreement shall continue in force until replaced by an agreement entered into in accordance with subparagraph (A); and
“(ii)
amounts made available under this subsection under the existing agreement shall be available for obligation or expenditure so long as the agreement, or the existing agreement entered into under subparagraph (A), is in effect.
“(6)

Eligible uses of funds.
“(A)

In general.
Funds made available under this subsection may be used only for the following projects and activities carried out in a territory:
“(i)
Eligible surface transportation program projects described in section 133(b).
“(ii)
Cost-effective, preventive maintenance consistent with section 116(e).
“(iii)
Ferry boats, terminal facilities, and approaches, in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of section 129.
“(iv)
Engineering and economic surveys and investigations for the planning, and the financing, of future highway programs.
“(v)
Studies of the economy, safety, and convenience of highway use.
“(vi)
The regulation and equitable taxation of highway use.
“(vii)
Such research and development as are necessary in connection with the planning, design, and maintenance of the highway system.
“(B)

Prohibition on use of funds for routine maintenance.
None of the funds made available under this subsection shall be obligated or expended for routine maintenance.
“(7)

Location of projects.
Territorial highway program projects (other than those described in paragraphs (2), (4), (7), (8), (14), and (19) of section 133(b)) may not be undertaken on roads functionally classified as local.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendments.—
(1)

Technical and conforming amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 165 and inserting the following:
“165. Territorial and Puerto Rico highway program.”.
(2)

Territorial highway program.—
(A)

Repeal.—
Section 215 of title 23, United States Code, is repealed.
(B)

Technical and conforming amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 2 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 215.
(C)

Duncan hunter national defense authorization act for fiscal year 2009.—
Section 3512(e) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (48 U.S.C. 1421r(e)) is amended by striking “section 215” and inserting “section 165”.
SEC. 1115.

NATIONAL FREIGHT POLICY.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 167.

National freight policy
“(a)

In General.
It is the policy of the United States to improve the condition and performance of the national freight network to ensure that the national freight network provides the foundation for the United States to compete in the global economy and achieve each goal described in subsection (b).
“(b)

Goals.
The goals of the national freight policy are—
“(1)
to invest in infrastructure improvements and to implement operational improvements that—
“(A)
strengthen the contribution of the national freight network to the economic competitiveness of the United States;
“(B)
reduce congestion; and
“(C)
increase productivity, particularly for domestic industries and businesses that create high-value jobs;
“(2)
to improve the safety, security, and resilience of freight transportation;
“(3)
to improve the state of good repair of the national freight network;
“(4)
to use advanced technology to improve the safety and efficiency of the national freight network;
“(5)
to incorporate concepts of performance, innovation, competition, and accountability into the operation and maintenance of the national freight network; and
“(6)
to improve the economic efficiency of the national freight network.
“(7)
to reduce the environmental impacts of freight movement on the national freight network;
“(c)

Establishment of a National Freight Network.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall establish a national freight network in accordance with this section to assist States in strategically directing resources toward improved system performance for efficient movement of freight on highways, including national highway system, freight intermodal connectors and aerotropolis transportation systems.
“(2)

Network components.
The national freight network shall consist of—
“(A)
the primary freight network, as designated by the Secretary under subsection (d) (referred to in this section as the ‘primary freight network’) as most critical to the movement of freight;
“(B)
the portions of the Interstate System not designated as part of the primary freight network; and
“(C)
critical rural freight corridors established under subsection (e).
“(d)

Designation of Primary Freight Network.
“(1)

Initial designation of primary freight network.
“(A)

Designation.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall designate a primary freight network—
“(i)
based on an inventory of national freight volume conducted by the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, in consultation with stakeholders, including system users, transport providers, and States; and
“(ii)
that shall be comprised of not more than 27,000 centerline miles of existing roadways that are most critical to the movement of freight.
“(B)

Factors for designation.
In designating the primary freight network, the Secretary shall consider—
“(i)
the origins and destinations of freight movement in the United States;
“(ii)
the total freight tonnage and value of freight moved by highways;
“(iii)
the percentage of annual average daily truck traffic in the annual average daily traffic on principal arterials;
“(iv)
the annual average daily truck traffic on principal arterials;
“(v)
land and maritime ports of entry;
“(vi)
access to energy exploration, development, installation, or production areas;
“(vii)
population centers; and
“(viii)
network connectivity.
“(2)

Additional miles on primary freight network.
In addition to the miles initially designated under paragraph (1), the Secretary may increase the number of miles designated as part of the primary freight network by not more than 3,000 additional centerline miles of roadways (which may include existing or planned roads) critical to future efficient movement of goods on the primary freight network.
“(3)

Redesignation of primary freight network.
Effective beginning 10 years after the designation of the primary freight network and every 10 years thereafter, using the designation factors described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall redesignate the primary freight network (including additional mileage described in paragraph (2)).
“(e)

Critical Rural Freight Corridors.
A State may designate a road within the borders of the State as a critical rural freight corridor if the road—
“(1)
is a rural principal arterial roadway and has a minimum of 25 percent of the annual average daily traffic of the road measured in passenger vehicle equivalent units from trucks (FHWA vehicle class 8 to 13);
“(2)
provides access to energy exploration, development, installation, or production areas;
“(3)
connects the primary freight network, a roadway described in paragraph (1) or (2), or Interstate System to facilities that handle more than—
“(A)
50,000 20-foot equivalent units per year; or
“(B)
500,000 tons per year of bulk commodities.
“(f)

National Freight Strategic Plan.
“(1)

Initial development of national freight strategic plan.
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, in consultation with State departments of transportation and other appropriate public and private transportation stakeholders, develop and post on the Department of Transportation public website a national freight strategic plan that shall include—
“(A)
an assessment of the condition and performance of the national freight network;
“(B)
an identification of highway bottlenecks on the national freight network that create significant freight congestion problems, based on a quantitative methodology developed by the Secretary, which shall, at a minimum, include—
“(i)
information from the Freight Analysis Network of the Federal Highway Administration; and
“(ii)
to the maximum extent practicable, an estimate of the cost of addressing each bottleneck and any operational improvements that could be implemented;
“(C)
forecasts of freight volumes for the 20-year period beginning in the year during which the plan is issued;
“(D)
an identification of major trade gateways and national freight corridors that connect major population centers, trade gateways, and other major freight generators for current and forecasted traffic and freight volumes, the identification of which shall be revised, as appropriate, in subsequent plans;
“(E)
an assessment of statutory, regulatory, technological, institutional, financial, and other barriers to improved freight transportation performance (including opportunities for overcoming the barriers);
“(F)
an identification of routes providing access to energy exploration, development, installation, or production areas;
“(G)
best practices for improving the performance of the national freight network;
“(H)
best practices to mitigate the impacts of freight movement on communities;
“(I)
a process for addressing multistate projects and encouraging jurisdictions to collaborate; and
“(J)
strategies to improve freight intermodal connectivity.
“(2)

Updates to national freight strategic plan.
Not later than 5 years after the date of completion of the first national freight strategic plan under paragraph (1), and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall update and repost on the Department of Transportation public website a revised national freight strategic plan.
“(g)

Freight Transportation Conditions and Performance Reports.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare a report that contains a description of the conditions and performance of the national freight network in the United States.
“(h)

Transportation Investment Data and Planning Tools.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall—
“(A)
begin development of new tools and improvement of existing tools or improve existing tools to support an outcome-oriented, performance-based approach to evaluate proposed freight-related and other transportation projects, including—
“(i)
methodologies for systematic analysis of benefits and costs;
“(ii)
tools for ensuring that the evaluation of freight-related and other transportation projects could consider safety, economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and system condition in the project selection process; and
“(iii)
other elements to assist in effective transportation planning;
“(B)
identify transportation-related model data elements to support a broad range of evaluation methods and techniques to assist in making transportation investment decisions; and
“(C)
at a minimum, in consultation with other relevant Federal agencies, consider any improvements to existing freight flow data collection efforts that could reduce identified freight data gaps and deficiencies and help improve forecasts of freight transportation demand.
“(2)

Consultation.
The Secretary shall consult with Federal, State, and other stakeholders to develop, improve, and implement the tools and collect the data in paragraph (1).
“(i)

Definition of Aerotropolis Transportation System.
In this section, the term ‘aerotropolis transportation system’ means a planned and coordinated multimodal freight and passenger transportation network that, as determined by the Secretary, provides efficient, cost-effective, sustainable, and intermodal connectivity to a defined region of economic significance centered around a major airport.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“167. National freight program.”.
[Sections 1116 through 1118 were repealed by section 1116(c) of Public Law 114–94.]
SEC. 1119.

FEDERAL LANDS AND TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 2 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking sections 201 through 204 and inserting the following:
“SEC. 201.

Federal lands and tribal transportation programs
“(a)

Purpose.
Recognizing the need for all public Federal and tribal transportation facilities to be treated under uniform policies similar to the policies that apply to Federal-aid highways and other public transportation facilities, the Secretary of Transportation, in collaboration with the Secretaries of the appropriate Federal land management agencies, shall coordinate a uniform policy for all public Federal and tribal transportation facilities that shall apply to Federal lands transportation facilities, tribal transportation facilities, and Federal lands access transportation facilities.
“(b)

Availability of Funds.
“(1)

Availability.
Funds authorized for the tribal transportation program, the Federal lands transportation program, and the Federal lands access program shall be available for contract upon apportionment, or on October 1 of the fiscal year for which the funds were authorized if no apportionment is required.
“(2)

Amount remaining.
Any amount remaining unexpended for a period of 3 years after the close of the fiscal year for which the funds were authorized shall lapse.
“(3)

Obligations.
The Secretary of the department responsible for the administration of funds under this subsection may incur obligations, approve projects, and enter into contracts under such authorizations, which shall be considered to be contractual obligations of the United States for the payment of the cost thereof, the funds of which shall be considered to have been expended when obligated.
“(4)

Expenditure.
“(A)

In general.
Any funds authorized for any fiscal year after the date of enactment of this section under the Federal lands transportation program, the Federal lands access program, and the tribal transportation program shall be considered to have been expended if a sum equal to the total of the sums authorized for the fiscal year and previous fiscal years have been obligated.
“(B)

Credited funds.
Any funds described in subparagraph (A) that are released by payment of final voucher or modification of project authorizations shall be—
“(i)
credited to the balance of unobligated authorizations; and
“(ii)
immediately available for expenditure.
“(5)

Applicability.
This section shall not apply to funds authorized before the date of enactment of this paragraph.
“(6)

Contractual obligation.
“(A)

In general.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including regulations), the authorization by the Secretary, or the Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management agency if the agency is the contracting office, of engineering and related work for the development, design, and acquisition associated with a construction project, whether performed by contract or agreement authorized by law, or the approval by the Secretary of plans, specifications, and estimates for construction of a project, shall be considered to constitute a contractual obligation of the Federal Government to pay the total eligible cost of—
“(i)
any project funded under this title; and
“(ii)
any project funded pursuant to agreements authorized by this title or any other title.
“(B)

Effect.
Nothing in this paragraph—
“(i)
affects the application of the Federal share associated with the project being undertaken under this section; or
“(ii)
modifies the point of obligation associated with Federal salaries and expenses.
“(7)

Federal share.
“(A)

Tribal and federal lands transportation program.
The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under the Federal lands transportation program or the tribal transportation program shall be 100 percent.
“(B)

Federal lands access program.
The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under the Federal lands access program shall be determined in accordance with section 120.
“(c)

Transportation Planning.
“(1)

Transportation planning procedures.
In consultation with the Secretary of each appropriate Federal land management agency, the Secretary shall implement transportation planning procedures for Federal lands and tribal transportation facilities that are consistent with the planning processes required under sections 134 and 135.
“(2)

Approval of transportation improvement program.
The transportation improvement program developed as a part of the transportation planning process under this section shall be approved by the Secretary.
“(3)

Inclusion in other plans.
Each regionally significant tribal transportation program, Federal lands transportation program, and Federal lands access program project shall be—
“(A)
developed in cooperation with State and metropolitan planning organizations; and
“(B)
included in appropriate tribal transportation program plans, Federal lands transportation program plans, Federal lands access program plans, State and metropolitan plans, and transportation improvement programs.
“(4)

Inclusion in state programs.
The approved tribal transportation program, Federal lands transportation program, and Federal lands access program transportation improvement programs shall be included in appropriate State and metropolitan planning organization plans and programs without further action on the transportation improvement program.
“(5)

Asset management.
The Secretary and the Secretary of each appropriate Federal land management agency shall, to the extent appropriate, implement safety, bridge, pavement, and congestion management systems for facilities funded under the tribal transportation program and the Federal lands transportation program in support of asset management.
“(6)

Data collection.
“(A)

Data collection.
The Secretaries of the appropriate Federal land management agencies shall collect and report data necessary to implement the Federal lands transportation program, the Federal lands access program, and the tribal transportation program in accordance with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.), including—
“(i)
inventory and condition information on Federal lands transportation facilities and tribal transportation facilities; and
“(ii)
bridge inspection and inventory information on any Federal bridge open to the public.
“(B)

Standards.
The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretaries of the appropriate Federal land management agencies, shall define the collection and reporting data standards.
“(7)

Administrative expenses.
To implement the activities described in this subsection, including direct support of transportation planning activities among Federal land management agencies, the Secretary may use not more than 5 percent for each fiscal year of the funds authorized for programs under sections 203 and 204.
“(d)

Reimbursable Agreements.
In carrying out work under reimbursable agreements with any State, local, or tribal government under this title, the Secretary—
“(1)
may, without regard to any other provision of law (including regulations), record obligations against accounts receivable from the entity; and
“(2)
shall credit amounts received from the entity to the appropriate account, which shall occur not later than 90 days after the date of the original request by the Secretary for payment.
“(e)

Transfers.
“(1)

In general.
To enable the efficient use of funds made available for the Federal lands transportation program and the Federal lands access program, the funds may be transferred by the Secretary within and between each program with the concurrence of, as appropriate—
“(A)
the Secretary;
“(B)
the affected Secretaries of the respective Federal land management agencies;
“(C)
State departments of transportation; and
“(D)
local government agencies.
“(2)

Credit.
The funds described in paragraph (1) shall be credited back to the loaning entity with funds that are currently available for obligation at the time of the credit.
“SEC. 202.

Tribal transportation program
“(a)

Use of Funds.
“(1)

In general.
Funds made available under the tribal transportation program shall be used by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Interior to pay the costs of—
“(A)
(i)
transportation planning, research, maintenance, engineering, rehabilitation, restoration, construction, and reconstruction of tribal transportation facilities;
“(ii)
adjacent vehicular parking areas;
“(iii)
interpretive signage;
“(iv)
acquisition of necessary scenic easements and scenic or historic sites;
“(v)
provisions for pedestrians and bicycles;
“(vi)
environmental mitigation in or adjacent to tribal land—
“(I)
to improve public safety and reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity; and
“(II)
to mitigate the damage to wildlife, aquatic organism passage, habitat, and ecosystem connectivity, including the costs of constructing, maintaining, replacing, or removing culverts and bridges, as appropriate;
“(vii)
construction and reconstruction of roadside rest areas, including sanitary and water facilities; and
“(viii)
other appropriate public road facilities as determined by the Secretary;
“(B)
operation and maintenance of transit programs and facilities that are located on, or provide access to, tribal land, or are administered by a tribal government; and
“(C)
any transportation project eligible for assistance under this title that is located within, or that provides access to, tribal land, or is associated with a tribal government.
“(2)

Contract.
In connection with an activity described in paragraph (1), the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior may enter into a contract or other appropriate agreement with respect to the activity with—
“(A)
a State (including a political subdivision of a State); or
“(B)
an Indian tribe.
“(3)

Indian labor.
Indian labor may be employed, in accordance with such rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior, to carry out any construction or other activity described in paragraph (1).
“(4)

Federal employment.
No maximum limitation on Federal employment shall be applicable to the construction or improvement of tribal transportation facilities.
“(5)

Funds for construction and improvement.
All funds made available for the construction and improvement of tribal transportation facilities shall be administered in conformity with regulations and agreements jointly approved by the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior.
“(6)

Administrative expenses.
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated for the tribal transportation program, not more than 6 percent may be used by the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior for program management and oversight and project-related administrative expenses.
“(7)

Tribal technical assistance centers.
The Secretary of the Interior may reserve amounts from administrative funds of the Bureau of Indian Affairs that are associated with the tribal transportation program to fund tribal technical assistance centers under section 504(b).
“(8)

Maintenance.
“(A)

Use of funds.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, of the amount of funds allocated to an Indian tribe from the tribal transportation program, for the purpose of maintenance (excluding road sealing, which shall not be subject to any limitation), the Secretary shall not use an amount more than the greater of—
“(i)
an amount equal to 25 percent; or
“(ii)
$500,000.
“(B)

Responsibility of bureau of indian affairs and secretary of the interior.
“(i)

Bureau of indian affairs.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs shall retain primary responsibility, including annual funding request responsibility, for Bureau of Indian Affairs road maintenance programs on Indian reservations.
“(ii)

Secretary of the interior.
The Secretary of the Interior shall ensure that funding made available under this subsection for maintenance of tribal transportation facilities for each fiscal year is supplementary to, and not in lieu of, any obligation of funds by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for road maintenance programs on Indian reservations.
“(C)

Tribal-state road maintenance agreements.
“(i)

In general.
An Indian tribe and a State may enter into a road maintenance agreement under which an Indian tribe shall assume the responsibility of the State for—
“(I)
tribal transportation facilities; and
“(II)
roads providing access to tribal transportation facilities.
“(ii)

Requirements.
Agreements entered into under clause (i) shall—
“(I)
be negotiated between the State and the Indian tribe; and
“(II)
not require the approval of the Secretary.
“(9)

Cooperation.
“(A)

In general.
The cooperation of States, counties, or other local subdivisions may be accepted in construction and improvement.
“(B)

Funds received.
Any funds received from a State, county, or local subdivision shall be credited to appropriations available for the tribal transportation program.
“(10)

Competitive bidding.
“(A)

Construction.
“(i)

In general.
Subject to clause (ii) and subparagraph (B), construction of each project shall be performed by contract awarded by competitive bidding.
“(ii)

Exception.
Clause (i) shall not apply if the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior affirmatively finds that, under the circumstances relating to the project, a different method is in the public interest.
“(B)

Applicability.
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), section 23 of the Act of June 25, 1910 (25 U.S.C. 47) and section 7(b) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450e(b)) shall apply to all funds administered by the Secretary of the Interior that are appropriated for the construction and improvement of tribal transportation facilities.
“(b)

Funds Distribution.
“(1)

National tribal transportation facility inventory.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary, shall maintain a comprehensive national inventory of tribal transportation facilities that are eligible for assistance under the tribal transportation program.
“(B)

Transportation facilities included in the inventory.
For purposes of identifying the tribal transportation system and determining the relative transportation needs among Indian tribes, the Secretary shall include, at a minimum, transportation facilities that are eligible for assistance under the tribal transportation program that an Indian tribe has requested, including facilities that—
“(i)
were included in the Bureau of Indian Affairs system inventory prior to October 1, 2004;
“(ii)
are owned by an Indian tribal government;
“(iii)
are owned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs;
“(iv)
were constructed or reconstructed with funds from the Highway Trust Fund under the Indian reservation roads program since 1983;
“(v)
are public roads or bridges within the exterior boundary of Indian reservations, Alaska Native villages, and other recognized Indian communities (including communities in former Indian reservations in the State of Oklahoma) in which the majority of residents are American Indians or Alaska Natives;
“(vi)
are public roads within or providing access to an Indian reservation or Indian trust land or restricted Indian land that is not subject to fee title alienation without the approval of the Federal Government, or Indian or Alaska Native villages, groups, or communities in which Indians and Alaska Natives reside, whom the Secretary of the Interior has determined are eligible for services generally available to Indians under Federal laws specifically applicable to Indians; or
“(vii)
are primary access routes proposed by tribal governments, including roads between villages, roads to landfills, roads to drinking water sources, roads to natural resources identified for economic development, and roads that provide access to intermodal terminals, such as airports, harbors, or boat landings.
“(C)

Limitation on primary access routes.
For purposes of this paragraph, a proposed primary access route is the shortest practicable route connecting 2 points of the proposed route.
“(D)

Additional facilities.
Nothing in this paragraph precludes the Secretary from including additional transportation facilities that are eligible for funding under the tribal transportation program in the inventory used for the national funding allocation if such additional facilities are included in the inventory in a uniform and consistent manner nationally.
“(E)

Bridges.
All bridges in the inventory shall be recorded in the national bridge inventory administered by the Secretary under section 144.
“(2)

Regulations.
Notwithstanding sections 563(a) and 565(a) of title 5, the Secretary of the Interior shall maintain any regulations governing the tribal transportation program.
“(3)

Basis for funding formula.
“(A)

Basis.
“(i)

In general.
After making the set asides authorized under subparagraph (C) and subsections (c), (d), and (e) on October 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall distribute the remainder authorized to be appropriated for the tribal transportation program under this section among Indian tribes as follows:
“(I)
For fiscal year 2013—
- “(aa)
for each Indian tribe, 80 percent of the total relative need distribution factor and population adjustment factor for the fiscal year 2011 funding amount made available to that Indian tribe; and
- “(bb)
the remainder using tribal shares as described in subparagraphs (B) and (C).
“(II)
For fiscal year 2014—
- “(aa)
for each Indian tribe, 60 percent of the total relative need distribution factor and population adjustment factor for the fiscal year 2011 funding amount made available to that Indian tribe; and
- “(bb)
the remainder using tribal shares as described in subparagraphs (B) and (C).
“(III)
For fiscal year 2015—
- “(aa)
for each Indian tribe, 40 percent of the total relative need distribution factor and population adjustment factor for the fiscal year 2011 funding amount made available to that Indian tribe; and
- “(bb)
the remainder using tribal shares as described in subparagraphs (B) and (C).
“(IV)
For fiscal year 2016 and thereafter—
- “(aa)
for each Indian tribe, 20 percent of the total relative need distribution factor and population adjustment factor for the fiscal year 2011 funding amount made available to that Indian tribe; and
- “(bb)
the remainder using tribal shares as described in subparagraphs (B) and (C).
“(ii)

Tribal high priority projects.
The High Priority Projects program as included in the Tribal Transportation Allocation Methodology of part 170 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the MAP-21), shall not continue in effect.
“(B)

Tribal shares.
Tribal shares under this program shall be determined using the national tribal transportation facility inventory as calculated for fiscal year 2012, and the most recent data on American Indian and Alaska Native population within each Indian tribe’s American Indian/Alaska Native Reservation or Statistical Area, as computed under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.), in the following manner:
“(i)
27 percent in the ratio that the total eligible road mileage in each tribe bears to the total eligible road mileage of all American Indians and Alaskan Natives. For the purposes of this calculation, eligible road mileage shall be computed based on the inventory described in paragraph (1), using only facilities included in the inventory described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of paragraph (1)(B).
“(ii)
39 percent in the ratio that the total population in each tribe bears to the total population of all American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
“(iii)
34 percent shall be divided equally among each Bureau of Indian Affairs region. Within each region, such share of funds shall be distributed to each Indian tribe in the ratio that the average total relative need distribution factors and population adjustment factors from fiscal years 2005 through 2011 for a tribe bears to the average total of relative need distribution factors and population adjustment factors for fiscal years 2005 through 2011 in that region.
“(C)

Tribal supplemental funding.
“(i)

Tribal supplemental funding amount.
Of funds made available for each fiscal year for the tribal transportation program, the Secretary shall set aside the following amount for a tribal supplemental program:
“(I)
If the amount made available for the tribal transportation program is less than or equal to $275,000,000, 30 percent of such amount.
“(II)
If the amount made available for the tribal transportation program exceeds $275,000,000—
- “(aa)
$82,500,000; plus
- “(bb)
12.5 percent of the amount made available for the tribal transportation program in excess of $275,000,000.
“(ii)

Tribal supplemental allocation.
The Secretary shall distribute tribal supplemental funds as follows:
“(I)

Distribution among regions.
Of the amounts set aside under clause (i), the Secretary shall distribute to each region of the Bureau of Indian Affairs a share of tribal supplemental funds in proportion to the regional total of tribal shares based on the cumulative tribal shares of all Indian tribes within such region under subparagraph (B).
“(II)

Distribution within a region.
Of the amount that a region receives under subclause (I), the Secretary shall distribute tribal supplemental funding among Indian tribes within such region as follows:
- “(aa)

Tribal supplemental amounts.
The Secretary shall determine—
“(AA)
which such Indian tribes would be entitled under subparagraph (A) to receive in a fiscal year less funding than they would receive in fiscal year 2011 pursuant to the relative need distribution factor and population adjustment factor, as described in subpart C of part 170 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the MAP-21); and
“(BB)
the combined amount that such Indian tribes would be entitled to receive in fiscal year 2011 pursuant to such relative need distribution factor and population adjustment factor in excess of the amount that they would be entitled to receive in the fiscal year under subparagraph (B).
- “(bb)

Combined amount.
Subject to subclause (III), the Secretary shall distribute to each Indian tribe that meets the criteria described in item (aa)(AA) a share of funding under this subparagraph in proportion to the share of the combined amount determined under item (aa)(BB) attributable to such Indian tribe.
“(III)

Ceiling.
An Indian tribe may not receive under subclause (II) and based on its tribal share under subparagraph (A) a combined amount that exceeds the amount that such Indian tribe would be entitled to receive in fiscal year 2011 pursuant to the relative need distribution factor and population adjustment factor, as described in subpart C of part 170 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the MAP-21).
“(IV)

Other amounts.
If the amount made available for a region under subclause (I) exceeds the amount distributed among Indian tribes within that region under subclause (II), the Secretary shall distribute the remainder of such region’s funding under such subclause among all Indian tribes in that region in proportion to the combined amount that each such Indian tribe received under subparagraph (A) and subclauses (I), (II), and (III).]
“(4)

Transferred funds.
“(A)

In general.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which funds are made available to the Secretary of the Interior under this paragraph, the funds shall be distributed to, and made available for immediate use by, eligible Indian tribes, in accordance with the formula for distribution of funds under the tribal transportation program.
“(B)

Use of funds.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, funds made available to Indian tribes for tribal transportation facilities shall be expended on projects identified in a transportation improvement program approved by the Secretary.
“(5)

Health and safety assurances.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an Indian tribal government may approve plans, specifications, and estimates and commence road and bridge construction with funds made available from the tribal transportation program through a contract or agreement under Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.), if the Indian tribal government—
“(A)
provides assurances in the contract or agreement that the construction will meet or exceed applicable health and safety standards;
“(B)
obtains the advance review of the plans and specifications from a State-licensed civil engineer that has certified that the plans and specifications meet or exceed the applicable health and safety standards; and
“(C)
provides a copy of the certification under subparagraph (A) to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs, Department of Transportation, or the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, as appropriate.
“(6)

Contracts and agreements with indian tribes.
“(A)

In general.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or any interagency agreement, program guideline, manual, or policy directive, all funds made available through the Secretary of the Interior under this chapter and section 125(e) for tribal transportation facilities to pay for the costs of programs, services, functions, and activities, or portions of programs, services, functions, or activities, that are specifically or functionally related to the cost of planning, research, engineering, and construction of any tribal transportation facility shall be made available, upon request of the Indian tribal government, to the Indian tribal government for contracts and agreements for such planning, research, engineering, and construction in accordance with Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.).
“(B)

Exclusion of agency participation.
All funds, including contract support costs, for programs, functions, services, or activities, or portions of programs, services, functions, or activities, including supportive administrative functions that are otherwise contractible to which subparagraph (A) applies, shall be paid in accordance with subparagraph (A), without regard to the organizational level at which the Department of the Interior has previously carried out such programs, functions, services, or activities.
“(7)

Contracts and agreements with indian tribes.
“(A)

In general.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or any interagency agreement, program guideline, manual, or policy directive, all funds made available to an Indian tribal government under this chapter for a tribal transportation facility program or project shall be made available, on the request of the Indian tribal government, to the Indian tribal government for use in carrying out, in accordance with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.), contracts and agreements for the planning, research, design, engineering, construction, and maintenance relating to the program or project.
“(B)

Exclusion of agency participation.
In accordance with subparagraph (A), all funds, including contract support costs, for a program or project to which subparagraph (A) applies shall be paid to the Indian tribal government without regard to the organizational level at which the Department of the Interior has previously carried out, or the Department of Transportation has previously carried out under the tribal transportation program, the programs, functions, services, or activities involved.
“(C)

Consortia.
Two or more Indian tribes that are otherwise eligible to participate in a program or project to which this chapter applies may form a consortium to be considered as a single Indian tribe for the purpose of participating in the project under this section.
“(D)

Secretary as signatory.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary is authorized to enter into a funding agreement with an Indian tribal government to carry out a tribal transportation facility program or project under subparagraph (A) that is located on an Indian reservation or provides access to the reservation or a community of the Indian tribe.
“(E)

Funding.
The amount an Indian tribal government receives for a program or project under subparagraph (A) shall equal the sum of the funding that the Indian tribal government would otherwise receive for the program or project in accordance with the funding formula established under this subsection and such additional amounts as the Secretary determines equal the amounts that would have been withheld for the costs of the Bureau of Indian Affairs for administration of the program or project.
“(F)

Eligibility.
“(i)

In general.
Subject to clause (ii) and the approval of the Secretary, funds may be made available under subparagraph (A) to an Indian tribal government for a program or project in a fiscal year only if the Indian tribal government requesting such funds demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary financial stability and financial management capability during the 3 fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year for which the request is being made.
“(ii)

Considerations.
An Indian tribal government that had no uncorrected significant and material audit exceptions in the required annual audit of the contracts or self-governance funding agreements made by the Indian tribe with any Federal agency under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.) during the 3-fiscal year period referred in clause (i) shall be conclusive evidence of the financial stability and financial management capability of the Indian tribe for purposes of clause (i).
“(G)

Assumption of functions and duties.
An Indian tribal government receiving funding under subparagraph (A) for a program or project shall assume all functions and duties that the Secretary of the Interior would have performed with respect to a program or project under this chapter, other than those functions and duties that inherently cannot be legally transferred under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.).
“(H)

Powers.
An Indian tribal government receiving funding under subparagraph (A) for a program or project shall have all powers that the Secretary of the Interior would have exercised in administering the funds transferred to the Indian tribal government for such program or project under this section if the funds had not been transferred, except to the extent that such powers are powers that inherently cannot be legally transferred under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.).
“(I)

Dispute resolution.
In the event of a disagreement between the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior and an Indian tribe over whether a particular function, duty, or power may be lawfully transferred to the Indian tribe under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.), the Indian tribe shall have the right to pursue all alternative dispute resolution and appeal procedures authorized by that Act, including regulations issued to carry out the Act.
“(J)

Termination of contract or agreement.
On the date of the termination of a contract or agreement under this section by an Indian tribal government, the Secretary shall transfer all funds that would have been allocated to the Indian tribal government under the contract or agreement to the Secretary of the Interior to provide continued transportation services in accordance with applicable law.
“(c)

Planning.
“(1)

In general.
For each fiscal year, not more than 2 percent of the funds made available for the tribal transportation program shall be allocated among Indian tribal governments that apply for transportation planning pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.).
“(2)

Requirement.
An Indian tribal government, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior and, as appropriate, with a State, local government, or metropolitan planning organization, shall carry out a transportation planning process in accordance with section 201(c).
“(3)

Selection and approval of projects.
A project funded under this section shall be—
“(A)
selected by the Indian tribal government from the transportation improvement program; and
“(B)
subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary.
“(d)

Tribal Transportation Facility Bridges.
“(1)

Nationwide priority program.
The Secretary shall maintain a nationwide priority program for improving deficient bridges eligible for the tribal transportation program.
“(2)

Funding.
Before making any distribution under subsection (b), the Secretary shall set aside not more than 2 percent of the funds made available under the tribal transportation program for each fiscal year to be allocated—
“(A)
to carry out any planning, design, engineering, preconstruction, construction, and inspection of a project to replace, rehabilitate, seismically retrofit, paint, apply calcium magnesium acetate, sodium acetate/formate, or other environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti-icing and deicing composition; or
“(B)
to implement any countermeasure for deficient tribal transportation facility bridges, including multiple-pipe culverts.
“(3)

Eligible bridges.
To be eligible to receive funding under this subsection, a bridge described in paragraph (1) shall—
“(A)
have an opening of not less than 20 feet;
“(B)
be classified as a tribal transportation facility; and
“(C)
be structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
“(4)

Approval requirement.
The Secretary may make funds available under this subsection for preliminary engineering, construction, and construction engineering activities after approval of required documentation and verification of eligibility in accordance with this title.
“(e)

Safety.
“(1)

Funding.
Before making any distribution under subsection (b), the Secretary shall set aside not more than 2 percent of the funds made available under the tribal transportation program for each fiscal year to be allocated based on an identification and analysis of highway safety issues and opportunities on tribal land, as determined by the Secretary, on application of the Indian tribal governments for eligible projects described in section 148(a)(4).
“(2)

Project selection.
An Indian tribal government, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior and, as appropriate, with a State, local government, or metropolitan planning organization, shall select projects from the transportation improvement program, subject to the approval of the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior.
“(f)

Federal-aid Eligible Projects.
Before approving as a project on a tribal transportation facility any project eligible for funds apportioned under section 104 in a State, the Secretary shall, for projects on tribal transportation facilities, determine that the obligation of funds for the project is supplementary to and not in lieu of the obligation of a fair and equitable share of funds apportioned to the State under section 104.
“SEC. 203.

Federal lands transportation program
“(a)

Use of Funds.
“(1)

In general.
Funds made available under the Federal lands transportation program shall be used by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management agency to pay the costs of—
“(A)
program administration, transportation planning, research, preventive maintenance, engineering, rehabilitation, restoration, construction, and reconstruction of Federal lands transportation facilities, and—
“(i)
adjacent vehicular parking areas;
“(ii)
acquisition of necessary scenic easements and scenic or historic sites;
“(iii)
provision for pedestrians and bicycles;
“(iv)
environmental mitigation in or adjacent to Federal land open to the public—
“(I)
to improve public safety and reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity; and
“(II)
to mitigate the damage to wildlife, aquatic organism passage, habitat, and ecosystem connectivity, including the costs of constructing, maintaining, replacing, or removing culverts and bridges, as appropriate;
“(v)
construction and reconstruction of roadside rest areas, including sanitary and water facilities;
“(vi)
congestion mitigation; and
“(vii)
other appropriate public road facilities, as determined by the Secretary;
“(B)
operation and maintenance of transit facilities;
“(C)
any transportation project eligible for assistance under this title that is on a public road within or adjacent to, or that provides access to, Federal lands open to the public; and
“(D)
not more $10,000,000 of the amounts made available per fiscal year to carry out this section for activities eligible under subparagraph (A)(iv).
“(2)

Contract.
In connection with an activity described in paragraph (1), the Secretary and the Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management agency may enter into a contract or other appropriate agreement with respect to the activity with—
“(A)
a State (including a political subdivision of a State); or
“(B)
an Indian tribe.
“(3)

Administration.
All appropriations for the construction and improvement of Federal lands transportation facilities shall be administered in conformity with regulations and agreements jointly approved by the Secretary and the Secretary of the appropriate Federal land managing agency.
“(4)

Cooperation.
“(A)

In general.
The cooperation of States, counties, or other local subdivisions may be accepted in construction and improvement.
“(B)

Funds received.
Any funds received from a State, county, or local subdivision shall be credited to appropriations available for the class of Federal lands transportation facilities to which the funds were contributed.
“(5)

Competitive bidding.
“(A)

In general.
Subject to subparagraph (B), construction of each project shall be performed by contract awarded by competitive bidding.
“(B)

Exception.
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if the Secretary or the Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management agency affirmatively finds that, under the circumstances relating to the project, a different method is in the public interest.
“(b)

Agency Program Distributions.
“(1)

In general.
On October 1, 2011, and on October 1 of each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall allocate the sums authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for the Federal lands transportation program on the basis of applications of need, as determined by the Secretary—
“(A)
in consultation with the Secretaries of the applicable Federal land management agencies; and
“(B)
in coordination with the transportation plans required under section 201 of the respective transportation systems of—
“(i)
the National Park Service;
“(ii)
the Forest Service;
“(iii)
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;
“(iv)
the Corps of Engineers; and
“(v)
the Bureau of Land Management.
“(2)

Applications.
“(A)

Requirements.
Each application submitted by a Federal land management agency shall include proposed programs at various potential funding levels, as defined by the Secretary following collaborative discussions with applicable Federal land management agencies.
“(B)

Consideration by secretary.
In evaluating an application submitted under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider the extent to which the programs support—
“(i)
the transportation goals of—
“(I)
a state of good repair of transportation facilities;
“(II)
a reduction of bridge deficiencies, and
“(III)
an improvement of safety;
“(ii)
high-use Federal recreational sites or Federal economic generators; and
“(iii)
the resource and asset management goals of the Secretary of the respective Federal land management agency.
“(C)

Permissive contents.
Applications may include proposed programs the duration of which extend over a multiple-year period to support long-term transportation planning and resource management initiatives.
“(c)

National Federal Lands Transportation Facility Inventory.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretaries of the appropriate Federal land management agencies, in cooperation with the Secretary, shall maintain a comprehensive national inventory of public Federal lands transportation facilities.
“(2)

Transportation facilities included in the inventories.
To identify the Federal lands transportation system and determine the relative transportation needs among Federal land management agencies, the inventories shall include, at a minimum, facilities that—
“(A)
provide access to high-use Federal recreation sites or Federal economic generators, as determined by the Secretary in coordination with the respective Secretaries of the appropriate Federal land management agencies; and
“(B)
are owned by 1 of the following agencies:
“(i)
The National Park Service.
“(ii)
The Forest Service.
“(iii)
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
“(iv)
The Bureau of Land Management.
“(v)
The Corps of Engineers.
“(3)

Availability.
The inventories shall be made available to the Secretary.
“(4)

Updates.
The Secretaries of the appropriate Federal land management agencies shall update the inventories of the appropriate Federal land management agencies, as determined by the Secretary after collaborative discussions with the Secretaries of the appropriate Federal land management agencies.
“(5)

Review.
A decision to add or remove a facility from the inventory shall not be considered a Federal action for purposes of review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
“(d)

Bicycle Safety.
The Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management agency shall prohibit the use of bicycles on each federally owned road that has a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or greater and an adjacent paved path for use by bicycles within 100 yards of the road unless the Secretary determines that the bicycle level of service on that roadway is rated B or higher.
“SEC. 204.

Federal lands access program
“(a)

Use of Funds.
“(1)

In general.
Funds made available under the Federal lands access program shall be used by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management agency to pay the cost of—
“(A)
transportation planning, research, engineering, preventive maintenance, rehabilitation, restoration, construction, and reconstruction of Federal lands access transportation facilities located on or adjacent to, or that provide access to, Federal land, and—
“(i)
adjacent vehicular parking areas;
“(ii)
acquisition of necessary scenic easements and scenic or historic sites;
“(iii)
provisions for pedestrians and bicycles;
“(iv)
environmental mitigation in or adjacent to Federal land to improve public safety and reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity;
“(v)
construction and reconstruction of roadside rest areas, including sanitary and water facilities; and
“(vi)
other appropriate public road facilities, as determined by the Secretary;
“(B)
operation and maintenance of transit facilities; and
“(C)
any transportation project eligible for assistance under this title that is within or adjacent to, or that provides access to, Federal land.
“(2)

Contract.
In connection with an activity described in paragraph (1), the Secretary and the Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management agency may enter into a contract or other appropriate agreement with respect to the activity with—
“(A)
a State (including a political subdivision of a State); or
“(B)
an Indian tribe.
“(3)

Administration.
All appropriations for the construction and improvement of Federal lands access transportation facilities shall be administered in conformity with regulations and agreements approved by the Secretary.
“(4)

Cooperation.
“(A)

In general.
The cooperation of States, counties, or other local subdivisions may be accepted in construction and improvement.
“(B)

Funds received.
Any funds received from a State, county, or local subdivision for a Federal lands access transportation facility project shall be credited to appropriations available under the Federal lands access program.
“(5)

Competitive bidding.
“(A)

In general.
Subject to subparagraph (B), construction of each project shall be performed by contract awarded by competitive bidding.
“(B)

Exception.
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply if the Secretary or the Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management agency affirmatively finds that, under the circumstances relating to the project, a different method is in the public interest.
“(b)

Program Distributions.
“(1)

In general.
Funding made available to carry out the Federal lands access program shall be allocated among those States that have Federal land, in accordance with the following formula:
“(A)
80 percent of the available funding for use in those States that contain at least 1 ½ percent of the total public land in the United States managed by the agencies described in paragraph (2), to be distributed as follows:
“(i)
30 percent in the ratio that—
“(I)
recreational visitation within each such State; bears to
“(II)
the recreational visitation within all such States.
“(ii)
5 percent in the ratio that—
“(I)
the Federal land area within each such State; bears to
“(II)
the Federal land area in all such States.
“(iii)
55 percent in the ratio that—
“(I)
the Federal public road miles within each such State; bears to
“(II)
the Federal public road miles in all such States.
“(iv)
10 percent in the ratio that—
“(I)
the number of Federal public bridges within each such State; bears to
“(II)
the number of Federal public bridges in all such States.
“(B)
20 percent of the available funding for use in those States that do not contain at least 1 ½ percent of the total public land in the United States managed by the agencies described in paragraph (2), to be distributed as follows:
“(i)
30 percent in the ratio that—
“(I)
recreational visitation within each such State; bears to
“(II)
the recreational visitation within all such States.
“(ii)
5 percent in the ratio that—
“(I)
the Federal land area within each such State; bears to
“(II)
the Federal land area in all such States.
“(iii)
55 percent in the ratio that—
“(I)
the Federal public road miles within each such State; bears to
“(II)
the Federal public road miles in all such States.
“(iv)
10 percent in the ratio that—
“(I)
the number of Federal public bridges within each such State; bears to
“(II)
the number of Federal public bridges in all such States.
“(2)

Data source.
Data necessary to distribute funding under paragraph (1) shall be provided by the following Federal land management agencies:
“(A)
The National Park Service.
“(B)
The Forest Service.
“(C)
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
“(D)
The Bureau of Land Management.
“(E)
The Corps of Engineers.
“(c)

Programming Decisions Committee.
“(1)

In general.
Programming decisions shall be made within each State by a committee comprised of—
“(A)
a representative of the Federal Highway Administration;
“(B)
a representative of the State Department of Transportation; and
“(C)
a representative of any appropriate political subdivision of the State.
“(2)

Consultation requirement.
The committee described in paragraph (1) shall cooperate with each applicable Federal agency in each State before any joint discussion or final programming decision.
“(3)

Project preference.
In making a programming decision under paragraph (1), the committee shall give preference to projects that provide access to, are adjacent to, or are located within high-use Federal recreation sites or Federal economic generators, as identified by the Secretaries of the appropriate Federal land management agencies.”
.
(b)

Public Lands Development Roads and Trails.—
Section 214 of title 23, United States Code, is repealed.
(c)

Conforming Amendments.—
(1)

Chapter 2 analysis.—
The analysis for chapter 2 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
by striking the items relating to sections 201 through 204 and inserting the following:
“201. Federal lands and tribal transportation programs.
“202. Tribal transportation program.
“203. Federal lands transportation program.
“204. Federal lands access program.”; and
(B)
by striking the item relating to section 214.
(2)

Definition.—
Section 138(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended in the third sentence by striking “park road or parkway under section 204 of this title” and inserting “Federal lands transportation facility”.
(3)

Rules, regulations, and recommendations.—
Section 315 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “204(f)” and inserting “202(a)(5), 203(a)(3),”.
SEC. 1120.

PROJECTS OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.
Section 1301 of the SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 101 note; 119 Stat. 1198) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b), by striking “States” and inserting “eligible applicants”;
(2)
in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
“(3)

Eligible applicant.
The term ‘eligible applicant’ means—
“(A)
a State department of transportation or a group of State departments of transportation;
“(B)
a tribal government or consortium of tribal governments;
“(C)
a transit agency; or
“(D)
a multi-State or multi-jurisdictional group of the agencies described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).”
;
(3)
in subsection (d)(2), by striking “75” and inserting “50”;
(4)
in subsection (e), by striking “State” and inserting “eligible applicant”;
(5)
in subsection (f)(3) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
“(B)
improves roadways vital to national energy security; and”
;
(6)
in subsection (g)(1) by adding at the end the following:
“(E)

Congressional approval.
The Secretary may not issue a letter of intent, enter into a full funding grant agreement under paragraph (2), or make any other obligation or commitment to fund a project under this section if a joint resolution of disapproval is enacted disapproving funding for the project before the last day of the 60-day period described in subparagraph (B).”
;
(7)
in subsection (k), by adding at the end the following:
“(3)

Project selection justifications.
“(A)

In general.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary selects a project for funding under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that describes the reasons for selecting the project, based on the criteria described in subsection (f).
“(B)

Inclusions.
The report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall specify each criteria described in subsection (f) that the project meets.
“(C)

Availability.
The Secretary shall make available on the website of the Department the report submitted under subparagraph (A).”
; and
(8)
by striking subsections (l) and (m) and inserting the following:
“(l)

Report.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate regarding projects of national and regional significance.
“(2)

Purpose.
The purpose of the report issued under this subsection shall be to identify projects of national and regional significance that—
“(A)
will significantly improve the performance of the Federal-aid highway system, nationally or regionally;
“(B)
is able to—
“(i)
generate national economic benefits that reasonably exceed the costs of the projects, including increased access to jobs, labor, and other critical economic inputs;
“(ii)
reduce long-term congestion, including impacts in the State, region, and the United States, and increase speed, reliability, and accessibility of the movement of people or freight; and
“(iii)
improve transportation safety, including reducing transportation accidents, and serious injuries and fatalities; and
“(C)
can be supported by an acceptable degree of non-Federal financial commitments.
“(3)

Contents.
The report issued under this subsection shall include—
“(A)
a comprehensive list of each project of national and regional significance that—
“(i)
has been complied through a survey of State departments of transportation; and
“(ii)
has been classified by the Secretary as a project of regional or national significance in accordance with this section;
“(B)
an analysis of the information collected under paragraph (1), including a discussion of the factors supporting each classification of a project as a project of regional or national significance; and
“(C)
recommendations on financing for eligible project costs.
“(m)

Authorization of Appropriations.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2013, to remain available until expended.”
.
SEC. 1121.

CONSTRUCTION OF FERRY BOATS AND FERRY TERMINAL FACILITIES.
(a)

Construction of Ferry Boats and Ferry Terminal Facilities.—
Section 147 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking subsections (c) and (d);
(2)
by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and
(3)
by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
“(c)

Distribution of Funds.
Of the amounts made available to ferry systems and public entities responsible for developing ferries under this section for a fiscal year, 100 percent shall be allocated in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection (d).
“(d)

Formula.
Of the amounts allocated pursuant to subsection (c)—
“(1)
20 percent shall be allocated among eligible entities in the proportion that—
“(A)
the number of ferry passengers carried by each ferry system in the most recent fiscal year; bears to
“(B)
the number of ferry passengers carried by all ferry systems in the most recent fiscal year;
“(2)
45 percent shall be allocated among eligible entities in the proportion that—
“(A)
the number of vehicles carried by each ferry system in the most recent fiscal year; bears to
“(B)
the number of vehicles carried by all ferry systems in the most recent fiscal year; and
“(3)
35 percent shall be allocated among eligible entities in the proportion that—
“(A)
the total route miles serviced by each ferry system; bears to
“(B)
the total route miles serviced by all ferry systems.
“(e)

Authorization of Appropriations.
There is authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out this section $67,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.”
.
(b)

National Ferry Database.—
Section 1801(e) of the SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 129 note; Public Law 109-59) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2), by inserting “, including any Federal, State, and local government funding sources,” after “sources”; and
(2)
in paragraph (4)—
(A)
in subparagraph (B), by striking “and” at the end;
(B)
by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
(C)
by inserting after subparagraph (B), the following:
“(C)
ensure that the database is consistent with the national transit database maintained by the Federal Transit Administration; and”
; and
(D)
in subparagraph (D) (as redesignated by subparagraph (B)), by striking “2009” and inserting “2014”.
SEC. 1122.

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES.
(a)

In General.—
Section 213 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 213.

Transportation alternatives
“(a)

Reservation of Funds.
“(1)

In general.
On October 1 of each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014, the Secretary shall proportionally reserve from the funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b) to carry out the requirements of this section an amount equal to the amount obtained by multiplying the amount determined under paragraph (2) by the ratio that—
“(A)
the amount apportioned to the State for the transportation enhancements program for fiscal year 2009 under section 133(d)(2), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21; bears to
“(B)
the total amount of funds apportioned to all States for that fiscal year for the transportation enhancements program for fiscal year 2009.
“(2)

Calculation of national amount.
The Secretary shall determine an amount for each fiscal year that is equal to 2 percent of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for such fiscal year from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out chapters 1, 2, 5, and 6 of this title.
“(b)

Eligible Projects.
A State may obligate the funds reserved under this section for any of the following projects or activities:
“(1)
Transportation alternatives, as defined in section 101.
“(2)
The recreational trails program under section 206.
“(3)
The safe routes to school program under section 1404 of the SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note; Public Law 109-59).
“(4)
Planning, designing, or constructing boulevards and other roadways largely in the right-of-way of former Interstate System routes or other divided highways.
“(c)

Allocations of Funds.
“(1)

Calculation.
Of the funds reserved in a State under this section—
“(A)
50 percent for a fiscal year shall be obligated under this section to any eligible entity in proportion to their relative shares of the population of the State—
“(i)
in urbanized areas of the State with an urbanized area population of over 200,000;
“(ii)
in areas of the State other than urban areas with a population greater than 5,000; and
“(iii)
in other areas of the State; and
“(B)
50 percent shall be obligated in any area of the State.
“(2)

Metropolitan areas.
Funds attributed to an urbanized area under paragraph (1)(A)(i) may be obligated in the metropolitan area established under section 134 that encompasses the urbanized area.
“(3)

Distribution among urbanized areas of over 200,000 population.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in paragraph (1)(B), the amount of funds that a State is required to obligate under paragraph (1)(A)(i) shall be obligated in urbanized areas described in paragraph (1)(A)(i) based on the relative population of the areas.
“(B)

Other factors.
A State may obligate the funds described in subparagraph (A) based on other factors if the State and the relevant metropolitan planning organizations jointly apply to the Secretary for the permission to base the obligation on other factors and the Secretary grants the request.
“(4)

Access to funds.
“(A)

In general.
Each State or metropolitan planning organization required to obligate funds in accordance with paragraph (1) shall develop a competitive process to allow eligible entities to submit projects for funding that achieve the objectives of this subsection.
“(B)

Definition of eligible entity.
In this paragraph, the term ‘eligible entity’ means—
“(i)
a local government;
“(ii)
a regional transportation authority;
“(iii)
a transit agency;
“(iv)
a natural resource or public land agency;
“(v)
a school district, local education agency, or school;
“(vi)
a tribal government; and
“(vii)
any other local or regional governmental entity with responsibility for or oversight of transportation or recreational trails (other than a metropolitan planning organization or a State agency) that the State determines to be eligible, consistent with the goals of this subsection.
“(5)

Selection of projects.
For funds reserved in a State under this section and suballocated to a metropolitan planning area under paragraph (1)(A)(i), each such metropolitan planning organization shall select projects carried out within the boundaries of the applicable metropolitan planning area, in consultation with the relevant State.
“(d)

Flexibility of Excess Reserved Funding.
Beginning in the second fiscal year after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, if on August 1 of that fiscal year the unobligated balance of available funds reserved by a State under this section exceeds 100 percent of such reserved amount in such fiscal year, the State may thereafter obligate the amount of excess funds for any activity—
“(1)
that is eligible to receive funding under this section; or
“(2)
for which the Secretary has approved the obligation of funds for any State under section 149.
“(e)

Treatment of Projects.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, projects funded under this section (excluding those carried out under subsection (f)) shall be treated as projects on a Federal-aid highway under this chapter.
“(f)

Continuation of Certain Recreational Trails Projects.
Each State shall—
“(1)
obligate an amount of funds reserved under this section equal to the amount of the funds apportioned to the State for fiscal year 2009 under section 104(h)(2) for projects relating to recreational trails under section 206;
“(2)
return 1 percent of those funds to the Secretary for the administration of that program; and
“(3)
comply with the provisions of the administration of the recreational trails program under section 206, including the use of apportioned funds described under subsection (d)(3)(A) of that section.
“(g)

State Flexibility.
A State may opt out of the recreational trails program under subsection (f) if the Governor of the State notifies the Secretary not later than 30 days prior to apportionments being made for any fiscal year.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 2 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 213 and inserting the following:
“213. Transportation alternatives”.
SEC. 1123.
[23 U.S.C. 202 note]

TRIBAL HIGH PRIORITY PROJECTS PROGRAM.
(a)

Definitions.—
In this section:
(1)

Emergency or disaster.—
The term “emergency or disaster” means damage to a tribal transportation facility that—
(A)
renders the tribal transportation facility impassable or unusable;
(B)
is caused by—
(i)
a natural disaster over a widespread area; or
(ii)
a catastrophic failure from an external cause; and
(C)
would be eligible under the emergency relief program under section 125 of title 23, United States Code, but does not meet the funding thresholds required by that section.
(2)

List.—
The term “list” means the funding priority list developed under subsection (c)(5).
(3)

Program.—
The term “program” means the Tribal High Priority Projects program established under subsection (b)(1).
(4)

Project.—
The term “project” means a project provided funds under the program.
(b)

Program.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall use amounts made available under subsection (h) to carry out a Tribal High Priority Projects program under which funds shall be provided to eligible applicants in accordance with this section.
(2)

Eligible applicants.—
Applicants eligible for program funds under this section include—
(A)
an Indian tribe whose annual allocation of funding under section 202 of title 23, United States Code, is insufficient to complete the highest priority project of the Indian tribe;
(B)
a governmental subdivision of an Indian tribe—
(i)
that is authorized to administer the funding of the Indian tribe under section 202 of title 23, United States Code; and
(ii)
for which the annual allocation under that section is insufficient to complete the highest priority project of the Indian tribe; or
(C)
any Indian tribe that has an emergency or disaster with respect to a transportation facility included on the national inventory of tribal transportation facilities under section 202(b)(1) of title 23, United States Code.
(c)

Project Applications; Funding.—
(1)

In general.—
To apply for funds under this section, an eligible applicant shall submit to the Department of the Interior or the Department an application that includes—
(A)
project scope of work, including deliverables, budget, and timeline;
(B)
the amount of funds requested;
(C)
project information addressing—
(i)
the ranking criteria identified in paragraph (3); or
(ii)
the nature of the emergency or disaster;
(D)
documentation that the project meets the definition of a tribal transportation facility and is included in the national inventory of tribal transportation facilities under section 202(b)(1) of title 23, United States Code;
(E)
documentation of official tribal action requesting the project;
(F)
documentation from the Indian tribe providing authority for the Secretary of the Interior to place the project on a transportation improvement program if the project is selected and approved; and
(G)
any other information the Secretary of the Interior or Secretary considers appropriate to make a determination.
(2)

Limitation on applications.—
An applicant for funds under the program may only have 1 application for assistance under this section pending at any 1 time, including any emergency or disaster application.
(3)

Application ranking.—
(A)

In general.—
The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary shall determine the eligibility of, and fund, program applications, subject to the availability of funds.
(B)

Ranking criteria.—
The project ranking criteria for applications under this section shall include—
(i)
the existence of safety hazards with documented fatality and injury accidents;
(ii)
the number of years since the Indian tribe last completed a construction project funded by section 202 of title 23, United States Code;
(iii)
the readiness of the Indian tribe to proceed to construction or bridge design need;
(iv)
the percentage of project costs matched by funds that are not provided under section 202 of title 23, United States Code, with projects with a greater percentage of other sources of matching funds ranked ahead of lesser matches);
(v)
the amount of funds requested, with requests for lesser amounts given greater priority;
(vi)
the challenges caused by geographic isolation; and
(vii)
all weather access for employment, commerce, health, safety, educational resources, or housing.
(4)

Project scoring matrix.—
The project scoring matrix established in the appendix to part 170 of title 25, Code of Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act) shall be used to rank all applications accepted under this section.
(5)

Funding priority list.—
(A)

In general.—
The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary shall jointly produce a funding priority list that ranks the projects approved for funding under the program.
(B)

Limitation.—
The number of projects on the list shall be limited by the amount of funding made available.
(6)

Timeline.—
The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary shall—
(A)
require applications for funding no sooner than 60 days after funding is made available pursuant to subsection (a);
(B)
notify all applicants and Regions in writing of acceptance of applications;
(C)
rank all accepted applications in accordance with the project scoring matrix, develop the funding priority list, and return unaccepted applications to the applicant with an explanation of deficiencies;
(D)
notify all accepted applicants of the projects included on the funding priority list no later than 180 days after the application deadline has passed pursuant to subparagraph (A); and
(E)
distribute funds to successful applicants.
(d)

Emergency or Disaster Project Applications.—
(1)

In general.—
Notwithstanding subsection (c)(6), an eligible applicant may submit an emergency or disaster project application at any time during the fiscal year.
(2)

Consideration as priority.—
The Secretary shall—
(A)
consider project applications submitted under paragraph (1) to be a priority; and
(B)
fund the project applications in accordance with paragraph (3).
(3)

Funding.—
(A)

In general.—
If an eligible applicant submits an application for a project under this subsection before the issuance of the list under subsection (c)(5) and the project is determined to be eligible for program funds, the Secretary of the Interior shall provide funding for the project before providing funding for other approved projects on the list.
(B)

Submission after issuance of list.—
If an eligible applicant submits an application under this subsection after the issuance of the list under subsection (c)(5) and the distribution of program funds in accordance with the list, the Secretary of the Interior shall provide funding for the project on the date on which unobligated funds provided to projects on the list are returned to the Department of the Interior.
(C)

Effect on other projects.—
If the Secretary of the Interior uses funding previously designated for a project on the list to fund an emergency or disaster project under this subsection, the project on the list that did not receive funding as a result of the redesignation of funds shall move to the top of the list the following year.
(4)

Emergency or disaster project cost.—
The cost of a project submitted as an emergency or disaster under this subsection shall be at least 10 percent of the distribution of funds of the Indian tribe under section 202(b) of title 23, United States Code.
(e)

Limitation on Use of Funds.—
Program funds shall not be used for—
(1)
transportation planning;
(2)
research;
(3)
routine maintenance activities;
(4)
structures and erosion protection unrelated to transportation and roadways;
(5)
general reservation planning not involving transportation;
(6)
landscaping and irrigation systems not involving transportation programs and projects;
(7)
work performed on projects that are not included on a transportation improvement program approved by the Federal Highway Administration, unless otherwise authorized by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary;
(8)
the purchase of equipment unless otherwise authorized by Federal law; or
(9)
the condemnation of land for recreational trails.
(f)

Limitation on Project Amounts.—
Project funding shall be limited to a maximum of $1,000,000 per application, except that funding for disaster or emergency projects shall also be limited to the estimated cost of repairing damage to the tribal transportation facility.
(g)

Cost Estimate Certification.—
All cost estimates prepared for a project shall be required to be submitted by the applicant to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary for certification and approval.
(h)

Funding.—
(1)

Set-aside.—
For each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, of the amounts made available to carry out the tribal transportation program under section 202 of title 23, United States Code, for that fiscal year, the Secretary shall use $9,000,000 to carry out the program.
(2)

Authorization of appropriations.—
In addition to amounts made available under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated $30,000,000 out of the general fund of the Treasury to carry out the program for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
(3)

Administration.—
The funds made available under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be administered in the same manner as funds made available for the tribal transportation program under section 202 of title 23, United States Code, except that—
(A)
the funds made available for the program shall remain available until September 30 of the third fiscal year after the year appropriated; and
(B)
the Federal share of the cost of a project shall be 100 percent.
Subtitle B—

Performance Management
SEC. 1201.

METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING.
(a)

In General.—
Section 134 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 134.

Metropolitan transportation planning
“(a)

Policy.
It is in the national interest—
“(1)
to encourage and promote the safe and efficient management, operation, and development of surface transportation systems that will serve the mobility needs of people and freight and foster economic growth and development within and between States and urbanized areas, while minimizing transportation-related fuel consumption and air pollution through metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes identified in this chapter; and
“(2)
to encourage the continued improvement and evolution of the metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes by metropolitan planning organizations, State departments of transportation, and public transit operators as guided by the planning factors identified in subsection (h) and section 135(d).
“(b)

Definitions.
In this section and section 135, the following definitions apply:
“(1)

Metropolitan planning area.
The term ‘metropolitan planning area’ means the geographic area determined by agreement between the metropolitan planning organization for the area and the Governor under subsection (e).
“(2)

Metropolitan planning organization.
The term ‘metropolitan planning organization’ means the policy board of an organization established as a result of the designation process under subsection (d).
“(3)

Nonmetropolitan area.
The term ‘nonmetropolitan area’ means a geographic area outside designated metropolitan planning areas.
“(4)

Nonmetropolitan local official.
The term ‘nonmetropolitan local official’ means elected and appointed officials of general purpose local government in a nonmetropolitan area with responsibility for transportation.
“(5)

Regional transportation planning organization.
The term ‘regional transportation planning organization’ means a policy board of an organization established as the result of a designation under section 135(m).
“(6)

TIP.
The term ‘TIP’ means a transportation improvement program developed by a metropolitan planning organization under subsection (j).
“(7)

Urbanized area.
The term ‘urbanized area’ means a geographic area with a population of 50,000 or more, as determined by the Bureau of the Census.
“(c)

General Requirements.
“(1)

Development of long-range plans and tips.
To accomplish the objectives in subsection (a), metropolitan planning organizations designated under subsection (d), in cooperation with the State and public transportation operators, shall develop long-range transportation plans and transportation improvement programs through a performance-driven, outcome-based approach to planning for metropolitan areas of the State.
“(2)

Contents.
The plans and TIPs for each metropolitan area shall provide for the development and integrated management and operation of transportation systems and facilities (including accessible pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities) that will function as an intermodal transportation system for the metropolitan planning area and as an integral part of an intermodal transportation system for the State and the United States.
“(3)

Process of development.
The process for developing the plans and TIPs shall provide for consideration of all modes of transportation and shall be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive to the degree appropriate, based on the complexity of the transportation problems to be addressed.
“(d)

Designation of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
“(1)

In general.
To carry out the transportation planning process required by this section, a metropolitan planning organization shall be designated for each urbanized area with a population of more than 50,000 individuals—
“(A)
by agreement between the Governor and units of general purpose local government that together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population (including the largest incorporated city (based on population) as determined by the Bureau of the Census); or
“(B)
in accordance with procedures established by applicable State or local law.
“(2)

Structure.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of MAP-21, each metropolitan planning organization that serves an area designated as a transportation management area shall consist of—
“(A)
local elected officials;
“(B)
officials of public agencies that administer or operate major modes of transportation in the metropolitan area, including representation by providers of public transportation; and
“(C)
appropriate State officials.
“(3)

Limitation on statutory construction.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to interfere with the authority, under any State law in effect on December 18, 1991, of a public agency with multimodal transportation responsibilities—
“(A)
to develop the plans and TIPs for adoption by a metropolitan planning organization; and
“(B)
to develop long-range capital plans, coordinate transit services and projects, and carry out other activities pursuant to State law.
“(4)

Continuing designation.
A designation of a metropolitan planning organization under this subsection or any other provision of law shall remain in effect until the metropolitan planning organization is redesignated under paragraph (5).
“(5)

Redesignation procedures.
“(A)

In general.
A metropolitan planning organization may be redesignated by agreement between the Governor and units of general purpose local government that together represent at least 75 percent of the existing planning area population (including the largest incorporated city (based on population) as determined by the Bureau of the Census) as appropriate to carry out this section.
“(B)

Restructuring.
A metropolitan planning organization may be restructured to meet the requirements of paragraph (2) without undertaking a redesignation.
“(6)

Designation of more than 1 metropolitan planning organization.
More than 1 metropolitan planning organization may be designated within an existing metropolitan planning area only if the Governor and the existing metropolitan planning organization determine that the size and complexity of the existing metropolitan planning area make designation of more than 1 metropolitan planning organization for the area appropriate.
“(e)

Metropolitan Planning Area Boundaries.
“(1)

In general.
For the purposes of this section, the boundaries of a metropolitan planning area shall be determined by agreement between the metropolitan planning organization and the Governor.
“(2)

Included area.
Each metropolitan planning area—
“(A)
shall encompass at least the existing urbanized area and the contiguous area expected to become urbanized within a 20-year forecast period for the transportation plan; and
“(B)
may encompass the entire metropolitan statistical area or consolidated metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the Bureau of the Census.
“(3)

Identification of new urbanized areas within existing planning area boundaries.
The designation by the Bureau of the Census of new urbanized areas within an existing metropolitan planning area shall not require the redesignation of the existing metropolitan planning organization.
“(4)

Existing metropolitan planning areas in nonattainment.
“(A)

In general.
Notwithstanding paragraph (2), except as provided in subparagraph (B), in the case of an urbanized area designated as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) as of the date of enactment of the SAFETEA-LU, the boundaries of the metropolitan planning area in existence as of such date of enactment shall be retained.
“(B)

Exception.
The boundaries described in subparagraph (A) may be adjusted by agreement of the Governor and affected metropolitan planning organizations in the manner described in subsection (d)(5).
“(5)

New metropolitan planning areas in nonattainment.
In the case of an urbanized area designated after the date of enactment of the SAFETEA-LU, as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide, the boundaries of the metropolitan planning area—
“(A)
shall be established in the manner described in subsection (d)(1);
“(B)
shall encompass the areas described in paragraph (2)(A);
“(C)
may encompass the areas described in paragraph (2)(B); and
“(D)
may address any nonattainment area identified under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) for ozone or carbon monoxide.
“(f)

Coordination in Multistate Areas.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall encourage each Governor with responsibility for a portion of a multistate metropolitan area and the appropriate metropolitan planning organizations to provide coordinated transportation planning for the entire metropolitan area.
“(2)

Interstate compacts.
The consent of Congress is granted to any 2 or more States—
“(A)
to enter into agreements or compacts, not in conflict with any law of the United States, for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in support of activities authorized under this section as the activities pertain to interstate areas and localities within the States; and
“(B)
to establish such agencies, joint or otherwise, as the States may determine desirable for making the agreements and compacts effective.
“(3)

Reservation of rights.
The right to alter, amend, or repeal interstate compacts entered into under this subsection is expressly reserved.
“(g)

MPO Consultation in Plan and TIP Coordination.
“(1)

Nonattainment areas.
If more than 1 metropolitan planning organization has authority within a metropolitan area or an area which is designated as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), each metropolitan planning organization shall consult with the other metropolitan planning organizations designated for such area and the State in the coordination of plans and TIPs required by this section.
“(2)

Transportation improvements located in multiple mpos.
If a transportation improvement, funded from the Highway Trust Fund or authorized under chapter 53 of title 49, is located within the boundaries of more than 1 metropolitan planning area, the metropolitan planning organizations shall coordinate plans and TIPs regarding the transportation improvement.
“(3)

Relationship with other planning officials.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall encourage each metropolitan planning organization to consult with officials responsible for other types of planning activities that are affected by transportation in the area (including State and local planned growth, economic development, environmental protection, airport operations, and freight movements) or to coordinate its planning process, to the maximum extent practicable, with such planning activities.
“(B)

Requirements.
Under the metropolitan planning process, transportation plans and TIPs shall be developed with due consideration of other related planning activities within the metropolitan area, and the process shall provide for the design and delivery of transportation services within the metropolitan area that are provided by—
“(i)
recipients of assistance under chapter 53 of title 49;
“(ii)
governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations (including representatives of the agencies and organizations) that receive Federal assistance from a source other than the Department of Transportation to provide nonemergency transportation services; and
“(iii)
recipients of assistance under section 204.
“(h)

Scope of Planning Process.
“(1)

In general.
The metropolitan planning process for a metropolitan planning area under this section shall provide for consideration of projects and strategies that will—
“(A)
support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
“(B)
increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
“(C)
increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
“(D)
increase the accessibility and mobility of people and for freight;
“(E)
protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns;
“(F)
enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight;
“(G)
promote efficient system management and operation; and
“(H)
emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.
“(2)

Performance-based approach.
“(A)

In general.
The metropolitan transportation planning process shall provide for the establishment and use of a performance-based approach to transportation decisionmaking to support the national goals described in section 150(b) of this title and in section 5301(c) of title 49.
“(B)

Performance targets.
“(i)

Surface transportation performance targets.
“(I)

In general.
Each metropolitan planning organization shall establish performance targets that address the performance measures described in section 150(c), where applicable, to use in tracking progress towards attainment of critical outcomes for the region of the metropolitan planning organization.
“(II)

Coordination.
Selection of performance targets by a metropolitan planning organization shall be coordinated with the relevant State to ensure consistency, to the maximum extent practicable.
“(ii)

Public transportation performance targets.
Selection of performance targets by a metropolitan planning organization shall be coordinated, to the maximum extent practicable, with providers of public transportation to ensure consistency with sections 5326(c) and 5329(d) of title 49.
“(C)

Timing.
Each metropolitan planning organization shall establish the performance targets under subparagraph (B) not later than 180 days after the date on which the relevant State or provider of public transportation establishes the performance targets.
“(D)

Integration of other performance-based plans.
A metropolitan planning organization shall integrate in the metropolitan transportation planning process, directly or by reference, the goals, objectives, performance measures, and targets described in other State transportation plans and transportation processes, as well as any plans developed under chapter 53 of title 49 by providers of public transportation, required as part of a performance-based program.
“(3)

Failure to consider factors.
The failure to consider any factor specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not be reviewable by any court under this title or chapter 53 of title 49, subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, or chapter 7 of title 5 in any matter affecting a transportation plan, a TIP, a project or strategy, or the certification of a planning process.
“(i)

Development of Transportation Plan.
“(1)

Requirements.
“(A)

In general.
Each metropolitan planning organization shall prepare and update a transportation plan for its metropolitan planning area in accordance with the requirements of this subsection.
“(B)

Frequency.
“(i)

In general.
The metropolitan planning organization shall prepare and update such plan every 4 years (or more frequently, if the metropolitan planning organization elects to update more frequently) in the case of each of the following:
“(I)
Any area designated as nonattainment, as defined in section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)).
“(II)
Any area that was nonattainment and subsequently designated to attainment in accordance with section 107(d)(3) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)(3)) and that is subject to a maintenance plan under section 175A of that Act (42 U.S.C. 7505a).
“(ii)

Other areas.
In the case of any other area required to have a transportation plan in accordance with the requirements of this subsection, the metropolitan planning organization shall prepare and update such plan every 5 years unless the metropolitan planning organization elects to update more frequently.
“(2)

Transportation plan.
A transportation plan under this section shall be in a form that the Secretary determines to be appropriate and shall contain, at a minimum, the following:
“(A)

Identification of transportation facilities.
“(i)

In general.
An identification of transportation facilities (including major roadways, transit, multimodal and intermodal facilities, nonmotorized transportation facilities, and intermodal connectors) that should function as an integrated metropolitan transportation system, giving emphasis to those facilities that serve important national and regional transportation functions.
“(ii)

Factors.
In formulating the transportation plan, the metropolitan planning organization shall consider factors described in subsection (h) as the factors relate to a 20-year forecast period.
“(B)

Performance measures and targets.
A description of the performance measures and performance targets used in assessing the performance of the transportation system in accordance with subsection (h)(2).
“(C)

System performance report.
A system performance report and subsequent updates evaluating the condition and performance of the transportation system with respect to the performance targets described in subsection (h)(2), including—
“(i)
progress achieved by the metropolitan planning organization in meeting the performance targets in comparison with system performance recorded in previous reports; and
“(ii)
for metropolitan planning organizations that voluntarily elect to develop multiple scenarios, an analysis of how the preferred scenario has improved the conditions and performance of the transportation system and how changes in local policies and investments have impacted the costs necessary to achieve the identified performance targets.
“(D)

Mitigation activities.
“(i)

In general.
A long-range transportation plan shall include a discussion of types of potential environmental mitigation activities and potential areas to carry out these activities, including activities that may have the greatest potential to restore and maintain the environmental functions affected by the plan.
“(ii)

Consultation.
The discussion shall be developed in consultation with Federal, State, and tribal wildlife, land management, and regulatory agencies.
“(E)

Financial plan.
“(i)

In general.
A financial plan that—
“(I)
demonstrates how the adopted transportation plan can be implemented;
“(II)
indicates resources from public and private sources that are reasonably expected to be made available to carry out the plan; and
“(III)
recommends any additional financing strategies for needed projects and programs.
“(ii)

Inclusions.
The financial plan may include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the adopted transportation plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available.
“(iii)

Cooperative development.
For the purpose of developing the transportation plan, the metropolitan planning organization, transit operator, and State shall cooperatively develop estimates of funds that will be available to support plan implementation.
“(F)

Operational and management strategies.
Operational and management strategies to improve the performance of existing transportation facilities to relieve vehicular congestion and maximize the safety and mobility of people and goods.
“(G)

Capital investment and other strategies.
Capital investment and other strategies to preserve the existing and projected future metropolitan transportation infrastructure and provide for multimodal capacity increases based on regional priorities and needs.
“(H)

Transportation and transit enhancement activities.
Proposed transportation and transit enhancement activities.
“(3)

Coordination with clean air act agencies.
In metropolitan areas that are in nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), the metropolitan planning organization shall coordinate the development of a transportation plan with the process for development of the transportation control measures of the State implementation plan required by that Act.
“(4)

Optional scenario development.
“(A)

In general.
A metropolitan planning organization may, while fitting the needs and complexity of its community, voluntarily elect to develop multiple scenarios for consideration as part of the development of the metropolitan transportation plan, in accordance with subparagraph (B).
“(B)

Recommended components.
A metropolitan planning organization that chooses to develop multiple scenarios under subparagraph (A) shall be encouraged to consider—
“(i)
potential regional investment strategies for the planning horizon;
“(ii)
assumed distribution of population and employment;
“(iii)
a scenario that, to the maximum extent practicable, maintains baseline conditions for the performance measures identified in subsection (h)(2);
“(iv)
a scenario that improves the baseline conditions for as many of the performance measures identified in subsection (h)(2) as possible;
“(v)
revenue constrained scenarios based on the total revenues expected to be available over the forecast period of the plan; and
“(vi)
estimated costs and potential revenues available to support each scenario.
“(C)

Metrics.
In addition to the performance measures identified in section 150(c), metropolitan planning organizations may evaluate scenarios developed under this paragraph using locally-developed measures.
“(5)

Consultation.
“(A)

In general.
In each metropolitan area, the metropolitan planning organization shall consult, as appropriate, with State and local agencies responsible for land use management, natural resources, environmental protection, conservation, and historic preservation concerning the development of a long-range transportation plan.
“(B)

Issues.
The consultation shall involve, as appropriate—
“(i)
comparison of transportation plans with State conservation plans or maps, if available; or
“(ii)
comparison of transportation plans to inventories of natural or historic resources, if available.
“(6)

Participation by interested parties.
“(A)

In general.
Each metropolitan planning organization shall provide citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation employees, freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services, private providers of transportation, representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of the disabled, and other interested parties with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the transportation plan.
“(B)

Contents of participation plan.
A participation plan—
“(i)
shall be developed in consultation with all interested parties; and
“(ii)
shall provide that all interested parties have reasonable opportunities to comment on the contents of the transportation plan.
“(C)

Methods.
In carrying out subparagraph (A), the metropolitan planning organization shall, to the maximum extent practicable—
“(i)
hold any public meetings at convenient and accessible locations and times;
“(ii)
employ visualization techniques to describe plans; and
“(iii)
make public information available in electronically accessible format and means, such as the World Wide Web, as appropriate to afford reasonable opportunity for consideration of public information under subparagraph (A).
“(7)

Publication.
A transportation plan involving Federal participation shall be published or otherwise made readily available by the metropolitan planning organization for public review, including (to the maximum extent practicable) in electronically accessible formats and means, such as the World Wide Web, approved by the metropolitan planning organization and submitted for information purposes to the Governor at such times and in such manner as the Secretary shall establish.
“(8)

Selection of projects from illustrative list.
Notwithstanding paragraph (2)(C), a State or metropolitan planning organization shall not be required to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under paragraph (2)(C).
“(j)

Metropolitan TIP.
“(1)

Development.
“(A)

In general.
In cooperation with the State and any affected public transportation operator, the metropolitan planning organization designated for a metropolitan area shall develop a TIP for the metropolitan planning area that—
“(i)
contains projects consistent with the current metropolitan transportation plan;
“(ii)
reflects the investment priorities established in the current metropolitan transportation plan; and
“(iii)
once implemented, is designed to make progress toward achieving the performance targets established under subsection (h)(2).
“(B)

Opportunity for comment.
In developing the TIP, the metropolitan planning organization, in cooperation with the State and any affected public transportation operator, shall provide an opportunity for participation by interested parties in the development of the program, in accordance with subsection (i)(5).
“(C)

Funding estimates.
For the purpose of developing the TIP, the metropolitan planning organization, public transportation agency, and State shall cooperatively develop estimates of funds that are reasonably expected to be available to support program implementation.
“(D)

Updating and approval.
The TIP shall be—
“(i)
updated at least once every 4 years; and
“(ii)
approved by the metropolitan planning organization and the Governor.
“(2)

Contents.
“(A)

Priority list.
The TIP shall include a priority list of proposed Federally supported projects and strategies to be carried out within each 4-year period after the initial adoption of the TIP.
“(B)

Financial plan.
The TIP shall include a financial plan that—
“(i)
demonstrates how the TIP can be implemented;
“(ii)
indicates resources from public and private sources that are reasonably expected to be available to carry out the program;
“(iii)
identifies innovative financing techniques to finance projects, programs, and strategies; and
“(iv)
may include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the approved TIP if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available.
“(C)

Descriptions.
Each project in the TIP shall include sufficient descriptive material (such as type of work, termini, length, and other similar factors) to identify the project or phase of the project.
“(D)

Performance target achievement.
The transportation improvement program shall include, to the maximum extent practicable, a description of the anticipated effect of the transportation improvement program toward achieving the performance targets established in the metropolitan transportation plan, linking investment priorities to those performance targets.
“(3)

Included projects.
“(A)

Projects under this title and chapter 53 of title 49.
A TIP developed under this subsection for a metropolitan area shall include the projects within the area that are proposed for funding under chapter 1 of this title and chapter 53 of title 49.
“(B)

Projects under chapter 2.
“(i)

Regionally significant projects.
Regionally significant projects proposed for funding under chapter 2 shall be identified individually in the transportation improvement program.
“(ii)

Other projects.
Projects proposed for funding under chapter 2 that are not determined to be regionally significant shall be grouped in 1 line item or identified individually in the transportation improvement program.
“(C)

Consistency with long-range transportation plan.
Each project shall be consistent with the long-range transportation plan developed under subsection (i) for the area.
“(D)

Requirement of anticipated full funding.
The program shall include a project, or an identified phase of a project, only if full funding can reasonably be anticipated to be available for the project or the identified phase within the time period contemplated for completion of the project or the identified phase.
“(4)

Notice and comment.
Before approving a TIP, a metropolitan planning organization, in cooperation with the State and any affected public transportation operator, shall provide an opportunity for participation by interested parties in the development of the program, in accordance with subsection (i)(5).
“(5)

Selection of projects.
“(A)

In general.
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (k)(4) and in addition to the TIP development required under paragraph (1), the selection of Federally funded projects in metropolitan areas shall be carried out, from the approved TIP—
“(i)
by—
“(I)
in the case of projects under this title, the State; and
“(II)
in the case of projects under chapter 53 of title 49, the designated recipients of public transportation funding; and
“(ii)
in cooperation with the metropolitan planning organization.
“(B)

Modifications to project priority.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, action by the Secretary shall not be required to advance a project included in the approved TIP in place of another project in the program.
“(6)

Selection of projects from illustrative list.
“(A)

No required selection.
Notwithstanding paragraph (2)(B)(iv), a State or metropolitan planning organization shall not be required to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under paragraph (2)(B)(iv).
“(B)

Required action by the secretary.
Action by the Secretary shall be required for a State or metropolitan planning organization to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under paragraph (2)(B)(iv) for inclusion in an approved TIP.
“(7)

Publication.
“(A)

Publication of tips.
A TIP involving Federal participation shall be published or otherwise made readily available by the metropolitan planning organization for public review.
“(B)

Publication of annual listings of projects.
“(i)

In general.
An annual listing of projects, including investments in pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, for which Federal funds have been obligated in the preceding year shall be published or otherwise made available by the cooperative effort of the State, transit operator, and metropolitan planning organization for public review.
“(ii)

Requirement.
The listing shall be consistent with the categories identified in the TIP.
“(k)

Transportation Management Areas.
“(1)

Identification and designation.
“(A)

Required identification.
The Secretary shall identify as a transportation management area each urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census) with a population of over 200,000 individuals.
“(B)

Designations on request.
The Secretary shall designate any additional area as a transportation management area on the request of the Governor and the metropolitan planning organization designated for the area.
“(2)

Transportation plans.
In a transportation management area, transportation plans shall be based on a continuing and comprehensive transportation planning process carried out by the metropolitan planning organization in cooperation with the State and public transportation operators.
“(3)

Congestion management process.
“(A)

In general.
Within a metropolitan planning area serving a transportation management area, the transportation planning process under this section shall address congestion management through a process that provides for effective management and operation, based on a cooperatively developed and implemented metropolitan-wide strategy, of new and existing transportation facilities eligible for funding under this title and chapter 53 of title 49 through the use of travel demand reduction and operational management strategies.
“(B)

Schedule.
The Secretary shall establish an appropriate phase-in schedule for compliance with the requirements of this section but no sooner than 1 year after the identification of a transportation management area.
“(4)

Selection of projects.
“(A)

In general.
All Federally funded projects carried out within the boundaries of a metropolitan planning area serving a transportation management area under this title (excluding projects carried out on the National Highway System) or under chapter 53 of title 49 shall be selected for implementation from the approved TIP by the metropolitan planning organization designated for the area in consultation with the State and any affected public transportation operator.
“(B)

National highway system projects.
Projects carried out within the boundaries of a metropolitan planning area serving a transportation management area on the National Highway System shall be selected for implementation from the approved TIP by the State in cooperation with the metropolitan planning organization designated for the area.
“(5)

Certification.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall—
“(i)
ensure that the metropolitan planning process of a metropolitan planning organization serving a transportation management area is being carried out in accordance with applicable provisions of Federal law; and
“(ii)
subject to subparagraph (B), certify, not less often than once every 4 years, that the requirements of this paragraph are met with respect to the metropolitan planning process.
“(B)

Requirements for certification.
The Secretary may make the certification under subparagraph (A) if—
“(i)
the transportation planning process complies with the requirements of this section and other applicable requirements of Federal law; and
“(ii)
there is a TIP for the metropolitan planning area that has been approved by the metropolitan planning organization and the Governor.
“(C)

Effect of failure to certify.
“(i)

Withholding of project funds.
If a metropolitan planning process of a metropolitan planning organization serving a transportation management area is not certified, the Secretary may withhold up to 20 percent of the funds attributable to the metropolitan planning area of the metropolitan planning organization for projects funded under this title and chapter 53 of title 49.
“(ii)

Restoration of withheld funds.
The withheld funds shall be restored to the metropolitan planning area at such time as the metropolitan planning process is certified by the Secretary.
“(D)

Review of certification.
In making certification determinations under this paragraph, the Secretary shall provide for public involvement appropriate to the metropolitan area under review.
“(l)

Report on Performance-based Planning Processes.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of the performance-based planning processes of metropolitan planning organizations under this section, taking into consideration the requirements of this subsection
“(2)

Report.
Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating—
“(A)
the overall effectiveness of performance-based planning as a tool for guiding transportation investments;
“(B)
the effectiveness of the performance-based planning process of each metropolitan planning organization under this section;
“(C)
the extent to which metropolitan planning organizations have achieved, or are currently making substantial progress toward achieving, the performance targets specified under this section and whether metropolitan planning organizations are developing meaningful performance targets; and
“(D)
the technical capacity of metropolitan planning organizations that operate within a metropolitan planning area of less than 200,000 and their ability to carry out the requirements of this section.
“(3)

Publication.
The report under paragraph (2) shall be published or otherwise made available in electronically accessible formats and means, including on the Internet.
“(m)

Abbreviated Plans for Certain Areas.
“(1)

In general.
Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of a metropolitan area not designated as a transportation management area under this section, the Secretary may provide for the development of an abbreviated transportation plan and TIP for the metropolitan planning area that the Secretary determines is appropriate to achieve the purposes of this section, taking into account the complexity of transportation problems in the area.
“(2)

Nonattainment areas.
The Secretary may not permit abbreviated plans or TIPs for a metropolitan area that is in nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
“(n)

Additional Requirements for Certain Nonattainment Areas.
“(1)

In general.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title or chapter 53 of title, for transportation management areas classified as nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), Federal funds may not be advanced in such area for any highway project that will result in a significant increase in the carrying capacity for single-occupant vehicles unless the project is addressed through a congestion management process.
“(2)

Applicability.
This subsection applies to a nonattainment area within the metropolitan planning area boundaries determined under subsection (e).
“(o)

Limitation on Statutory Construction.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to confer on a metropolitan planning organization the authority to impose legal requirements on any transportation facility, provider, or project not eligible under this title or chapter 53 of title 49.
“(p)

Funding.
Funds set aside under section 104(f) of this title or section 5305(g) of title 49 shall be available to carry out this section.
“(q)

Continuation of Current Review Practice.
Since plans and TIPs described in this section are subject to a reasonable opportunity for public comment, since individual projects included in plans and TIPs are subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and since decisions by the Secretary concerning plans and TIPs described in this section have not been reviewed under that Act as of January 1, 1997, any decision by the Secretary concerning a plan or TIP described in this section shall not be considered to be a Federal action subject to review under that Act.”
.
(b)

Study on Metropolitan Planning Scenario Development.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall evaluate the costs and benefits associated with metropolitan planning organizations developing multiple scenarios for consideration as a part of the development of their metropolitan transportation plan.
(2)

Inclusions.—
The evaluation shall include an analysis of the technical and financial capacity of the metropolitan planning organization needed to develop scenarios described in paragraph (1).
SEC. 1202.

STATEWIDE AND NONMETROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING.
(a)

In General.—
Section 135 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 135.

Statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning
“(a)

General Requirements.
“(1)

Development of plans and programs.
Subject to section 134, to accomplish the objectives stated in section 134(a), each State shall develop a statewide transportation plan and a statewide transportation improvement program for all areas of the State.
“(2)

Contents.
The statewide transportation plan and the transportation improvement program developed for each State shall provide for the development and integrated management and operation of transportation systems and facilities (including accessible pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities) that will function as an intermodal transportation system for the State and an integral part of an intermodal transportation system for the United States.
“(3)

Process of development.
The process for developing the statewide plan and the transportation improvement program shall provide for consideration of all modes of transportation and the policies stated in section 134(a) and shall be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive to the degree appropriate, based on the complexity of the transportation problems to be addressed.
“(b)

Coordination With Metropolitan Planning; State Implementation Plan.
A State shall—
“(1)
coordinate planning carried out under this section with the transportation planning activities carried out under section 134 for metropolitan areas of the State and with statewide trade and economic development planning activities and related multistate planning efforts; and
“(2)
develop the transportation portion of the State implementation plan as required by the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
“(c)

Interstate Agreements.
“(1)

In general.
Two or more States may enter into agreements or compacts, not in conflict with any law of the United States, for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in support of activities authorized under this section related to interstate areas and localities in the States and establishing authorities the States consider desirable for making the agreements and compacts effective.
“(2)

Reservation of rights.
The right to alter, amend, or repeal interstate compacts entered into under this subsection is expressly reserved.
“(d)

Scope of Planning Process.
“(1)

In general.
Each State shall carry out a statewide transportation planning process that provides for consideration and implementation of projects, strategies, and services that will—
“(A)
support the economic vitality of the United States, the States, nonmetropolitan areas, and metropolitan areas, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
“(B)
increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
“(C)
increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
“(D)
increase the accessibility and mobility of people and freight;
“(E)
protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns;
“(F)
enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes throughout the State, for people and freight;
“(G)
promote efficient system management and operation; and
“(H)
emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.
“(2)

Performance-based approach.
“(A)

In general.
The statewide transportation planning process shall provide for the establishment and use of a performance-based approach to transportation decisionmaking to support the national goals described in section 150(b) of this title and in section 5301(c) of title 49.
“(B)

Performance targets.
“(i)

Surface transportation performance targets.
“(I)

In general.
Each State shall establish performance targets that address the performance measures described in section 150(c), where applicable, to use in tracking progress towards attainment of critical outcomes for the State.
“(II)

Coordination.
Selection of performance targets by a State shall be coordinated with the relevant metropolitan planning organizations to ensure consistency, to the maximum extent practicable.
“(ii)

Public transportation performance targets.
In urbanized areas not represented by a metropolitan planning organization, selection of performance targets by a State shall be coordinated, to the maximum extent practicable, with providers of public transportation to ensure consistency with sections 5326(c) and 5329(d) of title 49.
“(C)

Integration of other performance-based plans.
A State shall integrate into the statewide transportation planning process, directly or by reference, the goals, objectives, performance measures, and targets described in this paragraph, in other State transportation plans and transportation processes, as well as any plans developed pursuant to chapter 53 of title 49 by providers of public transportation in urbanized areas not represented by a metropolitan planning organization required as part of a performance-based program.
“(D)

Use of performance measures and targets.
The performance measures and targets established under this paragraph shall be considered by a State when developing policies, programs, and investment priorities reflected in the statewide transportation plan and statewide transportation improvement program.
“(3)

Failure to consider factors.
The failure to take into consideration the factors specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not be subject to review by any court under this title, chapter 53 of title 49, subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, or chapter 7 of title 5 in any matter affecting a statewide transportation plan, a statewide transportation improvement program, a project or strategy, or the certification of a planning process.
“(e)

Additional Requirements.
In carrying out planning under this section, each State shall, at a minimum—
“(1)
with respect to nonmetropolitan areas, cooperate with affected local officials with responsibility for transportation or, if applicable, through regional transportation planning organizations described in subsection (m);
“(2)
consider the concerns of Indian tribal governments and Federal land management agencies that have jurisdiction over land within the boundaries of the State; and
“(3)
consider coordination of transportation plans, the transportation improvement program, and planning activities with related planning activities being carried out outside of metropolitan planning areas and between States.
“(f)

Long-range Statewide Transportation Plan.
“(1)

Development.
Each State shall develop a long-range statewide transportation plan, with a minimum 20-year forecast period for all areas of the State, that provides for the development and implementation of the intermodal transportation system of the State.
“(2)

Consultation with governments.
“(A)

Metropolitan areas.
The statewide transportation plan shall be developed for each metropolitan area in the State in cooperation with the metropolitan planning organization designated for the metropolitan area under section 134.
“(B)

Nonmetropolitan areas.
“(i)

In general.
With respect to nonmetropolitan areas, the statewide transportation plan shall be developed in cooperation with affected nonmetropolitan officials with responsibility for transportation or, if applicable, through regional transportation planning organizations described in subsection (m).
“(ii)

Role of secretary.
The Secretary shall not review or approve the consultation process in each State.
“(C)

Indian tribal areas.
With respect to each area of the State under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribal government, the statewide transportation plan shall be developed in consultation with the tribal government and the Secretary of the Interior.
“(D)

Consultation, comparison, and consideration.
“(i)

In general.
The long-range transportation plan shall be developed, as appropriate, in consultation with State, tribal, and local agencies responsible for land use management, natural resources, environmental protection, conservation, and historic preservation.
“(ii)

Comparison and consideration.
Consultation under clause (i) shall involve comparison of transportation plans to State and tribal conservation plans or maps, if available, and comparison of transportation plans to inventories of natural or historic resources, if available.
“(3)

Participation by interested parties.
“(A)

In general.
In developing the statewide transportation plan, the State shall provide to—
“(i)
nonmetropolitan local elected officials or, if applicable, through regional transportation planning organizations described in subsection (m), an opportunity to participate in accordance with subparagraph (B)(i); and
“(ii)
citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation employees, freight shippers, private providers of transportation, representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of the disabled, providers of freight transportation services, and other interested parties a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed plan.
“(B)

Methods.
In carrying out subparagraph (A), the State shall, to the maximum extent practicable—
“(i)
develop and document a consultative process to carry out subparagraph (A)(i) that is separate and discrete from the public involvement process developed under clause (ii);
“(ii)
hold any public meetings at convenient and accessible locations and times;
“(iii)
employ visualization techniques to describe plans; and
“(iv)
make public information available in electronically accessible format and means, such as the World Wide Web, as appropriate to afford reasonable opportunity for consideration of public information under subparagraph (A).
“(4)

Mitigation activities.
“(A)

In general.
A long-range transportation plan shall include a discussion of potential environmental mitigation activities and potential areas to carry out these activities, including activities that may have the greatest potential to restore and maintain the environmental functions affected by the plan.
“(B)

Consultation.
The discussion shall be developed in consultation with Federal, State, and tribal wildlife, land management, and regulatory agencies.
“(5)

Financial plan.
The statewide transportation plan may include—
“(A)
a financial plan that—
“(i)
demonstrates how the adopted statewide transportation plan can be implemented;
“(ii)
indicates resources from public and private sources that are reasonably expected to be made available to carry out the plan; and
“(iii)
recommends any additional financing strategies for needed projects and programs; and
“(B)
for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the adopted statewide transportation plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available.
“(6)

Selection of projects from illustrative list.
A State shall not be required to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan described in paragraph (5).
“(7)

Performance-based approach.
The statewide transportation plan should include—
“(A)
a description of the performance measures and performance targets used in assessing the performance of the transportation system in accordance with subsection (d)(2); and
“(B)
a system performance report and subsequent updates evaluating the condition and performance of the transportation system with respect to the performance targets described in subsection (d)(2), including progress achieved by the metropolitan planning organization in meeting the performance targets in comparison with system performance recorded in previous reports;
“(8)

Existing system.
The statewide transportation plan should include capital, operations and management strategies, investments, procedures, and other measures to ensure the preservation and most efficient use of the existing transportation system.
“(9)

Publication of long-range transportation plans.
Each long-range transportation plan prepared by a State shall be published or otherwise made available, including (to the maximum extent practicable) in electronically accessible formats and means, such as the World Wide Web.
“(g)

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
“(1)

Development.
“(A)

In general.
Each State shall develop a statewide transportation improvement program for all areas of the State.
“(B)

Duration and updating of program.
Each program developed under subparagraph (A) shall cover a period of 4 years and shall be updated every 4 years or more frequently if the Governor of the State elects to update more frequently.
“(2)

Consultation with governments.
“(A)

Metropolitan areas.
With respect to each metropolitan area in the State, the program shall be developed in cooperation with the metropolitan planning organization designated for the metropolitan area under section 134.
“(B)

Nonmetropolitan areas.
“(i)

In general.
With respect to each nonmetropolitan area in the State, the program shall be developed in consultation with affected nonmetropolitan local officials with responsibility for transportation or, if applicable, through regional transportation planning organizations described in subsection (m).
“(ii)

Role of secretary.
The Secretary shall not review or approve the specific consultation process in the State.
“(C)

Indian tribal areas.
With respect to each area of the State under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribal government, the program shall be developed in consultation with the tribal government and the Secretary of the Interior.
“(3)

Participation by interested parties.
In developing the program, the State shall provide citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation employees, freight shippers, private providers of transportation, providers of freight transportation services, representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of the disabled, and other interested parties with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed program.
“(4)

Performance target achievement.
A statewide transportation improvement program shall include, to the maximum extent practicable, a discussion of the anticipated effect of the statewide transportation improvement program toward achieving the performance targets established in the statewide transportation plan, linking investment priorities to those performance targets.
“(5)

Included projects.
“(A)

In general.
A transportation improvement program developed under this subsection for a State shall include Federally supported surface transportation expenditures within the boundaries of the State.
“(B)

Listing of projects.
“(i)

In general.
An annual listing of projects for which funds have been obligated for the preceding year in each metropolitan planning area shall be published or otherwise made available by the cooperative effort of the State, transit operator, and the metropolitan planning organization for public review.
“(ii)

Funding categories.
The listing described in clause (i) shall be consistent with the funding categories identified in each metropolitan transportation improvement program.
“(C)

Projects under chapter 2.
“(i)

Regionally significant projects.
Regionally significant projects proposed for funding under chapter 2 shall be identified individually in the transportation improvement program.
“(ii)

Other projects.
Projects proposed for funding under chapter 2 that are not determined to be regionally significant shall be grouped in 1 line item or identified individually in the transportation improvement program.
“(D)

Consistency with statewide transportation plan.
Each project shall be—
“(i)
consistent with the statewide transportation plan developed under this section for the State;
“(ii)
identical to the project or phase of the project as described in an approved metropolitan transportation plan; and
“(iii)
in conformance with the applicable State air quality implementation plan developed under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), if the project is carried out in an area designated as a nonattainment area for ozone, particulate matter, or carbon monoxide under part D of title I of that Act (42 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.).
“(E)

Requirement of anticipated full funding.
The transportation improvement program shall include a project, or an identified phase of a project, only if full funding can reasonably be anticipated to be available for the project within the time period contemplated for completion of the project.
“(F)

Financial plan.
“(i)

In general.
The transportation improvement program may include a financial plan that demonstrates how the approved transportation improvement program can be implemented, indicates resources from public and private sources that are reasonably expected to be made available to carry out the transportation improvement program, and recommends any additional financing strategies for needed projects and programs.
“(ii)

Additional projects.
The financial plan may include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the adopted transportation plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available.
“(G)

Selection of projects from illustrative list.
“(i)

No required selection.
Notwithstanding subparagraph (F), a State shall not be required to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under subparagraph (F).
“(ii)

Required action by the secretary.
Action by the Secretary shall be required for a State to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under subparagraph (F) for inclusion in an approved transportation improvement program.
“(H)

Priorities.
The transportation improvement program shall reflect the priorities for programming and expenditures of funds, including transportation enhancement activities, required by this title and chapter 53 of title 49.
“(6)

Project selection for areas of less than 50,000 population.
“(A)

In general.
Projects carried out in areas with populations of less than 50,000 individuals shall be selected, from the approved transportation improvement program (excluding projects carried out on the National Highway System and projects carried out under the bridge program or the Interstate maintenance program under this title or under sections 5310 and 5311 of title 49), by the State in cooperation with the affected nonmetropolitan local officials with responsibility for transportation or, if applicable, through regional transportation planning organizations described in subsection (m).
“(B)

Other projects.
Projects carried out in areas with populations of less than 50,000 individuals on the National Highway System or under the bridge program or the Interstate maintenance program under this title or under sections 5310, 5311, 5316, and 5317 of title 49 shall be selected, from the approved statewide transportation improvement program, by the State in consultation with the affected nonmetropolitan local officials with responsibility for transportation.
“(7)

Transportation improvement program approval.
Every 4 years, a transportation improvement program developed under this subsection shall be reviewed and approved by the Secretary if based on a current planning finding.
“(8)

Planning finding.
A finding shall be made by the Secretary at least every 4 years that the transportation planning process through which statewide transportation plans and programs are developed is consistent with this section and section 134.
“(9)

Modifications to project priority.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, action by the Secretary shall not be required to advance a project included in the approved transportation improvement program in place of another project in the program.
“(h)

Performance-based Planning Processes Evaluation.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall establish criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of the performance-based planning processes of States, taking into consideration the following:
“(A)
The extent to which the State is making progress toward achieving, the performance targets described in subsection (d)(2), taking into account whether the State developed appropriate performance targets.
“(B)
The extent to which the State has made transportation investments that are efficient and cost-effective.
“(C)
The extent to which the State—
“(i)
has developed an investment process that relies on public input and awareness to ensure that investments are transparent and accountable; and
“(ii)
provides reports allowing the public to access the information being collected in a format that allows the public to meaningfully assess the performance of the State.
“(2)

Report.
“(A)

In general.
Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating—
“(i)
the overall effectiveness of performance-based planning as a tool for guiding transportation investments; and
“(ii)
the effectiveness of the performance-based planning process of each State.
“(B)

Publication.
The report under subparagraph (A) shall be published or otherwise made available in electronically accessible formats and means, including on the Internet.
“(i)

Funding.
Funds apportioned under section 104(b)(5) of this title and set aside under section 5305(g) of title 49 shall be available to carry out this section.
“(j)

Treatment of Certain State Laws as Congestion Management Processes.
For purposes of this section and section 134, and sections 5303 and 5304 of title 49, State laws, rules, or regulations pertaining to congestion management systems or programs may constitute the congestion management process under this section and section 134, and sections 5303 and 5304 of title 49, if the Secretary finds that the State laws, rules, or regulations are consistent with, and fulfill the intent of, the purposes of this section and section 134 and sections 5303 and 5304 of title 49, as appropriate.
“(k)

Continuation of Current Review Practice.
Since the statewide transportation plan and the transportation improvement program described in this section are subject to a reasonable opportunity for public comment, since individual projects included in the statewide transportation plans and the transportation improvement program are subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and since decisions by the Secretary concerning statewide transportation plans or the transportation improvement program described in this section have not been reviewed under that Act as of January 1, 1997, any decision by the Secretary concerning a metropolitan or statewide transportation plan or the transportation improvement program described in this section shall not be considered to be a Federal action subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
“(l)

Schedule for Implementation.
The Secretary shall issue guidance on a schedule for implementation of the changes made by this section, taking into consideration the established planning update cycle for States. The Secretary shall not require a State to deviate from its established planning update cycle to implement changes made by this section. States shall reflect changes made to their transportation plan or transportation improvement program updates not later than 2 years after the date of issuance of guidance by the Secretary under this subsection.
“(m)

Designation of Regional Transportation Planning Organizations.
“(1)

In general.
To carry out the transportation planning process required by this section, a State may establish and designate regional transportation planning organizations to enhance the planning, coordination, and implementation of statewide strategic long-range transportation plans and transportation improvement programs, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of nonmetropolitan areas of the State.
“(2)

Structure.
A regional transportation planning organization shall be established as a multijurisdictional organization of nonmetropolitan local officials or their designees who volunteer for such organization and representatives of local transportation systems who volunteer for such organization.
“(3)

Requirements.
A regional transportation planning organization shall establish, at a minimum—
“(A)
a policy committee, the majority of which shall consist of nonmetropolitan local officials, or their designees, and, as appropriate, additional representatives from the State, private business, transportation service providers, economic development practitioners, and the public in the region; and
“(B)
a fiscal and administrative agent, such as an existing regional planning and development organization, to provide professional planning, management, and administrative support.
“(4)

Duties.
The duties of a regional transportation planning organization shall include—
“(A)
developing and maintaining, in cooperation with the State, regional long-range multimodal transportation plans;
“(B)
developing a regional transportation improvement program for consideration by the State;
“(C)
fostering the coordination of local planning, land use, and economic development plans with State, regional, and local transportation plans and programs;
“(D)
providing technical assistance to local officials;
“(E)
participating in national, multistate, and State policy and planning development processes to ensure the regional and local input of nonmetropolitan areas;
“(F)
providing a forum for public participation in the statewide and regional transportation planning processes;
“(G)
considering and sharing plans and programs with neighboring regional transportation planning organizations, metropolitan planning organizations, and, where appropriate, tribal organizations; and
“(H)
conducting other duties, as necessary, to support and enhance the statewide planning process under subsection (d).
“(5)

States without regional transportation planning organizations.
If a State chooses not to establish or designate a regional transportation planning organization, the State shall consult with affected nonmetropolitan local officials to determine projects that may be of regional significance.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 135 and inserting the following:
“135. Statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning.”.
SEC. 1203.

NATIONAL GOALS AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT MEASURES.
(a)

In General.—
Title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 149 the following:
“SEC. 150.

National goals and performance management measures
“(a)

Declaration of Policy.
Performance management will transform the Federal-aid highway program and provide a means to the most efficient investment of Federal transportation funds by refocusing on national transportation goals, increasing the accountability and transparency of the Federal-aid highway program, and improving project decisionmaking through performance-based planning and programming.
“(b)

National Goals.
It is in the interest of the United States to focus the Federal-aid highway program on the following national goals:
“(1)

Safety.
To achieve a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads.
“(2)

Infrastructure condition.
To maintain the highway infrastructure asset system in a state of good repair.
“(3)

Congestion reduction.
To achieve a significant reduction in congestion on the National Highway System.
“(4)

System reliability.
To improve the efficiency of the surface transportation system.
“(5)

Freight movement and economic vitality.
To improve the national freight network, strengthen the ability of rural communities to access national and international trade markets, and support regional economic development.
“(6)

Environmental sustainability.
To enhance the performance of the transportation system while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
“(7)

Reduced project delivery delays.
To reduce project costs, promote jobs and the economy, and expedite the movement of people and goods by accelerating project completion through eliminating delays in the project development and delivery process, including reducing regulatory burdens and improving agencies’ work practices.
“(c)

Establishment of Performance Measures.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, the Secretary, in consultation with State departments of transportation, metropolitan planning organizations, and other stakeholders, shall promulgate a rulemaking that establishes performance measures and standards.
“(2)

Administration.
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
“(A)
provide States, metropolitan planning organizations, and other stakeholders not less than 90 days to comment on any regulation proposed by the Secretary under that paragraph;
“(B)
take into consideration any comments relating to a proposed regulation received during that comment period; and
“(C)
limit performance measures only to those described in this subsection.
“(3)

National highway performance program.
“(A)

In general.
Subject to subparagraph (B), for the purpose of carrying out section 119, the Secretary shall establish—
“(i)
minimum standards for States to use in developing and operating bridge and pavement management systems;
“(ii)
measures for States to use to assess—
“(I)
the condition of pavements on the Interstate system;
“(II)
the condition of pavements on the National Highway System (excluding the Interstate);
“(III)
the condition of bridges on the National Highway System;
“(IV)
the performance of the Interstate System; and
“(V)
the performance of the National Highway System (excluding the Interstate System);
“(iii)
minimum levels for the condition of pavement on the Interstate System, only for the purposes of carrying out section 119(f)(1); and
“(iv)
the data elements that are necessary to collect and maintain standardized data to carry out a performance-based approach.
“(B)

Regions.
In establishing minimum condition levels under subparagraph (A)(iii), if the Secretary determines that various geographic regions of the United States experience disparate factors contributing to the condition of pavement on the Interstate System in those regions, the Secretary may establish different minimum levels for each region;
“(4)

Highway safety improvement program.
For the purpose of carrying out section 148, the Secretary shall establish measures for States to use to assess—
“(A)
serious injuries and fatalities per vehicle mile traveled; and
“(B)
the number of serious injuries and fatalities.
“(5)

Congestion mitigation and air quality program.
For the purpose of carrying out section 149, the Secretary shall establish measures for States to use to assess—
“(A)
traffic congestion; and
“(B)
on-road mobile source emissions.
“(6)

National freight movement.
The Secretary shall establish measures for States to use to assess freight movement on the Interstate System.
“(d)

Establishment of Performance Targets.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than 1 year after the Secretary has promulgated the final rulemaking under subsection (c), each State shall set performance targets that reflect the measures identified in paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6) of subsection (c).
“(2)

Different approaches for urban and rural areas.
In the development and implementation of any performance target, a State may, as appropriate, provide for different performance targets for urbanized and rural areas.
“(e)

Reporting on Performance Targets.
Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the MAP-21 and biennially thereafter, a State shall submit to the Secretary a report that describes—
“(1)
the condition and performance of the National Highway System in the State;
“(2)
the effectiveness of the investment strategy document in the State asset management plan for the National Highway System;
“(3)
progress in achieving performance targets identified under subsection (d); and
“(4)
the ways in which the State is addressing congestion at freight bottlenecks, including those identified in the National Freight Strategic Plan, within the State.”
.
(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. National goals and performance management measures.”.
Subtitle C—

Acceleration of Project Delivery
SEC. 1301.
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

DECLARATION OF POLICY AND PROJECT DELIVERY INITIATIVE.
(a)

In General.—
It is the policy of the United States that—
(1)
it is in the national interest for the Department, State departments of transportation, transit agencies, and all other recipients of Federal transportation funds—
(A)
to accelerate project delivery and reduce costs; and
(B)
to ensure that the planning, design, engineering, construction, and financing of transportation projects is done in an efficient and effective manner, promoting accountability for public investments and encouraging greater private sector involvement in project financing and delivery while enhancing safety and protecting the environment;
(2)
delay in the delivery of transportation projects increases project costs, harms the economy of the United States, and impedes the travel of the people of the United States and the shipment of goods for the conduct of commerce; and
(3)
the Secretary shall identify and promote the deployment of innovation aimed at reducing the time and money required to deliver transportation projects while enhancing safety and protecting the environment.
(b)

Project Delivery Initiative.—
(1)

In general.—
To advance the policy described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry out a project delivery initiative under this section.
(2)

Purposes.—
The purposes of the project delivery initiative shall be—
(A)
to develop and advance the use of best practices to accelerate project delivery and reduce costs across all modes of transportation and expedite the deployment of technology and innovation;
(B)
to implement provisions of law designed to accelerate project delivery; and
(C)
to select eligible projects for applying experimental features to test innovative project delivery techniques.
(3)

Advancing the use of best practices.—
(A)

In general.—
In carrying out the initiative under this section, the Secretary shall identify and advance best practices to reduce delivery time and project costs, from planning through construction, for transportation projects and programs of projects regardless of mode and project size.
(B)

Administration.—
To advance the use of best practices, the Secretary shall—
(i)
engage interested parties, affected communities, resource agencies, and other stakeholders to gather information regarding opportunities for accelerating project delivery and reducing costs;
(ii)
establish a clearinghouse for the collection, documentation, and advancement of existing and new innovative approaches and best practices;
(iii)
disseminate information through a variety of means to transportation stakeholders on new innovative approaches and best practices; and
(iv)
provide technical assistance to assist transportation stakeholders in the use of flexibility authority to resolve project delays and accelerate project delivery if feasible.
(4)

Implementation of accelerated project delivery.—
The Secretary shall ensure that the provisions of this subtitle designed to accelerate project delivery are fully implemented, including—
(A)
expanding eligibility of early acquisition of property prior to completion of environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
(B)
allowing the use of the construction manager or general contractor method of contracting in the Federal-aid highway system; and
(C)
establishing a demonstration program to streamline the relocation process by permitting a lump-sum payment for acquisition and relocation if elected by the displaced occupant.
(c)

Expedited Project Delivery.—
Section 101(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(4)

Expedited project delivery.
“(A)

In general.
Congress declares that it is in the national interest to expedite the delivery of surface transportation projects by substantially reducing the average length of the environmental review process.
“(B)

Policy of the united states.
Accordingly, it is the policy of the United States that—
“(i)
the Secretary shall have the lead role among Federal agencies in carrying out the environmental review process for surface transportation projects;
“(ii)
each Federal agency shall cooperate with the Secretary to expedite the environmental review process for surface transportation projects;
“(iii)
project sponsors shall not be prohibited from carrying out preconstruction project development activities concurrently with the environmental review process;
“(iv)
programmatic approaches shall be used to reduce the need for project-by-project reviews and decisions by Federal agencies; and
“(v)
the Secretary shall identify opportunities for project sponsors to assume responsibilities of the Secretary where such responsibilities can be assumed in a manner that protects public health, the environment, and public participation.”
.
SEC. 1302.

ADVANCE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS.
(a)

Real Property Interests.—
Section 108 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking “real property” each place it appears and inserting “real property interests”;
(2)
by striking “right-of-way” each place it appears and inserting “real property interest”; and
(3)
by striking “rights-of-way” each place it appears and inserting “real property interests”.
(b)

State-funded Early Acquisition of Real Property Interests.—
Section 108(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the subsection heading, by striking “Early Acquisition of Rights-of-way” and inserting “State-funded Early Acquisition of Real Property Interests”;
(2)
by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively;
(3)
in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the heading, by striking “General rule” and inserting “Eligibility for reimbursement”; and
(B)
by striking “Subject to paragraph (2)” and inserting “Subject to paragraph (3)”;
(4)
by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) the following:
“(1)

In general.
A State may carry out, at the expense of the State, acquisitions of interests in real property for a project before completion of the review process required for the project under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) without affecting subsequent approvals required for the project by the State or any Federal agency.”
; and
(5)
in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “in paragraph (1)” and inserting “in paragraph (2)”; and
(B)
in subparagraph (G), by striking “both the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency have concurred” and inserting “the Secretary has determined”.
(c)

Federally Funded Acquisition of Real Property Interests.—
Section 108 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(d)

Federally Funded Early Acquisition of Real Property Interests.
“(1)

Definition of acquisition of a real property interest.
In this subsection, the term ‘acquisition of a real property interest’ includes the acquisition of—
“(A)
any interest in land;
“(B)
a contractual right to acquire any interest in land; or
“(C)
any other similar action to acquire or preserve rights-of-way for a transportation facility.
“(2)

Authorization.
The Secretary may authorize the use of funds apportioned to a State under this title for the acquisition of a real property interest by a State.
“(3)

State certification.
A State requesting Federal funding for an acquisition of a real property interest shall certify in writing, with concurrence by the Secretary, that—
“(A)
the State has authority to acquire the real property interest under State law; and
“(B)
the acquisition of the real property interest—
“(i)
is for a transportation purpose;
“(ii)
will not cause any significant adverse environmental impact;
“(iii)
will not limit the choice of reasonable alternatives for the project or otherwise influence the decision of the Secretary on any approval required for the project;
“(iv)
does not prevent the lead agency from making an impartial decision as to whether to accept an alternative that is being considered in the environmental review process;
“(v)
is consistent with the State transportation planning process under section 135;
“(vi)
complies with other applicable Federal laws (including regulations);
“(vii)
will be acquired through negotiation, without the threat of condemnation; and
“(viii)
will not result in a reduction or elimination of benefits or assistance to a displaced person required by the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.) and title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.).
“(4)

Environmental compliance.
“(A)

In general.
Before authorizing Federal funding for an acquisition of a real property interest, the Secretary shall complete the review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to the acquisition of the real property interest.
“(B)

Independent utility.
The acquisition of a real property interest—
“(i)
shall be treated as having independent utility for purposes of the review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
“(ii)
shall not limit consideration of alternatives for future transportation improvements with respect to the real property interest.
“(5)

Programming.
“(A)

In general.
The acquisition of a real property interest for which Federal funding is requested shall be included as a project in an applicable transportation improvement program under sections 134 and 135 and sections 5303 and 5304 of title 49.
“(B)

Acquisition project.
The acquisition project may consist of the acquisition of a specific parcel, a portion of a transportation corridor, or an entire transportation corridor.
“(6)

Development.
Real property interests acquired under this subsection may not be developed in anticipation of a project until all required environmental reviews for the project have been completed.
“(7)

Reimbursement.
If Federal-aid reimbursement is made for real property interests acquired early under this section and the real property interests are not subsequently incorporated into a project eligible for surface transportation funds within the time allowed by subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall offset the amount reimbursed against funds apportioned to the State.
“(8)

Other requirements and conditions.
“(A)

Applicable law.
The acquisition of a real property interest shall be carried out in compliance with all requirements applicable to the acquisition of real property interests for federally funded transportation projects.
“(B)

Additional conditions.
The Secretary may establish such other conditions or restrictions on acquisitions under this subsection as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.”
.
SEC. 1303.

LETTING OF CONTRACTS.
(a)

Efficiencies in Contracting.—
Section 112(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(4)

Method of contracting.
“(A)

In general.
“(i)

2-PHASE CONTRACT.
A contracting agency may award a 2-phase contract to a construction manager or general contractor for preconstruction and construction services.
“(ii)

Preconstruction services phase.
In the preconstruction services phase of a contract under this paragraph, the contractor shall provide the contracting agency with advice for scheduling, work sequencing, cost engineering, constructability, cost estimating, and risk identification.
“(iii)

Agreement.
Prior to the start of the construction services phase, the contracting agency and the contractor may agree to a price and other factors specified in regulation for the construction of the project or a portion of the project.
“(iv)

Construction phase.
If an agreement is reached under clause (iii), the contractor shall be responsible for the construction of the project or portion of the project at the negotiated price and in compliance with the other factors specified in the agreement.
“(B)

Selection.
A contract shall be awarded to a contractor under this paragraph using a competitive selection process based on qualifications, experience, best value, or any other combination of factors considered appropriate by the contracting agency.
“(C)

Timing.
“(i)

Relationship to nepa process.
Prior to the completion of the environmental review process required under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332), a contracting agency may—
“(I)
issue requests for proposals;
“(II)
proceed with the award of a contract for preconstruction services under subparagraph (A)(ii); and
“(III)
issue notices to proceed with a preliminary design and any work related to preliminary design, to the extent that those actions do not limit any reasonable range of alternatives.
“(ii)

Construction services phase.
A contracting agency shall not proceed with the award of the construction services phase of a contract under subparagraph (A)(iv) and shall not proceed, or permit any consultant or contractor to proceed, with final design or construction until completion of the environmental review process required under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
“(iii)

Approval requirement.
Prior to authorizing construction activities, the Secretary shall approve—
“(I)
the price estimate of the contracting agency for the entire project; and
“(II)
any price agreement with the general contractor for the project or a portion of the project.
“(iv)

Design activities.
“(I)

In general.
A contracting agency may proceed, at the expense of the contracting agency, with design activities at any level of detail for a project before completion of the review process required for the project under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) without affecting subsequent approvals required for the project.
“(II)

Reimbursement.
Design activities carried out under subclause (I) shall be eligible for Federal reimbursement as a project expense in accordance with the requirements under section 109(r).
“(v)

Termination provision.
The Secretary shall require a contract to include an appropriate termination provision in the event that a no-build alternative is selected.”
.
(b)
[23 U.S.C. 112 note]

Regulations.—
The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out the amendment made by subsection (a).
(c)
[23 U.S.C. 112 note]

Effect on Experimental Program.—
Nothing in this section or the amendment made by this section affects the authority to carry out, or any project carried out under, any experimental program concerning construction manager risk that is being carried out by the Secretary as of the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1304.

INNOVATIVE PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS.
(a)
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

Declaration of Policy.—
(1)

In general.—
Congress declares that it is in the national interest to promote the use of innovative technologies and practices that increase the efficiency of construction of, improve the safety of, and extend the service life of highways and bridges.
(2)

Inclusions.—
The innovative technologies and practices described in paragraph (1) include state-of-the-art intelligent transportation system technologies, elevated performance standards, and new highway construction business practices that improve highway safety and quality, accelerate project delivery, and reduce congestion related to highway construction.
(b)

Federal Share.—
Section 120(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(3)

Innovative project delivery.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the Federal share payable on account of a project, program, or activity carried out with funds apportioned under paragraph (1), (2), or (5) of section 104(b) may, at the discretion of the State, be up to 100 percent for any such project, program, or activity that the Secretary determines—
“(i)
contains innovative project delivery methods that improve work zone safety for motorists or workers and the quality of the facility;
“(ii)
contains innovative technologies, manufacturing processes, financing, or contracting methods that improve the quality of, extend the service life of, or decrease the long-term costs of maintaining highways and bridges;
“(iii)
accelerates project delivery while complying with other applicable Federal laws (including regulations) and not causing any significant adverse environmental impact; or
“(iv)
reduces congestion related to highway construction.
“(B)

Examples.
Projects, programs, and activities described in subparagraph (A) may include the use of—
“(i)
prefabricated bridge elements and systems and other technologies to reduce bridge construction time;
“(ii)
innovative construction equipment, materials, or techniques, including the use of in-place recycling technology and digital 3-dimensional modeling technologies;
“(iii)
innovative contracting methods, including the design-build and the construction manager-general contractor contracting methods;
“(iv)
intelligent compaction equipment; or
“(v)
contractual provisions that offer a contractor an incentive payment for early completion of the project, program, or activity, subject to the condition that the incentives are accounted for in the financial plan of the project, when applicable.
“(C)

Limitations.
“(i)

In general.
In each fiscal year, a State may use the authority under subparagraph (A) for up to 10 percent of the combined apportionments of the State under paragraphs (1), (2), and (5) of section 104(b).
“(ii)

Federal share increase.
The Federal share payable on account of a project, program, or activity described in subparagraph (A) may be increased by up to 5 percent of the total project cost.”
.
SEC. 1305.

EFFICIENT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS FOR PROJECT DECISIONMAKING.
(a)

Flexibility.—
Section 139(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2) by inserting “, and any requirements established under this section may be satisfied,” after “exercised”; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(3)

Programmatic compliance.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking to allow for the use of programmatic approaches to conduct environmental reviews that—
“(i)
eliminate repetitive discussions of the same issues;
“(ii)
focus on the actual issues ripe for analyses at each level of review; and
“(iii)
are consistent with—
“(I)
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
“(II)
other applicable laws.
“(B)

Requirements.
In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall—
“(i)
before initiating the rulemaking under that subparagraph, consult with relevant Federal agencies and State resource agencies, State departments of transportation, Indian tribes, and the public on the appropriate use and scope of the programmatic approaches;
“(ii)
emphasize the importance of collaboration among relevant Federal agencies, State agencies, and Indian tribes in undertaking programmatic reviews, especially with respect to including reviews with a broad geographic scope;
“(iii)
ensure that the programmatic reviews—
“(I)
promote transparency, including of the analyses and data used in the environmental reviews, the treatment of any deferred issues raised by agencies or the public, and the temporal and special scales to be used to analyze such issues;
“(II)
use accurate and timely information in reviews, including—
- “(aa)
criteria for determining the general duration of the usefulness of the review; and
- “(bb)
the timeline for updating any out-of-date review;
“(III)
describe—
- “(aa)
the relationship between programmatic analysis and future tiered analysis; and
- “(bb)
the role of the public in the creation of future tiered analysis; and
“(IV)
are available to other relevant Federal and State agencies, Indian tribes, and the public;
“(iv)
allow not fewer than 60 days of public notice and comment on any proposed rule; and
“(v)
address any comments received under clause (iv).”
.
(b)

Federal Lead Agency.—
Section 139(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking “The Department of Transportation” and inserting the following:
“(A)

In general.
The Department of Transportation”
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
“(B)

Modal administration.
If the project requires approval from more than 1 modal administration within the Department, the Secretary may designate a single modal administration to serve as the Federal lead agency for the Department in the environmental review process for the project.”
.
(c)

Participating Agencies.—
Section 139(d) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
“(4)

Effect of designation.
“(A)

Requirement.
A participating agency shall comply with the requirements of this section.
“(B)

Implication.
Designation as a participating agency under this subsection shall not imply that the participating agency—
“(i)
supports a proposed project; or
“(ii)
has any jurisdiction over, or special expertise with respect to evaluation of, the project.”
; and
(2)
by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
“(7)

Concurrent reviews.
Each participating agency and cooperating agency shall—
“(A)
carry out the obligations of that agency under other applicable law concurrently, and in conjunction, with the review required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), unless doing so would impair the ability of the Federal agency to conduct needed analysis or otherwise carry out those obligations; and
“(B)
formulate and implement administrative, policy, and procedural mechanisms to enable the agency to ensure completion of the environmental review process in a timely, coordinated, and environmentally responsible manner.”
.
(d)

Project Initiation.—
Section 139(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking “The project sponsor” and inserting the following:
“(1)

In general.
The project sponsor”
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(2)

Submission of documents.
The project sponsor may satisfy the requirement under paragraph (1) by submitting to the Secretary any relevant documents containing the information described in that paragraph, including a draft notice for publication in the Federal Register announcing the preparation of an environmental review for the project.”
.
(e)

Coordination and Scheduling.—
Section 139(g)(1)(B)(i) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting “and the concurrence of” after “consultation with”.
SEC. 1306.

ACCELERATED DECISIONMAKING.
Section 139(h) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
“(4)

Interim decision on achieving accelerated decisionmaking.
“(A)

In general.
Not later than 30 days after the close of the public comment period on a draft environmental impact statement, the Secretary may convene a meeting with the project sponsor, lead agency, resource agencies, and any relevant State agencies to ensure that all parties are on schedule to meet deadlines for decisions to be made regarding the project.
“(B)

Deadlines.
The deadlines referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be those established under subsection (g), or any other deadlines established by the lead agency, in consultation with the project sponsor and other relevant agencies.
“(C)

Failure to assure.
If the relevant agencies cannot provide reasonable assurances that the deadlines described in subparagraph (B) will be met, the Secretary may initiate the issue resolution and referral process described under paragraph (5) and before the completion of the record of decision.
“(5)

Accelerated issue resolution and referral.
“(A)

Agency issue resolution meeting.
“(i)

In general.
A Federal agency of jurisdiction, project sponsor, or the Governor of a State in which a project is located may request an issue resolution meeting to be conducted by the lead agency.
“(ii)

Action by lead agency.
The lead agency shall convene an issue resolution meeting under clause (i) with the relevant participating agencies and the project sponsor, including the Governor only if the meeting was requested by the Governor, to resolve issues that could—
“(I)
delay completion of the environmental review process; or
“(II)
result in denial of any approvals required for the project under applicable laws.
“(iii)

Date.
A meeting requested under this subparagraph shall be held by not later than 21 days after the date of receipt of the request for the meeting, unless the lead agency determines that there is good cause to extend the time for the meeting.
“(iv)

Notification.
On receipt of a request for a meeting under this subparagraph, the lead agency shall notify all relevant participating agencies of the request, including the issue to be resolved, and the date for the meeting.
“(v)

Disputes.
If a relevant participating agency with jurisdiction over an approval required for a project under applicable law determines that the relevant information necessary to resolve the issue has not been obtained and could not have been obtained within a reasonable time, but the lead agency disagrees, the resolution of the dispute shall be forwarded to the heads of the relevant agencies for resolution.
“(vi)

Convention by lead agency.
A lead agency may convene an issue resolution meeting under this subsection at any time without the request of the Federal agency of jurisdiction, project sponsor, or the Governor of a State.
“(B)

Elevation of issue resolution.
“(i)

In general.
If issue resolution is not achieved by not later than 30 days after the date of a relevant meeting under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall notify the lead agency, the heads of the relevant participating agencies, and the project sponsor (including the Governor only if the initial issue resolution meeting request came from the Governor) that an issue resolution meeting will be convened.
“(ii)

Requirements.
The Secretary shall identify the issues to be addressed at the meeting and convene the meeting not later than 30 days after the date of issuance of the notice.
“(C)

Referral of issue resolution.
“(i)

Referral to council on environmental quality.
“(I)

In general.
If resolution is not achieved by not later than 30 days after the date of an issue resolution meeting under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall refer the matter to the Council on Environmental Quality.
“(II)

Meeting.
Not later than 30 days after the date of receipt of a referral from the Secretary under subclause (I), the Council on Environmental Quality shall hold an issue resolution meeting with the lead agency, the heads of relevant participating agencies, and the project sponsor (including the Governor only if an initial request for an issue resolution meeting came from the Governor).
“(ii)

Referral to the president.
If a resolution is not achieved by not later than 30 days after the date of the meeting convened by the Council on Environmental Quality under clause (i)(II), the Secretary shall refer the matter directly to the President.
“(6)

Financial penalty provisions.
“(A)

In general.
A Federal agency of jurisdiction over an approval required for a project under applicable laws shall complete any required approval on an expeditious basis using the shortest existing applicable process.
“(B)

Failure to decide.
“(i)

In general.
If an agency described in subparagraph (A) fails to render a decision under any Federal law relating to a project that requires the preparation of an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment, including the issuance or denial of a permit, license, or other approval by the date described in clause (ii), an amount of funding equal to the amounts specified in subclause (I) or (II) shall be rescinded from the applicable office of the head of the agency, or equivalent office to which the authority for rendering the decision has been delegated by law by not later than 1 day after the applicable date under clause (ii), and once each week thereafter until a final decision is rendered, subject to subparagraph (C)—
“(I)
$20,000 for any project for which an annual financial plan under section 106(i) is required; or
“(II)
$10,000 for any other project requiring preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
“(ii)

Description of date.
The date referred to in clause (i) is the later of—
“(I)
the date that is 180 days after the date on which an application for the permit, license, or approval is complete; and
“(II)
the date that is 180 days after the date on which the Federal lead agency issues a decision on the project under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
“(C)

Limitations.
“(i)

In general.
No rescission of funds under subparagraph (B) relating to an individual project shall exceed, in any fiscal year, an amount equal to 2.5 percent of the funds made available for the applicable agency office.
“(ii)

Failure to decide.
The total amount rescinded in a fiscal year as a result of a failure by an agency to make a decision by an applicable deadline shall not exceed an amount equal to 7 percent of the funds made available for the applicable agency office for that fiscal year.
“(D)

No fault of agency.
A rescission of funds under this paragraph shall not be made if the lead agency for the project certifies that—
“(i)
the agency has not received necessary information or approvals from another entity, such as the project sponsor, in a manner that affects the ability of the agency to meet any requirements under State, local, or Federal law; or
“(ii)
significant new information or circumstances, including a major modification to an aspect of the project, requires additional analysis for the agency to make a decision on the project application.
“(E)

Limitation.
The Federal agency with jurisdiction for the decision from which funds are rescinded pursuant to this paragraph shall not reprogram funds to the office of the head of the agency, or equivalent office, to reimburse that office for the loss of the funds.
“(F)

Audits.
In any fiscal year in which any funds are rescinded from a Federal agency pursuant to this paragraph, the Inspector General of that agency shall—
“(i)
conduct an audit to assess compliance with the requirements of this paragraph; and
“(ii)
not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year during which the rescission occurred, submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report describing the reasons why the transfers were levied, including allocations of resources.
“(G)

Effect of paragraph.
Nothing in this paragraph affects or limits the application of, or obligation to comply with, any Federal, State, local, or tribal law.
“(7)

Expedient decisions and reviews.
To ensure that Federal environmental decisions and reviews are expeditiously made—
“(A)
adequate resources made available under this title shall be devoted to ensuring that applicable environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) are completed on an expeditious basis and that the shortest existing applicable process under that Act is implemented; and
“(B)
the President shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, not less frequently than once every 120 days after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, a report on the status and progress of the following projects and activities funded under this title with respect to compliance with applicable requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.):
“(i)
Projects and activities required to prepare an annual financial plan under section 106(i).
“(ii)
A sample of not less than 5 percent of the projects requiring preparation of an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment in each State.”
.
SEC. 1307.

ASSISTANCE TO AFFECTED FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES.
Section 139(j) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(6)

Memorandum of understanding.
Prior to providing funds approved by the Secretary for dedicated staffing at an affected Federal agency under paragraphs (1) and (2), the affected Federal agency and the State agency shall enter into a memorandum of understanding that establishes the projects and priorities to be addressed by the use of the funds.”
.
SEC. 1308.

LIMITATIONS ON CLAIMS.
Section 139(l) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1) by striking “180 days” and inserting “150 days”; and
(2)
in paragraph (2) by striking “180 days” and inserting “150 days”.
SEC. 1309.

ACCELERATING COMPLETION OF COMPLEX PROJECTS WITHIN 4 YEARS.
Section 139 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(m)

Enhanced Technical Assistance and Accelerated Project Completion.
“(1)

Definition of covered project.
In this subsection, the term ‘covered project’ means a project—
“(A)
that has an ongoing environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
“(B)
for which at least 2 years, beginning on the date on which a notice of intent is issued, have elapsed without the issuance of a record of decision.
“(2)

Technical assistance.
At the request of a project sponsor or the Governor of a State in which a project is located, the Secretary shall provide additional technical assistance to resolve for a covered project any outstanding issues and project delay, including by—
“(A)
providing additional staff, training, and expertise;
“(B)
facilitating interagency coordination;
“(C)
promoting more efficient collaboration; and
“(D)
supplying specialized onsite assistance.
“(3)

Scope of work.
“(A)

In general.
In providing technical assistance for a covered project under this subsection, the Secretary shall establish a scope of work that describes the actions that the Secretary will take to resolve the outstanding issues and project delays, including establishing a schedule under subparagraph (B).
“(B)

Schedule.
“(i)

In general.
The Secretary shall establish and meet a schedule for the completion of any permit, approval, review, or study, required for the covered project by the date that is not later than 4 years after the date on which a notice of intent for the covered project is issued.
“(ii)

Inclusions.
The schedule under clause (i) shall—
“(I)
comply with all applicable laws;
“(II)
require the concurrence of the Council on Environmental Quality and each participating agency for the project with the State in which the project is located or the project sponsor, as applicable; and
“(III)
reflect any new information that becomes available and any changes in circumstances that may result in new significant impacts that could affect the timeline for completion of any permit, approval, review, or study required for the covered project.
“(4)

Consultation.
In providing technical assistance for a covered project under this subsection, the Secretary shall consult, if appropriate, with resource and participating agencies on all methods available to resolve the outstanding issues and project delays for a covered project as expeditiously as possible.
“(5)

Enforcement.
“(A)

In general.
All provisions of this section shall apply to this subsection, including the financial penalty provisions under subsection (h)(6).
“(B)

Restriction.
If the Secretary enforces this subsection under subsection (h)(6), the Secretary may use a date included in a schedule under paragraph (3)(B) that is created pursuant to and is in compliance with this subsection in lieu of the dates under subsection (h)(6)(B)(ii).”
.
SEC. 1310.

INTEGRATION OF PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1115(a)), is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 168.

Integration of planning and environmental review
“(a)

Definitions.
In this section, the following definitions apply:
“(1)

Environmental review process.
The term ‘environmental review process’ means the process for preparing for a project an environmental impact statement, environmental assessment, categorical exclusion, or other document prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
“(2)

Planning product.
The term ‘planning product’ means a detailed and timely decision, analysis, study, or other documented information that—
“(A)
is the result of an evaluation or decisionmaking process carried out during transportation planning, including a detailed corridor plan or a transportation plan developed under section 134 that fully analyzes impacts on mobility, adjacent communities, and the environment;
“(B)
is intended to be carried into the transportation project development process; and
“(C)
has been approved by the State, all local and tribal governments where the project is located, and by any relevant metropolitan planning organization.
“(3)

Project.
The term ‘project’ has the meaning given the term in section 139(a).
“(4)

Project sponsor.
The term ‘project sponsor’ has the meaning given the term in section 139(a).
“(b)

Adoption of Planning Products for Use in NEPA Proceedings.
“(1)

In general.
Subject to the conditions set forth in subsection (d), the Federal lead agency for a project may adopt and use a planning product in proceedings relating to any class of action in the environmental review process of the project.
“(2)

Identification.
When the Federal lead agency makes a determination to adopt and use a planning product, the Federal lead agency shall identify those agencies that participated in the development of the planning products.
“(3)

Partial adoption of planning products.
The Federal lead agency may adopt a planning product under paragraph (1) in its entirety or may select portions for adoption.
“(4)

Timing.
A determination under paragraph (1) with respect to the adoption of a planning product may be made at the time the lead agencies decide the appropriate scope of environmental review for the project but may also occur later in the environmental review process, as appropriate.
“(c)

Applicability.
“(1)

Planning decisions.
Planning decisions that may be adopted pursuant to this section include—
“(A)
whether tolling, private financial assistance, or other special financial measures are necessary to implement the project;
“(B)
a decision with respect to modal choice, including a decision to implement corridor or subarea study recommendations to advance different modal solutions as separate projects with independent utility;
“(C)
a basic description of the environmental setting;
“(D)
a decision with respect to methodologies for analysis; and
“(E)
an identification of programmatic level mitigation for potential impacts that the Federal lead agency, in consultation with Federal, State, local, and tribal resource agencies, determines are most effectively addressed at a regional or national program level, including—
“(i)
system-level measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts of proposed transportation investments on environmental resources, including regional ecosystem and water resources; and
“(ii)
potential mitigation activities, locations, and investments.
“(2)

Planning analyses.
Planning analyses that may be adopted pursuant to this section include studies with respect to—
“(A)
travel demands;
“(B)
regional development and growth;
“(C)
local land use, growth management, and development;
“(D)
population and employment;
“(E)
natural and built environmental conditions;
“(F)
environmental resources and environmentally sensitive areas;
“(G)
potential environmental effects, including the identification of resources of concern and potential cumulative effects on those resources, identified as a result of a statewide or regional cumulative effects assessment; and
“(H)
mitigation needs for a proposed action, or for programmatic level mitigation, for potential effects that the Federal lead agency determines are most effectively addressed at a regional or national program level.
“(d)

Conditions.
Adoption and use of a planning product under this section is subject to a determination by the Federal lead agency, with the concurrence of other participating agencies with relevant expertise and project sponsors as appropriate, and with an opportunity for public notice and comment and consideration of those comments by the Federal lead agency, that the following conditions have been met:
“(1)
The planning product was developed through a planning process conducted pursuant to applicable Federal law.
“(2)
The planning product was developed by engaging in active consultation with appropriate Federal and State resource agencies and Indian tribes.
“(3)
The planning process included broad multidisciplinary consideration of systems-level or corridor-wide transportation needs and potential effects, including effects on the human and natural environment.
“(4)
During the planning process, notice was provided through publication or other means to Federal, State, local, and tribal governments that might have an interest in the proposed project, and to members of the general public, of the planning products that the planning process might produce and that might be relied on during any subsequent environmental review process, and such entities have been provided an appropriate opportunity to participate in the planning process leading to such planning product.
“(5)
After initiation of the environmental review process, but prior to determining whether to rely on and use the planning product, the lead Federal agency has made documentation relating to the planning product available to Federal, State, local, and tribal governments that may have an interest in the proposed action, and to members of the general public, and has considered any resulting comments.
“(6)
There is no significant new information or new circumstance that has a reasonable likelihood of affecting the continued validity or appropriateness of the planning product.
“(7)
The planning product has a rational basis and is based on reliable and reasonably current data and reasonable and scientifically acceptable methodologies.
“(8)
The planning product is documented in sufficient detail to support the decision or the results of the analysis and to meet requirements for use of the information in the environmental review process.
“(9)
The planning product is appropriate for adoption and use in the environmental review process for the project.
“(10)
The planning product was approved not later than 5 years prior to date on which the information is adopted pursuant to this section.
“(e)

Effect of Adoption.
Any planning product adopted by the Federal lead agency in accordance with this section may be incorporated directly into an environmental review process document or other environmental document and may be relied upon and used by other Federal agencies in carrying out reviews of the project.
“(f)

Rules of Construction.
“(1)

In general.
This section shall not be construed to make the environmental review process applicable to the transportation planning process conducted under this title and chapter 53 of title 49.
“(2)

Transportation planning activities.
Initiation of the environmental review process as a part of, or concurrently with, transportation planning activities does not subject transportation plans and programs to the environmental review process.
“(3)

Planning products.
This section shall not be construed to affect the use of planning products in the environmental review process pursuant to other authorities under any other provision of law or to restrict the initiation of the environmental review process during planning.”
.
(b)

Technical and Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1115(b)), is amended by adding at end the following:
“Sec. 168.
Integration of planning and environmental review.”
.
SEC. 1311.

DEVELOPMENT OF PROGRAMMATIC MITIGATION PLANS.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1310(a)), is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 169.

Development of programmatic mitigation plans
“(a)

In General.
As part of the statewide or metropolitan transportation planning process, a State or metropolitan planning organization may develop 1 or more programmatic mitigation plans to address the potential environmental impacts of future transportation projects.
“(b)

Scope.
“(1)

Scale.
A programmatic mitigation plan may be developed on a regional, ecosystem, watershed, or statewide scale.
“(2)

Resources.
The plan may encompass multiple environmental resources within a defined geographic area or may focus on a specific resource, such as aquatic resources, parkland, or wildlife habitat.
“(3)

Project impacts.
The plan may address impacts from all projects in a defined geographic area or may focus on a specific type of project.
“(4)

Consultation.
The scope of the plan shall be determined by the State or metropolitan planning organization, as appropriate, in consultation with the agency or agencies with jurisdiction over the resources being addressed in the mitigation plan.
“(c)

Contents.
A programmatic mitigation plan may include—
“(1)
an assessment of the condition of environmental resources in the geographic area covered by the plan, including an assessment of recent trends and any potential threats to those resources;
“(2)
an assessment of potential opportunities to improve the overall quality of environmental resources in the geographic area covered by the plan, through strategic mitigation for impacts of transportation projects;
“(3)
standard measures for mitigating certain types of impacts;
“(4)
parameters for determining appropriate mitigation for certain types of impacts, such as mitigation ratios or criteria for determining appropriate mitigation sites;
“(5)
adaptive management procedures, such as protocols that involve monitoring predicted impacts over time and adjusting mitigation measures in response to information gathered through the monitoring; and
“(6)
acknowledgment of specific statutory or regulatory requirements that must be satisfied when determining appropriate mitigation for certain types of resources.
“(d)

Process.
Before adopting a programmatic mitigation plan, a State or metropolitan planning organization shall—
“(1)
consult with each agency with jurisdiction over the environmental resources considered in the programmatic mitigation plan;
“(2)
make a draft of the plan available for review and comment by applicable environmental resource agencies and the public;
“(3)
consider any comments received from such agencies and the public on the draft plan; and
“(4)
address such comments in the final plan.
“(e)

Integration With Other Plans.
A programmatic mitigation plan may be integrated with other plans, including watershed plans, ecosystem plans, species recovery plans, growth management plans, and land use plans.
“(f)

Consideration in Project Development and Permitting.
If a programmatic mitigation plan has been developed pursuant to this section, any Federal agency responsible for environmental reviews, permits, or approvals for a transportation project may use the recommendations in a programmatic mitigation plan when carrying out the responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
“(g)

Preservation of Existing Authorities.
Nothing in this section limits the use of programmatic approaches to reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).”
.
(b)

Technical and Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1309(b)), is amended by adding at the end the following:
“Sec. 169.
Development of programmatic mitigation plans.”
.
SEC. 1312.

STATE ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.
Section 326 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a) by adding at the end the following:
“(4)

Preservation of flexibility.
The Secretary shall not require a State, as a condition of assuming responsibility under this section, to forego project delivery methods that are otherwise permissible for highway projects.”
;
(2)
by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
“(d)

Termination.
“(1)

Termination by the secretary.
The Secretary may terminate any assumption of responsibility under a memorandum of understanding on a determination that the State is not adequately carrying out the responsibilities assigned to the State.
“(2)

Termination by the state.
The State may terminate the participation of the State in the program at any time by providing to the Secretary a notice not later than the date that is 90 days before the date of termination, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary may provide.”
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
“(f)

Legal Fees.
A State assuming the responsibilities of the Secretary under this section for a specific project may use funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(2) for attorney’s fees directly attributable to eligible activities associated with the project.”
.
SEC. 1313.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DELIVERY PROGRAM.
(a)

Program Name.—
Section 327 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the section heading by striking “pilot”; and
(2)
in subsection (a)(1) by striking “pilot”.
(b)

Assumption of Responsibility.—
Section 327(a)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (B)—
(A)
in clause (i) by striking “but”; and
(B)
by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:
“(ii)
at the request of the State, the Secretary may also assign to the State, and the State may assume, the responsibilities of the Secretary with respect to 1 or more railroad, public transportation, or multimodal projects within the State under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
“(iii)
in a State that has assumed the responsibilities of the Secretary under clause (ii), a recipient of assistance under chapter 53 of title 49 may request that the Secretary maintain the responsibilities of the Secretary with respect to 1 or more public transportation projects within the State under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 13 4321 et seq.); but
“(iv)
the Secretary may not assign—
“(I)
any responsibility imposed on the Secretary by section 134 or 135 or section 5303 or 5304 of title 49; or
“(II)
responsibility for any conformity determination required under section 176 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7506).”
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(F)

Preservation of flexibility.
The Secretary may not require a State, as a condition of participation in the program, to forego project delivery methods that are otherwise permissible for projects.
“(G)

Legal fees.
A State assuming the responsibilities of the Secretary under this section for a specific project may use funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(2) for attorneys’ fees directly attributable to eligible activities associated with the project.”
.
(c)

State Participation.—
Section 327(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
“(1)

Participating states.
All States are eligible to participate in the program.”
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2) by striking “date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate” and inserting “date on which amendments to this section by the MAP-21 take effect, the Secretary shall amend, as appropriate,”.
(d)

Written Agreement.—
Section 327(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3)(D) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(4)
require the State to provide to the Secretary any information the Secretary considers necessary to ensure that the State is adequately carrying out the responsibilities assigned to the State;
“(5)
have a term of not more than 5 years; and
“(6)
be renewable.”
.
(e)

Conforming Amendment.—
Section 327(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “subsection (i)” and inserting “subsection (j)”.
(f)

Audits.—
Section 327(g)(1)(B) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “subsequent year” and inserting “of the third and fourth years”.
(g)

Monitoring.—
Section 327 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsections (h) and (i) as subsections (i) and (j), respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
“(h)

Monitoring.
After the fourth year of the participation of a State in the program, the Secretary shall monitor compliance by the State with the written agreement, including the provision by the State of financial resources to carry out the written agreement.”
.
(h)

Termination.—
Section 327(j) of title 23, United States Code (as so redesignated), is amended to read as follows:
“(j)

Termination.
“(1)

Termination by the secretary.
The Secretary may terminate the participation of any State in the program if—
“(A)
the Secretary determines that the State is not adequately carrying out the responsibilities assigned to the State;
“(B)
the Secretary provides to the State—
“(i)
notification of the determination of noncompliance; and
“(ii)
a period of at least 30 days during which to take such corrective action as the Secretary determines is necessary to comply with the applicable agreement; and
“(C)
the State, after the notification and period provided under subparagraph (B), fails to take satisfactory corrective action, as determined by the Secretary.
“(2)

Termination by the state.
The State may terminate the participation of the State in the program at any time by providing to the Secretary a notice by not later than the date that is 90 days before the date of termination, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary may provide.”
.
(i)

Clerical Amendment.—
The item relating to section 327 in the analysis of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“327. Surface transportation project delivery program.”.
SEC. 1314.

APPLICATION OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS FOR MULTIMODAL PROJECTS.
(a)

In General.—
Section 304 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 304.

Application of categorical exclusions for multimodal projects
“(a)

Definitions.
In this section, the following definitions apply:
“(1)

Cooperating authority.
The term ‘cooperating authority’ means a Department of Transportation operating authority that is not the lead authority with respect to a project.
“(2)

Lead authority.
The term ‘lead authority’ means a Department of Transportation operating administration or secretarial office that—
“(A)
is the lead authority over a proposed multimodal project; and
“(B)
has determined that the components of the project that fall under the modal expertise of the lead authority—
“(i)
satisfy the conditions for a categorical exclusion under implementing regulations or procedures of the lead authority under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
“(ii)
do not require the preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under that Act.
“(3)

Multimodal project.
The term ‘multimodal project’ has the meaning given the term in section 139(a) of title 23.
“(b)

Exercise of Authorities.
The authorities granted in this section may be exercised for a multimodal project, class of projects, or program of projects that are carried out under this title.
“(c)

Application of Categorical Exclusions for Multimodal Projects.
In considering the environmental impacts of a proposed multimodal project, a lead authority may apply a categorical exclusion designated under the implementing regulations or procedures of a cooperating authority for other components of the project, subject to the conditions that—
“(1)
the multimodal project is funded under 1 grant agreement administered by the lead authority;
“(2)
the multimodal project has components that require the expertise of a cooperating authority to assess the environmental impacts of the components;
“(3)
the component of the project to be covered by the categorical exclusion of the cooperating authority has independent utility;
“(4)
the cooperating authority, in consultation with the lead authority—
“(A)
follows implementing regulations or procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and
“(B)
determines that a categorical exclusion under that Act applies to the components; and
“(5)
the lead authority has determined that—
“(A)
the project, using the categorical exclusions of the lead authority and each applicable cooperating authority, does not individually or cumulatively have a significant impact on the environment; and
“(B)
extraordinary circumstances do not exist that merit additional analysis and documentation in an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
“(d)

Modal Cooperation.
“(1)

In general.
A cooperating authority shall provide modal expertise to the lead authority on such aspects of the multimodal project in which the cooperating authority has expertise.
“(2)

Use of categorical exclusion.
In a case described in paragraph (1), the 1 or more categorical exclusions of a cooperating authority may be applied by the lead authority once the cooperating authority reviews the project on behalf of the lead authority and determines the project satisfies the conditions for a categorical exclusion under the implementing regulations or procedures of the cooperating authority under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and this section.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The item relating to section 304 in the analysis for chapter 3 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:.
“304. Application of categorical exclusions for multimodal projects.”.
SEC. 1315.
[23 U.S.C. 109 note]

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS IN EMERGENCIES.
(a)

In General.—
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, for the repair or reconstruction of any road, highway, or bridge that is in operation or under construction when damaged by an emergency declared by the Governor of the State and concurred in by the Secretary, or for a disaster or emergency declared by the President pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), the Secretary shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to treat any such repair or reconstruction activity as a class of action categorically excluded from the requirements relating to environmental assessments or environmental impact statements under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, and section 771.117 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act) if such repair or reconstruction activity is—
(1)
in the same location with the same capacity, dimensions, and design as the original road, highway, or bridge as before the declaration described in this section; and
(2)
commenced within a 2-year period beginning on the date of a declaration described in this section.
(b)

Rulemaking.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall ensure that the rulemaking helps to conserve Federal resources and protects public safety and health by providing for periodic evaluations to determine if reasonable alternatives exist to roads, highways, or bridges that repeatedly require repair and reconstruction activities.
(2)

Reasonable alternatives.—
The reasonable alternatives described in paragraph (1) include actions that could reduce the need for Federal funds to be expended on such repair and reconstruction activities, better protect public safety and health and the environment, and meet transportation needs as described in relevant and applicable Federal, State, local and tribal plans.
SEC. 1316.
[23 U.S.C. 109 note]

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS FOR PROJECTS WITHIN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY.
(a)

In General.—
The Secretary shall—
(1)
not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, designate any project (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code) within an existing operational right-of-way as an action categorically excluded from the requirements relating to environmental assessments or environmental impact statements under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, and section 771.117(c) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(2)
not later than 150 days after the date of enactment of this Act, promulgate regulations to carry out paragraph (1).
(b)

Definition of an Operational Right-of-way.—
In this section, the term “operational right-of-way” means all real property interests acquired for the construction, operation, or mitigation of a project (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code), including the locations of the roadway, bridges, interchanges, culverts, drainage, clear zone, traffic control signage, landscaping, and any rest areas with direct access to a controlled access highway.
SEC. 1317.
[23 U.S.C. 109 note]

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR PROJECTS OF LIMITED FEDERAL ASSISTANCE.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall—
(1)
designate as an action categorically excluded from the requirements relating to environmental assessments or environmental impact statements under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, and section 771.117(c) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, any project—
(A)
that receives less than $6,000,000 (as adjusted annually by the Secretary to reflect any increases in the Consumer Price Index prepared by the Department of Labor) of Federal funds; or
(B)
with a total estimated cost of not more than $35,000,000 (as adjusted annually by the Secretary to reflect any increases in the Consumer Price Index prepared by the Department of Labor) and Federal funds comprising less than 15 percent of the total estimated project cost; and
(2)
not later than 150 days after the date of enactment of this Act, promulgate regulations to carry out paragraph (1).
SEC. 1318.
[23 U.S.C. 109 note]

PROGRAMMATIC AGREEMENTS AND ADDITIONAL CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.
(a)

In General.—
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall—
(1)
survey the use by the Department of categorical exclusions in transportation projects since 2005;
(2)
publish a review of the survey that includes a description of—
(A)
the types of actions categorically excluded; and
(B)
any requests previously received by the Secretary for new categorical exclusions; and
(3)
solicit requests from State departments of transportation, transit authorities, metropolitan planning organizations, or other government agencies for new categorical exclusions.
(b)

New Categorical Exclusions.—
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to propose new categorical exclusions received by the Secretary under subsection (a), to the extent that the categorical exclusions meet the criteria for a categorical exclusion under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, and section 771.117(a) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (as those regulations are in effect on the date of the notice).
(c)

Additional Actions.—
The Secretary shall issue a proposed rulemaking to move the following types of actions from subsection (d) of section 771.117 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), to subsection (c) of that section, to the extent that such movement complies with the criteria for a categorical exclusion under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act):
(1)
Modernization of a highway by resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, adding shoulders, or adding auxiliary lanes (including parking, weaving, turning, and climbing).
(2)
Highway safety or traffic operations improvement projects, including the installation of ramp metering control devices and lighting.
(3)
Bridge rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement or the construction of grade separation to replace existing at-grade railroad crossings.
(d)

Programmatic Agreements.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall seek opportunities to enter into programmatic agreements with the States that establish efficient administrative procedures for carrying out environmental and other required project reviews.
(2)

Inclusions.—
Programmatic agreements authorized under paragraph (1) may include agreements that allow a State to determine on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration whether a project is categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
(3)

Determinations.—
An agreement described in paragraph (2) may include determinations by the Secretary of the types of projects categorically excluded (consistent with section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations) in the State in addition to the types listed in subsections (c) and (d) of section 771.117 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act).
(e)

Programmatic Agreement Template.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall develop a template programmatic agreement described in subsection (d) that provides for efficient and adequate procedures for evaluating Federal actions described in section 771.117(c) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection).
(2)

Use of template.—
The Secretary—
(A)
on receipt of a request from a State, shall use the template programmatic agreement developed under paragraph (1) in carrying out this section; and
(B)
on consent of the applicable State, may modify the template as necessary to address the unique needs and characteristics of the State.
(3)

Outcome measurements.—
The Secretary shall establish a method to verify that actions described in section 771.117(c) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection), are evaluated and documented in a consistent manner by the State that uses the template programmatic agreement under this subsection.
[Section 1319 was repealed by section 1304(j)(2) of division A of Public Law 114–94.]
SEC. 1320.
[23 U.S.C. 139 note]

MEMORANDA OF AGENCY AGREEMENTS FOR EARLY COORDINATION.
(a)

In General.—
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1)
the Secretary and other Federal agencies with relevant jurisdiction in the environmental review process should cooperate with each other and other agencies on environmental review and project delivery activities at the earliest practicable time to avoid delays and duplication of effort later in the process, head off potential conflicts, and ensure that planning and project development decisions reflect environmental values; and
(2)
such cooperation should include the development of policies and the designation of staff that advise planning agencies or project sponsors of studies or other information foreseeably required for later Federal action and early consultation with appropriate State and local agencies and Indian tribes.
(b)

Technical Assistance.—
If requested at any time by a State or local planning agency, the Secretary and other Federal agencies with relevant jurisdiction in the environmental review process, shall, to the extent practicable and appropriate, as determined by the agencies, provide technical assistance to the State or local planning agency on accomplishing the early coordination activities described in subsection (d).
(c)

Memorandum of Agency Agreement.—
If requested at any time by a State or local planning agency, the lead agency, in consultation with other Federal agencies with relevant jurisdiction in the environmental review process, may establish memoranda of agreement with the project sponsor, State, and local governments and other appropriate entities to accomplish the early coordination activities described in subsection (d).
(d)

Early Coordination Activities.—
Early coordination activities shall include, to the maximum extent practicable, the following:
(1)
Technical assistance on identifying potential impacts and mitigation issues in an integrated fashion.
(2)
The potential appropriateness of using planning products and decisions in later environmental reviews.
(3)
The identification and elimination from detailed study in the environmental review process of the issues that are not significant or that have been covered by prior environmental reviews.
(4)
The identification of other environmental review and consultation requirements so that the lead and cooperating agencies may prepare, as appropriate, other required analyses and studies concurrently with planning activities.
(5)
The identification by agencies with jurisdiction over any permits related to the project of any and all relevant information that will reasonably be required for the project.
(6)
The reduction of duplication between requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and State and local planning and environmental review requirements, unless the agencies are specifically barred from doing so by applicable law.
(7)
Timelines for the completion of agency actions during the planning and environmental review processes.
(8)
Other appropriate factors.
SEC. 1321.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES INITIATIVE.
(a)

Establishment.—
For grant programs under which funds are distributed by formula by the Department, the Secretary shall establish an initiative to review and develop consistent procedures for environmental permitting and procurement requirements that apply to a project carried out under title 23, United States Code, or chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code.
(b)

Report.—
The Secretary shall publish the results of the initiative described in subsection (a) in an electronically accessible format.
SEC. 1322.

REVIEW OF STATE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS AND APPROVALS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELIMINATING DUPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS.
For environmental reviews and approvals carried out on projects funded under title 23, United States Code, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—
(1)
review State laws and procedures for conducting environmental reviews with regard to such projects and identify the States that have environmental laws that provide environmental protections and opportunities for public involvement that are equivalent to those provided by Federal environmental laws;
(2)
determine the frequency and cost of environmental reviews carried out at the Federal level that are duplicative of State reviews that provide equivalent environmental protections and opportunities for public involvement; and
(3)
not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that describes the results of the review and determination made under this section.
SEC. 1323.

REVIEW OF FEDERAL PROJECT AND PROGRAM DELIVERY.
(a)

Completion Time Assessments and Reports.—
(1)

In general.—
For projects funded under title 23, United States Code, the Secretary shall compare—
(A)
(i)
the completion times of categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements initiated after calendar year 2005; to
(ii)
the completion times of categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements initiated during a period prior to calendar year 2005; and
(B)
(i)
the completion times of categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements initiated during the period beginning on January 1, 2005, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act; to
(ii)
the completion times of categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements initiated after the date of enactment of this Act.
(2)

Report.—
The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate—
(A)
not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, a report that—
(i)
describes the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1)(A); and
(ii)
identifies any change in the timing for completions, including the reasons for any such change and the reasons for delays in excess of 5 years; and
(B)
not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, a report that—
(i)
describes the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1)(B); and
(ii)
identifies any change in the timing for completions, including the reasons for any such change and the reasons for delays in excess of 5 years.
(b)

Additional Report.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the types and justification for the additional categorical exclusions granted under the authority provided under sections 1316 and 1317.
(c)

GAO Report.—
The Comptroller General of the United States shall—
(1)
assess the reforms carried out under this subtitle (including the amendments made by this subtitle); and
(2)
not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that describes the results of the assessment.
(d)

Inspector General Report.—
The Inspector General of the Department of Transportation shall—
(1)
assess the reforms carried out under this subtitle (including the amendments made by this subtitle); and
(2)
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate—
(A)
not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, an initial report of the findings of the Inspector General; and
(B)
not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, a final report of the findings.
Subtitle D—

Highway Safety
SEC. 1401.
[23 U.S.C. 137 note]

JASON’S LAW.
(a)

In General.—
It is the sense of Congress that it is a national priority to address projects under this section for the shortage of long-term parking for commercial motor vehicles on the National Highway System to improve the safety of motorized and nonmotorized users and for commercial motor vehicle operators.
(b)

Eligible Projects.—
Eligible projects under this section are those that—
(1)
serve the National Highway System; and
(2)
may include the following:
(A)
Constructing safety rest areas (as defined in section 120(c) of title 23, United States Code) that include parking for commercial motor vehicles.
(B)
Constructing commercial motor vehicle parking facilities adjacent to commercial truck stops and travel plazas.
(C)
Opening existing facilities to commercial motor vehicle parking, including inspection and weigh stations and park-and-ride facilities.
(D)
Promoting the availability of publicly or privately provided commercial motor vehicle parking on the National Highway System using intelligent transportation systems and other means.
(E)
Constructing turnouts along the National Highway System for commercial motor vehicles.
(F)
Making capital improvements to public commercial motor vehicle parking facilities currently closed on a seasonal basis to allow the facilities to remain open year-round.
(G)
Improving the geometric design of interchanges on the National Highway System to improve access to commercial motor vehicle parking facilities.
(c)

Survey and Comparative Assessment.—
(1)

In general.—
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with relevant State motor carrier safety personnel, shall conduct a survey of each State—
(A)
to evaluate the capability of the State to provide adequate parking and rest facilities for commercial motor vehicles engaged in interstate transportation;
(B)
to assess the volume of commercial motor vehicle traffic in the State; and
(C)
to develop a system of metrics to measure the adequacy of commercial motor vehicle parking facilities in the State.
(2)

Results.—
The results of the survey under paragraph (1) shall be made available to the public on the website of the Department of Transportation.
(3)

Periodic updates.—
The Secretary shall periodically update the survey under this subsection.
(d)

Electric Vehicle and Natural Gas Vehicle Infrastructure.—
(1)

In general.—
Except as provided in paragraph (2), a State may establish electric vehicle charging stations or natural gas vehicle refueling stations for the use of battery-powered or natural gas-fueled trucks or other motor vehicles at any parking facility funded or authorized under this Act or title 23, United States Code.
(2)

Exception.—
Electric vehicle battery charging stations or natural gas vehicle refueling stations may not be established or supported under paragraph (1) if commercial establishments serving motor vehicle users are prohibited by section 111 of title 23, United States Code.
(3)

Funds.—
Charging or refueling stations described in paragraph (1) shall be eligible for the same funds as are available for the parking facilities in which the stations are located.
(e)

Treatment of Projects.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, projects funded through the authority provided under this section shall be treated as projects on a Federal-aid highway under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code.
SEC. 1402.

OPEN CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS.
Section 154(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
“(2)

Fiscal year 2012 and thereafter.
“(A)

Reservation of funds.
On October 1, 2011, and each October 1 thereafter, if a State has not enacted or is not enforcing an open container law described in subsection (b), the Secretary shall reserve an amount equal to 2.5 percent of the funds to be apportioned to the State on that date under each of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 104(b) until the State certifies to the Secretary the means by which the State will use those reserved funds in accordance with subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) and paragraph (3).
“(B)

Transfer of funds.
As soon as practicable after the date of receipt of a certification from a State under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall—
“(i)
transfer the reserved funds identified by the State for use as described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) to the apportionment of the State under section 402; and
“(ii)
release the reserved funds identified by the State as described in paragraph (3).”
;
(2)
by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
“(3)

Use for highway safety improvement program.
“(A)

In general.
A State may elect to use all or a portion of the funds transferred under paragraph (2) for activities eligible under section 148.
“(B)

State departments of transportation.
If the State makes an election under subparagraph (A), the funds shall be transferred to the department of transportation of the State, which shall be responsible for the administration of the funds.”
; and
(3)
by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
“(5)

Derivation of amount to be transferred.
The amount to be transferred under paragraph (2) may be derived from the following:
“(A)
The apportionment of the State under section 104(b)(l).
“(B)
The apportionment of the State under section 104(b)(2).”
.
SEC. 1403.

MINIMUM PENALTIES FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS FOR DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED OR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE.
(a)

Definitions.—
Section 164(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (3);
(2)
by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
(3)
in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
“(A)
receive—
“(i)
a suspension of all driving privileges for not less than 1 year; or
“(ii)
a suspension of unlimited driving privileges for 1 year, allowing for the reinstatement of limited driving privileges subject to restrictions and limited exemptions as established by State law, if an ignition interlock device is installed for not less than 1 year on each of the motor vehicles owned or operated, or both, by the individual;”
.
(b)

Transfer of Funds.—
Section 164(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
“(2)

Fiscal year 2012 and thereafter.
“(A)

Reservation of funds.
On October 1, 2011, and each October 1 thereafter, if a State has not enacted or is not enforcing a repeat intoxicated driver law, the Secretary shall reserve an amount equal to 2.5 percent of the funds to be apportioned to the State on that date under each of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 104(b) until the State certifies to the Secretary the means by which the States will use those reserved funds among the uses authorized under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), and paragraph (3).
“(B)

Transfer of funds.
As soon as practicable after the date of receipt of a certification from a State under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall—
“(i)
transfer the reserved funds identified by the State for use as described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) to the apportionment of the State under section 402; and
“(ii)
release the reserved funds identified by the State as described in paragraph (3).”
;
(2)
by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
“(3)

Use for highway safety improvement program.
“(A)

In general.
A State may elect to use all or a portion of the funds transferred under paragraph (2) for activities eligible under section 148.
“(B)

State departments of transportation.
If the State makes an election under subparagraph (A), the funds shall be transferred to the department of transportation of the State, which shall be responsible for the administration of the funds.”
; and
(3)
by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
“(5)

Derivation of amount to be transferred.
The amount to be transferred under paragraph (2) may be derived from the following:
“(A)
The apportionment of the State under section 104(b)(1).
“(B)
The apportionment of the State under section 104(b)(2).”
.
SEC. 1404.

ADJUSTMENTS TO PENALTY PROVISIONS.
(a)

Vehicle Weight Limitations.—
Section 127(a)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “No funds shall be apportioned in any fiscal year under section 104(b)(1) of this title to any State which” and inserting “The Secretary shall withhold 50 percent of the apportionment of a State under section 104(b)(1) in any fiscal year in which the State”.
(b)

Control of Junkyards.—
Section 136 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b), in the first sentence—
(A)
by striking “10 per centum” and inserting “7 percent”; and
(B)
by striking “section 104 of this title” and inserting “paragraphs (1) through (5) of section 104(b)”; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(n)

Definitions.
For purposes of this section, the terms ‘primary system’ and ‘Federal-aid primary system’ mean any highway that is on the National Highway System, which includes the Interstate Highway System.”
.
(c)

Enforcement of Vehicle Size and Weight Laws.—
Section 141(b)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking “10 per centum” and inserting “7 percent”; and
(2)
by striking “section 104 of this title” and inserting “paragraphs (1) through (5) of section 104(b)”.
(d)

Proof of Payment of the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax.—
Section 141(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking “section 104(b)(4)” each place it appears and inserting “section 104(b)(1)”; and
(2)
in the first sentence by striking “25 per centum” and inserting “8 percent”.
(e)

Use of Safety Belts.—
Section 153(h) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (1);
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(3)
in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
by striking the paragraph heading and inserting “Prior to fiscal year 2012”; and
(B)
by inserting “and before October 1, 2011,” after “September 30, 1994,”; and
(4)
by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) the following:
“(2)

Fiscal year 2012 and thereafter.
If, at any time in a fiscal year beginning after September 30, 2011, a State does not have in effect a law described in subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall transfer an amount equal to 2 percent of the funds apportioned to the State for the succeeding fiscal year under each of paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 104(b) to the apportionment of the State under section 402.”
.
(f)

National Minimum Drinking Age.—
Section 158(a)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking “The Secretary” and inserting the following:
“(A)

Fiscal years before 2012.
The Secretary”
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(B)

Fiscal year 2012 and thereafter.
For fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter, the amount to be withheld under this section shall be an amount equal to 8 percent of the amount apportioned to the noncompliant State, as described in subparagraph (A), under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 104(b).”
.
(g)

Drug Offenders.—
Section 159 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1);
(B)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(C)
in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) by striking “(including any amounts withheld under paragraph (1))”; and
(D)
by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) the following:
“(2)

Fiscal year 2012 and thereafter.
The Secretary shall withhold an amount equal to 8 percent of the amount required to be apportioned to any State under each of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 104(b) on the first day of each fiscal year beginning after September 30, 2011, if the State fails to meet the requirements of paragraph (3) on the first day of the fiscal year.”
; and
(2)
by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
“(b)

Effect of Noncompliance.
No funds withheld under this section from apportionments to any State shall be available for apportionment to that State.”
.
(h)

Zero Tolerance Blood Alcohol Concentration for Minors.—
Section 161(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (1);
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(3)
in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
by striking the paragraph heading and inserting “Prior to fiscal year 2012”; and
(B)
by inserting “through fiscal year 2011” after “each fiscal year thereafter”; and
(4)
by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) the following:
“(2)

Fiscal year 2012 and thereafter.
The Secretary shall withhold an amount equal to 8 percent of the amount required to be apportioned to any State under each of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 104(b) on October 1, 2011, and on October 1 of each fiscal year thereafter, if the State does not meet the requirement of paragraph (3) on that date.”
.
(i)

Operation of Motor Vehicles by Intoxicated Persons.—
Section 163(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following:
“(1)

Fiscal years 2007 through 2011.
On October 1, 2006, and October 1 of each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 2011, if a State has not enacted or is not enforcing a law described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall withhold an amount equal to 8 percent of the amounts to be apportioned to the State on that date under each of paragraphs (1), (3), and (4) of section 104(b).
“(2)

Fiscal year 2012 and thereafter.
On October 1, 2011, and October 1 of each fiscal year thereafter, if a State has not enacted or is not enforcing a law described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall withhold an amount equal to 6 percent of the amounts to be apportioned to the State on that date under each of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 104(b).”
.
(j)

Commercial Driver’s License.—
Section 31314 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
“(c)

Penalties Imposed in Fiscal Year 2012 and Thereafter.
Effective beginning on October 1, 2011—
“(1)
the penalty for the first instance of noncompliance by a State under this section shall be not more than an amount equal to 4 percent of funds required to be apportioned to the noncompliant State under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 104(b) of title 23; and
“(2)
the penalty for subsequent instances of noncompliance shall be not more than an amount equal to 8 percent of funds required to be apportioned to the noncompliant State under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 104(b) of title 23.”
.
SEC. 1405.

HIGHWAY WORKER SAFETY.
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall modify section 630.1108(a) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), to ensure that—
(1)
at a minimum, positive protective measures are used to separate workers on highway construction projects from motorized traffic in all work zones conducted under traffic in areas that offer workers no means of escape (such as tunnels and bridges), unless an engineering study determines otherwise;
(2)
temporary longitudinal traffic barriers are used to protect workers on highway construction projects in long-duration stationary work zones when the project design speed is anticipated to be high and the nature of the work requires workers to be within 1 lane-width from the edge of a live travel lane, unless—
(A)
an analysis by the project sponsor determines otherwise; or
(B)
the project is outside of an urbanized area and the annual average daily traffic load of the applicable road is less than 100 vehicles per hour; and
(3)
when positive protective devices are necessary for highway construction projects, those devices are paid for on a unit-pay basis, unless doing so would create a conflict with innovative contracting approaches, such as design-build or some performance-based contracts under which the contractor is paid to assume a certain risk allocation and payment is generally made on a lump-sum basis.
Subtitle E—

Miscellaneous
SEC. 1501.

REAL-TIME RIDESHARING.
Paragraph (3) of section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code (as redesignated by section 1103(a)(2)), is amended by striking “and designating existing facilities for use for preferential parking for carpools” and inserting “designating existing facilities for use for preferential parking for carpools, and real-time ridesharing projects, such as projects where drivers, using an electronic transfer of funds, recover costs directly associated with the trip provided through the use of location technology to quantify those direct costs, subject to the condition that the cost recovered does not exceed the cost of the trip provided”.
SEC. 1502.

PROGRAM EFFICIENCIES.
The first sentence of section 102(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “made available for such engineering” and inserting “reimbursed for the preliminary engineering”.
SEC. 1503.

PROJECT APPROVAL AND OVERSIGHT.
(a)

In General.—
Section 106 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(2) by inserting “recipient” before “formalizing”;
(2)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in the heading, by striking “Non-interstate”;
(ii)
by striking “but not on the Interstate System”; and inserting “, including projects on the Interstate System”; and
(iii)
by striking “of projects” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “with respect to the projects unless the Secretary determines that the assumption is not appropriate.”; and
(B)
by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
“(4)

Limitation on interstate projects.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall not assign any responsibilities to a State for projects the Secretary determines to be in a high risk category, as defined under subparagraph (B).
“(B)

High risk categories.
The Secretary may define the high risk categories under this subparagraph on a national basis, a State-by-State basis, or a national and State-by-State basis, as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary.”
;
(3)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)(A)—
(i)
in the matter preceding clause (i)—
(I)
by striking “concept” and inserting “planning”; and
(II)
by striking “multidisciplined” and inserting “multidisciplinary”; and
(ii)
by striking clause (i) and inserting the following:
“(i)
providing the needed functions safely, reliably, and at the lowest overall lifecycle cost;”
;
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking “or other cost-reduction analysis”;
(ii)
in subparagraph (A)—
(I)
by striking “Federal-aid system” and inserting “National Highway System receiving Federal assistance”; and
(II)
by striking “$25,000,000” and inserting “$50,000,000”; and
(iii)
in subparagraph (B)—
(I)
by inserting “on the National Highway System receiving Federal assistance” after “a bridge project”; and
(II)
by striking “$20,000,000” and inserting “$40,000,000”; and
(C)
by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
“(4)

Requirements.
“(A)

Value engineering program.
The State shall develop and carry out a value engineering program that—
“(i)
establishes and documents value engineering program policies and procedures;
“(ii)
ensures that the required value engineering analysis is conducted before completing the final design of a project;
“(iii)
ensures that the value engineering analysis that is conducted, and the recommendations developed and implemented for each project, are documented in a final value engineering report; and
“(iv)
monitors, evaluates, and annually submits to the Secretary a report that describes the results of the value analyses that are conducted and the recommendations implemented for each of the projects described in paragraph (2) that are completed in the State.
“(B)

Bridge projects.
The value engineering analysis for a bridge project under paragraph (2) shall—
“(i)
include bridge superstructure and substructure requirements based on construction material; and
“(ii)
be evaluated by the State—
“(I)
on engineering and economic bases, taking into consideration acceptable designs for bridges; and
“(II)
using an analysis of lifecycle costs and duration of project construction.
“(5)

Design-build projects.
A requirement to provide a value engineering analysis under this subsection shall not apply to a project delivered using the design-build method of construction.”
;
(4)
in subsection (h)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)(B) by inserting “, including a phasing plan when applicable” after “financial plan”; and
(B)
by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
“(3)

Financial plan.
A financial plan—
“(A)
shall be based on detailed estimates of the cost to complete the project;
“(B)
shall provide for the annual submission of updates to the Secretary that are based on reasonable assumptions, as determined by the Secretary, of future increases in the cost to complete the project;
“(C)
may include a phasing plan that identifies fundable incremental improvements or phases that will address the purpose and the need of the project in the short term in the event there are insufficient financial resources to complete the entire project. If a phasing plan is adopted for a project pursuant to this section, the project shall be deemed to satisfy the fiscal constraint requirements in the statewide and metropolitan planning requirements in sections 134 and 135; and
“(D)
shall assess the appropriateness of a public-private partnership to deliver the project.”
; and
(5)
by adding at the end the following:
“(j)

Use of Advanced Modeling Technologies.
“(1)

Definition of advanced modeling technology.
In this subsection, the term ‘advanced modeling technology’ means an available or developing technology, including 3-dimensional digital modeling, that can—
“(A)
accelerate and improve the environmental review process;
“(B)
increase effective public participation;
“(C)
enhance the detail and accuracy of project designs;
“(D)
increase safety;
“(E)
accelerate construction, and reduce construction costs; or
“(F)
otherwise expedite project delivery with respect to transportation projects that receive Federal funding.
“(2)

Program.
With respect to transportation projects that receive Federal funding, the Secretary shall encourage the use of advanced modeling technologies during environmental, planning, financial management, design, simulation, and construction processes of the projects.
“(3)

Activities.
In carrying out paragraph (2), the Secretary shall—
“(A)
compile information relating to advanced modeling technologies, including industry best practices with respect to the use of the technologies;
“(B)
disseminate to States information relating to advanced modeling technologies, including industry best practices with respect to the use of the technologies; and
“(C)
promote the use of advanced modeling technologies.
“(4)

Comprehensive plan.
The Secretary shall develop and publish on the public website of the Department of Transportation a detailed and comprehensive plan for the implementation of paragraph (2).”
.
(b)

Review of Oversight Program.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall review the oversight program established under section 106(g) of title 23, United States Code, to determine the efficacy of the program in monitoring the effective and efficient use of funds authorized to carry out title 23, United States Code.
(2)

Minimum requirements for review.—
At a minimum, the review under paragraph (1) shall assess the capability of the program to—
(A)
identify projects funded under title 23, United States Code, for which there are cost or schedule overruns; and
(B)
evaluate the extent of such overruns.
(3)

Report to congress.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1), which shall include recommendations for legislative changes to improve the oversight program established under section 106(g) of title 23, United States Code.
SEC. 1504.

STANDARDS.
Section 109 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(r)

Pavement Markings.
The Secretary shall not approve any pavement markings project that includes the use of glass beads containing more than 200 parts per million of arsenic or lead, as determined in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency testing methods 3052, 6010B, or 6010C.”
.
SEC. 1505.

JUSTIFICATION REPORTS FOR ACCESS POINTS ON THE INTERSTATE SYSTEM.
Section 111 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(e)

Justification Reports.
If the Secretary requests or requires a justification report for a project that would add a point of access to, or exit from, the Interstate System, the Secretary may permit a State transportation department to approve the report.”
.
SEC. 1506.

CONSTRUCTION.
Section 114(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
“(1)

Limitation on convict labor.
Convict labor shall not be used in construction of Federal-aid highways or portions of Federal-aid highways unless the labor is performed by convicts who are on parole, supervised release, or probation.”
; and
(B)
in paragraph (3) by inserting “in existence during that period” after “located on a Federal-aid system”; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(d)

Veterans Employment.
- “(1)

In general.
Subject to paragraph (2), a recipient of Federal financial assistance under this chapter shall, to the extent practicable, encourage contractors working on a highway project funded using the assistance to make a best faith effort in the hiring or referral of laborers on any project for the construction of a highway to veterans (as defined in section 2108 of title 5) who have the requisite skills and abilities to perform the construction work required under the contract.
“(2)

Administration.
This subsection shall not—
“(A)
apply to projects subject to section 140(d); or
“(B)
be administered or enforced in any manner that would require an employer to give a preference to any veteran over any equally qualified applicant who is a member of any racial or ethnic minority, a female, or any equally qualified former employee.”
.
SEC. 1507.

MAINTENANCE.
Section 116 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsections (a) through (d) as subsections (b) through (e), respectively;
(2)
by inserting before subsection (b) (as so redesignated) the following:
“(a)

Definitions.
In this section, the following definitions apply:
“(1)

Preventive maintenance.
The term ‘preventive maintenance’ includes pavement preservation programs and activities.
“(2)

Pavement preservation programs and activities.
The term ‘pavement preservation programs and activities’ means programs and activities employing a network level, long-term strategy that enhances pavement performance by using an integrated, cost-effective set of practices that extend pavement life, improve safety, and meet road user expectations.”
;
(3)
in subsection (b) (as so redesignated)—
(A)
in the first sentence, by inserting “or other direct recipient” before “to maintain”; and
(B)
by striking the second sentence;
(4)
by striking subsection (c) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following:
“(c)

Agreement.
In any State in which the State transportation department or other direct recipient is without legal authority to maintain a project described in subsection (b), the transportation department or direct recipient shall enter into a formal agreement with the appropriate officials of the county or municipality in which the project is located to provide for the maintenance of the project.”
; and
(5)
in the first sentence of subsection (d) (as so redesignated) by inserting “or other direct recipient” after “State transportation department”.
SEC. 1508.

FEDERAL SHARE PAYABLE.
Section 120 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the first sentence of subsection (c)(1)—
(A)
by inserting “maintaining minimum levels of retroreflectivity of highway signs or pavement markings,” after “traffic control signalization,”;
(B)
by inserting “shoulder and centerline rumble strips and stripes,” after “pavement marking,”; and
(C)
by striking “Federal-aid systems” and inserting “Federal-aid programs”;
(2)
by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
“(e)

Emergency Relief.
The Federal share payable for any repair or reconstruction provided for by funds made available under section 125 for any project on a Federal-aid highway, including the Interstate System, shall not exceed the Federal share payable on a project on the system as provided in subsections (a) and (b), except that—
“(1)
the Federal share payable for eligible emergency repairs to minimize damage, protect facilities, or restore essential traffic accomplished within 180 days after the actual occurrence of the natural disaster or catastrophic failure may amount to 100 percent of the cost of the repairs;
“(2)
the Federal share payable for any repair or reconstruction of Federal land transportation facilities, Federal land access transportation facilities, and tribal transportation facilities may amount to 100 percent of the cost of the repair or reconstruction;
“(3)
the Secretary shall extend the time period in paragraph (1) taking into consideration any delay in the ability of the State to access damaged facilities to evaluate damage and the cost of repair; and
“(4)
the Federal share payable for eligible permanent repairs to restore damaged facilities to predisaster condition may amount to 90 percent of the cost of the repairs if the eligible expenses incurred by the State due to natural disasters or catastrophic failures in a Federal fiscal year exceeds the annual apportionment of the State under section 104 for the fiscal year in which the disasters or failures occurred.”
;
(3)
by striking subsection (g) and redesignating subsections (h) through (l) as subsections (g) through (k), respectively;
(4)
in subsection (i)(1)(A) (as redesignated by paragraph (3)) by striking “and the Appalachian development highway system program under section 14501 of title 40”; and
(5)
by striking subsections (j) and (k) (as redesignated by paragraph (3)) and inserting the following:
“(j)

Use of Federal Agency Funds.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any Federal funds other than those made available under this title and title 49 may be used to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of any transportation project that is within, adjacent to, or provides access to Federal land, the Federal share of which is funded under this title or chapter 53 of title 49.
“(k)

Use of Federal Land and Tribal Transportation Funds.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out the tribal transportation program under section 202 and the Federal lands transportation program under section 203 may be used to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of any project that is funded under this title or chapter 53 of title 49 and that provides access to or within Federal or tribal land.”
.
SEC. 1509.

TRANSFERABILITY OF FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY FUNDS.
(a)

In General.—
Section 126 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 126.

Transferability of Federal-aid highway funds
“(a)

In General.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, subject to subsection (b), a State may transfer from an apportionment under section 104(b) not to exceed 50 percent of the amount apportioned for the fiscal year to any other apportionment of the State under that section.
“(b)

Application to Certain Set-asides.
“(1)

In general.
Funds that are subject to sections 104(d) and 133(d) shall not be transferred under this section.
“(2)

Funds transferred by states.
Funds transferred by a State under this section of the funding reserved for the State under section 213 for a fiscal year may only come from the portion of those funds that are available for obligation in any area of the State under section 213(c)(1)(B).”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 126 and inserting the following:
“126. Transferability of Federal-aid highway funds.”.
SEC. 1510.

IDLE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY.
Section 127(a)(12) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (B), by striking “400” and inserting “550”; and
(2)
in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking “400-pound” and inserting “550-pound”.
SEC. 1511.

SPECIAL PERMITS DURING PERIODS OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY.
Section 127 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end the following:
“(i)

Special Permits During Periods of National Emergency.
“(1)

In general.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a State may issue special permits during an emergency to overweight vehicles and loads that can easily be dismantled or divided if—
“(A)
the President has declared the emergency to be a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);
“(B)
the permits are issued in accordance with State law; and
“(C)
the permits are issued exclusively to vehicles and loads that are delivering relief supplies.
“(2)

Expiration.
A permit issued under paragraph (1) shall expire not later than 120 days after the date of the declaration of emergency under subparagraph (A) of that paragraph.”
.
SEC. 1512.

TOLLING.
(a)

Amendment to Tolling Provision.—
Section 129(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“(a)

Basic Program.
“(1)

Authorization for federal participation.
Subject to the provisions of this section, Federal participation shall be permitted on the same basis and in the same manner as construction of toll-free highways is permitted under this chapter in the—
“(A)
initial construction of a toll highway, bridge, or tunnel or approach to the highway, bridge, or tunnel;
“(B)
initial construction of 1 or more lanes or other improvements that increase capacity of a highway, bridge, or tunnel (other than a highway on the Interstate System) and conversion of that highway, bridge, or tunnel to a tolled facility, if the number of toll-free lanes, excluding auxiliary lanes, after the construction is not less than the number of toll-free lanes, excluding auxiliary lanes, before the construction;
“(C)
initial construction of 1 or more lanes or other improvements that increase the capacity of a highway, bridge, or tunnel on the Interstate System and conversion of that highway, bridge, or tunnel to a tolled facility, if the number of toll-free non-HOV lanes, excluding auxiliary lanes, after such construction is not less than the number of toll-free non-HOV lanes, excluding auxiliary lanes, before such construction;
“(D)
reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, or replacement of a toll highway, bridge, or tunnel or approach to the highway, bridge, or tunnel;
“(E)
reconstruction or replacement of a toll-free bridge or tunnel and conversion of the bridge or tunnel to a toll facility;
“(F)
reconstruction of a toll-free Federal-aid highway (other than a highway on the Interstate System) and conversion of the highway to a toll facility;
“(G)
reconstruction, restoration, or rehabilitation of a highway on the Interstate System if the number of toll-free non-HOV lanes, excluding auxiliary lanes, after reconstruction, restoration, or rehabilitation is not less than the number of toll-free non-HOV lanes, excluding auxiliary lanes, before reconstruction, restoration, or rehabilitation;
“(H)
conversion of a high occupancy vehicle lane on a highway, bridge, or tunnel to a toll facility; and
“(I)
preliminary studies to determine the feasibility of a toll facility for which Federal participation is authorized under this paragraph.
“(2)

Ownership.
Each highway, bridge, tunnel, or approach to the highway, bridge, or tunnel constructed under this subsection shall—
“(A)
be publicly owned; or
“(B)
be privately owned if the public authority with jurisdiction over the highway, bridge, tunnel, or approach has entered into a contract with 1 or more private persons to design, finance, construct, and operate the facility and the public authority will be responsible for complying with all applicable requirements of this title with respect to the facility.
“(3)

Limitations on use of revenues.
“(A)

In general.
A public authority with jurisdiction over a toll facility shall use all toll revenues received from operation of the toll facility only for—
“(i)
debt service with respect to the projects on or for which the tolls are authorized, including funding of reasonable reserves and debt service on refinancing;
“(ii)
a reasonable return on investment of any private person financing the project, as determined by the State or interstate compact of States concerned;
“(iii)
any costs necessary for the improvement and proper operation and maintenance of the toll facility, including reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation;
“(iv)
if the toll facility is subject to a public-private partnership agreement, payments that the party holding the right to toll revenues owes to the other party under the public-private partnership agreement; and
“(v)
if the public authority certifies annually that the tolled facility is being adequately maintained, any other purpose for which Federal funds may be obligated by a State under this title.
“(B)

Annual audit.
“(i)

In general.
A public authority with jurisdiction over a toll facility shall conduct or have an independent auditor conduct an annual audit of toll facility records to verify adequate maintenance and compliance with subparagraph (A), and report the results of the audits to the Secretary.
“(ii)

Records.
On reasonable notice, the public authority shall make all records of the public authority pertaining to the toll facility available for audit by the Secretary.
“(C)

Noncompliance.
If the Secretary concludes that a public authority has not complied with the limitations on the use of revenues described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary may require the public authority to discontinue collecting tolls until an agreement with the Secretary is reached to achieve compliance with the limitation on the use of revenues described in subparagraph (A).
“(4)

Limitations on conversion of high occupancy vehicle facilities on interstate system.
“(A)

In general.
A public authority with jurisdiction over a high occupancy vehicle facility on the Interstate System may undertake reconstruction, restoration, or rehabilitation under paragraph (1)(G) on the facility, and may levy tolls on vehicles, excluding high occupancy vehicles, using the reconstructed, restored, or rehabilitated facility, if the public authority—
“(i)
in the case of a high occupancy vehicle facility that affects a metropolitan area, submits to the Secretary a written assurance that the metropolitan planning organization designated under section 5203 of title 49 for the area has been consulted concerning the placement and amount of tolls on the converted facility;
“(ii)
develops, manages, and maintains a system that will automatically collect the toll; and
“(iii)
establishes policies and procedures—
“(I)
to manage the demand to use the facility by varying the toll amount that is charged; and
“(II)
to enforce sanctions for violations of use of the facility.
“(B)

Exemption from tolls.
In levying tolls on a facility under subparagraph (A), a public authority may designate classes of vehicles that are exempt from the tolls or charge different toll rates for different classes of vehicles.
“(5)

Special rule for funding.
“(A)

In general.
In the case of a toll facility under the jurisdiction of a public authority of a State (other than the State transportation department), on request of the State transportation department and subject to such terms and conditions as the department and public authority may agree, the Secretary, working through the State department of transportation, shall reimburse the public authority for the Federal share of the costs of construction of the project carried out on the toll facility under this subsection in the same manner and to the same extent as the department would be reimbursed if the project was being carried out by the department.
“(B)

Source.
The reimbursement of funds under this paragraph shall be from sums apportioned to the State under this chapter and available for obligations on projects on the Federal-aid system in the State on which the project is being carried out.
“(6)

Limitation on federal share.
The Federal share payable for a project described in paragraph (1) shall be a percentage determined by the State, but not to exceed 80 percent.
“(7)

Modifications.
If a public authority (including a State transportation department) with jurisdiction over a toll facility subject to an agreement under this section or section 119(e), as in effect on the day before the effective date of title I of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 1915), requests modification of the agreement, the Secretary shall modify the agreement to allow the continuation of tolls in accordance with paragraph (3) without repayment of Federal funds.
“(8)

Loans.
“(A)

In general.
“(i)

Loans.
Using amounts made available under this title, a State may loan to a public or private entity constructing or proposing to construct under this section a toll facility or non-toll facility with a dedicated revenue source an amount equal to all or part of the Federal share of the cost of the project if the project has a revenue source specifically dedicated to the project.
“(ii)

Dedicated revenue sources.
Dedicated revenue sources for non-toll facilities include excise taxes, sales taxes, motor vehicle use fees, tax on real property, tax increment financing, and such other dedicated revenue sources as the Secretary determines appropriate.
“(B)

Compliance with federal laws.
As a condition of receiving a loan under this paragraph, the public or private entity that receives the loan shall ensure that the project will be carried out in accordance with this title and any other applicable Federal law, including any applicable provision of a Federal environmental law.
“(C)

Subordination of debt.
The amount of any loan received for a project under this paragraph may be subordinated to any other debt financing for the project.
“(D)

Obligation of funds loaned.
Funds loaned under this paragraph may only be obligated for projects under this paragraph.
“(E)

Repayment.
The repayment of a loan made under this paragraph shall commence not later than 5 years after date on which the facility that is the subject of the loan is open to traffic.
“(F)

Term of loan.
The term of a loan made under this paragraph shall not exceed 30 years from the date on which the loan funds are obligated.
“(G)

Interest.
A loan made under this paragraph shall bear interest at or below market interest rates, as determined by the State, to make the project that is the subject of the loan feasible.
“(H)

Reuse of funds.
Amounts repaid to a State from a loan made under this paragraph may be obligated—
“(i)
for any purpose for which the loan funds were available under this title; and
“(ii)
for the purchase of insurance or for use as a capital reserve for other forms of credit enhancement for project debt in order to improve credit market access or to lower interest rates for projects eligible for assistance under this title.
“(I)

Guidelines.
The Secretary shall establish procedures and guidelines for making loans under this paragraph.
“(9)

State law permitting tolling.
If a State does not have a highway, bridge, or tunnel toll facility as of the date of enactment of the MAP-21, before commencing any activity authorized under this section, the State shall have in effect a law that permits tolling on a highway, bridge, or tunnel.
“(10)

Definitions.
In this subsection, the following definitions apply:
“(A)

High occupancy vehicle; hov.
The term ‘high occupancy vehicle’ or ‘HOV’ means a vehicle with not fewer than 2 occupants.
“(B)

Initial construction.
“(i)

In general.
The term ‘initial construction’ means the construction of a highway, bridge, tunnel, or other facility at any time before it is open to traffic.
“(ii)

Exclusions.
The term ‘initial construction’ does not include any improvement to a highway, bridge, tunnel, or other facility after it is open to traffic.
“(C)

Public authority.
The term ‘public authority’ means a State, interstate compact of States, or public entity designated by a State.
“(D)

Toll facility.
The term ‘toll facility’ means a toll highway, bridge, or tunnel or approach to the highway, bridge, or tunnel constructed under this subsection.”
.
(b)
[23 U.S.C. 129 note]

Electronic Toll Collection Interoperability Requirements.—
Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, all toll facilities on the Federal-aid highways shall implement technologies or business practices that provide for the interoperability of electronic toll collection programs.
SEC. 1513.

MISCELLANEOUS PARKING AMENDMENTS.
(a)

Fringe and Corridor Parking Facilities.—
Section 137 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (f)(1)—
(A)
by striking “104(b)(4)” and inserting “104(b)(1)”; and
(B)
by inserting “including the addition of electric vehicle charging stations or natural gas vehicle refueling stations,” after “new facilities,”; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(g)

Funding.
The addition of electric vehicle charging stations or natural gas vehicle refueling stations to new or previously funded parking facilities shall be eligible for funding under this section.”
.
(b)

Public Transportation.—
Section 142(a)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting “, which may include electric vehicle charging stations or natural gas vehicle refueling stations,” after “parking facilities”.
(c)

Forest Development Roads and Trails.—
Section 205(d) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting “, which may include electric vehicle charging stations or natural gas vehicle refueling stations,” after “parking areas”.
SEC. 1514.

HOV FACILITIES.
Section 166 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(5)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A) by striking “2009” and inserting “2017”;
(B)
in subparagraph (B) by striking “2009” and inserting “2017”; and
(C)
in subparagraph (C)—
(i)
by striking “subparagraph (B)” and inserting “this paragraph”; and
(ii)
by inserting “or equal to” after “less than”;
(2)
in subsection (c) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
“(3)

Toll revenue.
Toll revenue collected under this section is subject to the requirements of section 129(a)(3).”
; and
(3)
in subsection (d)(1)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)—
(i)
by striking “in a fiscal year shall certify” and inserting “shall submit to the Secretary a report demonstrating that the facility is not already degraded, and that the presence of the vehicles will not cause the facility to become degraded, and certify”; and
(ii)
by striking “in the fiscal year”;
(B)
in subparagraph (A) by inserting “and submitting to the Secretary annual reports of those impacts” after “adjacent highways”;
(C)
in subparagraph (C) by striking “if the presence of the vehicles has degraded the operation of the facility” and inserting “whenever the operation of the facility is degraded”; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
“(D)

Maintenance of operating performance.
Not later than 180 days after the date on which a facility is degraded pursuant to the standard specified in paragraph (2), the State agency with jurisdiction over the facility shall bring the facility into compliance with the minimum average operating speed performance standard through changes to operation of the facility, including—
“(i)
increasing the occupancy requirement for HOV lanes;
“(ii)
varying the toll charged to vehicles allowed under subsection (b) to reduce demand;
“(iii)
discontinuing allowing non-HOV vehicles to use HOV lanes under subsection (b); or
“(iv)
increasing the available capacity of the HOV facility.
“(E)

Compliance.
If the State fails to bring a facility into compliance under subparagraph (D), the Secretary shall subject the State to appropriate program sanctions under section 1.36 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), until the performance is no longer degraded.”
.
SEC. 1515.

FUNDING FLEXIBILITY FOR TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCIES.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1311(a)), is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 170.

Funding flexibility for transportation emergencies
“(a)

In General.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a State may use up to 100 percent of any covered funds of the State to repair or replace a transportation facility that has suffered serious damage as a result of a natural disaster or catastrophic failure from an external cause.
“(b)

Declaration of Emergency.
Funds may be used under this section only for a disaster or emergency declared by the President pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
“(c)

Repayment.
Funds used under subsection (a) shall be repaid to the program from which the funds were taken in the event that such repairs or replacement are subsequently covered by a supplemental appropriation of funds.
“(d)

Definitions.
In this section, the following definitions apply:
“(1)

Covered funds.
The term ‘covered funds’ means any amounts apportioned to a State under section 104(b), other than amounts suballocated to metropolitan areas and other areas of the State under section 133(d), but including any such amounts required to be set aside for a purpose other than the repair or replacement of a transportation facility under this section.
“(2)

Transportation facility.
The term ‘transportation facility’ means any facility eligible for assistance under section 125.”
.
(b)

Technical and Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1311(b)), is amended by adding at the end the following:
“170. Funding flexibility for transportation emergencies.”.
SEC. 1516.

DEFENSE ACCESS ROAD PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS TO ADDRESS TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE VICINITY OF MILITARY INSTALLATIONS.
The second sentence of section 210(a)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting “, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation,” before “shall determine”.
SEC. 1517.

MAPPING.
(a)

In General.—
Section 306 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a) by striking “may” and inserting “shall”;
(2)
in subsection (b) in the second sentence by striking “State and” and inserting “State government and”; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
“(c)

Implementation.
The Secretary shall develop a process for the oversight and monitoring, on an annual basis, of the compliance of each State with the guidance issued under subsection (b).”
.
(b)

Survey.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a survey of all States to determine what percentage of projects carried out under title 23, United States Code, in each State utilize private sector sources for surveying and mapping services.
SEC. 1518.

BUY AMERICA PROVISIONS.
Section 313 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(g)

Application to Highway Programs.
The requirements under this section shall apply to all contracts eligible for assistance under this chapter for a project carried out within the scope of the applicable finding, determination, or decision under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), regardless of the funding source of such contracts, if at least 1 contract for the project is funded with amounts made available to carry out this title.”
.
SEC. 1519.

CONSOLIDATION OF PROGRAMS; REPEAL OF OBSOLETE PROVISIONS.
(a)

Consolidation of Programs.—
For each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, before making an apportionment under section 104(b)(3) of title 23, United States Code, the Secretary shall set aside, from amounts made available to carry out the highway safety improvement program under section 148 of such title for the fiscal year, $3,500,000—
(1)
to carry out safety-related activities, including—
(A)
to carry out the operation lifesaver program—
(i)
to provide public information and education programs to help prevent and reduce motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and fatalities; and
(ii)
to improve driver performance at railway-highway crossings; and
(B)
to provide work zone safety grants in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) of section 1409 of the SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 401 note; 119 Stat. 1232); and
(2)
to operate authorized safety-related clearinghouses, including—
(A)
the national work zone safety information clearinghouse authorized by section 358(b)(2) of the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 (23 U.S.C. 401 note; 109 Stat. 625); and
(B)
a public road safety clearinghouse in accordance with section 1411(a) of the SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note; 119 Stat. 1234).
(b)

Repeals.—
(1)

Title 23.—
(A)

In general.—
Sections 105, 110, 117, 124, 151, 155, 157, 160, 212, 216, 303, and 309 of title 23, United States Code, are repealed.
(B)

Set asides.—
Section 118 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(i)
by striking subsection (c); and
(ii)
by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively.
(2)
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

SAFETEA-LU.—
Sections 1302, 1305, 1306, 1803, 1804, 1907, and 1958 of SAFETEA-LU (Public Law 109-59) are repealed.
(3)

Additional.—
Section 1132 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140; 121 Stat. 1763) is repealed.
(c)

Conforming Amendments.—
(1)

Title analysis.—
(A)

Chapter 1.—
The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the items relating to sections 105, 110, 117, 124, 151, 155, 157, and 160.
(B)

Chapter 2.—
The analysis for chapter 2 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the items relating to sections 212 and 216.
(C)

Chapter 3.—
The analysis for chapter 3 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the items relating to sections 303 and 309.
(2)

Table of contents.—
The table of contents contained in section 1(b) of SAFETEA-LU (Public Law 109-59; 119 Stat. 1144) is amended by striking the items relating to sections 1302, 1305, 1306, 1803, 1804, 1907, and 1958.
(3)

Section 109.—
Section 109(q) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “in accordance with section 303 or”.
(4)

Section 118.—
Section 118(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1) and all that follows through the heading of paragraph (2); and
(B)
by striking “(other than for Interstate construction)”.
(5)

Section 130.—
Section 130 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in subsection (e) by striking “section 104(b)(5)” and inserting “section 104(b)(3)”;
(B)
in subsection (f)(1) by inserting “as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the MAP-21” after “section 104(b)(3)(A)”; and
(C)
in subsection (l) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4).
(6)

Section 131.—
Section 131(m) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “Subject to approval by the Secretary in accordance with the program of projects approval process of section 105, a State” and inserting “A State”.
(7)

Section 133.—
Paragraph (13) of section 133(b) of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1108(a)(3)), is amended by striking “under section 303”.
(8)

Section 142.—
Section 142 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in subsection (a)—
(i)
in paragraph (1)—
(I)
by striking “motor vehicles (other than on rail)” and inserting “buses”;
(II)
by striking “
(hereafter in this section referred to as ‘
buses
’)
”;
(III)
by striking “Federal-aid systems” and inserting “Federal-aid highways”; and
(IV)
by striking “Federal-aid system” and inserting “Federal-aid highway”; and
(ii)
in paragraph (2)—
(I)
by striking “as a project on the the surface transportation program for”; and
(II)
by striking “section 104(b)(3)” and inserting “section 104(b)(2)”;
(B)
in subsection (b) by striking “104(b)(4)” and inserting “104(b)(1)”;
(C)
in subsection (c)—
(i)
by striking “system” in each place it appears and inserting “highway”; and
(ii)
by striking “highway facilities” and inserting “highways eligible under the program that is the source of the funds”;
(D)
in subsection (e)(2) by striking “Notwithstanding section 209(f)(1) of the Highway Revenue Act of 1956, the Highway Trust Fund shall be available for making expenditures to meet obligations resulting from projects authorized by subsection (a)(2) of this section and such projects” and inserting “Projects authorized by subsection (a)(2)”; and
(E)
in subsection (f) by striking “exits” and inserting “exists”.
(9)

Section 145.—
Section 145(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “section 117 of this title,”.
(10)

Section 218.—
Section 218 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in subsection (a)—
(i)
by striking the first two sentences;
(ii)
in the third sentence—
(I)
by striking “, in addition to such funds,”; and
(II)
by striking “such highway or”;
(iii)
by striking the fourth sentence and fifth sentences;
(B)
by striking subsection (b); and
(C)
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
(11)

Section 610.—
Section 610(d)(1)(B) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking “under section 105”.
SEC. 1520.

DENALI COMMISSION.
The Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note) is amended—
(1)
in section 305, by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
“(c)

Gifts.
“(1)

In general.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commission, on behalf of the United States, may accept use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services, property, or money for purposes of carrying out this Act.
“(2)

Conditional.
With respect to conditional gifts—
“(A)
(i)
the Commission, on behalf of the United States, may accept conditional gifts for purposes of carrying out this Act, if approved by the Federal Cochairperson; and
“(ii)
the principal of and income from any such conditional gift shall be held, invested, reinvested, and used in accordance with the condition applicable to the gift; but
“(B)
no gift shall be accepted that is conditioned on any expenditure not to be funded from the gift or from the income generated by the gift unless the expenditure has been approved by Act of Congress.”
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 311.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES
“(a)

In General.
Subject to subsection (c), for purposes of this Act, the Commission may accept transfers of funds from other Federal agencies.
“(b)

Transfers.
Any Federal agency authorized to carry out an activity that is within the authority of the Commission may transfer to the Commission any appropriated funds for the activity.
“(c)

Treatment.
Any funds transferred to the Commission under this subsection—
“(1)
shall remain available until expended; and
“(2)
may, to the extent necessary to carry out this Act, be transferred to, and merged with, the amounts made available by appropriations Acts for the Commission by the Federal Cochairperson.”
.
SEC. 1521.

UNIFORM RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AND REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION POLICIES ACT OF 1970 AMENDMENTS.
(a)

Moving and Related Expenses.—
Section 202 of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4622) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(4) by striking “$10,000” and inserting “$25,000, as adjusted by regulation, in accordance with section 213(d)”; and
(2)
in the second sentence of subsection (c) by striking “$20,000” and inserting “$40,000, as adjusted by regulation, in accordance with section 213(d)”.
(b)

Replacement Housing for Homeowners.—
The first sentence of section 203(a)(1) of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4623(a)(1)) is amended—
(1)
by striking “$22,500” and inserting “$31,000, as adjusted by regulation, in accordance with 213(d),”; and
(2)
by striking “one hundred and eighty days prior to” and inserting “90 days before”.
(c)

Replacement Housing for Tenants and Certain Others.—
Section 204 of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4624) is amended—
(1)
in the second sentence of subsection (a) by striking “$5,250” and inserting “$7,200, as adjusted by regulation, in accordance with section 213(d)”; and
(2)
in the second sentence of subsection (b) by striking “, except” and all that follows through the end of the subsection and inserting a period.
(d)

Duties of Lead Agency.—
Section 213 of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4633) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (2) by striking “and” at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (3) by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
“(4)
that each Federal agency that has programs or projects requiring the acquisition of real property or causing a displacement from real property subject to the provisions of this Act shall provide to the lead agency an annual summary report the describes the activities conducted by the Federal agency.”
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(d)

Adjustment of Payments.
The head of the lead agency may adjust, by regulation, the amounts of relocation payments provided under sections 202(a)(4), 202(c), 203(a), and 204(a) if the head of the lead agency determines that cost of living, inflation, or other factors indicate that the payments should be adjusted to meet the policy objectives of this Act.”
.
(e)

Agency Coordination.—
Title II of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 is amended by inserting after section 213 (42 U.S.C. 4633) the following:
“SEC. 214.
[42 U.S.C. 4634]

AGENCY COORDINATION
“(a)

Agency Capacity.
Each Federal agency responsible for funding or carrying out relocation and acquisition activities shall have adequately trained personnel and such other resources as are necessary to manage and oversee the relocation and acquisition program of the Federal agency in accordance with this Act.
“(b)

Interagency Agreements.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, each Federal agency responsible for funding relocation and acquisition activities (other than the agency serving as the lead agency) shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the lead agency that—
“(1)
provides for periodic training of the personnel of the Federal agency, which in the case of a Federal agency that provides Federal financial assistance, may include personnel of any displacing agency that receives Federal financial assistance;
“(2)
addresses ways in which the lead agency may provide assistance and coordination to the Federal agency relating to compliance with the Act on a program or project basis; and
“(3)
addresses the funding of the training, assistance, and coordination activities provided by the lead agency, in accordance with subsection (c).
“(c)

Interagency Payments.
“(1)

In general.
For the fiscal year that begins 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and each fiscal year thereafter, each Federal agency responsible for funding relocation and acquisition activities (other than the agency serving as the lead agency) shall transfer to the lead agency for the fiscal year, such funds as are necessary, but not less than $35,000, to support the training, assistance, and coordination activities of the lead agency described in subsection (b).
“(2)

Included costs.
The cost to a Federal agency of providing the funds described in paragraph (1) shall be included as part of the cost of 1 or more programs or projects undertaken by the Federal agency or with Federal financial assistance that result in the displacement of persons or the acquisition of real property.”
.
(f)

Cooperation With Federal Agencies.—
Section 308 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
“(a)

Authorized Activities.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may perform, by contract or otherwise, authorized engineering or other services in connection with the survey, construction, maintenance, or improvement of highways for other Federal agencies, cooperating foreign countries, and State cooperating agencies.
“(2)

Inclusions.
Services authorized under paragraph (1) may include activities authorized under section 214 of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.
“(3)

Reimbursement.
Reimbursement for services carried out under this subsection (including depreciation on engineering and road-building equipment) shall be credited to the applicable appropriation.”
.
(g)
[23 U.S.C. 308 note]

Effective Dates.—
(1)

In general.—
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
(2)

Exception.—
The amendments made by subsections (a) through (c) shall take effect 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1522.

EXTENSION OF PUBLIC TRANSIT VEHICLE EXEMPTION FROM AXLE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS.
Section 1023(h) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (23 U.S.C. 127 note; Public Law 102-240) is amended—
(1)
in the heading of paragraph (1) by striking “temporary exemption” and inserting “exemption”;
(2)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking “, for the period beginning on October 6, 1992, and ending on October 1, 2009,”;
(B)
in subparagraph (A) by striking “or” at the end;
(C)
in subparagraph (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting “; or”; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
“(C)
any motor home (as defined in section 571.3 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulation)).”
; and
(3)
in paragraph (2)(A) by striking “For the period beginning on the date of enactment of this subparagraph and ending on September 30, 2009, a” and inserting “A”.
SEC. 1523.

USE OF DEBRIS FROM DEMOLISHED BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES.
Section 1805(a) of the SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 144 note; 119 Stat. 1459) is amended by striking “highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program under section 144” and inserting “national highway performance program under section 119”.
SEC. 1524.
[23 U.S.C. 206 note]

USE OF YOUTH SERVICE AND CONSERVATION CORPS.
(a)

In General.—
The Secretary shall encourage the States and regional transportation planning agencies to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with qualified youth service or conservation corps, as defined in sections 122(a)(2) of Public Law 101-610 (42 U.S.C. 12572(a)(2)) and 106(c)(3) of Public Law 103-82 (42 U.S.C. 12656(c)(3)) to perform appropriate projects eligible under sections 162, 206, 213, and 217 of title 23, United States Code, and under section 1404 of the SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1228).
(b)

Requirements.—
Under any contract or cooperative agreement entered into with a qualified youth service or conservation corps under this section, the Secretary shall—
(1)
set the amount of a living allowance or rate of pay for each participant in such corps at—
(A)
such amount or rate as required under State law in a State with such requirements; or
(B)
for corps in States not described in subparagraph (A), at such amount or rate as determined by the Secretary, not to exceed the maximum living allowance authorized by section 140 of Public Law 101-610 (42 U.S.C. 12594); and
(2)
not subject such corps to the requirements of section 112 of title 23, United States Code.
SEC. 1525.

STATE AUTONOMY FOR CULVERT PIPE SELECTION.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall modify section 635.411 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), to ensure that States shall have the autonomy to determine culvert and storm sewer material types to be included in the construction of a project on a Federal-aid highway.
SEC. 1526.
[23 U.S.C. 104 note]

EVACUATION ROUTES.
Each State shall give adequate consideration to the needs of evacuation routes in the State, including such routes serving or adjacent to facilities operated by the Armed Forces, when allocating funds apportioned to the State under title 23, United States Code, for the construction of Federal-aid highways.
SEC. 1527.
[23 U.S.C. 106 note]

CONSOLIDATION OF GRANTS.
(a)

Definitions.—
In this section, the term “recipient” means—
(1)
a State, local, or tribal government, including—
(A)
a territory of the United States;
(B)
a transit agency;
(C)
a port authority;
(D)
a metropolitan planning organization; or
(E)
any other political subdivision of a State or local government;
(2)
a multistate or multijurisdictional group, if each member of the group is an entity described in paragraph (1); and
(3)
a public-private partnership, if both parties are engaged in building the project.
(b)

Consolidation.—
(1)

In general.—
A recipient that receives multiple grant awards from the Department to support 1 multimodal project may request that the Secretary designate 1 modal administration in the Department to be the lead administering authority for the overall project.
(2)

New starts.—
Any project that includes funds awarded under section 5309 of title 49, United States Code, shall be exempt from consolidation under this section unless the grant recipient requests the Federal Transit Administration to be the lead administering authority.
(3)

Review.—
(A)

In general.—
Not later than 30 days after the date on which a request under paragraph (1) is made, the Secretary shall review the request and approve or deny the designation of a single modal administration as the lead administering authority and point of contact for the Department.
(B)

Notification.—
(i)

In general.—
The Secretary shall notify the requestor of the decision of the Secretary under subparagraph (A) in such form and at such time as the Secretary and the requestor agree.
(ii)

Denial.—
If a request is denied, the Secretary shall provide the requestor with a detailed explanation of the reasoning of the Secretary with the notification under clause (i).
(c)

Duties.—
(1)

In general.—
A modal administration designated as a lead administering authority under this section shall—
(A)
be responsible for leading and coordinating the integrated project management team, which shall consist of all of the other modal administrations in the Department relating to the multimodal project; and
(B)
to the extent feasible during the first 30 days of carrying out the multimodal project, identify overlapping or duplicative regulatory requirements that exist for the project and propose a single, streamlined approach to meeting all of the applicable regulatory requirements through the activities described in subsection (d).
(2)

Administration.—
(A)

In general.—
The Secretary shall transfer all amounts that have been awarded for the multimodal project to the modal administration designated as the lead administering authority.
(B)

Option.—
(i)

In general.—
Participation under this section shall be optional for recipients, and no recipient shall be required to participate.
(ii)

Secretarial duties.—
The Secretary is not required to identify every recipient that may be eligible to participate under this section.
(d)

Cooperation.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary and modal administrations with relevant jurisdiction over a multimodal project should cooperate on project review and delivery activities at the earliest practicable time.
(2)

Purposes.—
The purposes of the cooperation under paragraph (1) are—
(A)
to avoid delays and duplication of effort later in the process;
(B)
to prevent potential conflicts; and
(C)
to ensure that planning and project development decisions are made in a streamlined manner and consistent with applicable law.
(e)

Applicability.—
Nothing in this section shall—
(1)
supersede, amend, or modify the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or any other Federal environmental law; or
(2)
affect the responsibility of any Federal officer to comply with or enforce any law described in paragraph (1).
SEC. 1528.
[40 U.S.C. 14501 note]

APPALACHIAN DEVELOPMENT HIGHWAY SYSTEM.
(a)

Sense of the Senate.—
It is the Sense of the Senate that the timely completion of the Appalachian development highway system is a transportation priority in the national interest.
(b)

Modified Federal Share for Projects on ADHS.—
For fiscal years 2012 through 2050, the Federal share payable for the cost of constructing highways and access roads on the Appalachian development highway system under section 14501 of title 40, United States Code, with funds made available to a State for fiscal year 2012 or a previous fiscal year for the Appalachian development highway system program, or with funds made available for fiscal year 2012 or a previous fiscal year for a specific project, route, or corridor on that system, shall be up to 100 percent, as determined by the State.
(c)

Federal Share for Other Funds Used on ADHS.—
For fiscal years 2012 through 2050, the Federal share payable for the cost of constructing highways and access roads on the Appalachian development highway system under section 14501 of title 40, United States Code, with Federal funds apportioned to a State for a program other than the Appalachian development highway system program shall be up to 100 percent, as determined by the State.
(d)

Completion Plan.—
(1)

In general.—
Subject to paragraph (2), not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the MAP-21, each State represented on the Appalachian Regional Commission shall establish a plan for the completion of the designated corridors of the Appalachian development highway system within the State, including annual performance targets, with a target completion date.
(2)

Significant uncompleted miles.—
If the percentage of remaining Appalachian development highway system needs for a State, according to the latest cost to complete estimate for the Appalachian development highway system, is greater than 15 percent of the total cost to complete estimate for the entire Appalachian development highway system, the State shall not establish a plan under paragraph (1) that would result in a reduction of obligated funds for the Appalachian development highway system within the State for any subsequent fiscal year.
SEC. 1529.
[23 U.S.C. 109 note]

ENGINEERING JUDGMENT.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue guidance to State transportation departments clarifying that the standards, guidance, and options for design and application of traffic control devices provided in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices should not be considered a substitute for engineering judgment.
SEC. 1530.

TRANSPORTATION TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS.
To encourage the development of careers in the transportation field, the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor are encouraged to use funds for training and employment education programs—
(1)
to develop programs for transportation-related careers and trades; and
(2)
to work with the Secretary to carry out programs developed under paragraph (1).
SEC. 1531.

NOTICE OF CERTAIN GRANT AWARDS.
(a)

Definition of Covered Grant Award.—
In this section, the term “covered grant award” means a grant award—
(1)
made—
(A)
by the Department; and
(B)
with funds made available under this Act; and
(2)
in an amount equal to or greater than $500,000.
(b)

Notice.—
Except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in another provision of law, at least 3 business days before a covered grant award is announced, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate written notice of the covered grant award.
SEC. 1532.
[49 U.S.C. 301 note]

BUDGET JUSTIFICATION.
The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a budget justification for each agency of the Department concurrently with the annual budget submission of the President to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code.
SEC. 1533.

PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR AUTOMATED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT.
(a)

Definition of Automated Traffic Enforcement System.—
In this section, the term “automated traffic enforcement system” means any camera that captures an image of a vehicle for the purposes of traffic law enforcement.
(b)

Use of Funds.—
Except as provided in subsection (c), for fiscal years 2013 and 2014, funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(3) of title 23, United States Code, may not be used for any program to purchase, operate, or maintain an automated traffic enforcement system.
(c)

Exception.—
Subsection (b) shall not apply to automated traffic enforcement systems used to improve safety in school zones.
SEC. 1534.
[49 U.S.C. 301 note]

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.
(a)

Best Practices.—
The Secretary shall compile, and make available to the public on the website of the Department, best practices on how States, public transportation agencies, and other public officials can work with the private sector in the development, financing, construction, and operation of transportation facilities.
(b)

Contents.—
The best practices compiled under subsection (a) shall include polices and techniques to ensure that the interests of the traveling public and State and local governments are protected in any agreement entered into with the private sector for the development, financing, construction, and operation of transportation facilities.
(c)

Technical Assistance.—
The Secretary, on request, may provide technical assistance to States, public transportation agencies, and other public officials regarding proposed public-private partnership agreements for the development, financing, construction, and operation of transportation facilities, including assistance in analyzing whether the use of a public-private partnership agreement would provide value compared with traditional public delivery methods.
(d)

Standard Transaction Contracts.—
(1)

Development.—
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop standard public-private partnership transaction model contracts for the most popular types of public-private partnerships for the development, financing, construction, and operation of transportation facilities.
(2)

Use.—
The Secretary shall encourage States, public transportation agencies, and other public officials to use the model contracts as a base template when developing their own public-private partnership agreements for the development, financing, construction, and operation of transportation facilities.
SEC. 1535.
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

REPORT ON HIGHWAY TRUST FUND EXPENDITURES.
(a)

Initial Report.—
Not later than 150 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report describing the activities funded from the Highway Trust Fund during each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, including for purposes other than construction and maintenance of highways and bridges.
(b)

Updates.—
Not later than 5 years after the date on which the report is submitted under subsection (a) and every 5 years thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that updates the information provided in the report under that subsection for the applicable 5-year period.
(c)

Inclusions.—
A report submitted under subsection (a) or (b) shall include information similar to the information included in the report of the Government Accountability Office numbered “GAO-09-729R” and entitled “Highway Trust Fund Expenditures on Purposes Other Than Construction and Maintenance of Highways and Bridges During Fiscal Years 2004-2008”.
SEC. 1536.

SENSE OF CONGRESS ON HARBOR MAINTENANCE.
(a)

Findings.—
Congress finds that—
(1)
there are 926 coastal, Great Lakes, and inland harbors maintained by the Corps of Engineers;
(2)
according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics—
(A)
in 2009, the ports and waterways of the United States handled more than 2,200,000,000 short tons of imports, exports, and domestic shipments; and
(B)
in 2010, United States ports were responsible for more than $1,400,000,000,000 in waterborne imports and exports;
(3)
according to the Congressional Research Service, full channel dimensions are, on average, available approximately ⅓ of the time at the 59 harbors of the United States with the highest use rates;
(4)
in 1986, Congress created the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the navigation channels of the United States;
(5)
in fiscal year 2012, the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is expected to grow from $6,280,000,000 to $7,011,000,000, an increase of approximately 13 percent;
(6)
despite growth of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund have not been sufficiently spent; and
(7)
inadequate investment in dredging needs is restricting access to the ports of the United States for domestic shipping, imports, and exports and therefore threatening the economic competitiveness of the United States.
(b)

Sense of Congress.—
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1)
the Administration should request full use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for operating and maintaining the navigation channels of the United States;
(2)
the amounts in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund should be fully expended to operate and maintain the navigation channels of the United States; and
(3)
Congress should ensure that other programs, projects, and activities of the Civil Works Program of the Corps of Engineers, especially those programs, projects, and activities relating to inland navigation and flood control, are not adversely impacted.
SEC. 1537.
[33 U.S.C. 2238a]

ESTIMATE OF HARBOR MAINTENANCE NEEDS.
For fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter, the President’s budget request submitted pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, shall include—
(1)
an estimate of the nationwide average availability, expressed as a percentage, of the authorized depth and authorized width of all navigation channels authorized to be maintained using appropriations from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund that would result from harbor maintenance activities to be funded by the budget request; and
(2)
an estimate of the average annual amount of appropriations from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund that would be required to increase that average availability to 95 percent over a 3-year period.
SEC. 1538.

ASIAN CARP.
(a)

Definitions.—
In this section:
(1)

Hydrological separation.—
The term “hydrological separation” means a physical separation on the Chicago Area Waterway System that—
(A)
would disconnect the Mississippi River watershed from the Lake Michigan watershed; and
(B)
shall be designed to be adequate in scope to prevent the transfer of all aquatic species between each of those bodies of water.
(2)

Secretary.—
The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers.
(b)

Expedited Study and Report.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall—
(A)
expedite completion of the report for the study authorized by section 3061(d) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-114; 121 Stat. 1121); and
(B)
if the Secretary determines a project is justified in the completed report, proceed directly to project preconstruction engineering and design.
(2)

Focus.—
In expediting the completion of the study and report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall focus on—
(A)
the prevention of the spread of aquatic nuisance species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins, such as through the permanent hydrological separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins; and
(B)
the watersheds of the following rivers and tributaries associated with the Chicago Area Waterway System:
(i)
The Illinois River, at and in the vicinity of Chicago, Illinois.
(ii)
The Chicago River, Calumet River, North Shore Channel, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, and Cal-Sag Channel in the State of Illinois.
(iii)
The Grand Calumet River and Little Calumet River in the States of Illinois and Indiana.
(3)

Efficient use of funds.—
The Secretary shall ensure the efficient use of funds to maximize the timely completion of the study and report under paragraph (1).
(4)

Deadline.—
The Secretary shall complete the report under paragraph (1) by not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(5)

Interim report.—
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report describing—
(A)
interim milestones that will be met prior to final completion of the study and report under paragraph (1); and
(B)
funding necessary for completion of the study and report under paragraph (1), including funding necessary for completion of each interim milestone identified under subparagraph (A).
SEC. 1539.

REST AREAS.
(a)

Agreements Relating to Use of and Access to Rights-of-way—Interstate System.—
Section 111 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a) in the second sentence by striking the period and inserting “and will not change the boundary of any right-of-way on the Interstate System to accommodate construction of, or afford access to, an automotive service station or other commercial establishment.”;
(2)
by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and
(3)
by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
“(b)

Rest Areas.
“(1)

In general.
Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Secretary shall permit a State to acquire, construct, operate, and maintain a rest area along a highway on the Interstate System in such State.
“(2)

Limited activities.
The Secretary shall permit limited commercial activities within a rest area under paragraph (1), if the activities are available only to customers using the rest area and are limited to—
“(A)
commercial advertising and media displays if such advertising and displays are—
“(i)
exhibited solely within any facility constructed in the rest area; and
“(ii)
not legible from the main traveled way;
“(B)
items designed to promote tourism in the State, limited to books, DVDs, and other media;
“(C)
tickets for events or attractions in the State of a historical or tourism-related nature;
“(D)
travel-related information, including maps, travel booklets, and hotel coupon booklets; and
“(E)
lottery machines, provided that the priority afforded to blind vendors under subsection (c) applies to this subparagraph.
“(3)

Private operators.
A State may permit a private party to operate such commercial activities.
“(4)

Limitation on use of revenues.
A State shall use any revenues received from the commercial activities in a rest area under this section to cover the costs of acquiring, constructing, operating, and maintaining rest areas in the State.”
.
(b)

Control of Outdoor Advertising.—
Section 131(i) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: “A State may permit the installation of signs that acknowledge the sponsorship of rest areas within such rest areas or along the main traveled way of the system, provided that such signs shall not affect the safe and efficient utilization of the Interstate System and the primary system. The Secretary shall establish criteria for the installation of such signs on the main traveled way, including criteria pertaining to the placement of rest area sponsorship acknowledgment signs in relation to the placement of advance guide signs for rest areas.” .
Subtitle F—

Gulf Coast Restoration
SEC. 1601.
[33 U.S.C. 1321 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the “Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012”.
SEC. 1602.
[33 U.S.C. 1321 note]

GULF COAST RESTORATION TRUST FUND.
(a)

Establishment.—
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the “Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund” (referred to in this section as the “Trust Fund”), consisting of such amounts as are deposited in the Trust Fund under this Act or any other provision of law.
(b)

Transfers.—
The Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit in the Trust Fund an amount equal to 80 percent of all administrative and civil penalties paid by responsible parties after the date of enactment of this Act in connection with the explosion on, and sinking of, the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon pursuant to a court order, negotiated settlement, or other instrument in accordance with section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321).
(c)

Expenditures.—
Amounts in the Trust Fund, including interest earned on advances to the Trust Fund and proceeds from investment under subsection (d), shall—
(1)
be available for expenditure, without further appropriation, solely for the purpose and eligible activities of this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle; and
(2)
remain available until expended, without fiscal year limitation.
(d)

Investment.—
Amounts in the Trust Fund shall be invested in accordance with section 9702 of title 31, United States Code, and any interest on, and proceeds from, any such investment shall be available for expenditure in accordance with this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle.
(e)

Administration.—
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce, shall establish such procedures as the Secretary determines to be necessary to deposit amounts in, and expend amounts from, the Trust Fund pursuant to this subtitle, including—
(1)
procedures to assess whether the programs and activities carried out under this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle achieve compliance with applicable requirements, including procedures by which the Secretary of the Treasury may determine whether an expenditure by a Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision (as those terms are defined in section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321)) pursuant to such a program or activity achieves compliance;
(2)
auditing requirements to ensure that amounts in the Trust Fund are expended as intended; and
(3)
procedures for identification and allocation of funds available to the Secretary under other provisions of law that may be necessary to pay the administrative expenses directly attributable to the management of the Trust Fund.
(f)

Sunset.—
The authority for the Trust Fund shall terminate on the date all funds in the Trust Fund have been expended.
SEC. 1603.
[33 U.S.C. 1321 note]

GULF COAST NATURAL RESOURCES RESTORATION AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY.
Section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (25)(B), by striking “and” at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (26)(D), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
“(27)
the term ‘best available science’ means science that—
“(A)
maximizes the quality, objectivity, and integrity of information, including statistical information;
“(B)
uses peer-reviewed and publicly available data; and
“(C)
clearly documents and communicates risks and uncertainties in the scientific basis for such projects;
“(28)
the term ‘Chairperson’ means the Chairperson of the Council;
“(29)
the term ‘coastal political subdivision’ means any local political jurisdiction that is immediately below the State level of government, including a county, parish, or borough, with a coastline that is contiguous with any portion of the United States Gulf of Mexico;
“(30)
the term ‘Comprehensive Plan’ means the comprehensive plan developed by the Council pursuant to subsection (t);
“(31)
the term ‘Council’ means the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council established pursuant to subsection (t);
“(32)
the term ‘Deepwater Horizon oil spill’ means the blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon that occurred on April 20, 2010, and resulting hydrocarbon releases into the environment;
“(33)
the term ‘Gulf Coast region’ means—
“(A)
in the Gulf Coast States, the coastal zones (as that term is defined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)), except that, in this section, the term ‘coastal zones’ includes land within the coastal zones that is held in trust by, or the use of which is by law subject solely to the discretion of, the Federal Government or officers or agents of the Federal Government)) that border the Gulf of Mexico;
“(B)
any adjacent land, water, and watersheds, that are within 25 miles of the coastal zones described in subparagraph (A) of the Gulf Coast States; and
“(C)
all Federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico;
“(34)
the term ‘Gulf Coast State’ means any of the States of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas; and
“(35)
the term ‘Trust Fund’ means the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund established pursuant to section 1602 of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012.”
;
(2)
in subsection (s), by inserting “except as provided in subsection (t)” before the period at the end; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
“(t)

Gulf Coast Restoration and Recovery.
“(1)

State allocation and expenditures.
“(A)

In general.
Of the total amounts made available in any fiscal year from the Trust Fund, 35 percent shall be available, in accordance with the requirements of this section, to the Gulf Coast States in equal shares for expenditure for ecological and economic restoration of the Gulf Coast region in accordance with this subsection.
“(B)

Use of funds.
“(i)

Eligible activities in the gulf coast region.
Subject to clause (iii), amounts provided to the Gulf Coast States under this subsection may only be used to carry out 1 or more of the following activities in the Gulf Coast region:
“(I)
Restoration and protection of the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region.
“(II)
Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, and natural resources.
“(III)
Implementation of a federally approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan, including fisheries monitoring.
“(IV)
Workforce development and job creation.
“(V)
Improvements to or on State parks located in coastal areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
“(VI)
Infrastructure projects benefitting the economy or ecological resources, including port infrastructure.
“(VII)
Coastal flood protection and related infrastructure.
“(VIII)
Planning assistance.
“(IX)
Administrative costs of complying with this subsection.
“(ii)

Activities to promote tourism and seafood in the gulf coast region.
Amounts provided to the Gulf Coast States under this subsection may be used to carry out 1 or more of the following activities:
“(I)
Promotion of tourism in the Gulf Coast Region, including recreational fishing.
“(II)
Promotion of the consumption of seafood harvested from the Gulf Coast Region.
“(iii)

Limitation.
“(I)

In general.
Of the amounts received by a Gulf Coast State under this subsection, not more than 3 percent may be used for administrative costs eligible under clause (i)(IX).
“(II)

Claims for compensation.
Activities funded under this subsection may not be included in any claim for compensation paid out by the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund after the date of enactment of this subsection.
“(C)

Coastal political subdivisions.
“(i)

Distribution.
In the case of a State where the coastal zone includes the entire State—
“(I)
75 percent of funding shall be provided directly to the 8 disproportionately affected counties impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill; and
“(II)
25 percent shall be provided directly to nondisproportionately impacted counties within the State.
“(ii)

Nondisproportionately impacted counties.
The total amounts made available to coastal political subdivisions in the State of Florida under clause (i)(II) shall be distributed according to the following weighted formula:
“(I)
34 percent based on the weighted average of the population of the county.
“(II)
33 percent based on the weighted average of the county per capita sales tax collections estimated for fiscal year 2012.
“(III)
33 percent based on the inverse proportion of the weighted average distance from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig to each of the nearest and farthest points of the shoreline.
“(D)

Louisiana.
“(i)

In general.
Of the total amounts made available to the State of Louisiana under this paragraph:
“(I)
70 percent shall be provided directly to the State in accordance with this subsection.
“(II)
30 percent shall be provided directly to parishes in the coastal zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) of the State of Louisiana according to the following weighted formula:
- “(aa)
40 percent based on the weighted average of miles of the parish shoreline oiled.
- “(bb)
40 percent based on the weighted average of the population of the parish.
- “(cc)
20 percent based on the weighted average of the land mass of the parish.
“(ii)

Conditions.
“(I)

Land use plan.
As a condition of receiving amounts allocated under this paragraph, the chief executive of the eligible parish shall certify to the Governor of the State that the parish has completed a comprehensive land use plan.
“(II)

Other conditions.
A coastal political subdivision receiving funding under this paragraph shall meet all of the conditions in subparagraph (E).
“(E)

Conditions.
As a condition of receiving amounts from the Trust Fund, a Gulf Coast State, including the entities described in subparagraph (F), or a coastal political subdivision shall—
“(i)
agree to meet such conditions, including audit requirements, as the Secretary of the Treasury determines necessary to ensure that amounts disbursed from the Trust Fund will be used in accordance with this subsection;
“(ii)
certify in such form and in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury determines necessary that the project or program for which the Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision is requesting amounts—
“(I)
is designed to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, or economy of the Gulf Coast;
“(II)
carries out 1 or more of the activities described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B);
“(III)
was selected based on meaningful input from the public, including broad-based participation from individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations; and
“(IV)
in the case of a natural resource protection or restoration project, is based on the best available science;
“(iii)
certify that the project or program and the awarding of a contract for the expenditure of amounts received under this paragraph are consistent with the standard procurement rules and regulations governing a comparable project or program in that State, including all applicable competitive bidding and audit requirements; and
“(iv)
develop and submit a multiyear implementation plan for the use of such amounts, which may include milestones, projected completion of each activity, and a mechanism to evaluate the success of each activity in helping to restore and protect the Gulf Coast region impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
“(F)

Approval by state entity, task force, or agency.
The following Gulf Coast State entities, task forces, or agencies shall carry out the duties of a Gulf Coast State pursuant to this paragraph:
“(i)

Alabama.
“(I)

In general.
In the State of Alabama, the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council, which shall be comprised of only the following:
- “(aa)
The Governor of Alabama, who shall also serve as Chairperson and preside over the meetings of the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council.
- “(bb)
The Director of the Alabama State Port Authority, who shall also serve as Vice Chairperson and preside over the meetings of the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council in the absence of the Chairperson.
- “(cc)
The Chairman of the Baldwin County Commission.
- “(dd)
The President of the Mobile County Commission.
- “(ee)
The Mayor of the city of Bayou La Batre.
- “(ff)
The Mayor of the town of Dauphin Island.
- “(gg)
The Mayor of the city of Fairhope.
- “(hh)
The Mayor of the city of Gulf Shores.
- “(ii)
The Mayor of the city of Mobile.
- “(jj)
The Mayor of the city of Orange Beach.
“(II)

Vote.
Each member of the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council shall be entitled to 1 vote.
“(III)

Majority vote.
All decisions of the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council shall be made by majority vote.
“(IV)

Limitation on administrative expenses.
Administrative duties for the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council may only be performed by public officials and employees that are subject to the ethics laws of the State of Alabama.
“(ii)

Louisiana.
In the State of Louisiana, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana.
“(iii)

Mississippi.
In the State of Mississippi, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
“(iv)

Texas.
In the State of Texas, the Office of the Governor or an appointee of the Office of the Governor.
“(G)

Compliance with eligible activities.
If the Secretary of the Treasury determines that an expenditure by a Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision of amounts made available under this subsection does not meet one of the activities described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall make no additional amounts from the Trust Fund available to that Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision until such time as an amount equal to the amount expended for the unauthorized use—
“(i)
has been deposited by the Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision in the Trust Fund; or
“(ii)
has been authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury for expenditure by the Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision for a project or program that meets the requirements of this subsection.
“(H)

Compliance with conditions.
If the Secretary of the Treasury determines that a Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision does not meet the requirements of this paragraph, including the conditions of subparagraph (E), where applicable, the Secretary of the Treasury shall make no amounts from the Trust Fund available to that Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision until all conditions of this paragraph are met.
“(I)

Public input.
In meeting any condition of this paragraph, a Gulf Coast State may use an appropriate procedure for public consultation in that Gulf Coast State, including consulting with one or more established task forces or other entities, to develop recommendations for proposed projects and programs that would restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, and economy of the Gulf Coast.
“(J)

Previously approved projects and programs.
A Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision shall be considered to have met the conditions of subparagraph (E) for a specific project or program if, before the date of enactment of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012—
“(i)
the Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision has established conditions for carrying out projects and programs that are substantively the same as the conditions described in subparagraph (E); and
“(ii)
the applicable project or program carries out 1 or more of the activities described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B).
“(K)

Local preference.
In awarding contracts to carry out a project or program under this paragraph, a Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision may give a preference to individuals and companies that reside in, are headquartered in, or are principally engaged in business in the State of project execution.
“(L)

Unused funds.
Funds allocated to a State or coastal political subdivision under this paragraph shall remain in the Trust Fund until such time as the State or coastal political subdivision develops and submits a plan identifying uses for those funds in accordance with subparagraph (E)(iv).
“(M)

Judicial review.
If the Secretary of the Treasury determines that a Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision does not meet the requirements of this paragraph, including the conditions of subparagraph (E), the Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision may obtain expedited judicial review within 90 days after that decision in a district court of the United States, of appropriate jurisdiction and venue, that is located within the State seeking the review.
“(N)

Cost-sharing.
“(i)

In general.
A Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision may use, in whole or in part, amounts made available under this paragraph to that Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision to satisfy the non-Federal share of the cost of any project or program authorized by Federal law that is an eligible activity described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B).
“(ii)

Effect on other funds.
The use of funds made available from the Trust Fund to satisfy the non-Federal share of the cost of a project or program that meets the requirements of clause (i) shall not affect the priority in which other Federal funds are allocated or awarded.
“(2)

Council establishment and allocation.
“(A)

In general.
Of the total amount made available in any fiscal year from the Trust Fund, 30 percent shall be disbursed to the Council to carry out the Comprehensive Plan.
“(B)

Council expenditures.
“(i)

In general.
In accordance with this paragraph, the Council shall expend funds made available from the Trust Fund to undertake projects and programs, using the best available science, that would restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, and economy of the Gulf Coast.
“(ii)

Allocation and expenditure procedures.
The Secretary of the Treasury shall develop such conditions, including audit requirements, as the Secretary of the Treasury determines necessary to ensure that amounts disbursed from the Trust Fund to the Council to implement the Comprehensive Plan will be used in accordance with this paragraph.
“(iii)

Administrative expenses.
Of the amounts received by the Council under this paragraph, not more than 3 percent may be used for administrative expenses, including staff.
“(C)

Gulf coast ecosystem restoration council.
“(i)

Establishment.
There is established as an independent entity in the Federal Government a council to be known as the ‘Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council’.
“(ii)

Membership.
The Council shall consist of the following members, or in the case of a Federal agency, a designee at the level of the Assistant Secretary or the equivalent:
“(I)
The Secretary of the Interior.
“(II)
The Secretary of the Army.
“(III)
The Secretary of Commerce.
“(IV)
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
“(V)
The Secretary of Agriculture.
“(VI)
The head of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.
“(VII)
The Governor of the State of Alabama.
“(VIII)
The Governor of the State of Florida.
“(IX)
The Governor of the State of Louisiana.
“(X)
The Governor of the State of Mississippi.
“(XI)
The Governor of the State of Texas.
“(iii)

Alternate.
A Governor appointed to the Council by the President may designate an alternate to represent the Governor on the Council and vote on behalf of the Governor.
“(iv)

Chairperson.
From among the Federal agency members of the Council, the representatives of States on the Council shall select, and the President shall appoint, 1 Federal member to serve as Chairperson of the Council.
“(v)

Presidential appointment.
All Council members shall be appointed by the President.
“(vi)

Council actions.
“(I)

In general.
The following actions by the Council shall require the affirmative vote of the Chairperson and a majority of the State members to be effective:
- “(aa)
Approval of a Comprehensive Plan and future revisions to a Comprehensive Plan.
- “(bb)
Approval of State plans pursuant to paragraph (3)(B)(iv).
- “(cc)
Approval of reports to Congress pursuant to clause (vii)(VII).
- “(dd)
Approval of transfers pursuant to subparagraph (E)(ii)(I).
- “(ee)
Other significant actions determined by the Council.
“(II)

Quorum.
A majority of State members shall be required to be present for the Council to take any significant action.
“(III)

Affirmative vote requirement considered met.
For approval of State plans pursuant to paragraph (3)(B)(iv), the certification by a State member of the Council that the plan satisfies all requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (3)(B), when joined by an affirmative vote of the Federal Chairperson of the Council, shall be considered to satisfy the requirements for affirmative votes under subclause (I).
“(IV)

Public transparency.
Appropriate actions of the Council, including significant actions and associated deliberations, shall be made available to the public via electronic means prior to any vote.
“(vii)

Duties of council.
The Council shall—
“(I)
develop the Comprehensive Plan and future revisions to the Comprehensive Plan;
“(II)
identify as soon as practicable the projects that—
- “(aa)
have been authorized prior to the date of enactment of this subsection but not yet commenced; and
- “(bb)
if implemented quickly, would restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, barrier islands, dunes, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region;
“(III)
establish such other 1 or more advisory committees as may be necessary to assist the Council, including a scientific advisory committee and a committee to advise the Council on public policy issues;
“(IV)
collect and consider scientific and other research associated with restoration of the Gulf Coast ecosystem, including research, observation, and monitoring carried out pursuant to sections 1604 and 1605 of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012;
“(V)
develop standard terms to include in contracts for projects and programs awarded pursuant to the Comprehensive Plan that provide a preference to individuals and companies that reside in, are headquartered in, or are principally engaged in business in a Gulf Coast State;
“(VI)
prepare an integrated financial plan and recommendations for coordinated budget requests for the amounts proposed to be expended by the Federal agencies represented on the Council for projects and programs in the Gulf Coast States; and
“(VII)
submit to Congress an annual report that—
- “(aa)
summarizes the policies, strategies, plans, and activities for addressing the restoration and protection of the Gulf Coast region;
- “(bb)
describes the projects and programs being implemented to restore and protect the Gulf Coast region, including—
“(AA)
a list of each project and program;
“(BB)
an identification of the funding provided to projects and programs identified in subitem (AA);
“(CC)
an identification of each recipient for funding identified in subitem (BB); and
“(DD)
a description of the length of time and funding needed to complete the objectives of each project and program identified in subitem (AA);
- “(cc)
makes such recommendations to Congress for modifications of existing laws as the Council determines necessary to implement the Comprehensive Plan;
- “(dd)
reports on the progress on implementation of each project or program—
“(AA)
after 3 years of ongoing activity of the project or program, if applicable; and
“(BB)
on completion of the project or program;
- “(ee)
includes the information required to be submitted under section 1605(c)(4) of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012; and
- “(ff)
submits the reports required under item (dd) to—
“(AA)
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, the Committee on Natural Resources, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
“(BB)
the Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
“(viii)

Application of federal advisory committee act.
The Council, or any other advisory committee established under this subparagraph, shall not be considered an advisory committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
“(ix)

Sunset.
The authority for the Council, and any other advisory committee established under this subparagraph, shall terminate on the date all funds in the Trust Fund have been expended.
“(D)

Comprehensive plan.
“(i)

Proposed plan.
“(I)

In general.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012, the Chairperson, on behalf of the Council and after appropriate public input, review, and comment, shall publish a proposed plan to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region.
“(II)

Inclusions.
The proposed plan described in subclause (I) shall include and incorporate the findings and information prepared by the President’s Gulf Coast Restoration Task Force.
“(ii)

Publication.
“(I)

Initial plan.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 and after notice and opportunity for public comment, the Chairperson, on behalf of the Council and after approval by the Council, shall publish in the Federal Register the initial Comprehensive Plan to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region.
“(II)

Cooperation with gulf coast restoration task force.
The Council shall develop the initial Comprehensive Plan in close coordination with the President’s Gulf Coast Restoration Task Force.
“(III)

Considerations.
In developing the initial Comprehensive Plan and subsequent updates, the Council shall consider all relevant findings, reports, or research prepared or funded under section 1604 or 1605 of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012.
“(IV)

Contents.
The initial Comprehensive Plan shall include—
- “(aa)
such provisions as are necessary to fully incorporate in the Comprehensive Plan the strategy, projects, and programs recommended by the President’s Gulf Coast Restoration Task Force;
- “(bb)
a list of any project or program authorized prior to the date of enactment of this subsection but not yet commenced, the completion of which would further the purposes and goals of this subsection and of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012;
- “(cc)
a description of the manner in which amounts from the Trust Fund projected to be made available to the Council for the succeeding 10 years will be allocated; and
- “(dd)
subject to available funding in accordance with clause (iii), a prioritized list of specific projects and programs to be funded and carried out during the 3-year period immediately following the date of publication of the initial Comprehensive Plan, including a table that illustrates the distribution of projects and programs by the Gulf Coast State.
“(V)

Plan updates.
The Council shall update—
- “(aa)
the Comprehensive Plan every 5 years in a manner comparable to the manner established in this subparagraph for each 5-year period for which amounts are expected to be made available to the Gulf Coast States from the Trust Fund; and
- “(bb)
the 3-year list of projects and programs described in subclause (IV)(dd) annually.
“(iii)

Restoration priorities.
Except for projects and programs described in clause (ii)(IV)(bb), in selecting projects and programs to include on the 3-year list described in clause (ii)(IV)(dd), based on the best available science, the Council shall give highest priority to projects that address 1 or more of the following criteria:
“(I)
Projects that are projected to make the greatest contribution to restoring and protecting the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region, without regard to geographic location within the Gulf Coast region.
“(II)
Large-scale projects and programs that are projected to substantially contribute to restoring and protecting the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast ecosystem.
“(III)
Projects contained in existing Gulf Coast State comprehensive plans for the restoration and protection of natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region.
“(IV)
Projects that restore long-term resiliency of the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands most impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
“(E)

Implementation.
“(i)

In general.
The Council, acting through the Federal agencies represented on the Council and Gulf Coast States, shall expend funds made available from the Trust Fund to carry out projects and programs adopted in the Comprehensive Plan.
“(ii)

Administrative responsibility.
“(I)

In general.
Primary authority and responsibility for each project and program included in the Comprehensive Plan shall be assigned by the Council to a Gulf Coast State represented on the Council or a Federal agency.
“(II)

Transfer of amounts.
Amounts necessary to carry out each project or program included in the Comprehensive Plan shall be transferred by the Secretary of the Treasury from the Trust Fund to that Federal agency or Gulf Coast State as the project or program is implemented, subject to such conditions as the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce, established pursuant to section 1602 of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012.
“(III)

Limitation on transfers.
- “(aa)

Grants to nongovernmental entities.
In the case of funds transferred to a Federal or State agency under subclause (II), the agency shall not make 1 or more grants or cooperative agreements to a nongovernmental entity if the total amount provided to the entity would equal or exceed 10 percent of the total amount provided to the agency for that particular project or program, unless the 1 or more grants have been reported in accordance with item (bb).
- “(bb)

Reporting of grantees.
At least 30 days prior to making a grant or entering into a cooperative agreement described in item (aa), the name of each grantee, including the amount and purpose of each grant or cooperative agreement, shall be published in the Federal Register and delivered to the congressional committees listed in subparagraph (C)(vii)(VII)(ff).
- “(cc)

Annual reporting of grantees.
Annually, the name of each grantee, including the amount and purposes of each grant or cooperative agreement, shall be published in the Federal Register and delivered to Congress as part of the report submitted pursuant to subparagraph (C)(vii)(VII).
“(IV)

Project and program limitation.
The Council, a Federal agency, or a State may not carry out a project or program funded under this paragraph outside of the Gulf Coast region.
“(F)

Coordination.
The Council and the Federal members of the Council may develop memoranda of understanding establishing integrated funding and implementation plans among the member agencies and authorities.
“(3)

Oil spill restoration impact allocation.
“(A)

In general.
“(i)

Disbursement.
Of the total amount made available from the Trust Fund, 30 percent shall be disbursed pursuant to the formula in clause (ii) to the Gulf Coast States on the approval of the plan described in subparagraph (B)(i).
“(ii)

Formula.
Subject to subparagraph (B), for each Gulf Coast State, the amount disbursed under this paragraph shall be based on a formula established by the Council by regulation that is based on a weighted average of the following criteria:
“(I)
40 percent based on the proportionate number of miles of shoreline in each Gulf Coast State that experienced oiling on or before April 10, 2011, compared to the total number of miles of shoreline that experienced oiling as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
“(II)
40 percent based on the inverse proportion of the average distance from the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon at the time of the explosion to the nearest and farthest point of the shoreline that experienced oiling of each Gulf Coast State.
“(III)
20 percent based on the average population in the 2010 decennial census of coastal counties bordering the Gulf of Mexico within each Gulf Coast State.
“(iii)

Minimum allocation.
The amount disbursed to a Gulf Coast State for each fiscal year under clause (ii) shall be at least 5 percent of the total amounts made available under this paragraph.
“(B)

Disbursement of funds.
“(i)

In general.
The Council shall disburse amounts to the respective Gulf Coast States in accordance with the formula developed under subparagraph (A) for projects, programs, and activities that will improve the ecosystems or economy of the Gulf Coast region, subject to the condition that each Gulf Coast State submits a plan for the expenditure of amounts disbursed under this paragraph that meets the following criteria:
“(I)
All projects, programs, and activities included in the plan are eligible activities pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (1)(B).
“(II)
The projects, programs, and activities included in the plan contribute to the overall economic and ecological recovery of the Gulf Coast.
“(III)
The plan takes into consideration the Comprehensive Plan and is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Plan, as described in paragraph (2)(B)(i).
“(ii)

Funding.
“(I)

In general.
Except as provided in subclause (II), the plan described in clause (i) may use not more than 25 percent of the funding made available for infrastructure projects eligible under subclauses (VI) and (VII) of paragraph (1)(B)(i).
“(II)

Exception.
The plan described in clause (i) may propose to use more than 25 percent of the funding made available for infrastructure projects eligible under subclauses (VI) and (VII) of paragraph (1)(B)(i) if the plan certifies that—
- “(aa)
ecosystem restoration needs in the State will be addressed by the projects in the proposed plan; and
- “(bb)
additional investment in infrastructure is required to mitigate the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill to the ecosystem or economy.
“(iii)

Development.
The plan described in clause (i) shall be developed by—
“(I)
in the State of Alabama, the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council established under paragraph (1)(F)(i);
“(II)
in the State of Florida, a consortia of local political subdivisions that includes at a minimum 1 representative of each affected county;
“(III)
in the State of Louisiana, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana;
“(IV)
in the State of Mississippi, the Office of the Governor or an appointee of the Office of the Governor; and
“(V)
in the State of Texas, the Office of the Governor or an appointee of the Office of the Governor.
“(iv)

Approval.
Not later than 60 days after the date on which a plan is submitted under clause (i), the Council shall approve or disapprove the plan based on the conditions of clause (i).
“(C)

Disapproval.
If the Council disapproves a plan pursuant to subparagraph (B)(iv), the Council shall—
“(i)
provide the reasons for disapproval in writing; and
“(ii)
consult with the State to address any identified deficiencies with the State plan.
“(D)

Failure to submit adequate plan.
If a State fails to submit an adequate plan under this paragraph, any funds made available under this paragraph shall remain in the Trust Fund until such date as a plan is submitted and approved pursuant to this paragraph.
“(E)

Judicial review.
If the Council fails to approve or take action within 60 days on a plan, as described in subparagraph (B)(iv), the State may obtain expedited judicial review within 90 days of that decision in a district court of the United States, of appropriate jurisdiction and venue, that is located within the State seeking the review.
“(F)

Cost-sharing.
“(i)

In general.
A Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision may use, in whole or in part, amounts made available to that Gulf Coast State or coastal political subdivision under this paragraph to satisfy the non-Federal share of any project or program that—
“(I)
is authorized by other Federal law; and
“(II)
is an eligible activity described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(B).
“(ii)

Effect on other funds.
The use of funds made available from the Trust Fund under this paragraph to satisfy the non-Federal share of the cost of a project or program described in clause (i) shall not affect the priority in which other Federal funds are allocated or awarded.
“(4)

Authorization of interest transfers.
Of the total amount made available for any fiscal year from the Trust Fund that is equal to the interest earned by the Trust Fund and proceeds from investments made by the Trust Fund in the preceding fiscal year—
“(A)
50 percent shall be divided equally between—
“(i)
the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology program authorized in section 1604 of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012; and
“(ii)
the centers of excellence research grants authorized in section 1605 of that Act; and
“(B)
50 percent shall be made available to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council to carry out the Comprehensive Plan pursuant to paragraph (2).”
.
SEC. 1604.
[33 U.S.C. 1321 note]

GULF COAST ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION SCIENCE, OBSERVATION, MONITORING, AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.
(a)

Definitions.—
In this section:
(1)

Administrator.—
The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(2)

Commission.—
The term “Commission” means the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission.
(3)

Director.—
The term “Director” means the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(4)

Program.—
The term “program” means the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology program established under this section.
(b)

Establishment of Program.—
(1)

In general.—
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Director, shall establish the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology program to carry out research, observation, and monitoring to support, to the maximum extent practicable, the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem, fish stocks, fish habitat, and the recreational, commercial, and charter fishing industry in the Gulf of Mexico.
(2)

Expenditure of funds.—
For each fiscal year, amounts made available to carry out this subsection may be expended for, with respect to the Gulf of Mexico—
(A)
marine and estuarine research;
(B)
marine and estuarine ecosystem monitoring and ocean observation;
(C)
data collection and stock assessments;
(D)
pilot programs for—
(i)
fishery independent data; and
(ii)
reduction of exploitation of spawning aggregations; and
(E)
cooperative research.
(3)

Cooperation with the commission.—
For each fiscal year, amounts made available to carry out this subsection may be transferred to the Commission to establish a fisheries monitoring and research program, with respect to the Gulf of Mexico.
(4)

Consultation.—
The Administrator and the Director shall consult with the Regional Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the Commission in carrying out the program.
(c)

Species Included.—
The research, monitoring, assessment, and programs eligible for amounts made available under the program shall include all marine, estuarine, aquaculture, and fish species in State and Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
(d)

Research Priorities.—
In distributing funding under this subsection, priority shall be given to integrated, long-term projects that—
(1)
build on, or are coordinated with, related research activities; and
(2)
address current or anticipated marine ecosystem, fishery, or wildlife management information needs.
(e)

Duplication.—
In carrying out this section, the Administrator, in consultation with the Director, shall seek to avoid duplication of other research and monitoring activities.
(f)

Coordination With Other Programs.—
The Administrator, in consultation with the Director, shall develop a plan for the coordination of projects and activities between the program and other existing Federal and State science and technology programs in the States of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, as well as between the centers of excellence.
(g)

Limitation on Expenditures.—
(1)

In general.—
Not more than 3 percent of funds provided in subsection (h) shall be used for administrative expenses.
(2)

NOAA.—
The funds provided in subsection (h) may not be used—
(A)
for any existing or planned research led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, unless agreed to in writing by the grant recipient;
(B)
to implement existing regulations or initiate new regulations promulgated or proposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; or
(C)
to develop or approve a new limited access privilege program (as that term is used in section 303A of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1853a)) for any fishery under the jurisdiction of the South Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, New England, or Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils.
(h)

Funding.—
Of the total amount made available for each fiscal year for the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund established under section 1602, 2.5 percent shall be available to carry out the program.
(i)

Sunset.—
The program shall cease operations when all funds in the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund established under section 1602 have been expended.
SEC. 1605.
[33 U.S.C. 1321 note]

CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE RESEARCH GRANTS.
(a)

In General.—
Of the total amount made available for each fiscal year from the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund established under section 1602, 2.5 percent shall be made available to the Gulf Coast States (as defined in section 311(a) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (as added by section 1603 of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012)), in equal shares, exclusively for grants in accordance with subsection (c) to establish centers of excellence to conduct research only on the Gulf Coast Region (as defined in section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33. U.S.C. 1321)).
(b)

Approval by State Entity, Task Force, or Agency.—
The duties of a Gulf Coast State under this section shall be carried out by the applicable Gulf Coast State entities, task forces, or agencies listed in section 311(t)(1)(F) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (as added by section 1603 of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012), and for the State of Florida, a consortium of public and private research institutions within the State, which shall include the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, for that Gulf Coast State.
(c)

Grants.—
(1)

In general.—
A Gulf Coast State shall use the amounts made available to carry out this section to award competitive grants to nongovernmental entities and consortia in the Gulf Coast region (including public and private institutions of higher education) for the establishment of centers of excellence as described in subsection (d).
(2)

Application.—
To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an entity or consortium described in paragraph (1) shall submit to a Gulf Coast State an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Gulf Coast State determines to be appropriate.
(3)

Priority.—
In awarding grants under this subsection, a Gulf Coast State shall give priority to entities and consortia that demonstrate the ability to establish the broadest cross-section of participants with interest and expertise in any discipline described in subsection (d) on which the proposal of the center of excellence will be focused.
(4)

Reporting.—
(A)

In general.—
Each Gulf Coast State shall provide annually to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council established under section 311(t)(2)(C) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (as added by section 1603 of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012) information regarding all grants, including the amount, discipline or disciplines, and recipients of the grants, and in the case of any grant awarded to a consortium, the membership of the consortium.
(B)

Inclusion.—
The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council shall include the information received under subparagraph (A) in the annual report to Congress of the Council required under section 311(t)(2)(C)(vii)(VII) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (as added by section 1603 of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012).
(d)

Disciplines.—
Each center of excellence shall focus on science, technology, and monitoring in at least 1 of the following disciplines:
(1)
Coastal and deltaic sustainability, restoration and protection, including solutions and technology that allow citizens to live in a safe and sustainable manner in a coastal delta in the Gulf Coast Region.
(2)
Coastal fisheries and wildlife ecosystem research and monitoring in the Gulf Coast Region.
(3)
Offshore energy development, including research and technology to improve the sustainable and safe development of energy resources in the Gulf of Mexico.
(4)
Sustainable and resilient growth, economic and commercial development in the Gulf Coast Region.
(5)
Comprehensive observation, monitoring, and mapping of the Gulf of Mexico.
SEC. 1606.
[33 U.S.C. 1321 note]

EFFECT.
(a)

Definition of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.—
In this section, the term “Deepwater Horizon oil spill” has the meaning given the term in section 311(a) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(a)).
(b)

Effect and Application.—
Nothing in this subtitle or any amendment made by this subtitle—
(1)
supersedes or otherwise affects any other provision of Federal law, including, in particular, laws providing recovery for injury to natural resources under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) and laws for the protection of public health and the environment; or
(2)
applies to any fine collected under section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321) for any incident other than the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
(c)

Use of Funds.—
Funds made available under this subtitle may be used only for eligible activities specifically authorized by this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle.
SEC. 1607.
[33 U.S.C. 1321 note]

RESTORATION AND PROTECTION ACTIVITY LIMITATIONS.
(a)

Willing Seller.—
Funds made available under this subtitle may only be used to acquire land or interests in land by purchase, exchange, or donation from a willing seller.
(b)

Acquisition of Federal Land.—
None of the funds made available under this subtitle may be used to acquire land in fee title by the Federal Government unless—
(1)
the land is acquired by exchange or donation; or
(2)
the acquisition is necessary for the restoration and protection of the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region and has the concurrence of the Governor of the State in which the acquisition will take place.
SEC. 1608.
[33 U.S.C. 1321 note]

INSPECTOR GENERAL.
The Office of the Inspector General of the Department of the Treasury shall have authority to conduct, supervise, and coordinate audits and investigations of projects, programs, and activities funded under this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle.
TITLE II—

AMERICA FAST FORWARD FINANCING INNOVATION
SEC. 2001.
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the “America Fast Forward Financing Innovation Act of 2012”.
SEC. 2002.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE AND INNOVATION ACT OF 1998 AMENDMENTS.
Sections 601 through 609 of title 23, United States Code, are amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 601.

Generally applicable provisions
“(a)

Definitions.
In this chapter, the following definitions apply:
“(1)

Contingent commitment.
The term ‘contingent commitment’ means a commitment to obligate an amount from future available budget authority that is—
“(A)
contingent on those funds being made available in law at a future date; and
“(B)
not an obligation of the Federal Government.
“(2)

Eligible project costs.
The term ‘eligible project costs’ means amounts substantially all of which are paid by, or for the account of, an obligor in connection with a project, including the cost of—
“(A)
development phase activities, including planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, environmental review, permitting, preliminary engineering and design work, and other preconstruction activities;
“(B)
construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, replacement, and acquisition of real property (including land relating to the project and improvements to land), environmental mitigation, construction contingencies, and acquisition of equipment; and
“(C)
capitalized interest necessary to meet market requirements, reasonably required reserve funds, capital issuance expenses, and other carrying costs during construction.
“(3)

Federal credit instrument.
The term ‘Federal credit instrument’ means a secured loan, loan guarantee, or line of credit authorized to be made available under this chapter with respect to a project.
“(4)

Investment-grade rating.
The term ‘investment-grade rating’ means a rating of BBB minus, Baa3, bbb minus, BBB (low), or higher assigned by a rating agency to project obligations.
“(5)

Lender.
The term ‘lender’ means any non-Federal qualified institutional buyer (as defined in section 230.144A(a) of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation), known as Rule 144A(a) of the Securities and Exchange Commission and issued under the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.)), including—
“(A)
a qualified retirement plan (as defined in section 4974(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) that is a qualified institutional buyer; and
“(B)
a governmental plan (as defined in section 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) that is a qualified institutional buyer.
“(6)

Letter of interest.
The term ‘letter of interest’ means a letter submitted by a potential applicant prior to an application for credit assistance in a format prescribed by the Secretary on the website of the TIFIA program that—
“(A)
describes the project and the location, purpose, and cost of the project;
“(B)
outlines the proposed financial plan, including the requested credit assistance and the proposed obligor;
“(C)
provides a status of environmental review; and
“(D)
provides information regarding satisfaction of other eligibility requirements of the TIFIA program.
“(7)

Line of credit.
The term ‘line of credit’ means an agreement entered into by the Secretary with an obligor under section 604 to provide a direct loan at a future date upon the occurrence of certain events.
“(8)

Limited buydown.
The term ‘limited buydown’ means, subject to the conditions described in section 603(b)(4)(C), a buydown of the interest rate by the obligor if the interest rate has increased between—
“(A)
(i)
the date on which a project application acceptable to the Secretary is submitted; or
“(ii)
the date on which the Secretary entered into a master credit agreement; and
“(B)
the date on which the Secretary executes the Federal credit instrument.
“(9)

Loan guarantee.
The term ‘loan guarantee’ means any guarantee or other pledge by the Secretary to pay all or part of the principal of and interest on a loan or other debt obligation issued by an obligor and funded by a lender.
“(10)

Master credit agreement.
The term ‘master credit agreement’ means an agreement to extend credit assistance for a program of projects secured by a common security pledge (which shall receive an investment grade rating from a rating agency), or for a single project covered under section 602(b)(2) that would—
“(A)
make contingent commitments of 1 or more secured loans or other Federal credit instruments at future dates, subject to the availability of future funds being made available to carry out this chapter;
“(B)
establish the maximum amounts and general terms and conditions of the secured loans or other Federal credit instruments;
“(C)
identify the 1 or more dedicated non-Federal revenue sources that will secure the repayment of the secured loans or secured Federal credit instruments;
“(D)
provide for the obligation of funds for the secured loans or secured Federal credit instruments after all requirements have been met for the projects subject to the master credit agreement, including—
“(i)
completion of an environmental impact statement or similar analysis required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
“(ii)
compliance with such other requirements as are specified in section 602(c); and
“(iii)
the availability of funds to carry out this chapter; and
“(E)
require that contingent commitments result in a financial close and obligation of credit assistance not later than 3 years after the date of entry into the master credit agreement, or release of the commitment, unless otherwise extended by the Secretary.
“(11)

Obligor.
The term ‘obligor’ means a party that—
“(A)
is primarily liable for payment of the principal of or interest on a Federal credit instrument; and
“(B)
may be a corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or governmental entity, agency, or instrumentality.
“(12)

Project.
The term ‘project’ means—
“(A)
any surface transportation project eligible for Federal assistance under this title or chapter 53 of title 49;
“(B)
a project for an international bridge or tunnel for which an international entity authorized under Federal or State law is responsible;
“(C)
a project for intercity passenger bus or rail facilities and vehicles, including facilities and vehicles owned by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation and components of magnetic levitation transportation systems; and
“(D)
a project that—
“(i)
is a project—
“(I)
for a public freight rail facility or a private facility providing public benefit for highway users by way of direct freight interchange between highway and rail carriers;
“(II)
for an intermodal freight transfer facility;
“(III)
for a means of access to a facility described in subclause (I) or (II);
“(IV)
for a service improvement for a facility described in subclause (I) or (II) (including a capital investment for an intelligent transportation system); or
“(V)
that comprises a series of projects described in subclauses (I) through (IV) with the common objective of improving the flow of goods;
“(ii)
may involve the combining of private and public sector funds, including investment of public funds in private sector facility improvements;
“(iii)
if located within the boundaries of a port terminal, includes only such surface transportation infrastructure modifications as are necessary to facilitate direct intermodal interchange, transfer, and access into and out of the port; and
“(iv)
is composed of related highway, surface transportation, transit, rail, or intermodal capital improvement projects eligible for assistance under this section in order to meet the eligible project cost threshold under section 602, by grouping related projects together for that purpose, subject to the condition that the credit assistance for the projects is secured by a common pledge.
“(13)

Project obligation.
The term ‘project obligation’ means any note, bond, debenture, or other debt obligation issued by an obligor in connection with the financing of a project, other than a Federal credit instrument.
“(14)

Rating agency.
The term ‘rating agency’ means a credit rating agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (as that term is defined in section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a))).
“(15)

Rural infrastructure project.
The term ‘rural infrastructure project’ means a surface transportation infrastructure project located in any area other than a city with a population of more than 250,000 inhabitants within the city limits.
“(16)

Secured loan.
The term ‘secured loan’ means a direct loan or other debt obligation issued by an obligor and funded by the Secretary in connection with the financing of a project under section 603.
“(17)

State.
The term ‘State’ has the meaning given the term in section 101.
“(18)

Subsidy amount.
The term ‘subsidy amount’ means the amount of budget authority sufficient to cover the estimated long-term cost to the Federal Government of a Federal credit instrument—
“(A)
calculated on a net present value basis; and
“(B)
excluding administrative costs and any incidental effects on governmental receipts or outlays in accordance with the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
“(19)

Substantial completion.
The term ‘substantial completion’ means—
“(A)
the opening of a project to vehicular or passenger traffic; or
“(B)
a comparable event, as determined by the Secretary and specified in the credit agreement.
“(20)

TIFIA program.
The term ‘TIFIA program’ means the transportation infrastructure finance and innovation program of the Department.
“(b)

Treatment of Chapter.
For purposes of this title, this chapter shall be treated as being part of chapter 1.
“SEC. 602.

Determination of eligibility and project selection
“(a)

Eligibility.
“(1)

In general.
A project shall be eligible to receive credit assistance under this chapter if—
“(A)
the entity proposing to carry out the project submits a letter of interest prior to submission of a formal application for the project; and
“(B)
the project meets the criteria described in this subsection.
“(2)

Creditworthiness.
“(A)

In general.
To be eligible for assistance under this chapter, a project shall satisfy applicable creditworthiness standards, which, at a minimum, shall include—
“(i)
a rate covenant, if applicable;
“(ii)
adequate coverage requirements to ensure repayment;
“(iii)
an investment grade rating from at least 2 rating agencies on debt senior to the Federal credit instrument; and
“(iv)
a rating from at least 2 rating agencies on the Federal credit instrument, subject to the condition that, with respect to clause (iii), if the total amount of the senior debt and the Federal credit instrument is less than $75,000,000, 1 rating agency opinion for each of the senior debt and Federal credit instrument shall be sufficient.
“(B)

Senior debt.
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in a case in which the Federal credit instrument is the senior debt, the Federal credit instrument shall be required to receive an investment grade rating from at least 2 rating agencies, unless the credit instrument is for an amount less than $75,000,000, in which case 1 rating agency opinion shall be sufficient.
“(3)

Inclusion in transportation plans and programs.
A project shall satisfy the applicable planning and programming requirements of sections 134 and 135 at such time as an agreement to make available a Federal credit instrument is entered into under this chapter.
“(4)

Application.
A State, local government, public authority, public-private partnership, or any other legal entity undertaking the project and authorized by the Secretary shall submit a project application that is acceptable to the Secretary.
“(5)

Eligible project costs.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), to be eligible for assistance under this chapter, a project shall have eligible project costs that are reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed the lesser of—
“(i)
(I)
$50,000,000; or
“(II)
in the case of a rural infrastructure project, $25,000,000; and
“(ii)
33⅓ percent of the amount of Federal highway assistance funds apportioned for the most recently completed fiscal year to the State in which the project is located.
“(B)

Intelligent transportation system projects.
In the case of a project principally involving the installation of an intelligent transportation system, eligible project costs shall be reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $15,000,000.
“(6)

Dedicated revenue sources.
The applicable Federal credit instrument shall be repayable, in whole or in part, from—
“(A)
tolls;
“(B)
user fees;
“(C)
payments owing to the obligor under a public-private partnership; or
“(D)
other dedicated revenue sources that also secure or fund the project obligations.
“(7)

Public sponsorship of private entities.
In the case of a project that is undertaken by an entity that is not a State or local government or an agency or instrumentality of a State or local government, the project that the entity is undertaking shall be publicly sponsored as provided in paragraph (3).
“(8)

Applications where obligor will be identified later.
A State, local government, agency or instrumentality of a State or local government, or public authority may submit to the Secretary an application under paragraph (4), under which a private party to a public-private partnership will be—
“(A)
the obligor; and
“(B)
identified later through completion of a procurement and selection of the private party.
“(9)

Beneficial effects.
The Secretary shall determine that financial assistance for the project under this chapter will—
“(A)
foster, if appropriate, partnerships that attract public and private investment for the project;
“(B)
enable the project to proceed at an earlier date than the project would otherwise be able to proceed or reduce the lifecycle costs (including debt service costs) of the project; and
“(C)
reduce the contribution of Federal grant assistance for the project.
“(10)

Project readiness.
To be eligible for assistance under this chapter, the applicant shall demonstrate a reasonable expectation that the contracting process for construction of the project can commence by not later than 90 days after the date on which a Federal credit instrument is obligated for the project under this chapter.
“(b)

Selection Among Eligible Projects.
“(1)

Establishment.
The Secretary shall establish a rolling application process under which projects that are eligible to receive credit assistance under subsection (a) shall receive credit assistance on terms acceptable to the Secretary, if adequate funds are available to cover the subsidy costs associated with the Federal credit instrument.
“(2)

Adequate funding not available.
If the Secretary fully obligates funding to eligible projects in a fiscal year, and adequate funding is not available to fund a credit instrument, a project sponsor of an eligible project may elect to enter into a master credit agreement and wait until the earlier of—
“(A)
the following fiscal year; and
“(B)
the fiscal year during which additional funds are available to receive credit assistance.
“(3)

Preliminary rating opinion letter.
The Secretary shall require each project applicant to provide a preliminary rating opinion letter from at least 1 rating agency—
“(A)
indicating that the senior obligations of the project, which may be the Federal credit instrument, have the potential to achieve an investment-grade rating; and
“(B)
including a preliminary rating opinion on the Federal credit instrument.
“(c)

Federal Requirements.
“(1)

In general.
In addition to the requirements of this title for highway projects, the requirements of chapter 53 of title 49 for transit projects, and the requirements of section 5333(a) of title 49 for rail projects, the following provisions of law shall apply to funds made available under this chapter and projects assisted with those funds:
“(A)
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.).
“(B)
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
“(C)
The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.).
“(2)

NEPA.
No funding shall be obligated for a project that has not received an environmental categorical exclusion, a finding of no significant impact, or a record of decision under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
“(d)

Application Processing Procedures.
“(1)

Notice of complete application.
Not later than 30 days after the date of receipt of an application under this section, the Secretary shall provide to the applicant a written notice to inform the applicant whether—
“(A)
the application is complete; or
“(B)
additional information or materials are needed to complete the application.
“(2)

Approval or denial of application.
Not later than 60 days after the date of issuance of the written notice under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide to the applicant a written notice informing the applicant whether the Secretary has approved or disapproved the application.
“(e)

Development Phase Activities.
Any credit instrument secured under this chapter may be used to finance up to 100 percent of the cost of development phase activities as described in section 601(a)(1)(A).
“SEC. 603.

Secured loans
“(a)

In General.
“(1)

Agreements.
Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the Secretary may enter into agreements with 1 or more obligors to make secured loans, the proceeds of which shall be used—
“(A)
to finance eligible project costs of any project selected under section 602;
“(B)
to refinance interim construction financing of eligible project costs of any project selected under section 602;
“(C)
to refinance existing Federal credit instruments for rural infrastructure projects; or
“(D)
to refinance long-term project obligations or Federal credit instruments, if the refinancing provides additional funding capacity for the completion, enhancement, or expansion of any project that—
“(i)
is selected under section 602; or
“(ii)
otherwise meets the requirements of section 602.
“(2)

Limitation on refinancing of interim construction financing.
A loan under paragraph (1) shall not refinance interim construction financing under paragraph (1)(B) later than 1 year after the date of substantial completion of the project.
“(3)

Risk assessment.
Before entering into an agreement under this subsection, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall determine an appropriate capital reserve subsidy amount for each secured loan, taking into account each rating letter provided by an agency under section 602(b)(3)(B).
“(b)

Terms and Limitations.
“(1)

In general.
A secured loan under this section with respect to a project shall be on such terms and conditions and contain such covenants, representations, warranties, and requirements (including requirements for audits) as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
“(2)

Maximum amount.
The amount of a secured loan under this section shall not exceed the lesser of 49 percent of the reasonably anticipated eligible project costs or if the secured loan does not receive an investment grade rating, the amount of the senior project obligations.
“(3)

Payment.
A secured loan under this section—
“(A)
shall—
“(i)
be payable, in whole or in part, from—
“(I)
tolls;
“(II)
user fees;
“(III)
payments owing to the obligor under a public-private partnership; or
“(IV)
other dedicated revenue sources that also secure the senior project obligations; and
“(ii)
include a rate covenant, coverage requirement, or similar security feature supporting the project obligations; and
“(B)
may have a lien on revenues described in subparagraph (A), subject to any lien securing project obligations.
“(4)

Interest rate.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), the interest rate on a secured loan under this section shall be not less than the yield on United States Treasury securities of a similar maturity to the maturity of the secured loan on the date of execution of the loan agreement.
“(B)

Rural infrastructure projects.
“(i)

In general.
The interest rate of a loan offered to a rural infrastructure project under this chapter shall be at ½ of the Treasury Rate in effect on the date of execution of the loan agreement.
“(ii)

Application.
The rate described in clause (i) shall only apply to any portion of a loan the subsidy cost of which is funded by amounts set aside for rural infrastructure projects under section 608(a)(3)(A).
“(C)

Limited buydowns.
The interest rate of a secured loan under this section may not be lowered by more than the lower of—
“(i)
1½ percentage points (150 basis points); or
“(ii)
the amount of the increase in the interest rate.
“(5)

Maturity date.
The final maturity date of the secured loan shall be the lesser of—
“(A)
35 years after the date of substantial completion of the project; and
“(B)
if the useful life of the capital asset being financed is of a lesser period, the useful life of the asset.
“(6)

Nonsubordination.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the secured loan shall not be subordinated to the claims of any holder of project obligations in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or liquidation of the obligor.
“(B)

Preexisting indenture.
“(i)

In general.
The Secretary shall waive the requirement under subparagraph (A) for a public agency borrower that is financing ongoing capital programs and has outstanding senior bonds under a preexisting indenture, if—
“(I)
the secured loan is rated in the A category or higher;
“(II)
the secured loan is secured and payable from pledged revenues not affected by project performance, such as a tax-backed revenue pledge or a system-backed pledge of project revenues; and
“(III)
the TIFIA program share of eligible project costs is 33 percent or less.
“(ii)

Limitation.
If the Secretary waives the nonsubordination requirement under this subparagraph—
“(I)
the maximum credit subsidy to be paid by the Federal Government shall be not more than 10 percent of the principal amount of the secured loan; and
“(II)
the obligor shall be responsible for paying the remainder of the subsidy cost, if any.
“(7)

Fees.
The Secretary may establish fees at a level sufficient to cover all or a portion of the costs to the Federal Government of making a secured loan under this section.
“(8)

Non-federal share.
The proceeds of a secured loan under this chapter may be used for any non-Federal share of project costs required under this title or chapter 53 of title 49, if the loan is repayable from non-Federal funds.
“(9)

Maximum federal involvement.
The total Federal assistance provided on a project receiving a loan under this chapter shall not exceed 80 percent of the total project cost.
“(c)

Repayment.
“(1)

Schedule.
The Secretary shall establish a repayment schedule for each secured loan under this section based on—
“(A)
the projected cash flow from project revenues and other repayment sources; and
“(B)
the useful life of the project.
“(2)

Commencement.
Scheduled loan repayments of principal or interest on a secured loan under this section shall commence not later than 5 years after the date of substantial completion of the project.
“(3)

Deferred payments.
“(A)

In general.
If, at any time after the date of substantial completion of the project, the project is unable to generate sufficient revenues to pay the scheduled loan repayments of principal and interest on the secured loan, the Secretary may, subject to subparagraph (C), allow the obligor to add unpaid principal and interest to the outstanding balance of the secured loan.
“(B)

Interest.
Any payment deferred under subparagraph (A) shall—
“(i)
continue to accrue interest in accordance with subsection (b)(4) until fully repaid; and
“(ii)
be scheduled to be amortized over the remaining term of the loan.
“(C)

Criteria.
“(i)

In general.
Any payment deferral under subparagraph (A) shall be contingent on the project meeting criteria established by the Secretary.
“(ii)

Repayment standards.
The criteria established pursuant to clause (i) shall include standards for reasonable assurance of repayment.
“(4)

Prepayment.
“(A)

Use of excess revenues.
Any excess revenues that remain after satisfying scheduled debt service requirements on the project obligations and secured loan and all deposit requirements under the terms of any trust agreement, bond resolution, or similar agreement securing project obligations may be applied annually to prepay the secured loan without penalty.
“(B)

Use of proceeds of refinancing.
The secured loan may be prepaid at any time without penalty from the proceeds of refinancing from non-Federal funding sources.
“(d)

Sale of Secured Loans.
“(1)

In general.
Subject to paragraph (2), as soon as practicable after substantial completion of a project and after notifying the obligor, the Secretary may sell to another entity or reoffer into the capital markets a secured loan for the project if the Secretary determines that the sale or reoffering can be made on favorable terms.
“(2)

Consent of obligor.
In making a sale or reoffering under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not change the original terms and conditions of the secured loan without the written consent of the obligor.
“(e)

Loan Guarantees.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may provide a loan guarantee to a lender in lieu of making a secured loan under this section if the Secretary determines that the budgetary cost of the loan guarantee is substantially the same as that of a secured loan.
“(2)

Terms.
The terms of a loan guarantee under paragraph (1) shall be consistent with the terms required under this section for a secured loan, except that the rate on the guaranteed loan and any prepayment features shall be negotiated between the obligor and the lender, with the consent of the Secretary.
“SEC. 604.

Lines of credit
“(a)

In General.
“(1)

Agreements.
Subject to paragraphs (2) through (4), the Secretary may enter into agreements to make available to 1 or more obligors lines of credit in the form of direct loans to be made by the Secretary at future dates on the occurrence of certain events for any project selected under section 602.
“(2)

Use of proceeds.
The proceeds of a line of credit made available under this section shall be available to pay debt service on project obligations issued to finance eligible project costs, extraordinary repair and replacement costs, operation and maintenance expenses, and costs associated with unexpected Federal or State environmental restrictions.
“(3)

Risk assessment.
Before entering into an agreement under this subsection, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and each rating agency providing a preliminary rating opinion letter under section 602(b)(3), shall determine an appropriate capital reserve subsidy amount for each line of credit, taking into account the rating opinion letter.
“(4)

Investment-grade rating requirement.
The funding of a line of credit under this section shall be contingent on the senior obligations of the project receiving an investment-grade rating from 2 rating agencies.
“(b)

Terms and Limitations.
“(1)

In general.
A line of credit under this section with respect to a project shall be on such terms and conditions and contain such covenants, representations, warranties, and requirements (including requirements for audits) as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
“(2)

Maximum amounts.
The total amount of a line of credit under this section shall not exceed 33 percent of the reasonably anticipated eligible project costs.
“(3)

Draws.
Any draw on a line of credit under this section shall—
“(A)
represent a direct loan; and
“(B)
be made only if net revenues from the project (including capitalized interest, but not including reasonably required financing reserves) are insufficient to pay the costs specified in subsection (a)(2).
“(4)

Interest rate.
Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 603(b)(4), the interest rate on a direct loan resulting from a draw on the line of credit shall be not less than the yield on 30-year United States Treasury securities, as of the date of execution of the line of credit agreement.
“(5)

Security.
A line of credit issued under this section—
“(A)
shall—
“(i)
be payable, in whole or in part, from—
“(I)
tolls;
“(II)
user fees;
“(III)
payments owing to the obligor under a public-private partnership; or
“(IV)
other dedicated revenue sources that also secure the senior project obligations; and
“(ii)
include a rate covenant, coverage requirement, or similar security feature supporting the project obligations; and
“(B)
may have a lien on revenues described in subparagraph (A), subject to any lien securing project obligations.
“(6)

Period of availability.
The full amount of a line of credit under this section, to the extent not drawn upon, shall be available during the 10-year period beginning on the date of substantial completion of the project.
“(7)

Rights of third-party creditors.
“(A)

Against federal government.
A third-party creditor of the obligor shall not have any right against the Federal Government with respect to any draw on a line of credit under this section.
“(B)

Assignment.
An obligor may assign a line of credit under this section to—
“(i)
1 or more lenders; or
“(ii)
a trustee on the behalf of such a lender.
“(8)

Nonsubordination.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a direct loan under this section shall not be subordinated to the claims of any holder of project obligations in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or liquidation of the obligor.
“(B)

Pre-existing indenture.
“(i)

In general.
The Secretary shall waive the requirement of subparagraph (A) for a public agency borrower that is financing ongoing capital programs and has outstanding senior bonds under a preexisting indenture, if—
“(I)
the line of credit is rated in the A category or higher;
“(II)
the TIFIA program loan resulting from a draw on the line of credit is payable from pledged revenues not affected by project performance, such as a tax-backed revenue pledge or a system-backed pledge of project revenues; and
“(III)
the TIFIA program share of eligible project costs is 33 percent or less.
“(ii)

Limitation.
If the Secretary waives the nonsubordination requirement under this subparagraph—
“(I)
the maximum credit subsidy to be paid by the Federal Government shall be not more than 10 percent of the principal amount of the secured loan; and
“(II)
the obligor shall be responsible for paying the remainder of the subsidy cost.
“(9)

Fees.
The Secretary may establish fees at a level sufficient to cover all or a portion of the costs to the Federal Government of providing a line of credit under this section.
“(10)

Relationship to other credit instruments.
A project that receives a line of credit under this section also shall not receive a secured loan or loan guarantee under section 603 in an amount that, combined with the amount of the line of credit, exceeds 49 percent of eligible project costs.
“(c)

Repayment.
“(1)

Terms and conditions.
The Secretary shall establish repayment terms and conditions for each direct loan under this section based on—
“(A)
the projected cash flow from project revenues and other repayment sources; and
“(B)
the useful life of the asset being financed.
“(2)

Timing.
All repayments of principal or interest on a direct loan under this section shall be scheduled—
“(A)
to commence not later than 5 years after the end of the period of availability specified in subsection (b)(6); and
“(B)
to conclude, with full repayment of principal and interest, by the date that is 25 years after the end of the period of availability specified in subsection (b)(6).
“SEC. 605.

Program administration
“(a)

Requirement.
The Secretary shall establish a uniform system to service the Federal credit instruments made available under this chapter.
“(b)

Fees.
The Secretary may collect and spend fees, contingent on authority being provided in appropriations Acts, at a level that is sufficient to cover—
“(1)
the costs of services of expert firms retained pursuant to subsection (d); and
“(2)
all or a portion of the costs to the Federal Government of servicing the Federal credit instruments.
“(c)

Servicer.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may appoint a financial entity to assist the Secretary in servicing the Federal credit instruments.
“(2)

Duties.
A servicer appointed under paragraph (1) shall act as the agent for the Secretary.
“(3)

Fee.
A servicer appointed under paragraph (1) shall receive a servicing fee, subject to approval by the Secretary.
“(d)

Assistance From Expert Firms.
The Secretary may retain the services of expert firms, including counsel, in the field of municipal and project finance to assist in the underwriting and servicing of Federal credit instruments.
“(e)

Expedited Processing.
The Secretary shall implement procedures and measures to economize the time and cost involved in obtaining approval and the issuance of credit assistance under this chapter.
“SEC. 606.

State and local permits
“The provision of credit assistance under this chapter with respect to a project shall not—
“(1)
relieve any recipient of the assistance of any obligation to obtain any required State or local permit or approval with respect to the project;
“(2)
limit the right of any unit of State or local government to approve or regulate any rate of return on private equity invested in the project; or
“(3)
otherwise supersede any State or local law (including any regulation) applicable to the construction or operation of the project.
“SEC. 607.

Regulations
“The Secretary may promulgate such regulations as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to carry out this chapter.
“SEC. 608.

Funding
“(a)

Funding.
“(1)

Spending and borrowing authority.
Spending and borrowing authority for a fiscal year to enter into Federal credit instruments shall be promptly apportioned to the Secretary on a fiscal-year basis.
“(2)

Reestimates.
If the subsidy cost of a Federal credit instrument is reestimated, the cost increase or decrease of the reestimate shall be borne by, or benefit, the general fund of the Treasury, consistent with section 504(f) the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 661c(f)).
“(3)

Rural set-aside.
“(A)

In general.
Of the total amount of funds made available to carry out this chapter for each fiscal year, not more than 10 percent shall be set aside for rural infrastructure projects.
“(B)

Reobligation.
Any amounts set aside under subparagraph (A) that remain unobligated by June 1 of the fiscal year for which the amounts were set aside shall be available for obligation by the Secretary on projects other than rural infrastructure projects.
“(4)

Redistribution of authorized funding.
“(A)

In general.
Beginning in fiscal year 2014, on April 1 of each fiscal year, if the cumulative unobligated and uncommitted balance of funding available exceeds 75 percent of the amount made available to carry out this chapter for that fiscal year, the Secretary shall distribute to the States the amount of funds and associated obligation authority in excess of that amount.
“(B)

Distribution.
The amounts and obligation authority distributed under this paragraph shall be distributed, in the same manner as obligation authority is distributed to the States for the fiscal year, based on the proportion that—
“(i)
the relative share of each State of obligation authority for the fiscal year; bears to
“(ii)
the total amount of obligation authority distributed to all States for the fiscal year.
“(C)

Purpose.
Funds distributed under subparagraph (B) shall be available for any purpose described in section 133(b).
“(5)

Availability.
Amounts made available to carry out this chapter shall remain available until expended.
“(6)

Administrative costs.
Of the amounts made available to carry out this chapter, the Secretary may use not more than 0.50 percent for each fiscal year for the administration of this chapter.
“(b)

Contract Authority.
“(1)

In general.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, execution of a term sheet by the Secretary of a Federal credit instrument that uses amounts made available under this chapter shall impose on the United States a contractual obligation to fund the Federal credit investment.
“(2)

Availability.
Amounts made available to carry out this chapter for a fiscal year shall be available for obligation on October 1 of the fiscal year.
“SEC. 609.

Reports to Congress
“(a)

In General.
On June 1, 2012, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report summarizing the financial performance of the projects that are receiving, or have received, assistance under this chapter (other than section 610), including a recommendation as to whether the objectives of this chapter (other than section 610) are best served by—
“(1)
continuing the program under the authority of the Secretary;
“(2)
establishing a Federal corporation or federally sponsored enterprise to administer the program; or
“(3)
phasing out the program and relying on the capital markets to fund the types of infrastructure investments assisted by this chapter (other than section 610) without Federal participation.
“(b)

Application Process Report.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than December 1, 2012, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that includes a list of all of the letters of interest and applications received from project sponsors for assistance under this chapter (other than section 610) during the preceding fiscal year.
“(2)

Inclusions.
“(A)

In general.
Each report under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, a description of, with respect to each letter of interest and application included in the report—
“(i)
the date on which the letter of interest or application was received;
“(ii)
the date on which a notification was provided to the project sponsor regarding whether the application was complete or incomplete;
“(iii)
the date on which a revised and completed application was submitted (if applicable);
“(iv)
the date on which a notification was provided to the project sponsor regarding whether the project was approved or disapproved; and
“(v)
if the project was not approved, the reason for the disapproval.
“(B)

Correspondence.
Each report under paragraph (1) shall include copies of any correspondence provided to the project sponsor in accordance with section 602(d).”
.
DIVISION B—

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
SEC. 20001.
[49 U.S.C. 5101 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This division may be cited as the “Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012”.
SEC. 20002.

REPEALS.
(a)

Chapter 53.—
Chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking sections 5308, 5316, 5317, 5320, and 5328.
(b)

Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.—
Section 3038 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 5310 note) is repealed.
(c)

SAFETEA-LU.—
The following provisions are repealed:
(1)
Section 3009(i) of SAFETEA-LU (Public Law 109-59; 119 Stat. 1572).
(2)
Section 3011(c) of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5309 note).
(3)
Section 3012(b) of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5310 note).
(4)
Section 3045 of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5308 note).
(5)
Section 3046 of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5338 note).
SEC. 20003.

POLICIES AND PURPOSES.
Section 5301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5301.

Policies and purposes
“(a)

Declaration of Policy.
It is in the interest of the United States, including the economic interest of the United States, to foster the development and revitalization of public transportation systems with the cooperation of both public transportation companies and private companies engaged in public transportation.
“(b)

General Purposes.
The purposes of this chapter are to—
“(1)
provide funding to support public transportation;
“(2)
improve the development and delivery of capital projects;
“(3)
establish standards for the state of good repair of public transportation infrastructure and vehicles;
“(4)
promote continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive planning that improves the performance of the transportation network;
“(5)
establish a technical assistance program to assist recipients under this chapter to more effectively and efficiently provide public transportation service;
“(6)
continue Federal support for public transportation providers to deliver high quality service to all users, including individuals with disabilities, seniors, and individuals who depend on public transportation;
“(7)
support research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects dedicated to assisting in the delivery of efficient and effective public transportation service; and
“(8)
promote the development of the public transportation workforce.”
.
SEC. 20004.

DEFINITIONS.
Section 5302 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5302.

Definitions
“Except as otherwise specifically provided, in this chapter the following definitions apply:
“(1)

Associated transit improvement.
The term ‘associated transit improvement’ means, with respect to any project or an area to be served by a project, projects that are designed to enhance public transportation service or use and that are physically or functionally related to transit facilities. Eligible projects are—
“(A)
historic preservation, rehabilitation, and operation of historic public transportation buildings, structures, and facilities (including historic bus and railroad facilities) intended for use in public transportation service;
“(B)
bus shelters;
“(C)
landscaping and streetscaping, including benches, trash receptacles, and street lights;
“(D)
pedestrian access and walkways;
“(E)
bicycle access, including bicycle storage facilities and installing equipment for transporting bicycles on public transportation vehicles;
“(F)
signage; or
“(G)
enhanced access for persons with disabilities to public transportation.
“(2)

Bus rapid transit system.
The term ‘bus rapid transit system’ means a bus transit system—
“(A)
in which the majority of each line operates in a separated right-of-way dedicated for public transportation use during peak periods; and
“(B)
that includes features that emulate the services provided by rail fixed guideway public transportation systems, including—
“(i)
defined stations;
“(ii)
traffic signal priority for public transportation vehicles;
“(iii)
short headway bidirectional services for a substantial part of weekdays and weekend days; and
“(iv)
any other features the Secretary may determine are necessary to produce high-quality public transportation services that emulate the services provided by rail fixed guideway public transportation systems.
“(3)

Capital project.
The term ‘capital project’ means a project for—
“(A)
acquiring, constructing, supervising, or inspecting equipment or a facility for use in public transportation, expenses incidental to the acquisition or construction (including designing, engineering, location surveying, mapping, and acquiring rights-of-way), payments for the capital portions of rail trackage rights agreements, transit-related intelligent transportation systems, relocation assistance, acquiring replacement housing sites, and acquiring, constructing, relocating, and rehabilitating replacement housing;
“(B)
rehabilitating a bus;
“(C)
remanufacturing a bus;
“(D)
overhauling rail rolling stock;
“(E)
preventive maintenance;
“(F)
leasing equipment or a facility for use in public transportation, subject to regulations that the Secretary prescribes limiting the leasing arrangements to those that are more cost-effective than purchase or construction;
“(G)
a joint development improvement that—
“(i)
enhances economic development or incorporates private investment, such as commercial and residential development;
“(ii)
(I)
enhances the effectiveness of public transportation and is related physically or functionally to public transportation; or
“(II)
establishes new or enhanced coordination between public transportation and other transportation;
“(iii)
provides a fair share of revenue that will be used for public transportation;
“(iv)
provides that a person making an agreement to occupy space in a facility constructed under this paragraph shall pay a fair share of the costs of the facility through rental payments and other means;
“(v)
may include—
“(I)
property acquisition;
“(II)
demolition of existing structures;
“(III)
site preparation;
“(IV)
utilities;
“(V)
building foundations;
“(VI)
walkways;
“(VII)
pedestrian and bicycle access to a public transportation facility;
“(VIII)
construction, renovation, and improvement of intercity bus and intercity rail stations and terminals;
“(IX)
renovation and improvement of historic transportation facilities;
“(X)
open space;
“(XI)
safety and security equipment and facilities (including lighting, surveillance, and related intelligent transportation system applications);
“(XII)
facilities that incorporate community services such as daycare or health care;
“(XIII)
a capital project for, and improving, equipment or a facility for an intermodal transfer facility or transportation mall; and
“(XIV)
construction of space for commercial uses; and
“(vi)
does not include outfitting of commercial space (other than an intercity bus or rail station or terminal) or a part of a public facility not related to public transportation;
“(H)
the introduction of new technology, through innovative and improved products, into public transportation;
“(I)
the provision of nonfixed route paratransit transportation services in accordance with section 223 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12143), but only for grant recipients that are in compliance with applicable requirements of that Act, including both fixed route and demand responsive service, and only for amounts not to exceed 10 percent of such recipient’s annual formula apportionment under sections 5307 and 5311;
“(J)
establishing a debt service reserve, made up of deposits with a bondholder’s trustee, to ensure the timely payment of principal and interest on bonds issued by a grant recipient to finance an eligible project under this chapter;
“(K)
mobility management—
“(i)
consisting of short-range planning and management activities and projects for improving coordination among public transportation and other transportation service providers carried out by a recipient or subrecipient through an agreement entered into with a person, including a governmental entity, under this chapter (other than section 5309); but
“(ii)
excluding operating public transportation services; or
“(L)
associated capital maintenance, including—
“(i)
equipment, tires, tubes, and material, each costing at least .5 percent of the current fair market value of rolling stock comparable to the rolling stock for which the equipment, tires, tubes, and material are to be used; and
“(ii)
reconstruction of equipment and material, each of which after reconstruction will have a fair market value of at least .5 percent of the current fair market value of rolling stock comparable to the rolling stock for which the equipment and material will be used.
“(4)

Designated recipient.
The term ‘designated recipient’ means—
“(A)
an entity designated, in accordance with the planning process under sections 5303 and 5304, by the Governor of a State, responsible local officials, and publicly owned operators of public transportation, to receive and apportion amounts under section 5336 to urbanized areas of 200,000 or more in population; or
“(B)
a State or regional authority, if the authority is responsible under the laws of a State for a capital project and for financing and directly providing public transportation.
“(5)

Disability.
The term ‘disability’ has the same meaning as in section 3(1) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102).
“(6)

Emergency regulation.
The term ‘emergency regulation’ means a regulation—
“(A)
that is effective temporarily before the expiration of the otherwise specified periods of time for public notice and comment under section 5334(c); and
“(B)
prescribed by the Secretary as the result of a finding that a delay in the effective date of the regulation—
“(i)
would injure seriously an important public interest;
“(ii)
would frustrate substantially legislative policy and intent; or
“(iii)
would damage seriously a person or class without serving an important public interest.
“(7)

Fixed guideway.
The term ‘fixed guideway’ means a public transportation facility—
“(A)
using and occupying a separate right-of-way for the exclusive use of public transportation;
“(B)
using rail;
“(C)
using a fixed catenary system;
“(D)
for a passenger ferry system; or
“(E)
for a bus rapid transit system.
“(8)

Governor.
The term ‘Governor’—
“(A)
means the Governor of a State, the mayor of the District of Columbia, and the chief executive officer of a territory of the United States; and
“(B)
includes the designee of the Governor.
“(9)

Job access and reverse commute project.
“(A)

In general.
The term ‘job access and reverse commute project’ means a transportation project to finance planning, capital, and operating costs that support the development and maintenance of transportation services designed to transport welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals to and from jobs and activities related to their employment, including transportation projects that facilitate the provision of public transportation services from urbanized areas and rural areas to suburban employment locations.
“(B)

Definitions.
In this paragraph:
“(i)

Eligible low-income individual.
The term ‘eligible low-income individual’ means an individual whose family income is at or below 150 percent of the poverty line (as that term is defined in section 673(2) of the Community Service Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)), including any revision required by that section) for a family of the size involved.
“(ii)

Welfare recipient.
The term ‘welfare recipient’ means an individual who has received assistance under a State or tribal program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) at any time during the 3-year period before the date on which the applicant applies for a grant under section 5307 or 5311.
“(10)

Local governmental authority.
The term ‘local governmental authority’ includes—
“(A)
a political subdivision of a State;
“(B)
an authority of at least 1 State or political subdivision of a State;
“(C)
an Indian tribe; and
“(D)
a public corporation, board, or commission established under the laws of a State.
“(11)

Low-income individual.
The term ‘low-income individual’ means an individual whose family income is at or below 150 percent of the poverty line, as that term is defined in section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)), including any revision required by that section, for a family of the size involved.
“(12)

Net project cost.
The term ‘net project cost’ means the part of a project that reasonably cannot be financed from revenues.
“(13)

New bus model.
The term ‘new bus model’ means a bus model (including a model using alternative fuel)—
“(A)
that has not been used in public transportation in the United States before the date of production of the model; or
“(B)
used in public transportation in the United States, but being produced with a major change in configuration or components.
“(14)

Public transportation.
The term ‘public transportation’—
“(A)
means regular, continuing shared-ride surface transportation services that are open to the general public or open to a segment of the general public defined by age, disability, or low income; and
“(B)
does not include—
“(i)
intercity passenger rail transportation provided by the entity described in chapter 243 (or a successor to such entity);
“(ii)
intercity bus service;
“(iii)
charter bus service;
“(iv)
school bus service;
“(v)
sightseeing service;
“(vi)
courtesy shuttle service for patrons of one or more specific establishments; or
“(vii)
intra-terminal or intra-facility shuttle services.
“(15)

Regulation.
The term ‘regulation’ means any part of a statement of general or particular applicability of the Secretary designed to carry out, interpret, or prescribe law or policy in carrying out this chapter.
“(16)

Rural area.
The term ‘rural area’ means an area encompassing a population of less than 50,000 people that has not been designated in the most recent decennial census as an ‘urbanized area’ by the Secretary of Commerce.
“(17)

Secretary.
The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of Transportation.
“(18)

Senior.
The term ‘senior’ means an individual who is 65 years of age or older.
“(19)

State.
The term ‘State’ means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands.
“(20)

State of good repair.
The term ‘state of good repair’ has the meaning given that term by the Secretary, by rule, under section 5326(b).
“(21)

Transit.
The term ‘transit’ means public transportation.
“(22)

Urban area.
The term ‘urban area’ means an area that includes a municipality or other built-up place that the Secretary, after considering local patterns and trends of urban growth, decides is appropriate for a local public transportation system to serve individuals in the locality.
“(23)

Urbanized area.
The term ‘urbanized area’ means an area encompassing a population of not less than 50,000 people that has been defined and designated in the most recent decennial census as an ‘urbanized area’ by the Secretary of Commerce.”
.
SEC. 20005.

METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING.
(a)

Amendment.—
Section 5303 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5303.

Metropolitan transportation planning
“(a)

Policy.
It is in the national interest—
“(1)
to encourage and promote the safe and efficient management, operation, and development of surface transportation systems that will serve the mobility needs of people and freight and foster economic growth and development within and between States and urbanized areas, while minimizing transportation-related fuel consumption and air pollution through metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes identified in this chapter; and
“(2)
to encourage the continued improvement and evolution of the metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes by metropolitan planning organizations, State departments of transportation, and public transit operators as guided by the planning factors identified in subsection (h) and section 5304(d).
“(b)

Definitions.
In this section and section 5304, the following definitions apply:
“(1)

Metropolitan planning area.
The term ‘metropolitan planning area’ means the geographic area determined by agreement between the metropolitan planning organization for the area and the Governor under subsection (e).
“(2)

Metropolitan planning organization.
The term ‘metropolitan planning organization’ means the policy board of an organization established as a result of the designation process under subsection (d).
“(3)

Nonmetropolitan area.
The term ‘nonmetropolitan area’ means a geographic area outside designated metropolitan planning areas.
“(4)

Nonmetropolitan local official.
The term ‘nonmetropolitan local official’ means elected and appointed officials of general purpose local government in a nonmetropolitan area with responsibility for transportation.
“(5)

Regional transportation planning organization.
The term ‘regional transportation planning organization’ means a policy board of an organization established as the result of a designation under section 5304(l).
“(6)

TIP.
The term ‘TIP’ means a transportation improvement program developed by a metropolitan planning organization under subsection (j).
“(7)

Urbanized area.
The term ‘urbanized area’ means a geographic area with a population of 50,000 or more, as determined by the Bureau of the Census.
“(c)

General Requirements.
“(1)

Development of long-range plans and tips.
To accomplish the objectives in subsection (a), metropolitan planning organizations designated under subsection (d), in cooperation with the State and public transportation operators, shall develop long-range transportation plans and transportation improvement programs through a performance-driven, outcome-based approach to planning for metropolitan areas of the State.
“(2)

Contents.
The plans and TIPs for each metropolitan area shall provide for the development and integrated management and operation of transportation systems and facilities (including accessible pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities) that will function as an intermodal transportation system for the metropolitan planning area and as an integral part of an intermodal transportation system for the State and the United States.
“(3)

Process of development.
The process for developing the plans and TIPs shall provide for consideration of all modes of transportation and shall be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive to the degree appropriate, based on the complexity of the transportation problems to be addressed.
“(d)

Designation of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
“(1)

In general.
To carry out the transportation planning process required by this section, a metropolitan planning organization shall be designated for each urbanized area with a population of more than 50,000 individuals—
“(A)
by agreement between the Governor and units of general purpose local government that together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population (including the largest incorporated city (based on population) as determined by the Bureau of the Census); or
“(B)
in accordance with procedures established by applicable State or local law.
“(2)

Structure.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, each metropolitan planning organization that serves an area designated as a transportation management area shall consist of—
“(A)
local elected officials;
“(B)
officials of public agencies that administer or operate major modes of transportation in the metropolitan area, including representation by providers of public transportation; and
“(C)
appropriate State officials.
“(3)

Limitation on statutory construction.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to interfere with the authority, under any State law in effect on December 18, 1991, of a public agency with multimodal transportation responsibilities—
“(A)
to develop the plans and TIPs for adoption by a metropolitan planning organization; and
“(B)
to develop long-range capital plans, coordinate transit services and projects, and carry out other activities pursuant to State law.
“(4)

Continuing designation.
A designation of a metropolitan planning organization under this subsection or any other provision of law shall remain in effect until the metropolitan planning organization is redesignated under paragraph (5).
“(5)

Redesignation procedures.
“(A)

In general.
A metropolitan planning organization may be redesignated by agreement between the Governor and units of general purpose local government that together represent at least 75 percent of the existing planning area population (including the largest incorporated city (based on population) as determined by the Bureau of the Census) as appropriate to carry out this section.
“(B)

Restructuring.
A metropolitan planning organization may be restructured to meet the requirements of paragraph (2) without undertaking a redesignation.
“(6)

Designation of more than 1 metropolitan planning organization.
More than 1 metropolitan planning organization may be designated within an existing metropolitan planning area only if the Governor and the existing metropolitan planning organization determine that the size and complexity of the existing metropolitan planning area make designation of more than 1 metropolitan planning organization for the area appropriate.
“(e)

Metropolitan Planning Area Boundaries.
“(1)

In general.
For the purposes of this section, the boundaries of a metropolitan planning area shall be determined by agreement between the metropolitan planning organization and the Governor.
“(2)

Included area.
Each metropolitan planning area—
“(A)
shall encompass at least the existing urbanized area and the contiguous area expected to become urbanized within a 20-year forecast period for the transportation plan; and
“(B)
may encompass the entire metropolitan statistical area or consolidated metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the Bureau of the Census.
“(3)

Identification of new urbanized areas within existing planning area boundaries.
The designation by the Bureau of the Census of new urbanized areas within an existing metropolitan planning area shall not require the redesignation of the existing metropolitan planning organization.
“(4)

Existing metropolitan planning areas in nonattainment.
“(A)

In general.
Notwithstanding paragraph (2), except as provided in subparagraph (B), in the case of an urbanized area designated as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) as of the date of enactment of the SAFETEA-LU, the boundaries of the metropolitan planning area in existence as of such date of enactment shall be retained.
“(B)

Exception.
The boundaries described in subparagraph (A) may be adjusted by agreement of the Governor and affected metropolitan planning organizations in the manner described in subsection (d)(5).
“(5)

New metropolitan planning areas in nonattainment.
In the case of an urbanized area designated after the date of enactment of the SAFETEA-LU, as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide, the boundaries of the metropolitan planning area—
“(A)
shall be established in the manner described in subsection (d)(1);
“(B)
shall encompass the areas described in paragraph (2)(A);
“(C)
may encompass the areas described in paragraph (2)(B); and
“(D)
may address any nonattainment area identified under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) for ozone or carbon monoxide.
“(f)

Coordination in Multistate Areas.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall encourage each Governor with responsibility for a portion of a multistate metropolitan area and the appropriate metropolitan planning organizations to provide coordinated transportation planning for the entire metropolitan area.
“(2)

Interstate compacts.
The consent of Congress is granted to any 2 or more States—
“(A)
to enter into agreements or compacts, not in conflict with any law of the United States, for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in support of activities authorized under this section as the activities pertain to interstate areas and localities within the States; and
“(B)
to establish such agencies, joint or otherwise, as the States may determine desirable for making the agreements and compacts effective.
“(3)

Reservation of rights.
The right to alter, amend, or repeal interstate compacts entered into under this subsection is expressly reserved.
“(g)

MPO Consultation in Plan and TIP Coordination.
“(1)

Nonattainment areas.
If more than 1 metropolitan planning organization has authority within a metropolitan area or an area which is designated as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), each metropolitan planning organization shall consult with the other metropolitan planning organizations designated for such area and the State in the coordination of plans and TIPs required by this section.
“(2)

Transportation improvements located in multiple mpos.
If a transportation improvement, funded under this chapter or title 23, is located within the boundaries of more than 1 metropolitan planning area, the metropolitan planning organizations shall coordinate plans and TIPs regarding the transportation improvement.
“(3)

Relationship with other planning officials.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall encourage each metropolitan planning organization to consult with officials responsible for other types of planning activities that are affected by transportation in the area (including State and local planned growth, economic development, environmental protection, airport operations, and freight movements) or to coordinate its planning process, to the maximum extent practicable, with such planning activities.
“(B)

Requirements.
Under the metropolitan planning process, transportation plans and TIPs shall be developed with due consideration of other related planning activities within the metropolitan area, and the process shall provide for the design and delivery of transportation services within the metropolitan area that are provided by—
“(i)
recipients of assistance under this chapter;
“(ii)
governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations (including representatives of the agencies and organizations) that receive Federal assistance from a source other than the Department of Transportation to provide nonemergency transportation services; and
“(iii)
recipients of assistance under section 204 of title 23.
“(h)

Scope of Planning Process.
“(1)

In general.
The metropolitan planning process for a metropolitan planning area under this section shall provide for consideration of projects and strategies that will—
“(A)
support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
“(B)
increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
“(C)
increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
“(D)
increase the accessibility and mobility of people and for freight;
“(E)
protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns;
“(F)
enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight;
“(G)
promote efficient system management and operation; and
“(H)
emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.
“(2)

Performance-based approach.
“(A)

In general.
The metropolitan transportation planning process shall provide for the establishment and use of a performance-based approach to transportation decisionmaking to support the national goals described in section 150(b) of title 23 and the general purposes described in section 5301.
“(B)

Performance targets.
“(i)

Surface transportation performance targets.
“(I)

In general.
Each metropolitan planning organization shall establish performance targets that address the performance measures described in section 150(c) of title 23, where applicable, to use in tracking progress towards attainment of critical outcomes for the region of the metropolitan planning organization.
“(II)

Coordination.
Selection of performance targets by a metropolitan planning organization shall be coordinated with the relevant State to ensure consistency, to the maximum extent practicable.
“(ii)

Public transportation performance targets.
Selection of performance targets by a metropolitan planning organization shall be coordinated, to the maximum extent practicable, with providers of public transportation to ensure consistency with sections 5326(c) and 5329(d).
“(C)

Timing.
Each metropolitan planning organization shall establish the performance targets under subparagraph (B) not later than 180 days after the date on which the relevant State or provider of public transportation establishes the performance targets.
“(D)

Integration of other performance-based plans.
A metropolitan planning organization shall integrate in the metropolitan transportation planning process, directly or by reference, the goals, objectives, performance measures, and targets described in other State transportation plans and transportation processes, as well as any plans developed by recipients of assistance under this chapter, required as part of a performance-based program.
“(3)

Failure to consider factors.
The failure to consider any factor specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not be reviewable by any court under this chapter, title 23, subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, or chapter 7 of title 5 in any matter affecting a transportation plan, a TIP, a project or strategy, or the certification of a planning process.
“(i)

Development of Transportation Plan.
“(1)

Requirements.
“(A)

In general.
Each metropolitan planning organization shall prepare and update a transportation plan for its metropolitan planning area in accordance with the requirements of this subsection.
“(B)

Frequency.
“(i)

In general.
The metropolitan planning organization shall prepare and update such plan every 4 years (or more frequently, if the metropolitan planning organization elects to update more frequently) in the case of each of the following:
“(I)
Any area designated as nonattainment, as defined in section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)).
“(II)
Any area that was nonattainment and subsequently designated to attainment in accordance with section 107(d)(3) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)(3)) and that is subject to a maintenance plan under section 175A of that Act (42 U.S.C. 7505a).
“(ii)

Other areas.
In the case of any other area required to have a transportation plan in accordance with the requirements of this subsection, the metropolitan planning organization shall prepare and update such plan every 5 years unless the metropolitan planning organization elects to update more frequently.
“(2)

Transportation plan.
A transportation plan under this section shall be in a form that the Secretary determines to be appropriate and shall contain, at a minimum, the following:
“(A)

Identification of transportation facilities.
“(i)

In general.
An identification of transportation facilities (including major roadways, transit, multimodal and intermodal facilities, nonmotorized transportation facilities, and intermodal connectors) that should function as an integrated metropolitan transportation system, giving emphasis to those facilities that serve important national and regional transportation functions.
“(ii)

Factors.
In formulating the transportation plan, the metropolitan planning organization shall consider factors described in subsection (h) as the factors relate to a 20-year forecast period.
“(B)

Performance measures and targets.
A description of the performance measures and performance targets used in assessing the performance of the transportation system in accordance with subsection (h)(2).
“(C)

System performance report.
A system performance report and subsequent updates evaluating the condition and performance of the transportation system with respect to the performance targets described in subsection (h)(2), including—
“(i)
progress achieved by the metropolitan planning organization in meeting the performance targets in comparison with system performance recorded in previous reports; and
“(ii)
for metropolitan planning organizations that voluntarily elect to develop multiple scenarios, an analysis of how the preferred scenario has improved the conditions and performance of the transportation system and how changes in local policies and investments have impacted the costs necessary to achieve the identified performance targets.
“(D)

Mitigation activities.
“(i)

In general.
A long-range transportation plan shall include a discussion of types of potential environmental mitigation activities and potential areas to carry out these activities, including activities that may have the greatest potential to restore and maintain the environmental functions affected by the plan.
“(ii)

Consultation.
The discussion shall be developed in consultation with Federal, State, and tribal wildlife, land management, and regulatory agencies.
“(E)

Financial plan.
“(i)

In general.
A financial plan that—
“(I)
demonstrates how the adopted transportation plan can be implemented;
“(II)
indicates resources from public and private sources that are reasonably expected to be made available to carry out the plan; and
“(III)
recommends any additional financing strategies for needed projects and programs.
“(ii)

Inclusions.
The financial plan may include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the adopted transportation plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available.
“(iii)

Cooperative development.
For the purpose of developing the transportation plan, the metropolitan planning organization, transit operator, and State shall cooperatively develop estimates of funds that will be available to support plan implementation.
“(F)

Operational and management strategies.
Operational and management strategies to improve the performance of existing transportation facilities to relieve vehicular congestion and maximize the safety and mobility of people and goods.
“(G)

Capital investment and other strategies.
Capital investment and other strategies to preserve the existing and projected future metropolitan transportation infrastructure and provide for multimodal capacity increases based on regional priorities and needs.
“(H)

Transportation and transit enhancement activities.
Proposed transportation and transit enhancement activities.
“(3)

Coordination with clean air act agencies.
In metropolitan areas that are in nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), the metropolitan planning organization shall coordinate the development of a transportation plan with the process for development of the transportation control measures of the State implementation plan required by that Act.
“(4)

Optional scenario development.
“(A)

In general.
A metropolitan planning organization may, while fitting the needs and complexity of its community, voluntarily elect to develop multiple scenarios for consideration as part of the development of the metropolitan transportation plan, in accordance with subparagraph (B).
“(B)

Recommended components.
A metropolitan planning organization that chooses to develop multiple scenarios under subparagraph (A) shall be encouraged to consider—
“(i)
potential regional investment strategies for the planning horizon;
“(ii)
assumed distribution of population and employment;
“(iii)
a scenario that, to the maximum extent practicable, maintains baseline conditions for the performance measures identified in subsection (h)(2);
“(iv)
a scenario that improves the baseline conditions for as many of the performance measures identified in subsection (h)(2) as possible;
“(v)
revenue constrained scenarios based on the total revenues expected to be available over the forecast period of the plan; and
“(vi)
estimated costs and potential revenues available to support each scenario.
“(C)

Metrics.
In addition to the performance measures identified in section 150(c) of title 23, metropolitan planning organizations may evaluate scenarios developed under this paragraph using locally-developed measures.
“(5)

Consultation.
“(A)

In general.
In each metropolitan area, the metropolitan planning organization shall consult, as appropriate, with State and local agencies responsible for land use management, natural resources, environmental protection, conservation, and historic preservation concerning the development of a long-range transportation plan.
“(B)

Issues.
The consultation shall involve, as appropriate—
“(i)
comparison of transportation plans with State conservation plans or maps, if available; or
“(ii)
comparison of transportation plans to inventories of natural or historic resources, if available.
“(6)

Participation by interested parties.
“(A)

In general.
Each metropolitan planning organization shall provide citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation employees, freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services, private providers of transportation, representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of the disabled, and other interested parties with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the transportation plan.
“(B)

Contents of participation plan.
A participation plan—
“(i)
shall be developed in consultation with all interested parties; and
“(ii)
shall provide that all interested parties have reasonable opportunities to comment on the contents of the transportation plan.
“(C)

Methods.
In carrying out subparagraph (A), the metropolitan planning organization shall, to the maximum extent practicable—
“(i)
hold any public meetings at convenient and accessible locations and times;
“(ii)
employ visualization techniques to describe plans; and
“(iii)
make public information available in electronically accessible format and means, such as the World Wide Web, as appropriate to afford reasonable opportunity for consideration of public information under subparagraph (A).
“(7)

Publication.
A transportation plan involving Federal participation shall be published or otherwise made readily available by the metropolitan planning organization for public review, including (to the maximum extent practicable) in electronically accessible formats and means, such as the World Wide Web, approved by the metropolitan planning organization and submitted for information purposes to the Governor at such times and in such manner as the Secretary shall establish.
“(8)

Selection of projects from illustrative list.
Notwithstanding paragraph (2)(C), a State or metropolitan planning organization shall not be required to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under paragraph (2)(C).
“(j)

Metropolitan TIP.
“(1)

Development.
“(A)

In general.
In cooperation with the State and any affected public transportation operator, the metropolitan planning organization designated for a metropolitan area shall develop a TIP for the metropolitan planning area that—
“(i)
contains projects consistent with the current metropolitan transportation plan;
“(ii)
reflects the investment priorities established in the current metropolitan transportation plan; and
“(iii)
once implemented, is designed to make progress toward achieving the performance targets established under subsection (h)(2).
“(B)

Opportunity for comment.
In developing the TIP, the metropolitan planning organization, in cooperation with the State and any affected public transportation operator, shall provide an opportunity for participation by interested parties in the development of the program, in accordance with subsection (i)(5).
“(C)

Funding estimates.
For the purpose of developing the TIP, the metropolitan planning organization, public transportation agency, and State shall cooperatively develop estimates of funds that are reasonably expected to be available to support program implementation.
“(D)

Updating and approval.
The TIP shall be—
“(i)
updated at least once every 4 years; and
“(ii)
approved by the metropolitan planning organization and the Governor.
“(2)

Contents.
“(A)

Priority list.
The TIP shall include a priority list of proposed Federally supported projects and strategies to be carried out within each 4-year period after the initial adoption of the TIP.
“(B)

Financial plan.
The TIP shall include a financial plan that—
“(i)
demonstrates how the TIP can be implemented;
“(ii)
indicates resources from public and private sources that are reasonably expected to be available to carry out the program;
“(iii)
identifies innovative financing techniques to finance projects, programs, and strategies; and
“(iv)
may include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the approved TIP if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available.
“(C)

Descriptions.
Each project in the TIP shall include sufficient descriptive material (such as type of work, termini, length, and other similar factors) to identify the project or phase of the project.
“(D)

Performance target achievement.
The transportation improvement program shall include, to the maximum extent practicable, a description of the anticipated effect of the transportation improvement program toward achieving the performance targets established in the metropolitan transportation plan, linking investment priorities to those performance targets.
“(3)

Included projects.
“(A)

Projects under this chapter and title 23.
A TIP developed under this subsection for a metropolitan area shall include the projects within the area that are proposed for funding under this chapter and chapter 1 of title 23.
“(B)

Projects under chapter 2 of title 23.
“(i)

Regionally significant projects.
Regionally significant projects proposed for funding under chapter 2 of title 23 shall be identified individually in the transportation improvement program.
“(ii)

Other projects.
Projects proposed for funding under chapter 2 of title 23 that are not determined to be regionally significant shall be grouped in 1 line item or identified individually in the transportation improvement program.
“(C)

Consistency with long-range transportation plan.
Each project shall be consistent with the long-range transportation plan developed under subsection (i) for the area.
“(D)

Requirement of anticipated full funding.
The program shall include a project, or an identified phase of a project, only if full funding can reasonably be anticipated to be available for the project or the identified phase within the time period contemplated for completion of the project or the identified phase.
“(4)

Notice and comment.
Before approving a TIP, a metropolitan planning organization, in cooperation with the State and any affected public transportation operator, shall provide an opportunity for participation by interested parties in the development of the program, in accordance with subsection (i)(5).
“(5)

Selection of projects.
“(A)

In general.
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (k)(4) and in addition to the TIP development required under paragraph (1), the selection of Federally funded projects in metropolitan areas shall be carried out, from the approved TIP—
“(i)
by—
“(I)
in the case of projects under title 23, the State; and
“(II)
in the case of projects under this chapter, the designated recipients of public transportation funding; and
“(ii)
in cooperation with the metropolitan planning organization.
“(B)

Modifications to project priority.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, action by the Secretary shall not be required to advance a project included in the approved TIP in place of another project in the program.
“(6)

Selection of projects from illustrative list.
“(A)

No required selection.
Notwithstanding paragraph (2)(B)(iv), a State or metropolitan planning organization shall not be required to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under paragraph (2)(B)(iv).
“(B)

Required action by the secretary.
Action by the Secretary shall be required for a State or metropolitan planning organization to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under paragraph (2)(B)(iv) for inclusion in an approved TIP.
“(7)

Publication.
“(A)

Publication of tips.
A TIP involving Federal participation shall be published or otherwise made readily available by the metropolitan planning organization for public review.
“(B)

Publication of annual listings of projects.
“(i)

In general.
An annual listing of projects, including investments in pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, for which Federal funds have been obligated in the preceding year shall be published or otherwise made available by the cooperative effort of the State, transit operator, and metropolitan planning organization for public review.
“(ii)

Requirement.
The listing shall be consistent with the categories identified in the TIP.
“(k)

Transportation Management Areas.
“(1)

Identification and designation.
“(A)

Required identification.
The Secretary shall identify as a transportation management area each urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census) with a population of over 200,000 individuals.
“(B)

Designations on request.
The Secretary shall designate any additional area as a transportation management area on the request of the Governor and the metropolitan planning organization designated for the area.
“(2)

Transportation plans.
In a transportation management area, transportation plans shall be based on a continuing and comprehensive transportation planning process carried out by the metropolitan planning organization in cooperation with the State and public transportation operators.
“(3)

Congestion management process.
“(A)

In general.
Within a metropolitan planning area serving a transportation management area, the transportation planning process under this section shall address congestion management through a process that provides for effective management and operation, based on a cooperatively developed and implemented metropolitan-wide strategy, of new and existing transportation facilities eligible for funding under this chapter and title 23 through the use of travel demand reduction and operational management strategies.
“(B)

Schedule.
The Secretary shall establish an appropriate phase-in schedule for compliance with the requirements of this section but no sooner than 1 year after the identification of a transportation management area.
“(4)

Selection of projects.
“(A)

In general.
All Federally funded projects carried out within the boundaries of a metropolitan planning area serving a transportation management area under title 23 (excluding projects carried out on the National Highway System) or under this chapter shall be selected for implementation from the approved TIP by the metropolitan planning organization designated for the area in consultation with the State and any affected public transportation operator.
“(B)

National highway system projects.
Projects carried out within the boundaries of a metropolitan planning area serving a transportation management area on the National Highway System shall be selected for implementation from the approved TIP by the State in cooperation with the metropolitan planning organization designated for the area.
“(5)

Certification.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall—
“(i)
ensure that the metropolitan planning process of a metropolitan planning organization serving a transportation management area is being carried out in accordance with applicable provisions of Federal law; and
“(ii)
subject to subparagraph (B), certify, not less often than once every 4 years, that the requirements of this paragraph are met with respect to the metropolitan planning process.
“(B)

Requirements for certification.
The Secretary may make the certification under subparagraph (A) if—
“(i)
the transportation planning process complies with the requirements of this section and other applicable requirements of Federal law; and
“(ii)
there is a TIP for the metropolitan planning area that has been approved by the metropolitan planning organization and the Governor.
“(C)

Effect of failure to certify.
“(i)

Withholding of project funds.
If a metropolitan planning process of a metropolitan planning organization serving a transportation management area is not certified, the Secretary may withhold up to 20 percent of the funds attributable to the metropolitan planning area of the metropolitan planning organization for projects funded under this chapter and title 23.
“(ii)

Restoration of withheld funds.
The withheld funds shall be restored to the metropolitan planning area at such time as the metropolitan planning process is certified by the Secretary.
“(D)

Review of certification.
In making certification determinations under this paragraph, the Secretary shall provide for public involvement appropriate to the metropolitan area under review.
“(l)

Report on Performance-based Planning Processes.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of the performance-based planning processes of metropolitan planning organizations under this section, taking into consideration the requirements of this subsection
“(2)

Report.
Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating—
“(A)
the overall effectiveness of performance-based planning as a tool for guiding transportation investments;
“(B)
the effectiveness of the performance-based planning process of each metropolitan planning organization under this section;
“(C)
the extent to which metropolitan planning organizations have achieved, or are currently making substantial progress toward achieving, the performance targets specified under this section and whether metropolitan planning organizations are developing meaningful performance targets; and
“(D)
the technical capacity of metropolitan planning organizations that operate within a metropolitan planning area of less than 200,000 and their ability to carry out the requirements of this section.
“(3)

Publication.
The report under paragraph (2) shall be published or otherwise made available in electronically accessible formats and means, including on the Internet.
“(m)

Abbreviated Plans for Certain Areas.
“(1)

In general.
Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of a metropolitan area not designated as a transportation management area under this section, the Secretary may provide for the development of an abbreviated transportation plan and TIP for the metropolitan planning area that the Secretary determines is appropriate to achieve the purposes of this section, taking into account the complexity of transportation problems in the area.
“(2)

Nonattainment areas.
The Secretary may not permit abbreviated plans or TIPs for a metropolitan area that is in nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
“(n)

Additional Requirements for Certain Nonattainment Areas.
“(1)

In general.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter or title 23, for transportation management areas classified as nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), Federal funds may not be advanced in such area for any highway project that will result in a significant increase in the carrying capacity for single-occupant vehicles unless the project is addressed through a congestion management process.
“(2)

Applicability.
This subsection applies to a nonattainment area within the metropolitan planning area boundaries determined under subsection (e).
“(o)

Limitation on Statutory Construction.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to confer on a metropolitan planning organization the authority to impose legal requirements on any transportation facility, provider, or project not eligible under this chapter or title 23.
“(p)

Funding.
Funds set aside under section 104(f) of title 23 or section 5305(g) shall be available to carry out this section.
“(q)

Continuation of Current Review Practice.
Since plans and TIPs described in this section are subject to a reasonable opportunity for public comment, since individual projects included in plans and TIPs are subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and since decisions by the Secretary concerning plans and TIPs described in this section have not been reviewed under that Act as of January 1, 1997, any decision by the Secretary concerning a plan or TIP described in this section shall not be considered to be a Federal action subject to review under that Act.”
.
(b)
[49 U.S.C. 5303 note]

Pilot Program for Transit-oriented Development Planning.—
(1)

Definitions.—
In this subsection the following definitions shall apply:
(A)

Eligible project.—
The term “eligible project” means a new fixed guideway capital project or a core capacity improvement project, as those terms are defined in section 5309 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this division.
(B)

Secretary.—
The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation.
(2)

General authority.—
The Secretary may make grants under this subsection to a State or local governmental authority to assist in financing comprehensive or site-specific planning associated with an eligible project that seeks to—
(A)
enhance economic development, ridership, and other goals established during the project development and engineering processes;
(B)
facilitate multimodal connectivity and accessibility;
(C)
increase access to transit hubs for pedestrian and bicycle traffic;
(D)
enable mixed-use development;
(E)
identify infrastructure needs associated with the eligible project; and
(F)
include private sector participation.
(3)

Eligibility.—
A State or local governmental authority that desires to participate in the program under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application that contains, at a minimum—
(A)
identification of an eligible project;
(B)
a schedule and process for the development of a comprehensive plan or a site-specific plan;
(C)
a description of how the eligible project and the proposed comprehensive plan or the proposed site-specific plan advance the metropolitan transportation plan of the metropolitan planning organization;
(D)
proposed performance criteria for the development and implementation of the comprehensive plan or the site-specific plan; and
(E)
identification of—
(i)
partners;
(ii)
availability of and authority for funding; and
(iii)
potential State, local or other impediments to the implementation of the comprehensive plan or the site-specific plan.
SEC. 20006.

STATEWIDE AND NONMETROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING.
Section 5304 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5304.

Statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning
“(a)

General Requirements.
“(1)

Development of plans and programs.
Subject to section 5303, to accomplish the objectives stated in section 5303(a), each State shall develop a statewide transportation plan and a statewide transportation improvement program for all areas of the State.
“(2)

Contents.
The statewide transportation plan and the transportation improvement program developed for each State shall provide for the development and integrated management and operation of transportation systems and facilities (including accessible pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities) that will function as an intermodal transportation system for the State and an integral part of an intermodal transportation system for the United States.
“(3)

Process of development.
The process for developing the statewide plan and the transportation improvement program shall provide for consideration of all modes of transportation and the policies stated in section 5303(a) and shall be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive to the degree appropriate, based on the complexity of the transportation problems to be addressed.
“(b)

Coordination With Metropolitan Planning; State Implementation Plan.
A State shall—
“(1)
coordinate planning carried out under this section with the transportation planning activities carried out under section 5303 for metropolitan areas of the State and with statewide trade and economic development planning activities and related multistate planning efforts; and
“(2)
develop the transportation portion of the State implementation plan as required by the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
“(c)

Interstate Agreements.
“(1)

In general.
Two or more States may enter into agreements or compacts, not in conflict with any law of the United States, for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in support of activities authorized under this section related to interstate areas and localities in the States and establishing authorities the States consider desirable for making the agreements and compacts effective.
“(2)

Reservation of rights.
The right to alter, amend, or repeal interstate compacts entered into under this subsection is expressly reserved.
“(d)

Scope of Planning Process.
“(1)

In general.
Each State shall carry out a statewide transportation planning process that provides for consideration and implementation of projects, strategies, and services that will—
“(A)
support the economic vitality of the United States, the States, nonmetropolitan areas, and metropolitan areas, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency;
“(B)
increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
“(C)
increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users;
“(D)
increase the accessibility and mobility of people and freight;
“(E)
protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns;
“(F)
enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes throughout the State, for people and freight;
“(G)
promote efficient system management and operation; and
“(H)
emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.
“(2)

Performance-based approach.
“(A)

In general.
The statewide transportation planning process shall provide for the establishment and use of a performance-based approach to transportation decisionmaking to support the national goals described in section 150(b) of title 23 and the general purposes described in section 5301.
“(B)

Performance targets.
“(i)

Surface transportation performance targets.
“(I)

In general.
Each State shall establish performance targets that address the performance measures described in section 150(c) of title 23, where applicable, to use in tracking progress towards attainment of critical outcomes for the State.
“(II)

Coordination.
Selection of performance targets by a State shall be coordinated with the relevant metropolitan planning organizations to ensure consistency, to the maximum extent practicable.
“(ii)

Public transportation performance targets.
In urbanized areas with a population of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as calculated according to the most recent decennial census, and not represented by a metropolitan planning organization, selection of performance targets by a State shall be coordinated, to the maximum extent practicable, with providers of public transportation to ensure consistency with sections 5326(c) and 5329(d).
“(C)

Integration of other performance-based plans.
A State shall integrate into the statewide transportation planning process, directly or by reference, the goals, objectives, performance measures, and targets described in this paragraph, in other State transportation plans and transportation processes, as well as any plans developed pursuant to title 23 by providers of public transportation in urbanized areas with a population of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as calculated according to the most recent decennial census, and not represented by a metropolitan planning organization, required as part of a performance-based program.
“(D)

Use of performance measures and targets.
The performance measures and targets established under this paragraph shall be considered by a State when developing policies, programs, and investment priorities reflected in the statewide transportation plan and statewide transportation improvement program.
“(3)

Failure to consider factors.
The failure to take into consideration the factors specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not be subject to review by any court under this chapter, title 23, subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, or chapter 7 of title 5 in any matter affecting a statewide transportation plan, a statewide transportation improvement program, a project or strategy, or the certification of a planning process.
“(e)

Additional Requirements.
“In carrying out planning under this section, each State shall, at a minimum—
“(1)
with respect to nonmetropolitan areas, cooperate with affected local officials with responsibility for transportation or, if applicable, through regional transportation planning organizations described in subsection (l);
“(2)
consider the concerns of Indian tribal governments and Federal land management agencies that have jurisdiction over land within the boundaries of the State; and
“(3)
consider coordination of transportation plans, the transportation improvement program, and planning activities with related planning activities being carried out outside of metropolitan planning areas and between States.
“(f)

Long-range Statewide Transportation Plan.
“(1)

Development.
Each State shall develop a long-range statewide transportation plan, with a minimum 20-year forecast period for all areas of the State, that provides for the development and implementation of the intermodal transportation system of the State.
“(2)

Consultation with governments.
“(A)

Metropolitan areas.
The statewide transportation plan shall be developed for each metropolitan area in the State in cooperation with the metropolitan planning organization designated for the metropolitan area under section 5303.
“(B)

Nonmetropolitan areas.
“(i)

In general.
With respect to nonmetropolitan areas, the statewide transportation plan shall be developed in cooperation with affected nonmetropolitan officials with responsibility for transportation or, if applicable, through regional transportation planning organizations described in subsection (l).
“(ii)

Role of secretary.
The Secretary shall not review or approve the consultation process in each State.
“(C)

Indian tribal areas.
With respect to each area of the State under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribal government, the statewide transportation plan shall be developed in consultation with the tribal government and the Secretary of the Interior.
“(D)

Consultation, comparison, and consideration.
“(i)

In general.
The long-range transportation plan shall be developed, as appropriate, in consultation with State, tribal, and local agencies responsible for land use management, natural resources, environmental protection, conservation, and historic preservation.
“(ii)

Comparison and consideration.
Consultation under clause (i) shall involve comparison of transportation plans to State and tribal conservation plans or maps, if available, and comparison of transportation plans to inventories of natural or historic resources, if available.
“(3)

Participation by interested parties.
“(A)

In general.
In developing the statewide transportation plan, the State shall provide to—
“(i)
nonmetropolitan local elected officials, or, if applicable, through regional transportation planning organizations described in subsection (l), an opportunity to participate in accordance with subparagraph (B)(i); and
“(ii)
citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation employees, freight shippers, private providers of transportation, representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of the disabled, providers of freight transportation services, and other interested parties a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed plan.
“(B)

Methods.
In carrying out subparagraph (A), the State shall, to the maximum extent practicable—
“(i)
develop and document a consultative process to carry out subparagraph (A)(i) that is separate and discrete from the public involvement process developed under clause (ii);
“(ii)
hold any public meetings at convenient and accessible locations and times;
“(iii)
employ visualization techniques to describe plans; and
“(iv)
make public information available in electronically accessible format and means, such as the World Wide Web, as appropriate to afford reasonable opportunity for consideration of public information under subparagraph (A).
“(4)

Mitigation activities.
“(A)

In general.
A long-range transportation plan shall include a discussion of potential environmental mitigation activities and potential areas to carry out these activities, including activities that may have the greatest potential to restore and maintain the environmental functions affected by the plan.
“(B)

Consultation.
The discussion shall be developed in consultation with Federal, State, and tribal wildlife, land management, and regulatory agencies.
“(5)

Financial plan.
The statewide transportation plan may include—
“(A)
a financial plan that—
“(i)
demonstrates how the adopted statewide transportation plan can be implemented;
“(ii)
indicates resources from public and private sources that are reasonably expected to be made available to carry out the plan; and
“(iii)
recommends any additional financing strategies for needed projects and programs; and
“(B)
for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the adopted statewide transportation plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available.
“(6)

Selection of projects from illustrative list.
A State shall not be required to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan described in paragraph (5).
“(7)

Performance-based approach.
The statewide transportation plan should include—
“(A)
a description of the performance measures and performance targets used in assessing the performance of the transportation system in accordance with subsection (d)(2); and
“(B)
a system performance report and subsequent updates evaluating the condition and performance of the transportation system with respect to the performance targets described in subsection (d)(2), including progress achieved by the metropolitan planning organization in meeting the performance targets in comparison with system performance recorded in previous reports;
“(8)

Existing system.
The statewide transportation plan should include capital, operations and management strategies, investments, procedures, and other measures to ensure the preservation and most efficient use of the existing transportation system.
“(9)

Publication of long-range transportation plans.
Each long-range transportation plan prepared by a State shall be published or otherwise made available, including (to the maximum extent practicable) in electronically accessible formats and means, such as the World Wide Web.
“(g)

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
“(1)

Development.
“(A)

In general.
Each State shall develop a statewide transportation improvement program for all areas of the State.
“(B)

Duration and updating of program.
Each program developed under subparagraph (A) shall cover a period of 4 years and shall be updated every 4 years or more frequently if the Governor of the State elects to update more frequently.
“(2)

Consultation with governments.
“(A)

Metropolitan areas.
With respect to each metropolitan area in the State, the program shall be developed in cooperation with the metropolitan planning organization designated for the metropolitan area under section 5303.
“(B)

Nonmetropolitan areas.
“(i)

In general.
With respect to each nonmetropolitan area in the State, the program shall be developed in cooperation with affected nonmetropolitan local officials with responsibility for transportation or, if applicable, through regional transportation planning organizations described in subsection (l).
“(ii)

Role of secretary.
The Secretary shall not review or approve the specific consultation process in the State.
“(C)

Indian tribal areas.
With respect to each area of the State under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribal government, the program shall be developed in consultation with the tribal government and the Secretary of the Interior.
“(3)

Participation by interested parties.
In developing the program, the State shall provide citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation employees, freight shippers, private providers of transportation, providers of freight transportation services, representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of the disabled, and other interested parties with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed program.
“(4)

Performance target achievement.
A statewide transportation improvement program shall include, to the maximum extent practicable, a discussion of the anticipated effect of the statewide transportation improvement program toward achieving the performance targets established in the statewide transportation plan, linking investment priorities to those performance targets.
“(5)

Included projects.
“(A)

In general.
A transportation improvement program developed under this subsection for a State shall include Federally supported surface transportation expenditures within the boundaries of the State.
“(B)

Listing of projects.
“(i)

In general.
An annual listing of projects for which funds have been obligated for the preceding year in each metropolitan planning area shall be published or otherwise made available by the cooperative effort of the State, transit operator, and the metropolitan planning organization for public review.
“(ii)

Funding categories.
The listing described in clause (i) shall be consistent with the funding categories identified in each metropolitan transportation improvement program.
“(C)

Projects under chapter 2.
“(i)

Regionally significant projects.
Regionally significant projects proposed for funding under chapter 2 of title 23 shall be identified individually in the transportation improvement program.
“(ii)

Other projects.
Projects proposed for funding under chapter 2 of title 23 that are not determined to be regionally significant shall be grouped in 1 line item or identified individually in the transportation improvement program.
“(D)

Consistency with statewide transportation plan.
Each project shall be—
“(i)
consistent with the statewide transportation plan developed under this section for the State;
“(ii)
identical to the project or phase of the project as described in an approved metropolitan transportation plan; and
“(iii)
in conformance with the applicable State air quality implementation plan developed under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), if the project is carried out in an area designated as a nonattainment area for ozone, particulate matter, or carbon monoxide under part D of title I of that Act (42 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.).
“(E)

Requirement of anticipated full funding.
The transportation improvement program shall include a project, or an identified phase of a project, only if full funding can reasonably be anticipated to be available for the project within the time period contemplated for completion of the project.
“(F)

Financial plan.
“(i)

In general.
The transportation improvement program may include a financial plan that demonstrates how the approved transportation improvement program can be implemented, indicates resources from public and private sources that are reasonably expected to be made available to carry out the transportation improvement program, and recommends any additional financing strategies for needed projects and programs.
“(ii)

Additional projects.
The financial plan may include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the adopted transportation plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available.
“(G)

Selection of projects from illustrative list.
“(i)

No required selection.
Notwithstanding subparagraph (F), a State shall not be required to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under subparagraph (F).
“(ii)

Required action by the secretary.
Action by the Secretary shall be required for a State to select any project from the illustrative list of additional projects included in the financial plan under subparagraph (F) for inclusion in an approved transportation improvement program.
“(H)

Priorities.
The transportation improvement program shall reflect the priorities for programming and expenditures of funds, including transportation enhancement activities, required by this chapter and title 23.
“(6)

Project selection for areas of less than 50,000 population.
“(A)

In general.
Projects carried out in areas with populations of less than 50,000 individuals shall be selected, from the approved transportation improvement program (excluding projects carried out on the National Highway System and projects carried out under the bridge program or the Interstate maintenance program under title 23 or under sections 5310 and 5311 of this chapter), by the State in cooperation with the affected nonmetropolitan local officials with responsibility for transportation or, if applicable, through regional transportation planning organizations described in subsection (l).
“(B)

Other projects.
Projects carried out in areas with populations of less than 50,000 individuals on the National Highway System or under the bridge program or the Interstate maintenance program under title 23 or under sections 5310 and 5311 of this chapter shall be selected, from the approved statewide transportation improvement program, by the State in consultation with the affected nonmetropolitan local officials with responsibility for transportation.
“(7)

Transportation improvement program approval.
Every 4 years, a transportation improvement program developed under this subsection shall be reviewed and approved by the Secretary if based on a current planning finding.
“(8)

Planning finding.
A finding shall be made by the Secretary at least every 4 years that the transportation planning process through which statewide transportation plans and programs are developed is consistent with this section and section 5303.
“(9)

Modifications to project priority.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, action by the Secretary shall not be required to advance a project included in the approved transportation improvement program in place of another project in the program.
“(h)

Performance-based Planning Processes Evaluation.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall establish criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of the performance-based planning processes of States, taking into consideration the following:
“(A)
The extent to which the State is making progress toward achieving, the performance targets described in subsection (d)(2), taking into account whether the State developed appropriate performance targets.
“(B)
The extent to which the State has made transportation investments that are efficient and cost-effective.
“(C)
The extent to which the State—
“(i)
has developed an investment process that relies on public input and awareness to ensure that investments are transparent and accountable; and
“(ii)
provides reports allowing the public to access the information being collected in a format that allows the public to meaningfully assess the performance of the State.
“(2)

Report.
“(A)

In general.
Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating—
“(i)
the overall effectiveness of performance-based planning as a tool for guiding transportation investments; and
“(ii)
the effectiveness of the performance-based planning process of each State.
“(B)

Publication.
The report under subparagraph (A) shall be published or otherwise made available in electronically accessible formats and means, including on the Internet.
“(i)

Treatment of Certain State Laws as Congestion Management Processes.
For purposes of this section and section 5303, and sections 134 and 135 of title 23, State laws, rules, or regulations pertaining to congestion management systems or programs may constitute the congestion management process under this this section and section 5303, and sections 134 and 135 of title 23, if the Secretary finds that the State laws, rules, or regulations are consistent with, and fulfill the intent of, the purposes of this section and section 5303, and sections 134 and 135 of title 23, as appropriate.
“(j)

Continuation of Current Review Practice.
Since the statewide transportation plan and the transportation improvement program described in this section are subject to a reasonable opportunity for public comment, since individual projects included in the statewide transportation plans and the transportation improvement program are subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and since decisions by the Secretary concerning statewide transportation plans or the transportation improvement program described in this section have not been reviewed under that Act as of January 1, 1997, any decision by the Secretary concerning a metropolitan or statewide transportation plan or the transportation improvement program described in this section shall not be considered to be a Federal action subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
“(k)

Schedule for Implementation.
The Secretary shall issue guidance on a schedule for implementation of the changes made by this section, taking into consideration the established planning update cycle for States. The Secretary shall not require a State to deviate from its established planning update cycle to implement changes made by this section. States shall reflect changes made to their transportation plan or transportation improvement program updates not later than 2 years after the date of issuance of guidance by the Secretary under this subsection.
“(l)

Designation of Regional Transportation Planning Organizations.
“(1)

In general.
To carry out the transportation planning process required by this section, a State may establish and designate regional transportation planning organizations to enhance the planning, coordination, and implementation of statewide strategic long-range transportation plans and transportation improvement programs, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of nonmetropolitan areas of the State.
“(2)

Structure.
A regional transportation planning organization shall be established as a multijurisdictional organization of nonmetropolitan local officials or their designees who volunteer for such organization and representatives of local transportation systems who volunteer for such organization.
“(3)

Requirements.
A regional transportation planning organization shall establish, at a minimum—
“(A)
a policy committee, the majority of which shall consist of nonmetropolitan local officials, or their designees, and, as appropriate, additional representatives from the State, private business, transportation service providers, economic development practitioners, and the public in the region; and
“(B)
a fiscal and administrative agent, such as an existing regional planning and development organization, to provide professional planning, management, and administrative support.
“(4)

Duties.
The duties of a regional transportation planning organization shall include—
“(A)
developing and maintaining, in cooperation with the State, regional long-range multimodal transportation plans;
“(B)
developing a regional transportation improvement program for consideration by the State;
“(C)
fostering the coordination of local planning, land use, and economic development plans with State, regional, and local transportation plans and programs;
“(D)
providing technical assistance to local officials;
“(E)
participating in national, multistate, and State policy and planning development processes to ensure the regional and local input of nonmetropolitan areas;
“(F)
providing a forum for public participation in the statewide and regional transportation planning processes;
“(G)
considering and sharing plans and programs with neighboring regional transportation planning organizations, metropolitan planning organizations, and, where appropriate, tribal organizations; and
“(H)
conducting other duties, as necessary, to support and enhance the statewide planning process under subsection (d).
“(5)

States without regional transportation planning organizations.
If a State chooses not to establish or designate a regional transportation planning organization, the State shall consult with affected nonmetropolitan local officials to determine projects that may be of regional significance.”
.
SEC. 20007.

URBANIZED AREA FORMULA GRANTS.
Section 5307 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5307.

Urbanized area formula grants
“(a)

General Authority.
“(1)

Grants.
The Secretary may make grants under this section for—
“(A)
capital projects;
“(B)
planning;
“(C)
job access and reverse commute projects; and
“(D)
operating costs of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation in an urbanized area with a population of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as determined by the Bureau of the Census.
“(2)

Special rule.
The Secretary may make grants under this section to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation, excluding rail fixed guideway, in an urbanized area with a population of not fewer than 200,000 individuals, as determined by the Bureau of the Census—
“(A)
for public transportation systems that operate 75 or fewer buses in fixed route service during peak service hours, in an amount not to exceed 75 percent of the share of the apportionment which is attributable to such systems within the urbanized area, as measured by vehicle revenue hours; and
“(B)
for public transportation systems that operate a minimum of 76 buses and a maximum of 100 buses in fixed route service during peak service hours, in an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the share of the apportionment which is attributable to such systems within the urbanized area, as measured by vehicle revenue hours.
“(b)

Program of Projects.
Each recipient of a grant shall—
“(1)
make available to the public information on amounts available to the recipient under this section;
“(2)
develop, in consultation with interested parties, including private transportation providers, a proposed program of projects for activities to be financed;
“(3)
publish a proposed program of projects in a way that affected individuals, private transportation providers, and local elected officials have the opportunity to examine the proposed program and submit comments on the proposed program and the performance of the recipient;
“(4)
provide an opportunity for a public hearing in which to obtain the views of individuals on the proposed program of projects;
“(5)
ensure that the proposed program of projects provides for the coordination of public transportation services assisted under section 5336 of this title with transportation services assisted from other United States Government sources;
“(6)
consider comments and views received, especially those of private transportation providers, in preparing the final program of projects; and
“(7)
make the final program of projects available to the public.
“(c)

Grant Recipient Requirements.
A recipient may receive a grant in a fiscal year only if—
“(1)
the recipient, within the time the Secretary prescribes, submits a final program of projects prepared under subsection (b) of this section and a certification for that fiscal year that the recipient (including a person receiving amounts from a Governor under this section)—
“(A)
has or will have the legal, financial, and technical capacity to carry out the program, including safety and security aspects of the program;
“(B)
has or will have satisfactory continuing control over the use of equipment and facilities;
“(C)
will maintain equipment and facilities;
“(D)
will ensure that, during non-peak hours for transportation using or involving a facility or equipment of a project financed under this section, a fare that is not more than 50 percent of the peak hour fare will be charged for any—
“(i)
senior;
“(ii)
individual who, because of illness, injury, age, congenital malfunction, or other incapacity or temporary or permanent disability (including an individual who is a wheelchair user or has semiambulatory capability), cannot use a public transportation service or a public transportation facility effectively without special facilities, planning, or design; and
“(iii)
individual presenting a Medicare card issued to that individual under title II or XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq. and 1395 et seq.);
“(E)
in carrying out a procurement under this section, will comply with sections 5323 and 5325;
“(F)
has complied with subsection (b) of this section;
“(G)
has available and will provide the required amounts as provided by subsection (d) of this section;
“(H)
will comply with sections 5303 and 5304;
“(I)
has a locally developed process to solicit and consider public comment before raising a fare or carrying out a major reduction of transportation;
“(J)
(i)
will expend for each fiscal year for public transportation security projects, including increased lighting in or adjacent to a public transportation system (including bus stops, subway stations, parking lots, and garages), increased camera surveillance of an area in or adjacent to that system, providing an emergency telephone line to contact law enforcement or security personnel in an area in or adjacent to that system, and any other project intended to increase the security and safety of an existing or planned public transportation system, at least 1 percent of the amount the recipient receives for each fiscal year under section 5336 of this title; or
“(ii)
has decided that the expenditure for security projects is not necessary;
“(K)
in the case of a recipient for an urbanized area with a population of not fewer than 200,000 individuals, as determined by the Bureau of the Census—
“(i)
will expend not less than 1 percent of the amount the recipient receives each fiscal year under this section for associated transit improvements, as defined in section 5302; and
“(ii)
will submit an annual report listing projects carried out in the preceding fiscal year with those funds; and
“(L)
will comply with section 5329(d); and
“(2)
the Secretary accepts the certification.
“(d)

Government Share of Costs.
“(1)

Capital projects.
A grant for a capital project under this section shall be for 80 percent of the net project cost of the project. The recipient may provide additional local matching amounts.
“(2)

Operating expenses.
A grant for operating expenses under this section may not exceed 50 percent of the net project cost of the project.
“(3)

Remaining costs.
Subject to paragraph (4), the remainder of the net project costs shall be provided—
“(A)
in cash from non-Government sources other than revenues from providing public transportation services;
“(B)
from revenues from the sale of advertising and concessions;
“(C)
from an undistributed cash surplus, a replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, or new capital;
“(D)
from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to a department or agency of the Government (other than the Department of Transportation) that are eligible to be expended for transportation; and
“(E)
from amounts received under a service agreement with a State or local social service agency or private social service organization.
“(4)

Use of certain funds.
For purposes of subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph (3), the prohibitions on the use of funds for matching requirements under section 403(a)(5)(C)(vii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(5)(C)(vii)) shall not apply to Federal or State funds to be used for transportation purposes.
“(e)

Undertaking Projects in Advance.
“(1)

Payment.
The Secretary may pay the Government share of the net project cost to a State or local governmental authority that carries out any part of a project eligible under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(1) without the aid of amounts of the Government and according to all applicable procedures and requirements if—
“(A)
the recipient applies for the payment;
“(B)
the Secretary approves the payment; and
“(C)
before carrying out any part of the project, the Secretary approves the plans and specifications for the part in the same way as for other projects under this section.
“(2)

Approval of application.
The Secretary may approve an application under paragraph (1) of this subsection only if an authorization for this section is in effect for the fiscal year to which the application applies. The Secretary may not approve an application if the payment will be more than—
“(A)
the recipient’s expected apportionment under section 5336 of this title if the total amount authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year to carry out this section is appropriated; less
“(B)
the maximum amount of the apportionment that may be made available for projects for operating expenses under this section.
“(3)

Financing costs.
“(A)

In general.
The cost of carrying out part of a project includes the amount of interest earned and payable on bonds issued by the recipient to the extent proceeds of the bonds are expended in carrying out the part.
“(B)

Limitation on the amount of interest.
The amount of interest allowed under this paragraph may not be more than the most favorable financing terms reasonably available for the project at the time of borrowing.
“(C)

Certification.
The applicant shall certify, in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary, that the applicant has shown reasonable diligence in seeking the most favorable financing terms.
“(f)

Reviews, Audits, and Evaluations.
“(1)

Annual review.
“(A)

In general.
At least annually, the Secretary shall carry out, or require a recipient to have carried out independently, reviews and audits the Secretary considers appropriate to establish whether the recipient has carried out—
“(i)
the activities proposed under subsection (c) of this section in a timely and effective way and can continue to do so; and
“(ii)
those activities and its certifications and has used amounts of the Government in the way required by law.
“(B)

Auditing procedures.
An audit of the use of amounts of the Government shall comply with the auditing procedures of the Comptroller General.
“(2)

Triennial review.
At least once every 3 years, the Secretary shall review and evaluate completely the performance of a recipient in carrying out the recipient’s program, specifically referring to compliance with statutory and administrative requirements and the extent to which actual program activities are consistent with the activities proposed under subsection (c) of this section and the planning process required under sections 5303, 5304, and 5305 of this title. To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall coordinate such reviews with any related State or local reviews.
“(3)

Actions resulting from review, audit, or evaluation.
The Secretary may take appropriate action consistent with a review, audit, and evaluation under this subsection, including making an appropriate adjustment in the amount of a grant or withdrawing the grant.
“(g)

Treatment.
For purposes of this section, the United States Virgin Islands shall be treated as an urbanized area, as defined in section 5302.
“(h)

Passenger Ferry Grants.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may make grants under this subsection to recipients for passenger ferry projects that are eligible for a grant under subsection (a).
“(2)

Grant requirements.
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a grant under this subsection shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as a grant under subsection (a).
“(3)

Competitive process.
The Secretary shall solicit grant applications and make grants for eligible projects on a competitive basis.”
.
SEC. 20008.

FIXED GUIDEWAY CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS.
(a)1

In General.—
Section 5309 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5309.

Fixed guideway capital investment grants
“(a)

Definitions.
In this section, the following definitions shall apply:
“(1)

Applicant.
The term ‘applicant’ means a State or local governmental authority that applies for a grant under this section.
^1
So in law. There are no other subsections in section 20008 as a result of the repeal of subsection (b) made by section 3030(a) of division A of Public Law 114–94.
“(2)

Core capacity improvement project.
The term ‘core capacity improvement project’ means a substantial corridor-based capital investment in an existing fixed guideway system that increases the capacity of a corridor by not less than 10 percent. The term does not include project elements designed to maintain a state of good repair of the existing fixed guideway system.
“(3)

Corridor-based bus rapid transit project.
The term ‘corridor-based bus rapid transit project’ means a small start project utilizing buses in which the project represents a substantial investment in a defined corridor as demonstrated by features that emulate the services provided by rail fixed guideway public transportation systems, including defined stations; traffic signal priority for public transportation vehicles; short headway bidirectional services for a substantial part of weekdays and weekend days; and any other features the Secretary may determine support a long-term corridor investment, but the majority of which does not operate in a separated right-of-way dedicated for public transportation use during peak periods.
“(4)

Fixed guideway bus rapid transit project.
The term ‘fixed guideway bus rapid transit project’ means a bus capital project—
“(A)
in which the majority of the project operates in a separated right-of-way dedicated for public transportation use during peak periods;
“(B)
that represents a substantial investment in a single route in a defined corridor or subarea; and
“(C)
that includes features that emulate the services provided by rail fixed guideway public transportation systems, including—
“(i)
defined stations;
“(ii)
traffic signal priority for public transportation vehicles;
“(iii)
short headway bidirectional services for a substantial part of weekdays and weekend days; and
“(iv)
any other features the Secretary may determine are necessary to produce high-quality public transportation services that emulate the services provided by rail fixed guideway public transportation systems.
“(5)

New fixed guideway capital project.
The term ‘new fixed guideway capital project’ means—
“(A)
a new fixed guideway project that is a minimum operable segment or extension to an existing fixed guideway system; or
“(B)
a fixed guideway bus rapid transit project that is a minimum operable segment or an extension to an existing bus rapid transit system.
“(6)

Program of interrelated projects.
The term ‘program of interrelated projects’ means the simultaneous development of—
“(A)
2 or more new fixed guideway capital projects or core capacity improvement projects; or
“(B)
1 or more new fixed guideway capital projects and 1 or more core capacity improvement projects.
“(7)

Small start project.
The term ‘small start project’ means a new fixed guideway capital project or corridor-based bus rapid transit project for which—
“(A)
the Federal assistance provided or to be provided under this section is less than $75,000,000; and
“(B)
the total estimated net capital cost is less than $250,000,000.
“(b)

General Authority.
The Secretary may make grants under this section to State and local governmental authorities to assist in financing—
“(1)
new fixed guideway capital projects or small start projects, including the acquisition of real property, the initial acquisition of rolling stock for the system, the acquisition of rights-of-way, and relocation, for fixed guideway corridor development for projects in the advanced stages of project development or engineering; and
“(2)
core capacity improvement projects, including the acquisition of real property, the acquisition of rights-of-way, double tracking, signalization improvements, electrification, expanding system platforms, acquisition of rolling stock associated with corridor improvements increasing capacity, construction of infill stations, and such other capacity improvement projects as the Secretary determines are appropriate to increase the capacity of an existing fixed guideway system corridor by at least 10 percent. Core capacity improvement projects do not include elements to improve general station facilities or parking, or acquisition of rolling stock alone.
“(c)

Grant Requirements.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may make a grant under this section for new fixed guideway capital projects, small start projects, or core capacity improvement projects, if the Secretary determines that—
“(A)
the project is part of an approved transportation plan required under sections 5303 and 5304; and
“(B)
the applicant has, or will have—
“(i)
the legal, financial, and technical capacity to carry out the project, including the safety and security aspects of the project;
“(ii)
satisfactory continuing control over the use of the equipment or facilities; and
“(iii)
the technical and financial capacity to maintain new and existing equipment and facilities.
“(2)

Certification.
An applicant that has submitted the certifications required under subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (H) of section 5307(c)(1) shall be deemed to have provided sufficient information upon which the Secretary may make the determinations required under this subsection.
“(3)

Technical capacity.
The Secretary shall use an expedited technical capacity review process for applicants that have recently and successfully completed at least 1 new fixed guideway capital project, or core capacity improvement project, if—
“(A)
the applicant achieved budget, cost, and ridership outcomes for the project that are consistent with or better than projections; and
“(B)
the applicant demonstrates that the applicant continues to have the staff expertise and other resources necessary to implement a new project.
“(4)

Recipient requirements.
A recipient of a grant awarded under this section shall be subject to all terms, conditions, requirements, and provisions that the Secretary determines to be necessary or appropriate for purposes of this section.
“(d)

New Fixed Guideway Grants.
“(1)

Project development phase.
“(A)

Entrance into project development phase.
A new fixed guideway capital project shall enter into the project development phase when—
“(i)
the applicant—
“(I)
submits a letter to the Secretary describing the project and requesting entry into the project development phase; and
“(II)
initiates activities required to be carried out under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to the project; and
“(ii)
the Secretary—
“(I)
responds in writing to the applicant within 45 days whether the information provided is sufficient to enter into the project development phase, including, when necessary, a detailed description of any information deemed insufficient; and
“(II)
provides concurrent notice to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives of whether the new fixed guideway capital project is entering the project development phase.
“(B)

Activities during project development phase.
Concurrent with the analysis required to be made under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), each applicant shall develop sufficient information to enable the Secretary to make findings of project justification, policies and land use patterns that promote public transportation, and local financial commitment under this subsection.
“(C)

Completion of project development activities required.
“(i)

In general.
Not later than 2 years after the date on which a project enters into the project development phase, the applicant shall complete the activities required to obtain a project rating under subsection (g)(2) and submit completed documentation to the Secretary.
“(ii)

Extension of time.
Upon the request of an applicant, the Secretary may extend the time period under clause (i), if the applicant submits to the Secretary—
“(I)
a reasonable plan for completing the activities required under this paragraph; and
“(II)
an estimated time period within which the applicant will complete such activities.
“(2)

Engineering phase.
“(A)

In general.
A new fixed guideway capital project may advance to the engineering phase upon completion of activities required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as demonstrated by a record of decision with respect to the project, a finding that the project has no significant impact, or a determination that the project is categorically excluded, only if the Secretary determines that the project—
“(i)
is selected as the locally preferred alternative at the completion of the process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
“(ii)
is adopted into the metropolitan transportation plan required under section 5303;
“(iii)
is justified based on a comprehensive review of the project’s mobility improvements, the project’s environmental benefits, congestion relief associated with the project, economic development effects associated with the project, policies and land use patterns of the project that support public transportation, and the project’s cost-effectiveness as measured by cost per rider;
“(iv)
is supported by policies and land use patterns that promote public transportation, including plans for future land use and rezoning, and economic development around public transportation stations; and
“(v)
is supported by an acceptable degree of local financial commitment (including evidence of stable and dependable financing sources), as required under subsection (f).
“(B)

Determination that project is justified.
In making a determination under subparagraph (A)(iii), the Secretary shall evaluate, analyze, and consider—
“(i)
the reliability of the forecasting methods used to estimate costs and utilization made by the recipient and the contractors to the recipient; and
“(ii)
population density and current public transportation ridership in the transportation corridor.
“(e)

Core Capacity Improvement Projects.
“(1)

Project development phase.
“(A)

Entrance into project development phase.
A core capacity improvement project shall be deemed to have entered into the project development phase if—
“(i)
the applicant—
“(I)
submits a letter to the Secretary describing the project and requesting entry into the project development phase; and
“(II)
initiates activities required to be carried out under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to the project; and
“(ii)
the Secretary—
“(I)
responds in writing to the applicant within 45 days whether the information provided is sufficient to enter into the project development phase, including when necessary a detailed description of any information deemed insufficient; and
“(II)
provides concurrent notice to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives of whether the core capacity improvement project is entering the project development phase.
“(B)

Activities during project development phase.
Concurrent with the analysis required to be made under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), each applicant shall develop sufficient information to enable the Secretary to make findings of project justification and local financial commitment under this subsection.
“(C)

Completion of project development activities required.
“(i)

In general.
Not later than 2 years after the date on which a project enters into the project development phase, the applicant shall complete the activities required to obtain a project rating under subsection (g)(2) and submit completed documentation to the Secretary.
“(ii)

Extension of time.
Upon the request of an applicant, the Secretary may extend the time period under clause (i), if the applicant submits to the Secretary—
“(I)
a reasonable plan for completing the activities required under this paragraph; and
“(II)
an estimated time period within which the applicant will complete such activities.
“(2)

Engineering phase.
“(A)

In general.
A core capacity improvement project may advance into the engineering phase upon completion of activities required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as demonstrated by a record of decision with respect to the project, a finding that the project has no significant impact, or a determination that the project is categorically excluded, only if the Secretary determines that the project—
“(i)
is selected as the locally preferred alternative at the completion of the process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969;
“(ii)
is adopted into the metropolitan transportation plan required under section 5303;
“(iii)
is in a corridor that is—
“(I)
at or over capacity; or
“(II)
projected to be at or over capacity within the next 5 years;
“(iv)
is justified based on a comprehensive review of the project’s mobility improvements, the project’s environmental benefits, congestion relief associated with the project, economic development effects associated with the project, the capacity needs of the corridor, and the project’s cost-effectiveness as measured by cost per rider; and
“(v)
is supported by an acceptable degree of local financial commitment (including evidence of stable and dependable financing sources), as required under subsection (f).
“(B)

Determination that project is justified.
In making a determination under subparagraph (A)(iv), the Secretary shall evaluate, analyze, and consider—
“(i)
the reliability of the forecasting methods used to estimate costs and utilization made by the recipient and the contractors to the recipient;
“(ii)
whether the project will increase capacity at least 10 percent in a corridor;
“(iii)
whether the project will improve interconnectivity among existing systems; and
“(iv)
whether the project will improve environmental outcomes.
“(f)

Financing Sources.
“(1)

Requirements.
In determining whether a project is supported by an acceptable degree of local financial commitment and shows evidence of stable and dependable financing sources for purposes of subsection (d)(2)(A)(v) or (e)(2)(A)(v), the Secretary shall require that—
“(A)
the proposed project plan provides for the availability of contingency amounts that the Secretary determines to be reasonable to cover unanticipated cost increases or funding shortfalls;
“(B)
each proposed local source of capital and operating financing is stable, reliable, and available within the proposed project timetable; and
“(C)
local resources are available to recapitalize, maintain, and operate the overall existing and proposed public transportation system, including essential feeder bus and other services necessary to achieve the projected ridership levels without requiring a reduction in existing public transportation services or level of service to operate the project.
“(2)

Considerations.
In assessing the stability, reliability, and availability of proposed sources of local financing for purposes of subsection (d)(2)(A)(v) or (e)(2)(A)(v), the Secretary shall consider—
“(A)
the reliability of the forecasting methods used to estimate costs and revenues made by the recipient and the contractors to the recipient;
“(B)
existing grant commitments;
“(C)
the degree to which financing sources are dedicated to the proposed purposes;
“(D)
any debt obligation that exists, or is proposed by the recipient, for the proposed project or other public transportation purpose;
“(E)
the extent to which the project has a local financial commitment that exceeds the required non-Government share of the cost of the project; and
“(F)
private contributions to the project, including cost-effective project delivery, management or transfer of project risks, expedited project schedule, financial partnering, and other public-private partnership strategies.
“(g)

Project Advancement and Ratings.
“(1)

Project advancement.
A new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project proposed to be carried out using a grant under this section may not advance from the project development phase to the engineering phase, or from the engineering phase to the construction phase, unless the Secretary determines that—
“(A)
the project meets the applicable requirements under this section; and
“(B)
there is a reasonable likelihood that the project will continue to meet the requirements under this section.
“(2)

Ratings.
“(A)

Overall rating.
In making a determination under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall evaluate and rate a project as a whole on a 5-point scale (high, medium-high, medium, medium-low, or low) based on—
“(i)
in the case of a new fixed guideway capital project, the project justification criteria under subsection (d)(2)(A)(iii), the policies and land use patterns that support public transportation, and the degree of local financial commitment; and
“(ii)
in the case of a core capacity improvement project, the capacity needs of the corridor, the project justification criteria under subsection (e)(2)(A)(iv), and the degree of local financial commitment.
“(B)

Individual ratings for each criterion.
In rating a project under this paragraph, the Secretary shall—
“(i)
provide, in addition to the overall project rating under subparagraph (A), individual ratings for each of the criteria established under subsection (d)(2)(A)(iii) or (e)(2)(A)(iv), as applicable; and
“(ii)
give comparable, but not necessarily equal, numerical weight to each of the criteria established under subsections (d)(2)(A)(iii) or (e)(2)(A)(iv), as applicable, in calculating the overall project rating under clause (i).
“(C)

Medium rating not required.
The Secretary shall not require that any single project justification criterion meet or exceed a ‘medium’ rating in order to advance the project from one phase to another.
“(3)

Warrants.
The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, develop and use special warrants for making a project justification determination under subsection (d)(2) or (e)(2), as applicable, for a project proposed to be funded using a grant under this section, if—
“(A)
the share of the cost of the project to be provided under this section does not exceed—
“(i)
$100,000,000; or
“(ii)
50 percent of the total cost of the project;
“(B)
the applicant requests the use of the warrants;
“(C)
the applicant certifies that its existing public transportation system is in a state of good repair; and
“(D)
the applicant meets any other requirements that the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out this subsection.
“(4)

Letters of intent and early systems work agreements.
In order to expedite a project under this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, issue letters of intent and enter into early systems work agreements upon issuance of a record of decision for projects that receive an overall project rating of medium or better.
“(5)

Policy guidance.
The Secretary shall issue policy guidance regarding the review and evaluation process and criteria—
“(A)
not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012; and
“(B)
each time the Secretary makes significant changes to the process and criteria, but not less frequently than once every 2 years.
“(6)

Rules.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall issue rules establishing an evaluation and rating process for—
“(A)
new fixed guideway capital projects that is based on the results of project justification, policies and land use patterns that promote public transportation, and local financial commitment, as required under this subsection; and
“(B)
core capacity improvement projects that is based on the results of the capacity needs of the corridor, project justification, and local financial commitment.
“(7)

Applicability.
This subsection shall not apply to a project for which the Secretary issued a letter of intent, entered into a full funding grant agreement, or entered into a project construction agreement before the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.
“(h)

Small Start Projects.
“(1)

In general.
A small start project shall be subject to the requirements of this subsection.
“(2)

Project development phase.
“(A)

Entrance into project development phase.
A new small starts project shall enter into the project development phase when—
“(i)
the applicant—
“(I)
submits a letter to the Secretary describing the project and requesting entry into the project development phase; and
“(II)
initiates activities required to be carried out under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to the project; and
“(ii)
the Secretary—
“(I)
responds in writing to the applicant within 45 days whether the information provided is sufficient to enter into the project development phase, including, when necessary, a detailed description of any information deemed insufficient; and
“(II)
provides concurrent notice to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives of whether the small starts project is entering the project development phase.
“(B)

Activities during project development phase.
Concurrent with the analysis required to be made under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), each applicant shall develop sufficient information to enable the Secretary to make findings of project justification, policies and land use patterns that promote public transportation, and local financial commitment under this subsection.
“(3)

Selection criteria.
The Secretary may provide Federal assistance for a small start project under this subsection only if the Secretary determines that the project—
“(A)
has been adopted as the locally preferred alternative as part of the metropolitan transportation plan required under section 5303;
“(B)
is based on the results of an analysis of the benefits of the project as set forth in paragraph (4); and
“(C)
is supported by an acceptable degree of local financial commitment.
“(4)

Evaluation of benefits and federal investment.
In making a determination for a small start project under paragraph (3)(B), the Secretary shall analyze, evaluate, and consider the following evaluation criteria for the project (as compared to a no-action alternative): mobility improvements, environmental benefits, congestion relief, economic development effects associated with the project, policies and land use patterns that support public transportation and cost-effectiveness as measured by cost per rider.
“(5)

Evaluation of local financial commitment.
For purposes of paragraph (3)(C), the Secretary shall require that each proposed local source of capital and operating financing is stable, reliable, and available within the proposed project timetable.
“(6)

Ratings.
In carrying out paragraphs (4) and (5) for a small start project, the Secretary shall evaluate and rate the project on a 5-point scale (high, medium-high, medium, medium-low, or low) based on an evaluation of the benefits of the project as compared to the Federal assistance to be provided and the degree of local financial commitment, as required under this subsection. In rating the projects, the Secretary shall provide, in addition to the overall project rating, individual ratings for each of the criteria established by this subsection and shall give comparable, but not necessarily equal, numerical weight to the benefits that the project will bring to the community in calculating the overall project rating.
“(7)

Grants and expedited grant agreements.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, shall provide Federal assistance under this subsection in a single grant. If the Secretary cannot provide such a single grant, the Secretary may execute an expedited grant agreement in order to include a commitment on the part of the Secretary to provide funding for the project in future fiscal years.
“(B)

Terms of expedited grant agreements.
In executing an expedited grant agreement under this subsection, the Secretary may include in the agreement terms similar to those established under subsection (k)(2).
“(C)

Notice of proposed grants and expedited grant agreements.
At least 10 days before making a grant award or entering into a grant agreement for a project under this subsection, the Secretary shall notify, in writing, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate of the proposed grant or expedited grant agreement, as well as the evaluations and ratings for the project.
“(i)

Programs of Interrelated Projects.
“(1)

Project development phase.
A federally funded project in a program of interrelated projects shall advance through project development as provided in subsection (d) or (e), as applicable.
“(2)

Engineering phase.
A federally funded project in a program of interrelated projects may advance into the engineering phase upon completion of activities required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as demonstrated by a record of decision with respect to the project, a finding that the project has no significant impact, or a determination that the project is categorically excluded, only if the Secretary determines that—
“(A)
the project is selected as the locally preferred alternative at the completion of the process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969;
“(B)
the project is adopted into the metropolitan transportation plan required under section 5303;
“(C)
the program of interrelated projects involves projects that have a logical connectivity to one another;
“(D)
the program of interrelated projects, when evaluated as a whole, meets the requirements of subsection (d)(2) or (e)(2), as applicable;
“(E)
the program of interrelated projects is supported by a program implementation plan demonstrating that construction will begin on each of the projects in the program of interrelated projects within a reasonable time frame; and
“(F)
the program of interrelated projects is supported by an acceptable degree of local financial commitment, as described in subsection (f).
“(3)

Project advancement and ratings.
“(A)

Project advancement.
A project receiving a grant under this section that is part of a program of interrelated projects may not advance from the project development phase to the engineering phase, or from the engineering phase to the construction phase, unless the Secretary determines that the program of interrelated projects meets the applicable requirements of this section and there is a reasonable likelihood that the program will continue to meet such requirements.
“(B)

Ratings.
“(i)

Overall rating.
In making a determination under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall evaluate and rate a program of interrelated projects on a 5-point scale (high, medium-high, medium, medium-low, or low) based on the criteria described in paragraph (2).
“(ii)

Individual rating for each criterion.
In rating a program of interrelated projects, the Secretary shall provide, in addition to the overall program rating, individual ratings for each of the criteria described in paragraph (2) and shall give comparable, but not necessarily equal, numerical weight to each such criterion in calculating the overall program rating.
“(iii)

Medium rating not required.
The Secretary shall not require that any single criterion described in paragraph (2) meet or exceed a ‘medium’ rating in order to advance the program of interrelated projects from one phase to another.
“(4)

Annual review.
“(A)

Review required.
The Secretary shall annually review the program implementation plan required under paragraph (2)(E) to determine whether the program of interrelated projects is adhering to its schedule.
“(B)

Extension of time.
If a program of interrelated projects is not adhering to its schedule, the Secretary may, upon the request of the applicant, grant an extension of time if the applicant submits a reasonable plan that includes—
“(i)
evidence of continued adequate funding; and
“(ii)
an estimated time frame for completing the program of interrelated projects.
“(C)

Satisfactory progress required.
If the Secretary determines that a program of interrelated projects is not making satisfactory progress, no Federal funds shall be provided for a project within the program of interrelated projects.
“(5)

Failure to carry out program of interrelated projects.
“(A)

Repayment required.
If an applicant does not carry out the program of interrelated projects within a reasonable time, for reasons within the control of the applicant, the applicant shall repay all Federal funds provided for the program, and any reasonable interest and penalty charges that the Secretary may establish.
“(B)

Crediting of funds received.
Any funds received by the Government under this paragraph, other than interest and penalty charges, shall be credited to the appropriation account from which the funds were originally derived.
“(6)

Non-federal funds.
Any non-Federal funds committed to a project in a program of interrelated projects may be used to meet a non-Government share requirement for any other project in the program of interrelated projects, if the Government share of the cost of each project within the program of interrelated projects does not exceed 80 percent.
“(7)

Priority.
In making grants under this section, the Secretary may give priority to programs of interrelated projects for which the non-Government share of the cost of the projects included in the programs of interrelated projects exceeds the non-Government share required under subsection (l).
“(8)

Non-government projects.
Including a project not financed by the Government in a program of interrelated projects does not impose Government requirements that would not otherwise apply to the project.
“(j)

Previously Issued Letter of Intent or Full Funding Grant Agreement.
Subsections (d) and (e) shall not apply to projects for which the Secretary has issued a letter of intent, approved entry into final design, entered into a full funding grant agreement, or entered into a project construction grant agreement before the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.
“(k)

Letters of Intent, Full Funding Grant Agreements, and Early Systems Work Agreements.
“(1)

Letters of intent.
“(A)

Amounts intended to be obligated.
The Secretary may issue a letter of intent to an applicant announcing an intention to obligate, for a new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project, an amount from future available budget authority specified in law that is not more than the amount stipulated as the financial participation of the Secretary in the project. When a letter is issued for a capital project under this section, the amount shall be sufficient to complete at least an operable segment.
“(B)

Treatment.
The issuance of a letter under subparagraph (A) is deemed not to be an obligation under sections 1108(c), 1501, and 1502(a) of title 31 or an administrative commitment.
“(2)

Full funding grant agreements.
“(A)

In general.
A new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project shall be carried out through a full funding grant agreement.
“(B)

Criteria.
The Secretary shall enter into a full funding grant agreement, based on the evaluations and ratings required under subsection (d), (e), or (i), as applicable, with each grantee receiving assistance for a new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project that has been rated as high, medium-high, or medium, in accordance with subsection (g)(2)(A) or (i)(3)(B), as applicable.
“(C)

Terms.
A full funding grant agreement shall—
“(i)
establish the terms of participation by the Government in a new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project;
“(ii)
establish the maximum amount of Federal financial assistance for the project;
“(iii)
include the period of time for completing the project, even if that period extends beyond the period of an authorization; and
“(iv)
make timely and efficient management of the project easier according to the law of the United States.
“(D)

Special financial rules.
“(i)

In general.
A full funding grant agreement under this paragraph obligates an amount of available budget authority specified in law and may include a commitment, contingent on amounts to be specified in law in advance for commitments under this paragraph, to obligate an additional amount from future available budget authority specified in law.
“(ii)

Statement of contingent commitment.
The agreement shall state that the contingent commitment is not an obligation of the Government.
“(iii)

Interest and other financing costs.
Interest and other financing costs of efficiently carrying out a part of the project within a reasonable time are a cost of carrying out the project under a full funding grant agreement, except that eligible costs may not be more than the cost of the most favorable financing terms reasonably available for the project at the time of borrowing. The applicant shall certify, in a way satisfactory to the Secretary, that the applicant has shown reasonable diligence in seeking the most favorable financing terms.
“(iv)

Completion of operable segment.
The amount stipulated in an agreement under this paragraph for a new fixed guideway capital project shall be sufficient to complete at least an operable segment.
“(E)

Before and after study.
“(i)

In general.
A full funding grant agreement under this paragraph shall require the applicant to conduct a study that—
“(I)
describes and analyzes the impacts of the new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project on public transportation services and public transportation ridership;
“(II)
evaluates the consistency of predicted and actual project characteristics and performance; and
“(III)
identifies reasons for differences between predicted and actual outcomes.
“(ii)

Information collection and analysis plan.
“(I)

Submission of plan.
Applicants seeking a full funding grant agreement under this paragraph shall submit a complete plan for the collection and analysis of information to identify the impacts of the new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project and the accuracy of the forecasts prepared during the development of the project. Preparation of this plan shall be included in the full funding grant agreement as an eligible activity.
“(II)

Contents of plan.
The plan submitted under subclause (I) shall provide for—
- “(aa)
collection of data on the current public transportation system regarding public transportation service levels and ridership patterns, including origins and destinations, access modes, trip purposes, and rider characteristics;
- “(bb)
documentation of the predicted scope, service levels, capital costs, operating costs, and ridership of the project;
- “(cc)
collection of data on the public transportation system 2 years after the opening of a new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project, including analogous information on public transportation service levels and ridership patterns and information on the as-built scope, capital, and financing costs of the project; and
- “(dd)
analysis of the consistency of predicted project characteristics with actual outcomes.
“(F)

Collection of data on current system.
To be eligible for a full funding grant agreement under this paragraph, recipients shall have collected data on the current system, according to the plan required under subparagraph (E)(ii), before the beginning of construction of the proposed new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project. Collection of this data shall be included in the full funding grant agreement as an eligible activity.
“(3)

Early systems work agreements.
“(A)

Conditions.
The Secretary may enter into an early systems work agreement with an applicant if a record of decision under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) has been issued on the project and the Secretary finds there is reason to believe—
“(i)
a full funding grant agreement for the project will be made; and
“(ii)
the terms of the work agreement will promote ultimate completion of the project more rapidly and at less cost.
“(B)

Contents.
“(i)

In general.
An early systems work agreement under this paragraph obligates budget authority available under this chapter and title 23 and shall provide for reimbursement of preliminary costs of carrying out the project, including land acquisition, timely procurement of system elements for which specifications are decided, and other activities the Secretary decides are appropriate to make efficient, long-term project management easier.
“(ii)

Contingent commitment.
An early systems work agreement may include a commitment, contingent on amounts to be specified in law in advance for commitments under this paragraph, to obligate an additional amount from future available budget authority specified in law.
“(iii)

Period covered.
An early systems work agreement under this paragraph shall cover the period of time the Secretary considers appropriate. The period may extend beyond the period of current authorization.
“(iv)

Interest and other financing costs.
Interest and other financing costs of efficiently carrying out the early systems work agreement within a reasonable time are a cost of carrying out the agreement, except that eligible costs may not be more than the cost of the most favorable financing terms reasonably available for the project at the time of borrowing. The applicant shall certify, in a way satisfactory to the Secretary, that the applicant has shown reasonable diligence in seeking the most favorable financing terms.
“(v)

Failure to carry out project.
If an applicant does not carry out the project for reasons within the control of the applicant, the applicant shall repay all Federal grant funds awarded for the project from all Federal funding sources, for all project activities, facilities, and equipment, plus reasonable interest and penalty charges allowable by law or established by the Secretary in the early systems work agreement.
“(vi)

Crediting of funds received.
Any funds received by the Government under this paragraph, other than interest and penalty charges, shall be credited to the appropriation account from which the funds were originally derived.
“(4)

Limitation on amounts.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary may enter into full funding grant agreements under this subsection for new fixed guideway capital projects and core capacity improvement projects that contain contingent commitments to incur obligations in such amounts as the Secretary determines are appropriate.
“(B)

Appropriation required.
An obligation may be made under this subsection only when amounts are appropriated for the obligation.
“(5)

Notification to congress.
At least 30 days before issuing a letter of intent, entering into a full funding grant agreement, or entering into an early systems work agreement under this section, the Secretary shall notify, in writing, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives of the proposed letter or agreement. The Secretary shall include with the notification a copy of the proposed letter or agreement as well as the evaluations and ratings for the project.
“(l)

Government Share of Net Capital Project Cost.
“(1)

In general.
Based on engineering studies, studies of economic feasibility, and information on the expected use of equipment or facilities, the Secretary shall estimate the net capital project cost. A grant for a fixed guideway project or small start project shall not exceed 80 percent of the net capital project cost. A grant for a core capacity project shall not exceed 80 percent of the net capital project cost of the incremental cost of increasing the capacity in the corridor.
“(2)

Adjustment for completion under budget.
The Secretary may adjust the final net capital project cost of a new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project evaluated under subsection (d), (e), or (i) to include the cost of eligible activities not included in the originally defined project if the Secretary determines that the originally defined project has been completed at a cost that is significantly below the original estimate.
“(3)

Maximum government share.
The Secretary may provide a higher grant percentage than requested by the grant recipient if—
“(A)
the Secretary determines that the net capital project cost of the project is not more than 10 percent higher than the net capital project cost estimated at the time the project was approved for advancement into the engineering phase; and
“(B)
the ridership estimated for the project is not less than 90 percent of the ridership estimated for the project at the time the project was approved for advancement into the engineering phase.
“(4)

Remainder of net capital project cost.
The remainder of the net capital project cost shall be provided from an undistributed cash surplus, a replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, or new capital.
“(5)

Limitation on statutory construction.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary to require a non-Federal financial commitment for a project that is more than 20 percent of the net capital project cost.
“(6)

Special rule for rolling stock costs.
In addition to amounts allowed pursuant to paragraph (1), a planned extension to a fixed guideway system may include the cost of rolling stock previously purchased if the applicant satisfies the Secretary that only amounts other than amounts provided by the Government were used and that the purchase was made for use on the extension. A refund or reduction of the remainder may be made only if a refund of a proportional amount of the grant of the Government is made at the same time.
“(7)

Limitation on applicability.
This subsection shall not apply to projects for which the Secretary entered into a full funding grant agreement before the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.
“(8)

Special rule for fixed guideway bus rapid transit projects.
For up to three fixed-guideway bus rapid transit projects each fiscal year the Secretary shall—
“(A)
establish a Government share of at least 80 percent; and
“(B)
not lower the project’s rating for degree of local financial commitment for purposes of subsections (d)(2)(A)(v) or (h)(3)(C) as a result of the Government share specified in this paragraph.
“(m)

Undertaking Projects in Advance.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may pay the Government share of the net capital project cost to a State or local governmental authority that carries out any part of a project described in this section without the aid of amounts of the Government and according to all applicable procedures and requirements if—
“(A)
the State or local governmental authority applies for the payment;
“(B)
the Secretary approves the payment; and
“(C)
before the State or local governmental authority carries out the part of the project, the Secretary approves the plans and specifications for the part in the same way as other projects under this section.
“(2)

Financing costs.
“(A)

In general.
The cost of carrying out part of a project includes the amount of interest earned and payable on bonds issued by the State or local governmental authority to the extent proceeds of the bonds are expended in carrying out the part.
“(B)

Limitation on amount of interest.
The amount of interest under this paragraph may not be more than the most favorable interest terms reasonably available for the project at the time of borrowing.
“(C)

Certification.
The applicant shall certify, in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary, that the applicant has shown reasonable diligence in seeking the most favorable financing terms.
“(n)

Availability of Amounts.
“(1)

In general.
An amount made available or appropriated for a new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity improvement project shall remain available to that project for 5 fiscal years, including the fiscal year in which the amount is made available or appropriated. Any amounts that are unobligated to the project at the end of the 5-fiscal-year period may be used by the Secretary for any purpose under this section.
“(2)

Use of deobligated amounts.
An amount available under this section that is deobligated may be used for any purpose under this section.
“(o)

Reports on New Fixed Guideway and Core Capacity Improvement Projects.
“(1)

Annual report on funding recommendations.
Not later than the first Monday in February of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that includes—
“(A)
a proposal of allocations of amounts to be available to finance grants for projects under this section among applicants for these amounts;
“(B)
evaluations and ratings, as required under subsections (d), (e), and (i), for each such project that is in project development, engineering, or has received a full funding grant agreement; and
“(C)
recommendations of such projects for funding based on the evaluations and ratings and on existing commitments and anticipated funding levels for the next 3 fiscal years based on information currently available to the Secretary.
“(2)

Reports on before and after studies.
Not later than the first Monday in August of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the committees described in paragraph (1) a report containing a summary of the results of any studies conducted under subsection (k)(2)(E).
“(3)

Biennial gao review.
The Comptroller General of the United States shall—
“(A)
conduct a biennial review of—
“(i)
the processes and procedures for evaluating, rating, and recommending new fixed guideway capital projects and core capacity improvement projects; and
“(ii)
the Secretary’s implementation of such processes and procedures; and
“(B)
report to Congress on the results of such review by May 31 of each year.”
.
SEC. 20009.

MOBILITY OF SENIORS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.
Section 5310 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5310.

Formula grants for the enhanced mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities
“(a)

Definitions.
In this section, the following definitions shall apply:
“(1)

Recipient.
The term ‘recipient’ means a designated recipient or a State that receives a grant under this section directly.
“(2)

Subrecipient.
The term ‘subrecipient’ means a State or local governmental authority, a private nonprofit organization, or an operator of public transportation that receives a grant under this section indirectly through a recipient.
“(b)

General Authority.
“(1)

Grants.
The Secretary may make grants under this section to recipients for—
“(A)
public transportation projects planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities when public transportation is insufficient, inappropriate, or unavailable;
“(B)
public transportation projects that exceed the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);
“(C)
public transportation projects that improve access to fixed route service and decrease reliance by individuals with disabilities on complementary paratransit; and
“(D)
alternatives to public transportation that assist seniors and individuals with disabilities with transportation.
“(2)

Limitations for capital projects.
“(A)

Amount available.
The amount available for capital projects under paragraph (1)(A) shall be not less than 55 percent of the funds apportioned to the recipient under this section.
“(B)

Allocation to subrecipients.
A recipient of a grant under paragraph (1)(A) may allocate the amounts provided under the grant to—
“(i)
a private nonprofit organization; or
“(ii)
a State or local governmental authority that—
“(I)
is approved by a State to coordinate services for seniors and individuals with disabilities; or
“(II)
certifies that there are no private nonprofit organizations readily available in the area to provide the services described in paragraph (1)(A).
“(3)

Administrative expenses.
A recipient may use not more than 10 percent of the amounts apportioned to the recipient under this section to administer, plan, and provide technical assistance for a project funded under this section.
“(4)

Eligible capital expenses.
The acquisition of public transportation services is an eligible capital expense under this section.
“(5)

Coordination.
“(A)

Department of transportation.
To the maximum extent feasible, the Secretary shall coordinate activities under this section with related activities under other Federal departments and agencies.
“(B)

Other federal agencies and nonprofit organizations.
A State or local governmental authority or nonprofit organization that receives assistance from Government sources (other than the Department of Transportation) for nonemergency transportation services shall—
“(i)
participate and coordinate with recipients of assistance under this chapter in the design and delivery of transportation services; and
“(ii)
participate in the planning for the transportation services described in clause (i).
“(6)

Program of projects.
“(A)

In general.
Amounts made available to carry out this section may be used for transportation projects to assist in providing transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, if such transportation projects are included in a program of projects.
“(B)

Submission.
A recipient shall annually submit a program of projects to the Secretary.
“(C)

Assurance.
The program of projects submitted under subparagraph (B) shall contain an assurance that the program provides for the maximum feasible coordination of transportation services assisted under this section with transportation services assisted by other Government sources.
“(7)

Meal delivery for homebound individuals.
A public transportation service provider that receives assistance under this section or section 5311(c) may coordinate and assist in regularly providing meal delivery service for homebound individuals, if the delivery service does not conflict with providing public transportation service or reduce service to public transportation passengers.
“(c)

Apportionment and Transfers.
“(1)

Formula.
The Secretary shall apportion amounts made available to carry out this section as follows:
“(A)

Large urbanized areas.
Sixty percent of the funds shall be apportioned among designated recipients for urbanized areas with a population of 200,000 or more individuals, as determined by the Bureau of the Census, in the ratio that—
“(i)
the number of seniors and individuals with disabilities in each such urbanized area; bears to
“(ii)
the number of seniors and individuals with disabilities in all such urbanized areas.
“(B)

Small urbanized areas.
Twenty percent of the funds shall be apportioned among the States in the ratio that—
“(i)
the number of seniors and individuals with disabilities in urbanized areas with a population of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as determined by the Bureau of the Census, in each State; bears to
“(ii)
the number of seniors and individuals with disabilities in urbanized areas with a population of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as determined by the Bureau of the Census, in all States.
“(C)

Rural areas.
Twenty percent of the funds shall be apportioned among the States in the ratio that—
“(i)
the number of seniors and individuals with disabilities in rural areas in each State; bears to
“(ii)
the number of seniors and individuals with disabilities in rural areas in all States.
“(2)

Areas served by projects.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B)—
“(i)
funds apportioned under paragraph (1)(A) shall be used for projects serving urbanized areas with a population of 200,000 or more individuals, as determined by the Bureau of the Census;
“(ii)
funds apportioned under paragraph (1)(B) shall be used for projects serving urbanized areas with a population of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as determined by the Bureau of the Census; and
“(iii)
funds apportioned under paragraph (1)(C) shall be used for projects serving rural areas.
“(B)

Exceptions.
A State may use funds apportioned to the State under subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1)—
“(i)
for a project serving an area other than an area specified in subparagraph (A)(ii) or (A)(iii), as the case may be, if the Governor of the State certifies that all of the objectives of this section are being met in the area specified in subparagraph (A)(ii) or (A)(iii); or
“(ii)
for a project anywhere in the State, if the State has established a statewide program for meeting the objectives of this section.
“(C)

Limited to eligible projects.
Any funds transferred pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be made available only for eligible projects selected under this section.
“(D)

Consultation.
A recipient may transfer an amount under subparagraph (B) only after consulting with responsible local officials, publicly owned operators of public transportation, and nonprofit providers in the area for which the amount was originally apportioned.
“(d)

Government Share of Costs.
“(1)

Capital projects.
A grant for a capital project under this section shall be in an amount equal to 80 percent of the net capital costs of the project, as determined by the Secretary.
“(2)

Operating assistance.
A grant made under this section for operating assistance may not exceed an amount equal to 50 percent of the net operating costs of the project, as determined by the Secretary.
“(3)

Remainder of net costs.
The remainder of the net costs of a project carried out under this section—
“(A)
may be provided from an undistributed cash surplus, a replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, a service agreement with a State or local social service agency or a private social service organization, or new capital; and
“(B)
may be derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available—
“(i)
to a department or agency of the Government (other than the Department of Transportation) that are eligible to be expended for transportation; or
“(ii)
to carry out the Federal lands highways program under section 204 of title 23.
“(4)

Use of certain funds.
For purposes of paragraph (3)(B)(i), the prohibition under section 403(a)(5)(C)(vii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(5)(C)(vii)) on the use of grant funds for matching requirements shall not apply to Federal or State funds to be used for transportation purposes.
“(e)

Grant Requirements.
“(1)

In general.
A grant under this section shall be subject to the same requirements as a grant under section 5307, to the extent the Secretary determines appropriate.
“(2)

Certification requirements.
“(A)

Project selection and plan development.
Before receiving a grant under this section, each recipient shall certify that—
“(i)
the projects selected by the recipient are included in a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan;
“(ii)
the plan described in clause (i) was developed and approved through a process that included participation by seniors, individuals with disabilities, representatives of public, private, and nonprofit transportation and human services providers, and other members of the public; and
“(iii)
to the maximum extent feasible, the services funded under this section will be coordinated with transportation services assisted by other Federal departments and agencies, including any transportation activities carried out by a recipient of a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services.
“(B)

Allocations to subrecipients.
If a recipient allocates funds received under this section to subrecipients, the recipient shall certify that the funds are allocated on a fair and equitable basis.
“(f)

Competitive Process for Grants to Subrecipients.
“(1)

Areawide solicitations.
A recipient of funds apportioned under subsection (c)(1)(A) may conduct, in cooperation with the appropriate metropolitan planning organization, an areawide solicitation for applications for grants under this section.
“(2)

Statewide solicitations.
A recipient of funds apportioned under subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection (c)(1) may conduct a statewide solicitation for applications for grants under this section.
“(3)

Application.
If the recipient elects to engage in a competitive process, a recipient or subrecipient seeking to receive a grant from funds apportioned under subsection (c) shall submit to the recipient making the election an application in such form and in accordance with such requirements as the recipient making the election shall establish.
“(g)

Transfers of Facilities and Equipment.
A recipient may transfer a facility or equipment acquired using a grant under this section to any other recipient eligible to receive assistance under this chapter, if—
“(1)
the recipient in possession of the facility or equipment consents to the transfer; and
“(2)
the facility or equipment will continue to be used as required under this section.
“(h)

Performance Measures.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives making recommendations on the establishment of performance measures for grants under this section. Such report shall be developed in consultation with national nonprofit organizations that provide technical assistance and advocacy on issues related to transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“(2)

Measures.
The performance measures to be considered in the report under paragraph (1) shall require the collection of quantitative and qualitative information, as available, concerning—
“(A)
modifications to the geographic coverage of transportation service, the quality of transportation service, or service times that increase the availability of transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities;
“(B)
ridership;
“(C)
accessibility improvements; and
“(D)
other measures, as the Secretary determines is appropriate.”
.
SEC. 20010.

FORMULA GRANTS FOR RURAL AREAS.
Section 5311 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5311.

Formula grants for rural areas
“(a)

Definitions.
As used in this section, the following definitions shall apply:
“(1)

Recipient.
The term ‘recipient’ means a State or Indian tribe that receives a Federal transit program grant directly from the Government.
“(2)

Subrecipient.
The term ‘subrecipient’ means a State or local governmental authority, a nonprofit organization, or an operator of public transportation or intercity bus service that receives Federal transit program grant funds indirectly through a recipient.
“(b)

General Authority.
“(1)

Grants authorized.
Except as provided by paragraph (2), the Secretary may award grants under this section to recipients located in rural areas for—
“(A)
planning, provided that a grant under this section for planning activities shall be in addition to funding awarded to a State under section 5305 for planning activities that are directed specifically at the needs of rural areas in the State;
“(B)
public transportation capital projects;
“(C)
operating costs of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation;
“(D)
job access and reverse commute projects; and
“(E)
the acquisition of public transportation services, including service agreements with private providers of public transportation service.
“(2)

State program.
“(A)

In general.
A project eligible for a grant under this section shall be included in a State program for public transportation service projects, including agreements with private providers of public transportation service.
“(B)

Submission to secretary.
Each State shall submit to the Secretary annually the program described in subparagraph (A).
“(C)

Approval.
The Secretary may not approve the program unless the Secretary determines that—
“(i)
the program provides a fair distribution of amounts in the State, including Indian reservations; and
“(ii)
the program provides the maximum feasible coordination of public transportation service assisted under this section with transportation service assisted by other Federal sources.
“(3)

Rural transportation assistance program.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall carry out a rural transportation assistance program in rural areas.
“(B)

Grants and contracts.
In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary may use not more than 2 percent of the amount made available under section 5338(a)(2)(E) to make grants and contracts for transportation research, technical assistance, training, and related support services in rural areas.
“(C)

Projects of a national scope.
Not more than 15 percent of the amounts available under subparagraph (B) may be used by the Secretary to carry out competitively selected projects of a national scope, with the remaining balance provided to the States.
“(4)

Data collection.
Each recipient under this section shall submit an annual report to the Secretary containing information on capital investment, operations, and service provided with funds received under this section, including—
“(A)
total annual revenue;
“(B)
sources of revenue;
“(C)
total annual operating costs;
“(D)
total annual capital costs;
“(E)
fleet size and type, and related facilities;
“(F)
vehicle revenue miles; and
“(G)
ridership.
“(c)

Apportionments.
“(1)

Public transportation on indian reservations.
Of the amounts made available or appropriated for each fiscal year pursuant to section 5338(a)(2)(E) to carry out this paragraph, the following amounts shall be apportioned each fiscal year for grants to Indian tribes for any purpose eligible under this section, under such terms and conditions as may be established by the Secretary:
“(A)
$5,000,000 shall be distributed on a competitive basis by the Secretary.
“(B)
$25,000,000 shall be apportioned as formula grants, as provided in subsection (j).
“(2)

Appalachian development public transportation assistance program.
“(A)

Definitions.
In this paragraph—
“(i)
the term ‘Appalachian region’ has the same meaning as in section 14102 of title 40; and
“(ii)
the term ‘eligible recipient’ means a State that participates in a program established under subtitle IV of title 40.
“(B)

In general.
The Secretary shall carry out a public transportation assistance program in the Appalachian region.
“(C)

Apportionment.
Of amounts made available or appropriated for each fiscal year under section 5338(a)(2)(E) to carry out this paragraph, the Secretary shall apportion funds to eligible recipients for any purpose eligible under this section, based on the guidelines established under section 9.5(b) of the Appalachian Regional Commission Code.
“(D)

Special rule.
An eligible recipient may use amounts that cannot be used for operating expenses under this paragraph for a highway project if—
“(i)
that use is approved, in writing, by the eligible recipient after appropriate notice and an opportunity for comment and appeal are provided to affected public transportation providers; and
“(ii)
the eligible recipient, in approving the use of amounts under this subparagraph, determines that the local transit needs are being addressed.
“(3)

Remaining amounts.
“(A)

In general.
The amounts made available or appropriated for each fiscal year pursuant to section 5338(a)(2)(E) that are not apportioned under paragraph (1) or (2) shall be apportioned in accordance with this paragraph.
“(B)

Apportionment based on land area and population in nonurbanized areas.
“(i)

In general.
83.15 percent of the amount described in subparagraph (A) shall be apportioned to the States in accordance with this subparagraph.
“(ii)

Land area.
“(I)

In general.
Subject to subclause (II), each State shall receive an amount that is equal to 20 percent of the amount apportioned under clause (i), multiplied by the ratio of the land area in rural areas in that State and divided by the land area in all rural areas in the United States, as shown by the most recent decennial census of population.
“(II)

Maximum apportionment.
No State shall receive more than 5 percent of the amount apportioned under subclause (I).
“(iii)

Population.
Each State shall receive an amount equal to 80 percent of the amount apportioned under clause (i), multiplied by the ratio of the population of rural areas in that State and divided by the population of all rural areas in the United States, as shown by the most recent decennial census of population.
“(C)

Apportionment based on land area, vehicle revenue miles, and low-income individuals in nonurbanized areas.
“(i)

In general.
16.85 percent of the amount described in subparagraph (A) shall be apportioned to the States in accordance with this subparagraph.
“(ii)

Land area.
Subject to clause (v), each State shall receive an amount that is equal to 29.68 percent of the amount apportioned under clause (i), multiplied by the ratio of the land area in rural areas in that State and divided by the land area in all rural areas in the United States, as shown by the most recent decennial census of population.
“(iii)

Vehicle revenue miles.
Subject to clause (v), each State shall receive an amount that is equal to 29.68 percent of the amount apportioned under clause (i), multiplied by the ratio of vehicle revenue miles in rural areas in that State and divided by the vehicle revenue miles in all rural areas in the United States, as determined by national transit database reporting.
“(iv)

Low-income individuals.
Each State shall receive an amount that is equal to 40.64 percent of the amount apportioned under clause (i), multiplied by the ratio of low-income individuals in rural areas in that State and divided by the number of low-income individuals in all rural areas in the United States, as shown by the Bureau of the Census.
“(v)

Maximum apportionment.
No State shall receive—
“(I)
more than 5 percent of the amount apportioned under clause (ii); or
“(II)
more than 5 percent of the amount apportioned under clause (iii).
“(d)

Use for Local Transportation Service.
A State may use an amount apportioned under this section for a project included in a program under subsection (b) of this section and eligible for assistance under this chapter if the project will provide local transportation service, as defined by the Secretary of Transportation, in a rural area.
“(e)

Use for Administration, Planning, and Technical Assistance.
The Secretary may allow a State to use not more than 10 percent of the amount apportioned under this section to administer this section and provide technical assistance to a subrecipient, including project planning, program and management development, coordination of public transportation programs, and research the State considers appropriate to promote effective delivery of public transportation to a rural area.
“(f)

Intercity Bus Transportation.
“(1)

In general.
A State shall expend at least 15 percent of the amount made available in each fiscal year to carry out a program to develop and support intercity bus transportation. Eligible activities under the program include—
“(A)
planning and marketing for intercity bus transportation;
“(B)
capital grants for intercity bus facilities;
“(C)
joint-use facilities;
“(D)
operating grants through purchase-of-service agreements, user-side subsidies, and demonstration projects; and
“(E)
coordinating rural connections between small public transportation operations and intercity bus carriers.
“(2)

Certification.
A State does not have to comply with paragraph (1) of this subsection in a fiscal year in which the Governor of the State certifies to the Secretary, after consultation with affected intercity bus service providers, that the intercity bus service needs of the State are being met adequately.
“(g)

Government Share of Costs.
“(1)

Capital projects.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided by subparagraph (B), a grant awarded under this section for a capital project or project administrative expenses shall be for 80 percent of the net costs of the project, as determined by the Secretary.
“(B)

Exception.
A State described in section 120(b) of title 23 shall receive a Government share of the net costs in accordance with the formula under that section.
“(2)

Operating assistance.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided by subparagraph (B), a grant made under this section for operating assistance may not exceed 50 percent of the net operating costs of the project, as determined by the Secretary.
“(B)

Exception.
A State described in section 120(b) of title 23 shall receive a Government share of the net operating costs equal to 62.5 percent of the Government share provided for under paragraph (1)(B).
“(3)

Remainder.
The remainder of net project costs—
“(A)
may be provided from an undistributed cash surplus, a replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, a service agreement with a State or local social service agency or a private social service organization, or new capital;
“(B)
may be derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to a department or agency of the Government (other than the Department of Transportation) that are eligible to be expended for transportation;
“(C)
notwithstanding subparagraph (B), may be derived from amounts made available to carry out the Federal lands highway program established by section 204 of title 23; and
“(D)
in the case of an intercity bus project that includes both feeder service and an unsubsidized segment of intercity bus service to which the feeder service connects, may be derived from the costs of a private operator for the unsubsidized segment of intercity bus service as an in-kind match for the operating costs of connecting rural intercity bus feeder service funded under subsection (f), if the private operator agrees in writing to the use of the costs of the private operator for the unsubsidized segment of intercity bus service as an in-kind match.
“(4)

Use of certain funds.
For purposes of paragraph (3)(B), the prohibitions on the use of funds for matching requirements under section 403(a)(5)(C)(vii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(5)(C)(vii)) shall not apply to Federal or State funds to be used for transportation purposes.
“(5)

Limitation on operating assistance.
A State carrying out a program of operating assistance under this section may not limit the level or extent of use of the Government grant for the payment of operating expenses.
“(h)

Transfer of Facilities and Equipment.
With the consent of the recipient currently having a facility or equipment acquired with assistance under this section, a State may transfer the facility or equipment to any recipient eligible to receive assistance under this chapter if the facility or equipment will continue to be used as required under this section.
“(i)

Relationship to Other Laws.
“(1)

In general.
Section 5333(b) applies to this section if the Secretary of Labor utilizes a special warranty that provides a fair and equitable arrangement to protect the interests of employees.
“(2)

Rule of construction.
This subsection does not affect or discharge a responsibility of the Secretary of Transportation under a law of the United States.
“(j)

Formula Grants for Public Transportation on Indian Reservations.
“(1)

Apportionment.
“(A)

In general.
Of the amounts described in subsection (c)(1)(B)—
“(i)
50 percent of the total amount shall be apportioned so that each Indian tribe providing public transportation service shall receive an amount equal to the total amount apportioned under this clause multiplied by the ratio of the number of vehicle revenue miles provided by an Indian tribe divided by the total number of vehicle revenue miles provided by all Indian tribes, as reported to the Secretary;
“(ii)
25 percent of the total amount shall be apportioned equally among each Indian tribe providing at least 200,000 vehicle revenue miles of public transportation service annually, as reported to the Secretary; and
“(iii)
25 percent of the total amount shall be apportioned among each Indian tribe providing public transportation on tribal lands (as defined by the Bureau of the Census) on which more than 1,000 low-income individuals reside (as determined by the Bureau of the Census) so that each Indian tribe shall receive an amount equal to the total amount apportioned under this clause multiplied by the ratio of the number of low-income individuals residing on an Indian tribe’s lands divided by the total number of low-income individuals on tribal lands on which more than 1,000 low-income individuals reside.
“(B)

Limitation.
No recipient shall receive more than $300,000 of the amounts apportioned under subparagraph (A)(iii) in a fiscal year.
“(C)

Remaining amounts.
Of the amounts made available under subparagraph (A)(iii), any amounts not apportioned under that subparagraph shall be allocated among Indian tribes receiving less than $300,000 in a fiscal year according to the formula specified in that clause.
“(D)

Low-income individuals.
For purposes of subparagraph (A)(iii), the term ‘low-income individual’ means an individual whose family income is at or below 100 percent of the poverty line, as that term is defined in section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)), including any revision required by that section, for a family of the size involved.
“(2)

Non-tribal service providers.
A recipient that is an Indian tribe may use funds apportioned under this subsection to finance public transportation services provided by a non-tribal provider of public transportation that connects residents of tribal lands with surrounding communities, improves access to employment or healthcare, or otherwise addresses the mobility needs of tribal members.”
.
SEC. 20011.

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND DEPLOYMENT PROJECTS.
Section 5312 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5312.

Research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects
“(a)

Research, Development, Demonstration, and Deployment Projects.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may make grants and enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other agreements for research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects, and evaluation of research and technology of national significance to public transportation, that the Secretary determines will improve public transportation.
“(2)

Agreements.
In order to carry out paragraph (1), the Secretary may make grants to and enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other agreements with—
“(A)
departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Government, including Federal laboratories;
“(B)
State and local governmental entities;
“(C)
providers of public transportation;
“(D)
private or non-profit organizations;
“(E)
institutions of higher education; and
“(F)
technical and community colleges.
“(3)

Application.
“(A)

In general.
To receive a grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or other agreement under this section, an entity described in paragraph (2) shall submit an application to the Secretary.
“(B)

Form and contents.
An application under subparagraph (A) shall be in such form and contain such information as the Secretary may require, including—
“(i)
a statement of purpose detailing the need being addressed;
“(ii)
the short- and long-term goals of the project, including opportunities for future innovation and development, the potential for deployment, and benefits to riders and public transportation; and
“(iii)
the short- and long-term funding requirements to complete the project and any future objectives of the project.
“(b)

Research.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may make a grant to or enter into a contract, cooperative agreement, or other agreement under this section with an entity described in subsection (a)(2) to carry out a public transportation research project that has as its ultimate goal the development and deployment of new and innovative ideas, practices, and approaches.
“(2)

Project eligibility.
A public transportation research project that receives assistance under paragraph (1) shall focus on—
“(A)
providing more effective and efficient public transportation service, including services to—
“(i)
seniors;
“(ii)
individuals with disabilities; and
“(iii)
low-income individuals;
“(B)
mobility management and improvements and travel management systems;
“(C)
data and communication system advancements;
“(D)
system capacity, including—
“(i)
train control;
“(ii)
capacity improvements; and
“(iii)
performance management;
“(E)
capital and operating efficiencies;
“(F)
planning and forecasting modeling and simulation;
“(G)
advanced vehicle design;
“(H)
advancements in vehicle technology;
“(I)
asset maintenance and repair systems advancement;
“(J)
construction and project management;
“(K)
alternative fuels;
“(L)
the environment and energy efficiency;
“(M)
safety improvements; or
“(N)
any other area that the Secretary determines is important to advance the interests of public transportation.
“(c)

Innovation and Development.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may make a grant to or enter into a contract, cooperative agreement, or other agreement under this section with an entity described in subsection (a)(2) to carry out a public transportation innovation and development project that seeks to improve public transportation systems nationwide in order to provide more efficient and effective delivery of public transportation services, including through technology and technological capacity improvements.
“(2)

Project eligibility.
A public transportation innovation and development project that receives assistance under paragraph (1) shall focus on—
“(A)
the development of public transportation research projects that received assistance under subsection (b) that the Secretary determines were successful;
“(B)
planning and forecasting modeling and simulation;
“(C)
capital and operating efficiencies;
“(D)
advanced vehicle design;
“(E)
advancements in vehicle technology;
“(F)
the environment and energy efficiency;
“(G)
system capacity, including train control and capacity improvements; or
“(H)
any other area that the Secretary determines is important to advance the interests of public transportation.
“(d)

Demonstration, Deployment, and Evaluation.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may, under terms and conditions that the Secretary prescribes, make a grant to or enter into a contract, cooperative agreement, or other agreement with an entity described in paragraph (2) to promote the early deployment and demonstration of innovation in public transportation that has broad applicability.
“(2)

Participants.
An entity described in this paragraph is—
“(A)
an entity described in subsection (a)(2); or
“(B)
a consortium of entities described in subsection (a)(2), including a provider of public transportation, that will share the costs, risks, and rewards of early deployment and demonstration of innovation.
“(3)

Project eligibility.
A project that receives assistance under paragraph (1) shall seek to build on successful research, innovation, and development efforts to facilitate—
“(A)
the deployment of research and technology development resulting from private efforts or Federally funded efforts; and
“(B)
the implementation of research and technology development to advance the interests of public transportation.
“(4)

Evaluation.
Not later than 2 years after the date on which a project receives assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the success or failure of the projects funded under this subsection and any plan for broad-based implementation of the innovation promoted by successful projects.
“(5)

Low or no emission vehicle deployment.
“(A)

Definitions.
In this paragraph, the following definitions shall apply:
“(i)

Eligible area.
The term ‘eligible area’ means an area that is—
“(I)
designated as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide under section 107(d) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7407(d)); or
“(II)
a maintenance area, as defined in section 5303, for ozone or carbon monoxide.
“(ii)

Eligible project.
The term ‘eligible project’ means a project or program of projects in an eligible area for—
“(I)
acquiring or leasing low or no emission vehicles;
“(II)
constructing or leasing facilities and related equipment for low or no emission vehicles;
“(III)
constructing new public transportation facilities to accommodate low or no emission vehicles; or
“(IV)
rehabilitating or improving existing public transportation facilities to accommodate low or no emission vehicles.
“(iii)

Direct carbon emissions.
The term ‘direct carbon emissions’ means the quantity of direct greenhouse gas emissions from a vehicle, as determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
“(iv)

Low or no emission bus.
The term ‘low or no emission bus’ means a bus that is a low or no emission vehicle.
“(v)

Low or no emission vehicle.
The term ‘low or no emission vehicle’ means—
“(I)
a passenger vehicle used to provide public transportation that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has certified sufficiently reduces energy consumption or reduces harmful emissions, including direct carbon emissions, when compared to a comparable standard vehicle; or
“(II)
a zero emission bus used to provide public transportation.
“(vi)

Recipient.
The term ‘recipient’ means—
“(I)
for an eligible area that is an urbanized area with a population of fewer than 200,000 individuals, as determined by the Bureau of the Census, the State in which the eligible area is located; and
“(II)
for an eligible area not described in subparagraph (A), the designated recipient for the eligible area.
“(vii)

Zero emission bus.
The term ‘zero emission bus’ means a low or no emission bus that produces no carbon or particulate matter.
“(B)

Authority.
The Secretary may make grants to recipients to finance eligible projects under this paragraph.
“(C)

Grant requirements.
“(i)

In general.
A grant under this paragraph shall be subject to the requirements of section 5307.
“(ii)

Government share of costs for certain projects.
Section 5323(j) applies to projects carried out under this paragraph, unless the grant recipient requests a lower grant percentage.
“(iii)

Combination of funding sources.
“(I)

Combination permitted.
A project carried out under this paragraph may receive funding under section 5307, or any other provision of law.
“(II)

Government share.
Nothing in this clause may be construed to alter the Government share required under this section, section 5307, or any other provision of law.
“(D)

Minimum amounts.
Of amounts made available by or appropriated under section 5338(b) in each fiscal year to carry out this paragraph—
“(i)
not less than 65 percent shall be made available to fund eligible projects relating to low or no emission buses; and
“(ii)
not less than 10 percent shall be made available for eligible projects relating to facilities and related equipment for low or no emission buses.
“(E)

Competitive process.
The Secretary shall solicit grant applications and make grants for eligible projects on a competitive basis.
“(F)

Priority consideration.
In making grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to projects relating to low or no emission buses that make greater reductions in energy consumption and harmful emissions, including direct carbon emissions, than comparable standard buses or other low or no emission buses.
“(G)

Availability of funds.
Any amounts made available or appropriated to carry out this paragraph—
“(i)
shall remain available to an eligible project for 2 years after the fiscal year for which the amount is made available or appropriated; and
“(ii)
that remain unobligated at the end of the period described in clause (i) shall be added to the amount made available to an eligible project in the following fiscal year.
“(e)

Annual Report on Research.
Not later than the first Monday in February of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that includes—
“(1)
a description of each project that received assistance under this section during the preceding fiscal year;
“(2)
an evaluation of each project described in paragraph (1), including any evaluation conducted under subsection (d)(4) for the preceding fiscal year; and
“(3)
a proposal for allocations of amounts for assistance under this section for the subsequent fiscal year.
“(f)

Government Share of Costs.
“(1)

In general.
The Government share of the cost of a project carried out under this section shall not exceed 80 percent.
“(2)

Non-government share.
The non-Government share of the cost of a project carried out under this section may be derived from in-kind contributions.
“(3)

Financial benefit.
If the Secretary determines that there would be a clear and direct financial benefit to an entity under a grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or other agreement under this section, the Secretary shall establish a Government share of the costs of the project to be carried out under the grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or other agreement that is consistent with the benefit.”
.
SEC. 20012.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT.
Section 5314 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5314.

Technical assistance and standards development
“(a)

Technical Assistance and Standards Development.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may make grants and enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other agreements (including agreements with departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Government) to carry out activities that the Secretary determines will assist recipients of assistance under this chapter to—
“(A)
more effectively and efficiently provide public transportation service;
“(B)
administer funds received under this chapter in compliance with Federal law; and
“(C)
improve public transportation.
“(2)

Eligible activities.
The activities carried out under paragraph (1) may include—
“(A)
technical assistance; and
“(B)
the development of voluntary and consensus-based standards and best practices by the public transportation industry, including standards and best practices for safety, fare collection, Intelligent Transportation Systems, accessibility, procurement, security, asset management to maintain a state of good repair, operations, maintenance, vehicle propulsion, communications, and vehicle electronics.
“(b)

Technical Assistance.
The Secretary, through a competitive bid process, may enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other agreements with national nonprofit organizations that have the appropriate demonstrated capacity to provide public transportation-related technical assistance under this section. The Secretary may enter into such contracts, cooperative agreements, and other agreements to assist providers of public transportation to—
“(1)
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) through technical assistance, demonstration programs, research, public education, and other activities related to complying with such Act;
“(2)
comply with human services transportation coordination requirements and to enhance the coordination of Federal resources for human services transportation with those of the Department of Transportation through technical assistance, training, and support services related to complying with such requirements;
“(3)
meet the transportation needs of elderly individuals;
“(4)
increase transit ridership in coordination with metropolitan planning organizations and other entities through development around public transportation stations through technical assistance and the development of tools, guidance, and analysis related to market-based development around transit stations;
“(5)
address transportation equity with regard to the effect that transportation planning, investment and operations have for low-income and minority individuals; and
“(6)
any other technical assistance activity that the Secretary determines is necessary to advance the interests of public transportation.
“(c)

Annual Report on Technical Assistance.
Not later than the first Monday in February of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that includes—
“(1)
a description of each project that received assistance under this section during the preceding fiscal year;
“(2)
an evaluation of the activities carried out by each organization that received assistance under this section during the preceding fiscal year; and
“(3)
a proposal for allocations of amounts for assistance under this section for the subsequent fiscal year.
“(d)

Government Share of Costs.
“(1)

In general.
The Government share of the cost of an activity carried out using a grant under this section may not exceed 80 percent.
“(2)

Non-government share.
The non-Government share of the cost of an activity carried out using a grant under this section may be derived from in-kind contributions.”
.
SEC. 20013.

PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION.
(a)

In General.—
Section 5315 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5315.

Private sector participation
“(a)

General Purposes.
In the interest of fulfilling the general purposes of this chapter under section 5301(b), the Secretary shall—
“(1)
better coordinate public and private sector-provided public transportation services;
“(2)
promote more effective utilization of private sector expertise, financing, and operational capacity to deliver costly and complex new fixed guideway capital projects; and
“(3)
promote transparency and public understanding of public-private partnerships affecting public transportation.
“(b)

Actions to Promote Better Coordination Between Public and Private Sector Providers of Public Transportation.
The Secretary shall—
“(1)
provide technical assistance to recipients of Federal transit grant assistance, at the request of a recipient, on practices and methods to best utilize private providers of public transportation; and
“(2)
educate recipients of Federal transit grant assistance on laws and regulations under this chapter that impact private providers of public transportation.
“(c)

Actions to Provide Technical Assistance for Alternative Project Delivery Methods.
Upon request by a sponsor of a new fixed guideway capital project, the Secretary shall—
“(1)
identify best practices for public-private partnerships models in the United States and in other countries;
“(2)
develop standard public-private partnership transaction model contracts; and
“(3)
perform financial assessments that include the calculation of public and private benefits of a proposed public-private partnership transaction.”
.
(b)
[49 U.S.C. 5315 note]

Public-private Partnership Procedures and Approaches.—
(1)

Identify impediments.—
The Secretary shall—
(A)
except as provided in paragraph (6), identify any provisions of chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, and any regulations or practices thereunder, that impede greater use of public-private partnerships and private investment in public transportation capital projects; and
(B)
develop and implement on a project basis procedures and approaches that—
(i)
address such impediments in a manner similar to the Special Experimental Project Number 15 of the Federal Highway Administration (commonly referred to as “SEP-15”); and
(ii)
protect the public interest and any public investment in public transportation capital projects that involve public-private partnerships or private investment in public transportation capital projects.
(2)

Transparency.—
The Secretary shall develop guidance to promote greater transparency and public access to public-private partnership agreements involving recipients of Federal assistance under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, including—
(A)
any conflict of interest involving any party involved in the public-private partnership;
(B)
tax and financing aspects related to a public-private partnership agreement;
(C)
changes in the workforce and wages, benefits, or rules as a result of a public-private partnership;
(D)
estimates of the revenue or savings the public-private partnership will produce for the private entity and public entity;
(E)
any impacts on other developments and transportation modes as a result of non-compete clauses contained in public-private partnership agreements; and
(F)
any other issues the Secretary believes will increase transparency of public-private partnership agreements and protect the public interest.
(3)

Assessment.—
In developing and implementing the guidance under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall encourage project sponsors to conduct assessments to determine whether use of a public-private partnership represents a better public and financial benefit than a similar transaction using public funding or public project delivery.
(4)

Report.—
Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the status of the procedures, approaches, and guidance developed and implemented under paragraphs (1) and (2).
(5)

Rulemaking.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue rules to carry out the procedures and approaches developed under paragraph (1).
(6)

Rule of construction.—
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to allow the Secretary to waive any requirement under—
(A)
section 5333 of title 49, United States Code;
(B)
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); or
(C)
any other provision of Federal law.
(c)

Contracting Out Study.—
(1)

In general.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a comprehensive report on the effect of contracting out public transportation operations and administrative functions on cost, availability and level of service, efficiency, and quality of service.
(2)

Considerations.—
In developing the report, the Comptroller General shall consider—
(A)
the number of grant recipients that have contracted out services and the types of public transportation services that are performed under contract, including paratransit service, fixed route bus service, commuter rail operations, and administrative functions;
(B)
the size of the populations served by such grant recipients;
(C)
the basis for decisions regarding contracting out such services;
(D)
comparative costs of providing service under contract to providing the same service through public transit agency employees, using to the greatest extent possible a standard cost allocation model;
(E)
the extent of unionization among privately contracted employees;
(F)
the impact to wages and benefits of employees when publicly provided public transportation services are contracted out to a private for-profit entity;
(G)
the level of transparency and public access to agreements and contracts related to contracted out public transportation services;
(H)
the extent of Federal law, regulations and guidance prohibiting any conflicts of interest for contractor employees and businesses;
(I)
the extent to which grant recipients evaluate contracted out services before selecting them and the extent to which grant recipients conduct oversight of those services; and
(J)
barriers to contracting out public transportation operations and administrative functions.
(d)
[49 U.S.C. 5303 note]

Guidance on Documenting Compliance.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register policy guidance regarding how to best document compliance by recipients of Federal assistance under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, with the requirements regarding private enterprise participation in public transportation planning and transportation improvement programs under sections 5303(i)(6), 5306(a), and 5307(b) of such title 49.
SEC. 20014.

BUS TESTING FACILITIES.
Section 5318 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
“(e)

Acquiring New Bus Models.
“(1)

In general.
Amounts appropriated or otherwise made available under this chapter may be obligated or expended to acquire a new bus model only if—
“(A)
a bus of that model has been tested at a facility authorized under subsection (a); and
“(B)
the bus tested under subparagraph (A) met—
“(i)
performance standards for maintainability, reliability, performance (including braking performance), structural integrity, fuel economy, emissions, and noise, as established by the Secretary by rule; and
“(ii)
the minimum safety performance standards established by the Secretary pursuant to section 5329(b).
“(2)

Bus test ‘pass/fail’ standard.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall issue a final rule under subparagraph (B)(i). The final rule issued under paragraph (B)(i) shall include a bus model scoring system that results in a weighted, aggregate score that uses the testing categories under subsection (a) and considers the relative importance of each such testing category. The final rule issued under subparagraph (B)(i) shall establish a ‘pass/fail’ standard that uses the aggregate score described in the preceding sentence. Amounts appropriated or otherwise made available under this chapter may be obligated or expended to acquire a new bus model only if the new bus model has received a passing aggregate test score. The Secretary shall work with the bus testing facility, bus manufacturers, and transit agencies to develop the bus model scoring system under this paragraph. A passing aggregate test score under the rule issued under subparagraph (B)(i) indicates only that amounts appropriated or made available under this chapter may be obligated or expended to acquire a new bus model and shall not be interpreted as a warranty or guarantee that the new bus model will meet a purchaser’s specific requirements.”
.
SEC. 20015.

HUMAN RESOURCES AND TRAINING.
Section 5322 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5322.

Human resources and training
“(a)

In General.
The Secretary may undertake, or make grants and contracts for, programs that address human resource needs as they apply to public transportation activities. A program may include—
“(1)
an employment training program;
“(2)
an outreach program to increase minority and female employment in public transportation activities;
“(3)
research on public transportation personnel and training needs; and
“(4)
training and assistance for minority business opportunities.
“(b)

Innovative Public Transportation Workforce Development Program.
“(1)

Program established.
The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant program to assist the development of innovative activities eligible for assistance under subsection (a).
“(2)

Selection of recipients.
To the maximum extent feasible, the Secretary shall select recipients that—
“(A)
are geographically diverse;
“(B)
address the workforce and human resources needs of large public transportation providers;
“(C)
address the workforce and human resources needs of small public transportation providers;
“(D)
address the workforce and human resources needs of urban public transportation providers;
“(E)
address the workforce and human resources needs of rural public transportation providers;
“(F)
advance training related to maintenance of alternative energy, energy efficiency, or zero emission vehicles and facilities used in public transportation;
“(G)
target areas with high rates of unemployment; and
“(H)
address current or projected workforce shortages in areas that require technical expertise.
“(c)

Government’s Share of Costs.
The Government share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under subsection (a) or (b) shall be 50 percent.
“(d)

National Transit Institute.
“(1)

Establishment.
The Secretary shall establish a national transit institute and award grants to a public 4-year degree-granting institution of higher education, as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)), in order to carry out the duties of the institute.
“(2)

Duties.
“(A)

In general.
In cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration, State transportation departments, public transportation authorities, and national and international entities, the institute established under paragraph (1) shall develop and conduct training and educational programs for Federal, State, and local transportation employees, United States citizens, and foreign nationals engaged or to be engaged in Government-aid public transportation work.
“(B)

Training and educational programs.
The training and educational programs developed under subparagraph (A) may include courses in recent developments, techniques, and procedures related to—
“(i)
intermodal and public transportation planning;
“(ii)
management;
“(iii)
environmental factors;
“(iv)
acquisition and joint use rights-of-way;
“(v)
engineering and architectural design;
“(vi)
procurement strategies for public transportation systems;
“(vii)
turnkey approaches to delivering public transportation systems;
“(viii)
new technologies;
“(ix)
emission reduction technologies;
“(x)
ways to make public transportation accessible to individuals with disabilities;
“(xi)
construction, construction management, insurance, and risk management;
“(xii)
maintenance;
“(xiii)
contract administration;
“(xiv)
inspection;
“(xv)
innovative finance;
“(xvi)
workplace safety; and
“(xvii)
public transportation security.
“(3)

Providing education and training.
Education and training of Government, State, and local transportation employees under this subsection shall be provided—
“(A)
by the Secretary at no cost to the States and local governments for subjects that are a Government program responsibility; or
“(B)
when the education and training are paid under paragraph (4) of this subsection, by the State, with the approval of the Secretary, through grants and contracts with public and private agencies, other institutions, individuals, and the institute.
“(4)

Availability of amounts.
Not more than .5 percent of the amounts made available for a fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1991, to a State or public transportation authority in the State to carry out sections 5307 and 5309 of this title is available for expenditure by the State and public transportation authorities in the State, with the approval of the Secretary, to pay not more than 80 percent of the cost of tuition and direct educational expenses related to educating and training State and local transportation employees under this subsection.
“(e)

Report.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report concerning the measurable outcomes and impacts of the programs funded under subsections (a) and (b).”
.
SEC. 20016.

GENERAL PROVISIONS.
Section 5323 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5323.

General provisions
“(a)

Interests in Property.
“(1)

In general.
Financial assistance provided under this chapter to a State or a local governmental authority may be used to acquire an interest in, or to buy property of, a private company engaged in public transportation, for a capital project for property acquired from a private company engaged in public transportation after July 9, 1964, or to operate a public transportation facility or equipment in competition with, or in addition to, transportation service provided by an existing public transportation company, only if—
“(A)
the Secretary determines that such financial assistance is essential to a program of projects required under sections 5303, 5304, and 5306;
“(B)
the Secretary determines that the program provides for the participation of private companies engaged in public transportation to the maximum extent feasible; and
“(C)
just compensation under State or local law will be paid to the company for its franchise or property.
“(2)

Limitation.
A governmental authority may not use financial assistance of the United States Government to acquire land, equipment, or a facility used in public transportation from another governmental authority in the same geographic area.
“(b)

Relocation and Real Property Requirements.
The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.) shall apply to financial assistance for capital projects under this chapter.
“(c)

Consideration of Economic, Social, and Environmental Interests.
“(1)

Cooperation and consultation.
The Secretary shall cooperate and consult with the Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on each project that may have a substantial impact on the environment.
“(2)

Compliance with nepa.
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) shall apply to financial assistance for capital projects under this chapter.
“(d)

Condition on Charter Bus Transportation Service.
“(1)

Agreements.
Financial assistance under this chapter may be used to buy or operate a bus only if the applicant, governmental authority, or publicly owned operator that receives the assistance agrees that, except as provided in the agreement, the governmental authority or an operator of public transportation for the governmental authority will not provide charter bus transportation service outside the urban area in which it provides regularly scheduled public transportation service. An agreement shall provide for a fair arrangement the Secretary of Transportation considers appropriate to ensure that the assistance will not enable a governmental authority or an operator for a governmental authority to foreclose a private operator from providing intercity charter bus service if the private operator can provide the service.
“(2)

Violations.
“(A)

Investigations.
On receiving a complaint about a violation of the agreement required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall investigate and decide whether a violation has occurred.
“(B)

Enforcement of agreements.
If the Secretary decides that a violation has occurred, the Secretary shall correct the violation under terms of the agreement.
“(C)

Additional remedies.
In addition to any remedy specified in the agreement, the Secretary shall bar a recipient or an operator from receiving Federal transit assistance in an amount the Secretary considers appropriate if the Secretary finds a pattern of violations of the agreement.
“(e)

Bond Proceeds Eligible for Local Share.
“(1)

Use as local matching funds.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a recipient of assistance under section 5307, 5309, or 5337 may use the proceeds from the issuance of revenue bonds as part of the local matching funds for a capital project.
“(2)

Maintenance of effort.
The Secretary shall approve of the use of the proceeds from the issuance of revenue bonds for the remainder of the net project cost only if the Secretary finds that the aggregate amount of financial support for public transportation in the urbanized area provided by the State and affected local governmental authorities during the next 3 fiscal years, as programmed in the State transportation improvement program under section 5304, is not less than the aggregate amount provided by the State and affected local governmental authorities in the urbanized area during the preceding 3 fiscal years.
“(3)

Debt service reserve.
The Secretary may reimburse an eligible recipient for deposits of bond proceeds in a debt service reserve that the recipient establishes pursuant to section 5302(3)(J) from amounts made available to the recipient under section 5309.
“(f)

Schoolbus Transportation.
“(1)

Agreements.
Financial assistance under this chapter may be used for a capital project, or to operate public transportation equipment or a public transportation facility, only if the applicant agrees not to provide schoolbus transportation that exclusively transports students and school personnel in competition with a private schoolbus operator. This subsection does not apply—
“(A)
to an applicant that operates a school system in the area to be served and a separate and exclusive schoolbus program for the school system; and
“(B)
unless a private schoolbus operator can provide adequate transportation that complies with applicable safety standards at reasonable rates.
“(2)

Violations.
If the Secretary finds that an applicant, governmental authority, or publicly owned operator has violated the agreement required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall bar a recipient or an operator from receiving Federal transit assistance in an amount the Secretary considers appropriate.
“(g)

Buying Buses Under Other Laws.
Subsections (d) and (f) of this section apply to financial assistance to buy a bus under sections 133 and 142 of title 23.
“(h)

Grant and Loan Prohibitions.
A grant or loan may not be used to—
“(1)
pay ordinary governmental or nonproject operating expenses; or
“(2)
support a procurement that uses an exclusionary or discriminatory specification.
“(i)

Government Share of Costs for Certain Projects.
“(1)

Acquiring vehicles and vehicle-related equipment or facilities.
“(A)

Vehicles.
A grant for a project to be assisted under this chapter that involves acquiring vehicles for purposes of complying with or maintaining compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) or the Clean Air Act is for 85 percent of the net project cost.
“(B)

Vehicle-related equipment or facilities.
A grant for a project to be assisted under this chapter that involves acquiring vehicle-related equipment or facilities required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) or vehicle-related equipment or facilities (including clean fuel or alternative fuel vehicle-related equipment or facilities) for purposes of complying with or maintaining compliance with the Clean Air Act, is for 90 percent of the net project cost of such equipment or facilities attributable to compliance with those Acts. The Secretary shall have discretion to determine, through practicable administrative procedures, the costs of such equipment or facilities attributable to compliance with those Acts.
“(2)

Costs incurred by providers of public transportation by vanpool.
“(A)

Local matching share.
The local matching share provided by a recipient of assistance for a capital project under this chapter may include any amounts expended by a provider of public transportation by vanpool for the acquisition of rolling stock to be used by such provider in the recipient’s service area, excluding any amounts the provider may have received in Federal, State, or local government assistance for such acquisition.
“(B)

Use of revenues.
A private provider of public transportation by vanpool may use revenues it receives in the provision of public transportation service in the service area of a recipient of assistance under this chapter that are in excess of the provider’s operating costs for the purpose of acquiring rolling stock, if the private provider enters into a legally binding agreement with the recipient that requires the provider to use the rolling stock in the recipient’s service area.
“(C)

Definitions.
In this paragraph, the following definitions apply:
“(i)

Private provider of public transportation by vanpool.
The term ‘private provider of public transportation by vanpool’ means a private entity providing vanpool services in the service area of a recipient of assistance under this chapter using a commuter highway vehicle or vanpool vehicle.
“(ii)

Commuter highway vehicle; vanpool vehicle.
The term ‘commuter highway vehicle or vanpool vehicle’ means any vehicle—
“(I)
the seating capacity of which is at least 6 adults (not including the driver); and
“(II)
at least 80 percent of the mileage use of which can be reasonably expected to be for the purposes of transporting commuters in connection with travel between their residences and their place of employment.
“(j)

Buy America.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may obligate an amount that may be appropriated to carry out this chapter for a project only if the steel, iron, and manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States.
“(2)

Waiver.
The Secretary may waive paragraph (1) of this subsection if the Secretary finds that—
“(A)
applying paragraph (1) would be inconsistent with the public interest;
“(B)
the steel, iron, and goods produced in the United States are not produced in a sufficient and reasonably available amount or are not of a satisfactory quality;
“(C)
when procuring rolling stock (including train control, communication, and traction power equipment) under this chapter—
“(i)
the cost of components and subcomponents produced in the United States is more than 60 percent of the cost of all components of the rolling stock; and
“(ii)
final assembly of the rolling stock has occurred in the United States; or
“(D)
including domestic material will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent.
“(3)

Written waiver determination and annual report.
“(A)

Written determination.
Before issuing a waiver under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall—
“(i)
publish in the Federal Register and make publicly available in an easily identifiable location on the website of the Department of Transportation a detailed written explanation of the waiver determination; and
“(ii)
provide the public with a reasonable period of time for notice and comment.
“(B)

Annual report.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report listing any waiver issued under paragraph (2) during the preceding year.
“(4)

Labor costs for final assembly.
In this subsection, labor costs involved in final assembly are not included in calculating the cost of components.
“(5)

Waiver prohibited.
The Secretary may not make a waiver under paragraph (2) of this subsection for goods produced in a foreign country if the Secretary, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, decides that the government of that foreign country—
“(A)
has an agreement with the United States Government under which the Secretary has waived the requirement of this subsection; and
“(B)
has violated the agreement by discriminating against goods to which this subsection applies that are produced in the United States and to which the agreement applies.
“(6)

Penalty for mislabeling and misrepresentation.
A person is ineligible under subpart 9.4 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or any successor thereto, to receive a contract or subcontract made with amounts authorized under the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012 if a court or department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government decides the person intentionally—
“(A)
affixed a ‘Made in America’ label, or a label with an inscription having the same meaning, to goods sold in or shipped to the United States that are used in a project to which this subsection applies but not produced in the United States; or
“(B)
represented that goods described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph were produced in the United States.
“(7)

State requirements.
The Secretary may not impose any limitation on assistance provided under this chapter that restricts a State from imposing more stringent requirements than this subsection on the use of articles, materials, and supplies mined, produced, or manufactured in foreign countries in projects carried out with that assistance or restricts a recipient of that assistance from complying with those State-imposed requirements.
“(8)

Opportunity to correct inadvertent error.
The Secretary may allow a manufacturer or supplier of steel, iron, or manufactured goods to correct after bid opening any certification of noncompliance or failure to properly complete the certification (but not including failure to sign the certification) under this subsection if such manufacturer or supplier attests under penalty of perjury that such manufacturer or supplier submitted an incorrect certification as a result of an inadvertent or clerical error. The burden of establishing inadvertent or clerical error is on the manufacturer or supplier.
“(9)

Administrative review.
A party adversely affected by an agency action under this subsection shall have the right to seek review under section 702 of title 5.
“(k)

Participation of Governmental Agencies in Design and Delivery of Transportation Services.
Governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations that receive assistance from Government sources (other than the Department of Transportation) for nonemergency transportation services shall—
“(1)
participate and coordinate with recipients of assistance under this chapter in the design and delivery of transportation services; and
“(2)
be included in the planning for those services.
“(l)

Relationship to Other Laws.
“(1)

Fraud and false statements.
Section 1001 of title 18 applies to a certificate, submission, or statement provided under this chapter. The Secretary may terminate financial assistance under this chapter and seek reimbursement directly, or by offsetting amounts, available under this chapter if the Secretary determines that a recipient of such financial assistance has made a false or fraudulent statement or related act in connection with a Federal public transportation program.
“(2)

Political activities of nonsupervisory employees.
The provision of assistance under this chapter shall not be construed to require the application of chapter 15 of title 5 to any nonsupervisory employee of a public transportation system (or any other agency or entity performing related functions) to whom such chapter does not otherwise apply.
“(m)

Preaward and Postdelivery Review of Rolling Stock Purchases.
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations requiring a preaward and postdelivery review of a grant under this chapter to buy rolling stock to ensure compliance with Government motor vehicle safety requirements, subsection (j) of this section, and bid specifications requirements of grant recipients under this chapter. Under this subsection, independent inspections and review are required, and a manufacturer certification is not sufficient. Rolling stock procurements of 20 vehicles or fewer made for the purpose of serving rural areas and urbanized areas with populations of 200,000 or fewer shall be subject to the same requirements as established for procurements of 10 or fewer buses under the post-delivery purchaser’s requirements certification process under section 663.37(c) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
“(n)

Submission of Certifications.
A certification required under this chapter and any additional certification or assurance required by law or regulation to be submitted to the Secretary may be consolidated into a single document to be submitted annually as part of a grant application under this chapter. The Secretary shall publish annually a list of all certifications required under this chapter with the publication required under section 5336(d)(2).
“(o)

Grant Requirements.
The grant requirements under sections 5307, 5309, and 5337 apply to any project under this chapter that receives any assistance or other financing under chapter 6 (other than section 609) of title 23.
“(p)

Alternative Fueling Facilities.
A recipient of assistance under this chapter may allow the incidental use of federally funded alternative fueling facilities and equipment by nontransit public entities and private entities if—
“(1)
the incidental use does not interfere with the recipient’s public transportation operations;
“(2)
all costs related to the incidental use are fully recaptured by the recipient from the nontransit public entity or private entity;
“(3)
the recipient uses revenues received from the incidental use in excess of costs for planning, capital, and operating expenses that are incurred in providing public transportation; and
“(4)
private entities pay all applicable excise taxes on fuel.
“(q)

Corridor Preservation.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may assist a recipient in acquiring right-of-way before the completion of the environmental reviews for any project that may use the right-of-way if the acquisition is otherwise permitted under Federal law. The Secretary may establish restrictions on such an acquisition as the Secretary determines to be necessary and appropriate.
“(2)

Environmental reviews.
Right-of-way acquired under this subsection may not be developed in anticipation of the project until all required environmental reviews for the project have been completed.
“(r)

Reasonable Access to Public Transportation Facilities.
A recipient of assistance under this chapter may not deny reasonable access for a private intercity or charter transportation operator to federally funded public transportation facilities, including intermodal facilities, park and ride lots, and bus-only highway lanes. In determining reasonable access, capacity requirements of the recipient of assistance and the extent to which access would be detrimental to existing public transportation services must be considered.”
.
SEC. 20017.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM.
(a)

In General.—
Section 5324 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5324.

Public transportation emergency relief program
“(a)

Definition.
In this section the following definitions shall apply:
“(1)

Eligible operating costs.
The term ‘eligible operating costs’ means costs relating to—
“(A)
evacuation services;
“(B)
rescue operations;
“(C)
temporary public transportation service; or
“(D)
reestablishing, expanding, or relocating public transportation route service before, during, or after an emergency.
“(2)

Emergency.
The term ‘emergency’ means a natural disaster affecting a wide area (such as a flood, hurricane, tidal wave, earthquake, severe storm, or landslide) or a catastrophic failure from any external cause, as a result of which—
“(A)
the Governor of a State has declared an emergency and the Secretary has concurred; or
“(B)
the President has declared a major disaster under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170).
“(b)

General Authority.
The Secretary may make grants and enter into contracts and other agreements (including agreements with departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Government) for—
“(1)
capital projects to protect, repair, reconstruct, or replace equipment and facilities of a public transportation system operating in the United States or on an Indian reservation that the Secretary determines is in danger of suffering serious damage, or has suffered serious damage, as a result of an emergency; and
“(2)
eligible operating costs of public transportation equipment and facilities in an area directly affected by an emergency during—
“(A)
the 1-year period beginning on the date of a declaration described in subsection (a)(2); or
“(B)
if the Secretary determines there is a compelling need, the 2-year period beginning on the date of a declaration described in subsection (a)(2).
“(c)

Coordination of Emergency Funds.
“(1)

Use of funds.
Funds appropriated to carry out this section shall be in addition to any other funds available under this chapter.
“(2)

No effect on other government activity.
The provision of funds under this section shall not affect the ability of any other agency of the Government, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or a State agency, a local governmental entity, organization, or person, to provide any other funds otherwise authorized by law.
“(3)

Notification.
The Secretary shall notify the Secretary of Homeland Security of the purpose and amount of any grant made or contract or other agreement entered into under this section.
“(d)

Grant Requirements.
A grant awarded under this section or under section 5307 or 5311 that is made to address an emergency defined under subsection (a)(2) shall be—
“(1)
subject to the terms and conditions the Secretary determines are necessary; and
“(2)
made only for expenses that are not reimbursed under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
“(e)

Government Share of Costs.
“(1)

Capital projects and operating assistance.
A grant, contract, or other agreement for a capital project or eligible operating costs under this section shall be, at the option of the recipient, for not more than 80 percent of the net project cost, as determined by the Secretary.
“(2)

Non-federal share.
The remainder of the net project cost may be provided from an undistributed cash surplus, a replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, or new capital.
“(3)

Waiver.
The Secretary may waive, in whole or part, the non-Federal share required under—
“(A)
paragraph (2); or
“(B)
section 5307 or 5311, in the case of a grant made available under section 5307 or 5311, respectively, to address an emergency.”
.
(b)
[49 U.S.C. 5324 note]

Memorandum of Agreement.—
(1)

Purposes.—
The purposes of this subsection are—
(A)
to improve coordination between the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security; and
(B)
to expedite the provision of Federal assistance for public transportation systems for activities relating to a major disaster or emergency declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) (referred to in this subsection as a “major disaster or emergency”).
(2)

Agreement.—
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall enter into a memorandum of agreement to coordinate the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security in providing assistance for public transportation, including the provision of public transportation services and the repair and restoration of public transportation systems in areas for which the President has declared a major disaster or emergency.
(3)

Contents of agreement.—
The memorandum of agreement required under paragraph (2) shall—
(A)
provide for improved coordination and expeditious use of public transportation, as appropriate, in response to and recovery from a major disaster or emergency;
(B)
establish procedures to address—
(i)
issues that have contributed to delays in the reimbursement of eligible transportation-related expenses relating to a major disaster or emergency;
(ii)
any challenges identified in the review under paragraph (4); and
(iii)
the coordination of assistance for public transportation provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and section 5324 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act, as appropriate; and
(C)
provide for the development and distribution of clear guidelines for State, local, and tribal governments, including public transportation systems, relating to—
(i)
assistance available for public transportation systems for activities relating to a major disaster or emergency—
(I)
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act;
(II)
under section 5324 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act; and
(III)
from other sources, including other Federal agencies; and
(ii)
reimbursement procedures that speed the process of—
(I)
applying for assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and section 5324 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act; and
(II)
distributing assistance for public transportation systems under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and section 5324 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act.
(4)

After action review.—
Before entering into a memorandum of agreement under paragraph (2), the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Homeland Security (acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency), in consultation with State, local, and tribal governments (including public transportation systems) that have experienced a major disaster or emergency, shall review after action reports relating to major disasters, emergencies, and exercises, to identify areas where coordination between the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security and the provision of public transportation services should be improved.
(5)

Factors for declarations of major disasters and emergencies.—
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall make available to State, local, and tribal governments, including public transportation systems, a description of the factors that the President considers in declaring a major disaster or emergency, including any pre-disaster emergency declaration policies.
(6)

Briefings.—
(A)

Initial briefing.—
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall jointly brief the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the memorandum of agreement required under paragraph (2).
(B)

Quarterly briefings.—
Each quarter of the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Homeland Security enter into the memorandum of agreement required under paragraph (2), the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall jointly brief the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the implementation of the memorandum of agreement.
SEC. 20018.

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS.
Section 5325 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (e), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
“(1)

Contracts.
A recipient procuring rolling stock with Government financial assistance under this chapter may make a multiyear contract to buy the rolling stock and replacement parts under which the recipient has an option to buy additional rolling stock or replacement parts for—
“(A)
not more than 5 years after the date of the original contract for bus procurements; and
“(B)
not more than 7 years after the date of the original contract for rail procurements, provided that such option does not allow for significant changes or alterations to the rolling stock.”
.
(2)
in subsection (h), by striking “Federal Public Transportation Act of 2005” and inserting “Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012”;
(3)
in subsection (j)(2)(C), by striking “, including the performance reported in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reports required under section 5309(l)(2)”; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following:
“(k)

Veterans Employment.
Recipients and subrecipients of Federal financial assistance under this chapter shall ensure that contractors working on a capital project funded using such assistance give a hiring preference, to the extent practicable, to veterans (as defined in section 2108 of title 5) who have the requisite skills and abilities to perform the construction work required under the contract. This subsection shall not be understood, construed or enforced in any manner that would require an employer to give a preference to any veteran over any equally qualified applicant who is a member of any racial or ethnic minority, female, an individual with a disability, or a former employee.”
.
SEC. 20019.

TRANSIT ASSET MANAGEMENT.
Section 5326 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5326.

Transit asset management
“(a)

Definitions.
In this section the following definitions shall apply:
“(1)

Capital asset.
The term ‘capital asset’ includes equipment, rolling stock, infrastructure, and facilities for use in public transportation and owned or leased by a recipient or subrecipient of Federal financial assistance under this chapter.
“(2)

Transit asset management plan.
The term ‘transit asset management plan’ means a plan developed by a recipient of funding under this chapter that—
“(A)
includes, at a minimum, capital asset inventories and condition assessments, decision support tools, and investment prioritization; and
“(B)
the recipient certifies complies with the rule issued under this section.
“(3)

Transit asset management system.
The term ‘transit asset management system’ means a strategic and systematic process of operating, maintaining, and improving public transportation capital assets effectively throughout the life cycle of such assets.
“(b)

Transit Asset Management System.
The Secretary shall establish and implement a national transit asset management system, which shall include—
“(1)
a definition of the term ‘state of good repair’ that includes objective standards for measuring the condition of capital assets of recipients, including equipment, rolling stock, infrastructure, and facilities;
“(2)
a requirement that recipients and subrecipients of Federal financial assistance under this chapter develop a transit asset management plan;
“(3)
a requirement that each designated recipient of Federal financial assistance under this chapter report on the condition of the system of the recipient and provide a description of any change in condition since the last report;
“(4)
an analytical process or decision support tool for use by public transportation systems that—
“(A)
allows for the estimation of capital investment needs of such systems over time; and
“(B)
assists with asset investment prioritization by such systems; and
“(5)
technical assistance to recipients of Federal financial assistance under this chapter.
“(c)

Performance Measures and Targets.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall issue a final rule to establish performance measures based on the state of good repair standards established under subsection (b)(1).
“(2)

Targets.
Not later than 3 months after the date on which the Secretary issues a final rule under paragraph (1), and each fiscal year thereafter, each recipient of Federal financial assistance under this chapter shall establish performance targets in relation to the performance measures established by the Secretary.
“(3)

Reports.
Each designated recipient of Federal financial assistance under this chapter shall submit to the Secretary an annual report that describes—
“(A)
the progress of the recipient during the fiscal year to which the report relates toward meeting the performance targets established under paragraph (2) for that fiscal year; and
“(B)
the performance targets established by the recipient for the subsequent fiscal year.
“(d)

Rulemaking.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall issue a final rule to implement the transit asset management system described in subsection (b).”
.
SEC. 20020.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT.
Section 5327 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “United States” and all that follows through “Secretary of Transportation” and inserting the following: “Federal financial assistance for a major capital project for public transportation under this chapter or any other provision of Federal law, a recipient must prepare a project management plan approved by the Secretary and carry out the project in accordance with the project management plan”; and
(B)
in paragraph (12), by striking “each month” and inserting “quarterly”;
(2)
by striking subsections (c), (d), and (f);
(3)
by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
“(c)

Access to Sites and Records.
Each recipient of Federal financial assistance for public transportation under this chapter or any other provision of Federal law shall provide the Secretary and a contractor the Secretary chooses under section 5338(i) with access to the construction sites and records of the recipient when reasonably necessary.”
;
(4)
by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d); and
(5)
in subsection (d), as so redesignated—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking “subsection (c) of this section” and inserting “section 5338(i)”; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
by striking “preliminary engineering stage” and inserting “project development phase”; and
(ii)
by striking “another stage” and inserting “another phase”.
SEC. 20021.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SAFETY.
(a)

Public Transportation Safety Program.—
Section 5329 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5329.

Public transportation safety program
“(a)

Definition.
In this section, the term ‘recipient’ means a State or local governmental authority, or any other operator of a public transportation system, that receives financial assistance under this chapter.
“(b)

National Public Transportation Safety Plan.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall create and implement a national public transportation safety plan to improve the safety of all public transportation systems that receive funding under this chapter.
“(2)

Contents of plan.
The national public transportation safety plan under paragraph (1) shall include—
“(A)
safety performance criteria for all modes of public transportation;
“(B)
the definition of the term ‘state of good repair’ established under section 5326(b);
“(C)
minimum safety performance standards for public transportation vehicles used in revenue operations that—
“(i)
do not apply to rolling stock otherwise regulated by the Secretary or any other Federal agency; and
“(ii)
to the extent practicable, take into consideration—
“(I)
relevant recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board; and
“(II)
recommendations of, and best practices standards developed by, the public transportation industry; and
“(D)
a public transportation safety certification training program, as described in subsection (c).
“(c)

Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall establish a public transportation safety certification training program for Federal and State employees, or other designated personnel, who conduct safety audits and examinations of public transportation systems and employees of public transportation agencies directly responsible for safety oversight.
“(2)

Interim provisions.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall establish interim provisions for the certification and training of the personnel described in paragraph (1), which shall be in effect until the effective date of the final rule issued by the Secretary to implement this subsection.
“(d)

Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan.
“(1)

In general.
Effective 1 year after the effective date of a final rule issued by the Secretary to carry out this subsection, each recipient or State, as described in paragraph (3), shall certify that the recipient or State has established a comprehensive agency safety plan that includes, at a minimum—
“(A)
a requirement that the board of directors (or equivalent entity) of the recipient approve the agency safety plan and any updates to the agency safety plan;
“(B)
methods for identifying and evaluating safety risks throughout all elements of the public transportation system of the recipient;
“(C)
strategies to minimize the exposure of the public, personnel, and property to hazards and unsafe conditions;
“(D)
a process and timeline for conducting an annual review and update of the safety plan of the recipient;
“(E)
performance targets based on the safety performance criteria and state of good repair standards established under subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, of subsection (b)(2);
“(F)
assignment of an adequately trained safety officer who reports directly to the general manager, president, or equivalent officer of the recipient; and
“(G)
a comprehensive staff training program for the operations personnel and personnel directly responsible for safety of the recipient that includes—
“(i)
the completion of a safety training program; and
“(ii)
continuing safety education and training.
“(2)

Interim agency safety plan.
A system safety plan developed pursuant to part 659 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, shall remain in effect until such time as this subsection takes effect.
“(3)

Public transportation agency safety plan drafting and certification.
“(A)

Section 5311.
For a recipient receiving assistance under section 5311, a State safety plan may be drafted and certified by the recipient or a State.
“(B)

Section 5307.
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall issue a rule designating recipients of assistance under section 5307 that are small public transportation providers or systems that may have their State safety plans drafted or certified by a State.
“(e)

State Safety Oversight Program.
“(1)

Applicability.
This subsection applies only to eligible States.
“(2)

Definition.
In this subsection, the term ‘eligible State’ means a State that has—
“(A)
a rail fixed guideway public transportation system within the jurisdiction of the State that is not subject to regulation by the Federal Railroad Administration; or
“(B)
a rail fixed guideway public transportation system in the engineering or construction phase of development within the jurisdiction of the State that will not be subject to regulation by the Federal Railroad Administration.
“(3)

In general.
In order to obligate funds apportioned under section 5338 to carry out this chapter, effective 3 years after the date on which a final rule under this subsection becomes effective, an eligible State shall have in effect a State safety oversight program approved by the Secretary under which the State—
“(A)
assumes responsibility for overseeing rail fixed guideway public transportation safety;
“(B)
adopts and enforces Federal and relevant State laws on rail fixed guideway public transportation safety;
“(C)
establishes a State safety oversight agency;
“(D)
determines, in consultation with the Secretary, an appropriate staffing level for the State safety oversight agency that is commensurate with the number, size, and complexity of the rail fixed guideway public transportation systems in the eligible State;
“(E)
requires that employees and other designated personnel of the eligible State safety oversight agency who are responsible for rail fixed guideway public transportation safety oversight are qualified to perform such functions through appropriate training, including successful completion of the public transportation safety certification training program established under subsection (c); and
“(F)
prohibits any public transportation agency from providing funds to the State safety oversight agency or an entity designated by the eligible State as the State safety oversight agency under paragraph (4).
“(4)

State safety oversight agency.
“(A)

In general.
Each State safety oversight program shall establish a State safety oversight agency that—
“(i)
is financially and legally independent from any public transportation entity that the State safety oversight agency oversees;
“(ii)
does not directly provide public transportation services in an area with a rail fixed guideway public transportation system subject to the requirements of this section;
“(iii)
does not employ any individual who is also responsible for the administration of rail fixed guideway public transportation programs subject to the requirements of this section;
“(iv)
has the authority to review, approve, oversee, and enforce the implementation by the rail fixed guideway public transportation agency of the public transportation agency safety plan required under subsection (d);
“(v)
has investigative and enforcement authority with respect to the safety of rail fixed guideway public transportation systems of the eligible State;
“(vi)
audits, at least once triennially, the compliance of the rail fixed guideway public transportation systems in the eligible State subject to this subsection with the public transportation agency safety plan required under subsection (d); and
“(vii)
provides, at least once annually, a status report on the safety of the rail fixed guideway public transportation systems the State safety oversight agency oversees to—
“(I)
the Federal Transit Administration;
“(II)
the Governor of the eligible State; and
“(III)
the board of directors, or equivalent entity, of any rail fixed guideway public transportation system that the State safety oversight agency oversees.
“(B)

Waiver.
At the request of an eligible State, the Secretary may waive clauses (i) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) for eligible States with 1 or more rail fixed guideway systems in revenue operations, design, or construction, that—
“(i)
have fewer than 1,000,000 combined actual and projected rail fixed guideway revenue miles per year; or
“(ii)
provide fewer than 10,000,000 combined actual and projected unlinked passenger trips per year.
“(5)

Programs for multi-state rail fixed guideway public transportation systems.
An eligible State that has within the jurisdiction of the eligible State a rail fixed guideway public transportation system that operates in more than 1 eligible State shall—
“(A)
jointly with all other eligible States in which the rail fixed guideway public transportation system operates, ensure uniform safety standards and enforcement procedures that shall be in compliance with this section, and establish and implement a State safety oversight program approved by the Secretary; or
“(B)
jointly with all other eligible States in which the rail fixed guideway public transportation system operates, designate an entity having characteristics consistent with the characteristics described in paragraph (3) to carry out the State safety oversight program approved by the Secretary.
“(6)

Grants.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall make grants to eligible States to develop or carry out State safety oversight programs under this subsection. Grant funds may be used for program operational and administrative expenses, including employee training activities.
“(B)

Apportionment.
“(i)

Formula.
The amount made available for State safety oversight under section 5336(h) shall be apportioned among eligible States under a formula to be established by the Secretary. Such formula shall take into account fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles, fixed guideway route miles, and fixed guideway vehicle passenger miles attributable to all rail fixed guideway systems not subject to regulation by the Federal Railroad Administration within each eligible State.
“(ii)

Administrative requirements.
Grant funds apportioned to States under this paragraph shall be subject to uniform administrative requirements for grants and cooperative agreements to State and local governments under part 18 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter as the Secretary determines appropriate.
“(C)

Government share.
“(i)

In general.
The Government share of the reasonable cost of a State safety oversight program developed or carried out using a grant under this paragraph shall be 80 percent.
“(ii)

In-kind contributions.
Any calculation of the non-Government share of a State safety oversight program shall include in-kind contributions by an eligible State.
“(iii)

Non-government share.
The non-Government share of the cost of a State safety oversight program developed or carried out using a grant under this paragraph may not be met by—
“(I)
any Federal funds;
“(II)
any funds received from a public transportation agency; or
“(III)
any revenues earned by a public transportation agency.
“(iv)

Safety training program.
Recipients of funds made available to carry out sections 5307 and 5311 may use not more than 0.5 percent of their formula funds to pay not more than 80 percent of the cost of participation in the public transportation safety certification training program established under subsection (c), by an employee of a State safety oversight agency or a recipient who is directly responsible for safety oversight.
“(7)

Certification process.
“(A)

In general.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall determine whether or not each State safety oversight program meets the requirements of this subsection and the State safety oversight program is adequate to promote the purposes of this section.
“(B)

Issuance of certifications and denials.
The Secretary shall issue a certification to each eligible State that the Secretary determines under subparagraph (A) adequately meets the requirements of this subsection, and shall issue a denial of certification to each eligible State that the Secretary determines under subparagraph (A) does not adequately meet the requirements of this subsection.
“(C)

Disapproval.
If the Secretary determines that a State safety oversight program does not meet the requirements of this subsection and denies certification, the Secretary shall transmit to the eligible State a written explanation and allow the eligible State to modify and resubmit the State safety oversight program for approval.
“(D)

Failure to correct.
If the Secretary determines that a modification by an eligible State of the State safety oversight program is not sufficient to certify the program, the Secretary—
“(i)
shall notify the Governor of the eligible State of such denial of certification and failure to adequately modify the program, and shall request that the Governor take all possible actions to correct deficiencies in the program to ensure the certification of the program; and
“(ii)
may—
“(I)
withhold funds available under paragraph (6) in an amount determined by the Secretary;
“(II)
withhold not more than 5 percent of the amount required to be appropriated for use in a State or urbanized area in the State under section 5307 of this title, until the State safety oversight program has been certified; or
“(III)
require fixed guideway public transportation systems under such State safety oversight program to provide up to 100 percent of Federal assistance made available under this chapter only for safety-related improvements on such systems, until the State safety oversight program has been certified.
“(8)

Evaluation of program and annual report.
The Secretary shall continually evaluate the implementation of a State safety oversight program by a State safety oversight agency, and shall submit on or before July 1 of each year to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on—
“(A)
the amount of funds apportioned to each eligible State; and
“(B)
the certification status of each State safety oversight program, including what steps a State program that has been denied certification must take in order to be certified.
“(9)

Federal oversight.
The Secretary shall—
“(A)
oversee the implementation of each State safety oversight program under this subsection;
“(B)
audit the operations of each State safety oversight agency at least once triennially; and
“(C)
issue rules to carry out this subsection.
“(f)

Authority of Secretary.
In carrying out this section, the Secretary may—
“(1)
conduct inspections, investigations, audits, examinations, and testing of the equipment, facilities, rolling stock, and operations of the public transportation system of a recipient;
“(2)
make reports and issue directives with respect to the safety of the public transportation system of a recipient;
“(3)
in conjunction with an accident investigation or an investigation into a pattern or practice of conduct that negatively affects public safety, issue a subpoena to, and take the deposition of, any employee of a recipient or a State safety oversight agency, if—
“(A)
before the issuance of the subpoena, the Secretary requests a determination by the Attorney General of the United States as to whether the subpoena will interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation; and
“(B)
the Attorney General—
“(i)
determines that the subpoena will not interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation; or
“(ii)
fails to make a determination under clause (i) before the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Secretary makes a request under subparagraph (A);
“(4)
require the production of documents by, and prescribe recordkeeping and reporting requirements for, a recipient or a State safety oversight agency;
“(5)
investigate public transportation accidents and incidents and provide guidance to recipients regarding prevention of accidents and incidents;
“(6)
at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, enter and inspect equipment, facilities, rolling stock, operations, and relevant records of the public transportation system of a recipient; and
“(7)
issue rules to carry out this section.
“(g)

Enforcement Actions.
“(1)

Types of enforcement actions.
The Secretary may take enforcement action against an eligible State, as defined in subsection (e), that does not comply with Federal law with respect to the safety of the public transportation system, including—
“(A)
issuing directives;
“(B)
requiring more frequent oversight of the recipient by a State safety oversight agency or the Secretary;
“(C)
imposing more frequent reporting requirements; and
“(D)
requiring that any Federal financial assistance provided under this chapter be spent on correcting safety deficiencies identified by the Secretary or the State safety oversight agency before such funds are spent on other projects.
“(2)

Use or withholding of funds.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary may require the use of funds in accordance with paragraph (1)(D) only if the Secretary finds that a recipient is engaged in a pattern or practice of serious safety violations or has otherwise refused to comply with Federal law relating to the safety of the public transportation system.
“(B)

Notice.
Before withholding funds from a recipient, the Secretary shall provide to the recipient—
“(i)
written notice of a violation and the amount proposed to be withheld; and
“(ii)
a reasonable period of time within which the recipient may address the violation or propose and initiate an alternative means of compliance that the Secretary determines is acceptable.
“(h)

Cost-benefit Analysis.
“(1)

Analysis required.
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall take into consideration the costs and benefits of each action the Secretary proposes to take under this section.
“(2)

Waiver.
The Secretary may waive the requirement under this subsection if the Secretary determines that such a waiver is in the public interest.
“(i)

Consultation by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall consult with the Secretary of Transportation before the Secretary of Homeland Security issues a rule or order that the Secretary of Transportation determines affects the safety of public transportation design, construction, or operations.
“(j)

Actions Under State Law.
“(1)

Rule of construction.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to preempt an action under State law seeking damages for personal injury, death, or property damage alleging that a party has failed to comply with—
“(A)
a Federal standard of care established by a regulation or order issued by the Secretary under this section; or
“(B)
its own program, rule, or standard that it created pursuant to a rule or order issued by the Secretary.
“(2)

Effective date.
This subsection shall apply to any cause of action under State law arising from an event or activity occurring on or after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.
“(3)

Jurisdiction.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to create a cause of action under Federal law on behalf of an injured party or confer Federal question jurisdiction for a State law cause of action.
“(k)

National Public Transportation Safety Report.
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that—
“(1)
analyzes public transportation safety trends among the States and documents the most effective safety programs implemented using grants under this section; and
“(2)
describes the effect on public transportation safety of activities carried out using grants under this section.”
.
(b)

Bus Safety Study.—
(1)

Definition.—
In this subsection, the term “highway route” means a route where 50 percent or more of the route is on roads having a speed limit of more than 45 miles per hour.
(2)

Study.—
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that—
(A)
examines the safety of public transportation buses that travel on highway routes;
(B)
examines laws and regulations that apply to commercial over-the-road buses; and
(C)
makes recommendations as to whether additional safety measures should be required for public transportation buses that travel on highway routes.
SEC. 20022.

ALCOHOL AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TESTING.
Section 5331 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following:
“(g)

Conditions on Federal Assistance.
“(1)

Ineligibility for assistance.
A person that receives funds under this chapter is not eligible for financial assistance under section 5307, 5309, or 5311 of this title if the person is required, under regulations the Secretary prescribes under this section, to establish a program of alcohol and controlled substances testing and does not establish the program in accordance with this section.
“(2)

Additional remedies.
If the Secretary determines that a person that receives funds under this chapter is not in compliance with regulations prescribed under this section, the Secretary may bar the person from receiving Federal transit assistance in an amount the Secretary considers appropriate.”
.
SEC. 20023.

NONDISCRIMINATION.
(a)

Amendments.—
Section 5332 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
by striking “creed” and inserting “religion”; and
(B)
by inserting “disability,” after “sex,”; and
(2)
in subsection (d)(3), by striking “and” and inserting “or”.
(b)

Evaluation and Report.—
(1)

Evaluation.—
The Comptroller General of the United States shall evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the Federal Transit Administration in assisting recipients of assistance under chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, to comply with section 5332(b) of title 49, including—
(A)
by reviewing discrimination complaints, reports, and other relevant information collected or prepared by the Federal Transit Administration or recipients of assistance from the Federal Transit Administration pursuant to any applicable civil rights statute, regulation, or other requirement; and
(B)
by reviewing the process that the Federal Transit Administration uses to resolve discrimination complaints filed by members of the public.
(2)

Report.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report concerning the evaluation under paragraph (1) that includes—
(A)
a description of the ability of the Federal Transit Administration to address discrimination and foster equal opportunities in federally funded public transportation projects, programs, and activities;
(B)
recommendations for improvements if the Comptroller General determines that improvements are necessary; and
(C)
information upon which the evaluation under paragraph (1) is based.
SEC. 20024.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
Section 5334 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(1), by striking “under sections 5307 and 5309-5311 of this title” and inserting “that receives Federal financial assistance under this chapter”;
(2)
in subsection (b)(1)—
(A)
by inserting after “emergency,” the following: “or for purposes of establishing and enforcing a program to improve the safety of public transportation systems in the United States as described in section 5329,”; and
(B)
by striking “chapter, nor may the Secretary” and inserting “chapter. The Secretary may not”;
(3)
in subsection (c)(4), by striking “section (except subsection (i)) and sections 5318(e), 5323(a)(2), 5325(a), 5325(b), and 5325(f)” and inserting “subsection”;
(4)
in subsection (h)(3), by striking “another” and inserting “any other”;
(5)
in subsection (i)(1), by striking “title 23 shall” and inserting “title 23 may”;
(6)
by striking subsection (j); and
(7)
by redesignating subsections (k) and (l) as subsections (j) and (k), respectively.
SEC. 20025.

NATIONAL TRANSIT DATABASE.
(a)

Amendments.—
Section 5335 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking “public transportation financial and operating information” and inserting “public transportation financial, operating, and asset condition information”; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(c)

Data Required to Be Reported.
The recipient of a grant under this chapter shall report to the Secretary, for inclusion in the National Transit Database, any information relating to a transit asset inventory or condition assessment conducted by the recipient.”
.
(b)
[49 U.S.C. 5335 note]

Data Accuracy and Reliability.—
The Secretary shall—
(1)
develop and implement appropriate internal control activities to ensure that public transportation safety incident data is reported accurately and reliably by public transportation systems and State safety oversight agencies to the State Safety Oversight Rail Accident Database; and
(2)
report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives within 1 year of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012 on the steps taken to improve the accuracy and reliability of public transportation safety incident data reported to the State Safety Oversight Rail Accident Database.
SEC. 20026.

APPORTIONMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FORMULA GRANTS.
Section 5336 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5336.

Apportionment of appropriations for formula grants
“(a)

Based on Urbanized Area Population.
Of the amount apportioned under subsection (h)(4) to carry out section 5307—
“(1)
9.32 percent shall be apportioned each fiscal year only in urbanized areas with a population of less than 200,000 so that each of those areas is entitled to receive an amount equal to—
“(A)
50 percent of the total amount apportioned multiplied by a ratio equal to the population of the area divided by the total population of all urbanized areas with populations of less than 200,000 as shown in the most recent decennial census; and
“(B)
50 percent of the total amount apportioned multiplied by a ratio for the area based on population weighted by a factor, established by the Secretary, of the number of inhabitants in each square mile; and
“(2)
90.68 percent shall be apportioned each fiscal year only in urbanized areas with populations of at least 200,000 as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
“(b)

Based on Fixed Guideway Vehicle Revenue Miles, Directional Route Miles, and Passenger Miles.
(1)
In this subsection, ‘fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles’ and ‘fixed guideway directional route miles’ include passenger ferry operations directly or under contract by the designated recipient.
“(2)
Of the amount apportioned under subsection (a)(2) of this section, 33.29 percent shall be apportioned as follows:
“(A)
95.61 percent of the total amount apportioned under this subsection shall be apportioned so that each urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000 is entitled to receive an amount equal to—
“(i)
60 percent of the 95.61 percent apportioned under this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio equal to the number of fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles attributable to the area, as established by the Secretary, divided by the total number of all fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles attributable to all areas; and
“(ii)
40 percent of the 95.61 percent apportioned under this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio equal to the number of fixed guideway directional route miles attributable to the area, established by the Secretary, divided by the total number of all fixed guideway directional route miles attributable to all areas.
An urbanized area with a population of at least 750,000 in which commuter rail transportation is provided shall receive at least .75 percent of the total amount apportioned under this subparagraph.
“(B)
4.39 percent of the total amount apportioned under this subsection shall be apportioned so that each urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000 is entitled to receive an amount equal to—
“(i)
the number of fixed guideway vehicle passenger miles traveled multiplied by the number of fixed guideway vehicle passenger miles traveled for each dollar of operating cost in an area; divided by
“(ii)
the total number of fixed guideway vehicle passenger miles traveled multiplied by the total number of fixed guideway vehicle passenger miles traveled for each dollar of operating cost in all areas.
An urbanized area with a population of at least 750,000 in which commuter rail transportation is provided shall receive at least .75 percent of the total amount apportioned under this subparagraph.
“(C)
Under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, fixed guideway vehicle revenue or directional route miles, and passengers served on those miles, in an urbanized area with a population of less than 200,000, where the miles and passengers served otherwise would be attributable to an urbanized area with a population of at least 1,000,000 in an adjacent State, are attributable to the governmental authority in the State in which the urbanized area with a population of less than 200,000 is located. The authority is deemed an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000 if the authority makes a contract for the service.
“(D)
A recipient’s apportionment under subparagraph (A)(i) of this paragraph may not be reduced if the recipient, after satisfying the Secretary that energy or operating efficiencies would be achieved, reduces vehicle revenue miles but provides the same frequency of revenue service to the same number of riders.
“(E)
For purposes of subparagraph (A) and section 5337(c)(3), the Secretary shall deem to be attributable to an urbanized area not less than 22.27 percent of the fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles or fixed guideway directional route miles in the public transportation system of a recipient that are located outside the urbanized area for which the recipient receives funds, in addition to the fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles or fixed guideway directional route miles of the recipient that are located inside the urbanized area.
“(c)

Based on Bus Vehicle Revenue Miles and Passenger Miles.
Of the amount apportioned under subsection (a)(2) of this section, 66.71 percent shall be apportioned as follows:
“(1)
90.8 percent of the total amount apportioned under this subsection shall be apportioned as follows:
“(A)
73.39 percent of the 90.8 percent apportioned under this paragraph shall be apportioned so that each urbanized area with a population of at least 1,000,000 is entitled to receive an amount equal to—
“(i)
50 percent of the 73.39 percent apportioned under this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio equal to the total bus vehicle revenue miles operated in or directly serving the urbanized area divided by the total bus vehicle revenue miles attributable to all areas;
“(ii)
25 percent of the 73.39 percent apportioned under this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio equal to the population of the area divided by the total population of all areas, as shown in the most recent decennial census; and
“(iii)
25 percent of the 73.39 percent apportioned under this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio for the area based on population weighted by a factor, established by the Secretary, of the number of inhabitants in each square mile.
“(B)
26.61 percent of the 90.8 percent apportioned under this paragraph shall be apportioned so that each urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000 but not more than 999,999 is entitled to receive an amount equal to—
“(i)
50 percent of the 26.61 percent apportioned under this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio equal to the total bus vehicle revenue miles operated in or directly serving the urbanized area divided by the total bus vehicle revenue miles attributable to all areas;
“(ii)
25 percent of the 26.61 percent apportioned under this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio equal to the population of the area divided by the total population of all areas, as shown by the most recent decennial census; and
“(iii)
25 percent of the 26.61 percent apportioned under this subparagraph multiplied by a ratio for the area based on population weighted by a factor, established by the Secretary, of the number of inhabitants in each square mile.
“(2)
9.2 percent of the total amount apportioned under this subsection shall be apportioned so that each urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000 is entitled to receive an amount equal to—
“(A)
the number of bus passenger miles traveled multiplied by the number of bus passenger miles traveled for each dollar of operating cost in an area; divided by
“(B)
the total number of bus passenger miles traveled multiplied by the total number of bus passenger miles traveled for each dollar of operating cost in all areas.
“(d)

Date of Apportionment.
The Secretary shall—
“(1)
apportion amounts appropriated under section 5338(a)(2)(C) of this title to carry out section 5307 of this title not later than the 10th day after the date the amounts are appropriated or October 1 of the fiscal year for which the amounts are appropriated, whichever is later; and
“(2)
publish apportionments of the amounts, including amounts attributable to each urbanized area with a population of more than 50,000 and amounts attributable to each State of a multistate urbanized area, on the apportionment date.
“(e)

Amounts Not Apportioned to Designated Recipients.
The Governor of a State may expend in an urbanized area with a population of less than 200,000 an amount apportioned under this section that is not apportioned to a designated recipient, as defined in section 5302(4).
“(f)

Transfers of Apportionments.
(1)
The Governor of a State may transfer any part of the State’s apportionment under subsection (a)(1) of this section to supplement amounts apportioned to the State under section 5311(c)(3). The Governor may make a transfer only after consulting with responsible local officials and publicly owned operators of public transportation in each area for which the amount originally was apportioned under this section.
“(2)
The Governor of a State may transfer any part of the State’s apportionment under section 5311(c)(3) to supplement amounts apportioned to the State under subsection (a)(1) of this section.
“(3)
The Governor of a State may use throughout the State amounts of a State’s apportionment remaining available for obligation at the beginning of the 90-day period before the period of the availability of the amounts expires.
“(4)
A designated recipient for an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000 may transfer a part of its apportionment under this section to the Governor of a State. The Governor shall distribute the transferred amounts to urbanized areas under this section.
“(5)
Capital and operating assistance limitations applicable to the original apportionment apply to amounts transferred under this subsection.
“(g)

Period of Availability to Recipients.
An amount apportioned under this section may be obligated by the recipient for 5 years after the fiscal year in which the amount is apportioned. Not later than 30 days after the end of the 5-year period, an amount that is not obligated at the end of that period shall be added to the amount that may be apportioned under this section in the next fiscal year.
“(h)

Apportionments.
Of the amounts made available for each fiscal year under section 5338(a)(2)(C)—
“(1)
$30,000,000 shall be set aside to carry out section 5307(h);
“(2)
3.07 percent shall be apportioned to urbanized areas in accordance with subsection (j);
“(3)
of amounts not apportioned under paragraphs (1) and (2), 1.5 percent shall be apportioned to urbanized areas with populations of less than 200,000 in accordance with subsection (i);
“(4)
0.5 percent shall be apportioned to eligible States for State safety oversight program grants in accordance with section 5329(e)(6); and
“(5)
any amount not apportioned under paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) shall be apportioned to urbanized areas in accordance with subsections (a) through (c).
“(i)

Small Transit Intensive Cities Formula.
“(1)

Definitions.
In this subsection, the following definitions apply:
“(A)

Eligible area.
The term ‘eligible area’ means an urbanized area with a population of less than 200,000 that meets or exceeds in one or more performance categories the industry average for all urbanized areas with a population of at least 200,000 but not more than 999,999, as determined by the Secretary in accordance with subsection (c)(2).
“(B)

Performance category.
The term ‘performance category’ means each of the following:
“(i)
Passenger miles traveled per vehicle revenue mile.
“(ii)
Passenger miles traveled per vehicle revenue hour.
“(iii)
Vehicle revenue miles per capita.
“(iv)
Vehicle revenue hours per capita.
“(v)
Passenger miles traveled per capita.
“(vi)
Passengers per capita.
“(2)

Apportionment.
“(A)

Apportionment formula.
The amount to be apportioned under subsection (h)(3) shall be apportioned among eligible areas in the ratio that—
“(i)
the number of performance categories for which each eligible area meets or exceeds the industry average in urbanized areas with a population of at least 200,000 but not more than 999,999; bears to
“(ii)
the aggregate number of performance categories for which all eligible areas meet or exceed the industry average in urbanized areas with a population of at least 200,000 but not more than 999,999.
“(B)

Data used in formula.
The Secretary shall calculate apportionments under this subsection for a fiscal year using data from the national transit database used to calculate apportionments for that fiscal year under this section.
“(j)

Apportionment Formula.
The amounts apportioned under subsection (h)(2) shall be apportioned among urbanized areas as follows:
“(1)
75 percent of the funds shall be apportioned among designated recipients for urbanized areas with a population of 200,000 or more in the ratio that—
“(A)
the number of eligible low-income individuals in each such urbanized area; bears to
“(B)
the number of eligible low-income individuals in all such urbanized areas.
“(2)
25 percent of the funds shall be apportioned among designated recipients for urbanized areas with a population of less than 200,000 in the ratio that—
“(A)
the number of eligible low-income individuals in each such urbanized area; bears to
“(B)
the number of eligible low-income individuals in all such urbanized areas.”
.
SEC. 20027.

STATE OF GOOD REPAIR GRANTS.
Section 5337 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5337.

State of good repair grants
“(a)

Definitions.
In this section, the following definitions shall apply:
“(1)

Fixed guideway.
The term ‘fixed guideway’ means a public transportation facility—
“(A)
using and occupying a separate right-of-way for the exclusive use of public transportation;
“(B)
using rail;
“(C)
using a fixed catenary system;
“(D)
for a passenger ferry system; or
“(E)
for a bus rapid transit system.
“(2)

State.
The term ‘State’ means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
“(3)

State of good repair.
The term ‘state of good repair’ has the meaning given that term by the Secretary, by rule, under section 5326(b).
“(4)

Transit asset management plan.
The term ‘transit asset management plan’ means a plan developed by a recipient of funding under this chapter that—
“(A)
includes, at a minimum, capital asset inventories and condition assessments, decision support tools, and investment prioritization; and
“(B)
the recipient certifies that the recipient complies with the rule issued under section 5326(d).
“(b)

General Authority.
“(1)

Eligible projects.
The Secretary may make grants under this section to assist State and local governmental authorities in financing capital projects to maintain public transportation systems in a state of good repair, including projects to replace and rehabilitate—
“(A)
rolling stock;
“(B)
track;
“(C)
line equipment and structures;
“(D)
signals and communications;
“(E)
power equipment and substations;
“(F)
passenger stations and terminals;
“(G)
security equipment and systems;
“(H)
maintenance facilities and equipment;
“(I)
operational support equipment, including computer hardware and software;
“(J)
development and implementation of a transit asset management plan; and
“(K)
other replacement and rehabilitation projects the Secretary determines appropriate.
“(2)

Inclusion in plan.
A recipient shall include a project carried out under paragraph (1) in the transit asset management plan of the recipient upon completion of the plan.
“(c)

High Intensity Fixed Guideway State of Good Repair Formula.
“(1)

In general.
Of the amount authorized or made available under section 5338(a)(2)(I), 97.15 percent shall be apportioned to recipients in accordance with this subsection.
“(2)

Area share.
“(A)

In general.
50 percent of the amount described in paragraph (1) shall be apportioned for fixed guideway systems in accordance with this paragraph.
“(B)

Share.
A recipient shall receive an amount equal to the amount described in subparagraph (A), multiplied by the amount the recipient would have received under this section, as in effect for fiscal year 2011, if the amount had been calculated in accordance with section 5336(b)(1) and using the definition of the term ‘fixed guideway’ under subsection (a) of this section, as such sections are in effect on the day after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, and divided by the total amount apportioned for all areas under this section for fiscal year 2011.
“(C)

Recipient.
For purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘recipient’ means an entity that received funding under this section, as in effect for fiscal year 2011.
“(3)

Vehicle revenue miles and directional route miles.
“(A)

In general.
50 percent of the amount described in paragraph (1) shall be apportioned to recipients in accordance with this paragraph.
“(B)

Vehicle revenue miles.
A recipient in an urbanized area shall receive an amount equal to 60 percent of the amount described in subparagraph (A), multiplied by the number of fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles attributable to the urbanized area, as established by the Secretary, divided by the total number of all fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles attributable to all urbanized areas.
“(C)

Directional route miles.
A recipient in an urbanized area shall receive an amount equal to 40 percent of the amount described in subparagraph (A), multiplied by the number of fixed guideway directional route miles attributable to the urbanized area, as established by the Secretary, divided by the total number of all fixed guideway directional route miles attributable to all urbanized areas.
“(4)

Limitation.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the share of the total amount apportioned under this subsection that is apportioned to an area under this subsection shall not decrease by more than 0.25 percentage points compared to the share apportioned to the area under this subsection in the previous fiscal year.
“(B)

Special rule for fiscal year 2013.
In fiscal year 2013, the share of the total amount apportioned under this subsection that is apportioned to an area under this subsection shall not decrease by more than 0.25 percentage points compared to the share that would have been apportioned to the area under this section, as in effect for fiscal year 2011, if the share had been calculated using the definition of the term ‘fixed guideway’ under subsection (a) of this section, as in effect on the day after the date of enactment of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.
“(5)

Use of funds.
Amounts made available under this subsection shall be available for the exclusive use of fixed guideway projects.
“(6)

Receiving apportionment.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), for an area with a fixed guideway system, the amounts provided under this subsection shall be apportioned to the designated recipient for the urbanized area in which the system operates.
“(B)

Exception.
An area described in the amendment made by section 3028(a) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (Public Law 105-178; 112 Stat. 366) shall receive an individual apportionment under this subsection.
“(7)

Apportionment requirements.
For purposes of determining the number of fixed guideway vehicle revenue miles or fixed guideway directional route miles attributable to an urbanized area for a fiscal year under this subsection, only segments of fixed guideway systems placed in revenue service not later than 7 years before the first day of the fiscal year shall be deemed to be attributable to an urbanized area.
“(d)

High Intensity Motorbus State of Good Repair.
“(1)

Definition.
For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘high intensity motorbus’ means public transportation that is provided on a facility with access for other high-occupancy vehicles.
“(2)

Apportionment.
Of the amount authorized or made available under section 5338(a)(2)(I), 2.85 percent shall be apportioned to urbanized areas for high intensity motorbus state of good repair in accordance with this subsection.
“(3)

Vehicle revenue miles and directional route miles.
“(A)

In general.
The amount described in paragraph (2) shall be apportioned to each area in accordance with this paragraph.
“(B)

Vehicle revenue miles.
Each area shall receive an amount equal to 60 percent of the amount described in subparagraph (A), multiplied by the number of high intensity motorbus vehicle revenue miles attributable to the area, as established by the Secretary, divided by the total number of all high intensity motorbus vehicle revenue miles attributable to all areas.
“(C)

Directional route miles.
Each area shall receive an amount equal to 40 percent of the amount described in subparagraph (A), multiplied by the number of high intensity motorbus directional route miles attributable to the area, as established by the Secretary, divided by the total number of all high intensity motorbus directional route miles attributable to all areas.
“(4)

Apportionment requirements.
For purposes of determining the number of high intensity motorbus vehicle revenue miles or high intensity motorbus directional route miles attributable to an urbanized area for a fiscal year under this subsection, only segments of high intensity motorbus systems placed in revenue service not later than 7 years before the first day of the fiscal year shall be deemed to be attributable to an urbanized area.”
.
SEC. 20028.

AUTHORIZATIONS.
Section 5338 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5338.

Authorizations
“(a)

Formula Grants.
“(1)

In general.
There shall be available from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund to carry out sections 5305, 5307, 5310, 5311, 5318, 5322(d), 5335, 5337, 5339, and 5340, and section 20005(b) of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012, $8,478,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $8,595,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
“(2)

Allocation of funds.
Of the amounts made available under paragraph (1)—
“(A)
$126,900,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $128,800,000 for fiscal year 2014 shall be available to carry out section 5305;
“(B)
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 shall be available to carry out section 20005(b) of the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012;
“(C)
$4,397,950,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $4,458,650,000 for fiscal year 2014 shall be allocated in accordance with section 5336 to provide financial assistance for urbanized areas under section 5307;
“(D)
$254,800,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $258,300,000 for fiscal year 2014 shall be available to provide financial assistance for services for the enhanced mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities under section 5310;
“(E)
$599,500,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $607,800,000 for fiscal year 2014 shall be available to provide financial assistance for rural areas under section 5311, of which not less than $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 shall be available to carry out section 5311(c)(1) and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 shall be available to carry out section 5311(c)(2);
“(F)
$3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 shall be available for bus testing under section 5318;
“(G)
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 shall be available for the national transit institute under section 5322(d);
“(H)
$3,850,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 shall be available to carry out section 5335;
“(I)
$2,136,300,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $2,165,900,000 for fiscal year 2014 shall be available to carry out section 5337;
“(J)
$422,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $427,800,000 for fiscal year 2014 shall be available for the bus and bus facilities program under section 5339; and
“(K)
$518,700,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $525,900,000 for fiscal year 2014 shall be allocated in accordance with section 5340 to provide financial assistance for urbanized areas under section 5307 and rural areas under section 5311.
“(b)

Research, Development Demonstration and Deployment Projects.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 5312, $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
“(c)

Transit Cooperative Research Program.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 5313, $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
“(d)

Technical Assistance and Standards Development.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 5314, $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $7,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
“(e)

Human Resources and Training.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsections (a), (b), (c), and (e) of section 5322, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
“(f)

Emergency Relief Program.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out section 5324.
“(g)

Capital Investment Grants.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 5309, $1,907,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $1,907,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
“(h)

Administration.
“(1)

In general.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 5334, $104,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and $104,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
“(2)

Section 5329.
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1), not less than $5,000,000 shall be available to carry out section 5329.
“(3)

Section 5326.
Of the amounts made available under paragraph (2), not less than $1,000,000 shall be available to carry out section 5326.
“(i)

Oversight.
“(1)

In general.
Of the amounts made available to carry out this chapter for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use not more than the following amounts for the activities described in paragraph (2):
“(A)
0.5 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5305.
“(B)
0.75 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5307.
“(C)
1 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5309.
“(D)
1 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 601 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-432; 126 Stat. 4968).
“(E)
0.5 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5310.
“(F)
0.5 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5311.
“(G)
0.75 percent of amounts made available to carry out section 5337(c).
“(2)

Activities.
The activities described in this paragraph are as follows:
“(A)
Activities to oversee the construction of a major capital project.
“(B)
Activities to review and audit the safety and security, procurement, management, and financial compliance of a recipient or subrecipient of funds under this chapter.
“(C)
Activities to provide technical assistance generally, and to provide technical assistance to correct deficiencies identified in compliance reviews and audits carried out under this section.
“(3)

Government share of costs.
The Government shall pay the entire cost of carrying out a contract under this subsection.
“(4)

Availability of certain funds.
Funds made available under paragraph (1)(C) shall be made available to the Secretary before allocating the funds appropriated to carry out any project under a full funding grant agreement.
“(j)

Grants as Contractual Obligations.
“(1)

Grants financed from highway trust fund.
A grant or contract that is approved by the Secretary and financed with amounts made available from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund pursuant to this section is a contractual obligation of the Government to pay the Government share of the cost of the project.
“(2)

Grants financed from general fund.
A grant or contract that is approved by the Secretary and financed with amounts appropriated in advance from the General Fund of the Treasury pursuant to this section is a contractual obligation of the Government to pay the Government share of the cost of the project only to the extent that amounts are appropriated for such purpose by an Act of Congress.
“(k)

Availability of Amounts.
Amounts made available by or appropriated under this section shall remain available until expended.”
.
SEC. 20029.

BUS AND BUS FACILITIES FORMULA GRANTS.
(a)

In General.—
Section 5339 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5339.

Bus and bus facilities formula grants
“(a)

General Authority.
The Secretary may make grants under this section to assist eligible recipients described in subsection (c)(1) in financing capital projects—
“(1)
to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment; and
“(2)
to construct bus-related facilities.
“(b)

Grant Requirements.
The requirements of section 5307 apply to recipients of grants made under this section.
“(c)

Eligible Recipients and Subrecipients.
“(1)

Recipients.
Eligible recipients under this section are designated recipients that operate fixed route bus service or that allocate funding to fixed route bus operators.
“(2)

Subrecipients.
A designated recipient that receives a grant under this section may allocate amounts of the grant to subrecipients that are public agencies or private nonprofit organizations engaged in public transportation.
“(d)

Distribution of Grant Funds.
Funds allocated under section 5338(a)(2)(J) shall be distributed as follows:
“(1)

National distribution.
$65,500,000 shall be allocated to all States and territories, with each State receiving $1,250,000 and each territory receiving $500,000.
“(2)

Distribution using population and service factors.
The remainder of the funds not otherwise distributed under paragraph (1) shall be allocated pursuant to the formula set forth in section 5336 other than subsection (b).
“(e)

Transfers of Apportionments.
“(1)

Transfer flexibility for national distribution funds.
The Governor of a State may transfer any part of the State’s apportionment under subsection (d)(1) to supplement amounts apportioned to the State under section 5311(c) of this title or amounts apportioned to urbanized areas under subsections (a) and (c) of section 5336 of this title.
“(2)

Transfer flexibility for population and service factors funds.
The Governor of a State may expend in an urbanized area with a population of less than 200,000 any amounts apportioned under subsection (d)(2) that are not allocated to designated recipients in urbanized areas with a population of 200,000 or more.
“(f)

Government’s Share of Costs.
“(1)

Capital projects.
A grant for a capital project under this section shall be for 80 percent of the net capital costs of the project. A recipient of a grant under this section may provide additional local matching amounts.
“(2)

Remaining costs.
The remainder of the net project cost shall be provided—
“(A)
in cash from non-Government sources other than revenues from providing public transportation services;
“(B)
from revenues derived from the sale of advertising and concessions;
“(C)
from an undistributed cash surplus, a replacement or depreciation cash fund or reserve, or new capital; or
“(D)
from amounts received under a service agreement with a State or local social service agency or private social service organization.
“(g)

Period of Availability to Recipients.
Amounts made available under this section may be obligated by a recipient for 3 years after the fiscal year in which the amount is apportioned. Not later than 30 days after the end of the 3-year period described in the preceding sentence, any amount that is not obligated on the last day of that period shall be added to the amount that may be apportioned under this section in the next fiscal year.
“(h)

Definitions.
For purposes of this section:
“(1)
The term ‘State’ means a State of the United States.
“(2)
The term ‘territory’ means the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin Islands.”
.
SEC. 20030.

TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a)

Section 5305.—
Section 5305 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (e)(1)(A), by striking “sections 5304, 5306, 5315, and 5322” and inserting “section 5304 and 5306”;
(2)
in subsection (f)—
(A)
in the heading, by striking “Government’s” and inserting “Government”; and
(B)
by striking “Government’s” and inserting “Government”; and
(3)
in subsection (g), by striking “section 5338(c) for fiscal years 2005 through 2012” and inserting “section 5338(a)(2)(A) for a fiscal year”.
(b)

Section 5313.—
Section 5313(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the first sentence, by striking “subsections (a)(5)(C)(iii) and (d)(1) of section 5338” and inserting section “5338(c)”; and
(2)
in the second sentence, by striking “of Transportation”.
(c)

Section 5319.—
Section 5319 of title 49, United States Code, is amended, in the second sentence—
(1)
by striking “sections 5307(e), 5309(h), and 5311(g) of this title” and inserting “sections 5307(d), 5309(l), and 5311(g)”; and
(2)
by striking “of the United States” and inserting “made by the”.
(d)

Section 5325.—
Section 5325(b)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “title 48, Code of Federal Regulations (commonly known as the Federal Acquisition Regulation)” and inserting “the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or any successor thereto”.
(e)

Section 5330.—
Effective 3 years after the effective date of the final rules issued by the Secretary of Transportation under section 5329(e) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this division, section 5330 of title 49, United States Code, is repealed.
(f)

Section 5331.—
Section 5331 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “Secretary of Transportation” each place that term appears and inserting “Secretary”.
(g)

Section 5332.—
Section 5332(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “of Transportation”.
(h)

Section 5333.—
Section 5333(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “sections 3141-3144” and inserting “sections 3141 through 3144”.
(i)

Section 5334.—
Section 5334 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
by striking “Secretary of Transportation” each place that term appears and inserting “Secretary”; and
(B)
in paragraph (1), by striking “Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and Appropriations of the Senate” and inserting “Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives”;
(2)
in subsection (d), by striking “of Transportation”;
(3)
in subsection (e), by striking “of Transportation”;
(4)
in subsection (f), by striking “of Transportation”;
(5)
in subsection (g), in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking “of Transportation”; and
(B)
by striking “subsection (a)(3) or (4) of this section” and inserting “paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (a)”;
(6)
in subsection (h)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “of Transportation”; and
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking “of this section”;
(7)
in subsection (i)(1), by striking “of Transportation”; and
(8)
in subsection (j), as so redesignated by section 20025 of this division, by striking “Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and Appropriations of the Senate and Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Appropriations of the House of Representatives” and inserting “Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives”.
(j)

Section 5335.—
Section 5335(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “of Transportation”.
(k)

Analysis.—
The analysis for chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“Sec.
“5301.
Policies and purposes.
“5302.
Definitions.
“5303.
Metropolitan transportation planning.
“5304.
Statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning.
“5305.
Planning programs.
“5306.
Private enterprise participation in metropolitan planning and transportation improvement programs and relationship to other limitations.
“5307.
Urbanized area formula grants.
“[5308. Repealed.]
“5309.
Fixed guideway capital investment grants.
“5310.
Formula grants for the enhanced mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“5311.
Formula grants for rural areas.
“5312.
Research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects.
“5313.
Transit cooperative research program.
“5314.
Technical assistance and standards development.
“5315.
Private sector participation.
“[5316. Repealed.]
“[5317. Repealed.]
“5318.
Bus testing facility.
“5319.
Bicycle facilities.
“[5320.Repealed.]
“5321.
Crime prevention and security.
“5322.
Human resources and training.
“5323.
General provisions.
“5324.
Public transportation emergency relief program.
“5325.
Contract requirements.
“5326.
Transit asset management.
“5327.
Project management oversight.
“[5328. Repealed.]
“5329.
Public transportation safety program.
“5330.
State safety oversight.
“5331.
Alcohol and controlled substances testing.
“5332.
Nondiscrimination.
“5333.
Labor standards.
“5334.
Administrative provisions.
“5335.
National transit database.
“5336.
Apportionment of appropriations for formula grants.
“5337.
State of good repair grants.
“5338.
Authorizations.
“5339.
Bus and bus facilities formula grants.
“5340.
Apportionments based on growing States and high density States formula factors.”
.
DIVISION C—

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION POLICY
TITLE I—

MOTOR VEHICLE AND HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2012
SEC. 31001.
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the “Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012” or “Mariah’s Act”.
SEC. 31002.
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

DEFINITION.
In this title, the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation.
Subtitle A—

Highway Safety
SEC. 31101.

AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a)

In General.—
The following sums are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account):
(1)

Highway safety programs.—
For carrying out section 402 of title 23, United States Code—
(A)
$235,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(B)
$235,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(C)
$235,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
(D)
$41,734,973 for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on December 4, 2015.
(2)

Highway safety research and development.—
For carrying out section 403 of title 23, United States Code—
(A)
$110,500,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(B)
$113,500,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(C)
$113,500,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
(D)
$20,157,104 for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on December 4, 2015.
(3)

National priority safety programs.—
For carrying out section 405 of title 23, United States Code—
(A)
$265,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(B)
$272,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(C)
$272,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
(D)
$48,306,011 for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on December 4, 2015.
(4)

National driver register.—
For the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to carry out chapter 303 of title 49, United States Code—
(A)
$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(B)
$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(C)
$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
(D)
$887,978 for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on December 4, 2015.
(5)

High visibility enforcement program.—
For carrying out section 2009 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note)—
(A)
$29,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(B)
$29,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(C)
$29,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
(D)
$5,150,273 for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on December 4, 2015.
(6)

Administrative expenses.—
For administrative and related operating expenses of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in carrying out chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, and this subtitle—
(A)
$25,500,000 for fiscal year 2013;
(B)
$25,500,000 for fiscal year 2014;
(C)
$25,500,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
(D)
$4,528,689 for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on December 4, 2015.
(b)
[23 U.S.C. 401 note]

Prohibition on Other Uses.—
Except as otherwise provided in chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, in this subtitle, and in the amendments made by this subtitle, the amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for a program under such chapter—
(1)
shall only be used to carry out such program; and
(2)
may not be used by States or local governments for construction purposes.
(c)

Applicability of Title 23.—
Except as otherwise provided in chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, and in this subtitle, amounts made available under subsection (a) for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on December 4, 2015, shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if such funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code.
(d)
[23 U.S.C. 402 note]

Regulatory Authority.—
Grants awarded under this subtitle shall be in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary.
(e)

State Matching Requirements.—
If a grant awarded under this subtitle requires a State to share in the cost, the aggregate of all expenditures for highway safety activities made during any fiscal year by the State and its political subdivisions (exclusive of Federal funds) for carrying out the grant (other than planning and administration) shall be available for the purpose of crediting the State during such fiscal year for the non-Federal share of the cost of any project under this subtitle (other than planning or administration) without regard to whether such expenditures were actually made in connection with such project.
(f)

Grant Application and Deadline.—
To receive a grant under this subtitle, a State shall submit an application, and the Secretary shall establish a single deadline for such applications to enable the award of grants early in the next fiscal year.
SEC. 31102.

HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS.
(a)

Programs Included.—
Section 402(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“(a)

Program Required.
“(1)

In general.
Each State shall have a highway safety program, approved by the Secretary, that is designed to reduce traffic accidents and the resulting deaths, injuries, and property damage.
“(2)

Uniform guidelines.
Programs required under paragraph (1) shall comply with uniform guidelines, promulgated by the Secretary and expressed in terms of performance criteria, that—
“(A)
include programs—
“(i)
to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from motor vehicles being driven in excess of posted speed limits;
“(ii)
to encourage the proper use of occupant protection devices (including the use of safety belts and child restraint systems) by occupants of motor vehicles;
“(iii)
to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from persons driving motor vehicles while impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance;
“(iv)
to prevent accidents and reduce injuries and deaths resulting from accidents involving motor vehicles and motorcycles;
“(v)
to reduce injuries and deaths resulting from accidents involving school buses;
“(vi)
to reduce accidents resulting from unsafe driving behavior (including aggressive or fatigued driving and distracted driving arising from the use of electronic devices in vehicles); and
“(vii)
to improve law enforcement services in motor vehicle accident prevention, traffic supervision, and post-accident procedures;
“(B)
improve driver performance, including—
“(i)
driver education;
“(ii)
driver testing to determine proficiency to operate motor vehicles; and
“(iii)
driver examinations (physical, mental, and driver licensing);
“(C)
improve pedestrian performance and bicycle safety;
“(D)
include provisions for—
“(i)
an effective record system of accidents (including resulting injuries and deaths);
“(ii)
accident investigations to determine the probable causes of accidents, injuries, and deaths;
“(iii)
vehicle registration, operation, and inspection; and
“(iv)
emergency services; and
“(E)
to the extent determined appropriate by the Secretary, are applicable to federally administered areas where a Federal department or agency controls the highways or supervises traffic operations.”
.
(b)

Administration of State Programs.—
Section 402(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
in subparagraph (D), by striking “and” at the end;
(B)
by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F);
(C)
by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
“(E)
beginning on the first day of the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012 in which a State submits its highway safety plan under subsection (f), provide for a data-driven traffic safety enforcement program to prevent traffic violations, crashes, and crash fatalities and injuries in areas most at risk for such incidents, to the satisfaction of the Secretary;”
; and
(D)
in subparagraph (F), as redesignated—
(i)
in clause (i), by inserting “and high-visibility law enforcement mobilizations coordinated by the Secretary” after “mobilizations”;
(ii)
in clause (iii), by striking “and” at the end;
(iii)
in clause (iv), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
(iv)
by adding at the end the following:
“(v)
ensuring that the State will coordinate its highway safety plan, data collection, and information systems with the State strategic highway safety plan (as defined in section 148(a)).”
; and
(2)
by striking paragraph (3).
(c)

Approved Highway Safety Programs.—
Section 402(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking “(c) Funds authorized” and inserting the following:
“(c)

Use of Funds.
“(1)

In general.
Funds authorized”
;
(2)
by striking “Such funds” and inserting the following:
“(2)

Apportionment.
Except for amounts identified in section 403(f), funds described in paragraph (1)”
;
(3)
by striking “The Secretary shall not” and all that follows through “subsection, a highway safety program” and inserting “A highway safety program”;
(4)
by inserting “A State may use the funds apportioned under this section, in cooperation with neighboring States, for highway safety programs or related projects that may confer benefits on such neighboring States.” after “in every State.”;
(5)
by striking “50 per centum” and inserting “20 percent”; and
(6)
by striking “The Secretary shall promptly” and all that follows and inserting the following:
“(3)

Reapportionment.
The Secretary shall promptly apportion the funds withheld from a State’s apportionment to the State if the Secretary approves the State’s highway safety program or determines that the State has begun implementing an approved program, as appropriate, not later than July 31st of the fiscal year for which the funds were withheld. If the Secretary determines that the State did not correct its failure within such period, the Secretary shall reapportion the withheld funds to the other States in accordance with the formula specified in paragraph (2) not later than the last day of the fiscal year.
“(4)

Automated traffic enforcement systems.
“(A)

Prohibition.
A State may not expend funds apportioned to that State under this section to carry out a program to purchase, operate, or maintain an automated traffic enforcement system.
“(B)

Automated traffic enforcement system defined.
In this paragraph, the term ‘automated traffic enforcement system’ means any camera which captures an image of a vehicle for the purposes only of red light and speed enforcement, and does not include hand held radar and other devices operated by law enforcement officers to make an on-the-scene traffic stop, issue a traffic citation, or other enforcement action at the time of the violation.”
.
(d)

Use of Highway Safety Program Funds.—
Section 402(g) of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“(g)

Savings Provision.
“(1)

In general.
Except as provided under paragraph (2), nothing in this section may be construed to authorize the appropriation or expenditure of funds for—
“(A)
highway construction, maintenance, or design (other than design of safety features of highways to be incorporated into guidelines); or
“(B)
any purpose for which funds are authorized under section 403.
“(2)

Demonstration projects.
A State may use funds made available to carry out this section to assist in demonstration projects carried out by the Secretary under section 403.”
.
(e)

In General.—
Section 402 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking subsections (k) and (m);
(2)
by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) as subsections (h) and (i), respectively; and
(3)
by redesignating subsection (l) as subsection (j).
(f)

Highway Safety Plan and Reporting Requirements.—
Section 402 of title 23, United States Code, as amended by this section, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
“(k)

Highway Safety Plan and Reporting Requirements.
“(1)

In general.
With respect to fiscal year 2014, and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall require each State, as a condition of the approval of the State’s highway safety program for that fiscal year, to develop and submit to the Secretary for approval a highway safety plan that complies with the requirements under this subsection.
“(2)

Timing.
Each State shall submit to the Secretary the highway safety plan not later than July 1st of the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year to which the plan applies.
“(3)

Contents.
State highway safety plans submitted under paragraph (1) shall include—
“(A)
performance measures required by the Secretary or otherwise necessary to support additional State safety goals, including—
“(i)
documentation of current safety levels for each performance measure;
“(ii)
quantifiable annual performance targets for each performance measure; and
“(iii)
a justification for each performance target, that explains why each target is appropriate and evidence-based;
“(B)
a strategy for programming funds apportioned to the State under this section on projects and activities that will allow the State to meet the performance targets described in subparagraph (A);
“(C)
data and data analysis supporting the effectiveness of proposed countermeasures;
“(D)
a description of any Federal, State, local, or private funds that the State plans to use, in addition to funds apportioned to the State under this section, to carry out the strategy described in subparagraph (B);
“(E)
for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year to which the plan applies, a report on the State’s success in meeting State safety goals and performance targets set forth in the previous year’s highway safety plan; and
“(F)
an application for any additional grants available to the State under this chapter.
“(4)

Performance measures.
For the first highway safety plan submitted under this subsection, the performance measures required by the Secretary under paragraph (2)(A) shall be limited to those developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Governor’s Highway Safety Association and described in the report, ‘Traffic Safety Performance Measures for States and Federal Agencies’ (DOT HS 811 025). For subsequent highway safety plans, the Secretary shall coordinate with the Governor’s Highway Safety Association in making revisions to the set of required performance measures.
“(5)

Review of highway safety plans.
“(A)

In general.
Not later than 60 days after the date on which a State’s highway safety plan is received by the Secretary, the Secretary shall review and approve or disapprove the plan.
“(B)

Approvals and disapprovals.
“(i)

Approvals.
The Secretary shall approve a State’s highway safety plan if the Secretary determines that—
“(I)
the plan and the performance targets contained in the plan are evidence-based and supported by data; and
“(II)
the plan, once implemented, will allow the State to meet the State’s performance targets.
“(ii)

Disapprovals.
The Secretary shall disapprove a State’s highway safety plan if the Secretary determines that—
“(I)
the plan and the performance targets contained in the plan are not evidence-based or supported by data; or
“(II)
the plan does not provide for programming of funding in a manner sufficient to allow the State to meet the State’s performance targets.
“(C)

Actions upon disapproval.
If the Secretary disapproves a State’s highway safety plan, the Secretary shall—
“(i)
inform the State of the reasons for such disapproval; and
“(ii)
require the State to resubmit the plan with any modifications that the Secretary determines to be necessary.
“(D)

Review of resubmitted plans.
If the Secretary requires a State to resubmit a highway safety plan, with modifications, the Secretary shall review and approve or disapprove the modified plan not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary receives such plan.
“(E)

Public notice.
A State shall make the State’s highway safety plan, and decisions of the Secretary concerning approval or disapproval of a revised plan, available to the public.”
.
(g)

Teen Traffic Safety Program.—
Section 402 of title 23, United States Code, as amended by this section, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
“(m)

Teen Traffic Safety.
“(1)

In general.
Subject to the requirements of a State’s highway safety plan, as approved by the Secretary under subsection (k), a State may use a portion of the amounts received under this section to implement statewide efforts to improve traffic safety for teen drivers.
“(2)

Use of funds.
Statewide efforts under paragraph (1)—
“(A)
shall include peer-to-peer education and prevention strategies in schools and communities designed to—
“(i)
increase safety belt use;
“(ii)
reduce speeding;
“(iii)
reduce impaired and distracted driving;
“(iv)
reduce underage drinking; and
“(v)
reduce other behaviors by teen drivers that lead to injuries and fatalities; and
“(B)
may include—
“(i)
working with student-led groups and school advisors to plan and implement teen traffic safety programs;
“(ii)
providing subgrants to schools throughout the State to support the establishment and expansion of student groups focused on teen traffic safety;
“(iii)
providing support, training, and technical assistance to establish and expand school and community safety programs for teen drivers;
“(iv)
creating statewide or regional websites to publicize and circulate information on teen safety programs;
“(v)
conducting outreach and providing educational resources for parents;
“(vi)
establishing State or regional advisory councils comprised of teen drivers to provide input and recommendations to the governor and the governor’s safety representative on issues related to the safety of teen drivers;
“(vii)
collaborating with law enforcement; and
“(viii)
establishing partnerships and promoting coordination among community stakeholders, including public, not-for-profit, and for profit entities.”
.
(h)

Biennial Report to Congress.—
Section 402 of title 23, United States Code, as amended by this section, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
“(n)

Biennial Report to Congress.
Not later than October 1, 2015, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate that contains—
“(1)
an evaluation of each State’s performance with respect to the State’s highway safety plan under subsection (k) and performance targets set by the States in such plans; and
“(2)
such recommendations as the Secretary may have for improvements to activities carried out under subsection (k).”
.
SEC. 31103.

HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Section 403 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking subsections (a) through (f) and inserting the following:
“(a)

Defined Term.
In this section, the term ‘Federal laboratory’ includes—
“(1)
a government-owned, government-operated laboratory; and
“(2)
a government-owned, contractor-operated laboratory.
“(b)

General Authority.
“(1)

Research and development activities.
The Secretary may conduct research and development activities, including demonstration projects and the collection and analysis of highway and motor vehicle safety data and related information needed to carry out this section, with respect to—
“(A)
all aspects of highway and traffic safety systems and conditions relating to—
“(i)
vehicle, highway, driver, passenger, motorcyclist, bicyclist, and pedestrian characteristics;
“(ii)
accident causation and investigations;
“(iii)
communications; and
“(iv)
emergency medical services, including the transportation of the injured;
“(B)
human behavioral factors and their effect on highway and traffic safety, including—
“(i)
driver education;
“(ii)
impaired driving; and
“(iii)
distracted driving;
“(C)
an evaluation of the effectiveness of countermeasures to increase highway and traffic safety, including occupant protection and alcohol- and drug-impaired driving technologies and initiatives;
“(D)
the development of technologies to detect drug impaired drivers;
“(E)
research on, evaluations of, and identification of best practices related to driver education programs (including driver education curricula, instructor training and certification, program administration, and delivery mechanisms) and make recommendations for harmonizing driver education and multistage graduated licensing systems; and
“(F)
the effect of State laws on any aspects, activities, or programs described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
“(2)

Cooperation, grants, and contracts.
The Secretary may carry out this section—
“(A)
independently;
“(B)
in cooperation with other Federal departments, agencies, and instrumentalities and Federal laboratories;
“(C)
by entering into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other transactions with the National Academy of Sciences, any Federal laboratory, State or local agency, authority, association, institution, or person (as defined in chapter 1 of title 1); or
“(D)
by making grants to the National Academy of Sciences, any Federal laboratory, State or local agency, authority, association, institution, or person (as defined in chapter 1 of title 1).
“(c)

Collaborative Research and Development.
“(1)

In general.
To encourage innovative solutions to highway safety problems, stimulate voluntary improvements in highway safety, and stimulate the marketing of new highway safety related technology by private industry, the Secretary is authorized to carry out, on a cost-shared basis, collaborative research and development with—
“(A)
non-Federal entities, including State and local governments, colleges, universities, corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, organizations, and trade associations that are incorporated or established under the laws of any State or the United States; and
“(B)
Federal laboratories.
“(2)

Agreements.
In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may enter into cooperative research and development agreements (as defined in section 12 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a)) in which the Secretary provides not more than 50 percent of the cost of any research or development project under this subsection.
“(3)

Use of technology.
The research, development, or use of any technology pursuant to an agreement under this subsection, including the terms under which technology may be licensed and the resulting royalties may be distributed, shall be subject to the provisions of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.).
“(d)

Title to Equipment.
In furtherance of the purposes set forth in section 402, the Secretary may vest title to equipment purchased for demonstration projects with funds authorized under this section to State or local agencies on such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
“(e)

Prohibition on Certain Disclosures.
Any report of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or of any officer, employee, or contractor of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, relating to any highway traffic accident or the investigation of such accident conducted pursuant to this chapter or chapter 301 may only be made available to the public in a manner that does not identify individuals.
“(f)

Cooperative Research and Evaluation.
“(1)

Establishment and funding.
Notwithstanding the apportionment formula set forth in section 402(c)(2), $2,500,000 of the total amount available for apportionment to the States for highway safety programs under subsection 402(c) in each fiscal year shall be available for expenditure by the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for a cooperative research and evaluation program to research and evaluate priority highway safety countermeasures.
“(2)

Administration.
The program established under paragraph (1)—
“(A)
shall be administered by the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and
“(B)
shall be jointly managed by the Governors Highway Safety Association and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.”
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(h)

In-vehicle Alcohol Detection Device Research.
“(1)

In general.
The Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may carry out a collaborative research effort under chapter 301 of title 49 on in-vehicle technology to prevent alcohol-impaired driving.
“(2)

Funding.
Funds provided under section 405 may be made to be used by the Secretary to conduct the research described in paragraph (1).
“(3)

Privacy protection.
If the Administrator utilizes the authority under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall not develop requirements for any device or means of technology to be installed in an automobile intended for retail sale that records a driver’s blood alcohol concentration.
“(4)

Reports.
If the Administrator conducts the research authorized under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives that—
“(A)
describes the progress made in carrying out the collaborative research effort; and
“(B)
includes an accounting for the use of Federal funds obligated or expended in carrying out that effort.
“(5)

Definitions.
In this subsection:
“(A)

Alcohol-impaired driving.
The term ‘alcohol-impaired driving’ means the operation of a motor vehicle (as defined in section 30102(a)(6) of title 49) by an individual whose blood alcohol content is at or above the legal limit.
“(B)

Legal limit.
The term ‘legal limit’ means a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or greater (as set forth in section 163(a)) or such other percentage limitation as may be established by applicable Federal, State, or local law.”
.
SEC. 31104.

NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER.
Section 30302(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: “The Secretary shall make continual improvements to modernize the Register’s data processing system.”.
SEC. 31105.

NATIONAL PRIORITY SAFETY PROGRAMS.
(a)

In General.—
Section 405 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 405.

National priority safety programs
“(a)

General Authority.
Subject to the requirements of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall manage programs to address national priorities for reducing highway deaths and injuries. Funds shall be allocated according to the priorities set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2).
“(1)

Grants to states.
“(A)

Occupant protection.
16 percent of the funds provided under this section in each fiscal year shall be allocated among States that adopt and implement effective occupant protection programs to reduce highway deaths and injuries resulting from individuals riding unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles (as described in subsection (b)).
“(B)

State traffic safety information system improvements.
14.5 percent of the funds provided under this section in each fiscal year shall be allocated among States that meet the requirements of the State traffic safety information system improvements (as described in subsection (c)).
“(C)

Impaired driving countermeasures.
52.5 percent of the funds provided under this section in each fiscal year shall be allocated among States that meet the requirements of the impaired driving countermeasures (as described in subsection (d)).
“(D)

Distracted driving.
8.5 percent of the funds provided under this section in each fiscal year shall be allocated among States that adopt and implement effective laws to reduce distracted driving (as described in subsection (e)).
“(E)

Motorcyclist safety.
1.5 percent of the funds provided under this section in each fiscal year shall be allocated among States that implement motorcyclist safety programs (as described in subsection (f)).
“(F)

State graduated driver licensing laws.
5 percent of the funds provided under this section in each fiscal year shall be allocated among States that adopt and implement graduated driver licensing laws (as described in subsection (g)).
“(G)

Transfers.
Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) through (F), the Secretary may reallocate, before the last day of any fiscal year, any amounts remaining available to carry out any of the activities described in subsections (b) through (g) to increase the amount made available to carry out any of the other activities described in such subsections, or the amount made available under section 402, in order to ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that all such amounts are obligated during such fiscal year.
“(H)

Maintenance of effort.
“(i)

Requirements.
No grant may be made to a State in any fiscal year under subsection (b), (c), or (d) unless the State enters into such agreements with the Secretary as the Secretary may require to ensure that the State will maintain its aggregate expenditures from all State and local sources for programs described in those sections at or above the average level of such expenditures in its 2 fiscal years preceding the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012.
“(ii)

Waiver.
Upon the request of a State, the Secretary may waive or modify the requirements under clause (i) for not more than 1 fiscal year if the Secretary determines that such a waiver would be equitable due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances.
“(2)

Other priority programs.
Funds provided under this section in each fiscal year may be used for research into technology to prevent alcohol-impaired driving (as described in subsection 403(h)).
“(b)

Occupant Protection Grants.
“(1)

General authority.
Subject to the requirements under this subsection, the Secretary of Transportation shall award grants to States that adopt and implement effective occupant protection programs to reduce highway deaths and injuries resulting from individuals riding unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles.
“(2)

Federal share.
The Federal share of the costs of activities funded using amounts from grants awarded under this subsection may not exceed 80 percent for each fiscal year for which a State receives a grant.
“(3)

Eligibility.
“(A)

High seat belt use rate.
A State with an observed seat belt use rate of 90 percent or higher, based on the most recent data from a survey that conforms with national criteria established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, shall be eligible for a grant in a fiscal year if the State—
“(i)
submits an occupant protection plan during the first fiscal year;
“(ii)
participates in the Click It or Ticket national mobilization;
“(iii)
has an active network of child restraint inspection stations; and
“(iv)
has a plan to recruit, train, and maintain a sufficient number of child passenger safety technicians.
“(B)

Lower seat belt use rate.
A State with an observed seat belt use rate below 90 percent, based on the most recent data from a survey that conforms with national criteria established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, shall be eligible for a grant in a fiscal year if—
“(i)
the State meets all of the requirements under clauses (i) through (iv) of subparagraph (A); and
“(ii)
the Secretary determines that the State meets at least 3 of the following criteria:
“(I)
The State conducts sustained (on-going and periodic) seat belt enforcement at a defined level of participation during the year.
“(II)
The State has enacted and enforces a primary enforcement seat belt use law.
“(III)
The State has implemented countermeasure programs for high-risk populations, such as drivers on rural roadways, unrestrained nighttime drivers, or teenage drivers.
“(IV)
The State has enacted and enforces occupant protection laws requiring front and rear occupant protection use by all occupants in an age-appropriate restraint.
“(V)
The State has implemented a comprehensive occupant protection program in which the State has—
- “(aa)
conducted a program assessment;
- “(bb)
developed a statewide strategic plan;
- “(cc)
designated an occupant protection coordinator; and
- “(dd)
established a statewide occupant protection task force.
“(VI)
The State—
- “(aa)
completed an assessment of its occupant protection program during the 3-year period preceding the grant year; or
- “(bb)
will conduct such an assessment during the first year of the grant.
“(4)

Use of grant amounts.
“(A)

In general.
Grant funds received pursuant to this subsection may be used to—
“(i)
carry out a program to support high-visibility enforcement mobilizations, including paid media that emphasizes publicity for the program, and law enforcement;
“(ii)
carry out a program to train occupant protection safety professionals, police officers, fire and emergency medical personnel, educators, and parents concerning all aspects of the use of child restraints and occupant protection;
“(iii)
carry out a program to educate the public concerning the proper use and installation of child restraints, including related equipment and information systems;
“(iv)
carry out a program to provide community child passenger safety services, including programs about proper seating positions for children and how to reduce the improper use of child restraints;
“(v)
purchase and distribute child restraints to low-income families, provided that not more than 5 percent of the funds received in a fiscal year are used for such purpose; and
“(vi)
establish and maintain information systems containing data concerning occupant protection, including the collection and administration of child passenger safety and occupant protection surveys.
“(B)

High seat belt use rate.
A State that is eligible for funds under paragraph (3)(A) may use up to 75 percent of such funds for any project or activity eligible for funding under section 402.
“(5)

Grant amount.
The allocation of grant funds to a State under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be in proportion to the State’s apportionment under section 402 for fiscal year 2009.
“(6)

Definitions.
In this subsection:
“(A)

Child restraint.
The term ‘child restraint’ means any device (including child safety seat, booster seat, harness, and excepting seat belts) that is—
“(i)
designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children who weigh 65 pounds (30 kilograms) or less; and
“(ii)
certified to the Federal motor vehicle safety standard prescribed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for child restraints.
“(B)

Seat belt.
The term ‘seat belt’ means—
“(i)
with respect to open-body motor vehicles, including convertibles, an occupant restraint system consisting of a lap belt or a lap belt and a detachable shoulder belt; and
“(ii)
with respect to other motor vehicles, an occupant restraint system consisting of integrated lap and shoulder belts.
“(c)

State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements.
“(1)

General authority.
Subject to the requirements under this subsection, the Secretary of Transportation shall award grants to States to support the development and implementation of effective State programs that—
“(A)
improve the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, uniformity, integration, and accessibility of the State safety data that is needed to identify priorities for Federal, State, and local highway and traffic safety programs;
“(B)
evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to make such improvements;
“(C)
link the State data systems, including traffic records, with other data systems within the State, such as systems that contain medical, roadway, and economic data;
“(D)
improve the compatibility and interoperability of the data systems of the State with national data systems and data systems of other States; and
“(E)
enhance the ability of the Secretary to observe and analyze national trends in crash occurrences, rates, outcomes, and circumstances.
“(2)

Federal share.
The Federal share of the cost of adopting and implementing in a fiscal year a State program described in this subsection may not exceed 80 percent.
“(3)

Eligibility.
A State is not eligible for a grant under this subsection in a fiscal year unless the State demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that the State—
“(A)
has a functioning traffic records coordinating committee (referred to in this paragraph as ‘TRCC’) that meets at least 3 times each year;
“(B)
has designated a TRCC coordinator;
“(C)
has established a State traffic record strategic plan that has been approved by the TRCC and describes specific quantifiable and measurable improvements anticipated in the State’s core safety databases, including crash, citation or adjudication, driver, emergency medical services or injury surveillance system, roadway, and vehicle databases;
“(D)
has demonstrated quantitative progress in relation to the significant data program attribute of—
“(i)
accuracy;
“(ii)
completeness;
“(iii)
timeliness;
“(iv)
uniformity;
“(v)
accessibility; or
“(vi)
integration of a core highway safety database; and
“(E)
has certified to the Secretary that an assessment of the State’s highway safety data and traffic records system was conducted or updated during the preceding 5 years.
“(4)

Use of grant amounts.
Grant funds received by a State under this subsection shall be used for making data program improvements to core highway safety databases related to quantifiable, measurable progress in any of the 6 significant data program attributes set forth in paragraph (3)(D).
“(5)

Grant amount.
The allocation of grant funds to a State under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be in proportion to the State’s apportionment under section 402 for fiscal year 2009.
“(d)

Impaired Driving Countermeasures.
“(1)

In general.
Subject to the requirements under this subsection, the Secretary of Transportation shall award grants to States that adopt and implement—
“(A)
effective programs to reduce driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or the combination of alcohol and drugs; or
“(B)
alcohol-ignition interlock laws.
“(2)

Federal share.
The Federal share of the costs of activities funded using amounts from grants under this subsection may not exceed 80 percent in any fiscal year in which the State receives a grant.
“(3)

Eligibility.
“(A)

Low-range states.
Low-range States shall be eligible for a grant under this subsection.
“(B)

Mid-range states.
A mid-range State shall be eligible for a grant under this subsection if—
“(i)
a statewide impaired driving task force in the State developed a statewide plan during the most recent 3 calendar years to address the problem of impaired driving; or
“(ii)
the State will convene a statewide impaired driving task force to develop such a plan during the first year of the grant.
“(C)

High-range states.
A high-range State shall be eligible for a grant under this subsection if the State—
“(i)
(I)
conducted an assessment of the State’s impaired driving program during the most recent 3 calendar years; or
“(II)
will conduct such an assessment during the first year of the grant;
“(ii)
convenes, during the first year of the grant, a statewide impaired driving task force to develop a statewide plan that—
“(I)
addresses any recommendations from the assessment conducted under clause (i);
“(II)
includes a detailed plan for spending any grant funds provided under this subsection; and
“(III)
describes how such spending supports the statewide program; and
“(iii)
(I)
submits the statewide plan to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration during the first year of the grant for the agency’s review and approval;
“(II)
annually updates the statewide plan in each subsequent year of the grant; and
“(III)
submits each updated statewide plan for the agency’s review and comment.
“(4)

Use of grant amounts.
“(A)

Required programs.
High-range States shall use grant funds for—
“(i)
high visibility enforcement efforts; and
“(ii)
any of the activities described in subparagraph (B) if—
“(I)
the activity is described in the statewide plan; and
“(II)
the Secretary approves the use of funding for such activity.
“(B)

Authorized programs.
Medium-range and low-range States may use grant funds for—
“(i)
any of the purposes described in subparagraph (A);
“(ii)
hiring a full-time or part-time impaired driving coordinator of the State’s activities to address the enforcement and adjudication of laws regarding driving while impaired by alcohol;
“(iii)
court support of high visibility enforcement efforts, training and education of criminal justice professionals (including law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and probation officers) to assist such professionals in handling impaired driving cases, hiring traffic safety resource prosecutors, hiring judicial outreach liaisons, and establishing driving while intoxicated courts;
“(iv)
alcohol ignition interlock programs;
“(v)
improving blood-alcohol concentration testing and reporting;
“(vi)
paid and earned media in support of high visibility enforcement efforts, and conducting standardized field sobriety training, advanced roadside impaired driving evaluation training, and drug recognition expert training for law enforcement, and equipment and related expenditures used in connection with impaired driving enforcement in accordance with criteria established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;
“(vii)
training on the use of alcohol screening and brief intervention;
“(viii)
developing impaired driving information systems; and
“(ix)
costs associated with a 24-7 sobriety program.
“(C)

Other programs.
Low-range States may use grant funds for any expenditure designed to reduce impaired driving based on problem identification. Medium and high-range States may use funds for such expenditures upon approval by the Secretary.
“(5)

Grant amount.
Subject to paragraph (6), the allocation of grant funds to a State under this section for a fiscal year shall be in proportion to the State’s apportionment under section 402(c) for fiscal year 2009.
“(6)

Grants to states that adopt and enforce mandatory alcohol-ignition interlock laws.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall make a separate grant under this subsection to each State that adopts and is enforcing a mandatory alcohol-ignition interlock law for all individuals convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or of driving while intoxicated.
“(B)

Use of funds.
Grants authorized under subparagraph (A) may be used by recipient States for any eligible activities under this subsection or section 402.
“(C)

Allocation.
Amounts made available under this paragraph shall be allocated among States described in subparagraph (A) on the basis of the apportionment formula set forth in section 402(c).
“(D)

Funding.
Not more than 15 percent of the amounts made available to carry out this subsection in a fiscal year shall be made available by the Secretary for making grants under this paragraph.
“(7)

Definitions.
In this subsection:
“(A)

24-7 SOBRIETY PROGRAM.
The term ‘24-7 sobriety program’ means a State law or program that authorizes a State court or a State agency, as a condition of sentence, probation, parole, or work permit, to—
“(i)
require an individual who plead guilty or was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to totally abstain from alcohol or drugs for a period of time; and
“(ii)
require the individual to be subject to testing for alcohol or drugs—
“(I)
at least twice per day;
“(II)
by continuous transdermal alcohol monitoring via an electronic monitoring device; or
“(III)
by an alternate method with the concurrence of the Secretary.
“(B)

Average impaired driving fatality rate.
The term ‘average impaired driving fatality rate’ means the number of fatalities in motor vehicle crashes involving a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 percent for every 100,000,000 vehicle miles traveled, based on the most recently reported 3 calendar years of final data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, as calculated in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“(C)

High-range state.
The term ‘high-range State’ means a State that has an average impaired driving fatality rate of 0.60 or higher.
“(D)

Low-range state.
The term ‘low-range State’ means a State that has an average impaired driving fatality rate of 0.30 or lower..
“(E)

Mid-range state.
The term ‘mid-range State’ means a State that has an average impaired driving fatality rate that is higher than 0.30 and lower than 0.60.
“(e)

Distracted Driving Grants.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall award a grant under this subsection to any State that enacts and enforces a statute that meets the requirements set forth in paragraphs (2) and (3).
“(2)

Prohibition on texting while driving.
A State statute meets the requirements set forth in this paragraph if the statute—
“(A)
prohibits drivers from texting through a personal wireless communications device while driving;
“(B)
makes violation of the statute a primary offense; and
“(C)
establishes—
“(i)
a minimum fine for a first violation of the statute; and
“(ii)
increased fines for repeat violations.
“(3)

Prohibition on youth cell phone use while driving.
A State statute meets the requirements set forth in this paragraph if the statute—
“(A)
prohibits a driver who is younger than 18 years of age from using a personal wireless communications device while driving;
“(B)
makes violation of the statute a primary offense;
“(C)
requires distracted driving issues to be tested as part of the State driver’s license examination; and
“(D)
establishes—
“(i)
a minimum fine for a first violation of the statute; and
“(ii)
increased fines for repeat violations.
“(4)

Permitted exceptions.
A statute that meets the requirements set forth in paragraphs (2) and (3) may provide exceptions for—
“(A)
a driver who uses a personal wireless communications device to contact emergency services;
“(B)
emergency services personnel who use a personal wireless communications device while—
“(i)
operating an emergency services vehicle; and
“(ii)
engaged in the performance of their duties as emergency services personnel; and
“(C)
an individual employed as a commercial motor vehicle driver or a school bus driver who uses a personal wireless communications device within the scope of such individual’s employment if such use is permitted under the regulations promulgated pursuant to section 31152 of title 49.
“(5)

Use of grant funds.
Of the amounts received by a State under this subsection—
“(A)
at least 50 percent shall be used—
“(i)
to educate the public through advertising containing information about the dangers of texting or using a cell phone while driving;
“(ii)
for traffic signs that notify drivers about the distracted driving law of the State; or
“(iii)
for law enforcement costs related to the enforcement of the distracted driving law; and
“(B)
up to 50 percent may be used for any eligible project or activity under section 402.
“(6)

Additional grants.
In the first fiscal year that grants are awarded under this subsection, the Secretary may use up to 25 percent of the amounts available for grants under this subsection to award grants to States that—
“(A)
enacted statutes before the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012, which meet the requirements set forth in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2); and
“(B)
are otherwise ineligible for a grant under this subsection.
“(7)

Allocation to support state distracted driving laws.
Of the amounts available under this subsection in a fiscal year for distracted driving grants, the Secretary may expend up to $5,000,000 for the development and placement of broadcast media to support the enforcement of State distracted driving laws.
“(8)

Distracted driving study.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall conduct a study of all forms of distracted driving.
“(B)

Components.
The study conducted under subparagraph (A) shall—
“(i)
examine the effect of distractions other than the use of personal wireless communications on motor vehicle safety;
“(ii)
identify metrics to determine the nature and scope of the distracted driving problem;
“(iii)
identify the most effective methods to enhance education and awareness; and
“(iv)
identify the most effective method of reducing deaths and injuries caused by all forms of distracted driving.
“(C)

Report.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012, the Secretary shall submit a report containing the results of the study conducted under this paragraph to—
“(i)
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
“(ii)
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
“(9)

Definitions.
In this subsection:
“(A)

Driving.
The term ‘driving’—
“(i)
means operating a motor vehicle on a public road, including operation while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light or stop sign, or otherwise; and
“(ii)
does not include operating a motor vehicle when the vehicle has pulled over to the side of, or off, an active roadway and has stopped in a location where it can safely remain stationary.
“(B)

Personal wireless communications device.
The term ‘personal wireless communications device’—
“(i)
means a device through which personal wireless services (as defined in section 332(c)(7)(C)(i) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(c)(7)(C)(i))) are transmitted; and
“(ii)
does not include a global navigation satellite system receiver used for positioning, emergency notification, or navigation purposes.
“(C)

Primary offense.
The term ‘primary offense’ means an offense for which a law enforcement officer may stop a vehicle solely for the purpose of issuing a citation in the absence of evidence of another offense.
“(D)

Public road.
The term ‘public road’ has the meaning given such term in section 402(c).
“(E)

Texting.
The term ‘texting’ means reading from or manually entering data into a personal wireless communications device, including doing so for the purpose of SMS texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, or engaging in any other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data communication.
“(f)

Motorcyclist Safety.
“(1)

Grants authorized.
Subject to the requirements under this subsection, the Secretary shall award grants to States that adopt and implement effective programs to reduce the number of single- and multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcyclists.
“(2)

Allocation.
The amount of a grant awarded to a State for a fiscal year under this subsection may not exceed 25 percent of the amount apportioned to the State for fiscal year 2003 under section 402.
“(3)

Grant eligibility.
A State becomes eligible for a grant under this subsection by adopting or demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Secretary, at least 2 of the following criteria:
“(A)

Motorcycle rider training courses.
An effective motorcycle rider training course that is offered throughout the State, which—
“(i)
provides a formal program of instruction in accident avoidance and other safety-oriented operational skills to motorcyclists; and
“(ii)
may include innovative training opportunities to meet unique regional needs.
“(B)

Motorcyclists awareness program.
An effective statewide program to enhance motorist awareness of the presence of motorcyclists on or near roadways and safe driving practices that avoid injuries to motorcyclists.
“(C)

Reduction of fatalities and crashes involving motorcycles.
A reduction for the preceding calendar year in the number of motorcycle fatalities and the rate of motor vehicle crashes involving motorcycles in the State (expressed as a function of 10,000 motorcycle registrations).
“(D)

Impaired driving program.
Implementation of a statewide program to reduce impaired driving, including specific measures to reduce impaired motorcycle operation.
“(E)

Reduction of fatalities and accidents involving impaired motorcyclists.
A reduction for the preceding calendar year in the number of fatalities and the rate of reported crashes involving alcohol- or drug-impaired motorcycle operators (expressed as a function of 10,000 motorcycle registrations).
“(F)

Fees collected from motorcyclists.
All fees collected by the State from motorcyclists for the purposes of funding motorcycle training and safety programs will be used for motorcycle training and safety purposes.
“(4)

Eligible uses.
“(A)

In general.
A State may use funds from a grant under this subsection only for motorcyclist safety training and motorcyclist awareness programs, including—
“(i)
improvements to motorcyclist safety training curricula;
“(ii)
improvements in program delivery of motorcycle training to both urban and rural areas, including—
“(I)
procurement or repair of practice motorcycles;
“(II)
instructional materials;
“(III)
mobile training units; and
“(IV)
leasing or purchasing facilities for closed-course motorcycle skill training;
“(iii)
measures designed to increase the recruitment or retention of motorcyclist safety training instructors; and
“(iv)
public awareness, public service announcements, and other outreach programs to enhance driver awareness of motorcyclists, such as the ‘share-the-road’ safety messages developed under subsection (g).
“(B)

Suballocations of funds.
An agency of a State that receives a grant under this subsection may suballocate funds from the grant to a nonprofit organization incorporated in that State to carry out this subsection.
“(5)

Definitions.
In this subsection:
“(A)

Motorcyclist awareness.
The term ‘motorcyclist awareness’ means individual or collective awareness of—
“(i)
the presence of motorcycles on or near roadways; and
“(ii)
safe driving practices that avoid injury to motorcyclists.
“(B)

Motorcyclist awareness program.
The term ‘motorcyclist awareness program’ means an informational or public awareness program designed to enhance motorcyclist awareness that is developed by or in coordination with the designated State authority having jurisdiction over motorcyclist safety issues, which may include the State motorcycle safety administrator or a motorcycle advisory council appointed by the governor of the State.
“(C)

Motorcyclist safety training.
The term ‘motorcyclist safety training’ means a formal program of instruction that is approved for use in a State by the designated State authority having jurisdiction over motorcyclist safety issues, which may include the State motorcycle safety administrator or a motorcycle advisory council appointed by the governor of the State.
“(D)

State.
The term ‘State’ has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code.
“(g)

State Graduated Driver Licensing Incentive Grant.
“(1)

Grants authorized.
Subject to the requirements under this subsection, the Secretary shall award grants to States that adopt and implement graduated driver licensing laws in accordance with the requirements set forth in paragraph (2).
“(2)

Minimum requirements.
“(A)

In general.
A State meets the requirements set forth in this paragraph if the State has a graduated driver licensing law that requires novice drivers younger than 21 years of age to comply with the 2-stage licensing process described in subparagraph (B) before receiving an unrestricted driver’s license.
“(B)

Licensing process.
A State is in compliance with the 2-stage licensing process described in this subparagraph if the State’s driver’s license laws include—
“(i)
a learner’s permit stage that—
“(I)
is at least 6 months in duration;
“(II)
prohibits the driver from using a cellular telephone or any communications device in a nonemergency situation; and
“(III)
remains in effect until the driver—
- “(aa)
reaches 16 years of age and enters the intermediate stage; or
- “(bb)
reaches 18 years of age;
“(ii)
an intermediate stage that—
“(I)
commences immediately after the expiration of the learner’s permit stage;
“(II)
is at least 6 months in duration;
“(III)
prohibits the driver from using a cellular telephone or any communications device in a nonemergency situation;
“(IV)
restricts driving at night;
“(V)
prohibits the driver from operating a motor vehicle with more than 1 nonfamilial passenger younger than 21 years of age unless a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age is in the motor vehicle; and
“(VI)
remains in effect until the driver reaches 18 years of age; and
“(iii)
any other requirement prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation, including—
“(I)
in the learner’s permit stage—
- “(aa)
at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age;
- “(bb)
a driver training course; and
- “(cc)
a requirement that the driver be accompanied and supervised by a licensed driver, who is at least 21 years of age, at all times while such driver is operating a motor vehicle; and
“(II)
in the learner’s permit or intermediate stage, a requirement, in addition to any other penalties imposed by State law, that the grant of an unrestricted driver’s license be automatically delayed for any individual who, during the learner’s permit or intermediate stage, is convicted of a driving-related offense, including—
- “(aa)
driving while intoxicated;
- “(bb)
misrepresentation of his or her true age;
- “(cc)
reckless driving;
- “(dd)
driving without wearing a seat belt;
- “(ee)
speeding; or
- “(ff)
any other driving-related offense, as determined by the Secretary.
“(3)

Rulemaking.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall promulgate regulations necessary to implement the requirements set forth in paragraph (2), in accordance with the notice and comment provisions under section 553 of title 5.
“(B)

Exception.
A State that otherwise meets the minimum requirements set forth in paragraph (2) shall be deemed by the Secretary to be in compliance with the requirement set forth in paragraph (2) if the State enacted a law before January 1, 2011, establishing a class of license that permits licensees or applicants younger than 18 years of age to drive a motor vehicle—
“(i)
in connection with work performed on, or for the operation of, a farm owned by family members who are directly related to the applicant or licensee; or
“(ii)
if demonstrable hardship would result from the denial of a license to the licensees or applicants.
“(4)

Allocation.
Grant funds allocated to a State under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be in proportion to a State’s apportionment under section 402 for such fiscal year.
“(5)

Use of funds.
Of the grant funds received by a State under this subsection—
“(A)
at least 25 percent shall be used for—
“(i)
enforcing a 2-stage licensing process that complies with paragraph (2);
“(ii)
training for law enforcement personnel and other relevant State agency personnel relating to the enforcement described in clause (i);
“(iii)
publishing relevant educational materials that pertain directly or indirectly to the State graduated driver licensing law;
“(iv)
carrying out other administrative activities that the Secretary considers relevant to the State’s 2-stage licensing process; and
“(v)
carrying out a teen traffic safety program described in section 402(m); and
“(B)
up to 75 percent may be used for any eligible project or activity under section 402.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 405 and inserting the following:
“405. National priority safety programs.”.
SEC. 31106.

HIGH VISIBILITY ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM.
Section 2009 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking “at least 2” and inserting “at least 3”; and
(B)
by striking “years 2006 through 2012.” and inserting “fiscal years 2013 and 2014. The Administrator may also initiate and support additional campaigns in each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 for the purposes specified in subsection (b).”;
(2)
in subsection (b), by striking “either or both” and inserting “outcomes related to at least 1”;
(3)
in subsection (c), by inserting “and Internet-based outreach” after “print media advertising”;
(4)
in subsection (e), by striking “subsections (a), (c), and (f)” and inserting “subsection (c)”;
(5)
by striking subsection (f); and
(6)
by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (f).
SEC. 31107.

AGENCY ACCOUNTABILITY.
Section 412 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
“(a)

Triennial State Management Reviews.
“(1)

In general.
Except as provided under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall conduct a review of each State highway safety program at least once every 3 years.
“(2)

Exceptions.
The Secretary may conduct reviews of the highway safety programs of the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as often as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
“(3)

Components.
Reviews under this subsection shall include—
“(A)
a management evaluation of all grant programs funded under this chapter;
“(B)
an assessment of State data collection and evaluation relating to performance measures established by the Secretary;
“(C)
a comparison of State efforts under subparagraphs (A) and (B) to best practices and programs that have been evaluated for effectiveness; and
“(D)
the development of recommendations on how each State could—
“(i)
improve the management and oversight of its grant activities; and
“(ii)
provide a management and oversight plan for such grant programs.”
; and
(2)
by striking subsection (f).
SEC. 31108.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.
Section 10202 of Public Law 109-59 (42 U.S.C. 300d-4), is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(b)

National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.
“(1)

Establishment.
The Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall establish a National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (referred to in this subsection as the ‘Advisory Council’).
“(2)

Membership.
The Advisory Council shall be composed of 25 members, who—
“(A)
shall be appointed by the Secretary of Transportation; and
“(B)
shall collectively be representative of all sectors of the emergency medical services community.
“(3)

Purposes.
The purposes of the Advisory Council are to advise and consult with—
“(A)
the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services on matters relating to emergency medical services issues; and
“(B)
the Secretary of Transportation on matters relating to emergency medical services issues affecting the Department of Transportation.
“(4)

Administration.
The Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall provide administrative support to the Advisory Council, including scheduling meetings, setting agendas, keeping minutes and records, and producing reports.
“(5)

Leadership.
The members of the Advisory Council shall annually select a chairperson of the Advisory Council.
“(6)

Meetings.
The Advisory Council shall meet as frequently as is determined necessary by the chairperson of the Advisory Council.
“(7)

Annual reports.
The Advisory Council shall prepare an annual report to the Secretary of Transportation regarding the Advisory Council’s actions and recommendations.”
.
SEC. 31109.

REPEAL OF PROGRAMS.
(a)
[23 U.S.C. 406 note]

General Provision.—
A repeal made by this section shall not affect amounts apportioned or allocated before the effective date of such repeal, provided that such apportioned or allocated funds continue to be subject to the requirements to which such funds were subject under the repealed section as in effect on the day before the date of the repeal.
(b)

Safety Belt Performance Grants.—
Section 406 of title 23, United States Code, and the item relating to section 406 in the analysis for chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, are repealed.
(c)

Innovative Project Grants.—
Section 407 of title 23, United States Code, and the item relating to section 407 in the analysis for chapter 4, are repealed.
(d)

State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements.—
Section 408 of title 23, United States Code, and the item relating to section 408 in the analysis for chapter 4, are repealed.
(e)

Alcohol-impaired Driving Countermeasures.—
Section 410 of title 23, United States Code, and the item relating to section 410 in the analysis for chapter 4, are repealed.
(f)

State Highway Safety Data Improvements.—
Section 411 of title 23, United States Code, and the item relating to section 411 in the analysis for chapter 4, are repealed.
(g)

Motorcyclist Safety.—
Section 2010 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note), and the item relating to section 2010 in the table of contents under section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
(h)

Child Safety and Child Booster Seat Incentive Grants.—
Section 2011 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 405 note), and the item relating to section 2011 in the table of contents under section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(i)

Drug-impaired Driving Enforcement.—
Section 2013 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 403 note), and the item relating to section 2013 in the table of contents under section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(j)

First Responder Vehicle Safety Program.—
Section 2014 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note), and the item relating to section 2014 in the table of contents under section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(k)

Rural State Emergency Medical Services Optimization Pilot Program.—
Section 2016 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1541), and the item relating to section 2016 in the table of contents under section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
(l)
[23 U.S.C. 402 note]

Older Driver Safety; Law Enforcement Training.—
Section 2017 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1541), and the item relating to section 2017 in the table of contents under section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.
Subtitle B—

Enhanced Safety Authorities
SEC. 31201.

DEFINITION OF MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT.
Section 30102(a)(7)(C) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“(C)
any device or an article or apparel, including a motorcycle helmet and excluding medicine or eyeglasses prescribed by a licensed practitioner, that—
“(i)
is not a system, part, or component of a motor vehicle; and
“(ii)
is manufactured, sold, delivered, or offered to be sold for use on public streets, roads, and highways with the apparent purpose of safeguarding users of motor vehicles against risk of accident, injury, or death.”
.
SEC. 31202.

PERMIT REMINDER SYSTEM FOR NON-USE OF SAFETY BELTS.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in section 30122, by striking subsection (d); and
(2)
by amending section 30124 to read as follows:
“SEC. 30124.

Nonuse of safety belts
“A motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this chapter may not require a manufacturer to comply with the standard by using a safety belt interlock designed to prevent starting or operating a motor vehicle if an occupant is not using a safety belt.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 30124 and inserting the following:
“Sec. 30124.
Nonuse of safety belts.”
.
SEC. 31203.

CIVIL PENALTIES.
(a)

In General.—
Section 30165 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking “30123(d)” and inserting “30123(a)”; and
(ii)
by striking “$15,000,000” and inserting “$35,000,000”; and
(B)
in paragraph (3), by striking “$15,000,000” and inserting “$35,000,000”; and
(2)
by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
“(c)

Relevant Factors in Determining Amount of Penalty or Compromise.
In determining the amount of a civil penalty or compromise under this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall consider the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation. Such determination shall include, as appropriate—
“(1)
the nature of the defect or noncompliance;
“(2)
knowledge by the person charged of its obligations under this chapter;
“(3)
the severity of the risk of injury;
“(4)
the occurrence or absence of injury;
“(5)
the number of motor vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment distributed with the defect or noncompliance;
“(6)
actions taken by the person charged to identify, investigate, or mitigate the condition;
“(7)
the appropriateness of such penalty in relation to the size of the business of the person charged, including the potential for undue adverse economic impacts;
“(8)
whether the person has been assessed civil penalties under this section during the most recent 5 years; and
“(9)
other appropriate factors.”
.
(b)
[49 U.S.C. 30165 note]

Civil Penalty Criteria.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule, in accordance with the procedures of section 553 of title 5, United States Code, which provides an interpretation of the penalty factors described in section 30165(c) of title 49, United States Code.
(c)
[49 U.S.C. 30165 note]

Effective Date.—
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is the earlier of the date on which final regulations are issued under subsection (b) or 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 31204.

MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“Subchapter V—

MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
“SEC. 30181.

Policy
“The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct research, development, and testing on any area or aspect of motor vehicle safety necessary to carry out this chapter.
“SEC. 30182.

Powers and duties
“(a)

In General.
The Secretary of Transportation shall—
“(1)
conduct motor vehicle safety research, development, and testing programs and activities, including activities related to new and emerging technologies that impact or may impact motor vehicle safety;
“(2)
collect and analyze all types of motor vehicle and highway safety data and related information to determine the relationship between motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment performance characteristics and—
“(A)
accidents involving motor vehicles; and
“(B)
deaths or personal injuries resulting from those accidents.
“(b)

Activities.
In carrying out a program under this section, the Secretary of Transportation may—
“(1)
promote, support, and advance the education and training of motor vehicle safety staff of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in motor vehicle safety research programs and activities, including using program funds for planning, implementing, conducting, and presenting results of program activities, and for related expenses;
“(2)
obtain experimental and other motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment for research or testing;
“(3)
(A)
use any test motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment suitable for continued use, as determined by the Secretary to assist in carrying out this chapter or any other chapter of this title; or
“(B)
sell or otherwise dispose of test motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment and use the resulting proceeds to carry out this chapter;
“(4)
award grants to States and local governments, interstate authorities, and nonprofit institutions; and
“(5)
enter into cooperative agreements, collaborative research, or contracts with Federal agencies, interstate authorities, State and local governments, other public entities, private organizations and persons, nonprofit institutions, colleges and universities, consumer advocacy groups, corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, trade associations, Federal laboratories (including government-owned, government-operated laboratories and government-owned, contractor-operated laboratories), and research organizations.
“(c)

Use of Public Agencies.
In carrying out this subchapter, the Secretary shall avoid duplication by using the services, research, and testing facilities of public agencies, as appropriate.
“(d)

Facilities.
The Secretary may plan, design, and construct a new facility or modify an existing facility to conduct research, development, and testing in traffic safety, highway safety, and motor vehicle safety. An expenditure of more than $1,500,000 for planning, design, or construction may be made only if 60 days prior notice of the planning, design, or construction is provided to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Environment and Public Works of the Senate. The notice shall include—
“(1)
a brief description of the facility being planned, designed, or constructed;
“(2)
the location of the facility;
“(3)
an estimate of the maximum cost of the facility;
“(4)
a statement identifying private and public agencies that will use the facility and the contribution each agency will make to the cost of the facility; and
“(5)
a justification of the need for the facility.
“(e)

Increasing Costs of Approved Facilities.
The estimated maximum cost of a facility noticed under subsection (d) may be increased by an amount equal to the percentage increase in construction costs from the date the notice is submitted to Congress. However, the increase in the cost of the facility may not be more than 10 percent of the estimated maximum cost included in the notice. The Secretary shall decide what increase in construction costs has occurred.
“(f)

Availability of Information, Patents, and Developments.
When the United States Government makes more than a minimal contribution to a research or development activity under this chapter, the Secretary shall include in the arrangement for the activity a provision to ensure that all information, patents, and developments related to the activity are available to the public. The owner of a background patent may not be deprived of a right under the patent.
“SEC. 30183.

Prohibition on certain disclosures
“Any report of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or of any officer, employee, or contractor of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, relating to any highway traffic accident or the investigation of such accident conducted pursuant to this chapter or section 403 of title 23, may be made available to the public only in a manner that does not identify individuals.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendments.—
(1)

Amendment of chapter analysis.—
The chapter analysis for chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“subchapter v—motor vehicle safety research and development
“30181. Policy.
“30182. Powers and duties.
“30183. Prohibition on certain disclosures.”.
(2)

Deletion of redundant material.—
Chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in the chapter analysis, by striking the item relating to section 30168; and
(B)
by striking section 30168.
SEC. 31205.

ODOMETER REQUIREMENTS.
(a)

Definition.—
Section 32702(5) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting “or system of components” after “instrument”.
(b)

Electronic Disclosures of Odometer Information.—
Section 32705 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(g)

Electronic Disclosures.
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012, in carrying out this section, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations permitting any written disclosures or notices and related matters to be provided electronically.”
.
SEC. 31206.

INCREASED PENALTIES AND DAMAGES FOR ODOMETER FRAUD.
Chapter 327 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in section 32709(a)(1)—
(A)
by striking “$2,000” and inserting “$10,000”; and
(B)
by striking “$100,000” and inserting “$1,000,000”; and
(2)
in section 32710(a), by striking “$1,500” and inserting “$10,000”.
SEC. 31207.

EXTEND PROHIBITIONS ON IMPORTING NONCOMPLIANT VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO DEFECTIVE VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT.
Section 30112 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
“(3)
Except as provided in this section, section 30114, subsections (i) and (j) of section 30120, and subchapter III, a person may not sell, offer for sale, introduce or deliver for introduction in interstate commerce, or import into the United States any motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment if the vehicle or equipment contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety about which notice was given under section 30118(c) or an order was issued under section 30118(b). Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prohibit the importation of a new motor vehicle that receives a required recall remedy before being sold to a consumer in the United States.”
; and
(2)
in subsection (b)(2)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by striking “or” at the end;
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by adding “or” at the end; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
“(C)
having no reason to know, despite exercising reasonable care, that a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety about which notice was given under section 30118(c) or an order was issued under section 30118(b);”
.
SEC. 31208.

CONDITIONS ON IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT.
Chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the chapter analysis, by striking the item relating to section 30164 and inserting the following:
“30164. Service of process; conditions on importation of vehicles and equipment.”;
and
(2)
in section 30164—
(A)
in the section heading, by adding “; conditions on importation of vehicles and equipment” at the end; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
“(c)

Identifying Information.
A manufacturer (including an importer) offering a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment for import shall provide, upon request, such information that is necessary to identify and track the products as the Secretary, by rule, may specify, including—
“(1)
the product by name and the manufacturer’s address; and
“(2)
each retailer or distributor to which the manufacturer directly supplied motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment over which the Secretary has jurisdiction under this chapter.
“(d)

Regulations on the Import of a Motor Vehicle.
The Secretary may issue regulations that—
“(1)
condition the import of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment on the manufacturer’s compliance with—
“(A)
the requirements under this section;
“(B)
paragraph (1) or (3) of section 30112(a) with respect to such motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment;
“(C)
the provision of reports and records required to be maintained with respect to such motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment under this chapter;
“(D)
a request for inspection of premises, vehicle, or equipment under section 30166;
“(E)
an order or voluntary agreement to remedy such vehicle or equipment; or
“(F)
any rules implementing the requirements described in this subsection;
“(2)
provide an opportunity for the manufacturer to present information before the Secretary’s determination as to whether the manufacturer’s imports should be restricted; and
“(3)
establish a process by which a manufacturer may petition for reinstatement of its ability to import motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment.
“(e)

Exception.
The requirements of subsections (c) and (d) shall not apply to original manufacturers (or wholly owned subsidiaries) of motor vehicles that, prior to the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012—
“(1)
have imported motor vehicles into the United States that are certified to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards;
“(2)
have submitted to the Secretary appropriate manufacturer identification information under part 566 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
“(3)
if applicable, have identified a current agent for service of process in accordance with part 551 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
“(f)

Rulemaking.
In issuing regulations under this section, the Secretary shall seek to reduce duplicative requirements by coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security.”
.
SEC. 31209.

PORT INSPECTIONS; SAMPLES FOR EXAMINATION OR TESTING.
Section 30166(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2), by striking “and” at the end;
(2)
in paragraph (3)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting “(including at United States ports of entry)” after “held for introduction in interstate commerce”; and
(B)
in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
“(4)
shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Homeland Security for inspections and sampling of motor vehicle equipment being offered for import to determine compliance with this chapter or a regulation or order issued under this chapter.”
.
Subtitle C—

Transparency and Accountability
SEC. 31301.
[49 U.S.C. 30166 note]

PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF RECALL INFORMATION.
(a)

Vehicle Recall Information.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall require that motor vehicle safety recall information—
(1)
be available to the public on the Internet;
(2)
be searchable by vehicle make and model and vehicle identification number;
(3)
be in a format that preserves consumer privacy; and
(4)
includes information about each recall that has not been completed for each vehicle.
(b)

Rulemaking.—
The Secretary may initiate a rulemaking proceeding to require each manufacturer to provide the information described in subsection (a), with respect to that manufacturer’s motor vehicles, on a publicly accessible Internet website. Any rules promulgated under this subsection—
(1)
shall limit the information that must be made available under this section to include only those recalls issued not more than 15 years prior to the date of enactment of this Act;
(2)
may require information under paragraph (1) to be provided to a dealer or an owner of a vehicle at no charge; and
(3)
shall permit a manufacturer a reasonable period of time after receiving information from a dealer with respect to a vehicle to update the information about the vehicle on the publicly accessible Internet website.
(c)

Promotion of Public Awareness.—
The Secretary shall improve public awareness of safety recall information made publicly available by periodically updating the method of conveying that information to consumers, dealers, and manufacturers, such as through public service announcements.
SEC. 31302.
[49 U.S.C. 30101 note]

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OUTREACH TO MANUFACTURER, DEALER, AND MECHANIC PERSONNEL.
The Secretary shall publicize the means for contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a manner that targets mechanics, passenger motor vehicle dealership personnel, and manufacturer personnel.
SEC. 31303.

PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF COMMUNICATIONS TO DEALERS.
(a)

Internet Accessibility.—
Section 30166(f) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking “A manufacturer shall give the Secretary of Transportation” and inserting the following:
“(1)

In general.
A manufacturer shall give the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary shall make available on a publicly accessible Internet website,”
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(2)

Index.
Communications required to be submitted to the Secretary under this subsection shall be accompanied by an index to each communication, that—
“(A)
identifies the make, model, and model year of the affected vehicles;
“(B)
includes a concise summary of the subject matter of the communication; and
“(C)
shall be made available by the Secretary to the public on the Internet in a searchable format.”
.
SEC. 31304.

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION REPORTS.
(a)

In General.—
Section 30166 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(o)

Corporate Responsibility for Reports.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may promulgate rules requiring a senior official responsible for safety in any company submitting information to the Secretary in response to a request for information in a safety defect or compliance investigation under this chapter to certify that—
“(A)
the signing official has reviewed the submission; and
“(B)
based on the official’s knowledge, the submission does not—
“(i)
contain any untrue statement of a material fact; or
“(ii)
omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made not misleading, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made.
“(2)

Notice.
The certification requirements of this section shall be clearly stated on any request for information under paragraph (1).”
.
(b)

Civil Penalty.—
Section 30165(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3), by striking “A person” and inserting “Except as provided in paragraph (4), a person”; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(4)

False or misleading reports.
A person who knowingly and willfully submits materially false or misleading information to the Secretary, after certifying the same information as accurate under the certification process established pursuant to section 30166(o), shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 per day. The maximum penalty under this paragraph for a related series of daily violations is $1,000,000.”
.
SEC. 31305.

PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION PROGRAM.
(a)

Definition.—
Section 32301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively;
(2)
by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the following:
“(1)
‘crash avoidance’ means preventing or mitigating a crash;”
; and
(3)
in paragraph (2), as redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”.
(b)

Information Included.—
Section 32302(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2), by inserting “, crash avoidance, and any other areas the Secretary determines will improve the safety of passenger motor vehicles” after “crashworthiness”; and
(2)
by striking paragraph (4).
SEC. 31306.

PROMOTION OF VEHICLE DEFECT REPORTING.
Section 32302 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(d)

Motor Vehicle Defect Reporting Information.
“(1)

Rulemaking required.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2012, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations that require passenger motor vehicle manufacturers—
“(A)
to affix, in the glove compartment or in another readily accessible location on the vehicle, a sticker, decal, or other device that provides, in simple and understandable language, information about how to submit a safety-related motor vehicle defect complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;
“(B)
to prominently print the information described in subparagraph (A) within the owner’s manual; and
“(C)
to not place such information on the label required under section 3 of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15 U.S.C. 1232).
“(2)

Application.
The requirements under paragraph (1) shall apply to passenger motor vehicles manufactured in any model year beginning more than 1 year after the date on which a final rule is published under paragraph (1).”
.
SEC. 31307.

WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS, PART SUPPLIERS, AND DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEES.
(a)

In General.—
Subchapter IV of chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 30171.

Protection of employees providing motor vehicle safety information
“(a)

Discrimination Against Employees of Manufacturers, Part Suppliers, and Dealerships.
No motor vehicle manufacturer, part supplier, or dealership may discharge an employee or otherwise discriminate against an employee with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee (or any person acting pursuant to a request of the employee)—
“(1)
provided, caused to be provided, or is about to provide (with any knowledge of the employer) or cause to be provided to the employer or the Secretary of Transportation information relating to any motor vehicle defect, noncompliance, or any violation or alleged violation of any notification or reporting requirement of this chapter;
“(2)
has filed, caused to be filed, or is about to file (with any knowledge of the employer) or cause to be filed a proceeding relating to any violation or alleged violation of any motor vehicle defect, noncompliance, or any violation or alleged violation of any notification or reporting requirement of this chapter;
“(3)
testified or is about to testify in such a proceeding;
“(4)
assisted or participated or is about to assist or participate in such a proceeding; or
“(5)
objected to, or refused to participate in, any activity that the employee reasonably believed to be in violation of any provision of chapter 301 of this title, or any order, rule, regulation, standard, or ban under such provision.
“(b)

Complaint Procedure.
“(1)

Filing and notification.
A person who believes that he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) may file (or have any person file on his or her behalf), not later than 180 days after the date on which such violation occurs, a complaint with the Secretary of Labor (hereinafter in this section referred to as the ‘Secretary’) alleging such discharge or discrimination. Upon receipt of such a complaint, the Secretary shall notify, in writing, the person named in the complaint of the filing of the complaint, of the allegations contained in the complaint, of the substance of evidence supporting the complaint, and of the opportunities that will be afforded to such person under paragraph (2).
“(2)

Investigation; preliminary order.
“(A)

In general.
Not later than 60 days after the date of receipt of a complaint filed under paragraph (1) and after affording the person named in the complaint an opportunity to submit to the Secretary a written response to the complaint and an opportunity to meet with a representative of the Secretary to present statements from witnesses, the Secretary shall conduct an investigation and determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the complaint has merit and notify, in writing, the complainant and the person alleged to have committed a violation of subsection (a) of the Secretary’s findings. If the Secretary concludes that there is a reasonable cause to believe that a violation of subsection (a) has occurred, the Secretary shall accompany the Secretary’s findings with a preliminary order providing the relief prescribed by paragraph (3)(B). Not later than 30 days after the date of notification of findings under this paragraph, either the person alleged to have committed the violation or the complainant may file objections to the findings or preliminary order, or both, and request a hearing on the record. The filing of such objections shall not operate to stay any reinstatement remedy contained in the preliminary order. Such hearings shall be conducted expeditiously. If a hearing is not requested in such 30-day period, the preliminary order shall be deemed a final order that is not subject to judicial review.
“(B)

Requirements.
“(i)

Required showing by complainant.
The Secretary shall dismiss a complaint filed under this subsection and shall not conduct an investigation otherwise required under subparagraph (A) unless the complainant makes a prima facie showing that any behavior described in paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (a) was a contributing factor in the unfavorable personnel action alleged in the complaint.
“(ii)

Showing by employer.
Notwithstanding a finding by the Secretary that the complainant has made the showing required under clause (i), no investigation otherwise required under subparagraph (A) shall be conducted if the employer demonstrates, by clear and convincing evidence, that the employer would have taken the same unfavorable personnel action in the absence of that behavior.
“(iii)

Criteria for determination by secretary.
The Secretary may determine that a violation of subsection (a) has occurred only if the complainant demonstrates that any behavior described in paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (a) was a contributing factor in the unfavorable personnel action alleged in the complaint.
“(iv)

Prohibition.
Relief may not be ordered under subparagraph (A) if the employer demonstrates, by clear and convincing evidence, that the employer would have taken the same unfavorable personnel action in the absence of that behavior.
“(3)

Final order.
“(A)

Deadline for issuance; settlement agreements.
Not later than 120 days after the date of conclusion of a hearing under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall issue a final order providing the relief prescribed by this paragraph or denying the complaint. At any time before issuance of a final order, a proceeding under this subsection may be terminated on the basis of a settlement agreement entered into by the Secretary, the complainant, and the person alleged to have committed the violation.
“(B)

Remedy.
If, in response to a complaint filed under paragraph (1), the Secretary determines that a violation of subsection (a) has occurred, the Secretary shall order the person who committed such violation—
“(i)
to take affirmative action to abate the violation;
“(ii)
to reinstate the complainant to his or her former position together with the compensation (including back pay) and restore the terms, conditions, and privileges associated with his or her employment; and
“(iii)
to provide compensatory damages to the complainant.
“(C)

Attorneys’ fees.
If such an order is issued under this paragraph, the Secretary, at the request of the complainant, shall assess against the person against whom the order is issued a sum equal to the aggregate amount of all costs and expenses (including attorneys’ and expert witness fees) reasonably incurred, as determined by the Secretary, by the complainant for, or in connection with, bringing the complaint upon which the order was issued.
“(D)

Frivolous complaints.
If the Secretary determines that a complaint under paragraph (1) is frivolous or has been brought in bad faith, the Secretary may award to the prevailing employer a reasonable attorney’s fee not exceeding $1,000.
“(E)

De novo review.
With respect to a complaint under paragraph (1), if the Secretary has not issued a final decision within 210 days after the filing of the complaint and if the delay is not due to the bad faith of the employee, the employee may bring an original action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court of the United States, which shall have jurisdiction over such an action without regard to the amount in controversy, and which action shall, at the request of either party to the action, be tried by the court with a jury. The action shall be governed by the same legal burdens of proof specified in paragraph (2)(B) for review by the Secretary.
“(4)

Review.
“(A)

Appeal to court of appeals.
Any person adversely affected or aggrieved by an order issued under paragraph (3) may obtain review of the order in the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the violation, with respect to which the order was issued, allegedly occurred or the circuit in which the complainant resided on the date of such violation. The petition for review shall be filed not later than 60 days after the date of the issuance of the final order of the Secretary. Review shall conform to chapter 7 of title 5. The commencement of proceedings under this subparagraph shall not, unless ordered by the court, operate as a stay of the order.
“(B)

Limitation on collateral attack.
An order of the Secretary with respect to which review could have been obtained under subparagraph (A) shall not be subject to judicial review in any criminal or other civil proceeding.
“(5)

Enforcement of order by secretary.
Whenever any person fails to comply with an order issued under paragraph (3), the Secretary may file a civil action in the United States district court for the district in which the violation was found to occur to enforce such order. In actions brought under this paragraph, the district courts shall have jurisdiction to grant all appropriate relief, including injunctive relief and compensatory damages.
“(6)

Enforcement of order by parties.
“(A)

Commencement of action.
A person on whose behalf an order was issued under paragraph (3) may commence a civil action against the person to whom such order was issued to require compliance with such order. The appropriate United States district court shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties, to enforce such order.
“(B)

Attorney fees.
The court, in issuing any final order under this paragraph, may award costs of litigation (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to any party whenever the court determines such award is appropriate.
“(c)

Mandamus.
Any nondiscretionary duty imposed under this section shall be enforceable in a mandamus proceeding brought under section 1361 of title 28.
“(d)

Nonapplicability To Deliberate Violations.
Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to an employee of a motor vehicle manufacturer, part supplier, or dealership who, acting without direction from such motor vehicle manufacturer, part supplier, or dealership (or such person’s agent), deliberately causes a violation of any requirement relating to motor vehicle safety under this chapter.”
.
(b)

Government Accountability Office Report.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—
(1)
conduct a study of the whistleblower protections established by law with respect to this program, and update its study of other such programs administered by the Secretary of Transportation; and
(2)
submit to Congress a report of the results of the study under paragraph (1), including—
(A)
an identification of the differences between the provisions applicable to different programs, the number of claims brought pursuant to each provision, and the outcome of each claim; and
(B)
any recommendations for program changes that the Comptroller General considers appropriate based on the study under paragraph (1).
(c)

Conforming Amendment.—
The table of sections for chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 30170 the following:
“30171.
Protection of employees providing motor vehicle safety information.”
.
SEC. 31308.

ANTI-REVOLVING DOOR.
(a)

Study of Department of Transportation Policies on Official Communication With Former Motor Vehicle Safety Issue Employees.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation shall—
(1)
review the Department of Transportation’s policies and procedures applicable to official communication with former employees concerning motor vehicle safety compliance matters for which they had responsibility during the last 12 months of their tenure at the Department, including any limitations on the ability of such employees to submit comments, or otherwise communicate directly with the Department, on motor vehicle safety issues; and
(2)
submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives that contains the Inspector General’s findings, conclusions, and recommendations for strengthening those policies and procedures to minimize the risk of undue influence without compromising the ability of the Department to employ and retain highly qualified individuals for such responsibilities.
(b)
[49 U.S.C. 323 note]

Post-Employment Policy Study.—
(1)

In general.—
The Inspector General of the Department of Transportation shall conduct a study of the Department’s policies relating to post-employment restrictions on employees who perform functions related to transportation safety.
(2)

Report.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General shall submit a report containing the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1) to—
(A)
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;
(B)
the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; and
(C)
the Secretary of Transportation.
(3)

Use of results.—
The Secretary of Transportation shall review the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1) and take whatever action the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
SEC. 31309.

STUDY OF CRASH DATA COLLECTION.
(a)

In General.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives regarding the quality of data collected through the National Automotive Sampling System, including the Special Crash Investigations Program.
(b)

Review.—
The Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (referred to in this section as the “Administration”) shall conduct a comprehensive review of the data elements collected from each crash to determine if additional data should be collected. The review under this subsection shall include input from interested parties, including suppliers, automakers, safety advocates, the medical community, and research organizations.
(c)

Contents.—
The report issued under this section shall include—
(1)
the analysis and conclusions the Administration can reach from the amount of motor vehicle crash data collected in a given year;
(2)
the additional analysis and conclusions the Administration could reach if more crash investigations were conducted each year;
(3)
the number of investigations per year that would allow for optimal data analysis and crash information;
(4)
the results of the comprehensive review conducted pursuant to subsection (b);
(5)
the incremental costs of collecting and analyzing additional data, as well as data from additional crashes;
(6)
the potential for obtaining private funding for all or a portion of the costs under paragraph (5);
(7)
the potential for recovering any additional costs from high volume users of the data, while continuing to make the data available to the general public free of charge;
(8)
the advantages or disadvantages of expanding collection of non-crash data instead of crash data;
(9)
recommendations for improvements to the Administration’s data collection program; and
(10)
the resources needed by the Administration to implement such recommendations.
SEC. 31310.

UPDATE MEANS OF PROVIDING NOTIFICATION; IMPROVING EFFICACY OF RECALLS.
(a)

Update of Means of Providing Notification.—
Section 30119(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking “by first class mail” and inserting “in the manner prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation”;
(2)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
by striking “(except a tire) shall be sent by first class mail” and inserting “shall be sent in the manner prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation,”; and
(B)
by striking the second sentence;
(3)
in paragraph (3)—
(A)
by striking the first sentence;
(B)
by inserting “to the notification required under paragraphs (1) and (2)” after “addition”; and
(C)
by inserting “by the manufacturer” after “given”; and
(4)
in paragraph (4), by striking “by certified mail or quicker means if available” and inserting “in the manner prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation”.
(b)

Improving Efficacy of Recalls.—
Section 30119(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the subsection heading, by striking “Second” and inserting “Additional”;
(2)
by striking “If the Secretary” and inserting the following:
“(1)

Second notification.
If the Secretary”
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
“(2)

Additional notifications.
If the Secretary determines, after taking into account the severity of the defect or noncompliance, that the second notification by a manufacturer does not result in an adequate number of motor vehicles or items of replacement equipment being returned for remedy, the Secretary may order the manufacturer—
“(A)
(i)
to send additional notifications in the manner prescribed by the Secretary, by regulation; or
“(ii)
to take additional steps to locate and notify each person registered under State law as the owner or lessee or the most recent purchaser or lessee, as appropriate; and
“(B)
to emphasize the magnitude of the safety risk caused by the defect or noncompliance in such notification.”
.
SEC. 31311.

EXPANDING CHOICES OF REMEDY AVAILABLE TO MANUFACTURERS OF REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT.
Section 30120 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(1), by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
“(B)
if replacement equipment, by repairing the equipment, replacing the equipment with identical or reasonably equivalent equipment, or by refunding the purchase price.”
;
(2)
in the heading of subsection (i), by adding “of New Vehicles or Equipment” at the end; and
(3)
in the heading of subsection (j), by striking “replaced” and inserting “replacement”.
SEC. 31312.

RECALL OBLIGATIONS AND BANKRUPTCY OF MANUFACTURER.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following after section 30120:
“SEC. 30120A.

Recall obligations and bankruptcy of a manufacturer
“A manufacturer’s filing of a petition in bankruptcy under chapter 11 of title 11, does not negate the manufacturer’s duty to comply with section 30112 or sections 30115 through 30120 of this title. In any bankruptcy proceeding, the manufacturer’s obligations under such sections shall be treated as a claim of the United States Government against such manufacturer, subject to subchapter II of chapter 37 of title 31, United States Code, and given priority pursuant to section 3713(a)(1)(A) of such chapter, notwithstanding section 3713(a)(2), to ensure that consumers are adequately protected from any safety defect or noncompliance determined to exist in the manufacturer’s products. This section shall apply equally to actions of a manufacturer taken before or after the filing of a petition in bankruptcy.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The chapter analysis of chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 30120 the following:
“30120A. Recall obligations and bankruptcy of a manufacturer.”.
SEC. 31313.

REPEAL OF INSURANCE REPORTS AND INFORMATION PROVISION.
Chapter 331 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the chapter analysis, by striking the item relating to section 33112; and
(2)
by striking section 33112.
SEC. 31314.

MONRONEY STICKER TO PERMIT ADDITIONAL SAFETY RATING CATEGORIES.
Section 3(g)(2) of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act (15 U.S.C. 1232(g)(2)), is amended by inserting “safety rating categories that may include” after “refers to”.
Subtitle D—

Vehicle Electronics and Safety Standards
SEC. 31401.
[49 U.S.C. 105 note]

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION ELECTRONICS, SOFTWARE, AND ENGINEERING EXPERTISE.
(a)

Council for Vehicle Electronics, Vehicle Software, and Emerging Technologies.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall establish, within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a Council for Vehicle Electronics, Vehicle Software, and Emerging Technologies (referred to in this section as the “Council”) to build, integrate, and aggregate the Administration’s expertise in passenger motor vehicle electronics and other new and emerging technologies.
(2)

Implementation of roadmap.—
The Council shall research the inclusion of emerging lightweight plastic and composite technologies in motor vehicles to increase fuel efficiency, lower emissions, meet fuel economy standards, and enhance passenger motor vehicle safety through continued utilization of the Administration’s Plastic and Composite Intensive Vehicle Safety Roadmap (Report No. DOT HS 810 863).
(3)

Intra-agency coordination.—
The Council shall coordinate with all components of the Administration responsible for vehicle safety, including research and development, rulemaking, and defects investigation.
(b)

Honors Recruitment Program.—
(1)

Establishment.—
The Secretary shall establish, within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an honors program for engineering students, computer science students, and other students interested in vehicle safety that will enable such students to train with engineers and other safety officials for careers in vehicle safety.
(2)

Stipend.—
The Secretary is authorized to provide a stipend to any student during the student’s participation in the program established under paragraph (1).
(c)

Assessment.—
The Council, in consultation with affected stakeholders, shall periodically assess the implications of emerging safety technologies in passenger motor vehicles, including the effect of such technologies on consumers, product availability, and cost.
SEC. 31402.

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS PERFORMANCE.
(a)

In General.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete an examination of the need for safety standards with regard to electronic systems in passenger motor vehicles. In conducting this examination, the Secretary shall—
(1)
consider the electronic components, the interaction of electronic components, the security needs for those electronic systems to prevent unauthorized access, and the effect of surrounding environments on the electronic systems; and
(2)
allow for public comment.
(b)

Report.—
Upon completion of the examination under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit a report on the highest priority areas for safety with regard to the electronic systems to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
Subtitle E—

Child Safety Standards
SEC. 31501.
[49 U.S.C. 30127 note]

CHILD SAFETY SEATS.
(a)

Side Impact Crashes.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule amending Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 213 to improve the protection of children seated in child restraint systems during side impact crashes.
(b)

Frontal Impact Test Parameters.—
(1)

Commencement.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall commence a rulemaking proceeding to amend the standard seat assembly specifications under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 213 to better simulate a single representative motor vehicle rear seat.
(2)

Final rule.—
Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule pursuant to paragraph (1).
SEC. 31502.
[49 U.S.C. 30127 note]

CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.
(a)

Initiation of Rulemaking Proceeding.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 225 (relating to child restraint anchorage systems) to improve the ease of use for lower anchorages and tethers in all rear seat seating positions if such anchorages and tethers are feasible.
(b)

Final Rule.—
(1)

In general.—
Except as provided under paragraph (2) and section 31505, the Secretary shall issue a final rule under subsection (a) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(2)

Report.—
If the Secretary determines that an amendment to the standard referred to in subsection (a) does not meet the requirements and considerations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary shall submit a report describing the reasons for not prescribing such a standard to—
(A)
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
(B)
the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 31503.
[49 U.S.C. 30127 note]

REAR SEAT BELT REMINDERS.
(a)

Initiation of Rulemaking Proceeding.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 208 (relating to occupant crash protection) to provide a safety belt use warning system for designated seating positions in the rear seat.
(b)

Final Rule.—
(1)

In general.—
Except as provided under paragraph (2) and section 31505, the Secretary shall issue a final rule under subsection (a) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(2)

Report.—
If the Secretary determines that an amendment to the standard referred to in subsection (a) does not meet the requirements and considerations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary shall submit a report describing the reasons for not prescribing such a standard to—
(A)
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
(B)
the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 31504.
[49 U.S.C. 30111 note]

UNATTENDED PASSENGER REMINDERS.
(a)

Safety Research Initiative.—
The Secretary shall initiate research into effective ways to minimize the risk of hyperthermia or hypothermia to children or other unattended passengers in rear seating positions.
(b)

Research Areas.—
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary may conduct research into the potential viability of—
(1)
vehicle technology to provide an alert that a child or unattended passenger remains in a rear seating position after the vehicle motor is disengaged; or
(2)
public awareness campaigns to educate drivers on the risks of leaving a child or unattended passenger in a vehicle after the vehicle motor is disengaged; or
(3)
other ways to mitigate risk.
(c)

Coordination With Other Agencies.—
The Secretary may collaborate with other Federal agencies in conducting the research under this section.
SEC. 31505.
[49 U.S.C. 30127 note]

NEW DEADLINE.
If the Secretary determines that any deadline for issuing a final rule under this Act cannot be met, the Secretary shall—
(1)
provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives with an explanation for why such deadline cannot be met; and
(2)
establish a new deadline for that rule.
Subtitle F—

Improved Daytime and Nighttime Visibility of Agricultural Equipment
SEC. 31601.
[49 U.S.C. 30111 note]

RULEMAKING ON VISIBILITY OF AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT.
(a)

Definitions.—
In this section:
(1)

Agricultural equipment.—
The term “agricultural equipment” has the meaning given the term “agricultural field equipment” in ASABE Standard 390.4, entitled “Definitions and Classifications of Agricultural Field Equipment”, which was published in January 2005 by the American Society of Agriculture and Biological Engineers, or any successor standard.
(2)

Public road.—
The term “public road” has the meaning given the term in section 101(a)(27) of title 23, United States Code.
(b)

Rulemaking.—
(1)

In general.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, after consultation with representatives of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and appropriate Federal agencies, and with other appropriate persons, shall promulgate a rule to improve the daytime and nighttime visibility of agricultural equipment that may be operated on a public road.
(2)

Minimum standards.—
The rule promulgated pursuant to this subsection shall—
(A)
establish minimum lighting and marking standards for applicable agricultural equipment manufactured at least 1 year after the date on which such rule is promulgated; and
(B)
provide for the methods, materials, specifications, and equipment to be employed to comply with such standards, which shall be equivalent to ASABE Standard 279.14, entitled “Lighting and Marking of Agricultural Equipment on Highways”, which was published in July 2008 by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, or any successor standard.
(c)

Review.—
Not less frequently than once every 5 years, the Secretary of Transportation shall—
(1)
review the standards established pursuant to subsection (b); and
(2)
revise such standards to reflect the revision of ASABE Standard 279 that is in effect at the time of such review.
(d)

Limitations.—
(1)

Compliance with successor standards.—
Any rule promulgated pursuant to this section may not prohibit the operation on public roads of agricultural equipment that is equipped in accordance with any adopted revision of ASABE Standard 279 that is later than the revision of such standard that was referenced during the promulgation of the rule.
(2)

No retrofitting required.—
Any rule promulgated pursuant to this section may not require the retrofitting of agricultural equipment that was manufactured before the date on which the lighting and marking standards are enforceable under subsection (b)(2)(A).
(3)

No effect on additional materials and equipment.—
Any rule promulgated pursuant to this section may not prohibit the operation on public roads of agricultural equipment that is equipped with materials or equipment that are in addition to the minimum materials and equipment specified in the standard upon which such rule is based.
TITLE II—

COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2012
SEC. 32001.
[49 U.S.C. 30101 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the “Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012”.
SEC. 32002.

REFERENCES TO TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 49, United States Code.
Subtitle A—

Commercial Motor Vehicle Registration
SEC. 32101.

REGISTRATION OF MOTOR CARRIERS.
(a)

Registration Requirements.—
Section 13902(a)(1) is amended to read as follows:
“(1)

In general.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall register a person to provide transportation subject to jurisdiction under subchapter I of chapter 135 as a motor carrier only if the Secretary determines that the person—
“(A)
is willing and able to comply with—
“(i)
this part and the applicable regulations of the Secretary and the Board;
“(ii)
any safety regulations imposed by the Secretary;
“(iii)
the duties of employers and employees established by the Secretary under section 31135;
“(iv)
the safety fitness requirements established by the Secretary under section 31144;
“(v)
the accessibility requirements established by the Secretary under subpart H of part 37 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), for transportation provided by an over-the-road bus; and
“(vi)
the minimum financial responsibility requirements established by the Secretary under sections 13906, 31138, and 31139;
“(B)
has been issued a USDOT number under section 31134;
“(C)
has disclosed any relationship involving common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship between that person and any other motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker, or any other applicant for motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker registration, if the relationship occurred in the 3-year period preceding the date of the filing of the application for registration; and
“(D)
after the Secretary establishes a written proficiency examination pursuant to section 32101(b) of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, has passed the written proficiency examination.”
.
(b)
[49 U.S.C. 13902 note]

Written Proficiency Examination.—
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish through a rulemaking a written proficiency examination for applicant motor carriers pursuant to section 13902(a)(1)(D) of title 49, United States Code. The written proficiency examination shall test a person’s knowledge of applicable safety regulations, standards, and orders of the Federal government.
(c)

Conforming Amendment.—
Section 210(b) of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (49 U.S.C. 31144 note) is amended—
(1)
by inserting “, commercial regulations, and provisions of subpart H of part 37 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, or successor regulations” after “applicable safety regulations”; and
(2)
by striking “consider the establishment of” and inserting “establish”.
(d)

Transportation of Agricultural Commodities and Farm Supplies.—
Section 229(a)(1) of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (49 U.S.C. 31136 note) is amended to read as follows:
“(1)

Transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies.
Regulations prescribed by the Secretary under sections 31136 and 31502 regarding maximum driving and on-duty time for drivers used by motor carriers shall not apply during planting and harvest periods, as determined by each State, to—
“(A)
drivers transporting agricultural commodities from the source of the agricultural commodities to a location within a 150 air-mile radius from the source;
“(B)
drivers transporting farm supplies for agricultural purposes from a wholesale or retail distribution point of the farm supplies to a farm or other location where the farm supplies are intended to be used within a 150 air-mile radius from the distribution point; or
“(C)
drivers transporting farm supplies for agricultural purposes from a wholesale distribution point of the farm supplies to a retail distribution point of the farm supplies within a 150 air-mile radius from the wholesale distribution point.”
.
SEC. 32102.

SAFETY FITNESS OF NEW OPERATORS.
(a)

Safety Reviews of New Operators.—
Section 31144(g)(1) is amended to read as follows:
“(1)

Safety review.
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall require, by regulation, each owner and each operator granted new registration under section 13902 or 31134 to undergo a safety review not later than 12 months after the owner or operator, as the case may be, begins operations under such registration.
“(B)

Providers of motorcoach services.
The Secretary shall require, by regulation, each owner and each operator granted new registration to transport passengers under section 13902 or 31134 to undergo a safety review not later than 120 days after the owner or operator, as the case may be, begins operations under such registration.”
.
(b)
[49 U.S.C. 31144 note]

Effective Date.—
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 32103.

REINCARNATED CARRIERS.
(a)

Effective Periods of Registration.—
(1)

Suspensions, amendments, and revocations.—
Section 13905(d) is amended—
(A)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4);
(B)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
“(1)

Applications.
On application of the registrant, the Secretary may amend or revoke a registration.
“(2)

Complaints and actions on secretary’s own initiative.
On complaint or on the Secretary’s own initiative and after notice and an opportunity for a proceeding, the Secretary may—
“(A)
suspend, amend, or revoke any part of the registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder for willful failure to comply with—
“(i)
this part;
“(ii)
an applicable regulation or order of the Secretary or the Board, including the accessibility requirements established by the Secretary under subpart H of part 37 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), for transportation provided by an over-the-road bus; or
“(iii)
a condition of its registration;
“(B)
withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of the registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder for failure—
“(i)
to pay a civil penalty imposed under chapter 5, 51, 149, or 311;
“(ii)
to arrange and abide by an acceptable payment plan for such civil penalty, not later than 90 days after the date specified by order of the Secretary for the payment of such penalty; or
“(iii)
for failure to obey a subpoena issued by the Secretary;
“(C)
withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of a registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder following a determination by the Secretary that the motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder failed to disclose, in its application for registration, a material fact relevant to its willingness and ability to comply with—
“(i)
this part;
“(ii)
an applicable regulation or order of the Secretary or the Board; or
“(iii)
a condition of its registration; or
“(D)
withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of a registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder if the Secretary finds that—
“(i)
the motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder does not disclose any relationship through common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship to any other motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder, or any other applicant for motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder registration that the Secretary determines is or was unwilling or unable to comply with the relevant requirements listed in section 13902, 13903, or 13904
“(3)

Limitation.
Paragraph (2)(B) shall not apply to a person who is unable to pay a civil penalty because the person is a debtor in a case under chapter 11 of title 11.”
; and
(C)
in paragraph (4), as redesignated by section 32103(a)(1)(A) of this Act, by striking “paragraph (1)(B)” and inserting “paragraph (2)(B)”.
(2)

Procedure.—
Section 13905(e) is amended by inserting “or if the Secretary determines that the registrant failed to disclose a material fact in an application for registration in accordance with subsection (d)(2)(C),” after “registrant,”.
(b)

Information Systems.—
Section 31106(a)(3) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (F), by striking “and” at the end;
(2)
in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
“(H)
determine whether a person or employer is or was related, through common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship, to any other person, employer, or any other applicant for registration under section 13902 or 31134.”
.
SEC. 32104.
[49 U.S.C. 13903 note]

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary shall—
(1)
issue a report on the appropriateness of—
(A)
the current minimum financial responsibility requirements under sections 31138 and 31139 of title 49, United States Code; and
(B)
the current bond and insurance requirements under sections 13904(f), 13903, and 13906 of title 49, United States Code; and
(2)
submit the report issued under paragraph (1) to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 32105.

USDOT NUMBER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 311 is amended by inserting after section 31133 the following:
“SEC. 31134.

Requirement for registration and USDOT number
“(a)

In General.
Upon application, and subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall register an employer or person subject to the safety jurisdiction of this subchapter. An employer or person may operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce only if the employer or person is registered by the Secretary under this section and receives a USDOT number. Nothing in this section shall preclude registration by the Secretary of an employer or person not engaged in interstate commerce. An employer or person subject to jurisdiction under subchapter I of chapter 135 of this title shall apply for commercial registration under section 13902 of this title.
“(b)

Withholding Registration.
The Secretary shall register an employer or person under subsection (a) only if the Secretary determines that—
“(1)
the employer or person seeking registration is willing and able to comply with the requirements of this subchapter and the regulations prescribed thereunder and chapter 51 and the regulations prescribed thereunder;
“(2)
(A)
during the 3-year period before the date of the filing of the application, the employer or person is not or was not related through common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship to any other person or applicant for registration subject to this subchapter who, during such 3-year period, is or was unfit, unwilling, or unable to comply with the requirements listed in subsection (b)(1); or
“(3)
the employer or person has disclosed to the Secretary any relationship involving common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship to any other person or applicant for registration subject to this subchapter.
“(c)

Revocation or Suspension of Registration.
The Secretary shall revoke the registration of an employer or person issued under subsection (a) after notice and an opportunity for a proceeding, or suspend the registration after giving notice of the suspension to the employer or person, if the Secretary determines that—
“(1)
the employer’s or person’s authority to operate pursuant to chapter 139 of this title is subject to revocation or suspension under sections 13905(d)(1) or 13905(f) of this title;
“(2)
the employer or person has knowingly failed to comply with the requirements listed in subsection (b)(1);
“(3)
the employer or person has not disclosed any relationship through common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship to any other person or applicant for registration subject to this subchapter that the Secretary determines is or was unfit, unwilling, or unable to comply with the requirements listed in subsection (b)(1);
“(4)
the employer or person refused to submit to the safety review required by section 31144(g) of this title.
“(d)

Periodic Registration Update.
The Secretary may require an employer to update a registration under this section not later than 30 days after a change in the employer’s address, other contact information, officers, process agent, or other essential information, as determined by the Secretary.
“(e)

State Authority.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the authority of a State to issue a Department of Transportation number under State law to a person operating in intrastate commerce.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis of chapter 311 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31133 the following:
“31134. Requirement for registration and USDOT number.”.
SEC. 32106.

REGISTRATION FEE SYSTEM.
Section 13908(d)(1) is amended by striking “but shall not exceed $300”.
SEC. 32107.

REGISTRATION UPDATE.
(a)

Motor Carrier Update.—
Section 13902 is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(h)

Update of Registration.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall require a registrant to update its registration under this section not later than 30 days after a change in the registrant’s address, other contact information, officers, process agent, or other essential information, as determined by the Secretary.
“(2)

Motor carriers of passengers.
In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall require a motor carrier of passengers to update its registration information, including numbers of vehicles, annual mileage, and individuals responsible for compliance with Federal safety regulations quarterly for the first 2 years after being issued a registration under this section.”
.
(b)

Freight Forwarder Update.—
Section 13903 is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(c)

Update of Registration.
The Secretary shall require a freight forwarder to update its registration under this section not later than 30 days after a change in the freight forwarder’s address, other contact information, officers, process agent, or other essential information, as determined by the Secretary.”
.
(c)

Broker Update.—
Section 13904 is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(e)

Update of Registration.
The Secretary shall require a broker to update its registration under this section not later than 30 days after a change in the broker’s address, other contact information, officers, process agent, or other essential information, as determined by the Secretary.”
.
SEC. 32108.

INCREASED PENALTIES FOR OPERATING WITHOUT REGISTRATION.
(a)

Penalties.—
Section 14901(a) is amended—
(1)
by striking “$500” and inserting “$1,000”;
(2)
by striking “who is not registered under this part to provide transportation of passengers,”;
(3)
by striking “with respect to providing transportation of passengers,” and inserting “or section 13902(c) of this title,”; and
(4)
by striking “$2,000 for each violation and for each additional day the violation continues” and inserting “$10,000 for each violation, or $25,000 for each violation relating to providing transportation of passengers”.
(b)

Transportation of Hazardous Wastes.—
Section 14901(b) is amended by striking “not to exceed $20,000” and inserting “not less than $20,000, but not to exceed $40,000”.
SEC. 32109.

REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION FOR IMMINENT HAZARD.
Section 13905(f)(2) is amended to read as follows:
“(2)

Imminent hazard to public health.
Notwithstanding subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, the Secretary shall revoke the registration of a motor carrier if the Secretary finds that the carrier is or was conducting unsafe operations that are or were an imminent hazard to public health or property.”
.
SEC. 32110.

REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION AND OTHER PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO RESPOND TO SUBPOENA.
Section 525 is amended—
(1)
by striking “subpenas” in the section heading and inserting “subpoenas”;
(2)
by striking “subpena” and inserting “subpoena”;
(3)
by striking “$100” and inserting “$1,000”;
(4)
by striking “$5,000” and inserting “$10,000”; and
(5)
by adding at the end the following: “The Secretary may withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of the registration of a person required to register under chapter 139 for failing to obey a subpoena or requirement of the Secretary under this chapter to appear and testify or produce records.”.
SEC. 32111.

FLEETWIDE OUT OF SERVICE ORDER FOR OPERATING WITHOUT REQUIRED REGISTRATION.
Section 13902(e)(1) is amended—
(1)
by striking “motor vehicle” and inserting “motor carrier” after “the Secretary determines that a”; and
(2)
by striking “order the vehicle” and inserting “order the motor carrier operations” after “the Secretary may”.
SEC. 32112.

MOTOR CARRIER AND OFFICER PATTERNS OF SAFETY VIOLATIONS.
SEC. 31135
is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
“(b)

Noncompliance.
“(1)

Motor carriers.
Two or more motor carriers, employers, or persons shall not use common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship to enable any or all such motor carriers, employers, or persons to avoid compliance, or mask or otherwise conceal non-compliance, or a history of non-compliance, with regulations prescribed under this subchapter or an order of the Secretary issued under this subchapter.
“(2)

Pattern.
If the Secretary finds that a motor carrier, employer, or person engaged in a pattern or practice of avoiding compliance, or masking or otherwise concealing noncompliance, with regulations prescribed under this subchapter, the Secretary—
“(A)
may withhold, suspend, amend, or revoke any part of the motor carrier’s, employer’s, or person’s registration in accordance with section 13905 or 31134; and
“(B)
shall take into account such non-compliance for purposes of determining civil penalty amounts under section 521(b)(2)(D).
“(3)

Officers.
If the Secretary finds, after notice and an opportunity for proceeding, that an officer of a motor carrier, employer, or owner or operator has engaged in a pattern or practice of, or assisted a motor carrier, employer, or owner or operator in avoiding compliance, or masking or otherwise concealing noncompliance, while serving as an officer or such motor carrier, employer, or owner or operator, the Secretary may suspend, amend, or revoke any part of a registration granted to the officer individually under section 13902 or 31134.”
.
Subtitle B—

Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety
SEC. 32201.

CRASHWORTHINESS STANDARDS.
(a)

In General.—
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive analysis on the need for crashworthiness standards on property-carrying commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds involved in interstate commerce, including an evaluation of the need for roof strength, pillar strength, air bags, and other occupant protections standards, and frontal and back wall standards.
(b)

Report.—
Not later than 90 days after completing the comprehensive analysis under subsection (a), the Secretary shall report the results of the analysis and any recommendations to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 32202.

CANADIAN SAFETY RATING RECIPROCITY.
Section 31144 is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(h)

Recognition of Canadian Motor Carrier Safety Fitness Determinations.
“(1)
If an authorized agency of the Canadian federal government or a Canadian Territorial or Provincial government determines, by applying the procedure and standards prescribed by the Secretary under subsection (b) or pursuant to an agreement under paragraph (2), that a Canadian employer is unfit and prohibits the employer from operating a commercial motor vehicle in Canada or any Canadian Province, the Secretary may prohibit the employer from operating such vehicle in interstate and foreign commerce until the authorized Canadian agency determines that the employer is fit.
“(2)
The Secretary may consult and participate in negotiations with authorized officials of the Canadian federal government or a Canadian Territorial or Provincial government, as necessary, to provide reciprocal recognition of each country’s motor carrier safety fitness determinations. An agreement shall provide, to the maximum extent practicable, that each country will follow the procedure and standards prescribed by the Secretary under subsection (b) in making motor carrier safety fitness determinations.”
.
SEC. 32203.

STATE REPORTING OF FOREIGN COMMERCIAL DRIVER CONVICTIONS.
(a)

Definition of Foreign Commercial Driver.—
Section 31301 is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraphs (10) through (14) as paragraphs (11) through (15), respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
“(10)
‘foreign commercial driver’ means an individual licensed to operate a commercial motor vehicle by an authority outside the United States, or a citizen of a foreign country who operates a commercial motor vehicle in the United States.”
.
(b)

State Reporting of Convictions.—
Section 31311(a) is amended by adding after paragraph (21) the following:
“(22)
The State shall report a conviction of a foreign commercial driver by that State to the Federal Convictions and Withdrawal Database, or another information system designated by the Secretary to record the convictions. A report shall include—
“(A)
for a driver holding a foreign commercial driver’s license—
“(i)
each conviction relating to the operation of a commercial motor vehicle; and
“(ii)
each conviction relating to the operation of a non-commercial motor vehicle; and
“(B)
for an unlicensed driver or a driver holding a foreign non-commercial driver’s license, each conviction relating to the operation of a commercial motor vehicle.”
.
SEC. 32204.

AUTHORITY TO DISQUALIFY FOREIGN COMMERCIAL DRIVERS.
Section 31310 is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(k)

Foreign Commercial Drivers.
A foreign commercial driver shall be subject to disqualification under this section.”
.
SEC. 32205.

REVOCATION OF FOREIGN MOTOR CARRIER OPERATING AUTHORITY FOR FAILURE TO PAY CIVIL PENALTIES.
Section 13905(d)(2), as amended by section 32103(a) of this Act, is amended by inserting “foreign motor carrier, foreign motor private carrier,” after “registration of a motor carrier,” each place it appears.
SEC. 32206.

RENTAL TRUCK ACCIDENT STUDY.
(a)

Definitions.—
In this section:
(1)

Rental truck.—
The term “rental truck” means a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of between 10,000 and 26,000 pounds that is made available for rental by a rental truck company.
(2)

Rental truck company.—
The term “rental truck company” means a person or company that is in the business of renting or leasing rental trucks to the public or for private use.
(b)

Study.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall conduct a study of the safety of rental trucks during the 7-year period ending on December 31, 2011.
(2)

Requirements.—
The study conducted under paragraph (1) shall—
(A)
evaluate available data on the number of crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving rental trucks and the cause of such crashes, utilizing police accident reports and other sources;
(B)
estimate the property damage and costs resulting from a subset of crashes involving rental truck operations, which the Secretary believes adequately reflect all crashes involving rental trucks;
(C)
analyze State and local laws regulating rental truck companies, including safety and inspection requirements;
(D)
assess the rental truck maintenance programs of a selection of small, medium, and large rental truck companies, as selected by the Secretary, including the frequency of rental truck maintenance inspections, and compare such programs with inspection requirements for passenger vehicles and commercial motor vehicles;
(E)
include any other information available regarding the safety of rental trucks;
(F)
evaluate the completion of safety recall remedies on rental trucks; and
(G)
review any other information that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(c)2

Report.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that contains—
(1)
the findings of the study conducted pursuant to subsection (b); and
(2)
any recommendations for legislation that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
^2
For version of law for section 32206(c), as amended by section 24109(g)(2) of Public Law 114–94, see note below.
[Note: Effective on June 4, 2016, section 24109(g)(2) of Public Law 114–94 provides for amendments to subsection (c) of section 32206. Upon such date, subsection (c) of section 32206 reads as follows:]
(c)

Reports.—
(1)3

Initial report.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that contains—
(A)
the findings of the study conducted pursuant to subparagraphs (A) through (E) and (G) of subsection (b)(2); and
(B)
any recommendations for legislation that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
^3
The amendment made by section 24109(g)(2)(C) of division A of Public Law 114–94 probably should have included an em dash before “Not later” but was executed to the 2nd version of subsection (c) in order to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
(2)

Safety recall remedy report.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the “Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2015”, the Secretary shall submit a report to the congressional committees set forth in paragraph (1) that contains—
(A)
the findings of the study conducted pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(F); and
(B)
any recommendations for legislation that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
Subtitle C—

Driver Safety
SEC. 32301.

HOURS OF SERVICE STUDY AND ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICES.
(a)

Hours of Service Study.—
(1)

Field study.—
(A)

In general.—
Not later than March 31, 2013, the Secretary shall complete a field study on the efficacy of the restart rule published on December 27, 2011 (in this section referred to as the “2011 restart rule”), applicable to operators of commercial motor vehicles of property subject to maximum driving time requirements of the Secretary.
(B)

Requirement.—
The field study shall expand upon the results of the laboratory-based study relating to commercial motor vehicle driver fatigue sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration presented in the report of December 2010 titled “Investigation into Motor Carrier Practices to Achieve Optimal Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Performance: Phase I”.
(C)

Criteria.—
In conducting the field study, the Secretary shall ensure that—
(i)
the methodology for the field study is consistent, to the maximum extent possible, with the laboratory-based study methodology;
(ii)
the data collected is representative of the drivers and motor carriers regulated by the hours of service regulations, including those drivers and carriers affected by the maximum driving time requirements;
(iii)
the analysis is statistically valid; and
(iv)
the field study follows the plan for the “Scheduling and Fatigue Recovery Project” developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
(D)

Report to congress.—
Not later than September 30, 2013, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report detailing the results of the field study.
(b)

General Authority.—
Section 31137 is amended—
(1)
by amending the section heading to read as follows:
“SEC. 31137.

Electronic logging devices and brake maintenance regulations”
;
(2)
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (g); and
(3)
by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
“(a)

Use of Electronic Logging Devices.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, the Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe regulations—
“(1)
requiring a commercial motor vehicle involved in interstate commerce and operated by a driver subject to the hours of service and the record of duty status requirements under part 395 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, be equipped with an electronic logging device to improve compliance by an operator of a vehicle with hours of service regulations prescribed by the Secretary; and
“(2)
ensuring that an electronic logging device is not used to harass a vehicle operator.
“(b)

Electronic Logging Device Requirements.
“(1)

In general.
The regulations prescribed under subsection (a) shall—
“(A)
require an electronic logging device—
“(i)
to accurately record commercial driver hours of service;
“(ii)
to record the location of a commercial motor vehicle;
“(iii)
to be tamper resistant; and
“(iv)
to be synchronized to the operation of the vehicle engine or be capable of recognizing when the vehicle is being operated;
“(B)
allow law enforcement to access the data contained in the device during a roadside inspection; and
“(C)
apply to a commercial motor vehicle beginning on the date that is 2 years after the date that the regulations are published as a final rule.
“(2)

Performance and design standards.
The regulations prescribed under subsection (a) shall establish performance standards—
“(A)
defining a standardized user interface to aid vehicle operator compliance and law enforcement review;
“(B)
establishing a secure process for standardized—
“(i)
and unique vehicle operator identification;
“(ii)
data access;
“(iii)
data transfer for vehicle operators between motor vehicles;
“(iv)
data storage for a motor carrier; and
“(v)
data transfer and transportability for law enforcement officials;
“(C)
establishing a standard security level for an electronic logging device and related components to be tamper resistant by using a methodology endorsed by a nationally recognized standards organization; and
“(D)
identifying each driver subject to the hours of service and record of duty status requirements under part 395 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
“(c)

Certification Criteria.
“(1)

In general.
The regulations prescribed by the Secretary under this section shall establish the criteria and a process for the certification of electronic logging devices to ensure that the device meets the performance requirements under this section.
“(2)

Effect of noncertification.
Electronic logging devices that are not certified in accordance with the certification process referred to in paragraph (1) shall not be acceptable evidence of hours of service and record of duty status requirements under part 395 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
“(d)

Additional Considerations.
The Secretary, in prescribing the regulations described in subsection (a), shall consider how such regulations may—
“(1)
reduce or eliminate requirements for drivers and motor carriers to retain supporting documentation associated with paper-based records of duty status if—
“(A)
data contained in an electronic logging device supplants such documentation; and
“(B)
using such data without paper-based records does not diminish the Secretary’s ability to audit and review compliance with the Secretary’s hours of service regulations; and
“(2)
include such measures as the Secretary determines are necessary to protect the privacy of each individual whose personal data is contained in an electronic logging device.
“(e)

Use of Data.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary may utilize information contained in an electronic logging device only to enforce the Secretary’s motor carrier safety and related regulations, including record-of-duty status regulations.
“(2)

Measures to preserve confidentiality of personal data.
The Secretary shall institute appropriate measures to preserve the confidentiality of any personal data contained in an electronic logging device and disclosed in the course of an action taken by the Secretary or by law enforcement officials to enforce the regulations referred to in paragraph (1).
“(3)

Enforcement.
The Secretary shall institute appropriate measures to ensure any information collected by electronic logging devices is used by enforcement personnel only for the purpose of determining compliance with hours of service requirements.
“(f)

Definitions.
In this section:
“(1)

Electronic logging device.
The term ‘electronic logging device’ means an electronic device that—
“(A)
is capable of recording a driver’s hours of service and duty status accurately and automatically; and
“(B)
meets the requirements established by the Secretary through regulation.
“(2)

Tamper resistant.
The term ‘tamper resistant’ means resistant to allowing any individual to cause an electronic device to record the incorrect date, time, and location for changes to on-duty driving status of a commercial motor vehicle operator under part 395 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, or to subsequently alter the record created by that device.”
.
(c)

Civil Penalties.—
Section 30165(a)(1) is amended by striking “or 30141 through 30147” and inserting “30141 through 30147, or 31137”.
(d)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 311 is amended by striking the item relating to section 31137 and inserting the following:
“31137. Electronic logging devices and brake maintenance regulations.”.
SEC. 32302.

DRIVER MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS.
(a)
[49 U.S.C. 31149 note]

Deadline for Establishment of National Registry of Medical Examiners.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a national registry of medical examiners in accordance with section 31149(d)(1) of title 49, United States Code.
(b)

Examination Requirement for National Registry of Medical Examiners.—
Section 31149(c)(1)(D) is amended to read as follows:
“(D)
not later than 1 year after enactment of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, develop requirements for a medical examiner to be listed in the national registry under this section, including—
“(i)
the completion of specific courses and materials;
“(ii)
certification, including, at a minimum, self-certification, if the Secretary determines that self-certification is necessary for sufficient participation in the national registry, to verify that a medical examiner completed specific training, including refresher courses, that the Secretary determines necessary to be listed in the national registry;
“(iii)
an examination that requires a passing grade; and
“(iv)
demonstration of a medical examiner’s willingness to meet the reporting requirements established by the Secretary;”
.
(c)

Additional Oversight of Licensing Authorities.—
(1)

In general.—
Section 31149(c)(1) is amended—
(A)
by amending subparagraph (E) to read as follows:
“(E)
require medical examiners to transmit electronically, on a monthly basis, the name of the applicant, a numerical identifier, and additional information contained on the medical examiner’s certificate for any completed medical examination report required under section 391.43 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to the chief medical examiner;”
;
(B)
in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
“(G)
annually review the implementation of commercial driver’s license requirements by not fewer than 10 States to assess the accuracy, validity, and timeliness of—
“(i)
the submission of physical examination reports and medical certificates to State licensing agencies; and
“(ii)
the processing of the submissions by State licensing agencies.”
.
(2)

Internal oversight policy.—
(A)
[49 U.S.C. 31149 note]

In general.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an oversight policy and procedure to carry out section 31149(c)(1)(G) of title 49, United States Code, as added by section 32302(c)(1) of this Act.
(B)
[49 U.S.C. 31149 note]

Effective date.—
The amendments made by section 32302(c)(1) of this Act shall take effect on the date the oversight policies and procedures are established pursuant to subparagraph (A).
(d)

Electronic Filing of Medical Examination Certificates.—
Section 31311(a), as amended by sections 32203(b) and 32305(b) of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(25)
Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, the State shall establish and maintain, as part of its driver information system, the capability to receive an electronic copy of a medical examiner’s certificate, from a certified medical examiner, for each holder of a commercial driver’s license issued by the State who operates or intends to operate in interstate commerce.”
.
(e)

Funding.—
The Secretary is authorized to utilize funds provided under section 4101(c)(1) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1715) to support development of costs of the information technology needed to carry out section 31311(a)(25) of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 32303.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM.
(a)

In General.—
Section 31304 is amended—
(1)
by striking “An employer” and inserting the following:
“(a)

In General.
An employer”
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(b)

Driver Violation Records.
“(1)

Periodic review.
Except as provided in paragraph (3), an employer shall ascertain the driving record of each driver it employs—
“(A)
by making an inquiry at least once every 12 months to the appropriate State agency in which the driver held or holds a commercial driver’s license or permit during such time period;
“(B)
by receiving occurrence-based reports of changes in the status of a driver’s record from 1 or more driver record notification systems that meet minimum standards issued by the Secretary; or
“(C)
by a combination of inquiries to States and reports from driver record notification systems.
“(2)

Record keeping.
A copy of the reports received under paragraph (1) shall be maintained in the driver’s qualification file.
“(3)

Exceptions to record review requirement.
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a driver employed by an employer who, in any 7-day period, is employed or used as a driver by more than 1 employer—
“(A)
if the employer obtains the driver’s identification number, type, and issuing State of the driver’s commercial motor vehicle license; or
“(B)
if the information described in subparagraph (A) is furnished by another employer and the employer that regularly employs the driver meets the other requirements under this section.
“(4)

Driver record notification system defined.
In this section, the term ‘driver record notification system’ means a system that automatically furnishes an employer with a report, generated by the appropriate agency of a State, on the change in the status of an employee’s driver’s license due to a conviction for a moving violation, a failure to appear, an accident, driver’s license suspension, driver’s license revocation, or any other action taken against the driving privilege.”
.
(b)
[49 U.S.C. 31304 note]

Standards for Driver Record Notification Systems.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue minimum standards for driver notification systems, including standards for the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of the information provided.
(c)

Plan for National Notification System.—
(1)

Development.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop recommendations and a plan for the development and implementation of a national driver record notification system, including—
(A)
an assessment of the merits of achieving a national system by expanding the Commercial Driver’s License Information System; and
(B)
an estimate of the fees that an employer will be charged to offset the operating costs of the national system.
(2)

Submission to congress.—
Not later than 90 days after the recommendations and plan are developed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit a report on the recommendations and plan to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 32304.

COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR TRAINING.
(a)

In General.—
Section 31305 is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(c)

Standards for Training.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, the Secretary shall issue final regulations establishing minimum entry-level training requirements for an individual operating a commercial motor vehicle—
“(1)
addressing the knowledge and skills that—
“(A)
are necessary for an individual operating a commercial motor vehicle to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle; and
“(B)
must be acquired before obtaining a commercial driver’s license for the first time or upgrading from one class of commercial driver’s license to another class;
“(2)
addressing the specific training needs of a commercial motor vehicle operator seeking passenger or hazardous materials endorsements;
“(3)
requiring effective instruction to acquire the knowledge, skills, and training referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2), including classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction;
“(4)
requiring certification that an individual operating a commercial motor vehicle meets the requirements established by the Secretary; and
“(5)
requiring a training provider (including a public or private driving school, motor carrier, or owner or operator of a commercial motor vehicle) that offers training that results in the issuance of a certification to an individual under paragraph (4) to demonstrate that the training meets the requirements of the regulations, through a process established by the Secretary.”
.
(b)

Commercial Driver’s License Uniform Standards.—
Section 31308(1) is amended to read as follows:
“(1)
an individual issued a commercial driver’s license—
“(A)
pass written and driving tests for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle that comply with the minimum standards prescribed by the Secretary under section 31305(a); and
“(B)
present certification of completion of driver training that meets the requirements established by the Secretary under section 31305(c);”
.
(c)

Conforming Amendment.—
The section heading for section 31305 is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 31305.

General driver fitness, testing, and training”
.
(d)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 313 is amended by striking the item relating to section 31305 and inserting the following:
“31305. General driver fitness, testing, and training.”.
SEC. 32305.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE PROGRAM.
(a)

In General.—
Section 31309 is amended—
(1)
in subsection (e)(4), by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
“(A)

In general.
The plan shall specify—
“(i)
a date by which all States shall be operating commercial driver’s license information systems that are compatible with the modernized information system under this section; and
“(ii)
that States must use the systems to receive and submit conviction and disqualification data.”
; and
(2)
in subsection (f), by striking “use” and inserting “use, subject to section 31313(a),”.
(b)

Requirements for State Participation.—
Section 31311 is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), as amended by section 32203(b) of this Act—
(A)
in paragraph (5), by striking “At least” and all that follows through “regulation),” and inserting: “Not later than the time period prescribed by the Secretary by regulation,”; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
“(23)
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, the State shall implement a system and practices for the exclusive electronic exchange of driver history record information on the system the Secretary maintains under section 31309, including the posting of convictions, withdrawals, and disqualifications.
“(24)
Before renewing or issuing a commercial driver’s license to an individual, the State shall request information pertaining to the individual from the drug and alcohol clearinghouse maintained under section 31306a.”
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(d)

State Commercial Driver’s License Program Plan.
“(1)

In general.
A State shall submit a plan to the Secretary for complying with the requirements under this section during the period beginning on the date the plan is submitted and ending on September 30, 2016.
“(2)

Contents.
A plan submitted by a State under paragraph (1) shall identify—
“(A)
the actions that the State will take to address any deficiencies in the State’s commercial driver’s license program, as identified by the Secretary in the most recent audit of the program; and
“(B)
other actions that the State will take to comply with the requirements under subsection (a).
“(3)

Priority.
“(A)

Implementation schedule.
A plan submitted by a State under paragraph (1) shall include a schedule for the implementation of the actions identified under paragraph (2). In establishing the schedule, the State shall prioritize actions to address any deficiencies highlighted by the Secretary as critical in the most recent audit of the program.
“(B)

Deadline for compliance with requirements.
A plan submitted by a State under paragraph (1) shall include assurances that the State will take the necessary actions to comply with the requirements of subsection (a) not later than September 30, 2015.
“(4)

Approval and disapproval.
The Secretary shall—
“(A)
review each plan submitted under paragraph (1);
“(B)
(i)
approve a plan if the Secretary determines that the plan meets the requirements under this subsection and promotes the goals of this chapter; and
“(ii)
disapprove a plan that the Secretary determines does not meet the requirements or does not promote the goals.
“(5)

Modification of disapproved plans.
If the Secretary disapproves a plan under paragraph (4), the Secretary shall—
“(A)
provide a written explanation of the disapproval to the State; and
“(B)
allow the State to modify the plan and resubmit it for approval.
“(6)

Plan updates.
The Secretary may require a State to review and update a plan, as appropriate.
“(e)

Annual Comparison of State Levels of Compliance.
The Secretary shall annually—
“(1)
compare the relative levels of compliance by States with the requirements under subsection (a); and
“(2)
make the results of the comparison available to the public.”
.
SEC. 32306.

COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER INFORMATION SYSTEMS.
Section 31106(c) is amended—
(1)
by striking the heading and inserting “(1) In General.”;
(2)
by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D); and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
“(2)

Access to records.
The Secretary may require a State, as a condition of an award of grant money under this section, to provide the Secretary access to all State licensing status and driver history records via an electronic information system, subject to section 2721 of title 18.”
.
SEC. 32307.

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES.
Section 31304, as amended by section 32303 of this Act, is amended in subsection (a)—
(1)
by striking “knowingly”; and
(2)
by striking “in which” and inserting “that the employer knows or should reasonably know that”.
SEC. 32308.
[49 U.S.C. 31301 note]

PROGRAM TO ASSIST VETERANS TO ACQUIRE COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSES.
(a)

Study.—
(1)

In general.—
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, and in consultation with the States and other relevant stakeholders, shall commence a study to assess Federal and State regulatory, economic, and administrative challenges faced by members and former members of the Armed Forces, who received safety training and operated qualifying motor vehicles during their service, in obtaining commercial driver’s licenses (as defined in section 31301(3) of title 49, United States Code).
(2)

Requirements.—
The study under this subsection shall—
(A)
identify written and behind-the-wheel safety training, qualification standards, knowledge and skills tests, or other operating experience members of the Armed Forces must meet that satisfy the minimum standards prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation for the operation of commercial motor vehicles under section 31305 of title 49, United States Code;
(B)
compare the alcohol and controlled substances testing requirements for members of the Armed Forces with those required for holders of a commercial driver’s license;
(C)
evaluate the cause of delays in reviewing applications for commercial driver’s licenses of members and former members of the Armed Forces;
(D)
identify duplicative application costs;
(E)
identify residency, domicile, training and testing requirements, and other safety or health assessments that affect or delay the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses to members and former members of the Armed Forces; and
(F)
include other factors that the Secretary determines to be appropriate to meet the requirements of the study.
(b)

Report.—
(1)

In general.—
Not later than 180 days after the commencement of the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives that contains the findings and recommendations from the study.
(2)

Elements.—
The report under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
findings related to the study requirements under subsection (a)(2);
(B)
recommendations for the Federal and State legislative, regulatory, and administrative actions necessary to address challenges identified in subparagraph (A); and
(C)
a plan to implement the recommendations for which the Secretary has authority.
(c)

Implementation.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and in cooperation with the States, shall implement the recommendations identified in subsection (b) and establish accelerated licensing procedures to assist veterans to acquire commercial driver’s licenses.
(d)

Accelerated Licensing Procedures.—
The procedures established under subsection (a) shall be designed to be applicable to any veteran who—
(1)
is attempting to acquire a commercial driver’s license; and
(2)
obtained, during military service, documented driving experience that, in the determination of the Secretary, makes the use of accelerated licensing procedures appropriate.
(e)

Definitions.—
In this section:
(1)

Commercial driver’s license.—
The term “commercial driver’s license” has the meaning given that term in section 31301 of title 49, United States Code.
(2)

State.—
The term “State” has the meaning given that term in section 31301 of title 49, United States Code.
(3)

Veteran.—
The term “veteran” has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
Subtitle D—

Safe Roads Act of 2012
SEC. 32401.
[49 U.S.C. 30101 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the “Safe Roads Act of 2012”.
SEC. 32402.

NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL TEST RESULTS OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATORS.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 313 is amended—
(1)
in section 31306(a), by inserting “and section 31306a” after “this section”; and
(2)
by inserting after section 31306 the following:
“SEC. 31306a.

National clearinghouse for controlled substance and alcohol test results of commercial motor vehicle operators
“(a)

Establishment.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Safe Roads Act of 2012, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish, operate, and maintain a national clearinghouse for records relating to alcohol and controlled substances testing of commercial motor vehicle operators.
“(2)

Purposes.
The purposes of the clearinghouse shall be—
“(A)
to improve compliance with the Department of Transportation’s alcohol and controlled substances testing program applicable to commercial motor vehicle operators; and
“(B)
to enhance the safety of our United States roadways by reducing accident and injuries involving the misuse of alcohol or use of controlled substances by operators of commercial motor vehicles.
“(3)

Contents.
The clearinghouse shall function as a repository for records relating to the positive test results and test refusals of commercial motor vehicle operators and violations by such operators of prohibitions set forth in subpart B of part 382 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or any subsequent corresponding regulations).
“(4)

Electronic exchange of records.
The Secretary shall ensure that records can be electronically submitted to, and requested from, the clearinghouse by authorized users.
“(5)

Authorized operator.
The Secretary may authorize a qualified private entity to operate and maintain the clearinghouse and to collect fees on behalf of the Secretary under subsection (e). The entity shall operate and maintain the clearinghouse and permit access to driver information and records from the clearinghouse in accordance with this section.
“(b)

Design of Clearinghouse.
“(1)

Use of federal motor carrier safety administration recommendations.
In establishing the clearinghouse, the Secretary shall consider—
“(A)
the findings and recommendations contained in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s March 2004 report to Congress required under section 226 of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (49 U.S.C. 31306 note); and
“(B)
the findings and recommendations contained in the Government Accountability Office’s May 2008 report to Congress entitled ‘Motor Carrier Safety: Improvements to Drug Testing Programs Could Better Identify Illegal Drug Users and Keep Them off the Road.’.
“(2)

Development of secure processes.
In establishing the clearinghouse, the Secretary shall develop a secure process for—
“(A)
administering and managing the clearinghouse in compliance with applicable Federal security standards;
“(B)
registering and authenticating authorized users of the clearinghouse;
“(C)
registering and authenticating persons required to report to the clearinghouse under subsection (g);
“(D)
preventing the unauthorized access of information from the clearinghouse;
“(E)
storing and transmitting data;
“(F)
persons required to report to the clearinghouse under subsection (g) to timely and accurately submit electronic data to the clearinghouse;
“(G)
generating timely and accurate reports from the clearinghouse in response to requests for information by authorized users; and
“(H)
updating an individual’s record upon completion of the return-to-duty process described in title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
“(3)

Employer alert of positive test result.
In establishing the clearinghouse, the Secretary shall develop a secure method for electronically notifying an employer of each additional positive test result or other noncompliance—
“(A)
for an employee, that is entered into the clearinghouse during the 7-day period immediately following an employer’s inquiry about the employee; and
“(B)
for an employee who is listed as having multiple employers.
“(4)

Archive capability.
In establishing the clearinghouse, the Secretary shall develop a process for archiving all clearinghouse records for the purposes of auditing and evaluating the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of data in the clearinghouse.
“(5)

Future needs.
“(A)

Interoperability with other data systems.
In establishing the clearinghouse, the Secretary shall consider—
“(i)
the existing data systems containing regulatory and safety data for commercial motor vehicle operators;
“(ii)
the efficacy of using or combining clearinghouse data with 1 or more of such systems; and
“(iii)
the potential interoperability of the clearinghouse with such systems.
“(B)

Specific considerations.
In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall determine—
“(i)
the clearinghouse’s capability for interoperability with—
“(I)
the National Driver Register established under section 30302;
“(II)
the Commercial Driver’s License Information System established under section 31309;
“(III)
the Motor Carrier Management Information System for preemployment screening services under section 31150; and
“(IV)
other data systems, as appropriate; and
“(ii)
any change to the administration of the current testing program, such as forms, that is necessary to collect data for the clearinghouse.
“(c)

Standard Formats.
The Secretary shall develop standard formats to be used—
“(1)
by an authorized user of the clearinghouse to—
“(A)
request a record from the clearinghouse; and
“(B)
obtain the consent of an individual who is the subject of a request from the clearinghouse, if applicable; and
“(2)
to notify an individual that a positive alcohol or controlled substances test result, refusing to test, and a violation of any of the prohibitions under subpart B of part 382 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or any subsequent corresponding regulations), will be reported to the clearinghouse.
“(d)

Privacy.
A release of information from the clearinghouse shall—
“(1)
comply with applicable Federal privacy laws, including the fair information practices under the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a);
“(2)
comply with applicable sections of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.); and
“(3)
not be made to any person or entity unless expressly authorized or required by law.
“(e)

Fees.
“(1)

Authority to collect fees.
Except as provided under paragraph (3), the Secretary may collect a reasonable, customary, and nominal fee from an authorized user of the clearinghouse for a request for information from the clearinghouse.
“(2)

Use of fees.
Fees collected under this subsection shall be used for the operation and maintenance of the clearinghouse.
“(3)

Limitation.
The Secretary may not collect a fee from an individual requesting information from the clearinghouse that pertains to the record of that individual.
“(f)

Employer Requirements.
“(1)

Determination concerning use of clearinghouse.
The Secretary shall determine if an employer is authorized to use the clearinghouse to meet the alcohol and controlled substances testing requirements under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
“(2)

Applicability of existing requirements.
Each employer and service agent shall continue to comply with the alcohol and controlled substances testing requirements under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
“(3)

Employment prohibitions.
After the clearinghouse is established under subsection (a), at a date determined to be appropriate by the Secretary and published in the Federal Register, an employer shall utilize the clearinghouse to determine whether any employment prohibitions exist and shall not hire an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle unless the employer determines that the individual, during the preceding 3-year period—
“(A)
if tested for the use of alcohol and controlled substances, as required under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations—
“(i)
did not test positive for the use of alcohol or controlled substances in violation of the regulations; or
“(ii)
tested positive for the use of alcohol or controlled substances and completed the required return-to-duty process under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations;
“(B)
(i)
did not refuse to take an alcohol or controlled substance test under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; or
“(ii)
refused to take an alcohol or controlled substance test and completed the required return-to-duty process under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
“(C)
did not violate any other provision of subpart B of part 382 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or any subsequent corresponding regulations).
“(4)

Annual review.
After the clearinghouse is established under subsection (a), at a date determined to be appropriate by the Secretary and published in the Federal Register, an employer shall request and review a commercial motor vehicle operator’s record from the clearinghouse annually for as long as the commercial motor vehicle operator is under the employ of the employer.
“(g)

Reporting of Records.
“(1)

In general.
Beginning 30 days after the date that the clearinghouse is established under subsection (a), a medical review officer, employer, service agent, and other appropriate person, as determined by the Secretary, shall promptly submit to the Secretary any record generated after the clearinghouse is initiated of an individual who—
“(A)
refuses to take an alcohol or controlled substances test required under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations;
“(B)
tests positive for alcohol or a controlled substance in violation of the regulations; or
“(C)
violates any other provision of subpart B of part 382 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or any subsequent corresponding regulations).
“(2)

Inclusion of records in clearinghouse.
The Secretary shall include in the clearinghouse the records of positive test results and test refusals received under paragraph (1).
“(3)

Modifications and deletions.
If the Secretary determines that a record contained in the clearinghouse is not accurate, the Secretary shall modify or delete the record, as appropriate.
“(4)

Notification.
The Secretary shall expeditiously notify an individual, unless such notification would be duplicative, when—
“(A)
a record relating to the individual is received by the clearinghouse;
“(B)
a record in the clearinghouse relating to the individual is modified or deleted, and include in the notification the reason for the modification or deletion; or
“(C)
a record in the clearinghouse relating to the individual is released to an employer and specify the reason for the release.
“(5)

Data quality and security standards for reporting and releasing.
The Secretary may establish additional requirements, as appropriate, to ensure that—
“(A)
the submission of records to the clearinghouse is timely and accurate;
“(B)
the release of data from the clearinghouse is timely, accurate, and released to the appropriate authorized user under this section; and
“(C)
an individual with a record in the clearinghouse has a cause of action for any inappropriate use of information included in the clearinghouse.
“(6)

Retention of records.
The Secretary shall—
“(A)
retain a record submitted to the clearinghouse for a 5-year period beginning on the date the record is submitted;
“(B)
remove the record from the clearinghouse at the end of the 5-year period, unless the individual fails to meet a return-to-duty or follow-up requirement under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
“(C)
retain a record after the end of the 5-year period in a separate location for archiving and auditing purposes.
“(h)

Authorized Users.
“(1)

Employers.
The Secretary shall establish a process for an employer, or an employer’s designated agent, to request and receive an individual’s record from the clearinghouse.
“(A)

Consent.
An employer may not access an individual’s record from the clearinghouse unless the employer—
“(i)
obtains the prior written or electronic consent of the individual for access to the record; and
“(ii)
submits proof of the individual’s consent to the Secretary.
“(B)

Access to records.
After receiving a request from an employer for an individual’s record under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall grant access to the individual’s record to the employer as expeditiously as practicable.
“(C)

Retention of record requests.
The Secretary shall require an employer to retain for a 3-year period—
“(i)
a record of each request made by the employer for records from the clearinghouse; and
“(ii)
the information received pursuant to the request.
“(D)

Use of records.
An employer may use an individual’s record received from the clearinghouse only to assess and evaluate whether a prohibition applies with respect to the individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle for the employer.
“(E)

Protection of privacy of individuals.
An employer that receives an individual’s record from the clearinghouse under subparagraph (B) shall—
“(i)
protect the privacy of the individual and the confidentiality of the record; and
“(ii)
ensure that information contained in the record is not divulged to a person or entity that is not directly involved in assessing and evaluating whether a prohibition applies with respect to the individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle for the employer.
“(2)

State licensing authorities.
The Secretary shall establish a process for the chief commercial driver’s licensing official of a State to request and receive an individual’s record from the clearinghouse if the individual is applying for a commercial driver’s license from the State.
“(A)

Consent.
The Secretary may grant access to an individual’s record in the clearinghouse under this paragraph without the prior written or electronic consent of the individual. An individual who holds a commercial driver’s license shall be deemed to consent to such access by obtaining a commercial driver’s license.
“(B)

Protection of privacy of individuals.
A chief commercial driver’s licensing official of a State that receives an individual’s record from the clearinghouse under this paragraph shall—
“(i)
protect the privacy of the individual and the confidentiality of the record; and
“(ii)
ensure that the information in the record is not divulged to any person that is not directly involved in assessing and evaluating the qualifications of the individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
“(i)

National Transportation Safety Board.
The Secretary shall establish a process for the National Transportation Safety Board to request and receive an individual’s record from the clearinghouse if the individual is involved in an accident that is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
“(j)

Access to Clearinghouse by Individuals.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall establish a process for an individual to request and receive information from the clearinghouse—
“(A)
to determine whether the clearinghouse contains a record pertaining to the individual;
“(B)
to verify the accuracy of a record;
“(C)
to update an individual’s record, including completing the return-to-duty process described in title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
“(D)
to determine whether the clearinghouse received requests for the individual’s information.
“(2)

Dispute procedure.
The Secretary shall establish a procedure, including an appeal process, for an individual to dispute and remedy an administrative error in the individual’s record.
“(k)

Penalties.
“(1)

In general.
An employer, employee, medical review officer, or service agent who violates any provision of this section shall be subject to civil penalties under section 521(b)(2)(C) and criminal penalties under section 521(b)(6)(B), and any other applicable civil and criminal penalties, as determined by the Secretary.
“(2)

Violation of privacy.
The Secretary shall establish civil and criminal penalties, consistent with paragraph (1), for an authorized user who violates paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (h).
“(l)

Compatibility of State and Local Laws.
“(1)

Preemption.
Except as provided under paragraph (2), any law, regulation, order, or other requirement of a State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe related to a commercial driver’s license holder subject to alcohol or controlled substance testing under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, that is inconsistent with this section or a regulation issued pursuant to this section is preempted.
“(2)

Applicability.
The preemption under paragraph (1) shall include—
“(A)
the reporting of valid positive results from alcohol screening tests and drug tests;
“(B)
the refusal to provide a specimen for an alcohol screening test or drug test; and
“(C)
other violations of subpart B of part 382 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or any subsequent corresponding regulations).
“(3)

Exception.
A law, regulation, order, or other requirement of a State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian tribe shall not be preempted under this subsection to the extent it relates to an action taken with respect to a commercial motor vehicle operator’s commercial driver’s license or driving record as a result of the driver’s—
“(A)
verified positive alcohol or drug test result;
“(B)
refusal to provide a specimen for the test; or
“(C)
other violations of subpart B of part 382 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or any subsequent corresponding regulations).
“(m)

Definitions.
In this section—
“(1)

Authorized user.
The term ‘authorized user’ means an employer, State licensing authority, or other person granted access to the clearinghouse under subsection (h).
“(2)

Chief commercial driver’s licensing official.
The term ‘chief commercial driver’s licensing official’ means the official in a State who is authorized to—
“(A)
maintain a record about commercial driver’s licenses issued by the State; and
“(B)
take action on commercial driver’s licenses issued by the State.
“(3)

Clearinghouse.
The term ‘clearinghouse’ means the clearinghouse established under subsection (a).
“(4)

Commercial motor vehicle operator.
The term ‘commercial motor vehicle operator’ means an individual who—
“(A)
possesses a valid commercial driver’s license issued in accordance with section 31308; and
“(B)
is subject to controlled substances and alcohol testing under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
“(5)

Employer.
The term ‘employer’ means a person or entity employing, or seeking to employ, 1 or more employees (including an individual who is self-employed) to be commercial motor vehicle operators.
“(6)

Medical review officer.
The term ‘medical review officer’ means a licensed physician who is responsible for—
“(A)
receiving and reviewing a laboratory result generated under the testing program;
“(B)
evaluating a medical explanation for a controlled substances test under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; and
“(C)
interpreting the results of a controlled substances test.
“(7)

Secretary.
The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of Transportation.
“(8)

Service agent.
The term ‘service agent’ means a person or entity, other than an employee of the employer, who provides services to employers or employees under the testing program.
“(9)

Testing program.
The term ‘testing program’ means the alcohol and controlled substances testing program required under title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 313 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31306 the following:
“31306a. National clearinghouse for positive controlled substance and alcohol test results of commercial motor vehicle operators.”.
Subtitle E—

Enforcement
SEC. 32501.

INSPECTION DEMAND AND DISPLAY OF CREDENTIALS.
(a)

Safety Investigations.—
Section 504(c) is amended—
(1)
by inserting “, or an employee of the recipient of a grant issued under section 31102 of this title” after “a contractor”; and
(2)
by inserting “, in person or in writing” after “proper credentials”.
(b)

Civil Penalty.—
Section 521(b)(2)(E) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (E)(i); and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(ii)

Place out of service.
The Secretary may by regulation adopt procedures for placing out of service the commercial motor vehicle of a foreign-domiciled motor carrier that fails to promptly allow the Secretary to inspect and copy a record or inspect equipment, land, buildings, or other property.”
.
(c)

Hazardous Materials Investigations.—
Section 5121(c)(2) is amended by inserting “, in person or in writing,” after “proper credentials”.
(d)

Commercial Investigations.—
Section 14122(b) is amended by inserting “, in person or in writing” after “proper credentials”.
SEC. 32502.

OUT OF SERVICE PENALTY FOR DENIAL OF ACCESS TO RECORDS.
Section 521(b)(2)(E) is amended—
(1)
by inserting after “$10,000.” the following: “In the case of a motor carrier, the Secretary may also place the violator’s motor carrier operations out of service.”; and
(2)
by striking “such penalty” after “It shall be a defense to” and inserting “a penalty”.
SEC. 32503.

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF OPERATION OUT OF SERVICE ORDERS.
Section 521(b)(2) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(F)

Penalty for violations relating to out of service orders.
A motor carrier or employer (as defined in section 31132) that operates a commercial motor vehicle in commerce in violation of a prohibition on transportation under section 31144(c) of this title or an imminent hazard out of service order issued under subsection (b)(5) of this section or section 5121(d) of this title shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000.”
.
SEC. 32504.

IMPOUNDMENT AND IMMOBILIZATION OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES FOR IMMINENT HAZARD.
Section 521(b) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(15)

Impoundment of commercial motor vehicles.
“(A)

Enforcement of imminent hazard out-of-service orders.
“(i)
The Secretary, or an authorized State official carrying out motor carrier safety enforcement activities under section 31102, may enforce an imminent hazard out-of-service order issued under chapters 5, 51, 131 through 149, 311, 313, or 315 of this title, or a regulation promulgated thereunder, by towing and impounding a commercial motor vehicle until the order is rescinded.
“(ii)
Enforcement shall not unreasonably interfere with the ability of a shipper, carrier, broker, or other party to arrange for the alternative transportation of any cargo or passenger being transported at the time the commercial motor vehicle is immobilized. In the case of a commercial motor vehicle transporting passengers, the Secretary or authorized State official shall provide reasonable, temporary, and secure shelter and accommodations for passengers in transit.
“(iii)
The Secretary’s designee or an authorized State official carrying out motor carrier safety enforcement activities under section 31102, shall immediately notify the owner of a commercial motor vehicle of the impoundment and the opportunity for review of the impoundment. A review shall be provided in accordance with section 554 of title 5, except that the review shall occur not later than 10 days after the impoundment.
“(B)

Issuance of regulations.
The Secretary shall promulgate regulations on the use of impoundment or immobilization of commercial motor vehicles as a means of enforcing additional out-of-service orders issued under chapters 5, 51, 131 through 149, 311, 313, or 315 of this title, or a regulation promulgated thereunder. Regulations promulgated under this subparagraph shall include consideration of public safety, the protection of passengers and cargo, inconvenience to passengers, and the security of the commercial motor vehicle.
“(C)

Definition.
In this paragraph, the term ‘impoundment’ or ’impounding’ means the seizing and taking into custody of a commercial motor vehicle or the immobilizing of a commercial motor vehicle through the attachment of a locking device or other mechanical or electronic means.”
.
SEC. 32505.

INCREASED PENALTIES FOR EVASION OF REGULATIONS.
(a)

Penalties.—
Section 524 is amended—
(1)
by striking “knowingly and willfully”;
(2)
by inserting after “this chapter” the following: “, chapter 51, subchapter III of chapter 311 (except sections 31138 and 31139) or section 31302, 31303, 31304, 31305(b), 31310(g)(1)(A), or 31502 of this title, or a regulation issued under any of those provisions,”;
(3)
by striking “$200 but not more than $500” and inserting “$2,000 but not more than $5,000”; and
(4)
by striking “$250 but not more than $2,000” and inserting “$2,500 but not more than $7,500”.
(b)

Evasion of Regulation.—
Section 14906 is amended—
(1)
by striking “$200” and inserting “at least $2,000”;
(2)
by striking “$250” and inserting “$5,000”; and
(3)
by inserting after “a subsequent violation” the following: “, and may be subject to criminal penalties”.
SEC. 32506.

VIOLATIONS RELATING TO COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY REGULATION AND OPERATORS.
Section 521(b)(2)(D) is amended by striking “ability to pay,”.
SEC. 32507.

EMERGENCY DISQUALIFICATION FOR IMMINENT HAZARD.
Section 31310(f) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1) by inserting “section 521 or” before “section 5102”; and
(2)
in paragraph (2) by inserting “section 521 or” before “section 5102”.
SEC. 32508.

DISCLOSURE TO STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
Section 31106(e) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (e)(1); and
(2)
by inserting at the end the following:
“(2)

In general.
Notwithstanding any prohibition on disclosure of information in section 31105(h) or 31143(b) of this title or section 552a of title 5, the Secretary may disclose information maintained by the Secretary pursuant to chapters 51, 135, 311, or 313 of this title to appropriate personnel of a State agency or instrumentality authorized to carry out State commercial motor vehicle safety activities and commercial driver’s license laws, or appropriate personnel of a local law enforcement agency, in accordance with standards, conditions, and procedures as determined by the Secretary. Disclosure under this section shall not operate as a waiver by the Secretary of any applicable privilege against disclosure under common law or as a basis for compelling disclosure under section 552 of title 5.”
.
SEC. 32509.

GRADE CROSSING SAFETY REGULATIONS.
Section 112(2) of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Authorization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-311) is amended by striking “315 of such title (relating to motor carrier safety)” and inserting “311 of such title (relating to commercial motor vehicle safety)”.
Subtitle F—

Compliance, Safety, Accountability
SEC. 32601.

MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a)

In General.—
Section 31102(b) is amended—
(1)
by amending the heading to read as follows:
“(b)

Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.”
;
(2)
by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as (2) through (4), respectively;
(3)
by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated, the following:
“(1)

Program goal.
The goal of the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program is to ensure that the Secretary, States, local government agencies, and other political jurisdictions work in partnership to establish programs to improve motor carrier, commercial motor vehicle, and driver safety to support a safe and efficient surface transportation system by—
“(A)
making targeted investments to promote safe commercial motor vehicle transportation, including transportation of passengers and hazardous materials;
“(B)
investing in activities likely to generate maximum reductions in the number and severity of commercial motor vehicle crashes and fatalities resulting from such crashes;
“(C)
adopting and enforcing effective motor carrier, commercial motor vehicle, and driver safety regulations and practices consistent with Federal requirements; and
“(D)
assessing and improving statewide performance by setting program goals and meeting performance standards, measures, and benchmarks.”
;
(4)
in paragraph (2), as redesignated—
(A)
by striking “make a declaration of” in subparagraph (I) and inserting “demonstrate”;
(B)
by amending subparagraph (M) to read as follows:
“(M)
ensures participation in appropriate Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration systems and other information systems by all appropriate jurisdictions receiving Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program funding;”
;
(C)
in subparagraph (Q), by inserting “and dedicated sufficient resources to” between “established” and “a program”;
(D)
in subparagraph (W), by striking “and” after the semicolon;
(E)
in subparagraph (X), by striking the period and inserting “; and”; and
(F)
by adding after subparagraph (X) the following:
“(Y)
ensures that the State will transmit to its roadside inspectors the notice of each Federal exemption granted pursuant to section 31315(b) and provided to the State by the Secretary, including the name of the person granted the exemption and any terms and conditions that apply to the exemption.”
; and
(5)
by amending paragraph (4), as redesignated, to read as follows:
“(4)

Maintenance of effort.
“(A)

In general.
A plan submitted by a State under paragraph (2) shall provide that the total expenditure of amounts of the lead State agency responsible for implementing the plan will be maintained at a level at least equal to the average level of that expenditure for fiscal years 2004 and 2005.
“(B)

Average level of state expenditures.
In estimating the average level of State expenditure under subparagraph (A), the Secretary—
“(i)
may allow the State to exclude State expenditures for Government-sponsored demonstration or pilot programs; and
“(ii)
shall require the State to exclude State matching amounts used to receive Government financing under this subsection.
“(C)

Waiver.
Upon the request of a State, the Secretary may waive or modify the requirements of this paragraph for 1 fiscal year, if the Secretary determines that a waiver is equitable due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances, such as a natural disaster or a serious decline in the financial resources of the State motor carrier safety assistance program agency.”
.
SEC. 32602.

PERFORMANCE AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.
Section 31106(b) is amended by amending paragraph (3)(C) to read as follows:
“(C)
establish and implement a process—
“(i)
to cancel the motor vehicle registration and seize the registration plates of a vehicle when an employer is found liable under section 31310(i)(2)(C) for knowingly allowing or requiring an employee to operate such a commercial motor vehicle in violation of an out-of-service order; and
“(ii)
to reinstate the vehicle registration or return the registration plates of the commercial motor vehicle, subject to sanctions under clause (i), if the Secretary permits such carrier to resume operations after the date of issuance of such order.”
.
SEC. 32603.

AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a)

Motor Carrier Safety Grants.—
Section 31104(a) is amended—
(1)
by striking “and” at the end of paragraph (7);
(2)
by striking paragraph (8); and
(3)
by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
“(8)
$215,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
“(9)
$218,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.”
.
(b)

Administrative Expenses.—
Section 31104(i)(1) is amended—
(1)
by striking “and” at the end of subparagraph (G); and
(2)
by striking subparagraph (H); and
(3)
by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following:
“(H)
$251,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
“(I)
$259,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.”
.
(c)

Grant Programs.—
Section 4101(c) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1715) is amended to read as follows:
“(c)

Grant Programs.
There are authorized to be appropriated from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) the following sums for the following Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration programs:
“(1)

Commercial driver’s license program improvement grants.
For commercial driver’s license program improvement grants under section 31313 of title 49, United States Code $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
“(2)

Border enforcement grants.
For border enforcement grants under section 31107 of such title $32,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
“(3)

Performance and registration information system management grant program.
For the performance and registration information system management grant program under section 31109 of such title $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
“(4)

Commercial vehicle information systems and networks deployment.
For carrying out the commercial vehicle information systems and networks deployment program under section 4126 of this Act, $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
“(5)

Safety data improvement grants.
For safety data improvement grants under section 4128 of this Act, $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.”
.
(d)

High-priority Activities.—
Section 31104(k)(2) is amended by striking “2011 and $11,250,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “2014”.
(e)

New Entrant Audits.—
Section 31144(g)(5)(B) is amended to read as follows:
“(B)

Set aside.
The Secretary shall set aside from amounts made available by section 31104(a) up to $32,000,000 per fiscal year for audits of new entrant motor carriers conducted pursuant to this paragraph.”
.
(f)
[49 U.S.C. 31100 note]

Outreach and Education.—
Section 4127(e) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1741) is amended to read as follows:
“(e)

Funding.
From amounts made available under section 31104(i) of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary shall make available $4,000,000 to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 to carry out this section (other than subsection (f)).”
.
(g)

Grant Program for Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators.—
Section 4134(c) of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 31301 note) is amended by striking “2011 and $750,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “2014”.
(h)

Border Enforcement Grants.—
Section 31107 is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (b); and
(2)
redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (b) and (c), respectively.
(i)
[49 U.S.C. 31100 note]

Administration of Grant Programs.—
The Secretary is authorized to identify and implement processes to reduce the administrative burden on the States and the Department of Transportation concerning the application and management of the grant programs authorized under chapter 311 and chapter 313 of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 32604.

GRANTS FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION.
(a)

Grants for Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation.—
Section 31313(a) is amended to read as follows:
“(a)

Commercial Driver’s License Program Improvement Grants.
“(1)

Program goal.
The Secretary of Transportation may make a grant to a State in a fiscal year—
“(A)
to comply with the requirements of section 31311;
“(B)
in the case of a State that is making a good faith effort toward substantial compliance with the requirements of this section and section 31311, to improve its implementation of its commercial driver’s license program, including expenses—
“(i)
for computer hardware and software;
“(ii)
for publications, testing, personnel, training, and quality control;
“(iii)
for commercial driver’s license program coordinators;
“(iv)
to implement or maintain a system to notify an employer of an operator of a commercial motor vehicle of the suspension or revocation of the operator’s commercial driver’s license consistent with the standards developed under section 32303(b) of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012.
“(2)

Prohibitions.
A State may not use grant funds under this subsection to rent, lease, or buy land or buildings.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
(1)
The heading for section 31313 is amended by striking “improvements” and inserting “implementation”.
(2)
The analysis of chapter 313 is amended by striking the item relating to section 31313 and inserting the following:
“31313. Grants for commercial driver’s license program implementation.”.
SEC. 32605.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS.
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that includes—
(1)
established time frames and milestones for resuming the Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks Program; and
(2)
a strategic workforce plan for its grants management office to ensure that it has determined the skills and competencies that are critical to achieving its mission goals.
Subtitle G—

Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012
SEC. 32701.
[49 U.S.C. 31136 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the “Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012”.
SEC. 32702.
[49 U.S.C. 31136 note]

DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1)

Advanced glazing.—
The term “advanced glazing” means glazing installed in a portal on the side or the roof of a motorcoach that is designed to be highly resistant to partial or complete occupant ejection in all types of motor vehicle crashes.
(2)

Bus.—
The term “bus” has the meaning given the term in section 571.3(b) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act).
(3)

Commercial motor vehicle.—
Except as otherwise specified, the term “commercial motor vehicle” has the meaning given the term in section 31132(1) of title 49, United States Code.
(4)

Direct tire pressure monitoring system.—
The term “direct tire pressure monitoring system” means a tire pressure monitoring system that is capable of directly detecting when the air pressure level in any tire is significantly under-inflated and providing the driver a low tire pressure warning as to which specific tire is significantly under-inflated.
(5)

Motor carrier.—
The term “motor carrier” means—
(A)
a motor carrier (as defined in section 13102(14) of title 49, United States Code); or
(B)
a motor private carrier (as defined in section 13102(15) of that title).
(6)

Motorcoach.—
The term “motorcoach” has the meaning given the term “over-the-road bus” in section 3038(a)(3) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 5310 note), but does not include—
(A)
a bus used in public transportation provided by, or on behalf of, a public transportation agency; or
(B)
a school bus, including a multifunction school activity bus.
(7)

Motorcoach services.—
The term “motorcoach services” means passenger transportation by motorcoach for compensation.
(8)

Multifunction school activity bus.—
The term “multifunction school activity bus” has the meaning given the term in section 571.3(b) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act).
(9)

Portal.—
The term “portal” means any opening on the front, side, rear, or roof of a motorcoach that could, in the event of a crash involving the motorcoach, permit the partial or complete ejection of any occupant from the motorcoach, including a young child.
(10)

Provider of motorcoach services.—
The term “provider of motorcoach services” means a motor carrier that provides passenger transportation services with a motorcoach, including per-trip compensation and contracted or chartered compensation.
(11)

Public transportation.—
The term “public transportation” has the meaning given the term in section 5302 of title 49, United States Code.
(12)

Safety belt.—
The term “safety belt” has the meaning given the term in section 153(i)(4)(B) of title 23, United States Code.
(13)

Secretary.—
The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation.
SEC. 32703.
[49 U.S.C. 31136 note]

REGULATIONS FOR IMPROVED OCCUPANT PROTECTION, PASSENGER EVACUATION, AND CRASH AVOIDANCE.
(a)

Regulations Required Within 1 Year.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations requiring safety belts to be installed in motorcoaches at each designated seating position.
(b)

Regulations Required Within 2 Years.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations that address the following commercial motor vehicle standards, if the Secretary determines that such standards meet the requirements and considerations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code:
(1)

Roof strength and crush resistance.—
The Secretary shall establish improved roof and roof support standards for motorcoaches that substantially improve the resistance of motorcoach roofs to deformation and intrusion to prevent serious occupant injury in rollover crashes involving motorcoaches.
(2)

Anti-ejection safety countermeasures.—
The Secretary shall consider requiring advanced glazing standards for each motorcoach portal and shall consider other portal improvements to prevent partial and complete ejection of motorcoach passengers, including children. In prescribing such standards, the Secretary shall consider the impact of such standards on the use of motorcoach portals as a means of emergency egress.
(3)

Rollover crash avoidance.—
The Secretary shall consider requiring motorcoaches to be equipped with stability enhancing technology, such as electronic stability control and torque vectoring, to reduce the number and frequency of rollover crashes among motorcoaches.
(c)

Commercial Motor Vehicle Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems.—
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prescribe the following commercial vehicle regulation:
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall consider requiring motorcoaches to be equipped with direct tire pressure monitoring systems that warn the operator of a commercial motor vehicle when any tire exhibits a level of air pressure that is below a specified level of air pressure established by the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that such standards meet the requirements and considerations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code.
(2)

Performance requirements.—
In any standard adopted under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include performance requirements to meet the objectives identified in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(d)

Tire Performance Standard.—
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall consider—
(1)
issuing a rule to upgrade performance standards for tires used on motorcoaches, including an enhanced endurance test and a new high-speed performance test; or
(2)
if the Secretary determines that a standard does not meet the requirements and considerations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code, submit a report that describes the reasons for not prescribing such a standard to—
(A)
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate;
(B)
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
(C)
the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
(e)

Application of Regulations.—
(1)

New motorcoaches.—
Any regulation prescribed in accordance with subsection (a), (b), (c), or (d) shall—
(A)
apply to all motorcoaches manufactured more than 3 years after the date on which the regulation is published as a final rule;
(B)
take into account the impact to seating capacity of changes to size and weight of motorcoaches and the ability to comply with State and Federal size and weight requirements; and
(C)
be based on the best available science.
(2)

Retrofit assessment for existing motorcoaches.—
(A)

In general.—
The Secretary may assess the feasibility, benefits, and costs with respect to the application of any requirement established under subsection (a) or (b)(2) to motorcoaches manufactured before the date on which the requirement applies to new motorcoaches under paragraph (1).
(B)

Report.—
The Secretary shall submit a report on the assessment to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 32704.
[49 U.S.C. 31136 note]

FIRE PREVENTION AND MITIGATION.
(a)

Research and Testing.—
The Secretary shall conduct research and testing to determine the most prevalent causes of motorcoach fires and the best methods to prevent such fires and to mitigate the effect of such fires, both inside and outside the motorcoach. Such research and testing shall consider flammability of exterior components, smoke suppression, prevention of and resistance to wheel well fires, automatic fire suppression, passenger evacuation, causation and prevention of motorcoach fires, and improved fire extinguishers.
(b)

Standards.—
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may issue fire prevention and mitigation standards for motorcoaches, based on the results of the Secretary’s research and testing, taking into account highway size and weight restrictions applicable to motorcoaches, if the Secretary determines that such standards meet the requirements and considerations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 32705.
[49 U.S.C. 31136 note]

OCCUPANT PROTECTION, COLLISION AVOIDANCE, FIRE CAUSATION, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHER RESEARCH AND TESTING.
(a)

Safety Research Initiatives.—
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete the following research and testing:
(1)

Interior impact protection.—
The Secretary shall research and test enhanced occupant impact protection technologies for motorcoach interiors to reduce serious injuries for all passengers of motorcoaches.
(2)

Compartmentalization safety countermeasures.—
The Secretary shall research and test enhanced compartmentalization safety countermeasures for motorcoaches, including enhanced seating designs.
(3)

Collision avoidance systems.—
The Secretary shall research and test forward and lateral crash warning systems applications for motorcoaches.
(b)

Rulemaking.—
Not later than 2 years after the completion of each research and testing initiative required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall issue final motor vehicle safety standards if the Secretary determines that such standards meet the requirements and considerations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 32706.
[49 U.S.C. 31136 note]

CONCURRENCE OF RESEARCH AND RULEMAKING.
(a)

Requirements.—
To the extent feasible, the Secretary shall ensure that research programs are carried out concurrently, and in a manner that concurrently assesses results, potential countermeasures, costs, and benefits.
(b)

Authority to Combine Rulemakings.—
When considering each of the rulemaking provisions, the Secretary may initiate a single rulemaking proceeding encompassing all aspects or may combine the rulemakings as the Secretary deems appropriate.
(c)

Considerations.—
If the Secretary undertakes separate rulemaking proceedings, the Secretary shall—
(1)
consider whether each added aspect of rulemaking may contribute to addressing the safety need determined to require rulemaking;
(2)
consider the benefits obtained through the safety belts rulemaking in section 32703(a); and
(3)
avoid duplicative benefits, costs, and countermeasures.
SEC. 32707.
[49 U.S.C. 31136 note]

IMPROVED OVERSIGHT OF MOTORCOACH SERVICE PROVIDERS.
(a)

Safety Reviews.—
Section 31144, as amended by section 32202 of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(i)

Periodic Safety Reviews of Owners and Operators of Interstate For-hire Commercial Motor Vehicles Designed or Used to Transport Passengers.
“(1)

Safety review.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall—
“(i)
determine the safety fitness of each motor carrier of passengers who the Secretary registers under section 13902 or 31134 through a simple and understandable rating system that allows passengers to compare the safety performance of each such motor carrier; and
“(ii)
assign a safety fitness rating to each such motor carrier.
“(B)

Applicability.
Subparagraph (A) shall apply—
“(i)
to any provider of motorcoach services registered with the Administration after the date of enactment of the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012 beginning not later than 2 years after the date of such registration; and
“(ii)
to any provider of motorcoach services registered with the Administration on or before the date of enactment of that Act beginning not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of that Act.
“(2)

Periodic review.
The Secretary shall establish, by regulation, a process for monitoring the safety performance of each motor carrier of passengers on a regular basis following the assignment of a safety fitness rating, including progressive intervention to correct unsafe practices.
“(3)

Enforcement strike forces.
In addition to the enhanced monitoring and enforcement actions required under paragraph (2), the Secretary may organize special enforcement strike forces targeting motor carriers of passengers.
“(4)

Periodic update of safety fitness rating.
In conducting the safety reviews required under this subsection, the Secretary shall—
“(A)
reassess the safety fitness rating of each motor carrier of passengers not less frequently than once every 3 years; and
“(B)
annually assess the safety fitness of certain motor carriers of passengers that serve primarily urban areas with high passenger loads.”
.
(b)

Disclosure of Safety Performance Ratings of Motorcoach Services and Operations.—
(1)

Definitions.—
In this subsection:
(A)

Motorcoach.—
(i)

In general.—
Except as provided in clause (ii), the term “motorcoach” has the meaning given the term “over-the-road bus” in section 3038(a)(3) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 5310 note).
(ii)

Exclusions.—
The term “motorcoach” does not include—
(I)
a bus used in public transportation that is provided by a State or local government; or
(II)
a school bus (as defined in section 30125(a)(1) of title 49, United States Code), including a multifunction school activity bus.
(B)

Motorcoach services and operations.—
The term “motorcoach services and operations” means passenger transportation by a motorcoach for compensation.
(2)

Requirements for the disclosure of safety performance ratings of motorcoach services and operations.—
(A)

In general.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish, through notice and opportunity for public to comment, requirements to improve the accessibility to the public of safety rating information of motorcoach services and operations.
(B)

Display.—
In establishing the requirements under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider requirements for each motor carrier that owns or leases 1 or more motorcoaches that transport passengers subject to the Secretary’s jurisdiction under section 13501 of title 49, United States Code, to prominently display safety fitness information pursuant to section 31144 of title 49, United States Code—
(i)
in each terminal of departure;
(ii)
in the motorcoach and visible from a position exterior to the vehicle at the point of departure, if the motorcoach does not depart from a terminal; and
(iii)
at all points of sale for such motorcoach services and operations.
SEC. 32708.
[49 U.S.C. 31136 note]

REPORT ON FEASIBILITY, BENEFITS, AND COSTS OF ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM OF CERTIFICATION OF TRAINING PROGRAMS.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that describes the feasibility, benefits, and costs of establishing a system of certification of public and private schools and of motor carriers and motorcoach operators that provide motorcoach driver training.
SEC. 32709.
[49 U.S.C. 31136 note]

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTS.
(a)

In General.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall review and assess the current knowledge and skill testing requirements for a commercial driver’s license passenger endorsement to determine what improvements to the knowledge test, the examination of driving skills, and the application of such requirements are necessary to ensure the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles designed or used to transport passengers.
(b)

Report.—
Not later than 120 days after completion of the review and assessment under subsection (a), the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate—
(1)
a report on the review and assessment conducted under subsection (a);
(2)
a plan to implement any changes to the knowledge and skills tests; and
(3)
a timeframe by which the Secretary will implement the changes.
SEC. 32710.
[49 U.S.C. 31136 note]

SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAM FOR COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES OF PASSENGERS.
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall complete a rulemaking proceeding to consider requiring States to establish a program for annual inspections of commercial motor vehicles designed or used to transport passengers, including an assessment of—
(1)
the risks associated with improperly maintained or inspected commercial motor vehicles designed or used to transport passengers;
(2)
the effectiveness of existing Federal standards for the inspection of such vehicles in—
(A)
mitigating the risks described in paragraph (1); and
(B)
ensuring the safe and proper operation condition of such vehicles; and
(3)
the costs and benefits of a mandatory inspection program.
SEC. 32711.
[49 U.S.C. 31136 note]

REGULATIONS.
Any standard or regulation prescribed or modified pursuant to the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012 shall be prescribed or modified in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code.
Subtitle H—

Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation
SEC. 32801.

COMPREHENSIVE TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT LIMITS STUDY.
(a)

Truck Size and Weight Limits Study.—
Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with each relevant State and other applicable Federal agencies, shall commence a comprehensive truck size and weight limits study. The study shall—
(1)
provide data on accident frequency and evaluate factors related to accident risk of vehicles that operate with size and weight limits that are in excess of the Federal law and regulations in each State that allows vehicles to operate with size and weight limits that are in excess of the Federal law and regulations, or to operate under a Federal exemption or grandfather right, in comparison to vehicles that do not operate in excess of Federal law and regulations (other than vehicles with exemptions or grandfather rights);
(2)
evaluate the impacts to the infrastructure in each State that allows a vehicle to operate with size and weight limits that are in excess of the Federal law and regulations, or to operate under a Federal exemption or grandfather right, in comparison to vehicles that do not operate in excess of Federal law and regulations (other than vehicles with exemptions or grandfather rights), including—
(A)
the cost and benefits of the impacts in dollars;
(B)
the percentage of trucks operating in excess of the Federal size and weight limits; and
(C)
the ability of each State to recover the cost for the impacts, or the benefits incurred;
(3)
evaluate the frequency of violations in excess of the Federal size and weight law and regulations, the cost of the enforcement of the law and regulations, and the effectiveness of the enforcement methods;
(4)
assess the impacts that vehicles that operate with size and weight limits in excess of the Federal law and regulations, or that operate under a Federal exemption or grandfather right, in comparison to vehicles that do not operate in excess of Federal law and regulations (other than vehicles with exemptions or grandfather rights), have on bridges, including the impacts resulting from the number of bridge loadings;
(5)
compare and contrast the potential safety and infrastructure impacts of the current Federal law and regulations regarding truck size and weight limits in relation to—
(A)
six-axle and other alternative configurations of tractor-trailers; and
(B)
where available, safety records of foreign nations with truck size and weight limits and tractor-trailer configurations that differ from the Federal law and regulations; and
(6)
estimate—
(A)
the extent to which freight would likely be diverted from other surface transportation modes to principal arterial routes and National Highway System intermodal connectors if alternative truck configuration is allowed to operate and the effect that any such diversion would have on other modes of transportation;
(B)
the effect that any such diversion would have on public safety, infrastructure, cost responsibilities, fuel efficiency, freight transportation costs, and the environment;
(C)
the effect on the transportation network of the United States that allowing alternative truck configuration to operate would have; and
(D)
whether allowing alternative truck configuration to operate would result in an increase or decrease in the total number of trucks operating on principal arterial routes and National Highway System intermodal connectors; and
(7)
identify all Federal rules and regulations impacted by changes in truck size and weight limits.
(b)

Report.—
Not later than 2 years after the date that the study is commenced under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit a final report on the study, including all findings and recommendations, to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 32802.

COMPILATION OF EXISTING STATE TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT LIMIT LAWS.
(a)

In General.—
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the States, shall begin to compile—
(1)
a list for each State, as applicable, that describes each route of the National Highway System that allows a vehicle to operate in excess of the Federal truck size and weight limits that—
(A)
was authorized under State law on or before the date of enactment of this Act; and
(B)
was in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before the date of enactment of this Act;
(2)
a list for each State, as applicable, that describes—
(A)
the size and weight limitations applicable to each segment of the National Highway System in that State as listed under paragraph (1);
(B)
each combination that exceeds the Interstate weight limit, but that the Department of Transportation, other Federal agency, or a State agency has determined on or before the date of enactment of this Act, could be or could have been lawfully operated in the State; and
(C)
each combination that exceeds the Interstate weight limit, but that the Secretary determines could have been lawfully operated on a non-Interstate segment of the National Highway System in the State on or before the date of enactment of this Act; and
(3)
a list of each State law that designates or allows designation of size and weight limitations in excess of Federal law and regulations on routes of the National Highway System, including nondivisible loads.
(b)

Specifications.—
The Secretary, in consultation with the States, shall specify whether the determinations under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) were made by the Department of Transportation, other Federal agency, or a State agency.
(c)

Report.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a final report of the compilation under subsection (a) to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
Subtitle I—

Miscellaneous
PART I—

MISCELLANEOUS
SEC. 32911.

PROHIBITION OF COERCION.
Section 31136(a) is amended by—
(1)
striking “and” at the end of paragraph (3);
(2)
striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and inserting “; and”; and
(3)
adding after subsection (4) the following:
“(5)
an operator of a commercial motor vehicle is not coerced by a motor carrier, shipper, receiver, or transportation intermediary to operate a commercial motor vehicle in violation of a regulation promulgated under this section, or chapter 51 or chapter 313 of this title.”
.
SEC. 32912.

MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
Section 4144(d) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (49 U.S.C. 31100 note), is amended by striking “June 30, 2012” and inserting “September 30, 2013”.
SEC. 32913.

WAIVERS, EXEMPTIONS, AND PILOT PROGRAMS.
(a)

Exemption Standards.—
Section 31315(b)(4) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting “(or, in the case of a request for an exemption from the physical qualification standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers, post on a web site established by the Secretary to implement the requirements of section 31149)” after “Federal Register”;
(2)
by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
“(B)

Upon granting a request.
Upon granting a request and before the effective date of the exemption, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register (or, in the case of an exemption from the physical qualification standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers, post on a web site established by the Secretary to implement the requirements of section 31149) the name of the person granted the exemption, the provisions from which the person is exempt, the effective period, and the terms and conditions of the exemption.”
; and
(3)
in subparagraph (C), by inserting “(or, in the case of a request for an exemption from the physical qualification standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers, post on a web site established by the Secretary to implement the requirements of section 31149)” after “Federal Register”.
(b)

Providing Notice of Exemptions to State Personnel.—
Section 31315(b)(7) is amended to read as follows:
“(7)

Notification of state compliance and enforcement personnel.
Before the effective date of an exemption, the Secretary shall notify a State safety compliance and enforcement agency, and require the agency to notify the State’s roadside inspectors, that a person will be operating pursuant to an exemption and the terms and conditions that apply to the exemption.”
.
(c)

Pilot Programs.—
Section 31315(c)(1) is amended by striking “in the Federal Register”.
(d)

Report to Congress.—
Section 31315 is amended by adding after subsection (d) the following:
“(e)

Report to Congress.
The Secretary shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives listing the waivers, exemptions, and pilot programs granted under this section, and any impacts on safety.
“(f)

Web Site.
The Secretary shall ensure that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site includes a link to the web site established by the Secretary to implement the requirements under sections 31149 and 31315. The link shall be in a clear and conspicuous location on the home page of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site and be easily accessible to the public.”
.
SEC. 32914.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS.
(a)

Requirements for Registration.—
Section 13901 is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 13901.

Requirements for registration
“(a)

In General.
A person may provide transportation as a motor carrier subject to jurisdiction under subchapter I of chapter 135 or service as a freight forwarder subject to jurisdiction under subchapter III of such chapter, or service as a broker for transportation subject to jurisdiction under subchapter I of such chapter only if the person is registered under this chapter to provide such transportation or service.
“(b)

Registration Numbers.
“(1)

In general.
If the Secretary registers a person under this chapter to provide transportation or service, including as a motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker, the Secretary shall issue a distinctive registration number to the person for each such authority to provide transportation or service for which the person is registered.
“(2)

Transportation or service type indicator.
A number issued under paragraph (1) shall include an indicator of the type of transportation or service for which the registration number is issued, including whether the registration number is issued for registration of a motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker.
“(c)

Specification of Authority.
For each agreement to provide transportation or service for which registration is required under this chapter, the registrant shall specify, in writing, the authority under which the person is providing such transportation or service.”
.
(b)

Availability of Information.—
(1)

In general.—
Chapter 139 is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 13909.

Availability of information
“The Secretary shall make information relating to registration and financial security required by this chapter publicly available on the Internet, including—
“(1)
the names and business addresses of the principals of each entity holding such registration;
“(2)
the status of such registration; and
“(3)
the electronic address of the entity’s surety provider for the submission of claims.”
.
(2)

Conforming amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 139 is amended by adding at the end the following:
“13909. Availability of information.”.
SEC. 32915.

ADDITIONAL MOTOR CARRIER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS.
Section 13902, as amended by sections 32101 and 32107(a) of this Act, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by inserting “using self-propelled vehicles the motor carrier owns, rents, or leases” after “motor carrier”; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
“(6)

Separate registration required.
A motor carrier may not broker transportation services unless the motor carrier has registered as a broker under this chapter.”
; and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (h) the following:
“(i)

Registration as Freight Forwarder or Broker Required.
A motor carrier registered under this chapter—
“(1)
may only provide transportation of property with—
“(A)
self-propelled motor vehicles owned or leased by the motor carrier; or
“(B)
interchanges under regulations issued by the Secretary if the originating carrier—
“(i)
physically transports the cargo at some point; and
“(ii)
retains liability for the cargo and for payment of interchanged carriers; and
“(2)
may not arrange transportation described in paragraph (1) unless the motor carrier has obtained a separate registration as a freight forwarder or broker for transportation under section 13903 or 13904, as applicable.”
.
SEC. 32916.

REGISTRATION OF FREIGHT FORWARDERS AND BROKERS.
(a)

Registration of Freight Forwarders.—
Section 13903, as amended by section 32107(b) of this Act, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking “finds that the person is fit” and inserting the following:
“determines that the person—
“(1)
has sufficient experience to qualify the person to act as a freight forwarder; and
“(2)
is fit”
; and
(B)
by striking “and the Board”;
(2)
by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively;
(3)
by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
“(b)

Duration.
A registration issued under subsection (a) shall only remain in effect while the freight forwarder is in compliance with section 13906(c).
“(c)

Experience or Training Requirement.
Each freight forwarder shall employ, as an officer, an individual who—
“(1)
has at least 3 years of relevant experience; or
“(2)
provides the Secretary with satisfactory evidence of the individual’s knowledge of related rules, regulations, and industry practices.”
; and
(4)
by amending subsection (d), as redesignated, to read as follows:
“(d)

Registration as Motor Carrier Required.
“(1)

In general.
A freight forwarder may not provide transportation as a motor carrier unless the freight forwarder has registered separately under this chapter to provide transportation as a motor carrier.”
.
(b)

Registration of Brokers.—
Section 13904, as amended by section 32107(c) of this Act, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking “finds that the person is fit” and inserting the following:
“determines that the person—
“(1)
has sufficient experience to qualify the person to act as a broker for transportation; and
“(2)
is fit”
;
(2)
by redesignating subsections (b), (c), (d), and (e) as subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g) respectively;
(3)
by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
“(b)

Duration.
A registration issued under subsection (a) shall only remain in effect while the broker for transportation is in compliance with section 13906(b).
“(c)

Experience or Training Requirements.
Each broker shall employ, as an officer, an individual who—
“(1)
has at least 3 years of relevant experience; or
“(2)
provides the Secretary with satisfactory evidence of the individual’s knowledge of related rules, regulations, and industry practices.”
;
(4)
by amending subsection (d), as redesignated, to read as follows:
“(d)

Registration as Motor Carrier Required.
“(1)

In general.
A broker for transportation may not provide transportation as a motor carrier unless the broker has registered separately under this chapter to provide transportation as a motor carrier.
“(2)

Limitation.
This subsection does not apply to a motor carrier registered under this chapter or to an employee or agent of the motor carrier to the extent the transportation is to be provided entirely by the motor carrier, with other registered motor carriers, or with rail or water carriers.”
; and
(5)
by amending subsection (e), as redesignated, to read as follows:
“(e)

Regulation to Protect Motor Carriers and Shippers.
Regulations of the Secretary applicable to brokers registered under this section shall provide for the protection of motor carriers and shippers by motor vehicle.”
.
SEC. 32917.

EFFECTIVE PERIODS OF REGISTRATION.
Section 13905(c) is amended to read as follows:
“(c)

Effective Period.
“(1)

In general.
Except as otherwise provided in this part, each registration issued under section 13902, 13903, or 13904—
“(A)
shall be effective beginning on the date specified by the Secretary; and
“(B)
shall remain in effect for such period as the Secretary determines appropriate by regulation.
“(2)

Reissuance of registration.
“(A)

Requirement.
Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2012, the Secretary shall require a freight forwarder or broker to renew its registration issued under this chapter.
“(B)

Effective period.
Each registration renewal under subparagraph (A)—
“(i)
shall expire not later than 5 years after the date of such renewal; and
“(ii)
may be further renewed as provided under this chapter.”
.
SEC. 32918.

FINANCIAL SECURITY OF BROKERS AND FREIGHT FORWARDERS.
(a)

In General.—
Section 13906 is amended by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting the following:
“(b)

Broker Financial Security Requirements.
“(1)

Requirements.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary may register a person as a broker under section 13904 only if the person files with the Secretary a surety bond, proof of trust fund, or other financial security, or a combination thereof, in a form and amount, and from a provider, determined by the Secretary to be adequate to ensure financial responsibility.
“(B)

Use of a group surety bond, trust fund, or other surety.
In implementing the standards established by subparagraph (A), the Secretary may authorize the use of a group surety bond, trust fund, or other financial security, or a combination thereof, that meets the requirements of this subsection.
“(C)

Proof of trust or other financial security.
For purposes of subparagraph (A), a trust fund or other financial security may be acceptable to the Secretary only if the trust fund or other financial security consists of assets readily available to pay claims without resort to personal guarantees or collection of pledged accounts receivable.
“(2)

Scope of financial responsibility.
“(A)

Payment of claims.
A surety bond, trust fund, or other financial security obtained under paragraph (1) shall be available to pay any claim against a broker arising from its failure to pay freight charges under its contracts, agreements, or arrangements for transportation subject to jurisdiction under chapter 135 if—
“(i)
subject to the review by the surety provider, the broker consents to the payment;
“(ii)
in any case in which the broker does not respond to adequate notice to address the validity of the claim, the surety provider determines that the claim is valid; or
“(iii)
the claim is not resolved within a reasonable period of time following a reasonable attempt by the claimant to resolve the claim under clauses (i) and (ii), and the claim is reduced to a judgment against the broker.
“(B)

Response of surety providers to claims.
If a surety provider receives notice of a claim described in subparagraph (A), the surety provider shall—
“(i)
respond to the claim on or before the 30th day following the date on which the notice was received; and
“(ii)
in the case of a denial, set forth in writing for the claimant the grounds for the denial.
“(C)

Costs and attorney’s fees.
In any action against a surety provider to recover on a claim described in subparagraph (A), the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable costs and attorney’s fees.
“(3)

Minimum financial security.
Each broker subject to the requirements of this section shall provide financial security of $75,000 for purposes of this subsection, regardless of the number of branch offices or sales agents of the broker.
“(4)

Cancellation notice.
If a financial security required under this subsection is canceled—
“(A)
the holder of the financial security shall provide electronic notification to the Secretary of the cancellation not later than 30 days before the effective date of the cancellation; and
“(B)
the Secretary shall immediately post such notification on the public Internet Website of the Department of Transportation.
“(5)

Suspension.
The Secretary shall immediately suspend the registration of a broker issued under this chapter if the available financial security of that person falls below the amount required under this subsection.
“(6)

Payment of claims in cases of financial failure or insolvency.
If a broker registered under this chapter experiences financial failure or insolvency, the surety provider of the broker shall—
“(A)
submit a notice to cancel the financial security to the Administrator in accordance with paragraph (4);
“(B)
publicly advertise for claims for 60 days beginning on the date of publication by the Secretary of the notice to cancel the financial security; and
“(C)
pay, not later than 30 days after the expiration of the 60-day period for submission of claims—
“(i)
all uncontested claims received during such period; or
“(ii)
a pro rata share of such claims if the total amount of such claims exceeds the financial security available.
“(7)

Penalties.
“(A)

Civil actions.
Either the Secretary or the Attorney General of the United States may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States to enforce the requirements of this subsection or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this subsection. The court may award appropriate relief, including injunctive relief.
“(B)

Civil penalties.
If the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a surety provider of a broker registered under this chapter has violated the requirements of this subsection or a regulation prescribed under this subsection, the surety provider shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $10,000.
“(C)

Eligibility.
If the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a surety provider of a broker registered under this chapter has violated the requirements of this subsection or a regulation prescribed under this subsection, the surety provider shall be ineligible to provider broker financial security for 3 years.
“(8)

Deduction of costs prohibited.
The amount of the financial security required under this subsection may not be reduced by deducting attorney’s fees or administrative costs.
“(c)

Freight Forwarder Financial Security Requirements.
“(1)

Requirements.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary may register a person as a freight forwarder under section 13903 only if the person files with the Secretary a surety bond, proof of trust fund, other financial security, or a combination of such instruments, in a form and amount, and from a provider, determined by the Secretary to be adequate to ensure financial responsibility.
“(B)

Use of a group surety bond, trust fund, or other financial security.
In implementing the standards established under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may authorize the use of a group surety bond, trust fund, other financial security, or a combination of such instruments, that meets the requirements of this subsection.
“(C)

Surety bonds.
A surety bond obtained under this section may only be obtained from a bonding company that has been approved by the Secretary of the Treasury.
“(D)

Proof of trust or other financial security.
For purposes of subparagraph (A), a trust fund or other financial security may not be accepted by the Secretary unless the trust fund or other financial security consists of assets readily available to pay claims without resort to personal guarantees or collection of pledged accounts receivable.
“(2)

Scope of financial responsibility.
“(A)

Payment of claims.
A surety bond, trust fund, or other financial security obtained under paragraph (1) shall be available to pay any claim against a freight forwarder arising from its failure to pay freight charges under its contracts, agreements, or arrangements for transportation subject to jurisdiction under chapter 135 if—
“(i)
subject to the review by the surety provider, the freight forwarder consents to the payment;
“(ii)
in the case the freight forwarder does not respond to adequate notice to address the validity of the claim, the surety provider determines the claim is valid; or
“(iii)
the claim—
“(I)
is not resolved within a reasonable period of time following a reasonable attempt by the claimant to resolve the claim under clauses (i) and (ii); and
“(II)
is reduced to a judgment against the freight forwarder.
“(B)

Response of surety providers to claims.
If a surety provider receives notice of a claim described in subparagraph (A), the surety provider shall—
“(i)
respond to the claim on or before the 30th day following receipt of the notice; and
“(ii)
in the case of a denial, set forth in writing for the claimant the grounds for the denial.
“(C)

Costs and attorney’s fees.
In any action against a surety provider to recover on a claim described in subparagraph (A), the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable costs and attorney’s fees.
“(3)

Freight forwarder insurance.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary may register a person as a freight forwarder under section 13903 only if the person files with the Secretary a surety bond, insurance policy, or other type of financial security that meets standards prescribed by the Secretary.
“(B)

Liability insurance.
A financial security filed by a freight forwarder under subparagraph (A) shall be sufficient to pay an amount, not to exceed the amount of the financial security, for each final judgment against the freight forwarder for bodily injury to, or death of, an individual, or loss of, or damage to, property (other than property referred to in subparagraph (C)), resulting from the negligent operation, maintenance, or use of motor vehicles by, or under the direction and control of, the freight forwarder while providing transfer, collection, or delivery service under this part.
“(C)

Cargo insurance.
The Secretary may require a registered freight forwarder to file with the Secretary a surety bond, insurance policy, or other type of financial security approved by the Secretary, that will pay an amount, not to exceed the amount of the financial security, for loss of, or damage to, property for which the freight forwarder provides service.
“(4)

Minimum financial security.
Each freight forwarder subject to the requirements of this section shall provide financial security of $75,000, regardless of the number of branch offices or sales agents of the freight forwarder.
“(5)

Cancellation notice.
If a financial security required under this subsection is canceled—
“(A)
the holder of the financial security shall provide electronic notification to the Secretary of the cancellation not later than 30 days before the effective date of the cancellation; and
“(B)
the Secretary shall immediately post such notification on the public Internet web site of the Department of Transportation.
“(6)

Suspension.
The Secretary shall immediately suspend the registration of a freight forwarder issued under this chapter if its available financial security falls below the amount required under this subsection.
“(7)

Payment of claims in cases of financial failure or insolvency.
If a freight forwarder registered under this chapter experiences financial failure or insolvency, the surety provider of the freight forwarder shall—
“(A)
submit a notice to cancel the financial security to the Administrator in accordance with paragraph (5);
“(B)
publicly advertise for claims for 60 days beginning on the date of publication by the Secretary of the notice to cancel the financial security; and
“(C)
pay, not later than 30 days after the expiration of the 60-day period for submission of claims—
“(i)
all uncontested claims received during such period; or
“(ii)
a pro rata share of such claims if the total amount of such claims exceeds the financial security available.
“(8)

Penalties.
“(A)

Civil actions.
Either the Secretary or the Attorney General may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States to enforce the requirements of this subsection or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this subsection. The court may award appropriate relief, including injunctive relief.
“(B)

Civil penalties.
If the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a surety provider of a freight forwarder registered under this chapter has violated the requirements of this subsection or a regulation prescribed under this subsection, the surety provider shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $10,000.
“(C)

Eligibility.
If the Secretary determines, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a surety provider of a freight forwarder registered under this chapter has violated the requirements of this subsection or a regulation prescribed under this subsection, the surety provider shall be ineligible to provide freight forwarder financial security for 3 years
“(9)

Deduction of costs prohibited.
The amount of the financial security required under this subsection may not be reduced by deducting attorney’s fees or administrative costs.”
.
(b)
[49 U.S.C. 13906 note]

Rulemaking.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations to implement and enforce the requirements under subsections (b) and (c) of section 13906 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).
(c)
[49 U.S.C. 13906 note]

Effective Date.—
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 32919.

UNLAWFUL BROKERAGE ACTIVITIES.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 149 is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 14916.

UNLAWFUL BROKERAGE ACTIVITIES
“(a)

Prohibited Activities.
A person may provide interstate brokerage services as a broker only if that person—
“(1)
is registered under, and in compliance with, section 13904; and
“(2)
has satisfied the financial security requirements under section 13906.
“(b)

Exceptions.
Subsection (a) shall not apply to—
“(1)
a non-vessel-operating common carrier (as defined in section 40102 of title 46) or an ocean freight forwarder (as defined in section 40102 of title 46) when arranging for inland transportation as part of an international through movement involving ocean transportation between the United States and a foreign port;
“(2)
a customs broker licensed in accordance with section 111.2 of title 19, Code of Federal Regulations, only to the extent that the customs broker is engaging in a movement under a customs bond or in a transaction involving customs business, as defined by section 111.1 of title 19, Code of Federal Regulations; or
“(3)
an indirect air carrier holding a Standard Security Program approved by the Transportation Security Administration, only to the extent that the indirect air carrier is engaging in the activities as an air carrier as defined in section 40102(2) or in the activities defined in section 40102(3).
“(c)

Civil Penalties and Private Cause of Action.
Any person who knowingly authorizes, consents to, or permits, directly or indirectly, either alone or in conjunction with any other person, a violation of subsection (a) is liable—
“(1)
to the United States Government for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each violation; and
“(2)
to the injured party for all valid claims incurred without regard to amount.
“(d)

Liable Parties.
The liability for civil penalties and for claims under this section for unauthorized brokering shall apply, jointly and severally—
“(1)
to any corporate entity or partnership involved; and
“(2)
to the individual officers, directors, and principals of such entities.”
.
(b)

Clerical Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 149 is amended by adding at the end the following:
“14916. Unlawful brokerage activities.”.
PART II—

HOUSEHOLD GOODS TRANSPORTATION
SEC. 32921.

ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR HOUSEHOLD GOODS MOTOR CARRIERS.
(a)
Section 13902(a)(2) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (B), by striking “section 13702(c);” and inserting “section 13702(c); and”;
(2)
by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
“(C)
demonstrates, before being registered, through successful completion of a proficiency examination established by the Secretary, knowledge and intent to comply with applicable Federal laws relating to consumer protection, estimating, consumers’ rights and responsibilities, and options for limitations of liability for loss and damage.”
; and
(3)
by striking subparagraph (D).
(b)

Compliance Reviews of New Household Goods Motor Carriers.—
Section 31144(g), as amended by section 32102 of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(6)

Additional requirements for household goods motor carriers.—
“(A)

In general.—
In addition to the requirements of this subsection, the Secretary shall require, by regulation, each registered household goods motor carrier to undergo a consumer protection standards review not later than 18 months after the household goods motor carrier begins operations under such authority.
“(B)

Elements.—
In the regulations issued pursuant to subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall establish the elements of the consumer protections standards review, including basic management controls. In establishing the elements, the Secretary shall consider the effects on small businesses and shall consider establishing alternate locations where such reviews may be conducted for the convenience of small businesses.”
.
(c)
[49 U.S.C. 13902 note]

Effective Date.—
The amendments made by this section shall take effect 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 32922.

FAILURE TO GIVE UP POSSESSION OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS.
(a)

Injunctive Relief.—
Section 14704(a)(1) is amended by striking “and 14103” and inserting “, 14103, and 14915(c)”.
(b)

Civil Penalties.—
Section 14915(a)(1) is amended by adding at the end the following: “The United States may assign all or a portion of the civil penalty to an aggrieved shipper. The Secretary of Transportation shall establish criteria upon which such assignments shall be made. The Secretary may order, after notice and an opportunity for a proceeding, that a person found holding a household goods shipment hostage return the goods to an aggrieved shipper.”.
SEC. 32923.

SETTLEMENT AUTHORITY.
(a)

Settlement of General Civil Penalties.—
Section 14901 is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(h)

Settlement of Household Goods Civil Penalties.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Secretary from accepting partial payment of a civil penalty as part of a settlement agreement in the public interest, or from holding imposition of any part of a civil penalty in abeyance.”
.
(b)

Settlement of Household Goods Civil Penalties.—
Section 14915(a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(4)

Settlement authority.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the Secretary from accepting partial payment of a civil penalty as part of a settlement agreement in the public interest, or from holding imposition of any part of a civil penalty in abeyance.”
.
PART III—

TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS
SEC. 32931.

UPDATE OF OBSOLETE TEXT.
(a)
Section 31137(g), as redesignated by section 32301 of this Act, is amended by striking “Not later than December 1, 1990, the Secretary shall prescribe” and inserting “The Secretary shall maintain”.
(b)
Section 31151(a) is amended—
(1)
by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary of Transportation shall maintain a program to ensure that intermodal equipment used to transport intermodal containers is safe and systematically maintained.”
; and
(2)
by striking paragraph (4).
(c)
Section 31307(b) is amended by striking “Not later than December 18, 1994, the Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe” and inserting “The Secretary of Transportation shall maintain”.
(d)
Section 31310(g)(1) is amended by striking “Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the” and inserting “The”.
SEC. 32932.

CORRECTION OF INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION REFERENCES.
(a)

Safety Information and Intervention in Interstate Commerce Commission Proceedings.—
Chapter 3 is amended—
(1)
by repealing section 307;
(2)
in the analysis, by striking the item relating to section 307;
(3)
in section 333(d)(1)(C), by striking “Interstate Commerce Commission” and inserting “Surface Transportation Board”; and
(4)
in section 333(e)—
(A)
by striking “Interstate Commerce Commission” and inserting “Surface Transportation Board”; and
(B)
by striking “Commission” and inserting “Board”.
(b)

Filing and Procedure for Application to Abandon or Discontinue.—
Section 10903(b)(2) is amended by striking “24706(c) of this title” and inserting “24706(c) of this title before May 31, 1998”.
(c)

Technical Amendments to Part C of Subtitle V.—
(1)
Section 24307(b)(3) is amended by striking “Interstate Commerce Commission” and inserting “Surface Transportation Board”.
(2)
Section 24311 is amended—
(A)
by striking “Interstate Commerce Commission” and inserting “Surface Transportation Board”;
(B)
by striking “Commission” each place it appears and inserting “Board”; and
(C)
by striking “Commission’s” and inserting “Board’s”.
(3)
Section 24902 is amended—
(A)
by striking “Interstate Commerce Commission” each place it appears and inserting “Surface Transportation Board”; and
(B)
by striking “Commission” each place it appears and inserting “Board”.
(4)
Section 24904 is amended—
(A)
by striking “Interstate Commerce Commission” and inserting “Surface Transportation Board”; and
(B)
by striking “Commission” each place it appears and inserting “Board”.
SEC. 32933.

TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a)
Section 13905(f)(1)(A) is amended by striking “section 13904(c)” and inserting “section 13904(e)”;
(b)
Section 14504a(c)(1) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (C), by striking “sections” and inserting “section”; and
(2)
in subparagraph (D)(ii)(II) by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”.
(c)
Section 31103(a) is amended by striking “section 31102(b)(1)(E)” and inserting “section 31102(b)(2)(E)”.
(d)
Section 31103(b) is amended by striking “authorized by section 31104(f)(2)”.
(e)
Section 31309(b)(2) is amended by striking “31308(2)” and inserting “31308(3)”.
SEC. 32934.
[49 U.S.C. 31136 note]

EXEMPTIONS FROM REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED FARM VEHICLES.
(a)

Federal Requirements.—
A covered farm vehicle, including the individual operating that vehicle, shall be exempt from the following:
(1)
Any requirement relating to commercial driver’s licenses established under chapter 313 of title 49, United States Code.
(2)
Any requirement relating to drug-testing established under chapter 313 of title 49, United States Code.
(3)
Any requirement relating to medical certificates established under—
(A)
subchapter III of chapter 311 of title 49, United States Code; or
(B)
chapter 313 of title 49, United States Code.
(4)
Any requirement relating to hours of service established under—
(A)
subchapter III of chapter 311 of title 49, United States Code; or
(B)
chapter 315 of title 49, United States Code.
(5)
Any requirement relating to vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance established under—
(A)
subchapter III of chapter 311 of title 49, United States Code; or
(B)
chapter 315 of title 49, United States Code.
(b)

State Requirements.—
(1)

In general.—
Federal transportation funding to a State may not be terminated, limited, or otherwise interfered with as a result of the State exempting a covered farm vehicle, including the individual operating that vehicle, from—
(A)
a requirement described in subsection (a) or a compatible State requirement; or
(B)
any other minimum standard provided by a State relating to the operation of that vehicle.
(2)

Exception.—
Paragraph (1) does not apply with respect to a covered farm vehicle transporting hazardous materials that require a placard.
(c)

Covered Farm Vehicle Defined.—
(1)

In general.—
In this section, the term “covered farm vehicle” means a motor vehicle (including an articulated motor vehicle)—
(A)
that—
(i)
is traveling in the State in which the vehicle is registered or another State;
(ii)
is operated by—
(I)
a farm owner or operator;
(II)
a ranch owner or operator; or
(III)
an employee or family member of an individual specified in subclause (I) or (II);
(iii)
is transporting to or from a farm or ranch—
(I)
agricultural commodities;
(II)
livestock; or
(III)
machinery or supplies;
(iv)
except as provided in paragraph (2), is not used in the operations of a for-hire motor carrier; and
(v)
is equipped with a special license plate or other designation by the State in which the vehicle is registered to allow for identification of the vehicle as a farm vehicle by law enforcement personnel; and
(B)
that has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight, whichever is greater, that is—
(i)
26,001 pounds or less; or
(ii)
greater than 26,001 pounds and traveling within the State or within 150 air miles of the farm or ranch with respect to which the vehicle is being operated.
(2)

Inclusion.—
In this section, the term “covered farm vehicle” includes a motor vehicle that meets the requirements of paragraph (1) (other than paragraph (1)(A)(iv)) and—
(A)
is operated pursuant to a crop share farm lease agreement;
(B)
is owned by a tenant with respect to that agreement; and
(C)
is transporting the landlord’s portion of the crops under that agreement.
(d)

Safety Study.—
The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct a study of the exemption required by subsection (a) as follows:
(1)
Data and analysis of covered farm vehicles shall include—
(A)
the number of vehicles that are operated subject to each of the regulatory exemptions permitted under subsection (a);
(B)
the number of drivers that operate covered farm vehicles subject to each of the regulatory exemptions permitted under subsection (a);
(C)
the number of crashes involving covered farm vehicles;
(D)
the number of occupants and non-occupants injured in crashes involving covered farm vehicles;
(E)
the number of fatalities of occupants and non-occupants killed in crashes involving farm vehicles;
(F)
crash investigations and accident reconstruction investigations of all fatalities in crashes involving covered farm vehicles;
(G)
overall operating mileage of covered farm vehicles;
(H)
numbers of covered farm vehicles that operate in neighboring States; and
(I)
any other data the Secretary deems necessary to analyze and include.
(2)
A listing of State regulations issued and maintained in each State that are identical to the Federal regulations that are subject to exemption in subsection (a).
(3)
The Secretary shall report the findings of the study to the appropriate committees of Congress not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(e)

Construction.—
Nothing in this section shall be construed as authority for the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations.
TITLE III—

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2012
SEC. 33001.
[49 U.S.C. 5101 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the “Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2012”.
SEC. 33002.
[49 U.S.C. 5101 note]

DEFINITION.
In this title, the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation.
SEC. 33003.

REFERENCES TO TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 33004.

TRAINING FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS.
(a)

Training Curriculum.—
Section 5115 is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(1)(B), by striking “basic”;
(2)
in subsection (b)(2), by striking “basic”; and
(3)
in subsection (c), by striking “basic”.
(b)

Operations Level Training.—
Section 5116 is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(1), by adding at the end the following: “To the extent that a grant is used to train emergency responders, the State or Indian tribe shall provide written certification to the Secretary that the emergency responders who receive training under the grant will have the ability to protect nearby persons, property, and the environment from the effects of accidents or incidents involving the transportation of hazardous material in accordance with existing regulations or National Fire Protection Association standards for competence of responders to accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials.”;
(2)
in subsection (j)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking “funds” and all that follows through “fighting fires for” and inserting “funds and through a competitive process, make a grant or make grants to national nonprofit fire service organizations for”;
(B)
in paragraph (3)(A), by striking “train” and inserting “provide training, including portable training, for”;
(C)
in paragraph (4)—
(i)
by striking “train” and inserting “provide training, including portable training, for”; and
(ii)
by inserting “comply with Federal regulations and national consensus standards for hazardous materials response and” after “training course shall”;
(D)
by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (8); and
(E)
by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
“(5)
The Secretary may not award a grant to an organization under this subsection unless the organization ensures that emergency responders who receive training under the grant will have the ability to protect nearby persons, property, and the environment from the effects of accidents or incidents involving the transportation of hazardous material in accordance with existing regulations or National Fire Protection Association standards for competence of responders to accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials.
“(6)
Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (3), to the extent determined appropriate by the Secretary, a grant awarded by the Secretary to an organization under this subsection to conduct hazardous material response training programs may be used to train individuals with responsibility to respond to accidents and incidents involving hazardous material.
“(7)
For the purposes of this subsection, the term ‘portable training’ means live, instructor-led training provided by certified fire service instructors that can be offered in any suitable setting, rather than specific designated facilities. Under this training delivery model, instructors travel to locations convenient to students and utilize local facilities and resources.”
; and
(3)
in subsection (k)—
(A)
by striking “annually” and inserting “an annual report”;
(B)
by inserting “the report” after “make available”;
(C)
by striking “information” and inserting “. The report submitted under this subsection shall include information”; and
(D)
by striking “The report shall identify” and all that follows and inserting the following:
“The report submitted under this subsection shall identify the ultimate recipients of such grants and include—
“(A)
a detailed accounting and description of each grant expenditure by each grant recipient, including the amount of, and purpose for, each expenditure;
“(B)
the number of persons trained under the grant program, by training level;
“(C)
an evaluation of the efficacy of such planning and training programs; and
“(D)
any recommendations the Secretary may have for improving such grant programs.”
.
SEC. 33005.
[49 U.S.C. 5121 note]

PAPERLESS HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS PILOT PROGRAM.
(a)

In General.—
The Secretary may conduct pilot projects to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using paperless hazard communications systems. At least 1 of the pilot projects under this section shall take place in a rural area.
(b)

Requirements.—
In conducting pilot projects under this section, the Secretary—
(1)
may not waive the requirements under section 5110 of title 49, United States Code; and
(2)
shall consult with organizations representing—
(A)
fire services personnel;
(B)
law enforcement and other appropriate enforcement personnel;
(C)
other emergency response providers;
(D)
persons who offer hazardous material for transportation;
(E)
persons who transport hazardous material by air, highway, rail, and water; and
(F)
employees of persons who transport or offer for transportation hazardous material by air, highway, rail, and water.
(c)

Report.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall—
(1)
prepare a report on the results of the pilot projects carried out under this section, including—
(A)
a detailed description of the pilot projects;
(B)
an evaluation of each pilot project, including an evaluation of the performance of each paperless hazard communications system in such project;
(C)
an assessment of the safety and security impact of using paperless hazard communications systems, including any impact on the public, emergency response, law enforcement, and the conduct of inspections and investigations;
(D)
an analysis of the associated benefits and costs of using the paperless hazard communications systems for each mode of transportation; and
(E)
a recommendation that incorporates the information gathered in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) on whether paperless hazard communications systems should be permanently incorporated into the Federal hazardous material transportation safety program under chapter 51 of title 49, United States Code; and
(2)
submit a final report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives that contains the results of the pilot projects carried out under this section, including the matters described in paragraph (1).
(d)

Paperless Hazard Communications System Defined.—
In this section, the term “paperless hazard communications system” means the use of advanced communications methods, such as wireless communications devices, to convey hazard information between all parties in the transportation chain, including emergency responders and law enforcement personnel. The format of communication may be equivalent to that used by the carrier.
SEC. 33006.

IMPROVING DATA COLLECTION, ANALYSIS, AND REPORTING.
(a)

Assessment.—
(1)

In general.—
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, as appropriate, shall conduct an assessment to improve the collection, analysis, reporting, and use of data related to accidents and incidents involving the transportation of hazardous material.
(2)

Review.—
The assessment conducted under this subsection shall review the methods used by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (referred to in this section as the “Administration”) for collecting, analyzing, and reporting accidents and incidents involving the transportation of hazardous material, including the adequacy of—
(A)
information requested on the accident and incident reporting forms required to be submitted to the Administration;
(B)
methods used by the Administration to verify that the information provided on such forms is accurate and complete;
(C)
accident and incident reporting requirements, including whether such requirements should be expanded to include shippers and consignees of hazardous materials;
(D)
resources of the Administration related to data collection, analysis, and reporting, including staff and information technology; and
(E)
the database used by the Administration for recording and reporting such accidents and incidents, including the ability of users to adequately search the database and find information.
(b)

Development of Action Plan.—
Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop an action plan and timeline for improving the collection, analysis, reporting, and use of data by the Administration, including revising the database of the Administration, as appropriate.
(c)

Submission to Congress.—
Not later than 15 days after the completion of the action plan and timeline under subsection (c), the Secretary shall submit the action plan and timeline to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
(d)

Reporting Requirements.—
Section 5125(b)(1)(D) is amended by inserting “and other written hazardous materials transportation incident reporting involving State or local emergency responders in the initial response to the incident” before the period at the end.
SEC. 33007.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND ANALYSIS PROGRAM.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 51 is amended by inserting after section 5117 the following:
“SEC. 5118.

Hazardous material technical assessment, research and development, and analysis program
“(a)

Risk Reduction.
“(1)

Program authorized.
The Secretary of Transportation may develop and implement a hazardous material technical assessment, research and development, and analysis program for the purpose of—
“(A)
reducing the risks associated with the transportation of hazardous material; and
“(B)
identifying and evaluating new technologies to facilitate the safe, secure, and efficient transportation of hazardous material.
“(2)

Coordination.
In developing the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
“(A)
utilize information gathered from other modal administrations with similar programs; and
“(B)
coordinate with other modal administrations, as appropriate.
“(b)

Cooperation.
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall work cooperatively with regulated and other entities, including shippers, carriers, emergency responders, State and local officials, and academic institutions.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The chapter analysis for chapter 51 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5117 the following:
“5118. Hazardous material technical assessment, research and development, and analysis program.”.
SEC. 33008.
[49 U.S.C. 5121 note]

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ENFORCEMENT TRAINING.
(a)

In General.—
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop uniform performance standards for training hazardous material inspectors and investigators on—
(1)
how to collect, analyze, and publish findings from inspections and investigations of accidents or incidents involving the transportation of hazardous material; and
(2)
how to identify noncompliance with regulations issued under chapter 51 of title 49, United States Code, and take appropriate enforcement action.
(b)

Standards and Guidelines.—
The Secretary may develop—
(1)
guidelines for hazardous material inspector and investigator qualifications;
(2)
best practices and standards for hazardous material inspector and investigator training programs; and
(3)
standard protocols to coordinate investigation efforts among Federal, State, and local jurisdictions on accidents or incidents involving the transportation of hazardous material.
(c)

Availability.—
The standards, protocols, and guidelines established under this section—
(1)
shall be mandatory for—
(A)
the Department of Transportation’s multimodal personnel conducting hazardous material enforcement inspections or investigations; and
(B)
State employees who conduct federally funded compliance reviews, inspections, or investigations; and
(2)
shall be made available to Federal, State, and local hazardous material safety enforcement personnel.
SEC. 33009.

INSPECTIONS.
(a)

Notice of Enforcement Measures.—
Section 5121(c)(1) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (E), by striking “and” at the end;
(2)
in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
“(G)
shall provide to the affected offeror, carrier, packaging manufacturer or tester, or other person responsible for the package reasonable notice of—
“(i)
his or her decision to exercise his or her authority under paragraph (1);
“(ii)
any findings made; and
“(iii)
any actions being taken as a result of a finding of noncompliance.”
.
(b)

Regulations.—
(1)

Matters to be addressed.—
Section 5121(e) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(3)

Matters to be addressed.
The regulations issued under this subsection shall address—
“(A)
the safe and expeditious resumption of transportation of perishable hazardous material, including radiopharmaceuticals and other medical products, that may require timely delivery due to life-threatening situations;
“(B)
the means by which—
“(i)
noncompliant packages that present an imminent hazard are placed out-of-service until the condition is corrected; and
“(ii)
noncompliant packages that do not present a hazard are moved to their final destination;
“(C)
appropriate training and equipment for inspectors; and
“(D)
the proper closure of packaging in accordance with the hazardous material regulations.”
.
(2)
[49 U.S.C. 5121 note]

Finalizing regulations.—
In accordance with section 5103(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall take all actions necessary to finalize a regulation under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(c)

Grants and Cooperative Agreements.—
Section 5121(g)(1) is amended by inserting “safety and” before “security”.
SEC. 33010.

CIVIL PENALTIES.
SEC. 5123
is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking “at least $250 but”; and
(ii)
by striking “$50,000” and inserting “$75,000”;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking “$100,000” and inserting “$175,000”; and
(C)
by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
“(3)
If the violation is related to training, a person described in paragraph (1) shall be liable for a civil penalty of at least $450.”
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(h)

Penalty for Obstruction of Inspections and Investigations.
“(1)
The Secretary may impose a penalty on a person who obstructs or prevents the Secretary from carrying out inspections or investigations under subsection (c) or (i) of section 5121.
“(2)
For the purposes of this subsection, the term ‘obstructs’ means actions that were known, or reasonably should have been known, to prevent, hinder, or impede an investigation.
“(i)

Prohibition on Hazardous Material Operations After Nonpayment of Penalties.
“(1)

In general.
Except as provided under paragraph (2), a person subject to the jurisdiction of the Secretary under this chapter who fails to pay a civil penalty assessed under this chapter, or fails to arrange and abide by an acceptable payment plan for such civil penalty, may not conduct any activity regulated under this chapter beginning on the 91st day after the date specified by order of the Secretary for payment of such penalty unless the person has filed a formal administrative or judicial appeal of the penalty.
“(2)

Exception.
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any person who is unable to pay a civil penalty because such person is a debtor in a case under chapter 11 of title 11.
“(3)

Rulemaking.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, shall issue regulations that—
“(A)
set forth procedures to require a person who is delinquent in paying civil penalties to cease any activity regulated under this chapter until payment has been made or an acceptable payment plan has been arranged; and
“(B)
ensures that the person described in subparagraph (A)—
“(i)
is notified in writing; and
“(ii)
is given an opportunity to respond before the person is required to cease the activity.”
.
SEC. 33011.

REPORTING OF FEES.
Section 5125(f)(2) is amended by striking “, upon the Secretary’s request,” and inserting “biennially”.
SEC. 33012.

SPECIAL PERMITS, APPROVALS, AND EXCLUSIONS.
(a)
[49 U.S.C. 5117 note]

Rulemaking.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, shall issue regulations that establish—
(1)
standard operating procedures to support administration of the special permit and approval programs; and
(2)
objective criteria to support the evaluation of special permit and approval applications.
(b)

Review of Special Permits.—
(1)

Review.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review and analysis of special permits that have been in continuous effect for a 10-year period to determine which special permits may be converted into the hazardous materials regulations.
(2)

Factors.—
In conducting the review and analysis under paragraph (1), the Secretary may consider—
(A)
the safety record for hazardous materials transported under the special permit;
(B)
the application of a special permit;
(C)
the suitability of provisions in the special permit for incorporation into the hazardous materials regulations; and
(D)
rulemaking activity in related areas.
(3)

Rulemaking.—
After completing the review and analysis under paragraph (1), but not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and after providing notice and opportunity for public comment, the Secretary shall issue regulations to incorporate into the hazardous materials regulations any special permits identified in the review under paragraph (1) that the Secretary determines are appropriate for incorporation, based on the factors identified in paragraph (2).
(c)

Incorporation Into Regulation.—
Section 5117 is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(f)

Incorporation Into Regulations.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than 1 year after the date on which a special permit has been in continuous effect for a 10-year period, the Secretary shall conduct a review and analysis of that special permit to determine whether it may be converted into the hazardous materials regulations.
“(2)

Factors.
In conducting the review and analysis under paragraph (1), the Secretary may consider—
“(A)
the safety record for hazardous materials transported under the special permit;
“(B)
the application of a special permit;
“(C)
the suitability of provisions in the special permit for incorporation into the hazardous materials regulations; and
“(D)
rulemaking activity in related areas.
“(3)

Rulemaking.
After completing the review and analysis under paragraph (1) and after providing notice and opportunity for public comment, the Secretary shall either institute a rulemaking to incorporate the special permit into the hazardous materials regulations or publish in the Federal Register the Secretary’s justification for why the special permit is not appropriate for incorporation into the regulations.”
.
SEC. 33013.

HIGHWAY ROUTING DISCLOSURES.
(a)

List of Route Designations.—
Section 5112(c) is amended—
(1)
by striking “In coordination” and inserting the following:
“(1)

In general.
In coordination”
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(2)

State responsibilities.
“(A)

In general.
Each State shall submit to the Secretary, in a form and manner to be determined by the Secretary and in accordance with subparagraph (B)—
“(i)
the name of the State agency responsible for hazardous material highway route designations; and
“(ii)
a list of the State’s currently effective hazardous material highway route designations.
“(B)

Frequency.
Each State shall submit the information described in subparagraph (A)(ii)—
“(i)
at least once every 2 years; and
“(ii)
not later than 60 days after a hazardous material highway route designation is established, amended, or discontinued.”
.
(b)

Compliance With Section 5112.—
Section 5125(c)(1) is amended by inserting “, and is published in the Department’s hazardous materials route registry under section 5112(c)” before the period at the end.
SEC. 33014.
[49 U.S.C. 5109 note]

MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY PERMITS.
(a)

Review.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a study of, and transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on, the implementation of the hazardous material safety permit program under section 5109 of title 49, United States Code. In conducting the study, the Secretary shall review, at a minimum—
(1)
the list of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit;
(2)
the number of permits that have been issued, denied, revoked, or suspended since inception of the program and the number of commercial motor carriers that have never had a permit denied, revoked, or suspended since inception of the program;
(3)
the reasons for such denials, revocations, or suspensions;
(4)
the criteria used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to determine whether a hazardous material safety permit issued by a State is equivalent to the Federal permit; and
(5)
actions the Secretary could implement to improve the program, including whether to provide opportunities for an additional level of fitness review prior to the denial, revocation, or suspension of a safety permit.
(b)

Actions Taken.—
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, based on the study conducted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall either institute a rulemaking to make any necessary improvements to the hazardous materials safety permit program under section 5109 of title 49, United States Code or publish in the Federal Register the Secretary’s justification for why a rulemaking is not necessary.
SEC. 33015.

WETLINES.
(a)

Evaluation.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the United States Government Accountability Office shall evaluate, and transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, a report on the safety of transporting flammable liquids in the external product piping of cargo tank motor vehicles (commonly referred to as wetlines). The evaluation shall—
(1)
review the safety of transporting flammable liquids in the external product piping of cargo tank motor vehicles;
(2)
accurately quantify the number of incidents involving the transportation of flammable liquids in external product piping of cargo tank motor vehicles;
(3)
identify various alternatives to loading, transporting, and unloading flammable liquids in such piping;
(4)
examine the costs and benefits of each alternative; and
(5)
identify any obstacles to implementing each alternative.
(b)

Regulations.—
The Secretary may not issue a final rule regarding transporting flammable liquids in the external product piping of cargo tank motor vehicles prior to completion of the evaluation conducted under subsection (a), or 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, whichever is earlier, unless the Secretary determines that a risk to public safety, property, or the environment is present or an imminent hazard (as defined in section 5102 of title 49, United States Code) exists and that the regulations will address the risk or hazard.
SEC. 33016.

HAZMAT EMPLOYEE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND GRANTS.
Section 5107(e)(2) is amended—
(1)
by inserting “through a competitive process” between “made” and “to”; and
(2)
by striking “hazmat employee”.
SEC. 33017.

AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 5128 is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5128.

Authorization of appropriations
“(a)

In General.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this chapter (except sections 5107(e), 5108(g)(2), 5113, 5115, 5116, and 5119)—
“(1)
$42,338,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
“(2)
$42,762,000 for fiscal year 2014.
“(b)

Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund.
From the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund established under section 5116(i), the Secretary may expend, during each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014—
“(1)
$188,000 to carry out section 5115;
“(2)
$21,800,000 to carry out subsections (a) and (b) of section 5116, of which not less than $13,650,000 shall be available to carry out section 5116(b);
“(3)
$150,000 to carry out section 5116(f);
“(4)
$625,000 to publish and distribute the Emergency Response Guidebook under section 5116(i)(3); and
“(5)
$1,000,000 to carry out section 5116(j).
“(c)

Hazardous Materials Training Grants.
From the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund established pursuant to section 5116(i), the Secretary may expend $4,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2013 and 2014 to carry out section 5107(e).
“(d)

Credits to Appropriations.
“(1)

Expenses.
In addition to amounts otherwise made available to carry out this chapter, the Secretary may credit amounts received from a State, Indian tribe, or other public authority or private entity for expenses the Secretary incurs in providing training to the State, authority, or entity.
“(2)

Availability of amounts.
Amounts made available under this section shall remain available until expended.”
.
TITLE IV—

SPORT FISH RESTORATION AND RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY ACT OF 2012
SEC. 34001.
[16 U.S.C. 777 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the “Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2012”.
SEC. 34002.

AMENDMENT OF FEDERAL AID IN SPORT FISH RESTORATION ACT.
Section 4 of the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777c) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking “of fiscal years 2006 through 2011 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “fiscal year through 2014,”; and
(2)
in subsection (b)(1)(A), by striking “of fiscal years 2006 through 2011 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on March 31, 2012,” and inserting “fiscal year through 2014,”.
TITLE V—

MISCELLANEOUS
SEC. 35001.
[49 U.S.C. 40128 note]

OVERFLIGHTS IN GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK.
(a)

Determinations With Respect to Substantial Restoration of Natural Quiet and Experience.—
(1)

In general.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of section 3(b)(1) of Public Law 100-91 (16 U.S.C. 1a-1 note), the substantial restoration of the natural quiet and experience of the Grand Canyon National Park (in this section referred to as the “Park”) shall be considered to be achieved in the Park if, for at least 75 percent of each day, 50 percent of the Park is free of sound produced by commercial air tour operations that have an allocation to conduct commercial air tours in the Park as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(2)

Considerations.—
(A)

In general.—
For purposes of determining whether substantial restoration of the natural quiet and experience of the Park has been achieved in accordance with paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) shall use—
(i)
the 2-zone system for the Park in effect on the date of enactment of this Act to assess impacts relating to substantial restoration of natural quiet at the Park, including—
(I)
the thresholds for noticeability and audibility; and
(II)
the distribution of land between the 2 zones; and
(ii)
noise modeling science that is—
(I)
developed for use at the Park, specifically Integrated Noise Model Version 6.2;
(II)
validated by reasonable standards for conducting field observations of model results; and
(III)
accepted and validated by the Federal Interagency Committee on Aviation Noise.
(B)

Sound from other sources.—
The Secretary shall not consider sound produced by sources other than commercial air tour operations, including sound emitted by other types of aircraft operations or other noise sources, for purposes of—
(i)
making recommendations, developing a final plan, or issuing regulations relating to commercial air tour operations in the Park; or
(ii)
determining under paragraph (1) whether substantial restoration of the natural quiet and experience of the Park has been achieved.
(3)

Continued monitoring.—
The Secretary shall continue monitoring noise from aircraft operating over the Park below 17,999 feet MSL to ensure continued compliance with the substantial restoration of natural quiet and experience of the Park.
(4)

Day defined.—
For purposes of this section, the term “day” means the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
(b)

Conversion to Quiet Technology Aircraft.—
(1)

In general.—
Not later than 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act, all commercial air tour aircraft operating in the Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area shall be required to fully convert to quiet aircraft technology (as determined in accordance with regulations in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act).
(2)

Conversion incentives.—
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall provide incentives for commercial air tour operators that convert to quiet aircraft technology (as determined in accordance with the regulations in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act) before the date specified in paragraph (1), such as increasing the flight allocations for such operators on a net basis consistent with section 804(c) of the National Park Air Tours Management Act of 2000 (title VIII of Public Law 106-181), provided that the cumulative impact of such operations does not increase noise at Grand Canyon National Park.
SEC. 35002.

COMMERCIAL AIR TOUR OPERATIONS.
Section 40128(b)(1)(C) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“(C)

Exception.
An application to begin or expand commercial air tour operations at Crater Lake National Park or Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be denied without the establishment of an air tour management plan by the Director of the National Park Service if the Director determines that such operations would adversely affect park resources or visitor experiences.”
.
SEC. 35003.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PUBLIC AIRCRAFT STATUS.
Section 40125 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(d)

Search and Rescue Purposes.
An aircraft described in section 40102(a)(41)(D) that is not exclusively leased for at least 90 continuous days by the government of a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States or a political subdivision of 1 of those governments, qualifies as a public aircraft if the Administrator determines that—
“(1)
there are extraordinary circumstances;
“(2)
the aircraft will be used for the performance of search and rescue missions;
“(3)
a community would not otherwise have access to search and rescue services; and
“(4)
a government entity demonstrates that granting the waiver is necessary to prevent an undue economic burden on that government.”
.
DIVISION D—

FINANCE
SEC. 40001.
[26 U.S.C. 1 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This division may be cited as the “Highway Investment, Job Creation, and Economic Growth Act of 2012”.
TITLE I—

EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY TRUST FUND EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY AND RELATED TAXES
SEC. 40101.

EXTENSION OF TRUST FUND EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY.
(a)
[26 U.S.C. 9503]

Highway Trust Fund.—
Section 9503 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
(1)
by striking “July 1, 2012” in subsections (b)(6)(B), (c)(1), and (e)(3) and inserting “October 1, 2014”, and
(2)
by striking “Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012” in subsections (c)(1) and (e)(3) and inserting “MAP-21”.
(b)

Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.—
Section 9504 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
(1)
by striking “Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012” each place it appears in subsection (b)(2) and inserting “MAP-21”, and
(2)
by striking “July 1, 2012” in subsection (d)(2) and inserting “October 1, 2014”.
(c)

Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.—
Paragraph (2) of section 9508(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking “July 1, 2012” and inserting “October 1, 2014”.
(d)
[26 U.S.C. 9503 note]

Effective Date.—
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on July 1, 2012.
SEC. 40102.

EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY-RELATED TAXES.
(a)

In General.—
(1)
Each of the following provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking “June 30, 2012” and inserting “September 30, 2016”:
(A)
Section 4041(a)(1)(C)(iii)(I).
(B)
Section 4041(m)(1)(B).
(C)
Section 4081(d)(1).
(2)
Each of the following provisions of such Code is amended by striking “July 1, 2012” and inserting “October 1, 2016”:
(A)
Section 4041(m)(1)(A).
(B)
Section 4051(c).
(C)
Section 4071(d).
(D)
Section 4081(d)(3).
(b)

Extension of Tax, etc., on Use of Certain Heavy Vehicles.—
(1)

In general.—
Each of the following provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking “2013” each place it appears and inserting “2017”:
(A)
[26 U.S.C. 4481]
Section 4481(f).
(B)
Section 4482(d).
(2)

Extension and technical correction.—
(A)

In general.—
Paragraph (4) of section 4482(c) of such Code is amended to read as follows:
“(4)

Taxable period.
The term ‘taxable period’ means any year beginning before July 1, 2017, and the period which begins on July 1, 2017, and ends at the close of September 30, 2017.”
.
(B)
[26 U.S.C. 4482 note]

Effective date.—
The amendment made by this paragraph shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by section 142 of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II.
(c)

Floor Stocks Refunds.—
Section 6412(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
(1)
by striking “July 1, 2012” each place it appears and inserting “October 1, 2016”,
(2)
by striking “December 31, 2012” each place it appears and inserting “March 31, 2017”, and
(3)
by striking “October 1, 2012” and inserting “January 1, 2017”.
(d)

Extension of Certain Exemptions.—
(1)
Section 4221(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking “July 1, 2012” and inserting “October 1, 2016”.
(2)
Section 4483(i) of such Code is amended by striking “July 1, 2012” and inserting “October 1, 2017”.
(e)

Extension of Transfers of Certain Taxes.—
(1)

In general.—
Section 9503 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
(A)
in subsection (b)—
(i)
by striking “July 1, 2012” each place it appears in paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting “October 1, 2016”,
(ii)
by striking “July 1, 2012” in the heading of paragraph (2) and inserting “October 1, 2016”,
(iii)
by striking “June 30, 2012” in paragraph (2) and inserting “September 30, 2016”, and
(iv)
by striking “April 1, 2013” in paragraph (2) and inserting “July 1, 2017”, and
(B)
in subsection (c)(2), by striking “April 1, 2013” and inserting “July 1, 2017”.
(2)

Motorboat and small-engine fuel tax transfers.—
(A)

In general.—
Paragraphs (3)(A)(i) and (4)(A) of section 9503(c) of such Code are each amended by striking “July 1, 2012” and inserting “October 1, 2016”.
(B)

Conforming amendments to land and water conservation fund.—
Section 201(b) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-11(b)) is amended—
(i)
by striking “July 1, 2013” each place it appears and inserting “October 1, 2017”, and
(ii)
by striking “July 1, 2012” and inserting “October 1, 2016”.
(f)
[16 U.S.C. 460]

Effective Date.—
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the amendments made by this section shall take effect on July 1, 2012.
TITLE II—

REVENUE PROVISIONS
Subtitle A—

Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund
SEC. 40201.

TRANSFER FROM LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK TRUST FUND TO HIGHWAY TRUST FUND.
(a)
[26 U.S.C. 9508]

In General.—
Subsection (c) of section 9508 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
(1)
by striking “Amounts” and inserting:
“(1)

In general.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), amounts”
, and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
“(2)

Transfer to highway trust fund.
Out of amounts in the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund there is hereby appropriated $2,400,000,000 to be transferred under section 9503(f)(3) to the Highway Account (as defined in section 9503(e)(5)(B)) in the Highway Trust Fund.”
.
(b)

Transfer to Highway Trust Fund.—
(1)

In general.—
Subsection (f) of section 9503 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:
“(3)

Increase in fund balance.
There is hereby transferred to the Highway Account (as defined in subsection (e)(5)(B)) in the Highway Trust Fund amounts appropriated from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund under section 9508(c)(2).”
.
(2)

Conforming amendments.—
Paragraph (4) of section 9503(f) of such Code is amended—
(A)
by inserting “or transferred” after “appropriated”, and
(B)
by striking “appropriated” in the heading thereof.
Subtitle B—

Pension Provisions
PART I—

PENSION FUNDING STABILIZATION
SEC. 40211.

PENSION FUNDING STABILIZATION.
(a)

Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986.—
(1)

In general.—
Subparagraph (C) of section 430(h)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:
“(iv)

Segment rate stabilization.
“(I)

In general.
If a segment rate described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) with respect to any applicable month (determined without regard to this clause) is less than the applicable minimum percentage, or more than the applicable maximum percentage, of the average of the segment rates described in such clause for years in the 25-year period ending with September 30 of the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the plan year begins, then the segment rate described in such clause with respect to the applicable month shall be equal to the applicable minimum percentage or the applicable maximum percentage of such average, whichever is closest. The Secretary shall determine such average on an annual basis and may prescribe equivalent rates for years in any such 25-year period for which the rates described in any such clause are not available.
“(II)

Applicable minimum percentage; applicable maximum percentage.
For purposes of subclause (I), the applicable minimum percentage and the applicable maximum percentage for a plan year beginning in a calendar year shall be determined in accordance with the following table:
``If the calendar year is: | The applicable minimum percentage is: | The applicable maximum percentage is:
2012 | 90% | 110%
2013 | 85% | 115%
2014 | 80% | 120%
2015 | 75% | 125%
After 2015 | 70% | 130%.''.
(2)

Conforming amendments.—
(A)
[26 U.S.C. 404]
Paragraph (6) of section 404(o) of such Code is amended by inserting “(determined by not taking into account any adjustment under clause (iv) of subsection (h)(2)(C) thereof)” before the period.
(B)
Subparagraph (F) of section 430(h)(2) of such Code is amended by inserting “and the averages determined under subparagraph (C)(iv)” after “subparagraph (C)”.
(C)
Subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section 417(e)(3) of such Code are each amended by striking “section 430(h)(2)(C)” and inserting “section 430(h)(2)(C) (determined by not taking into account any adjustment under clause (iv) thereof)”.
(D)
Section 420 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
“(g)

Segment Rates Determined Without Pension Stabilization.
For purposes of this section, section 430 shall be applied without regard to subsection (h)(2)(C)(iv) thereof.”
.
(b)

Amendments to Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.—
(1)

In general.—
Subparagraph (C) of section 303(h)(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1083(h)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:
“(iv)

Segment rate stabilization.
“(I)

In general.
If a segment rate described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) with respect to any applicable month (determined without regard to this clause) is less than the applicable minimum percentage, or more than the applicable maximum percentage, of the average of the segment rates described in such clause for years in the 25-year period ending with September 30 of the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the plan year begins, then the segment rate described in such clause with respect to the applicable month shall be equal to the applicable minimum percentage or the applicable maximum percentage of such average, whichever is closest. The Secretary of the Treasury shall determine such average on an annual basis and may prescribe equivalent rates for years in any such 25-year period for which the rates described in any such clause are not available.
“(II)

Applicable minimum percentage; applicable maximum percentage.
For purposes of subclause (I), the applicable minimum percentage and the applicable maximum percentage for a plan year beginning in a calendar year shall be determined in accordance with the following table:
``If the calendar year is: | The applicable minimum percentage is: | The applicable maximum percentage is:
2012 | 90% | 110%
2013 | 85% | 115%
2014 | 80% | 120%
2015 | 75% | 125%
After 2015 | 70% | 130%.''.
(2)

Disclosure of effect of segment rate stabilization on plan funding.—
(A)

In general.—
Paragraph (2) of section 101(f) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1021(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
“(D)

Effect of segment rate stabilization on plan funding.
“(i)

In general.
In the case of a single-employer plan for an applicable plan year, each notice under paragraph (1) shall include—
“(I)
a statement that the MAP-21 modified the method for determining the interest rates used to determine the actuarial value of benefits earned under the plan, providing for a 25-year average of interest rates to be taken into account in addition to a 2-year average,
“(II)
a statement that, as a result of the MAP-21, the plan sponsor may contribute less money to the plan when interest rates are at historical lows, and
“(III)
a table which shows (determined both with and without regard to section 303(h)(2)(C)(iv)) the funding target attainment percentage (as defined in section 303(d)(2)), the funding shortfall (as defined in section 303(c)(4)), and the minimum required contribution (as determined under section 303), for the applicable plan year and each of the 2 preceding plan years.
“(ii)

Applicable plan year.
For purposes of this subparagraph, the term ‘applicable plan year’ means any plan year beginning after December 31, 2011, and before January 1, 2015, for which—
“(I)
the funding target (as defined in section 303(d)(2)) is less than 95 percent of such funding target determined without regard to section 303(h)(2)(C)(iv),
“(II)
the plan has a funding shortfall (as defined in section 303(c)(4) and determined without regard to section 303(h)(2)(C)(iv)) greater than $500,000, and
“(III)
the plan had 50 or more participants on any day during the preceding plan year.
For purposes of any determination under subclause (III), the aggregation rule under the last sentence of section 303(g)(2)(B) shall apply.
“(iii)

Special rule for plan years beginning before 2012.
In the case of a preceding plan year referred to in clause (i)(III) which begins before January 1, 2012, the information described in such clause shall be provided only without regard to section 303(h)(2)(C)(iv).”
.
(B)
[29 U.S.C. 1021 note]

Model notice.—
The Secretary of Labor shall modify the model notice required to be published under section 501(c) of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 to prominently include the information described in section 101(f)(2)(D) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as added by this paragraph.
(3)

Conforming amendments.—
(A)
Subparagraph (F) of section 303(h)(2) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1083(h)(2)) is amended by inserting “and the averages determined under subparagraph (C)(iv)” after “subparagraph (C)”.
(B)
Clauses (ii) and (iii) of section 205(g)(3)(B) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1055(g)(3)(B)) are each amended by striking “section 303(h)(2)(C)” and inserting “section 303(h)(2)(C) (determined by not taking into account any adjustment under clause (iv) thereof)”.
(C)
Clause (iv) of section 4006(a)(3)(E) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1306(a)(3)(E)) is amended by striking “section 303(h)(2)(C)” and inserting “section 303(h)(2)(C) (notwithstanding any regulations issued by the corporation, determined by not taking into account any adjustment under clause (iv) thereof)”.
(D)
Section 4010(d) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1310(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(3)

Pension stabilization disregarded.
For purposes of this section, the segment rates used in determining the funding target and funding target attainment percentage shall be determined by not taking into account any adjustment under section 302(h)((2)(C)(iv).”
.
(c)
[26 U.S.C. 1404 note]

Effective Date.—
(1)

In general.—
The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to plan years beginning after December 31, 2011.
(2)

Rules with respect to elections.—
(A)

Adjusted funding target attainment percentage.—
A plan sponsor may elect not to have the amendments made by this section apply to any plan year beginning before January 1, 2013, either (as specified in the election)—
(i)
for all purposes for which such amendments apply, or
(ii)
solely for purposes of determining the adjusted funding target attainment percentage under sections 436 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and 206(g) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for such plan year.
A plan shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirements of sections 204(g) of such Act and 411(d)(6) of such Code solely by reason of an election under this paragraph.
(B)

Opt out of existing elections.—
If, on the date of the enactment of this Act, an election is in effect with respect to any plan under sections 303(h)((2)(D)(ii) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and 430(h)((2)(D)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, then, notwithstanding the last sentence of each such section, the plan sponsor may revoke such election without the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury. The plan sponsor may make such revocation at any time before the date which is 1 year after such date of enactment and such revocation shall be effective for the 1st plan year to which the amendments made by this section apply and all subsequent plan years. Nothing in this subparagraph shall preclude a plan sponsor from making a subsequent election in accordance with such sections.
PART II—

PBGC PREMIUMS
SEC. 40221.

SINGLE EMPLOYER PLAN ANNUAL PREMIUM RATES.
(a)

Flat-rate Premium.—
(1)

In general.—
Clause (i) of section 4006(a)(3)(A) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1306(a)(3)(A)) is amended to read as follows:
“(i)
in the case of a single-employer plan, an amount for each individual who is a participant in such plan during the plan year equal to the sum of the additional premium (if any) determined under subparagraph (E) and—
“(I)
for plan years beginning after December 31, 2005, and before January 1, 2013, $30;
“(II)
for plan years beginning after December 31, 2012, and before January 1, 2014, $42; and
“(III)
for plan years beginning after December 31, 2013, $49.”
.
(2)

Adjustment for inflation.—
Subparagraph (F) of section 4006(a)(3) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1306(a)(3)) is amended—
(A)
in clause (i)(II), by inserting “(2012 in the case of plan years beginning after calendar year 2014)” after “2004”; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new sentence: “This subparagraph shall not apply to plan years beginning in 2013 or 2014.”.
(b)

Variable-rate Premium.—
(1)

In general.—
Subparagraph (E)(ii) of section 4006(a)(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1306(a)(3)) is amended by striking “$9.00” and inserting “the applicable dollar amount under paragraph (8)”.
(2)

Applicable dollar amount.—
Section 4006(a) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1306(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(8)

Applicable dollar amount for variable rate premium.
For purposes of paragraph (3)(E)(ii)—
“(A)

In general.
Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), the applicable dollar amount shall be—
“(i)
$9 for plan years beginning in a calendar year before 2015;
“(ii)
for plan years beginning in calendar year 2015, the amount in effect for plan years beginning in 2014 (determined after application of subparagraph (C)); and
“(iii)
for plan years beginning after calendar year 2015, the amount in effect for plan years beginning in 2015 (determined after application of subparagraph (C)).
“(B)

Adjustment for inflation.
For each plan year beginning in a calendar year after 2012, there shall be substituted for the applicable dollar amount specified under subparagraph (A) an amount equal to the greater of—
“(i)
the product derived by multiplying such applicable dollar amount for plan years beginning in that calendar year by the ratio of—
“(I)
the national average wage index (as defined in section 209(k)(1) of the Social Security Act) for the first of the 2 calendar years preceding the calendar year in which such plan year begins, to
“(II)
the national average wage index (as so defined) for the base year; and
“(ii)
such applicable dollar amount in effect for plan years beginning in the preceding calendar year.
If the amount determined under this subparagraph is not a multiple of $1, such product shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $1.
“(C)

Additional increase in 2014 and 2015.
The applicable dollar amount determined under subparagraph (A) (after the application of subparagraph (B)) shall be increased—
“(i)
in the case of plan years beginning in calendar year 2014, by $4; and
“(ii)
in the case of plan years beginning in calendar year 2015, by $5.
“(D)

Base year.
For purposes of subparagraph (B), the base year is—
“(i)
2010, in the case of plan years beginning in calendar year 2013 or 2014;
“(ii)
2012, in the case of plan years beginning in calendar year 2015; and
“(iii)
2013, in the case of plan years beginning after calendar year 2015.”
.
(3)

Cap.—
(A)

In general.—
Subparagraph (E)(i) of section 4006(a)(3) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1306(a)(3)) is amended by striking “for any plan year shall be” and all that follows through the end and inserting the following “for any plan year—
“(I)
shall be an amount equal to the amount determined under clause (ii) divided by the number of participants in such plan as of the close of the preceding plan year; and
“(II)
in the case of plan years beginning in a calendar year after 2012, shall not exceed $400.”
.
(B)

Adjustment for inflation.—
Paragraph (3) of section 4006(a) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1306(a)(3)), as amended by this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(J)
For each plan year beginning in a calendar year after 2013, there shall be substituted for the dollar amount specified in subclause (II) of subparagraph (E)(i) an amount equal to the greater of—
“(i)
the product derived by multiplying such dollar amount by the ratio of—
“(I)
the national average wage index (as defined in section 209(k)(1) of the Social Security Act) for the first of the 2 calendar years preceding the calendar year in which such plan year begins, to
“(II)
the national average wage index (as so defined) for 2011; and
“(ii)
such dollar amount for plan years beginning in the preceding calendar year.
If the amount determined under this subparagraph is not a multiple of $1, such product shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $1.”
.
SEC. 40222.

MULTIEMPLOYER ANNUAL PREMIUM RATES.
(a)

In General.—
Subparagraph (A) of section 4006(a)(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1306(a)(3)) is amended—
(1)
by inserting “and before January 1, 2013,” after “December 31, 2005,” in clause (iv),
(2)
by striking “or” at the end of clause (iii),
(3)
by striking the period at the end of clause (iv) and inserting “, or”, and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new clause:
“(v)
in the case of a multiemployer plan, for plan years beginning after December 31, 2012, $12.00 for each individual who is a participant in such plan during the applicable plan year.”
.
(b)

Inflation Adjustment.—
Paragraph (3) of section 4006(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1306(a)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(I)
For each plan year beginning in a calendar year after 2013, there shall be substituted for the premium rate specified in clause (v) of subparagraph (A) an amount equal to the greater of—
“(i)
the product derived by multiplying the premium rate specified in clause (v) of subparagraph (A) by the ratio of—
“(I)
the national average wage index (as defined in section 209(k)(1) of the Social Security Act) for the first of the 2 calendar years preceding the calendar year in which such plan year begins, to
“(II)
the national average wage index (as so defined) for 2011; and
“(ii)
the premium rate in effect under clause (v) of subparagraph (A) for plan years beginning in the preceding calendar year.
If the amount determined under this subparagraph is not a multiple of $1, such product shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $1.”
.
PART III—

IMPROVEMENTS OF PBGC
SEC. 40231.

PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION GOVERNANCE IMPROVEMENT.
(a)

Board of Directors of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.—
(1)

In general.—
Section 4002(d) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1302(d)) is amended—
(A)
by striking “(d) The board of directors” and inserting “(d)(1) The board of directors”; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
“(2)
A majority of the members of the board of directors in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The vote of the majority of the members present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the board of directors.
“(3)
Each member of the board of directors shall designate in writing an official, not below the level of Assistant Secretary, to serve as the voting representative of such member on the board. Such designation shall be effective until revoked or until a date or event specified therein. Any such representative may refer for board action any matter under consideration by the designating board member, but such representative shall not count toward establishment of a quorum as described under paragraph (2).
“(4)
The Inspector General of the corporation shall report to the board of directors, and not less than twice a year, shall attend a meeting of the board of directors to provide a report on the activities and findings of the Inspector General, including with respect to monitoring and review of the operations of the corporation.
“(5)
The General Counsel of the corporation shall—
“(A)
serve as the secretary to the board of directors, and advise such board as needed; and
“(B)
have overall responsibility for all legal matters affecting the corporation and provide the corporation with legal advice and opinions on all matters of law affecting the corporation, except that the authority of the General Counsel shall not extend to the Office of Inspector General and the independent legal counsel of such Office.
“(6)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Office of Inspector General and the legal counsel of such Office are independent of the management of the corporation and the General Counsel of the corporation.
“(7)
The board of directors may appoint and fix the compensation of employees as may be required to enable the board of directors to perform its duties. The board of directors shall determine the qualifications and duties of such employees and may appoint and fix the compensation of experts and consultants in accordance with the provisions of section 3109 of title 5, United States Code.”
.
(2)

Number of meetings; public availability.—
Section 4002(e) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1302(e)) is amended—
(A)
by striking “The board” and inserting “(1) The board”;
(B)
by striking “the corporation.” and inserting “the corporation, but in no case less than 4 times a year with not fewer than 2 members present. Not less than 1 meeting of the board of directors during each year shall be a joint meeting with the advisory committee under subsection (h).”; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
“(2)
(A)
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the chairman of the board of directors shall make available to the public the minutes from each meeting of the board of directors.
“(B)
The minutes of a meeting of the board of directors, or a portion thereof, shall not be subject to disclosure under subparagraph (A) if the chairman reasonably determines that such minutes, or portion thereof, contain confidential employer information including information obtained under section 4010, information about the investment activities of the corporation, or information regarding personnel decisions of the corporation.
“(C)
The minutes of a meeting, or portion of thereof, exempt from disclosure pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be exempt from disclosure under section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code. For purposes of such section 552, this subparagraph shall be considered a statute described in subsection (b)(3) of such section 552.”
.
(3)

Advisory committee.—
(A)

Issues considered by the committee.—
Section 4002(h)(1) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1302(h)(1)) is amended—
(i)
by striking “, and (D)” and inserting “, (D)”; and
(ii)
by striking “time to time.” and inserting “time to time, and (E) other issues as determined appropriate by the advisory committee.”.
(B)

Joint meeting.—
Section 4002(h)(3) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1302(h)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following: “Not less than 1 meeting of the advisory committee during each year shall be a joint meeting with the board of directors under subsection (e).”.
(b)

Avoiding Conflicts of Interest.—
Section 4002 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1302) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(j)

Conflicts of Interest.
“(1)

In general.
The Director of the corporation and each member of the board of directors shall not participate in a decision of the corporation in which the Director or such member has a direct financial interest. The Director of the corporation shall not participate in any activities that would present a potential conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict of interest without approval of the board of directors.
“(2)

Establishment of policy.
The board of directors shall establish a policy that will inform the identification of potential conflicts of interests of the members of the board of directors and mitigate perceived conflicts of interest of such members and the Director of the corporation.”
.
(c)

Risk Mitigation.—
Section 4002 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1302), as amended by subsection (b), is further amended by adding at the end the following:
“(k)

Risk Management Officer.
The corporation shall have a risk management officer whose duties include evaluating and mitigating the risk that the corporation might experience. The individual in such position shall coordinate the risk management efforts of the corporation, explain risks and controls to senior management and the board of directors of the corporation, and make recommendations.”
.
(d)

Director.—
Section 4002(c) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1302(c)) is amended to read as follows:
“(c)
The Director shall be accountable to the board of directors. The Director shall serve for a term of 5 years unless removed by the President or the board of directors before the expiration of such 5-year term.”
.
(e)
[29 U.S.C. 1302 note]

Senses of Congress.—
(1)

Formation of committees.—
It is the sense of Congress that the board of directors of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established under section 4002 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1302), as amended by this section, should form committees, including an audit committee and an investment committee composed of not less than 2 members, to enhance the overall effectiveness of the board of directors.
(2)

Advisory committee.—
It is the sense of Congress that the advisory committee to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established under section 4002 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1302), as amended by this section, should provide to the board of directors of such corporation policy recommendations regarding changes to the law that would be beneficial to the corporation or the voluntary private pension system.
(f)

Study Regarding Governance Structures.—
(1)

In general.—
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation shall enter into a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration to conduct the study described in paragraph (2) with respect to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
(2)

Content of study.—
The study conducted under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
a review of the governance structures of governmental and nongovernmental organizations that are analogous to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation; and
(B)
recommendations regarding—
(i)
the ideal size and composition of the board of directors of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation;
(ii)
procedures to select and remove members of such board;
(iii)
qualifications and term lengths of members of such board; and
(iv)
policies necessary to enhance Congressional oversight and transparency of such board and to mitigate potential conflicts of interest of the members of such board.
(3)

Submission to congress.—
Not later than 1 year after the initiation of the study under paragraph (1), the National Academy of Public Administration shall submit the results of the study to the Committees on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and Finance of the Senate and the Committees on Education and the Workforce and Ways and Means of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 40232.

PARTICIPANT AND PLAN SPONSOR ADVOCATE.
(a)

In General.—
Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 4003 the following:
“SEC. 4004.
[29 U.S.C. 1304]

PARTICIPANT AND PLAN SPONSOR ADVOCATE
“(a)

In General.
The board of directors of the corporation shall select a Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate from the candidates nominated by the advisory committee to the corporation under section 4002(h)(1) and without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, relating to appointments in the competitive service or Senior Executive Service.
“(b)

Duties.
The Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate shall—
“(1)
act as a liaison between the corporation, sponsors of defined benefit pension plans insured by the corporation, and participants in pension plans trusteed by the corporation;
“(2)
advocate for the full attainment of the rights of participants in plans trusteed by the corporation;
“(3)
assist pension plan sponsors and participants in resolving disputes with the corporation;
“(4)
identify areas in which participants and plan sponsors have persistent problems in dealings with the corporation;
“(5)
to the extent possible, propose changes in the administrative practices of the corporation to mitigate problems;
“(6)
identify potential legislative changes which may be appropriate to mitigate problems; and
“(7)
refer instances of fraud, waste, and abuse, and violations of law to the Office of the Inspector General of the corporation.
“(c)

Removal.
If the Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate is removed from office or is transferred to another position or location within the corporation or the Department of Labor, the board of the directors of the corporation shall communicate in writing the reasons for any such removal or transfer to Congress not less than 30 days before the removal or transfer. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit a personnel action otherwise authorized by law, other than transfer or removal.
“(d)

Compensation.
The annual rate of basic pay for the Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate shall be the same rate as the highest rate of basic pay established for the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5, United States Code, or, if the board of directors of the corporation so determines, at a rate fixed under section 9503 of such title.
“(e)

Annual Report.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than December 31 of each calendar year, the Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate shall report to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee of the Senate, the Committee on Finance of the Senate, the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives on the activities of the Office of the Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate during the fiscal year ending during such calendar year.
“(2)

Content.
Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall—
“(A)
summarize the assistance requests received from participants and plan sponsors and describe the activities, and evaluate the effectiveness, of the Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate during the preceding year;
“(B)
identify significant problems the Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate has identified;
“(C)
include specific legislative and regulatory changes to address the problems; and
“(D)
identify any actions taken to correct problems identified in any previous report.
“(3)

Concurrent submission.
The Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate shall submit a copy of each report to the Secretary of Labor, the Director of the corporation, and any other appropriate official at the same time such report is submitted to the committees of Congress under paragraph (1).”
.
(b)

Advisory Committee Nominations.—
Section 4002(h)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C.1302(h)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: “In the event of a vacancy or impending vacancy in the office of the Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate established under section 4004, the Advisory Committee shall, in consultation with the Director of the corporation and participant and plan sponsor advocacy groups, nominate at least two but no more than three individuals to serve as the Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate.”.
(c)

Clerical Amendment.—
The table of contents in section 1 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 4003 the following new item:
“4004.
Participant and Plan Sponsor Advocate.”
.
SEC. 40233.

QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES FOR THE PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION.
(a)
[29 U.S.C. 1302 note]

Annual Peer Review of Insurance Modeling Systems.—
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation shall contract with a capable agency or organization that is independent from the Corporation, such as the Social Security Administration, to conduct an annual peer review of the Corporation’s Single-Employer Pension Insurance Modeling System and the Corporation’s Multiemployer Pension Insurance Modeling System. The board of directors of the Corporation shall designate the agency or organization with which any such contract is entered into. The first of such annual peer reviews shall be initiated no later than 3 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b)
[29 U.S.C. 1302 note]

Policies and Procedures Relating to the Policy, Research, and Analysis Department.—
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation shall—
(1)
develop written quality review policies and procedures for all modeling and actuarial work performed by the Corporation’s Policy, Research, and Analysis Department; and
(2)
conduct a record management review of such Department to determine what records must be retained as Federal records.
(c)

Report Relating to OIG Recommendations.—
Not later than 2 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation shall submit to Congress a report, approved by the board of directors of the Corporation, setting forth a timetable for addressing the outstanding recommendations of the Office of the Inspector General relating to the Policy, Research, and Analysis Department and the Benefits Administration and Payment Department.
SEC. 40234.

LINE OF CREDIT REPEAL.
(a)

In General.—
Subsection (c) of section 4005 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1305) is repealed.
(b)

Conforming Amendments.—
(1)
Section 4005 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1305) is amended—
(A)
in subsection (b)—
(i)
paragraph (1)—
(I)
by striking subparagraph (A); and
(II)
by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (G) as subparagraphs (A) through (F), respectively;
(ii)
in paragraph (2)—
(I)
by striking subparagraph (C); and
(II)
by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and
(iii)
in paragraph (3), by striking “but,” and all that follows through the end and inserting a period; and
(B)
in subsection (g)—
(i)
by striking paragraph (2); and
(ii)
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
(2)
Section 4402 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1461) is amended—
(A)
in subsection (c)(4)—
(i)
by striking subparagraph (C); and
(ii)
by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); and
(B)
in subsection (d), by striking “or (D)”.
PART IV—

TRANSFERS OF EXCESS PENSION ASSETS
SEC. 40241.

EXTENSION FOR TRANSFERS OF EXCESS PENSION ASSETS TO RETIREE HEALTH ACCOUNTS.
(a)
[26 U.S.C. 420]

In General.—
Paragraph (5) of section 420(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking “December 31, 2013” and inserting “December 31, 2021”.
(b)

Conforming ERISA Amendments.—
(1)
[29 U.S.C. 1021]
Sections 101(e)(3), 403(c)(1), and 408(b)(13) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 are each amended by striking “Pension Protection Act of 2006” and inserting “MAP-21”.
(2)
Section 408(b)(13) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1108(b)(13)) is amended by striking “January 1, 2014” and inserting “January 1, 2022”.
(c)
[26 U.S.C. 420 note]

Effective Date.—
The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 40242.

TRANSFER OF EXCESS PENSION ASSETS TO RETIREE GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE ACCOUNTS.
(a)

In General.—
Subsection (a) of section 420 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting “, or an applicable life insurance account,” after “health benefits account”.
(b)

Applicable Life Insurance Account Defined.—
(1)

In general.—
Subsection (e) of section 420 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:
“(4)

Applicable life insurance account.
The term ‘applicable life insurance account’ means a separate account established and maintained for amounts transferred under this section for qualified current retiree liabilities based on premiums for applicable life insurance benefits.”
.
(2)

Applicable life insurance benefits defined.—
Paragraph (1) of section 420(e) of such Code is amended by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E) and by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph:
“(D)

Applicable life insurance benefits.
The term ‘applicable life insurance benefits’ means group-term life insurance coverage provided to retired employees who, immediately before the qualified transfer, are entitled to receive such coverage by reason of retirement and who are entitled to pension benefits under the plan, but only to the extent that such coverage is provided under a policy for retired employees and the cost of such coverage is excludable from the retired employee’s gross income under section 79.”
.
(3)

Collectively bargained life insurance benefits defined.—
(A)

In general.—
Paragraph (6) of section 420(f) of such Code is amended by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E) and by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph:
“(D)

Collectively bargained life insurance benefits.
The term ‘collectively bargained life insurance benefits’ means, with respect to any collectively bargained transfer—
“(i)
applicable life insurance benefits which are provided to retired employees who, immediately before the transfer, are entitled to receive such benefits by reason of retirement, and
“(ii)
if specified by the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement governing the transfer, applicable life insurance benefits which will be provided at retirement to employees who are not retired employees at the time of the transfer.”
.
(B)

Conforming amendments.—
(i)
[26 U.S.C. 420]
Clause (i) of section 420(e)(1)(C) of such Code is amended by striking “upon retirement” and inserting “by reason of retirement”.
(ii)
Subparagraph (C) of section 420(f)(6) of such Code is amended—
(I)
by striking “which are provided to” in the matter preceding clause (i),
(II)
by inserting “which are provided to” before “retired employees” in clause (i),
(III)
by striking “upon retirement” in clause (i) and inserting “by reason of retirement”, and
(IV)
by striking “active employees who, following their retirement,” and inserting “which will be provided at retirement to employees who are not retired employees at the time of the transfer and who”.
(c)

Maintenance of Effort.—
(1)

In general.—
Subparagraph (A) of section 420(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting “, and each group-term life insurance plan under which applicable life insurance benefits are provided,” after “health benefits are provided”.
(2)

Conforming amendments.—
(A)
Subparagraph (B) of section 420(c)(3) of such Code is amended—
(i)
by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (i) as subclauses (II) and (III) of such clause, respectively, and by inserting before subclause (II) of such clause, as so redesignated, the following new subclause:
“(I)
separately with respect to applicable health benefits and applicable life insurance benefits,”
, and
(ii)
by striking “for applicable health benefits” and all that follows in clause (ii) and inserting “was provided during such taxable year for the benefits with respect to which the determination under clause (i) is made.”.
(B)
Subparagraph (C) of section 420(c)(3) of such Code is amended—
(i)
by inserting “for applicable health benefits” after “applied separately”, and
(ii)
by inserting “, and separately for applicable life insurance benefits with respect to individuals age 65 or older at any time during the taxable year and with respect to individuals under age 65 during the taxable year” before the period.
(C)
[26 U.S.C. 420]
Subparagraph (E) of section 420(c)(3) of such Code is amended—
(i)
in clause (i), by inserting “or retiree life insurance coverage, as the case may be,” after “retiree health coverage”,
(ii)
in clause (ii), by inserting “for retiree health coverage” after “cost reductions” in the heading thereof, and
(iii)
in clause (ii)(II), by inserting “with respect to applicable health benefits” after “liabilities of the employer”.
(D)
Paragraph (2) of section 420(f) of such Code is amended by striking “collectively bargained retiree health liabilities” each place it occurs and inserting “collectively bargained retiree liabilities”.
(E)
Clause (i) of section 420(f)(2)(D) of such Code is amended—
(i)
by inserting “, and each group-term life insurance plan or arrangement under which applicable life insurance benefits are provided,” in subclause (I) after “applicable health benefits are provided”,
(ii)
by inserting “or applicable life insurance benefits, as the case may be,” in subclause (I) after “provides applicable health benefits”,
(iii)
by striking “group health” in subclause (II), and
(iv)
by inserting “or collectively bargained life insurance benefits” in subclause (II) after “collectively bargained health benefits”.
(F)
Clause (ii) of section 420(f)(2)(D) of such Code is amended—
(i)
by inserting “with respect to applicable health benefits or applicable life insurance benefits” after “requirements of subsection (c)(3)”, and
(ii)
by adding at the end the following: “Such election may be made separately with respect to applicable health benefits and applicable life insurance benefits. In the case of an election with respect to applicable life insurance benefits, the first sentence of this clause shall be applied as if subsection (c)(3) as in effect before the amendments made by such Act applied to such benefits.”.
(G)
Clause (iii) of section 420(f)(2)(D) of such Code is amended—
(i)
by striking “retiree” each place it occurs, and
(ii)
by inserting “, collectively bargained life insurance benefits, or both, as the case may be,” after “health benefits” each place it occurs.
(d)

Coordination With Section 79.—
Section 79 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
“(f)

Exception for Life Insurance Purchased in Connection With Qualified Transfer of Excess Pension Assets.
Subsection (b)(3) and section 72(m)(3) shall not apply in the case of any cost paid (whether directly or indirectly) with assets held in an applicable life insurance account (as defined in section 420(e)(4)) under a defined benefit plan.”
.
(e)

Conforming Amendments.—
(1)
[26 U.S.C. 420]
Section 420 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking “qualified current retiree health liabilities” each place it appears and inserting “qualified current retiree liabilities”.
(2)
Section 420 of such Code is amended by inserting “, or an applicable life insurance account,” after “a health benefits account” each place it appears in subsection (b)(1)(A), subparagraphs (A), (B)(i), and (C) of subsection (c)(1), subsection (d)(1)(A), and subsection (f)(2)(E)(ii).
(3)
Section 420(b) of such Code is amended—
(A)
by adding the following at the end of paragraph (2)(A): “If there is a transfer from a defined benefit plan to both a health benefits account and an applicable life insurance account during any taxable year, such transfers shall be treated as 1 transfer for purposes of this paragraph.”, and
(B)
by inserting “to an account” after “may be transferred” in paragraph (3).
(4)
The heading for section 420(c)(1)(B) of such Code is amended by inserting “or life insurance” after “health benefits”.
(5)
Paragraph (1) of section 420(e) of such Code is amended—
(A)
by inserting “and applicable life insurance benefits” in subparagraph (A) after “applicable health benefits”, and
(B)
by striking “health” in the heading thereof.
(6)
Subparagraph (B) of section 420(e)(1) of such Code is amended—
(A)
in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting “(determined separately for applicable health benefits and applicable life insurance benefits)” after “shall be reduced by the amount”,
(B)
in clause (i), by inserting “or applicable life insurance accounts” after “health benefit accounts”, and
(C)
in clause (i), by striking “qualified current retiree health liability” and inserting “qualified current retiree liability”.
(7)
The heading for subsection (f) of section 420 of such Code is amended by striking “health” each place it occurs.
(8)
Subclause (II) of section 420(f)(2)(B)(ii) of such Code is amended by inserting “or applicable life insurance account, as the case may be,” after “health benefits account”.
(9)
Subclause (III) of section 420(f)(2)(E)(i) of such Code is amended—
(A)
by inserting “defined benefit” before “plan maintained by an employer”, and
(B)
by inserting “health” before “benefit plans maintained by the employer”.
(10)
Paragraphs (4) and (6) of section 420(f) of such Code are each amended by striking “collectively bargained retiree health liabilities” each place it occurs and inserting “collectively bargained retiree liabilities”.
(11)
[26 U.S.C. 420]
Subparagraph (A) of section 420(f)(6) of such Code is amended—
(A)
in clauses (i) and (ii), by inserting “, in the case of a transfer to a health benefits account,” before “his covered spouse and dependents”, and
(B)
in clause (ii), by striking “health plan” and inserting “plan”.
(12)
Subparagraph (B) of section 420(f)(6) of such Code is amended—
(A)
in clause (i), by inserting “, and collectively bargained life insurance benefits,” after “collectively bargained health benefits”,
(B)
in clause (ii)—
(i)
by adding at the end the following: “The preceding sentence shall be applied separately for collectively bargained health benefits and collectively bargained life insurance benefits.”, and
(ii)
by inserting “, applicable life insurance accounts,” after “health benefit accounts”, and
(C)
by striking “health” in the heading thereof.
(13)
Subparagraph (E) of section 420(f)(6) of such Code, as redesignated by subsection (b), is amended—
(A)
by striking “bargained health” and inserting “bargained”,
(B)
by inserting “, or a group-term life insurance plan or arrangement for retired employees,” after “dependents”, and
(C)
by striking “health” in the heading thereof.
(14)
Section 101(e) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1021(e)) is amended—
(A)
in paragraphs (1) and (2), by inserting “or applicable life insurance account” after “health benefits account” each place it appears, and
(B)
in paragraph (1), by inserting “or applicable life insurance benefit liabilities” after “health benefits liabilities”.
(f)

Technical Correction.—
Clause (iii) of section 420(f)(6)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking “416(I)(1)” and inserting “416(i)(1)”.
(g)

Repeal of Deadwood.—
(1)
Subparagraph (A) of section 420(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking “in a taxable year beginning after December 31, 1990”.
(2)
Subsection (b) of section 420 of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (4) and by redesignating paragraph (5), as amended by this Act, as paragraph (4).
(3)
Paragraph (2) of section 420(b) of such Code, as amended by this section, is amended—
(A)
by striking subparagraph (B), and
(B)
by striking “per year.—” and all that follows through “No more than” and inserting “per year.—No more than”.
(4)
Paragraph (2) of section 420(c) of such Code is amended—
(A)
by striking subparagraph (B),
(B)
by moving subparagraph (A) two ems to the left, and
(C)
by striking “before transfer.—” and all that follows through “The requirements of this paragraph” and inserting the following: “before transfer.—The requirements of this paragraph”.
(5)
[26 U.S.C. 420]
Paragraph (2) of section 420(d) of such Code is amended by striking “after December 31, 1990”.
(h)
[26 U.S.C. 420 note]

Effective Date.—
(1)

In general.—
The amendments made by this section shall apply to transfers made after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2)

Conforming amendments relating to pension protection act.—
The amendments made by subsections (b)(3)(B) and (f) shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by section 841(a) of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
Subtitle C—

Additional Transfers to Highway Trust Fund
SEC. 40251.

ADDITIONAL TRANSFERS TO HIGHWAY TRUST FUND.
Subsection (f) of section 9503 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by this Act, is amended by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5) and by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:
“(4)

Additional appropriations to trust fund.
Out of money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there is hereby appropriated to—
“(A)
the Highway Account (as defined in subsection (e)(5)(B)) in the Highway Trust Fund—
“(i)
for fiscal year 2013, $6,200,000,000, and
“(ii)
for fiscal year 2014, $10,400,000,000, and
“(B)
the Mass Transit Account in the Highway Trust Fund, for fiscal year 2014, $2,200,000,000.”
.
DIVISION E—

RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
SEC. 50001.
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This division may be cited as the “Transportation Research and Innovative Technology Act of 2012”.
TITLE I—

FUNDING
SEC. 51001.

AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a)

In General.—
The following amounts are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account):
(1)

Highway research and development program.—
To carry out section 503(b) of title 23, United States Code, $115,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
(2)

Technology and innovation deployment program.—
To carry out section 503(c) of title 23, United States Code, $62,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
(3)

Training and education.—
To carry out section 504 of title 23, United States Code, $24,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
(4)

Intelligent transportation systems program.—
To carry out sections 512 through 518 of title 23, United States Code, $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
(5)

University transportation centers program.—
To carry out section 5505 of title 49, United States Code, $72,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
(6)

Bureau of transportation statistics.—
To carry out chapter 63 of title 49, United States Code, $26,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
(b)

Applicability of Title 23, United States Code.—
Funds authorized to be appropriated by subsection (a) shall—
(1)
be available for obligation in the same manner as if those funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, except that the Federal share of the cost of a project or activity carried out using those funds shall be 80 percent, unless otherwise expressly provided by this Act (including the amendments by this Act) or otherwise determined by the Secretary; and
(2)
remain available until expended and not be transferable.
TITLE II—

RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY, AND EDUCATION
SEC. 52001.

RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY, AND EDUCATION.
Section 501 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (8);
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
“(2)

Incident.
The term ‘incident’ means a crash, natural disaster, workzone activity, special event, or other emergency road user occurrence that adversely affects or impedes the normal flow of traffic.
“(3)

Innovation lifecycle.
The term ‘innovation lifecycle’ means the process of innovating through—
“(A)
the identification of a need;
“(B)
the establishment of the scope of research to address that need;
“(C)
setting an agenda;
“(D)
carrying out research, development, deployment, and testing of the resulting technology or innovation; and
“(E)
carrying out an evaluation of the costs and benefits of the resulting technology or innovation.
“(4)

Intelligent transportation infrastructure.
The term ‘intelligent transportation infrastructure’ means fully integrated public sector intelligent transportation system components, as defined by the Secretary.
“(5)

Intelligent transportation system.
The terms ‘intelligent transportation system’ and ‘ITS’ mean electronics, photonics, communications, or information processing used singly or in combination to improve the efficiency or safety of a surface transportation system.
“(6)

National architecture.
For purposes of this chapter, the term ‘national architecture’ means the common framework for interoperability that defines—
“(A)
the functions associated with intelligent transportation system user services;
“(B)
the physical entities or subsystems within which the functions reside;
“(C)
the data interfaces and information flows between physical subsystems; and
“(D)
the communications requirements associated with the information flows.
“(7)

Project.
The term ‘project’ means an undertaking to research, develop, or operationally test intelligent transportation systems or any other undertaking eligible for assistance under this chapter.”
; and
(3)
by inserting after paragraph (8) (as so redesignated) the following:
“(9)

Standard.
The term ‘standard’ means a document that—
“(A)
contains technical specifications or other precise criteria for intelligent transportation systems that are to be used consistently as rules, guidelines, or definitions of characteristics so as to ensure that materials, products, processes, and services are fit for the intended purposes of the materials, products, processes, and services; and
“(B)
may support the national architecture and promote—
“(i)
the widespread use and adoption of intelligent transportation system technology as a component of the surface transportation systems of the United States; and
“(ii)
interoperability among intelligent transportation system technologies implemented throughout the States.”
.
SEC. 52002.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY.
(a)

Surface Transportation Research, Development, and Technology.—
Section 502 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the section heading by inserting “, development, and technology” after “surface transportation research”;
(2)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (8) as paragraphs (2) through (9), respectively;
(B)
by inserting before paragraph (2) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)) the following:
“(1)

Applicability.
The research, development, and technology provisions of this section shall apply throughout this chapter.”
;
(C)
in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A))—
(i)
by inserting “within the innovation lifecycle” after “activities”; and
(ii)
by inserting “communications, impact analysis,” after “training,”;
(D)
in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A))—
(i)
in subparagraph (B) by striking “supports research in which there is a clear public benefit and” and inserting “delivers a clear public benefit and occurs where”;
(ii)
in subparagraph (C) by striking “or” after the semicolon;
(iii)
by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (I); and
(iv)
by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
“(D)
meets and addresses current or emerging needs;
“(E)
addresses current gaps in research;
“(F)
presents the best means to align resources with multiyear plans and priorities;
“(G)
ensures the coordination of highway research and technology transfer activities, including through activities performed by university transportation centers;
“(H)
educates transportation professionals; or”
;
(E)
in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)) by striking subparagraphs (B) through (D) and inserting the following:
“(B)
partner with State highway agencies and other stakeholders as appropriate to facilitate research and technology transfer activities;
“(C)
communicate the results of ongoing and completed research;
“(D)
lead efforts to coordinate national emphasis areas of highway research, technology, and innovation deployment;
“(E)
leverage partnerships with industry, academia, international entities, and State departments of transportation;
“(F)
lead efforts to reduce unnecessary duplication of effort; and
“(G)
lead efforts to accelerate innovation delivery.”
;
(F)
in paragraph (5)(C) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)) by striking “policy and planning” and inserting “all highway objectives seeking to improve the performance of the transportation system”;
(G)
in paragraph (6) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)) in the second sentence, by inserting “tribal governments,” after “local governments,”;
(H)
in paragraph (8) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A))—
(i)
in the first sentence, by striking “To the maximum” and inserting the following:
“(A)

In general.
To the maximum”
;
(ii)
in the second sentence, by striking “Performance measures” and inserting the following:
“(B)

Performance measures.
Performance measures”
;
(iii)
in the third sentence, by striking “All evaluations” and inserting the following:
“(D)

Availability of evaluations.
All evaluations under this paragraph”
; and
(iv)
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
“(C)

Program plan.
To the maximum extent practicable, each program pursued under this chapter shall be part of a data-driven, outcome-oriented program plan.”
; and
(I)
in paragraph (9) (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)), by striking “surface”;
(3)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (4) by striking “surface transportation research and technology development strategic plan developed under section 508” and inserting “transportation research and development strategic plan of the Secretary developed under section 508”;
(B)
in paragraph (5) by striking “section” each place it appears and inserting “chapter”;
(C)
in paragraph (6) by adding at the end the following:
“(C)

Transfer of amounts among states or to federal highway administration.
The Secretary may, at the request of a State, transfer amounts apportioned or allocated to that State under this chapter to another State or the Federal Highway Administration to fund research, development, and technology transfer activities of mutual interest on a pooled funds basis.
“(D)

Transfer of obligation authority.
Obligation authority for amounts transferred under this subsection shall be disbursed in the same manner and for the same amount as provided for the project being transferred.”
; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
“(7)

Prize competitions.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary may use up to 1 percent of the funds made available under section 51001 of the Transportation Research and Innovative Technology Act of 2012 to carry out a program to competitively award cash prizes to stimulate innovation in basic and applied research and technology development that has the potential for application to the national transportation system.
“(B)

Topics.
In selecting topics for prize competitions under this paragraph, the Secretary shall—
“(i)
consult with a wide variety of governmental and nongovernmental representatives; and
“(ii)
give consideration to prize goals that demonstrate innovative approaches and strategies to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the national transportation system.
“(C)

Advertising.
The Secretary shall encourage participation in the prize competitions through advertising efforts.
“(D)

Requirements and registration.
For each prize competition, the Secretary shall publish a notice on a public website that describes—
“(i)
the subject of the competition;
“(ii)
the eligibility rules for participation in the competition;
“(iii)
the amount of the prize; and
“(iv)
the basis on which a winner will be selected.
“(E)

Eligibility.
An individual or entity may not receive a prize under this paragraph unless the individual or entity—
“(i)
has registered to participate in the competition pursuant to any rules promulgated by the Secretary under this section;
“(ii)
has complied with all requirements under this paragraph;
“(iii)
(I)
in the case of a private entity, is incorporated in, and maintains a primary place of business in, the United States; or
“(II)
in the case of an individual, whether participating singly or in a group, is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
“(iv)
is not a Federal entity or Federal employee acting within the scope of his or her employment; and
“(v)
has not received a grant to perform research on the same issue for which the prize is awarded.
“(F)

Liability.
“(i)

Assumption of risk.
“(I)

In general.
A registered participant shall agree to assume any and all risks and waive claims against the Federal Government and its related entities, except in the case of willful misconduct, for any injury, death, damage, or loss of property, revenue, or profits, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, arising from participation in a competition, whether such injury, death, damage, or loss arises through negligence or otherwise.
“(II)

Related entity.
In this subparagraph, the term ‘related entity’ means a contractor, subcontractor (at any tier), supplier, user, customer, cooperating party, grantee, investigator, or detailee.
“(ii)

Financial responsibility.
A participant shall obtain liability insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility, in amounts determined by the Secretary, for claims by—
“(I)
a third party for death, bodily injury, or property damage, or loss resulting from an activity carried out in connection with participation in a competition, with the Federal Government named as an additional insured under the registered participant’s insurance policy and registered participants agreeing to indemnify the Federal Government against third party claims for damages arising from or related to competition activities; and
“(II)
the Federal Government for damage or loss to Government property resulting from such an activity.
“(G)

Judges.
“(i)

Selection.
Subject to clause (iii), for each prize competition, the Secretary, either directly or through an agreement under subparagraph (H), may appoint 1 or more qualified judges to select the winner or winners of the prize competition on the basis of the criteria described in subparagraph (D).
“(ii)

Selection.
Judges for each competition shall include individuals from outside the Federal Government, including the private sector.
“(iii)

Limitations.
A judge selected under this subparagraph may not—
“(I)
have personal or financial interests in, or be an employee, officer, director, or agent of, any entity that is a registered participant in a prize competition under this paragraph; or
“(II)
have a familial or financial relationship with an individual who is a registered participant.
“(H)

Administering the competition.
The Secretary may enter into an agreement with a private, nonprofit entity to administer the prize competition, subject to the provisions of this paragraph.
“(I)

Funding.
“(i)

In general.
“(I)

Private sector funding.
A cash prize under this paragraph may consist of funds appropriated by the Federal Government and funds provided by the private sector.
“(II)

Government funding.
The Secretary may accept funds from other Federal agencies, State and local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations for a cash prize under this paragraph.
“(III)

No special consideration.
The Secretary may not give any special consideration to any private sector entity in return for a donation under this subparagraph.
“(ii)

Availability of funds.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts appropriated for prize awards under this paragraph—
“(I)
shall remain available until expended; and
“(II)
may not be transferred, reprogrammed, or expended for other purposes until after the expiration of the 10-year period beginning on the last day of the fiscal year for which the funds were originally appropriated.
“(iii)

Savings provision.
Nothing in this subparagraph may be construed to permit the obligation or payment of funds in violation of the Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. 1341).
“(iv)

Prize announcement.
A prize may not be announced under this paragraph until all the funds needed to pay out the announced amount of the prize have been appropriated by a governmental source or committed to in writing by a private source.
“(v)

Prize increases.
The Secretary may increase the amount of a prize after the initial announcement of the prize under this paragraph if—
“(I)
notice of the increase is provided in the same manner as the initial notice of the prize; and
“(II)
the funds needed to pay out the announced amount of the increase have been appropriated by a governmental source or committed to in writing by a private source.
“(vi)

Congressional notification.
A prize competition under this paragraph may offer a prize in an amount greater than $1,000,000 only after 30 days have elapsed after written notice has been transmitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.
“(vii)

Award limit.
A prize competition under this section may not result in the award of more than $25,000 in cash prizes without the approval of the Secretary.
“(J)

Compliance with existing law.
The Federal Government shall not, by virtue of offering or providing a prize under this paragraph, be responsible for compliance by registered participants in a prize competition with Federal law, including licensing, export control, and non-proliferation laws, and related regulations.
“(K)

Notice and annual report.
“(i)

In general.
Not later than 30 days prior to carrying out an activity under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall notify the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Environment and Public Works and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate of the intent to use such authority.
“(ii)

Reports.
“(I)

In general.
The Secretary shall submit to the committees described in clause (i) on an annual basis a report on the activities carried out under subparagraph (A) in the preceding fiscal year if the Secretary exercised the authority under subparagraph (A) in that fiscal year.
“(II)

Information included.
A report under this subparagraph shall include, for each prize competition under subparagraph (A)—
- “(aa)
a description of the proposed goals of the prize competition;
- “(bb)
an analysis of why the use of the authority under subparagraph (A) was the preferable method of achieving the goals described in item (aa) as opposed to other authorities available to the Secretary, such as contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements;
- “(cc)
the total amount of cash prizes awarded for each prize competition, including a description of the amount of private funds contributed to the program, the source of such funds, and the manner in which the amounts of cash prizes awarded and claimed were allocated among the accounts of the Department for recording as obligations and expenditures;
- “(dd)
the methods used for the solicitation and evaluation of submissions under each prize competition, together with an assessment of the effectiveness of such methods and lessons learned for future prize competitions;
- “(ee)
a description of the resources, including personnel and funding, used in the execution of each prize competition together with a detailed description of the activities for which such resources were used and an accounting of how funding for execution was allocated among the accounts of the agency for recording as obligations and expenditures; and
- “(ff)
a description of how each prize competition advanced the mission of the Department.”
;
(4)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (3)(A)—
(i)
by striking “subsection” and inserting “chapter”; and
(ii)
by striking “50” and inserting “80”; and
(B)
in paragraph (4) by striking “subsection” and inserting “chapter”; and
(5)
by striking subsections (d) through (j).
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 502 and inserting the following:
“502. Surface transportation research, development, and technology.”
SEC. 52003.

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT.
(a)

In General.—
Section 503 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 503.

Research and technology development and deployment
“(a)

In General.
The Secretary shall—
“(1)
carry out research, development, and deployment activities that encompass the entire innovation lifecycle; and
“(2)
ensure that all research carried out under this section aligns with the transportation research and development strategic plan of the Secretary under section 508.
“(b)

Highway Research and Development Program.
“(1)

Objectives.
In carrying out the highway research and development program, the Secretary, to address current and emerging highway transportation needs, shall—
“(A)
identify research topics;
“(B)
coordinate research and development activities;
“(C)
carry out research, testing, and evaluation activities; and
“(D)
provide technology transfer and technical assistance.
“(2)

Improving highway safety.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall carry out research and development activities from an integrated perspective to establish and implement systematic measures to improve highway safety.
“(B)

Objectives.
In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall carry out research and development activities—
“(i)
to achieve greater long-term safety gains;
“(ii)
to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on public roads;
“(iii)
to fill knowledge gaps that limit the effectiveness of research;
“(iv)
to support the development and implementation of State strategic highway safety plans;
“(v)
to advance improvements in, and use of, performance prediction analysis for decisionmaking; and
“(vi)
to expand technology transfer to partners and stakeholders.
“(C)

Contents.
Research and technology activities carried out under this paragraph may include—
“(i)
safety assessments and decisionmaking tools;
“(ii)
data collection and analysis;
“(iii)
crash reduction projections;
“(iv)
low-cost safety countermeasures;
“(v)
innovative operational improvements and designs of roadway and roadside features;
“(vi)
evaluation of countermeasure costs and benefits;
“(vii)
development of tools for projecting impacts of safety countermeasures;
“(viii)
rural road safety measures;
“(ix)
safety measures for vulnerable road users, including bicyclists and pedestrians;
“(x)
safety policy studies;
“(xi)
human factors studies and measures;
“(xii)
safety technology deployment;
“(xiii)
safety workforce professional capacity building initiatives;
“(xiv)
safety program and process improvements; and
“(xv)
tools and methods to enhance safety performance, including achievement of statewide safety performance targets.
“(3)

Improving infrastructure integrity.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall carry out and facilitate highway and bridge infrastructure research and development activities—
“(i)
to maintain infrastructure integrity;
“(ii)
to meet user needs; and
“(iii)
to link Federal transportation investments to improvements in system performance.
“(B)

Objectives.
In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall carry out research and development activities—
“(i)
to reduce the number of fatalities attributable to infrastructure design characteristics and work zones;
“(ii)
to improve the safety and security of highway infrastructure;
“(iii)
to increase the reliability of lifecycle performance predictions used in infrastructure design, construction, and management;
“(iv)
to improve the ability of transportation agencies to deliver projects that meet expectations for timeliness, quality, and cost;
“(v)
to reduce user delay attributable to infrastructure system performance, maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction;
“(vi)
to improve highway condition and performance through increased use of design, materials, construction, and maintenance innovations;
“(vii)
to reduce the environmental impacts of highway infrastructure through innovations in design, construction, operation, preservation, and maintenance; and
“(viii)
to study vulnerabilities of the transportation system to seismic activities and extreme events and methods to reduce those vulnerabilities.
“(C)

Contents.
Research and technology activities carried out under this paragraph may include—
“(i)
long-term infrastructure performance programs addressing pavements, bridges, tunnels, and other structures;
“(ii)
short-term and accelerated studies of infrastructure performance;
“(iii)
research to develop more durable infrastructure materials and systems;
“(iv)
advanced infrastructure design methods;
“(v)
accelerated highway and bridge construction;
“(vi)
performance-based specifications;
“(vii)
construction and materials quality assurance;
“(viii)
comprehensive and integrated infrastructure asset management;
“(ix)
infrastructure safety assurance;
“(x)
sustainable infrastructure design and construction;
“(xi)
infrastructure rehabilitation and preservation techniques, including techniques to rehabilitate and preserve historic infrastructure;
“(xii)
hydraulic, geotechnical, and aerodynamic aspects of infrastructure;
“(xiii)
improved highway construction technologies and practices;
“(xiv)
improved tools, technologies, and models for infrastructure management, including assessment and monitoring of infrastructure condition;
“(xv)
studies to improve flexibility and resiliency of infrastructure systems to withstand climate variability;
“(xvi)
studies on the effectiveness of fiber-based additives to improve the durability of surface transportation materials in various geographic regions;
“(xvii)
studies of infrastructure resilience and other adaptation measures;
“(xviii)
maintenance of seismic research activities, including research carried out in conjunction with other Federal agencies to study the vulnerability of the transportation system to seismic activity and methods to reduce that vulnerability; and
“(xix)
technology transfer and adoption of permeable, pervious, or porous paving materials, practices, and systems that are designed to minimize environmental impacts, stormwater runoff, and flooding and to treat or remove pollutants by allowing stormwater to infiltrate through the pavement in a manner similar to predevelopment hydrologic conditions.
“(D)

Lifecycle costs analysis study.
“(i)

In general.
In this subparagraph, the term ‘lifecycle costs analysis’ means a process for evaluating the total economic worth of a usable project segment by analyzing initial costs and discounted future costs, such as maintenance, user, reconstruction, rehabilitation, restoring, and resurfacing costs, over the life of the project segment.
“(ii)

Study.
The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of the best practices for calculating lifecycle costs and benefits for federally funded highway projects, which shall include, at a minimum, a thorough literature review and a survey of current lifecycle cost practices of State departments of transportation.
“(iii)

Consultation.
In carrying out the study, the Comptroller shall consult with, at a minimum—
“(I)
the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials;
“(II)
appropriate experts in the field of lifecycle cost analysis; and
“(III)
appropriate industry experts and research centers.
“(E)

Report.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Transportation Research and Innovative Technology Act of 2012, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the study which shall include—
“(i)
a summary of the latest research on lifecycle cost analysis; and
“(ii)
recommendations on the appropriate—
“(I)
period of analysis;
“(II)
design period;
“(III)
discount rates; and
“(IV)
use of actual material life and maintenance cost data.
“(4)

Strengthening transportation planning and environmental decisionmaking.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary may carry out research—
“(i)
to minimize the cost of transportation planning and environmental decisionmaking processes;
“(ii)
to improve transportation planning and environmental decisionmaking processes; and
“(iii)
to minimize the potential impact of surface transportation on the environment.
“(B)

Objectives.
In carrying out this paragraph the Secretary may carry out research and development activities—
“(i)
to minimize the cost of highway infrastructure and operations;
“(ii)
to reduce the potential impact of highway infrastructure and operations on the environment;
“(iii)
to advance improvements in environmental analyses and processes and context sensitive solutions for transportation decisionmaking;
“(iv)
to improve construction techniques;
“(v)
to accelerate construction to reduce congestion and related emissions;
“(vi)
to reduce the impact of highway runoff on the environment;
“(vii)
to improve understanding and modeling of the factors that contribute to the demand for transportation; and
“(viii)
to improve transportation planning decisionmaking and coordination.
“(C)

Contents.
Research and technology activities carried out under this paragraph may include—
“(i)
creation of models and tools for evaluating transportation measures and transportation system designs, including the costs and benefits;
“(ii)
congestion reduction efforts;
“(iii)
transportation and economic development planning in rural areas and small communities;
“(iv)
improvement of State, local, and tribal government capabilities relating to surface transportation planning and the environment; and
“(v)
streamlining of project delivery processes.
“(5)

Reducing congestion, improving highway operations, and enhancing freight productivity.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall carry out research under this paragraph with the goals of—
“(i)
addressing congestion problems;
“(ii)
reducing the costs of congestion;
“(iii)
improving freight movement;
“(iv)
increasing productivity; and
“(v)
improving the economic competitiveness of the United States.
“(B)

Objectives.
In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall carry out research and development activities to identify, develop, and assess innovations that have the potential—
“(i)
to reduce traffic congestion;
“(ii)
to improve freight movement; and
“(iii)
to reduce freight-related congestion throughout the transportation network.
“(C)

Contents.
Research and technology activities carried out under this paragraph may include—
“(i)
active traffic and demand management;
“(ii)
acceleration of the implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems technology;
“(iii)
advanced transportation concepts and analysis;
“(iv)
arterial management and traffic signal operation;
“(v)
congestion pricing;
“(vi)
corridor management;
“(vii)
emergency operations;
“(viii)
research relating to enabling technologies and applications;
“(ix)
freeway management;
“(x)
evaluation of enabling technologies;
“(xi)
impacts of vehicle size and weight on congestion;
“(xii)
freight operations and technology;
“(xiii)
operations and freight performance measurement and management;
“(xiv)
organization and planning for operations;
“(xv)
planned special events management;
“(xvi)
real-time transportation information;
“(xvii)
road weather management;
“(xviii)
traffic and freight data and analysis tools;
“(xix)
traffic control devices;
“(xx)
traffic incident management;
“(xxi)
work zone management;
“(xxii)
communication of travel, roadway, and emergency information to persons with disabilities;
“(xxiii)
research on enhanced mode choice and intermodal connectivity;
“(xxiv)
techniques for estimating and quantifying public benefits derived from freight transportation projects; and
“(xxv)
other research areas to identify and address emerging needs related to freight transportation by all modes.
“(6)

Exploratory advanced research.
The Secretary shall carry out research and development activities relating to exploratory advanced research—
“(A)
to leverage the targeted capabilities of the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center to develop technologies and innovations of national importance; and
“(B)
to develop potentially transformational solutions to improve the durability, efficiency, environmental impact, productivity, and safety aspects of highway and intermodal transportation systems.
“(7)

Turner-fairbank highway research center.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall continue to operate in the Federal Highway Administration a Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center.
“(B)

Uses of the center.
The Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center shall support—
“(i)
the conduct of highway research and development relating to emerging highway technology;
“(ii)
the development of understandings, tools, and techniques that provide solutions to complex technical problems through the development of economical and environmentally sensitive designs, efficient and quality-controlled construction practices, and durable materials;
“(iii)
the development of innovative highway products and practices; and
“(iv)
the conduct of long-term, high-risk research to improve the materials used in highway infrastructure.
“(8)

Infrastructure investment needs report.
“(A)

In general.
Not later than July 31, 2013, and July 31 of every second year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that describes estimates of the future highway and bridge needs of the United States and the backlog of current highway and bridge needs.
“(B)

Comparisons.
Each report under subparagraph (A) shall include all information necessary to relate and compare the conditions and service measures used in the previous biennial reports to conditions and service measures used in the current report.
“(C)

Inclusions.
Each report under subparagraph (A) shall provide recommendations to Congress on changes to the highway performance monitoring system that address—
“(i)
improvements to the quality and standardization of data collection on all functional classifications of Federal-aid highways for accurate system length, lane length, and vehicle-mile of travel; and
“(ii)
changes to the reporting requirements authorized under section 315, to reflect recommendations under this paragraph for collection, storage, analysis, reporting, and display of data for Federal-aid highways and, to the maximum extent practical, all public roads.
“(c)

Technology and Innovation Deployment Program.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall carry out a technology and innovation deployment program relating to all aspects of highway transportation, including planning, financing, operation, structures, materials, pavements, environment, construction, and the duration of time between project planning and project delivery, with the goals of—
“(A)
significantly accelerating the adoption of innovative technologies by the surface transportation community;
“(B)
providing leadership and incentives to demonstrate and promote state-of-the-art technologies, elevated performance standards, and new business practices in highway construction processes that result in improved safety, faster construction, reduced congestion from construction, and improved quality and user satisfaction;
“(C)
constructing longer-lasting highways through the use of innovative technologies and practices that lead to faster construction of efficient and safe highways and bridges;
“(D)
improving highway efficiency, safety, mobility, reliability, service life, environmental protection, and sustainability; and
“(E)
developing and deploying new tools, techniques, and practices to accelerate the adoption of innovation in all aspects of highway transportation.
“(2)

Implementation.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall promote, facilitate, and carry out the program established under paragraph (1) to distribute the products, technologies, tools, methods, or other findings that result from highway research and development activities, including research and development activities carried out under this chapter.
“(B)

Accelerated innovation deployment.
In carrying out the program established under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
“(i)
establish and carry out demonstration programs;
“(ii)
provide technical assistance, and training to researchers and developers; and
“(iii)
develop improved tools and methods to accelerate the adoption of proven innovative practices and technologies as standard practices.
“(C)

Implementation of future strategic highway research program findings and results.
“(i)

In general.
The Secretary, in consultation with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, shall promote research results and products developed under the future strategic highway research program administered by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences.
“(ii)

Basis for findings.
The activities carried out under this subparagraph shall be based on the report submitted to Congress by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences under section 510(e).
“(iii)

Personnel.
The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out this subsection for administrative costs under this subparagraph.
“(3)

Accelerated implementation and deployment of pavement technologies.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall establish and implement a program under the technology and innovation deployment program to promote, implement, deploy, demonstrate, showcase, support, and document the application of innovative pavement technologies, practices, performance, and benefits.
“(B)

Goals.
The goals of the accelerated implementation and deployment of pavement technologies program shall include—
“(i)
the deployment of new, cost-effective designs, materials, recycled materials, and practices to extend the pavement life and performance and to improve user satisfaction;
“(ii)
the reduction of initial costs and lifecycle costs of pavements, including the costs of new construction, replacement, maintenance, and rehabilitation;
“(iii)
the deployment of accelerated construction techniques to increase safety and reduce construction time and traffic disruption and congestion;
“(iv)
the deployment of engineering design criteria and specifications for new and efficient practices, products, and materials for use in highway pavements;
“(v)
the deployment of new nondestructive and real-time pavement evaluation technologies and construction techniques; and
“(vi)
effective technology transfer and information dissemination to accelerate implementation of new technologies and to improve life, performance, cost effectiveness, safety, and user satisfaction.
“(C)

Funding.
The Secretary shall obligate for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2014 from funds made available to carry out this subsection $12,000,000 to accelerate the deployment and implementation of pavement technology.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 503 and inserting the following:
“503. Research and technology development and deployment.”.
SEC. 52004.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION.
Section 504 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (2)(A) by inserting “and the employees of any other applicable Federal agency” before the semicolon at the end; and
(B)
in paragraph (3)(A)(ii)(V) by striking “expediting” and inserting “reducing the amount of time required for”;
(2)
in subsection (b) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
“(3)

Federal share.
“(A)

Local technical assistance centers.
“(i)

In general.
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out by a local technical assistance center under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be 50 percent.
“(ii)

Non-federal share.
The non-Federal share of the cost of an activity described in clause (i) may consist of amounts provided to a recipient under subsection (e) or section 505, up to 100 percent of the non-Federal share.
“(B)

Tribal technical assistance centers.
The Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out by a tribal technical assistance center under paragraph (2)(D)(ii) shall be 100 percent.”
;
(3)
in subsection (c)(2)—
(A)
by striking “The Secretary” and inserting the following:
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary”
;
(B)
in subparagraph (A) (as designated by subparagraph (A)) by striking “. The program” and inserting “, which program”; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
“(B)

Use of amounts.
Amounts provided to institutions of higher education to carry out this paragraph shall be used to provide direct support of student expenses.”
;
(4)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking “sections 104(b)(1), 104(b)(2), 104(b)(3), 104(b)(4), and 144(e)” and inserting “paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 104(b)”;
(ii)
in subparagraph (D) by striking “and” at the end;
(iii)
in subparagraph (E) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and
(iv)
by adding at the end the following:
“(F)
activities carried out by the National Highway Institute under subsection (a); and
“(G)
local technical assistance programs under subsection (b).”
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2) by inserting “, except for activities carried out under paragraph (1)(G), for which the Federal share shall be 50 percent” before the period at the end;
(5)
in subsection (f) in the heading, by striking “Pilot”;
(6)
in subsection (g)(4)(F) by striking “excellence” and inserting “stewardship”; and
(7)
by adding at the end the following:
“(h)

Centers for Surface Transportation Excellence.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall make grants under this section to establish and maintain centers for surface transportation excellence.
“(2)

Goals.
The goals of a center referred to in paragraph (1) shall be to promote and support strategic national surface transportation programs and activities relating to the work of State departments of transportation in the areas of environment, surface transportation safety, rural safety, and project finance.
“(3)

Role of the centers.
To achieve the goals set forth in paragraph (2), any centers established under paragraph (1) shall provide technical assistance, information sharing of best practices, and training in the use of tools and decisionmaking processes that can assist States in effectively implementing surface transportation programs, projects, and policies.
“(4)

Program administration.
“(A)

Competition.
A party entering into a contract, cooperative agreement, or other transaction with the Secretary under this subsection, or receiving a grant to perform research or provide technical assistance under this subsection, shall be selected on a competitive basis.
“(B)

Strategic plan.
The Secretary shall require each center to develop a multiyear strategic plan, that—
“(i)
is submitted to the Secretary at such time as the Secretary requires; and
“(ii)
describes—
“(I)
the activities to be undertaken by the center; and
“(II)
how the work of the center will be coordinated with the activities of the Federal Highway Administration and the various other research, development, and technology transfer activities authorized under this chapter.”
.
SEC. 52005.

STATE PLANNING AND RESEARCH.
Section 505 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking “section 104 (other than sections 104(f) and 104(h)) and under section 144” and inserting “paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 104(b)”; and
(B)
in paragraph (3) by striking “under section 303” and inserting “, plans, and processes under sections 119, 148, 149, and 167”;
(2)
by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively;
(3)
by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
“(c)

Implementation of Future Strategic Highway Research Program Findings and Results.
“(1)

Funds.
A State shall make available to the Secretary to carry out section 503(c)(2)(C) a percentage of funds subject to subsection (a) that are apportioned to that State, that is agreed to by ¾ of States for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
“(2)

Treatment of funds.
Funds expended under paragraph (1) shall not be considered to be part of the extramural budget of the agency for the purpose of section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638).”
; and
(4)
in subsection (e) (as so redesignated) by striking “section 118(b)(2)” and inserting “section 118(b)”.
SEC. 52006.

INTERNATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM.
(a)

In General.—
Section 506 of title 23, United States Code, is repealed.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 506.
SEC. 52007.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM.
(a)

In General.—
Section 507 of title 23, United States Code, is repealed.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 507.
SEC. 52008.

NATIONAL COOPERATIVE FREIGHT RESEARCH.
(a)

In General.—
Section 509 of title 23, United States Code, is repealed.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 509.
SEC. 52009.

UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION CENTERS PROGRAM.
(a)

In General.—
Section 5505 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 5505.

University transportation centers program
“(a)

University Transportation Centers Program.
“(1)

Establishment and operation.
The Secretary shall make grants under this section to eligible nonprofit institutions of higher education to establish and operate university transportation centers.
“(2)

Role of centers.
The role of each university transportation center referred to in paragraph (1) shall be—
“(A)
to advance transportation expertise and technology in the varied disciplines that comprise the field of transportation through education, research, and technology transfer activities;
“(B)
to provide for a critical transportation knowledge base outside of the Department of Transportation; and
“(C)
to address critical workforce needs and educate the next generation of transportation leaders.
“(b)

Competitive Selection Process.
“(1)

Applications.
To receive a grant under this section, a nonprofit institution of higher education shall submit to the Secretary an application that is in such form and contains such information as the Secretary may require.
“(2)

Restriction.
A nonprofit institution of higher education or the lead institution of a consortium of nonprofit institutions of higher education, as applicable, that receives a grant for a national transportation center or a regional transportation center in a fiscal year shall not be eligible to receive as a lead institution or member of a consortium an additional grant in that fiscal year for a national transportation center or a regional transportation center.
“(3)

Coordination.
The Secretary shall solicit grant applications for national transportation centers, regional transportation centers, and Tier 1 university transportation centers with identical advertisement schedules and deadlines.
“(4)

General selection criteria.
“(A)

In general.
Except as otherwise provided by this section, the Secretary shall award grants under this section in nonexclusive candidate topic areas established by the Secretary that address the research priorities identified in section 503 of title 23.
“(B)

Criteria.
The Secretary, in consultation as appropriate with the Administrators of the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, shall select each recipient of a grant under this section through a competitive process based on the assessment of the Secretary relating to—
“(i)
the demonstrated ability of the recipient to address each specific topic area described in the research and strategic plans of the recipient;
“(ii)
the demonstrated research, technology transfer, and education resources available to the recipient to carry out this section;
“(iii)
the ability of the recipient to provide leadership in solving immediate and long-range national and regional transportation problems;
“(iv)
the ability of the recipient to carry out research, education, and technology transfer activities that are multimodal and multidisciplinary in scope;
“(v)
the demonstrated commitment of the recipient to carry out transportation workforce development programs through—
“(I)
degree-granting programs; and
“(II)
outreach activities to attract new entrants into the transportation field;
“(vi)
the demonstrated ability of the recipient to disseminate results and spur the implementation of transportation research and education programs through national or statewide continuing education programs;
“(vii)
the demonstrated commitment of the recipient to the use of peer review principles and other research best practices in the selection, management, and dissemination of research projects;
“(viii)
the strategic plan submitted by the recipient describing the proposed research to be carried out by the recipient and the performance metrics to be used in assessing the performance of the recipient in meeting the stated research, technology transfer, education, and outreach goals; and
“(ix)
the ability of the recipient to implement the proposed program in a cost-efficient manner, such as through cost sharing and overall reduced overhead, facilities, and administrative costs.
“(5)

Transparency.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall provide to each applicant, upon request, any materials, including copies of reviews (with any information that would identify a reviewer redacted), used in the evaluation process of the proposal of the applicant.
“(B)

Reports.
The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report describing the overall review process under paragraph (3) that includes—
“(i)
specific criteria of evaluation used in the review;
“(ii)
descriptions of the review process; and
“(iii)
explanations of the selected awards.
“(6)

Outside stakeholders.
The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, consult external stakeholders such as the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate and competitively review all proposals.
“(c)

Grants.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Transportation Research and Innovative Technology Act of 2012, the Secretary, in consultation as appropriate with the Administrators of the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, shall select grant recipients under subsection (b) and make grant amounts available to the selected recipients.
“(2)

National transportation centers.
“(A)

In general.
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall provide grants to 5 recipients that the Secretary determines best meet the criteria described in subsection (b)(3).
“(B)

Restrictions.
“(i)

In general.
For each fiscal year, a grant made available under this paragraph shall be $3,000,000 per recipient.
“(ii)

Focused research.
The grant recipients under this paragraph shall focus research on national transportation issues, as determined by the Secretary.
“(C)

Matching requirement.
“(i)

In general.
As a condition of receiving a grant under this paragraph, a grant recipient shall match 100 percent of the amounts made available under the grant.
“(ii)

Sources.
The matching amounts referred to in clause (i) may include amounts made available to the recipient under section 504(b) or 505 of title 23.
“(3)

Regional university transportation centers.
“(A)

Location of regional centers.
One regional university transportation center shall be located in each of the 10 Federal regions that comprise the Standard Federal Regions established by the Office of Management and Budget in the document entitled ‘Standard Federal Regions’ and dated April, 1974 (circular A-105).
“(B)

Selection criteria.
In conducting a competition under subsection (b), the Secretary shall provide grants to 10 recipients on the basis of—
“(i)
the criteria described in subsection (b)(3);
“(ii)
the location of the center within the Federal region to be served; and
“(iii)
whether the institution (or, in the case of consortium of institutions, the lead institution) demonstrates that the institution has a well-established, nationally recognized program in transportation research and education, as evidenced by—
“(I)
recent expenditures by the institution in highway or public transportation research;
“(II)
a historical track record of awarding graduate degrees in professional fields closely related to highways and public transportation; and
“(III)
an experienced faculty who specialize in professional fields closely related to highways and public transportation.
“(C)

Restrictions.
For each fiscal year, a grant made available under this paragraph shall be $2,750,000 for each recipient.
“(D)

Matching requirements.
“(i)

In general.
As a condition of receiving a grant under this paragraph, a grant recipient shall match 100 percent of the amounts made available under the grant.
“(ii)

Sources.
The matching amounts referred to in the clause (i) may include amounts made available to the recipient under section 504(b) or 505 of title 23.
“(E)

Focused research.
The Secretary shall make a grant to 1 of the 10 regional university transportation centers established under this paragraph for the purpose of furthering the objectives described in subsection (a)(2) in the field of comprehensive transportation safety.
“(4)

Tier 1 university transportation centers.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall provide grants of $1,500,000 each to not more than 20 recipients to carry out this paragraph.
“(B)

Restriction.
A lead institution of a consortium that receives a grant under paragraph (2) or (3) shall not be eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph.
“(C)

Matching requirement.
“(i)

In general.
Subject to clause (iii), as a condition of receiving a grant under this paragraph, a grant recipient shall match 50 percent of the amounts made available under the grant.
“(ii)

Sources.
The matching amounts referred to in clause (i) may include amounts made available to the recipient under section 504(b) or 505 of title 23.
“(iii)

Exemption.
This subparagraph shall not apply on a demonstration of financial hardship by the applicant institution.
“(D)

Focused research.
In awarding grants under this paragraph, consideration shall be given to minority institutions, as defined by section 365 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067k), or consortia that include such institutions that have demonstrated an ability in transportation-related research.
“(d)

Program Coordination.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall—
“(A)
coordinate the research, education, and technology transfer activities carried out by grant recipients under this section; and
“(B)
disseminate the results of that research through the establishment and operation of an information clearinghouse.
“(2)

Annual review and evaluation.
Not less frequently than annually, and consistent with the plan developed under section 508 of title 23, the Secretary shall—
“(A)
review and evaluate the programs carried out under this section by grant recipients; and
“(B)
submit to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report describing that review and evaluation.
“(3)

Program evaluation and oversight.
For each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014, the Secretary shall expend not more than 1½ percent of the amounts made available to the Secretary to carry out this section for any coordination, evaluation, and oversight activities of the Secretary under this section.
“(e)

Limitation on Availability of Amounts.
Amounts made available to the Secretary to carry out this section shall remain available for obligation by the Secretary for a period of 3 years after the last day of the fiscal year for which the amounts are appropriated.
“(f)

Information Collection.
Any survey, questionnaire, or interview that the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out reporting requirements relating to any program assessment or evaluation activity under this section, including customer satisfaction assessments, shall not be subject to chapter 35 of title 44.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 55 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 5505 and inserting the following:
“5505. University transportation centers program.”.
SEC. 52010.

UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH.
(a)

In General.—
Section 5506 of title 49, United States Code, is repealed.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 55 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 5506.
SEC. 52011.

BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS.
(a)

In General.—
Subtitle III of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“CHAPTER 63—

BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS
“Sec.
“6301.
Definitions.
“6302.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
“6303.
Intermodal transportation database.
“6304.
National Transportation Library.
“6305.
Advisory council on transportation statistics.
“6306.
Transportation statistical collection, analysis, and dissemination.
“6307.
Furnishing of information, data, or reports by Federal agencies.
“6308.
Proceeds of data product sales.
“6309.
National transportation atlas database.
“6310.
Limitations on statutory construction.
“6311.
Research and development grants.
“6312.
Transportation statistics annual report.
“6313.
Mandatory response authority for freight data collection.
“SEC. 6301.

Definitions
“In this chapter, the following definitions apply:
“(1)

Bureau.
The term ‘Bureau’ means the Bureau of Transportation Statistics established by section 6302(a).
“(2)

Department.
The term ‘Department’ means the Department of Transportation.
“(3)

Director.
The term ‘Director’ means the Director of the Bureau.
“(4)

Library.
The term ‘Library’ means the National Transportation Library established by section 6304(a).
“(5)

Secretary.
The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of Transportation.
“SEC. 6302.

Bureau of Transportation Statistics
“(a)

Establishment.
There is established in the Research and Innovative Technology Administration the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
“(b)

Director.
“(1)

Appointment.
The Bureau shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed in the competitive service by the Secretary.
“(2)

Qualifications.
The Director shall be appointed from among individuals who are qualified to serve as the Director by virtue of their training and experience in the collection, analysis, and use of transportation statistics.
“(3)

Duties.
“(A)

In general.
The Director shall—
“(i)
serve as the senior advisor to the Secretary on data and statistics; and
“(ii)
be responsible for carrying out the duties described in subparagraph (B).
“(B)

Duties.
The Director shall—
“(i)
ensure that the statistics compiled under clause (vi) are designed to support transportation decisionmaking by—
“(I)
the Federal Government;
“(II)
State and local governments;
“(III)
metropolitan planning organizations;
“(IV)
transportation-related associations;
“(V)
the private sector, including the freight community; and
“(VI)
the public;
“(ii)
establish on behalf of the Secretary a program—
“(I)
to effectively integrate safety data across modes; and
“(II)
to address gaps in existing safety data programs of the Department;
“(iii)
work with the operating administrations of the Department—
“(I)
to establish and implement the data programs of the Bureau; and
“(II)
to improve the coordination of information collection efforts with other Federal agencies;
“(iv)
continually improve surveys and data collection methods of the Department to improve the accuracy and utility of transportation statistics;
“(v)
encourage the standardization of data, data collection methods, and data management and storage technologies for data collected by—
“(I)
the Bureau;
“(II)
the operating administrations of the Department;
“(III)
State and local governments;
“(IV)
metropolitan planning organizations; and
“(V)
private sector entities;
“(vi)
collect, compile, analyze, and publish a comprehensive set of transportation statistics on the performance and impacts of the national transportation system, including statistics on—
“(I)
transportation safety across all modes and intermodally;
“(II)
the state of good repair of United States transportation infrastructure;
“(III)
the extent, connectivity, and condition of the transportation system, building on the national transportation atlas database developed under section 6310;
“(IV)
economic efficiency across the entire transportation sector;
“(V)
the effects of the transportation system on global and domestic economic competitiveness;
“(VI)
demographic, economic, and other variables influencing travel behavior, including choice of transportation mode and goods movement;
“(VII)
transportation-related variables that influence the domestic economy and global competitiveness;
“(VIII)
economic costs and impacts for passenger travel and freight movement;
“(IX)
intermodal and multimodal passenger movement;
“(X)
intermodal and multimodal freight movement; and
“(XI)
consequences of transportation for the human and natural environment;
“(vii)
build and disseminate the transportation layer of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure developed under Executive Order 12906 (59 Fed. Reg. 17671) (or a successor Executive Order), including by coordinating the development of transportation geospatial data standards, compiling intermodal geospatial data, and collecting geospatial data that is not being collected by other entities;
“(viii)
issue guidelines for the collection of information by the Department that the Director determines necessary to develop transportation statistics and carry out modeling, economic assessment, and program assessment activities to ensure that such information is accurate, reliable, relevant, uniform, and in a form that permits systematic analysis by the Department;
“(ix)
review and report to the Secretary on the sources and reliability of—
“(I)
the statistics proposed by the heads of the operating administrations of the Department to measure outputs and outcomes as required by the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (Public Law 103-62;107 Stat. 285); and
“(II)
at the request of the Secretary, any other data collected or statistical information published by the heads of the operating administrations of the Department; and
“(x)
ensure that the statistics published under this section are readily accessible to the public, consistent with applicable security constraints and confidentiality interests.
“(c)

Access to Federal Data.
In carrying out subsection (b)(3)(B)(ii), the Director shall be given access to all safety data that the Director determines necessary to carry out that subsection that is held by the Department or any other Federal agency upon written request and subject to any statutory or regulatory restrictions.
“SEC. 6303.

Intermodal transportation database
“(a)

In General.
In consultation with the Under Secretary Transportation for Policy, the Assistant Secretaries of the Department, and the heads of the operating administrations of the Department, the Director shall establish and maintain a transportation database for all modes of transportation.
“(b)

Use.
The database established under this section shall be suitable for analyses carried out by the Federal Government, the States, and metropolitan planning organizations.
“(c)

Contents.
The database established under this section shall include—
“(1)
information on the volumes and patterns of movement of goods, including local, interregional, and international movement, by all modes of transportation, intermodal combinations, and relevant classification;
“(2)
information on the volumes and patterns of movement of people, including local, interregional, and international movements, by all modes of transportation (including bicycle and pedestrian modes), intermodal combinations, and relevant classification;
“(3)
information on the location and connectivity of transportation facilities and services; and
“(4)
a national accounting of expenditures and capital stocks on each mode of transportation and intermodal combination.
“SEC. 6304.

National Transportation Library
“(a)

Purpose and Establishment.
To support the information management and decisionmaking needs of transportation officials at the Federal, State, and local levels, there is established in the Bureau a National Transportation Library which shall—
“(1)
be headed by an individual who is highly qualified in library and information science;
“(2)
acquire, preserve, and manage transportation information and information products and services for use by the Department, other Federal agencies, and the general public;
“(3)
provide reference and research assistance;
“(4)
serve as a central depository for research results and technical publications of the Department;
“(5)
provide a central clearinghouse for transportation data and information of the Federal Government;
“(6)
serve as coordinator and policy lead for transportation information access;
“(7)
provide transportation information and information products and services to—
“(A)
the Department;
“(B)
other Federal agencies;
“(C)
public and private organizations; and
“(D)
individuals, within the United States and internationally;
“(8)
coordinate efforts among, and cooperate with, transportation libraries, information providers, and technical assistance centers, in conjunction with private industry and other transportation library and information centers, with the goal of developing a comprehensive transportation information and knowledge network that supports the activities described in section 6302(b)(3)(B)(vi); and
“(9)
engage in such other activities as the Director determines to be necessary and as the resources of the Library permit.
“(b)

Access.
The Director shall publicize, facilitate, and promote access to the information products and services described in subsection (a), to improve the ability of the transportation community to share information and the ability of the Director to make statistics and other information readily accessible as required under section 6302(b)(3)(B)(x).
“(c)

Agreements.
“(1)

In general.
To carry out this section, the Director may enter into agreements with, award grants to, and receive amounts from, any—
“(A)
State or local government;
“(B)
organization;
“(C)
business; or
“(D)
individual.
“(2)

Contracts, grants, and agreements.
The Library may initiate and support specific information and data management, access, and exchange activities in connection with matters relating to the Department’s strategic goals, knowledge networking, and national and international cooperation, by entering into contracts or other agreements or awarding grants for the conduct of such activities.
“(3)

Amounts.
Any amounts received by the Library as payment for library products and services or other activities shall be made available to the Director to carry out this section, deposited in the Research and Innovative Technology Administration’s general fund account, and remain available until expended.
“SEC. 6305.

Advisory council on transportation statistics
“(a)

In General.
The Director shall establish and consult with an advisory council on transportation statistics.
“(b)

Function.
The advisory council established under this section shall advise the Director on—
“(1)
the quality, reliability, consistency, objectivity, and relevance of transportation statistics and analyses collected, supported, or disseminated by the Bureau and the Department; and
“(2)
methods to encourage cooperation and interoperability of transportation data collected by the Bureau, the operating administrations of the Department, States, local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and private sector entities.
“(c)

Membership.
“(1)

In general.
The advisory council shall be composed of not fewer than 9 and not more than 11 members appointed by the Director.
“(2)

Selection.
In selecting members for the advisory council, the Director shall appoint individuals who—
“(A)
are not officers or employees of the United States;
“(B)
possess expertise in—
“(i)
transportation data collection, analysis, or application;
“(ii)
economics; or
“(iii)
transportation safety; and
“(C)
represent a cross section of transportation stakeholders, to the greatest extent possible.
“(d)

Terms of Appointment.
“(1)

In general.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), members of the advisory council shall be appointed to staggered terms not to exceed 3 years.
“(2)

Additional terms.
A member may be renominated for 1 additional 3-year term.
“(3)

Current members.
A member serving on an advisory council on transportation statistics on the day before the date of enactment of the Transportation Research and Innovative Technology Act of 2012 shall serve until the end of the appointed term of the member.
“(e)

Applicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.
The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the advisory council established under this section, except that section 14 of that Act shall not apply.
“SEC. 6306.

Transportation statistical collection, analysis, and dissemination
“To ensure that all transportation statistical collection, analysis, and dissemination is carried out in a coordinated manner, the Director may—
“(1)
use the services, equipment, records, personnel, information, and facilities of other Federal agencies, or State, local, and private agencies and instrumentalities, subject to the conditions that the applicable agency or instrumentality consents to that use and with or without reimbursement for such use;
“(2)
enter into agreements with the agencies and instrumentalities described in paragraph (1) for purposes of data collection and analysis;
“(3)
confer and cooperate with foreign governments, international organizations, and State, municipal, and other local agencies;
“(4)
request such information, data, and reports from any Federal agency as the Director determines necessary to carry out this chapter;
“(5)
encourage replication, coordination, and sharing of information among transportation agencies regarding information systems, information policy, and data; and
“(6)
confer and cooperate with Federal statistical agencies as the Director determines necessary to carry out this chapter, including by entering into cooperative data sharing agreements in conformity with all laws and regulations applicable to the disclosure and use of data.
“SEC. 6307.

Furnishing of information, data, or reports by Federal agencies
“(a)

In General.
Except as provided in subsection (b), a Federal agency requested to furnish information, data, or reports by the Director under section 6302(b)(3)(B) shall provide the information to the Director.
“(b)

Prohibition on Certain Disclosures.
“(1)

In general.
An officer, employee, or contractor of the Bureau may not—
“(A)
make any disclosure in which the data provided by an individual or organization under section 6302(b)(3)(B) can be identified;
“(B)
use the information provided under section 6302(b)(3)(B) for a nonstatistical purpose; or
“(C)
permit anyone other than an individual authorized by the Director to examine any individual report provided under section 6302(b)(3)(B).
“(2)

Copies of reports.
“(A)

In general.
No department, bureau, agency, officer, or employee of the United States (except the Director in carrying out this chapter) may require, for any reason, a copy of any report that has been filed under section 6302(b)(3)(B) with the Bureau or retained by an individual respondent.
“(B)

Limitation on judicial proceedings.
A copy of a report described in subparagraph (A) that has been retained by an individual respondent or filed with the Bureau or any of the employees, contractors, or agents of the Bureau—
“(i)
shall be immune from legal process; and
“(ii)
shall not, without the consent of the individual concerned, be admitted as evidence or used for any purpose in any action, suit, or other judicial or administrative proceedings.
“(C)

Applicability.
This paragraph shall apply only to reports that permit information concerning an individual or organization to be reasonably determined by direct or indirect means.
“(3)

Informing respondent of use of data.
If the Bureau is authorized by statute to collect data or information for a nonstatistical purpose, the Director shall clearly distinguish the collection of the data or information, by rule and on the collection instrument, in a manner that informs the respondent who is requested or required to supply the data or information of the nonstatistical purpose.
“(c)

Transportation and Transportation-related Data Access.
The Director shall be provided access to any transportation and transportation-related information in the possession of any Federal agency, except—
“(1)
information that is expressly prohibited by law from being disclosed to another Federal agency; or
“(2)
information that the agency possessing the information determines could not be disclosed without significantly impairing the discharge of authorities and responsibilities which have been delegated to, or vested by law, in such agency.
“SEC. 6308.

Proceeds of data product sales
“Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, amounts received by the Bureau from the sale of data products for necessary expenses incurred may be credited to the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the purpose of reimbursing the Bureau for those expenses.
“SEC. 6309.

National transportation atlas database
“(a)

In General.
The Director shall develop and maintain a national transportation atlas database that is comprised of geospatial databases that depict—
“(1)
transportation networks;
“(2)
flows of people, goods, vehicles, and craft over the transportation networks; and
“(3)
social, economic, and environmental conditions that affect or are affected by the transportation networks.
“(b)

Intermodal Network Analysis.
The databases referred to in subsection (a) shall be capable of supporting intermodal network analysis.
“SEC. 6310.

Limitations on statutory construction
“Nothing in this chapter—
“(1)
authorizes the Bureau to require any other Federal agency to collect data; or
“(2)
alters or diminishes the authority of any other officer of the Department to collect and disseminate data independently.
“SEC. 6311.

Research and development grants
“The Secretary may make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, public and nonprofit private entities (including State transportation departments, metropolitan planning organizations, and institutions of higher education) for—
“(1)
investigation of the subjects described in section 6302(b)(3)(B)(vi);
“(2)
research and development of new methods of data collection, standardization, management, integration, dissemination, interpretation, and analysis;
“(3)
demonstration programs by States, local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations to coordinate data collection, reporting, management, storage, and archiving to simplify data comparisons across jurisdictions;
“(4)
development of electronic clearinghouses of transportation data and related information, as part of the Library; and
“(5)
development and improvement of methods for sharing geographic data, in support of the database under section 6310 and the National Spatial Data Infrastructure developed under Executive Order 12906 (59 Fed. Reg. 17671) (or a successor Executive Order).
“SEC. 6312.

Transportation statistics annual report
“The Director shall submit to the President and Congress a transportation statistics annual report, which shall include—
“(1)
information on the progress of the Director in carrying out the duties described in section 6302(b)(3)(B);
“(2)
documentation of the methods used to obtain and ensure the quality of the statistics presented in the report; and
“(3)
any recommendations of the Director for improving transportation statistical information.
“SEC. 6313.

Mandatory response authority for freight data collection
“(a)

Freight Data Collection.
“(1)

In general.
An owner, official, agent, person in charge, or assistant to the person in charge of a freight corporation, company, business, institution, establishment, or organization described in paragraph (2) shall be fined in accordance with subsection (b) if that individual neglects or refuses, when requested by the Director or other authorized officer, employee, or contractor of the Bureau to submit data under section 6302(b)(3)(B)—
“(A)
to answer completely and correctly to the best knowledge of that individual all questions relating to the corporation, company, business, institution, establishment, or other organization; or
“(B)
to make available records or statistics in the official custody of the individual.
“(2)

Description of entities.
A freight corporation, company, business, institution, establishment, or organization referred to in paragraph (1) is a corporation, company, business, institution, establishment, or organization that—
“(A)
receives Federal funds relating to the freight program; and
“(B)
has consented to be subject to a fine under this subsection on—
“(i)
refusal to supply any data requested; or
“(ii)
failure to respond to a written request.
“(b)

Fines.
“(1)

In general.
Subject to paragraph (2), an individual described in subsection (a) shall be fined not more than $500.
“(2)

Willful actions.
If an individual willfully gives a false answer to a question described in subsection (a)(1), the individual shall be fined not more than $10,000.”
.
(b)
[49 U.S.C. 6301 note]

Rules of Construction.—
If the provisions of section 111 of title 49, United States Code, are transferred to chapter 63 of that title, the following rules of construction apply:
(1)
For purposes of determining whether 1 provision of law supersedes another based on enactment later in time, a chapter 63 provision is deemed to have been enacted on the date of enactment of the corresponding section 111 provision.
(2)
A reference to a section 111 provision, including a reference in a regulation, order, or other law, is deemed to refer to the corresponding chapter 63 provision.
(3)
A regulation, order, or other administrative action in effect under a section 111 provision continues in effect under the corresponding chapter 63 provision.
(4)
An action taken or an offense committed under a section 111 provision is deemed to have been taken or committed under the corresponding chapter 63 provision.
(c)

Conforming Amendments.—
(1)

Repeal.—
Section 111 of title 49, United States Code, is repealed, and the item relating to section 111 in the analysis for chapter 1 of that title is deleted.
(2)

Analysis for subtitle iii.—
The analysis for subtitle III of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the items for chapter 61 the following:
“Chapter 63—Bureau of Transportation Statistics.”.
SEC. 52012.

ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY.
Section 112 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(f)

Program Evaluation and Oversight.
For each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014, the Administrator is authorized to expend not more than 1½ percent of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for necessary expenses for administration and operations of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration for the coordination, evaluation, and oversight of the programs administered by the Administration.
“(g)

Collaborative Research and Development.
“(1)

In general.
To encourage innovative solutions to multimodal transportation problems and stimulate the deployment of new technology, the Administrator may carry out, on a cost-shared basis, collaborative research and development with—
“(A)
non-Federal entities, including State and local governments, foreign governments, institutions of higher education, corporations, institutions, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and trade associations that are incorporated or established under the laws of any State;
“(B)
Federal laboratories; and
“(C)
other Federal agencies.
“(2)

Cooperation, grants, contracts, and agreements.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator may directly initiate contracts, grants, cooperative research and development agreements (as defined in section 12 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a)), and other agreements to fund, and accept funds from, the Transportation Research Board of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, State departments of transportation, cities, counties, institutions of higher education, associations, and the agents of those entities to carry out joint transportation research and technology efforts.
“(3)

Federal share.
“(A)

In general.
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out under paragraph (2) shall not exceed 50 percent.
“(B)

Exception.
If the Secretary determines that the activity is of substantial public interest or benefit, the Secretary may approve a greater Federal share.
“(C)

Non-federal share.
All costs directly incurred by the non-Federal partners, including personnel, travel, facility, and hardware development costs, shall be credited toward the non-Federal share of the cost of an activity described in subparagraph (A).
“(4)

Use of technology.
The research, development, or use of a technology under a contract, grant, cooperative research and development agreement, or other agreement entered into under this subsection, including the terms under which the technology may be licensed and the resulting royalties may be distributed, shall be subject to the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.).
“(5)

Waiver of advertising requirements.
Section 6101 of title 41 shall not apply to a contract, grant, or other agreement entered into under this section.”
.
SEC. 52013.

TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLANNING.
Section 508(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking “SAFETEA-LU” and inserting “Transportation Research and Innovative Technology Act of 2012”; and
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
“(A)
describe the primary purposes of the transportation research and development program, which shall include, at a minimum—
“(i)
promoting safety;
“(ii)
reducing congestion and improving mobility;
“(iii)
preserving the environment;
“(iv)
preserving the existing transportation system;
“(v)
improving the durability and extending the life of transportation infrastructure; and
“(vi)
improving goods movement.”
.
TITLE III—

INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH
SEC. 53001.

USE OF FUNDS FOR ITS ACTIVITIES.
Section 513 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 513.

Use of funds for ITS activities
“(a)

Definitions.
In this section, the following definitions apply:
“(1)

Eligible entity.
The term ‘eligible entity’ means a State or local government, tribal government, transit agency, public toll authority, metropolitan planning organization, other political subdivision of a State or local government, or a multistate or multijurisdictional group applying through a single lead applicant.
“(2)

Multijurisdictional group.
The term ‘multijurisdictional group’ means a combination of State governments, local governments, metropolitan planning agencies, transit agencies, or other political subdivisions of a State that—
“(A)
have signed a written agreement to implement an activity that meets the grant criteria under this section; and
“(B)
is comprised of at least 2 members, each of whom is an eligible entity.
“(b)

Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to develop, administer, communicate, and promote the use of products of research, technology, and technology transfer programs.
“(c)

ITS Adoption.
“(1)

Innovative technologies and strategies.
The Secretary shall encourage the deployment of ITS technologies that will improve the performance of the National Highway System in such areas as traffic operations, emergency response, incident management, surface transportation network management, freight management, traffic flow information, and congestion management by accelerating the adoption of innovative technologies through the use of—
“(A)
demonstration programs;
“(B)
grant funding;
“(C)
incentives to eligible entities; and
“(D)
other tools, strategies, or methods that will result in the deployment of innovative ITS technologies.
“(2)

Comprehensive plan.
To carry out this section, the Secretary shall develop a detailed and comprehensive plan that addresses the manner in which incentives may be adopted, as appropriate, through the existing deployment activities carried out by surface transportation modal administrations.”
.
SEC. 53002.

GOALS AND PURPOSES.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 513 the following:
“SEC. 514.

Goals and purposes
“(a)

Goals.
The goals of the intelligent transportation system program include—
“(1)
enhancement of surface transportation efficiency and facilitation of intermodalism and international trade to enable existing facilities to meet a significant portion of future transportation needs, including public access to employment, goods, and services and to reduce regulatory, financial, and other transaction costs to public agencies and system users;
“(2)
achievement of national transportation safety goals, including enhancement of safe operation of motor vehicles and nonmotorized vehicles and improved emergency response to collisions, with particular emphasis on decreasing the number and severity of collisions;
“(3)
protection and enhancement of the natural environment and communities affected by surface transportation, with particular emphasis on assisting State and local governments to achieve national environmental goals;
“(4)
accommodation of the needs of all users of surface transportation systems, including operators of commercial motor vehicles, passenger motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians (including individuals with disabilities); and
“(5)
enhancement of national defense mobility and improvement of the ability of the United States to respond to security-related or other manmade emergencies and natural disasters.
“(b)

Purposes.
The Secretary shall implement activities under the intelligent transportation system program, at a minimum—
“(1)
to expedite, in both metropolitan and rural areas, deployment and integration of intelligent transportation systems for consumers of passenger and freight transportation;
“(2)
to ensure that Federal, State, and local transportation officials have adequate knowledge of intelligent transportation systems for consideration in the transportation planning process;
“(3)
to improve regional cooperation and operations planning for effective intelligent transportation system deployment;
“(4)
to promote the innovative use of private resources in support of intelligent transportation system development;
“(5)
to facilitate, in cooperation with the motor vehicle industry, the introduction of vehicle-based safety enhancing systems;
“(6)
to support the application of intelligent transportation systems that increase the safety and efficiency of commercial motor vehicle operations;
“(7)
to develop a workforce capable of developing, operating, and maintaining intelligent transportation systems;
“(8)
to provide continuing support for operations and maintenance of intelligent transportation systems; and
“(9)
to ensure a systems approach that includes cooperation among vehicles, infrastructure, and users.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to section 513 the following:
“514. Goals and purposes.”.
SEC. 53003.

GENERAL AUTHORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 514 (as added by section 53002) the following:
“SEC. 515.

General authorities and requirements
“(a)

Scope.
Subject to the provisions of this chapter, the Secretary shall conduct an ongoing intelligent transportation system program—
“(1)
to research, develop, and operationally test intelligent transportation systems; and
“(2)
to provide technical assistance in the nationwide application of those systems as a component of the surface transportation systems of the United States.
“(b)

Policy.
Intelligent transportation system research projects and operational tests funded pursuant to this chapter shall encourage and not displace public-private partnerships or private sector investment in those tests and projects.
“(c)

Cooperation With Governmental, Private, and Educational Entities.
The Secretary shall carry out the intelligent transportation system program in cooperation with State and local governments and other public entities, the private sector firms of the United States, the Federal laboratories, and institutions of higher education, including historically Black colleges and universities and other minority institutions of higher education.
“(d)

Consultation With Federal Officials.
In carrying out the intelligent transportation system program, the Secretary shall consult with the heads of other Federal agencies, as appropriate.
“(e)

Technical Assistance, Training, and Information.
The Secretary may provide technical assistance, training, and information to State and local governments seeking to implement, operate, maintain, or evaluate intelligent transportation system technologies and services.
“(f)

Transportation Planning.
The Secretary may provide funding to support adequate consideration of transportation systems management and operations, including intelligent transportation systems, within metropolitan and statewide transportation planning processes.
“(g)

Information Clearinghouse.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall—
“(A)
maintain a repository for technical and safety data collected as a result of federally sponsored projects carried out under this chapter; and
“(B)
make, on request, that information (except for proprietary information and data) readily available to all users of the repository at an appropriate cost.
“(2)

Agreement.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary may enter into an agreement with a third party for the maintenance of the repository for technical and safety data under paragraph (1)(A).
“(B)

Federal financial assistance.
If the Secretary enters into an agreement with an entity for the maintenance of the repository, the entity shall be eligible for Federal financial assistance under this section.
“(3)

Availability of information.
Information in the repository shall not be subject to sections 552 and 555 of title 5, United States Code.
“(h)

Advisory Committee.
“(1)

In general.
The Secretary shall establish an Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on carrying out this chapter.
“(2)

Membership.
The Advisory Committee shall have no more than 20 members, be balanced between metropolitan and rural interests, and include, at a minimum—
“(A)
a representative from a State highway department;
“(B)
a representative from a local highway department who is not from a metropolitan planning organization;
“(C)
a representative from a State, local, or regional transit agency;
“(D)
a representative from a metropolitan planning organization;
“(E)
a private sector user of intelligent transportation system technologies;
“(F)
an academic researcher with expertise in computer science or another information science field related to intelligent transportation systems, and who is not an expert on transportation issues;
“(G)
an academic researcher who is a civil engineer;
“(H)
an academic researcher who is a social scientist with expertise in transportation issues;
“(I)
a representative from a nonprofit group representing the intelligent transportation system industry;
“(J)
a representative from a public interest group concerned with safety;
“(K)
a representative from a public interest group concerned with the impact of the transportation system on land use and residential patterns; and
“(L)
members with expertise in planning, safety, telecommunications, utilities, and operations.
“(3)

Duties.
The Advisory Committee shall, at a minimum, perform the following duties:
“(A)
Provide input into the development of the intelligent transportation system aspects of the strategic plan under section 508.
“(B)
Review, at least annually, areas of intelligent transportation systems research being considered for funding by the Department, to determine—
“(i)
whether these activities are likely to advance either the state-of-the-practice or state-of-the-art in intelligent transportation systems;
“(ii)
whether the intelligent transportation system technologies are likely to be deployed by users, and if not, to determine the barriers to deployment; and
“(iii)
the appropriate roles for government and the private sector in investing in the research and technologies being considered.
“(4)

Report.
Not later than February 1 of each year after the date of enactment of the Transportation Research and Innovative Technology Act of 2012, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes—
“(A)
all recommendations made by the Advisory Committee during the preceding calendar year;
“(B)
an explanation of the manner in which the Secretary has implemented those recommendations; and
“(C)
for recommendations not implemented, the reasons for rejecting the recommendations.
“(5)

Applicability of federal advisory committee act.
The Advisory Committee shall be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
“(i)

Reporting.
“(1)

Guidelines and requirements.
“(A)

In general.
The Secretary shall issue guidelines and requirements for the reporting and evaluation of operational tests and deployment projects carried out under this chapter.
“(B)

Objectivity and independence.
The guidelines and requirements issued under subparagraph (A) shall include provisions to ensure the objectivity and independence of the reporting entity so as to avoid any real or apparent conflict of interest or potential influence on the outcome by parties to any such test or deployment project or by any other formal evaluation carried out under this chapter.
“(C)

Funding.
The guidelines and requirements issued under subparagraph (A) shall establish reporting funding levels based on the size and scope of each test or project that ensure adequate reporting of the results of the test or project.
“(2)

Special rule.
Any survey, questionnaire, or interview that the Secretary considers necessary to carry out the reporting of any test, deployment project, or program assessment activity under this chapter shall not be subject to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to section 514 (as added by section 53002) the following:
“515. General authorities and requirements.”.
SEC. 53004.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 515 (as added by section 53003) the following:
“SEC. 516.

Research and development
“(a)

In General.
The Secretary shall carry out a comprehensive program of intelligent transportation system research and development, and operational tests of intelligent vehicles, intelligent infrastructure systems, and other similar activities that are necessary to carry out this chapter.
“(b)

Priority Areas.
Under the program, the Secretary shall give higher priority to funding projects that—
“(1)
enhance mobility and productivity through improved traffic management, incident management, transit management, freight management, road weather management, toll collection, traveler information, or highway operations systems and remote sensing products;
“(2)
use interdisciplinary approaches to develop traffic management strategies and tools to address multiple impacts of congestion concurrently;
“(3)
address traffic management, incident management, transit management, toll collection traveler information, or highway operations systems;
“(4)
incorporate research on the potential impact of environmental, weather, and natural conditions on intelligent transportation systems, including the effects of cold climates;
“(5)
enhance intermodal use of intelligent transportation systems for diverse groups, including for emergency and health-related services;
“(6)
enhance safety through improved crash avoidance and protection, crash and other notification, commercial motor vehicle operations, and infrastructure-based or cooperative safety systems; or
“(7)
facilitate the integration of intelligent infrastructure, vehicle, and control technologies.
“(c)

Federal Share.
The Federal share payable on account of any project or activity carried out under subsection (a) shall not exceed 80 percent.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to section 515 (as added by section 53003) the following:
“516. Research and development.”.
SEC. 53005.

NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AND STANDARDS.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 516 (as added by section 53004) the following:
“SEC. 517.

National architecture and standards
“(a)

In General.
“(1)

Development, implementation, and maintenance.
In accordance with section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note; 110 Stat. 783; 115 Stat. 1241), the Secretary shall develop and maintain a national ITS architecture and supporting ITS standards and protocols to promote the use of systems engineering methods in the widespread deployment and evaluation of intelligent transportation systems as a component of the surface transportation systems of the United States.
“(2)

Interoperability and efficiency.
To the maximum extent practicable, the national ITS architecture and supporting ITS standards and protocols shall promote interoperability among, and efficiency of, intelligent transportation systems and technologies implemented throughout the United States.
“(3)

Use of standards development organizations.
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall support the development and maintenance of standards and protocols using the services of such standards development organizations as the Secretary determines to be necessary and whose memberships are comprised of, and represent, the surface transportation and intelligent transportation systems industries.
“(b)

Standards for National Policy Implementation.
If the Secretary finds that a standard is necessary for implementation of a nationwide policy relating to user fee collection or other capability requiring nationwide uniformity, the Secretary, after consultation with stakeholders, may establish and require the use of that standard.
“(c)

Provisional Standards.
“(1)

In general.
If the Secretary finds that the development or balloting of an intelligent transportation system standard jeopardizes the timely achievement of the objectives described in subsection (a), the Secretary may establish a provisional standard, after consultation with affected parties, using, to the maximum extent practicable, the work product of appropriate standards development organizations.
“(2)

Period of effectiveness.
A provisional standard established under paragraph (1) shall be published in the Federal Register and remain in effect until the appropriate standards development organization adopts and publishes a standard.
“(d)

Conformity With National Architecture.
“(1)

In general.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall ensure that intelligent transportation system projects carried out using amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund, including amounts made available to deploy intelligent transportation systems, conform to the appropriate regional ITS architecture, applicable standards, and protocols developed under subsection (a) or (c).
“(2)

Discretion of the secretary.
The Secretary, at the discretion of the Secretary, may offer an exemption from paragraph (1) for projects designed to achieve specific research objectives outlined in the national intelligent transportation system program plan or the surface transportation research and development strategic plan developed under section 508.”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to section 516 (as added by section 53004) the following:
“517. National architecture and standards.”.
SEC. 53006.

VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE AND VEHICLE-TO-INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS DEPLOYMENT.
(a)

In General.—
Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 517 (as added by section 53005) the following:
“SEC. 518.

Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications systems deployment
“(a)

In General.
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, and Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives that—
“(1)
assesses the status of dedicated short-range communications technology and applications developed through research and development;
“(2)
analyzes the known and potential gaps in short-range communications technology and applications;
“(3)
defines a recommended implementation path for dedicated short-range communications technology and applications that—
“(A)
is based on the assessment described in paragraph (1); and
“(B)
takes into account the analysis described in paragraph (2);
“(4)
includes guidance on the relationship of the proposed deployment of dedicated short-range communications to the National ITS Architecture and ITS Standards; and
“(5)
ensures competition by not preferencing the use of any particular frequency for vehicle to infrastructure operations.
“(b)

Report Review.
The Secretary shall enter into agreements with the National Research Council and an independent third party with subject matter expertise for the review of the report described in subsection (a).”
.
(b)

Conforming Amendment.—
The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 517 (as added by section 53005) the following:
“518. Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications systems deployment.”.
DIVISION F—

MISCELLANEOUS
TITLE I—

REAUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN PROGRAMS
Subtitle A—

Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-determination Program
SEC. 100101.

SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY SELF-DETERMINATION PROGRAM.
(a)

Amendments.—
The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
[16 U.S.C. 7102]
in section 3(11)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by striking “and” after the semicolon at the end;
(B)
in subparagraph (B)—
(i)
by striking “fiscal year 2009 and each fiscal year thereafter” and inserting “each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011”; and
(ii)
by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
“(C)
for fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter, the amount that is equal to 95 percent of the full funding amount for the preceding fiscal year.”
;
(2)
[16 U.S.C. 7111et]
in sections 101, 102, 203, 207, 208, 304, and 402, by striking “2011” each place it appears and inserting “2012”;
(3)
[16 U.S.C. 7112]
in section 102—
(A)
by striking “2008” each place it appears and inserting “2012”;
(B)
in subsection (b)(2)(B), by inserting “in 2012” before “, the election”; and
(C)
in subsection (d)—
(i)
in paragraph (1)(A), by striking “paragraph (3)(B)” and inserting “subparagraph (D)”; and
(ii)
in paragraph (3)—
(I)
by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
“(A)

Notification.
The Governor of each eligible State shall notify the Secretary concerned of an election by an eligible county under this subsection not later than September 30, 2012, and each September 30 thereafter for each succeeding fiscal year.”
;
(II)
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (D) and moving the subparagraph so as to appear at the end of paragraph (1) of subsection (d); and
(III)
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
“(B)

Failure to elect.
If the Governor of an eligible State fails to notify the Secretary concerned of the election for an eligible county by the date specified in subparagraph (A)—
“(i)
the eligible county shall be considered to have elected to expend 80 percent of the funds in accordance with paragraph (1)(A); and
“(ii)
the remainder shall be available to the Secretary concerned to carry out projects in the eligible county to further the purpose described in section 202(b).”
;
(4)
[16 U.S.C. 7113]
in section 103(d)(2), by striking “fiscal year 2011” and inserting “each of fiscal years 2011 and 2012”;
(5)
[16 U.S.C. 7122]
in section 202, by adding at the end the following:
“(c)

Administrative Expenses.
A resource advisory committee may, in accordance with section 203, propose to use not more than 10 percent of the project funds of an eligible county for any fiscal year for administrative expenses associated with operating the resource advisory committee under this title.”
;
(6)
[16 U.S.C. 7124]
in section 204(e)(3)(B)(iii), by striking “and 2011” and inserting “through 2012”;
(7)
[16 U.S.C. 7125]
in section 205(a)(4), by striking “2006” each place it appears and inserting “2011”;
(8)
[16 U.S.C. 7128]
in section 208(b), by striking “2012” and inserting “2013”;
(9)
[16 U.S.C. 7142]
in section 302(a)(2)(A), by inserting “and” after the semicolon; and
(10)
[16 U.S.C. 7144]
in section 304(b), by striking “2012” and inserting “2013”.
(b)

Failure To Make Election.—
For each county that failed to make an election for fiscal year 2011 in accordance with section 102(d)(3)(A) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7112(d)(3)(A)), there shall be available to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out projects to further the purpose described in section 202(b) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 7122(b)), from amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the amount that is equal to 15 percent of the total share of the State payment that otherwise would have been made to the county under that Act for fiscal year 2011.
Subtitle B—

Payment in Lieu of Taxes Program
SEC. 100111.

PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES.
Section 6906 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking “2012” and inserting “2013”.
Subtitle C—

Offsets
SEC. 100121.

PHASED RETIREMENT AUTHORITY.
(a)

CSRS.—
Chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
[5 U.S.C. 8331]
in section 8331—
(A)
in paragraph (30) by striking “and” at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (31) by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
“(32)
‘Director’ means the Director of the Office of Personnel Management.”
;
(2)
by inserting after section 8336 the following:
“SEC. 8336a.

Phased retirement
“(a)
For the purposes of this section—
“(1)
the term ‘composite retirement annuity’ means the annuity computed when a phased retiree attains full retirement status;
“(2)
the term ‘full retirement status’ means that a phased retiree has ceased employment and is entitled, upon application, to a composite retirement annuity;
“(3)
the term ‘phased employment’ means the less-than-full-time employment of a phased retiree;
“(4)
the term ‘phased retiree’ means a retirement-eligible employee who—
“(A)
makes an election under subsection (b); and
“(B)
has not entered full retirement status;
“(5)
the term ‘phased retirement annuity’ means the annuity payable under this section before full retirement;
“(6)
the term ‘phased retirement percentage’ means the percentage which, when added to the working percentage for a phased retiree, produces a sum of 100 percent;
“(7)
the term ‘phased retirement period’ means the period beginning on the date on which an individual becomes entitled to receive a phased retirement annuity and ending on the date on which the individual dies or separates from phased employment;
“(8)
the term ‘phased retirement status’ means that a phased retiree is concurrently employed in phased employment and eligible to receive a phased retirement annuity;
“(9)
the term ‘retirement-eligible employee’—
“(A)
means an individual who, if the individual separated from the service, would meet the requirements for retirement under subsection (a) or (b) of section 8336; but
“(B)
does not include an employee described in section 8335 after the date on which the employee is required to be separated from the service by reason of such section; and
“(10)
the term ‘working percentage’ means the percentage of full-time employment equal to the quotient obtained by dividing—
“(A)
the number of hours per pay period to be worked by a phased retiree, as scheduled in accordance with subsection (b)(2); by
“(B)
the number of hours per pay period to be worked by an employee serving in a comparable position on a full-time basis.
“(b)
(1)
With the concurrence of the head of the employing agency, and under regulations promulgated by the Director, a retirement-eligible employee who has been employed on a full-time basis for not less than the 3-year period ending on the date on which the retirement-eligible employee makes an election under this subsection may elect to enter phased retirement status.
“(2)
(A)
Subject to subparagraph (B), at the time of entering phased retirement status, a phased retiree shall be appointed to a position for which the working percentage is 50 percent.
“(B)
The Director may, by regulation, provide for working percentages different from the percentage specified under subparagraph (A), which shall be not less than 20 percent and not more than 80 percent.
“(C)
The working percentage for a phased retiree may not be changed during the phased retiree’s phased retirement period.
“(D)
(i)
Not less than 20 percent of the hours to be worked by a phased retiree shall consist of mentoring.
“(ii)
The Director may, by regulation, provide for exceptions to the requirement under clause (i).
“(iii)
Clause (i) shall not apply to a phased retiree serving in the United States Postal Service. Nothing in this clause shall prevent the application of clause (i) or (ii) with respect to a phased retiree serving in the Postal Regulatory Commission.
“(3)
A phased retiree—
“(A)
may not be employed in more than one position at any time; and
“(B)
may transfer to another position in the same or a different agency, only if the transfer does not result in a change in the working percentage.
“(4)
A retirement-eligible employee may make not more than one election under this subsection during the retirement-eligible employee’s lifetime.
“(5)
A retirement-eligible employee who makes an election under this subsection may not make an election under section 8343a.
“(c)
(1)
Except as otherwise provided under this subsection, the phased retirement annuity for a phased retiree is the product obtained by multiplying—
“(A)
the amount of an annuity computed under section 8339 that would have been payable to the phased retiree if, on the date on which the phased retiree enters phased retirement status, the phased retiree had separated from service and retired under section 8336(a) or (b); by
“(B)
the phased retirement percentage for the phased retiree.
“(2)
A phased retirement annuity shall be paid in addition to the basic pay for the position to which a phased retiree is appointed during phased employment.
“(3)
A phased retirement annuity shall be adjusted in accordance with section 8340.
“(4)
(A)
A phased retirement annuity shall not be subject to reduction for any form of survivor annuity, shall not serve as the basis of the computation of any survivor annuity, and shall not be subject to any court order requiring a survivor annuity to be provided to any individual.
“(B)
A phased retirement annuity shall be subject to a court order providing for division, allotment, assignment, execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process on the same basis as other annuities.
“(5)
Any reduction of a phased retirement annuity based on an election under section 8334(d)(2) shall be applied to the phased retirement annuity after computation under paragraph (1).
“(6)
(A)
Any deposit, or election of an actuarial annuity reduction in lieu of a deposit, for military service or for creditable civilian service for which retirement deductions were not made or refunded shall be made by a retirement-eligible employee at or before the time the retirement-eligible employee enters phased retirement status. No such deposit may be made, or actuarial adjustment in lieu thereof elected, at the time a phased retiree enters full retirement status.
“(B)
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), if a phased retiree does not make such a deposit and dies in service as a phased retiree, a survivor of the phased retiree shall have the same right to make such deposit as would have been available had the employee not entered phased retirement status and died in service.
“(C)
If a phased retiree makes an election for an actuarial annuity reduction under section 8334(d)(2) and dies in service as a phased retiree, the amount of any deposit upon which such actuarial reduction shall have been based shall be deemed to have been fully paid.
“(7)
A phased retirement annuity shall commence on the date on which a phased retiree enters phased employment.
“(8)
No unused sick leave credit may be used in the computation of the phased retirement annuity.
“(d)
All basic pay not in excess of the full-time rate of pay for the position to which a phased retiree is appointed shall be deemed to be basic pay for purposes of section 8334.
“(e)
Under such procedures as the Director may prescribe, a phased retiree may elect to enter full retirement status at any time. Upon making such an election, a phased retiree shall be entitled to a composite retirement annuity.
“(f)
(1)
Except as provided otherwise under this subsection, a composite retirement annuity is a single annuity computed under regulations prescribed by the Director, equal to the sum of—
“(A)
the amount of the phased retirement annuity as of the date of full retirement, before any reduction based on an election under section 8334(d)(2), and including any adjustments made under section 8340; and
“(B)
the product obtained by multiplying—
“(i)
the amount of an annuity computed under section 8339 that would have been payable at the time of full retirement if the individual had not elected a phased retirement and as if the individual was employed on a full-time basis in the position occupied during the phased retirement period and before any reduction for survivor annuity or reduction based on an election under section 8334(d)(2); by
“(ii)
the working percentage.
“(2)
After computing a composite retirement annuity under paragraph (1), the Director shall adjust the amount of the annuity for any applicable reductions for a survivor annuity and any previously elected actuarial reduction under section 8334(d)(2).
“(3)
A composite retirement annuity shall be adjusted in accordance with section 8340, except that subsection (c)(1) of that section shall not apply.
“(4)
In computing a composite retirement annuity under paragraph (1)(B)(i), the unused sick leave to the credit of a phased retiree at the time of entry into full retirement status shall be adjusted by dividing the number of hours of unused sick leave by the working percentage.
“(g)
(1)
Under such procedures and conditions as the Director may provide, and with the concurrence of the head of the employing agency, a phased retiree may elect to terminate phased retirement status and return to a full-time work schedule.
“(2)
Upon entering a full-time work schedule based upon an election under paragraph (1), the phased retirement annuity of a phased retiree shall terminate.
“(3)
After the termination of a phased retirement annuity under this subsection, the individual’s rights under this subchapter shall be determined based on the law in effect at the time of any subsequent separation from service. For purposes of this subchapter or chapter 84, at time of the subsequent separation from service, the phased retirement period shall be treated as if it had been a period of part-time employment with the work schedule described in subsection (b)(2).
“(h)
For purposes of section 8341—
“(1)
the death of a phased retiree shall be deemed to be the death in service of an employee; and
“(2)
the phased retirement period shall be deemed to have been a period of part-time employment with the work schedule described in subsection (b)(2).
“(i)
Employment of a phased retiree shall not be deemed to be part-time career employment, as defined in section 3401(2).
“(j)
A phased retiree is not eligible to apply for an annuity under section 8337.
“(k)
For purposes of section 8341(h)(4), retirement shall be deemed to occur on the date on which a phased retiree enters into full retirement status.
“(l)
For purposes of sections 8343 and 8351, and subchapter III of chapter 84, a phased retiree shall be deemed to be an employee.
“(m)
A phased retiree is not subject to section 8344.
“(n)
For purposes of chapter 87, a phased retiree shall be deemed to be receiving basic pay at the rate of a full-time employee in the position to which the phased retiree is appointed.”
; and
(3)
in the table of sections by inserting after the item relating to section 8336 the following:
“8336a.
Phased retirement.”
.
(b)

FERS.—
Chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by inserting after section 8412 the following new section:
“SEC. 8412a.

Phased retirement
“(a)
For the purposes of this section—
“(1)
the term ‘composite retirement annuity’ means the annuity computed when a phased retiree attains full retirement status;
“(2)
the term ‘full retirement status’ means that a phased retiree has ceased employment and is entitled, upon application, to a composite retirement annuity;
“(3)
the term ‘phased employment’ means the less-than-full-time employment of a phased retiree;
“(4)
the term ‘phased retiree’ means a retirement-eligible employee who—
“(A)
makes an election under subsection (b); and
“(B)
has not entered full retirement status;
“(5)
the term ‘phased retirement annuity’ means the annuity payable under this section before full retirement;
“(6)
the term ‘phased retirement percentage’ means the percentage which, when added to the working percentage for a phased retiree, produces a sum of 100 percent;
“(7)
the term ‘phased retirement period’ means the period beginning on the date on which an individual becomes entitled to receive a phased retirement annuity and ending on the date on which the individual dies or separates from phased employment;
“(8)
the term ‘phased retirement status’ means that a phased retiree is concurrently employed in phased employment and eligible to receive a phased retirement annuity;
“(9)
the term ‘retirement-eligible employee’—
“(A)
means an individual who, if the individual separated from the service, would meet the requirements for retirement under subsection (a) or (b) of section 8412; and
“(B)
does not include—
“(i)
an individual who, if the individual separated from the service, would meet the requirements for retirement under subsection (d) or (e) of section 8412; but
“(ii)
does not include an employee described in section 8425 after the date on which the employee is required to be separated from the service by reason of such section; and
“(10)
the term ‘working percentage’ means the percentage of full-time employment equal to the quotient obtained by dividing—
“(A)
the number of hours per pay period to be worked by a phased retiree, as scheduled in accordance with subsection (b)(2); by
“(B)
the number of hours per pay period to be worked by an employee serving in a comparable position on a full-time basis.
“(b)
(1)
With the concurrence of the head of the employing agency, and under regulations promulgated by the Director, a retirement-eligible employee who has been employed on a full-time basis for not less than the 3-year period ending on the date on which the retirement-eligible employee makes an election under this subsection may elect to enter phased retirement status.
“(2)
(A)
Subject to subparagraph (B), at the time of entering phased retirement status, a phased retiree shall be appointed to a position for which the working percentage is 50 percent.
“(B)
The Director may, by regulation, provide for working percentages different from the percentage specified under subparagraph (A), which shall be not less than 20 percent and not more than 80 percent.
“(C)
The working percentage for a phased retiree may not be changed during the phased retiree’s phased retirement period.
“(D)
(i)
Not less than 20 percent of the hours to be worked by a phased retiree shall consist of mentoring.
“(ii)
The Director may, by regulation, provide for exceptions to the requirement under clause (i).
“(iii)
Clause (i) shall not apply to a phased retiree serving in the United States Postal Service. Nothing in this clause shall prevent the application of clause (i) or (ii) with respect to a phased retiree serving in the Postal Regulatory Commission.
“(3)
A phased retiree—
“(A)
may not be employed in more than one position at any time; and
“(B)
may transfer to another position in the same or a different agency, only if the transfer does not result in a change in the working percentage.
“(4)
A retirement-eligible employee may make not more than one election under this subsection during the retirement-eligible employee’s lifetime.
“(5)
A retirement-eligible employee who makes an election under this subsection may not make an election under section 8420a.
“(c)
(1)
Except as otherwise provided under this subsection, the phased retirement annuity for a phased retiree is the product obtained by multiplying—
“(A)
the amount of an annuity computed under section 8415 that would have been payable to the phased retiree if, on the date on which the phased retiree enters phased retirement status, the phased retiree had separated from service and retired under section 8412 (a) or (b); by
“(B)
the phased retirement percentage for the phased retiree.
“(2)
A phased retirement annuity shall be paid in addition to the basic pay for the position to which a phased retiree is appointed during the phased employment.
“(3)
A phased retirement annuity shall be adjusted in accordance with section 8462.
“(4)
(A)
A phased retirement annuity shall not be subject to reduction for any form of survivor annuity, shall not serve as the basis of the computation of any survivor annuity, and shall not be subject to any court order requiring a survivor annuity to be provided to any individual.
“(B)
A phased retirement annuity shall be subject to a court order providing for division, allotment, assignment, execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process on the same basis as other annuities.
“(5)
(A)
Any deposit, or election of an actuarial annuity reduction in lieu of a deposit, for military service or for creditable civilian service for which retirement deductions were not made or refunded, shall be made by a retirement-eligible employee at or before the time the retirement-eligible employee enters phased retirement status. No such deposit may be made, or actuarial adjustment in lieu thereof elected, at the time a phased retiree enters full retirement status.
“(B)
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), if a phased retiree does not make such a deposit and dies in service as a phased retiree, a survivor of the phased retiree shall have the same right to make such deposit as would have been available had the employee not entered phased retirement status and died in service.
“(6)
A phased retirement annuity shall commence on the date on which a phased retiree enters phased employment.
“(7)
No unused sick leave credit may be used in the computation of the phased retirement annuity.
“(d)
All basic pay not in excess of the full-time rate of pay for the position to which a phased retiree is appointed shall be deemed to be basic pay for purposes of sections 8422 and 8423.
“(e)
Under such procedures as the Director may prescribe, a phased retiree may elect to enter full retirement status at any time. Upon making such an election, a phased retiree shall be entitled to a composite retirement annuity.
“(f)
(1)
Except as provided otherwise under this subsection, a composite retirement annuity is a single annuity computed under regulations prescribed by the Director, equal to the sum of—
“(A)
the amount of the phased retirement annuity as of the date of full retirement, including any adjustments made under section 8462; and
“(B)
the product obtained by multiplying—
“(i)
the amount of an annuity computed under section 8412 that would have been payable at the time of full retirement if the individual had not elected a phased retirement and as if the individual was employed on a full-time basis in the position occupied during the phased retirement period and before any adjustment to provide for a survivor annuity; by
“(ii)
the working percentage.
“(2)
After computing a composite retirement annuity under paragraph (1), the Director shall adjust the amount of the annuity for any applicable reductions for a survivor annuity.
“(3)
A composite retirement annuity shall be adjusted in accordance with section 8462, except that subsection (c)(1) of that section shall not apply.
“(4)
In computing a composite retirement annuity under paragraph (1)(B)(i), the unused sick leave to the credit of a phased retiree at the time of entry into full retirement status shall be adjusted by dividing the number of hours of unused sick leave by the working percentage.
“(g)
(1)
Under such procedures and conditions as the Director may provide, and with the concurrence of the head of employing agency, a phased retiree may elect to terminate phased retirement status and return to a full-time work schedule.
“(2)
Upon entering a full-time work schedule based on an election under paragraph (1), the phased retirement annuity of a phased retiree shall terminate.
“(3)
After termination of the phased retirement annuity under this subsection, the individual’s rights under this chapter shall be determined based on the law in effect at the time of any subsequent separation from service. For purposes of this chapter, at the time of the subsequent separation from service, the phased retirement period shall be treated as if it had been a period of part-time employment with the work schedule described in subsection (b)(2).
“(h)
For purposes of subchapter IV—
“(1)
the death of a phased retiree shall be deemed to be the death in service of an employee;
“(2)
except for purposes of section 8442(b)(1)(A)(i), the phased retirement period shall be deemed to have been a period of part-time employment with the work schedule described in subsection (b)(2) of this section; and
“(3)
for purposes of section 8442(b)(1)(A)(i), the phased retiree shall be deemed to have been at the full-time rate of pay for the position occupied.
“(i)
Employment of a phased retiree shall not be deemed to be part-time career employment, as defined in section 3401(2).
“(j)
A phased retiree is not eligible to receive an annuity supplement under section 8421.
“(k)
For purposes of subchapter III, a phased retiree shall be deemed to be an employee.
“(l)
For purposes of section 8445(d), retirement shall be deemed to occur on the date on which a phased retiree enters into full retirement status.
“(m)
A phased retiree is not eligible to apply for an annuity under subchapter V.
“(n)
A phased retiree is not subject to section 8468.
“(o)
For purposes of chapter 87, a phased retiree shall be deemed to be receiving basic pay at the rate of a full-time employee in the position to which the phased retiree is appointed.”
; and
(2)
in the table of sections by inserting after the item relating to section 8412 the following:
“8412a.
Phased retirement.”
.
(c)
[26 U.S.C. 72]

Exemption From 10-percent Additional Tax on Early Distributions.—
Section 72(t)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking “or” at the end of clause (vi), by striking the period at the end of clause (vii) and inserting “, or”, and by adding at the end the following:
“(viii)
payments under a phased retirement annuity under section 8366a(a)(5) or 8412a(a)(5) of title 5, United States Code, or a composite retirement annuity under section 8366a(a)(1) or 8412a(a)(1) of such title.”
.
(d)
[5 U.S.C. 8331 note]

Effective Date.—
The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on the effective date of the implementing regulations issued by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management.
SEC. 100122.

ROLL-YOUR-OWN CIGARETTE MACHINES.
(a)

In General.—
Subsection (d) of section 5702 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new flush sentence: “Such term shall include any person who for commercial purposes makes available for consumer use (including such consumer’s personal consumption or use under paragraph (1)) a machine capable of making cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products. A person making such a machine available for consumer use shall be deemed the person making the removal as defined by subsection (j) with respect to any tobacco products manufactured by such machine. A person who sells a machine directly to a consumer at retail for a consumer’s personal home use is not making a machine available for commercial purposes if such machine is not used at a retail premises and is designed to produce tobacco products only in personal use quantities.”.
(b)
[26 U.S.C. 5702 note]

Effective Date.—
The amendment made by this section shall apply to articles removed after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 100123.

CHANGE IN FMAP INCREASE FOR DISASTER RECOVERY STATES.
(a)
[42 U.S.C. 1396d note]

Accelerated Date for Prior Amendments.—
Section 3204(b) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-96) is amended by striking “October 1, 2013” and inserting “October 1, 2012”.
(b)

Application of 50 Percent in Fiscal Year 2013.—
Subparagraph (B) of section 1905(aa)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(aa)(1)), as amended by section 3204(a) of Public Law 112-96, is amended by striking “25 percent” and inserting “25 percent (or 50 percent in the case of fiscal year 2013)”.
(c)
[42 U.S.C. 1396d note]

Effective Date.—
The amendments made by this section shall be effective as if included in the enactment of section 3204 of Public Law 112-96.
SEC. 100124.

REPEALS.
(a)

Transportation Requirements for Certain Exports Sponsored by the Secretary of Agriculture.—
(1)

Repeal.—
Subsections (a) and (c) of section 55314 of title 46, United States Code, are repealed.
(2)

Activities described.—
Subsection (b) of section 55314 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking “This section applies to export activity” and inserting “The activities specified in this subsection are export activities”.
(b)

Financing the Transportation of Agricultural Commodities.—
Subsection (a) of section 55316 of title 46, United States Code, is repealed.
(c)

Conforming Amendments.—
(1)

Minimum tonnage.—
Section 55315(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking “subject to section 55314” and inserting “specified in section 55314(b)”.
(2)

Issuance and purchase of obligations and notification to congress of insufficiency.—
Section 55316 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in subsection (c)(1) by striking “under subsections (a) and (b)” and inserting “under subsection (b)”; and
(B)
in subsection (f) by striking “subsections (a) and (b) and section 55314(a) of this title” and inserting “subsection (b)”.
(3)

Termination of subchapter.—
Section 55317 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking “sections 55314(a) and 55316(a) and (b)” and inserting “section 55316(b)”.
SEC. 100125.

LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS FROM THE ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION FUND.
Section 411(h) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1240a(h)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(5)

Limitation on annual payments.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, the total annual payment to a certified State or Indian tribe under this subsection shall be not more than $15,000,000.”
.
TITLE II—

FLOOD INSURANCE
Subtitle A—

Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization
SEC. 100201.
[42 U.S.C. 4001 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the “Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012”.
SEC. 100202.
[42 U.S.C. 4004]

DEFINITIONS.
(a)

In General.—
In this subtitle, the following definitions shall apply:
(1)

100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN.—
The term “100-year floodplain” means that area which is subject to inundation from a flood having a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
(2)

500-YEAR FLOODPLAIN.—
The term “500-year floodplain” means that area which is subject to inundation from a flood having a 0.2-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
(3)

Administrator.—
The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(4)

National flood insurance program.—
The term “National Flood Insurance Program” means the program established under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.).
(5)

Write your own.—
The term “Write Your Own” means the cooperative undertaking between the insurance industry and the Federal Insurance Administration which allows participating property and casualty insurance companies to write and service standard flood insurance policies.
(b)

Common Terminology.—
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, any terms used in this subtitle shall have the meaning given to such terms under section 1370 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4121).
SEC. 100203.

EXTENSION OF NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM.
(a)

Financing.—
Section 1309(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4016(a)) is amended by striking “July 31, 2012” and inserting “September 30, 2017”.
(b)

Program Expiration.—
Section 1319 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4026) is amended by striking “July 31, 2012” and inserting “September 30, 2017”.
SEC. 100204.

AVAILABILITY OF INSURANCE FOR MULTIFAMILY PROPERTIES.
Section 1305 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4012) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(2)(A), by inserting “not described in subsection (a) or (d)” after “properties”; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(d)

Availability of Insurance for Multifamily Properties.
“(1)

In general.
The Administrator shall make flood insurance available to cover residential properties of 5 or more residences. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the maximum coverage amount that the Administrator may make available under this subsection to such residential properties shall be equal to the coverage amount made available to commercial properties.
“(2)

Rule of construction.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the ability of individuals residing in residential properties of 5 or more residences to obtain insurance for the contents and personal articles located in such residences.”
.
SEC. 100205.

REFORM OF PREMIUM RATE STRUCTURE.
(a)

To Exclude Certain Properties From Receiving Subsidized Premium Rates.—
(1)

In general.—
Section 1307 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4014) is amended—
(A)
in subsection (a)(2), by striking “for any residential property which is not the primary residence of an individual; and” and inserting the following:
“for—
“(A)
any residential property which is not the primary residence of an individual;
“(B)
any severe repetitive loss property;
“(C)
any property that has incurred flood-related damage in which the cumulative amounts of payments under this title equaled or exceeded the fair market value of such property;
“(D)
any business property; or
“(E)
any property which on or after the date of enactment of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 has experienced or sustained—
“(i)
substantial damage exceeding 50 percent of the fair market value of such property; or
“(ii)
substantial improvement exceeding 30 percent of the fair market value of such property; and”
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
“(g)

No Extension of Subsidy to New Policies or Lapsed Policies.
The Administrator shall not provide flood insurance to prospective insureds at rates less than those estimated under subsection (a)(1), as required by paragraph (2) of that subsection, for—
“(1)
any property not insured by the flood insurance program as of the date of enactment of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012;
“(2)
any property purchased after the date of enactment of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012;
“(3)
any policy under the flood insurance program that has lapsed in coverage, as a result of the deliberate choice of the holder of such policy; or
“(4)
any prospective insured who refuses to accept any offer for mitigation assistance by the Administrator (including an offer to relocate), including an offer of mitigation assistance—
“(A)
following a major disaster, as defined in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122); or
“(B)
in connection with—
“(i)
a repetitive loss property; or
“(ii)
a severe repetitive loss property.
“(h)

Definition.
In this section, the term ‘severe repetitive loss property’ has the following meaning:
“(1)

Single-family properties.
In the case of a property consisting of 1 to 4 residences, such term means a property that—
“(A)
is covered under a contract for flood insurance made available under this title; and
“(B)
has incurred flood-related damage—
“(i)
for which 4 or more separate claims payments have been made under flood insurance coverage under this chapter, with the amount of each such claim exceeding $5,000, and with the cumulative amount of such claims payments exceeding $20,000; or
“(ii)
for which at least 2 separate claims payments have been made under such coverage, with the cumulative amount of such claims exceeding the value of the property.
“(2)

Multifamily properties.
In the case of a property consisting of 5 or more residences, such term shall have such meaning as the Director shall by regulation provide.”
.
(2)
[42 U.S.C. 4014 note]

Effective date.—
The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall become effective 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b)

Estimates of Premium Rates.—
Section 1307(a)(1)(B) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(1)(B)) is amended—
(1)
in clause (ii), by striking “and” at the end;
(2)
in clause (iii), by adding “and” at the end; and
(3)
by inserting after clause (iii) the following:
“(iv)
all costs, as prescribed by principles and standards of practice in ratemaking adopted by the American Academy of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society, including—
“(I)
an estimate of the expected value of future costs,
“(II)
all costs associated with the transfer of risk, and
“(III)
the costs associated with an individual risk transfer with respect to risk classes, as defined by the Administrator,”
.
(c)

Increase in Annual Limitation on Premium Increases.—
Section 1308(e) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015(e)) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking “or (3)”; and
(B)
by inserting “any properties” after “under this title for”;
(2)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking “any properties within any single” and inserting “within any single”; and
(B)
by striking “10 percent” and inserting “20 percent”; and
(3)
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
“(2)
described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of section 1307(a)(2) shall be increased by 25 percent each year, until the average risk premium rate for such properties is equal to the average of the risk premium rates for properties described under paragraph (1).”
.
(d)

Premium Payment Flexibility for New and Existing Policyholders.—
Section 1308 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(g)

Frequency of Premium Collection.
With respect to any chargeable premium rate prescribed under this section, the Administrator shall provide policyholders that are not required to escrow their premiums and fees for flood insurance as set forth under section 102 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a) with the option of paying their premiums either annually or in more frequent installments.”
.
(e)
[42 U.S.C. 4015 note]

Rule of Construction.—
Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section may be construed to affect the requirement under section 2(c) of the Act entitled “An Act to extend the National Flood Insurance Program, and for other purposes”, approved May 31, 2012 (Public Law 112-123), that the first increase in chargeable risk premium rates for residential properties which are not the primary residence of an individual take effect on July 1, 2012.
SEC. 100207.

PREMIUM ADJUSTMENT.
Section 1308 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015), as amended by section 100205, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
“(h)

Premium Adjustment To Reflect Current Risk of Flood.
Notwithstanding subsection (f), upon the effective date of any revised or updated flood insurance rate map under this Act, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, or the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, any property located in an area that is participating in the national flood insurance program shall have the risk premium rate charged for flood insurance on such property adjusted to accurately reflect the current risk of flood to such property, subject to any other provision of this Act. Any increase in the risk premium rate charged for flood insurance on any property that is covered by a flood insurance policy on the effective date of such an update that is a result of such updating shall be phased in over a 5-year period, at the rate of 20 percent for each year following such effective date. In the case of any area that was not previously designated as an area having special flood hazards and that, pursuant to any issuance, revision, updating, or other change in a flood insurance map, becomes designated as such an area, the chargeable risk premium rate for flood insurance under this title that is purchased on or after the date of enactment of this subsection with respect to any property that is located within such area shall be phased in over a 5-year period, at the rate of 20 percent for each year following the effective date of such issuance, revision, updating, or change.”
.
SEC. 100208.

ENFORCEMENT.
Section 102(f)(5) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(f)(5)) is amended—
(1)
in the first sentence, by striking “$350” and inserting “$2,000”; and
(2)
by striking the second sentence.
SEC. 100209.

ESCROW OF FLOOD INSURANCE PAYMENTS.
(a)

In General.—
Paragraph (1) of section 102(d) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(d)) is amended to read as follows:
“(1)

Regulated lending institutions.
“(A)

Federal entities responsible for lending regulations.
Each Federal entity for lending regulation (after consultation and coordination with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council) shall, by regulation, direct that all premiums and fees for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, for improved real estate or a mobile home, shall be paid to the regulated lending institution or servicer for any loan secured by the improved real estate or mobile home, with the same frequency as payments on the loan are made, for the duration of the loan. Except as provided in subparagraph (C), upon receipt of any premiums or fees, the regulated lending institution or servicer shall deposit such premiums and fees in an escrow account on behalf of the borrower. Upon receipt of a notice from the Administrator or the provider of the flood insurance that insurance premiums are due, the premiums deposited in the escrow account shall be paid to the provider of the flood insurance.
“(B)

Limitation.
Except as may be required under applicable State law, a Federal entity for lending regulation may not direct or require a regulated lending institution to deposit premiums or fees for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 in an escrow account on behalf of a borrower under subparagraph (A) or (B), if—
“(i)
the regulated lending institution has total assets of less than $1,000,000,000; and
“(ii)
on or before the date of enactment of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, the regulated lending institution—
“(I)
in the case of a loan secured by residential improved real estate or a mobile home, was not required under Federal or State law to deposit taxes, insurance premiums, fees, or any other charges in an escrow account for the entire term of the loan; and
“(II)
did not have a policy of consistently and uniformly requiring the deposit of taxes, insurance premiums, fees, or any other charges in an escrow account for loans secured by residential improved real estate or a mobile home.”
.
[Subsection (b) was repealed by section 25(b)(2) of Public Law 113–89.]
SEC. 100210.

MINIMUM DEDUCTIBLES FOR CLAIMS UNDER THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM.
Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4019) is amended—
(1)
by striking “The Director is” and inserting the following:
“(a)

In General.
The Administrator is”
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(b)

Minimum Annual Deductible.
“(1)

Pre-firm properties.
For any structure which is covered by flood insurance under this title, and on which construction or substantial improvement occurred on or before December 31, 1974, or before the effective date of an initial flood insurance rate map published by the Administrator under section 1360 for the area in which such structure is located, the minimum annual deductible for damage to such structure shall be—
“(A)
$1,500, if the flood insurance coverage for such structure covers loss of, or physical damage to, such structure in an amount equal to or less than $100,000; and
“(B)
$2,000, if the flood insurance coverage for such structure covers loss of, or physical damage to, such structure in an amount greater than $100,000.
“(2)

Post-firm properties.
For any structure which is covered by flood insurance under this title, and on which construction or substantial improvement occurred after December 31, 1974, or after the effective date of an initial flood insurance rate map published by the Administrator under section 1360 for the area in which such structure is located, the minimum annual deductible for damage to such structure shall be—
“(A)
$1,000, if the flood insurance coverage for such structure covers loss of, or physical damage to, such structure in an amount equal to or less than $100,000; and
“(B)
$1,250, if the flood insurance coverage for such structure covers loss of, or physical damage to, such structure in an amount greater than $100,000.”
.
SEC. 100211.

CONSIDERATIONS IN DETERMINING CHARGEABLE PREMIUM RATES.
Section 1308 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015), as amended by this Act, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking “, after consultation with” and all that follows through “by regulation” and inserting “prescribe, after providing notice”;
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking the comma at the end and inserting a semicolon;
(C)
in paragraph (3), by striking “, and” and inserting a semicolon;
(D)
in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
(E)
by adding at the end the following:
“(5)
adequate, on the basis of accepted actuarial principles, to cover the average historical loss year obligations incurred by the National Flood Insurance Fund.”
; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
“(i)

Rule of Construction.
For purposes of this section, the calculation of an ‘average historical loss year’—
“(1)
includes catastrophic loss years; and
“(2)
shall be computed in accordance with generally accepted actuarial principles.”
.
SEC. 100212.

RESERVE FUND.
Chapter I of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1310 (42 U.S.C. 4017) the following:
“SEC. 1310A.
[42 U.S.C. 4017a]

RESERVE FUND
“(a)

Establishment of Reserve Fund.
In carrying out the flood insurance program authorized by this chapter, the Administrator shall establish in the Treasury of the United States a National Flood Insurance Reserve Fund (in this section referred to as the ‘Reserve Fund’) which shall—
“(1)
be an account separate from any other accounts or funds available to the Administrator; and
“(2)
be available for meeting the expected future obligations of the flood insurance program, including—
“(A)
the payment of claims;
“(B)
claims adjustment expenses; and
“(C)
the repayment of amounts outstanding under any note or other obligation issued by the Administrator under section 1309(a).
“(b)

Reserve Ratio.
Subject to the phase-in requirements under subsection (d), the Reserve Fund shall maintain a balance equal to—
“(1)
1 percent of the sum of the total potential loss exposure of all outstanding flood insurance policies in force in the prior fiscal year; or
“(2)
such higher percentage as the Administrator determines to be appropriate, taking into consideration any circumstance that may raise a significant risk of substantial future losses to the Reserve Fund.
“(c)

Maintenance of Reserve Ratio.
“(1)

In general.
The Administrator shall have the authority to establish, increase, or decrease the amount of aggregate annual insurance premiums to be collected for any fiscal year necessary—
“(A)
to maintain the reserve ratio required under subsection (b); and
“(B)
to achieve such reserve ratio, if the actual balance of such reserve is below the amount required under subsection (b).
“(2)

Considerations.
In exercising the authority granted under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider—
“(A)
the expected operating expenses of the Reserve Fund;
“(B)
the insurance loss expenditures under the flood insurance program;
“(C)
any investment income generated under the flood insurance program; and
“(D)
any other factor that the Administrator determines appropriate.
“(3)

Limitations.
“(A)

Rates.
In exercising the authority granted under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall be subject to all other provisions of this Act, including any provisions relating to chargeable premium rates or annual increases of such rates.
“(B)

Use of additional annual insurance premiums.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or any agreement entered into by the Administrator, the Administrator shall ensure that all amounts attributable to the establishment or increase of annual insurance premiums under paragraph (1) are transferred to the Administrator for deposit into the Reserve Fund, to be available for meeting the expected future obligations of the flood insurance program as described in subsection (a)(2).
“(d)

Phase-in Requirements.
The phase-in requirements under this subsection are as follows:
“(1)

In general.
Beginning in fiscal year 2013 and not ending until the fiscal year in which the ratio required under subsection (b) is achieved, in each such fiscal year the Administrator shall place in the Reserve Fund an amount equal to not less than 7.5 percent of the reserve ratio required under subsection (b).
“(2)

Amount satisfied.
As soon as the ratio required under subsection (b) is achieved, and except as provided in paragraph (3), the Administrator shall not be required to set aside any amounts for the Reserve Fund.
“(3)

Exception.
If at any time after the ratio required under subsection (b) is achieved, the Reserve Fund falls below the required ratio under subsection (b), the Administrator shall place in the Reserve Fund for that fiscal year an amount equal to not less than 7.5 percent of the reserve ratio required under subsection (b).
“(e)

Limitation on Reserve Ratio.
In any given fiscal year, if the Administrator determines that the reserve ratio required under subsection (b) cannot be achieved, the Administrator shall submit a report to Congress that—
“(1)
describes and details the specific concerns of the Administrator regarding the consequences of the reserve ratio not being achieved;
“(2)
demonstrates how such consequences would harm the long-term financial soundness of the flood insurance program; and
“(3)
indicates the maximum attainable reserve ratio for that particular fiscal year.
“(f)

Investment.
The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest such amounts of the Reserve Fund as the Secretary determines advisable in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States.”
.
SEC. 100213.

REPAYMENT PLAN FOR BORROWING AUTHORITY.
(a)

Repayment Plan Required.—
Section 1309 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4016) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(c)
Upon the exercise of the authority established under subsection (a), the Administrator shall transmit a schedule for repayment of such amounts to—
“(1)
the Secretary of the Treasury;
“(2)
the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate; and
“(3)
the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives.
“(d)
In connection with any funds borrowed by the Administrator under the authority established in subsection (a), the Administrator, beginning 6 months after the date on which such funds are borrowed, and continuing every 6 months thereafter until such borrowed funds are fully repaid, shall submit a report on the progress of such repayment to—
“(1)
the Secretary of the Treasury;
“(2)
the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate; and
“(3)
the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives.”
.
(b)

Report.—
Not later than the expiration of the 6-month period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit a report to the Congress setting forth options for repaying within 10 years all amounts, including any amounts previously borrowed but not yet repaid, owed pursuant to clause (2) of subsection (a) of section 1309 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4016(a)(2)).
SEC. 100214.

PAYMENT OF CONDOMINIUM CLAIMS.
Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4019), as amended by section 100210, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(c)

Payment of Claims to Condominium Owners.
The Administrator may not deny payment for any damage to or loss of property which is covered by flood insurance to condominium owners who purchased such flood insurance separate and apart from the flood insurance purchased by the condominium association in which such owner is a member, based solely, or in any part, on the flood insurance coverage of the condominium association or others on the overall property owned by the condominium association.”
.
SEC. 100215.
[42 U.S.C. 4101a]

TECHNICAL MAPPING ADVISORY COUNCIL.
(a)

Establishment.—
There is established a council to be known as the Technical Mapping Advisory Council (in this section referred to as the “Council”).
(b)

Membership.—
(1)

In general.—
The Council shall consist of—
(A)
the Administrator (or the designee thereof);
(B)
the Secretary of the Interior (or the designee thereof);
(C)
the Secretary of Agriculture (or the designee thereof);
(D)
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (or the designee thereof); and
(E)
16 additional members appointed by the Administrator or the designee of the Administrator, who shall be—
(i)
a member of a recognized professional surveying association or organization;
(ii)
a member of a recognized professional mapping association or organization;
(iii)
a member of a recognized professional engineering association or organization;
(iv)
a member of a recognized professional association or organization representing flood hazard determination firms;
(v)
a representative of the United States Geological Survey;
(vi)
a representative of a recognized professional association or organization representing State geographic information;
(vii)
a representative of State national flood insurance coordination offices;
(viii)
a representative of the Corps of Engineers;
(ix)
a member of a recognized regional flood and storm water management organization;
(x)
2 representatives of different State government agencies that have entered into cooperating technical partnerships with the Administrator and have demonstrated the capability to produce flood insurance rate maps;
(xi)
2 representatives of different local government agencies that have entered into cooperating technical partnerships with the Administrator and have demonstrated the capability to produce flood insurance maps;
(xii)
a member of a recognized floodplain management association or organization;
(xiii)
a member of a recognized risk management association or organization; and
(xiv)
a State mitigation officer.
(2)

Qualifications.—
Members of the Council shall be appointed based on their demonstrated knowledge and competence regarding surveying, cartography, remote sensing, geographic information systems, or the technical aspects of preparing and using flood insurance rate maps. In appointing members under paragraph (1)(E), the Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that the membership of the Council has a balance of Federal, State, local, tribal, and private members, and includes geographic diversity, including representation from areas with coastline on the Gulf of Mexico and other States containing areas identified by the Administrator as at high risk for flooding or as areas having special flood hazards.
(c)

Duties.—
The Council shall—
(1)
recommend to the Administrator how to improve in a cost-effective manner the—
(A)
accuracy, general quality, ease of use, and distribution and dissemination of flood insurance rate maps and risk data; and
(B)
performance metrics and milestones required to effectively and efficiently map flood risk areas in the United States;
(2)
recommend to the Administrator mapping standards and guidelines for—
(A)
flood insurance rate maps; and
(B)
data accuracy, data quality, data currency, and data eligibility;
(3)
recommend to the Administrator how to maintain, on an ongoing basis, flood insurance rate maps and flood risk identification;
(4)
recommend procedures for delegating mapping activities to State and local mapping partners;
(5)
recommend to the Administrator and other Federal agencies participating in the Council—
(A)
methods for improving interagency and intergovernmental coordination on flood mapping and flood risk determination; and
(B)
a funding strategy to leverage and coordinate budgets and expenditures across Federal agencies; and
(6)
submit an annual report to the Administrator that contains—
(A)
a description of the activities of the Council;
(B)
an evaluation of the status and performance of flood insurance rate maps and mapping activities to revise and update flood insurance rate maps, as required under section 100216; and
(C)
a summary of recommendations made by the Council to the Administrator.
(d)

Future Conditions Risk Assessment and Modeling Report.—
(1)

In general.—
The Council shall consult with scientists and technical experts, other Federal agencies, States, and local communities to—
(A)
develop recommendations on how to—
(i)
ensure that flood insurance rate maps incorporate the best available climate science to assess flood risks; and
(ii)
ensure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency uses the best available methodology to consider the impact of—
(I)
the rise in the sea level; and
(II)
future development on flood risk; and
(B)
not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, prepare written recommendations in a future conditions risk assessment and modeling report and to submit such recommendations to the Administrator.
(2)

Responsibility of the administrator.—
The Administrator, as part of the ongoing program to review and update National Flood Insurance Program rate maps under section 100216, shall incorporate any future risk assessment submitted under paragraph (1)(B) in any such revision or update.
(e)

Chairperson.—
The members of the Council shall elect 1 member to serve as the chairperson of the Council (in this section referred to as the “Chairperson”).
(f)

Coordination.—
To ensure that the Council’s recommendations are consistent, to the maximum extent practicable, with national digital spatial data collection and management standards, the Chairperson shall consult with the Chairperson of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (established pursuant to Office of Management and Budget Circular A-16).
(g)

Compensation.—
Members of the Council shall receive no additional compensation by reason of their service on the Council.
(h)

Meetings and Actions.—
(1)

In general.—
The Council shall meet not less frequently than twice each year at the request of the Chairperson or a majority of its members, and may take action by a vote of the majority of the members.
(2)

Initial meeting.—
The Administrator, or a person designated by the Administrator, shall request and coordinate the initial meeting of the Council.
(i)

Officers.—
The Chairperson may appoint officers to assist in carrying out the duties of the Council under subsection (c).
(j)

Staff.—
(1)

Staff of fema.—
Upon the request of the Chairperson, the Administrator may detail, on a nonreimbursable basis, personnel of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist the Council in carrying out its duties.
(2)

Staff of other federal agencies.—
Upon request of the Chairperson, any other Federal agency that is a member of the Council may detail, on a nonreimbursable basis, personnel to assist the Council in carrying out its duties.
(k)

Powers.—
In carrying out this section, the Council may hold hearings, receive evidence and assistance, provide information, and conduct research, as it considers appropriate.
(l)

Report to Congress.—
The Administrator, on an annual basis, shall report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives, and the Office of Management and Budget on the—
(1)
recommendations made by the Council;
(2)
actions taken by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to address such recommendations to improve flood insurance rate maps and flood risk data; and
(3)
any recommendations made by the Council that have been deferred or not acted upon, together with an explanatory statement.
SEC. 100216.
[42 U.S.C. 4101b]

NATIONAL FLOOD MAPPING PROGRAM.
(a)

Reviewing, Updating, and Maintaining Maps.—
The Administrator, in coordination with the Technical Mapping Advisory Council established under section 100215, shall establish an ongoing program under which the Administrator shall review, update, and maintain National Flood Insurance Program rate maps in accordance with this section.
(b)

Mapping.—
(1)

In general.—
In carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—
(A)
identify, review, update, maintain, and publish National Flood Insurance Program rate maps with respect to—
(i)
all populated areas and areas of possible population growth located within the 100-year floodplain;
(ii)
all populated areas and areas of possible population growth located within the 500-year floodplain;
(iii)
areas of residual risk, including areas that are protected by levees, dams, and other flood control structures;
(iv)
areas that could be inundated as a result of the failure of a levee, dam, or other flood control structure;
(v)
areas that are protected by non-structural flood mitigation features; and
(vi)
the level of protection provided by flood control structures and by non-structural flood mitigation features;
(B)
establish or update flood-risk zone data in all such areas, and make estimates with respect to the rates of probable flood caused loss for the various flood risk zones for each such area; and
(C)
use, in identifying, reviewing, updating, maintaining, or publishing any National Flood Insurance Program rate map required under this section or under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.), the most accurate topography and elevation data available.
(2)

Mapping elements.—
Each map updated under this section shall—
(A)
assess the accuracy of current ground elevation data used for hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of flooding sources and mapping of the flood hazard and wherever necessary acquire new ground elevation data utilizing the most up-to-date geospatial technologies in accordance with guidelines and specifications of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
(B)
develop National Flood Insurance Program flood data on a watershed basis—
(i)
to provide the most technically effective and efficient studies and hydrologic and hydraulic modeling; and
(ii)
to eliminate, to the maximum extent possible, discrepancies in base flood elevations between adjacent political subdivisions.
(3)

Other inclusions.—
In updating maps under this section, the Administrator shall include—
(A)
any relevant information on coastal inundation from—
(i)
an applicable inundation map of the Corps of Engineers; and
(ii)
data of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration relating to storm surge modeling;
(B)
any relevant information of the United States Geological Survey on stream flows, watershed characteristics, and topography that is useful in the identification of flood hazard areas, as determined by the Administrator;
(C)
any relevant information on land subsidence, coastal erosion areas, changing lake levels, and other flood-related hazards;
(D)
any relevant information or data of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Geological Survey relating to the best available science regarding future changes in sea levels, precipitation, and intensity of hurricanes; and
(E)
any other relevant information as may be recommended by the Technical Mapping Advisory Committee.
(c)

Standards.—
In updating and maintaining maps under this section, the Administrator shall—
(1)
establish standards to—
(A)
ensure that maps are adequate for—
(i)
flood risk determinations; and
(ii)
use by State and local governments in managing development to reduce the risk of flooding; and
(B)
facilitate identification and use of consistent methods of data collection and analysis by the Administrator, in conjunction with State and local governments, in developing maps for communities with similar flood risks, as determined by the Administrator; and
(2)
publish maps in a format that is—
(A)
digital geospatial data compliant;
(B)
compliant with the open publishing and data exchange standards established by the Open Geospatial Consortium; and
(C)
aligned with official data defined by the National Geodetic Survey.
(d)

Communication and Outreach.—
(1)

In general.—
The Administrator shall—
(A)
before commencement of any mapping or map updating process, notify each community affected of the model or models that the Administrator plans to use in such process and provide an explanation of why such model or models are appropriate;
(B)
provide each community affected a 30-day period beginning upon notification under subparagraph (A) to consult with the Administrator regarding the appropriateness, with respect to such community, of the mapping model or models to be used; provided that consultation by a community pursuant to this subparagraph shall not waive or otherwise affect any right of the community to appeal any flood hazard determinations;
(C)
upon completion of the first Independent Data Submission, transmit a copy of such Submission to the affected community, provide the affected community a 30-day period during which the community may provide data to Administrator that can be used to supplement or modify the existing data, and incorporate any data that is consistent with prevailing engineering principles;
(D)
work with States, local communities, and property owners to identify areas and features described in subsection (b)(1)(A)(v);
(E)
work to enhance communication and outreach to States, local communities, and property owners about the effects—
(i)
of any potential changes to National Flood Insurance Program rate maps that may result from the mapping program required under this section; and
(ii)
that any such changes may have on flood insurance purchase requirements;
(F)
engage with local communities to enhance communication and outreach to the residents of such communities, including tenants (with regard to contents insurance), on the matters described under subparagraph (E); and
(G)
not less than 30 days before issuance of any preliminary map, notify the Senators for each State affected and each Member of the House of Representatives for each congressional district affected by the preliminary map in writing of—
(i)
the estimated schedule for—
(I)
community meetings regarding the preliminary map;
(II)
publication of notices regarding the preliminary map in local newspapers; and
(III)
the commencement of the appeals process regarding the map; and
(ii)
the estimated number of homes and businesses that will be affected by changes contained in the preliminary map, including how many structures will be that were not previously located in an area having special flood hazards will be located within such an area under the preliminary map; and
(H)
upon the issuance of any proposed map and any notice of an opportunity to make an appeal relating to the proposed map, notify the Senators for each State affected each Member of the House of Representatives for each congressional district affected by the proposed map of any action taken by the Administrator with respect to the proposed map or an appeal relating to the proposed map.
(2)

Required activities.—
The communication and outreach activities required under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
notifying property owners when their properties become included in, or when they are excluded from, an area covered by the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement under section 102 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a);
(B)
educating property owners regarding the flood risk and reduction of this risk in their community, including the continued flood risks to areas that are no longer subject to the flood insurance mandatory purchase requirement;
(C)
educating property owners regarding the benefits and costs of maintaining or acquiring flood insurance, including, where applicable, lower-cost preferred risk policies under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.) for such properties and the contents of such properties;
(D)
educating property owners about flood map revisions and the process available to such owners to appeal proposed changes in flood elevations through their community, including by notifying local radio and television stations; and
(E)
encouraging property owners to maintain or acquire flood insurance coverage.
(e)

Community Remapping Request.—
Upon the adoption by the Administrator of any recommendation by the Technical Mapping Advisory Council for reviewing, updating, or maintaining National Flood Insurance Program rate maps in accordance with this section, a community that believes that its flood insurance rates in effect prior to adoption would be affected by the adoption of such recommendation may submit a request for an update of its rate maps, which may be considered at the Administrator’s sole discretion. The Administrator shall establish a protocol for the evaluation of such community map update requests.
(f)

Authorization of Appropriations.—
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $400,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.
SEC. 100217.

SCOPE OF APPEALS.
Section 1363 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by inserting “and designating areas having special flood hazards” after “flood elevations”; and
(B)
by striking “such determinations” and inserting “such determinations and designations”; and
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in the first sentence, by inserting “and designations of areas having special flood hazards” after “flood elevation determinations”; and
(B)
by amending the third sentence to read as follows: “The sole grounds for appeal shall be the possession of knowledge or information indicating that (1) the elevations being proposed by the Administrator with respect to an identified area having special flood hazards are scientifically or technically incorrect, or (2) the designation of an identified special flood hazard area is scientifically or technically incorrect.”.
SEC. 100218.

SCIENTIFIC RESOLUTION PANEL.
(a)

Establishment.—
Chapter III of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1363 (42 U.S.C. 4104) the following:
“SEC. 1363A.
[42 U.S.C. 4104-1]

SCIENTIFIC RESOLUTION PANEL
“(a)

Availability.
“(1)

In general.
Pursuant to the authority provided under section 1363(e), the Administrator shall make available an independent review panel, to be known as the Scientific Resolution Panel, to any community—
“(A)
that has—
“(i)
filed a timely map appeal in accordance with section 1363;
“(ii)
completed 60 days of consultation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the appeal; and
“(iii)
not allowed more than 120 days, or such longer period as may be provided by the Administrator by waiver, to pass since the end of the appeal period; or
“(B)
that has received an unsatisfactory ruling under the map revision process established pursuant to section 1360(f).
“(2)

Appeals by owners and lessees.
If a community and an owner or lessee of real property within the community appeal a proposed determination of a flood elevation under section 1363(b), upon the request of the community—
“(A)
the owner or lessee shall submit scientific and technical data relating to the appeals to the Scientific Resolution Panel; and
“(B)
the Scientific Resolution Panel shall make a determination with respect to the appeals in accordance with subsection (c).
“(3)

Definition.
For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), an ‘unsatisfactory ruling’ means that a community—
“(A)
received a revised Flood Insurance Rate Map from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, via a Letter of Final Determination, after September 30, 2008, and prior to the date of enactment of this section;
“(B)
has subsequently applied for a Letter of Map Revision or Physical Map Revision with the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
“(C)
has received an unfavorable ruling on their request for a map revision.
“(b)

Membership.
The Scientific Resolution Panel made available under subsection (a) shall consist of 5 members with expertise that relates to the creation and study of flood hazard maps and flood insurance. The Scientific Resolution Panel may include representatives from Federal agencies not involved in the mapping study in question and from other impartial experts. Employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may not serve on the Scientific Resolution Panel.
“(c)

Determination.
“(1)

In general.
Following deliberations, and not later than 90 days after its formation, the Scientific Resolution Panel shall issue a determination of resolution of the dispute. Such determination shall set forth recommendations for the base flood elevation determination or the designation of an area having special flood hazards that shall be reflected in the Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
“(2)

Basis.
The determination of the Scientific Resolution Panel shall be based on—
“(A)
data previously provided to the Administrator by the community, and, in the case of a dispute submitted under subsection (a)(2), an owner or lessee of real property in the community; and
“(B)
data provided by the Administrator.
“(3)

No alternative determinations permissible.
The Scientific Resolution Panel—
“(A)
shall provide a determination of resolution of a dispute that—
“(i)
is either in favor of the Administrator or in favor of the community on each distinct element of the dispute; or
“(ii)
in the case of a dispute submitted under subsection (a)(2), is in favor of the Administrator, in favor of the community, or in favor of the owner or lessee of real property in the community on each distinct element of the dispute; and
“(B)
may not offer as a resolution any other alternative determination.
“(4)

Effect of determination.
“(A)

Binding.
The recommendations of the Scientific Resolution Panel shall be binding on all appellants and not subject to further judicial review unless the Administrator determines that implementing the determination of the panel would—
“(i)
pose a significant threat due to failure to identify a substantial risk of special flood hazards; or
“(ii)
violate applicable law.
“(B)

Written justification not to enforce.
If the Administrator elects not to implement the determination of the Scientific Resolution Panel pursuant to subparagraph (A), then not later than 60 days after the issuance of the determination, the Administrator shall issue a written justification explaining such election.
“(C)

Appeal of determination not to enforce.
If the Administrator elects not to implement the determination of the Scientific Resolution Panel pursuant to subparagraph (A), the community may appeal the determination of the Administrator as provided for under section 1363(g).
“(d)

Maps Used for Insurance and Mandatory Purchase Requirements.
With respect to any community that has a dispute that is being considered by the Scientific Resolution Panel formed pursuant to this subsection, the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall ensure that for each such community that—
“(1)
the Flood Insurance Rate Map described in the most recently issued Letter of Final Determination shall be in force and effect with respect to such community; and
“(2)
flood insurance shall continue to be made available to the property owners and residents of the participating community.”
.
(b)
[42 U.S.C. 4104]

Conforming Amendments.—
(1)

Administrative review.—
Section 1363(e) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104(e)) is amended, in the second sentence, by striking “an independent scientific body or appropriate Federal agency for advice” and inserting “the Scientific Resolution Panel provided for in section 1363A”.
(2)

Judicial review.—
The first sentence of section 1363(g) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104(g)) is amended by striking “Any appellant” and inserting “Except as provided in section 1363A, any appellant”.
SEC. 100219.

REMOVAL OF LIMITATION ON STATE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR UPDATING FLOOD MAPS.
Section 1360(f)(2) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4101(f)(2)) is amended by striking “, but which may not exceed 50 percent of the cost of carrying out the requested revision or update”.
SEC. 100220.
[42 U.S.C. 4101c]

COORDINATION.
(a)

Interagency Budget Crosscut and Coordination Report.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary of Homeland Security, the Administrator, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the heads of each Federal department or agency carrying out activities under sections 100215 and 100216 shall work together to ensure that flood risk determination data and geospatial data are shared among Federal agencies in order to coordinate the efforts of the Nation to reduce its vulnerability to flooding hazards.
(2)

Report.—
Not later than 30 days after the submission of the budget of the United States Government by the President to Congress, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Corps of Engineers, and other Federal agencies, as appropriate, shall submit to the appropriate authorizing and appropriating committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives an interagency budget crosscut and coordination report, certified by the Secretary or head of each such agency, that—
(A)
contains an interagency budget crosscut report that displays relevant sections of the budget proposed for each of the Federal agencies working on flood risk determination data and digital elevation models, including any planned interagency or intra-agency transfers; and
(B)
describes how the efforts aligned with such sections complement one another.
(b)

Duties of the Administrator.—
In carrying out sections 100215 and 100216, the Administrator shall—
(1)
participate, pursuant to section 216 of the E-Government Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3501 note), in the establishment of such standards and common protocols as are necessary to assure the interoperability of geospatial data for all users of such information;
(2)
coordinate with, seek assistance and cooperation of, and provide a liaison to the Federal Geographic Data Committee pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-16 and Executive Order 12906 (43 U.S.C. 1457 note; relating to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure) for the implementation of and compliance with such standards;
(3)
integrate with, leverage, and coordinate funding of, to the maximum extent practicable, the current flood mapping activities of each unit of State and local government;
(4)
integrate with, leverage, and coordinate, to the maximum extent practicable, the current geospatial activities of other Federal agencies and units of State and local government; and
(5)
develop a funding strategy to leverage and coordinate budgets and expenditures, and to maintain or establish joint funding and other agreement mechanisms with other Federal agencies and units of State and local government to share in the collection and utilization of geospatial data among all governmental users.
SEC. 100221.

INTERAGENCY COORDINATION STUDY.
(a)

In General.—
The Administrator shall enter into a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration to conduct a study on how the Federal Emergency Management Agency—
(1)
should improve interagency and intergovernmental coordination on flood mapping, including a funding strategy to leverage and coordinate budgets and expenditures; and
(2)
can establish joint funding mechanisms with other Federal agencies and units of State and local government to share the collection and utilization of data among all governmental users.
(b)

Timing.—
A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall require that, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the National Academy of Public Administration shall report the findings of the study required under subsection (a) to—
(1)
the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate;
(2)
the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives;
(3)
the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(4)
the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 100222.

NOTICE OF FLOOD INSURANCE AVAILABILITY UNDER RESPA.
Section 5(b) of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 2604(b)), as amended by section 1450 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 111-203; 124 Stat. 2174), is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(14)
An explanation of flood insurance and the availability of flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program or from a private insurance company, whether or not the real estate is located in an area having special flood hazards.”
.
SEC. 100223.

PARTICIPATION IN STATE DISASTER CLAIMS MEDIATION PROGRAMS.
Chapter I of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1313 (42 U.S.C. 4020) the following:
“SEC. 1314.
[42 U.S.C. 4021]

PARTICIPATION IN STATE DISASTER CLAIMS MEDIATION PROGRAMS
“(a)

Requirement To Participate.
In the case of the occurrence of a major disaster, as defined in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122), that may have resulted in flood damage covered under the national flood insurance program established under this title and other personal lines residential property insurance coverage offered by a State regulated insurer, upon a request made by the insurance commissioner of a State (or such other official responsible for regulating the business of insurance in the State) for the participation of representatives of the Administrator in a program sponsored by such State for nonbinding mediation of insurance claims resulting from a major disaster, the Administrator shall cause representatives of the national flood insurance program to participate in such a State program where claims under the national flood insurance program are involved to expedite settlement of flood damage claims resulting from such disaster.
“(b)

Extent of Participation.
In satisfying the requirements of subsection (a), the Administrator shall require that each representative of the Administrator—
“(1)
be certified for purposes of the national flood insurance program to settle claims against such program resulting from such disaster in amounts up to the limits of policies under such program;
“(2)
attend State-sponsored mediation meetings regarding flood insurance claims resulting from such disaster at such times and places as may be arranged by the State;
“(3)
participate in good-faith negotiations toward the settlement of such claims with policyholders of coverage made available under the national flood insurance program; and
“(4)
finalize the settlement of such claims on behalf of the national flood insurance program with such policyholders.
“(c)

Coordination.
Representatives of the Administrator shall at all times coordinate their activities with insurance officials of the State and representatives of insurers for the purposes of consolidating and expediting settlement of claims under the national flood insurance program resulting from such disaster.
“(d)

Qualifications of Mediators.
Each State mediator participating in State-sponsored mediation under this section shall be—
“(1)
(A)
a member in good standing of the State bar in the State in which the mediation is to occur with at least 2 years of practical experience; and
“(B)
an active member of such bar for at least 1 year prior to the year in which such mediator’s participation is sought; or
“(2)
a retired trial judge from any United States jurisdiction who was a member in good standing of the bar in the State in which the judge presided for at least 5 years prior to the year in which such mediator’s participation is sought.
“(e)

Mediation Proceedings and Documents Privileged.
As a condition of participation, all statements made and documents produced pursuant to State-sponsored mediation involving representatives of the Administrator shall be deemed privileged and confidential settlement negotiations made in anticipation of litigation.
“(f)

Liability, Rights, or Obligations Not Affected.
Participation in State-sponsored mediation, as described in this section does not—
“(1)
affect or expand the liability of any party in contract or in tort; or
“(2)
affect the rights or obligations of the parties, as established—
“(A)
in any regulation issued by the Administrator, including any regulation relating to a standard flood insurance policy;
“(B)
under this title; and
“(C)
under any other provision of Federal law.
“(g)

Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction.
Participation in State-sponsored mediation shall not alter, change, or modify the original exclusive jurisdiction of United States courts, as set forth in this title.
“(h)

Cost Limitation.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Administrator or a representative of the Administrator to pay additional mediation fees relating to flood insurance claims associated with a State-sponsored mediation program in which such representative of the Administrator participates.
“(i)

Exception.
In the case of the occurrence of a major disaster that results in flood damage claims under the national flood insurance program and that does not result in any loss covered by a personal lines residential property insurance policy—
“(1)
this section shall not apply; and
“(2)
the provisions of the standard flood insurance policy under the national flood insurance program and the appeals process established under section 205 of the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 4011 note) and the regulations issued pursuant to such section shall apply exclusively.
“(j)

Representatives of the Administrator.
For purposes of this section, the term ‘representatives of the Administrator’ means representatives of the national flood insurance program who participate in the appeals process established under section 205 of the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 4011 note).”
.
SEC. 100224.
[42 U.S.C. 4081 note]

OVERSIGHT AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS OF INSURANCE COMPANIES.
(a)

Submission of Biennial Reports.—
(1)

To the administrator.—
Not later than 20 days after the date of enactment of this Act, each property and casualty insurance company participating in the Write Your Own program shall submit to the Administrator any biennial report required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be prepared in the prior 5 years by such company.
(2)

To gao.—
Not later than 10 days after the submission of the biennial reports under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall submit all such reports to the Comptroller General of the United States.
(3)

Notice to congress of failure to comply.—
The Administrator shall notify and report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives on any property and casualty insurance company participating in the Write Your Own program that failed to submit its biennial reports as required under paragraph (1).
(4)

Failure to comply.—
A property and casualty insurance company participating in the Write Your Own program which fails to comply with the reporting requirement under this subsection or the requirement under section 62.23(j)(1) of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to biennial audit of the flood insurance financial statements) shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount of not more than $1,000 per day for each day that the company remains in noncompliance with either such requirement.
(b)

Methodology To Determine Reimbursed Expenses.—
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a methodology for determining the appropriate amounts that property and casualty insurance companies participating in the Write Your Own program should be reimbursed for selling, writing, and servicing flood insurance policies and adjusting flood insurance claims on behalf of the National Flood Insurance Program. The methodology shall be developed using actual expense data for the flood insurance line and can be derived from—
(1)
flood insurance expense data produced by the property and casualty insurance companies;
(2)
flood insurance expense data collected by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; or
(3)
a combination of the methodologies described in paragraphs (1) and (2).
(c)

Submission of Expense Reports.—
To develop the methodology established under subsection (b), the Administrator may require each property and casualty insurance company participating in the Write Your Own program to submit a report to the Administrator, in a format determined by the Administrator and within 60 days of the request, that details the expense levels of each such company for selling, writing, and servicing standard flood insurance policies and adjusting and servicing claims.
(d)

FEMA Rulemaking on Reimbursement of Expenses Under the Write Your Own Program.—
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a rule to formulate revised expense reimbursements to property and casualty insurance companies participating in the Write Your Own program for their expenses (including their operating and administrative expenses for adjustment of claims) in selling, writing, and servicing standard flood insurance policies, including how such companies shall be reimbursed in both catastrophic and noncatastrophic years. Such reimbursements shall be structured to ensure reimbursements track the actual expenses, including standard business costs and operating expenses, of such companies as closely as practicably possible.
(e)

Report of the Administrator.—
Not later than 60 days after the effective date of the final rule issued pursuant to subsection (d), the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report containing—
(1)
the specific rationale and purposes of such rule;
(2)
the reasons for the adoption of the policies contained in such rule; and
(3)
the degree to which such rule accurately represents the true operating costs and expenses of property and casualty insurance companies participating in the Write Your Own program.
(f)

GAO Study and Report on Expenses of Write Your Own Program.—
(1)

Study.—
Not later than 180 days after the effective date of the final rule issued pursuant to subsection (d), the Comptroller General of the United States shall—
(A)
conduct a study on the efficacy, adequacy, and sufficiency of the final rules issued pursuant to subsection (d); and
(B)
report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives on the findings of the study conducted under subparagraph (A).
(2)

GAO authority.—
In conducting the study and report required under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General—
(A)
may use any previous findings, studies, or reports that the Comptroller General previously completed on the Write Your Own program;
(B)
shall determine if—
(i)
the final rule issued pursuant to subsection (d) allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to access adequate information regarding the actual expenses of property and casualty insurance companies participating in the Write Your Own program; and
(ii)
the actual reimbursements paid out under the final rule issued pursuant to subsection (d) accurately reflect the expenses reported by property and casualty insurance companies participating in the Write Your Own program, including the standard business costs and operating expenses of such companies; and
(C)
shall analyze the effect of the final rule issued pursuant to subsection (d) on the level of participation of property and casualty insurers in the Write Your Own program.
SEC. 100225.

MITIGATION.
(a)

Mitigation Assistance Grants.—
Section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104c) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsections (b), (d), (f), (g), (h), (k), and (m);
(2)
by redesignating subsections (c), (e), (i), and (j) as subsections (b), (c), (e), and (f), respectively;
(3)
in subsection (a), by striking the last sentence and inserting the following:
“Such financial assistance shall be made available—
“(1)
to States and communities in the form of grants under this section for carrying out mitigation activities;
“(2)
to States and communities in the form of grants under this section for carrying out mitigation activities that reduce flood damage to severe repetitive loss structures; and
“(3)
to property owners in the form of direct grants under this section for carrying out mitigation activities that reduce flood damage to individual structures for which 2 or more claim payments for losses have been made under flood insurance coverage under this title if the Administrator, after consultation with the State and community, determines that neither the State nor community in which such a structure is located has the capacity to manage such grants.”
;
(4)
in subsection (b), as so redesignated, in the first sentence—
(A)
by striking “and provides protection against” and inserting “provides for reduction of”; and
(B)
by inserting before the period at the end the following: “, and may be included in a multihazard mitigation plan”;
(5)
in subsection (c), as so redesignated—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking “(1) Use of amounts.—” and all that follows through the end of the first sentence and inserting the following:
“(1)

Requirement of consistency with approved mitigation plan.
Amounts provided under this section may be used only for mitigation activities that are consistent with mitigation plans that are approved by the Administrator and identified under paragraph (4).”
;
(B)
by striking paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) and inserting the following new paragraphs:
“(2)

Requirements of technical feasibility, cost effectiveness, and interest of national flood insurance fund.
“(A)

In general.
The Administrator may approve only mitigation activities that the Administrator determines—
“(i)
are technically feasible and cost-effective; or
“(ii)
will eliminate future payments from the National Flood Insurance Fund for severe repetitive loss structures through an acquisition or relocation activity.
“(B)

Considerations.
In making a determination under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall take into consideration recognized ancillary benefits.”
;
(C)
by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (3);
(D)
in paragraph (3), as so redesignated—
(i)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “The Director” and all that follows through “Such activities may” and inserting “Eligible activities under a mitigation plan may”;
(ii)
by striking subparagraphs (E) and (H);
(iii)
by redesignating subparagraphs (D), (F), and (G) as subparagraphs (E), (G), and (H), respectively;
(iv)
by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph:
“(D)
elevation, relocation, or floodproofing of utilities (including equipment that serves structures);”
;
(v)
by inserting after subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, the following new subparagraph:
“(F)
the development or update of mitigation plans by a State or community which meet the planning criteria established by the Administrator, except that the amount from grants under this section that may be used under this subparagraph may not exceed $50,000 for any mitigation plan of a State or $25,000 for any mitigation plan of a community;”
;
(vi)
in subparagraph (H); as so redesignated, by striking “and” at the end; and
(vii)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
“(I)
other mitigation activities not described in subparagraphs (A) through (G) or the regulations issued under subparagraph (H), that are described in the mitigation plan of a State or community; and
“(J)
without regard to the requirements under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (d), and if the State applied for and was awarded at least $1,000,000 in grants available under this section in the prior fiscal year, technical assistance to communities to identify eligible activities, to develop grant applications, and to implement grants awarded under this section, not to exceed $50,000 to any 1 State in any fiscal year.”
; and
(E)
by striking paragraph (6) and inserting the following:
“(4)

Eligibility of demolition and rebuilding of properties.
The Administrator shall consider as an eligible activity the demolition and rebuilding of properties to at least base flood elevation or greater, if required by the Administrator or if required by any State regulation or local ordinance, and in accordance with criteria established by the Administrator.”
;
(6)
by inserting after subsection (c), as so redesignated, the following new subsection:
“(d)

Matching Requirement.
The Administrator may provide grants for eligible mitigation activities as follows:
“(1)

Severe repetitive loss structures.
In the case of mitigation activities to severe repetitive loss structures, in an amount up to—
“(A)
100 percent of all eligible costs, if the activities are approved under subsection (c)(2)(A)(i); or
“(A)
the expected savings to the National Flood Insurance Fund from expected avoided damages through acquisition or relocation activities, if the activities are approved under subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii).
“(2)

Repetitive loss structures.
In the case of mitigation activities to repetitive loss structures, in an amount up to 90 percent of all eligible costs.
“(3)

Other mitigation activities.
In the case of all other mitigation activities, in an amount up to 75 percent of all eligible costs.”
.
(7)
in subsection (e)(2), as so redesignated—
(A)
by striking “certified under subsection (g)” and inserting “required under subsection (d)”; and
(B)
by striking “3 times the amount” and inserting “the amount”;
(8)
in subsection (f), as so redesignated, by striking “Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994” and inserting “Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012”; and
(9)
by adding at the end the following new subsections:
“(g)

Failure To Make Grant Award Within 5 Years.
For any application for a grant under this section for which the Administrator fails to make a grant award within 5 years of the date of the application, the grant application shall be considered to be denied and any funding amounts allocated for such grant applications shall remain in the National Flood Mitigation Fund under section 1367 of this title and shall be made available for grants under this section.
“(h)

Definitions.
For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
“(1)

Community.
The term ‘community’ means—
“(A)
a political subdivision that—
“(i)
has zoning and building code jurisdiction over a particular area having special flood hazards; and
“(ii)
is participating in the national flood insurance program; or
“(B)
a political subdivision of a State, or other authority, that is designated by political subdivisions, all of which meet the requirements of subparagraph (A), to administer grants for mitigation activities for such political subdivisions.
“(2)

Repetitive loss structure.
The term ‘repetitive loss structure’ has the meaning given such term in section 1370.
“(3)

Severe repetitive loss structure.
The term ‘severe repetitive loss structure’ means a structure that—
“(A)
is covered under a contract for flood insurance made available under this title; and
“(B)
has incurred flood-related damage—
“(i)
for which 4 or more separate claims payments have been made under flood insurance coverage under this title, with the amount of each such claim exceeding $5,000, and with the cumulative amount of such claims payments exceeding $20,000; or
“(ii)
for which at least 2 separate claims payments have been made under such coverage, with the cumulative amount of such claims exceeding the value of the insured structure.”
.
(b)

Elimination of Grants Program for Repetitive Insurance Claims Properties.—
Chapter I of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 is amended by striking section 1323 (42 U.S.C. 4030).
(c)

Elimination of Pilot Program for Mitigation of Severe Repetitive Loss Properties.—
Chapter III of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 is amended by striking section 1361A (42 U.S.C. 4102a).
(d)

National Flood Insurance Fund.—
Section 1310(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4017(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (6), by inserting “and” after the semicolon;
(2)
in paragraph (7), by striking the semicolon and inserting a period; and
(3)
by striking paragraphs (8) and (9).
(e)

National Flood Mitigation Fund.—
Section 1367 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104d) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph:
“(1)
in each fiscal year, amounts from the National Flood Insurance Fund not to exceed $90,000,000 and to remain available until expended, of which—
“(A)
not more than $40,000,000 shall be available pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for assistance described in section 1366(a)(1);
“(B)
not more than $40,000,000 shall be available pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for assistance described in section 1366(a)(2); and
“(C)
not more than $10,000,000 shall be available pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for assistance described in section 1366(a)(3);”
; and
(B)
in paragraph (3), by striking “section 1366(i)” and inserting “section 1366(e)”;
(2)
in subsection (c), by striking “sections 1366 and 1323” and inserting “section 1366”;
(3)
by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and
(4)
by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsections:
“(d)

Prohibition on Offsetting Collections.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, amounts made available pursuant to this section shall not be subject to offsetting collections through premium rates for flood insurance coverage under this title.
“(e)

Continued Availability and Reallocation.
Any amounts made available pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of subsection (b)(1) that are not used in any fiscal year shall continue to be available for the purposes specified in the subparagraph of subsection (b)(1) pursuant to which such amounts were made available, unless the Administrator determines that reallocation of such unused amounts to meet demonstrated need for other mitigation activities under section 1366 is in the best interest of the National Flood Insurance Fund.”
.
(f)

Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage.—
Section 1304(b)(4) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011(b)(4)) is amended—
(1)
by striking subparagraph (B); and
(2)
by redesignating subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), respectively.
SEC. 100226.
[42 U.S.C. 4101 note]

FLOOD PROTECTION STRUCTURE ACCREDITATION TASK FORCE.
(a)

Definitions.—
In this section—
(1)
the term “flood protection structure accreditation requirements” means the requirements established under section 65.10 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, for levee systems to be recognized on maps created for purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program;
(2)
the term “National Committee on Levee Safety” means the Committee on Levee Safety established under section 9003 of the National Levee Safety Act of 2007 (33 U.S.C. 3302); and
(3)
the term “task force” means the Flood Protection Structure Accreditation Task Force established under subsection (b).
(b)

Establishment.—
(1)

In general.—
The Administrator and the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, in cooperation with the National Committee on Levee Safety, shall jointly establish a Flood Protection Structure Accreditation Task Force.
(2)

Duties.—
(A)

Developing process.—
The task force shall develop a process to better align the information and data collected by or for the Corps of Engineers under the Inspection of Completed Works Program with the flood protection structure accreditation requirements so that—
(i)
information and data collected for either purpose can be used interchangeably; and
(ii)
information and data collected by or for the Corps of Engineers under the Inspection of Completed Works Program is sufficient to satisfy the flood protection structure accreditation requirements.
(B)

Gathering recommendations.—
The task force shall gather, and consider in the process developed under subparagraph (A), recommendations from interested persons in each region relating to the information, data, and accreditation requirements described in subparagraph (A).
(3)

Considerations.—
In developing the process under paragraph (2), the task force shall consider changes to—
(A)
the information and data collected by or for the Corps of Engineers under the Inspection of Completed Works Program; and
(B)
the flood protection structure accreditation requirements.
(4)

Rule of construction.—
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a reduction in the level of public safety and flood control provided by accredited levees, as determined by the Administrator for purposes of this section.
(c)

Implementation.—
The Administrator and the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, shall implement the process developed by the task force under subsection (b) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and shall complete the process under subsection (b) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(d)

Reports.—
The Administrator and the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, in cooperation with the National Committee on Levee Safety, shall jointly submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives reports concerning the activities of the task force and the implementation of the process developed by the task force under subsection (b), including—
(1)
an interim report, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act; and
(2)
a final report, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
(e)

Termination.—
The task force shall terminate on the date of submission of the report under subsection (d)(2).
SEC. 100227.
[42 U.S.C. 4011 note]

FLOOD IN PROGRESS DETERMINATIONS.
(a)

Report.—
(1)

Review.—
The Administrator shall review—
(A)
the processes and procedures for determining that a flood event has commenced or is in progress for purposes of flood insurance coverage made available under the National Flood Insurance Program;
(B)
the processes and procedures for providing public notification that such a flood event has commenced or is in progress;
(C)
the processes and procedures regarding the timing of public notification of flood insurance requirements and availability; and
(D)
the effects and implications that weather conditions, including rainfall, snowfall, projected snowmelt, existing water levels, and other conditions, have on the determination that a flood event has commenced or is in progress.
(2)

Report.—
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit a report to Congress that describes—
(A)
the results and conclusions of the review under paragraph (1); and
(B)
any actions taken, or proposed actions to be taken, by the Administrator to provide for more precise and technical processes and procedures for determining that a flood event has commenced or is in progress.
(b)

Effective Date of Policies Covering Properties Affected by Flooding of the Missouri River in 2011.—
(1)

Eligible coverage.—
For purposes of this subsection, the term “eligible coverage” means coverage under a new contract for flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program, or a modification to coverage under an existing flood insurance contract, for property damaged by the flooding of the Missouri River that commenced on June 1, 2011, that was purchased or made during the period beginning May 1, 2011, and ending June 6, 2011.
(2)

Effective dates.—
Notwithstanding section 1306(c) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4013(c)), or any other provision of law, any eligible coverage shall—
(A)
be deemed to take effect on the date that is 30 days after the date on which all obligations for the eligible coverage (including completion of the application and payment of any initial premiums owed) are satisfactorily completed; and
(B)
cover damage to property occurring after the effective date described in subparagraph (A) that resulted from the flooding of the Missouri River that commenced on June 1, 2011, if the property did not suffer damage or loss as a result of such flooding before the effective date described in subparagraph (A).
(c)

Timely Notification.—
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Administrator submits the report required under subsection (a)(2), the Administrator shall, taking into consideration the results of the review under subsection (a)(1)(B), develop procedures for providing timely notification, to the extent practicable, to policyholders who have purchased flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program within 30 days of a determination of a flood in progress and who may be affected by the flood of the determination and how the determination may affect their coverage.
SEC. 100228.

CLARIFICATION OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL COVERAGE LIMITS.
Section 1306(b) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4013(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
by striking “in the case of any residential property” and inserting “in the case of any residential building designed for the occupancy of from 1 to 4 families”; and
(B)
by striking “shall be made available to every insured upon renewal and every applicant for insurance so as to enable such insured or applicant to receive coverage up to a total amount (including such limits specified in paragraph (1)(A)(i)) of $250,000” and inserting “shall be made available, with respect to any single such building, up to an aggregate liability (including such limits specified in paragraph (1)(A)(i)) of $250,000”; and
(2)
in paragraph (4)—
(A)
by striking “in the case of any nonresidential property, including churches,” and inserting “in the case of any nonresidential building, including a church,”; and
(B)
by striking “shall be made available to every insured upon renewal and every applicant for insurance, in respect to any single structure, up to a total amount (including such limit specified in subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1), as applicable) of $500,000 for each structure and $500,000 for any contents related to each structure” and inserting “shall be made available with respect to any single such building, up to an aggregate liability (including such limits specified in subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1), as applicable) of $500,000, and coverage shall be made available up to a total of $500,000 aggregate liability for contents owned by the building owner and $500,000 aggregate liability for each unit within the building for contents owned by the tenant”.
SEC. 100229.

LOCAL DATA REQUIREMENT.
(a)

In General.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, no area or community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program that is or includes a community that is identified by the Administrator as Community Identification Number 360467 and impacted by the Jamaica Bay flooding source or identified by the Administrator as Community Identification Number 360495 may be or become designated as an area having special flood hazards for purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program, unless the designation is made on the basis of—
(1)
flood hazard analyses of hydrologic, hydraulic, or coastal flood hazards that have been properly calibrated and validated, and are specific and directly relevant to the geographic area being studied; and
(2)
ground elevation information of sufficient accuracy and precision to meet the guidelines of the Administration for accuracy at the 95 percent confidence level.
(b)

Remapping.—
(1)

Remapping required.—
If the Administrator determines that an area described in subsection (a) has been designated as an area of special flood hazard on the basis of information that does not comply with the requirements under subsection (a), the Administrator shall revise and update any National Flood Insurance Program rate map for the area—
(A)
using information that complies with the requirements under subsection (a); and
(B)
in accordance with the procedures established under section 1363 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104) for flood elevation determinations.
(2)

Interim period.—
A National Flood Insurance Program rate map in effect on the date of enactment of this Act for an area for which the Administrator has made a determination under paragraph (1) shall continue in effect with respect to the area during the period—
(A)
beginning on the date of enactment of this Act; and
(B)
ending on the date on which the Administrator determines that the requirements under section 1363 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104) for flood elevation determinations have been met with respect to a revision and update under paragraph (1) of a National Flood Insurance Program rate map for the area.
(3)

Deadline.—
The Administrator shall issue a preliminary National Flood Insurance Program rate map resulting from a revision and update required under paragraph (1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
(4)

Risk premium rate clarification.—
(A)

In general.—
If a revision and update required under paragraph (1) results in a reduction in the risk premium rate for a property in an area for which the Administrator has made a determination under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall—
(i)
calculate the difference between the reduced risk premium rate and the risk premium rate paid by a policyholder with respect to the property during the period—
(I)
beginning on the date on which the National Flood Insurance Program rate map in effect for the area on the date of enactment of this Act took effect; and
(II)
ending on the date on which the revised or updated National Flood Insurance Program rate map takes effect; and
(ii)
reimburse the policyholder an amount equal to such difference.
(B)

Funding.—
Notwithstanding section 1310 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4017), there shall be available to the Administrator from premiums deposited in the National Flood Insurance Fund pursuant to subsection (d) of such section 1310, of amounts not otherwise obligated, the amount necessary to carry out this paragraph.
(c)

Termination.—
(1)

In general.—
Except as provided in paragraph (2), this section shall cease to have effect on the effective date of a National Flood Insurance Program rate map revised and updated under subsection (b)(1).
(2)

Reimbursements.—
Subsection (b)(4) shall cease to have effect on the date on which the Administrator has made all reimbursements required under subsection (b)(4).
SEC. 100230.
[42 U.S.C. 4014 note]

ELIGIBILITY FOR FLOOD INSURANCE FOR PERSONS RESIDING IN COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE MADE ADEQUATE PROGRESS ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OR IMPROVEMENT OF A FLOOD PROTECTION SYSTEM.
(a)

Eligibility for Flood Insurance Coverage.—
(1)

In general.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including section 1307(e) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4014(e))), a person residing in a community that the Administrator determines has made adequate progress on the reconstruction or improvement of a flood protection system that will afford flood protection for a 100-year floodplain (without regard to the level of Federal funding of or participation in the construction, reconstruction, or improvement), shall be eligible for flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program—
(A)
if the person resides in a community that is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program; and
(B)
at a risk premium rate that does not exceed the risk premium rate that would be chargeable if the flood protection system had been completed.
(2)

Adequate progress.—
(A)

Reconstruction or improvement.—
For purposes of paragraph (1), the Administrator shall determine that a community has made adequate progress on the reconstruction or improvement of a flood protection system if—
(i)
100 percent of the project cost has been authorized;
(ii)
not less than 60 percent of the project cost has been secured or appropriated;
(iii)
not less than 50 percent of the flood protection system has been assessed as being without deficiencies; and
(iv)
the reconstruction or improvement has a project schedule that does not exceed 5 years, beginning on the date on which the reconstruction or construction of the improvement commences.
(B)

Considerations.—
In determining whether a flood protection system has been assessed as being without deficiencies, the Administrator shall consider the requirements under section 65.10 of chapter 44, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto.
(C)

Date of commencement.—
For purposes of subparagraph (A)(iv) of this paragraph and subsection (b)(2)(B), the date of commencement of the reconstruction or improvement of a flood protection system that is undergoing reconstruction or improvement on the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed to be the date on which the owner of the flood protection system submits a request under paragraph (3).
(3)

Request for determination.—
The owner of a flood protection system that is undergoing reconstruction or improvement on the date of enactment of this Act may submit to the Administrator a request for a determination under paragraph (2) that the community in which the flood protection system is located has made adequate progress on the reconstruction or improvement of the flood protection system.
(4)

Rule of construction.—
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the Administrator from making a determination under paragraph (2) for any community in which a flood protection system is not undergoing reconstruction or improvement on the date of enactment of this Act.
(b)

Termination of Eligibility.—
(1)

Adequate continuing progress.—
The Administrator shall issue rules to establish a method of determining whether a community has made adequate continuing progress on the reconstruction or improvement of a flood protection system that includes—
(A)
a requirement that the Administrator shall—
(i)
consult with the owner of the flood protection system—
(I)
6 months after the date of a determination under subsection (a);
(II)
18 months after the date of a determination under subsection (a); and
(III)
36 months after the date of a determination under subsection (a); and
(ii)
after each consultation under clause (i), determine whether the reconstruction or improvement is reasonably likely to be completed in accordance with the project schedule described in subsection (a)(2)(A)(iv); and
(B)
a requirement that, if the Administrator makes a determination under subparagraph (A)(ii) that reconstruction or improvement is not reasonably likely to be completed in accordance with the project schedule, the Administrator shall—
(i)
not later than 30 days after the date of the determination, notify the owner of the flood protection system of the determination and provide the rationale and evidence for the determination; and
(ii)
provide the owner of the flood protection system the opportunity to appeal the determination.
(2)

Termination.—
The Administrator shall terminate the eligibility for flood insurance coverage under subsection (a) for persons residing in a community with respect to which the Administrator made a determination under subsection (a) if—
(A)
the Administrator determines that the community has not made adequate continuing progress; or
(B)
on the date that is 5 years after the date on which the reconstruction or construction of the improvement commences, the project has not been completed.
(3)

Waiver.—
A person whose eligibility would otherwise be terminated under paragraph (2)(B) shall continue to be eligible to purchase flood insurance coverage described in subsection (a) if the Administrator determines—
(A)
the community has made adequate continuing progress on the reconstruction or improvement of a flood protection system; and
(B)
there is a reasonable expectation that the reconstruction or improvement of the flood protection system will be completed not later than 1 year after the date of the determination under this paragraph.
(4)

Risk premium rate.—
If the Administrator terminates the eligibility of persons residing in a community to purchase flood insurance coverage described in subsection (a), the Administrator shall establish an appropriate risk premium rate for flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program for persons residing in the community that purchased flood insurance coverage before the date on which the termination of eligibility takes effect, taking into consideration the then-current state of the flood protection system.
(c)

Additional Authority.—
(1)

Additional authority.—
Notwithstanding subsection (a), in exceptional and exigent circumstances, the Administrator may, in the Administrator’s sole discretion, determine that a person residing in a community, which is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program, that has begun reconstruction or improvement of a flood protection system that will afford flood protection for a 100-year floodplain (without regard to the level of Federal funding of or participation in the reconstruction or improvement) shall be eligible for flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program at a risk premium rate that does not exceed the risk premium rate that would be chargeable if the flood protection system had been completed, provided—
(A)
the community makes a written request for the determination setting forth the exceptional and exigent circumstances, including why the community cannot meet the criteria for adequate progress set forth in under subsection (a)(2)(A) and why immediate relief is necessary;
(B)
the Administrator submits a written report setting forth findings of the exceptional and exigent circumstances on which the Administrator based an affirmative determination to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives not later than 15 days before making the determination; and
(C)
the eligibility for flood insurance coverage at a risk premium rate determined under this subsection terminates no later than 1 year after the date on which the Administrator makes the determination.
(2)

Limitation.—
Upon termination of eligibility under paragraph (1)(C), a community may submit another request pursuant to paragraph (1)(A). The Administrator may make no more than two determinations under paragraph (1) with respect to persons residing within any single requesting community.
(3)

Termination.—
The authority provided under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall terminate two years after the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 100231.

STUDIES AND REPORTS.
(a)

Report on Improving the National Flood Insurance Program.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study and submit a report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives, on—
(1)
the number of flood insurance policy holders currently insuring—
(A)
a residential structure up to the maximum available coverage amount, as established in section 61.6 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, of—
(i)
$250,000 for the structure; and
(ii)
$100,000 for the contents of such structure; or
(B)
a commercial structure up to the maximum available coverage amount, as established in section 61.6 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, of $500,000;
(2)
the increased losses the National Flood Insurance Program would have sustained during the 2004 and 2005 hurricane season if the National Flood Insurance Program had insured all policyholders up to the maximum conforming loan limit for fiscal year 2006 of $417,000, as established under section 302(b)(2) of the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act (12 U.S.C. 1717(b)(2));
(3)
the availability in the private marketplace of flood insurance coverage in amounts that exceed the current limits of coverage amounts established in section 61.6 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(4)
what effect, if any—
(A)
raising the current limits of coverage amounts established in section 61.6 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, would have on the ability of private insurers to continue providing flood insurance coverage; and
(B)
reducing the current limits of coverage amounts established in section 61.6 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, would have on the ability of private insurers to provide sufficient flood insurance coverage to effectively replace the current level of flood insurance coverage being provided under the National Flood Insurance Program.
(b)
[42 U.S.C. 4027a]

Report of the Administrator on Activities Under the National Flood Insurance Program.—
(1)

In general.—
The Administrator shall, on an annual basis, submit a full report on the operations, activities, budget, receipts, and expenditures of the National Flood Insurance Program for the preceding 12-month period to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives.
(2)

Timing.—
Each report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the committees described in paragraph (1) not later than 3 months following the end of each fiscal year.
(3)

Contents.—
Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
the current financial condition and income statement of the National Flood Insurance Fund established under section 1310 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4017), including—
(i)
premiums paid into such Fund;
(ii)
policy claims against such Fund; and
(iii)
expenses in administering such Fund;
(B)
the number and face value of all policies issued under the National Flood Insurance Program that are in force;
(C)
a description and summary of the losses attributable to repetitive loss structures;
(D)
a description and summary of all losses incurred by the National Flood Insurance Program due to—
(i)
hurricane related damage; and
(ii)
nonhurricane related damage;
(E)
the amounts made available by the Administrator for mitigation assistance under section 1366(c)(4) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104c(c)(4)), as so redesignated by this Act, for the purchase of properties substantially damaged by flood for that fiscal year, and the actual number of flood damaged properties purchased and the total cost expended to purchase such properties;
(F)
the estimate of the Administrator as to the average historical loss year, and the basis for that estimate;
(G)
the estimate of the Administrator as to the maximum amount of claims that the National Flood Insurance Program would have to expend in the event of a catastrophic year;
(H)
the average—
(i)
amount of insurance carried per flood insurance policy;
(ii)
premium per flood insurance policy; and
(iii)
loss per flood insurance policy; and
(I)
the number of claims involving damages in excess of the maximum amount of flood insurance available under the National Flood Insurance Program and the sum of the amount of all damages in excess of such amount.
(c)

GAO Study on Pre-FIRM Structures.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study and submit a report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives, on the—
(1)
composition of the remaining pre-FIRM structures that are explicitly receiving discounted premium rates under section 1307 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4014), including the historical basis for the receipt of such subsidy and the extent to which pre-FIRM structures are currently owned by the same owners of the property at the time of the original National Flood Insurance Program rate map;
(2)
number and fair market value of such structures;
(3)
respective income level of the owners of such structures;
(4)
number of times each such structure has been sold since 1968, including specific dates, sales price, and any other information the Secretary determines appropriate;
(5)
total losses incurred by such structures since the establishment of the National Flood Insurance Program compared to the total losses incurred by all structures that are charged a nondiscounted premium rate;
(6)
total cost of foregone premiums since the establishment of the National Flood Insurance Program, as a result of the subsidies provided to such structures;
(7)
annual cost as a result of the subsidies provided to such structures;
(8)
the premium income collected and the losses incurred by the National Flood Insurance Program as a result of such explicitly subsidized structures compared to the premium income collected and the losses incurred by such Program as a result of structures that are charged a nondiscounted premium rate, on a State-by-State basis; and
(9)
the options for eliminating the subsidy to such structures.
(d)

GAO Review of FEMA Contractors.—
The Comptroller General of the United States, in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security, shall—
(1)
conduct a review of the 3 largest contractors the Administrator uses in administering the National Flood Insurance Program; and
(2)
not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, submit a report on the findings of such review to the Administrator, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives.
(e)

Study and Report on Graduated Risk.—
(1)

Study.—
(A)

Study required.—
The Administrator shall enter into a contract under which the National Academy of Sciences shall conduct a study exploring methods for understanding graduated risk behind levees and the associated land development, insurance, and risk communication dimensions.
(B)

Contents of study.—
The study under this paragraph shall—
(i)
research, review, and recommend current best practices for estimating direct annualized flood losses behind levees for residential and commercial structures;
(ii)
rank each best practice recommended under clause (i) based on the best value, balancing cost, scientific integrity, and the inherent uncertainties associated with all aspects of the loss estimate, including geotechnical engineering, flood frequency estimates, economic value, and direct damages;
(iii)
research, review, and identify current best floodplain management and land use practices behind levees that effectively balance social, economic, and environmental considerations as part of an overall flood risk management strategy;
(iv)
identify areas in which the best floodplain management and land use practices described in clause (iii) have proven effective and recommend methods and processes by which such practices could be applied more broadly across the United States, given the variety of different flood risks, State and local legal frameworks, and evolving judicial opinions;
(v)
research, review, and identify a variety of flood insurance pricing options for flood hazards behind levees that are actuarially sound and based on the flood risk data developed using the 3 best practices recommended under clause (i) that have the best value as determined under clause (ii);
(vi)
evaluate and recommend methods to reduce insurance costs through creative arrangements between insureds and insurers while keeping a clear accounting of how much financial risk is being borne by various parties such that the entire risk is accounted for, including establishment of explicit limits on disaster aid or other assistance in the event of a flood; and
(vii)
taking into consideration the recommendations under clauses (i) through (iii), recommend approaches to communicate the associated risks to community officials, homeowners, and other residents of communities.
(2)

Report.—
The contract under paragraph (1)(A) shall provide that not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Academy of Sciences shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report on the study under paragraph (1) that includes the information and recommendations required under paragraph (1).
SEC. 100232.

REINSURANCE.
(a)

FEMA and GAO Reports on Privatization.—
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator and the Comptroller General of the United States shall each—
(1)
conduct a separate study to assess a broad range of options, methods, and strategies for privatizing the National Flood Insurance Program; and
(2)
submit a report to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate with recommendations for the best manner to accomplish the privatization described in paragraph (1).
(b)

Private Risk-management Initiatives.—
The Administrator may carry out such private risk-management initiatives as are otherwise authorized under applicable law, as the Administrator considers appropriate to determine the capacity of private insurers, reinsurers, and financial markets to assist communities, on a voluntary basis only, in managing the full range of financial risks associated with flooding.
(c)

Reinsurance Assessment.—
(1)

Private market pricing assessment.—
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that—
(A)
assesses the capacity of the private reinsurance, capital, and financial markets to assist communities, on a voluntary basis, in managing the full range of financial risks associated with flooding by requesting proposals to assume a portion of the insurance risk of the National Flood Insurance Program;
(B)
describes any responses to the request for proposals under subparagraph (A);
(C)
assesses whether the rates and terms contained in any proposals received by the Administrator are—
(i)
reasonable and appropriate; and
(ii)
in an amount sufficient to maintain the ability of the National Flood Insurance Program to pay claims;
(D)
describes the extent to which carrying out the proposals received by the Administrator would minimize the likelihood that the Administrator would use the borrowing authority under section 1309 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4016);
(E)
describes fluctuations in historical reinsurance rates; and
(F)
includes an economic cost-benefit analysis of the impact on the National Flood Insurance Program if the Administrator were to exercise the authority under section 1335(a)(2) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4055(a)(2)), as added by this section, to secure reinsurance of coverage provided by the National Flood Insurance Program from the private market.
(2)

Protocol for release of data.—
The Administrator shall develop a protocol, including adequate privacy protections, to provide for the release of data sufficient to conduct the assessment required under paragraph (1).
(d)

Reinsurance.—
The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
in section 1331(a)(2) (42 U.S.C. 4051(a)(2)), by inserting “, including as reinsurance of coverage provided by the flood insurance program” before “, on such terms”;
(2)
in section 1332(c)(2) (42 U.S.C. 4052(c)(2)), by inserting “or reinsurance” after “flood insurance coverage”;
(3)
in section 1335(a) (42 U.S.C. 4055(a))—
(A)
by striking “The Director” and inserting the following:
“(1)

In general.
The Administrator”
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following:
“(2)

Private reinsurance.
The Administrator is authorized to secure reinsurance of coverage provided by the flood insurance program from the private market at rates and on terms determined by the Administrator to be reasonable and appropriate, in an amount sufficient to maintain the ability of the program to pay claims.”
;
(4)
in section 1346(a) (42 U.S.C. 4082(a))—
(A)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting after “for the purpose of” the following: “securing reinsurance of insurance coverage provided by the program or for the purpose of”;
(B)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking “estimating” and inserting “Estimating”; and
(ii)
by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period;
(C)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
by striking “receiving” and inserting “Receiving”; and
(ii)
by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period;
(D)
in paragraph (3)—
(i)
by striking “making” and inserting “Making”; and
(ii)
by striking “‘; and’” and inserting a period;
(E)
by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5);
(F)
in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking “otherwise” and inserting “Otherwise”; and
(G)
by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:
“(4)
Placing reinsurance coverage on insurance provided by such program.”
; and
(5)
in section 1370(a)(3) (42 U.S.C. 4121(a)(3)), by striking “include any” and all that follows and inserting the following: “include any organization or person that is authorized to engage in the business of insurance under the laws of any State, subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) and 78o(d)), or authorized by the Administrator to assume reinsurance on risks insured by the flood insurance program;”.
(e)
[42 U.S.C. 4027b]

Assessment of Claims-paying Ability.—
(1)

Assessment.—
(A)

Assessment required.—
(i)

In general.—
Not later than September 30 of each year, the Administrator shall conduct an assessment of the ability of the National Flood Insurance Program to pay claims.
(ii)

Private market reinsurance.—
The assessment under this paragraph for any year in which the Administrator exercises the authority under section 1335(a)(2) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4055(a)(2)), as added by this section, to secure reinsurance of coverage provided by the National Flood Insurance Program from the private market shall include information relating the use of private sector reinsurance and reinsurance equivalents by the Administrator, whether or not the Administrator used the borrowing authority under section 1309 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4016).
(iii)

First assessment.—
The Administrator shall conduct the first assessment required under this paragraph not later than September 30, 2012.
(B)

Considerations.—
In conducting an assessment under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall take into consideration regional concentrations of coverage written by the National Flood Insurance Program, peak flood zones, and relevant mitigation measures.
(2)

Annual report of the administrator of activities under the national flood insurance program.—
The Administrator shall—
(A)
include the results of each assessment in the report required under section 100231(b); and
(B)
not later than 30 days after the date on which the Administrator completes an assessment required under paragraph (1), make the results of the assessment available to the public.
SEC. 100233.

GAO STUDY ON BUSINESS INTERRUPTION AND ADDITIONAL LIVING EXPENSES COVERAGES.
(a)

Study.—
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study concerning—
(1)
the availability of additional living expenses and business interruption coverage in the private marketplace for flood insurance;
(2)
the feasibility of allowing the National Flood Insurance Program to offer such coverage at the option of the consumer;
(3)
the estimated cost to consumers if the National Flood Insurance Program priced such optional coverage at true actuarial rates;
(4)
the impact such optional coverage would have on consumer participation in the National Flood Insurance Program; and
(5)
the fiscal impact such optional coverage would have upon the National Flood Insurance Fund if such optional coverage were included in the National Flood Insurance Program, as described in paragraph (2), at the price described in paragraph (3).
(b)

Report.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report containing the results of the study under subsection (a).
SEC. 100234.
[42 U.S.C. 4013a]

POLICY DISCLOSURES.
(a)

In General.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in addition to any other disclosures that may be required, each policy under the National Flood Insurance Program shall state all conditions, exclusions, and other limitations pertaining to coverage under the subject policy, regardless of the underlying insurance product, in plain English, in boldface type, and in a font size that is twice the size of the text of the body of the policy.
(b)

Violations.—
The Administrator may impose a civil penalty of not more than $50,000 on any person that fails to comply with subsection (a).
SEC. 100235.

REPORT ON INCLUSION OF BUILDING CODES IN FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT CRITERIA.
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall conduct a study and submit a report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives regarding the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending section 1361 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4102) to include widely used and nationally recognized building codes as part of the floodplain management criteria developed under such section, and shall determine—
(1)
the regulatory, financial, and economic impacts of such a building code requirement on homeowners, States and local communities, local land use policies, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
(2)
the resources required of State and local communities to administer and enforce such a building code requirement;
(3)
the effectiveness of such a building code requirement in reducing flood-related damage to buildings and contents;
(4)
the impact of such a building code requirement on the actuarial soundness of the National Flood Insurance Program;
(5)
the effectiveness of nationally recognized codes in allowing innovative materials and systems for flood-resistant construction;
(6)
the feasibility and effectiveness of providing an incentive in lower premium rates for flood insurance coverage under such Act for structures meeting whichever of such widely used and nationally recognized building codes or any applicable local building codes provides greater protection from flood damage;
(7)
the impact of such a building code requirement on rural communities with different building code challenges than urban communities; and
(8)
the impact of such a building code requirement on Indian reservations.
SEC. 100236.

STUDY OF PARTICIPATION AND AFFORDABILITY FOR CERTAIN POLICYHOLDERS.
(a)

FEMA Study.—
The Administrator shall conduct a study of—
(1)
methods to encourage and maintain participation in the National Flood Insurance Program;
(2)
methods to educate consumers about the National Flood Insurance Program and the flood risk associated with their property;
(3)
methods for establishing an affordability framework for the National Flood Insurance Program, including methods to aid individuals to afford risk-based premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program through targeted assistance rather than generally subsidized rates, including means-tested vouchers;
(4)
the implications for the National Flood Insurance Program and the Federal budget of using each such method;
(5)
options for maintaining affordability if annual premiums for flood insurance coverage were to increase to an amount greater than 2 percent of the liability coverage amount under the policy, including options for enhanced mitigation assistance and means-tested assistance;
(6)
the effects that the establishment of catastrophe savings accounts would have regarding long-term affordability of flood insurance coverage; and
(7)
options for modifying the surcharge under 1308A, including based on homeowner income, property value or risk of loss.
(b)

National Academy of Sciences Economic Analysis.—
To inform the Administrator in the conduct of the study under subsection (a), the Administrator shall enter into a contract under which the National Academy of Sciences, in consultation with the Comptroller General of the United States, shall conduct and submit to the Administrator an economic analysis of the costs and benefits to the Federal Government of a flood insurance program with full risk-based premiums, combined with means-tested Federal assistance to aid individuals who cannot afford coverage, through an insurance voucher program. The analysis shall compare the costs of a program of risk-based rates and means-tested assistance to the current system of subsidized flood insurance rates and federally funded disaster relief for people without coverage.
(c)

Report.—
Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that contains the results of the study and analysis under this section.
(d)

Funding.—
Notwithstanding section 1310 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4017), there shall be available to the Administrator from the National Flood Insurance Fund, of amounts not otherwise obligated, not more than $2,500,000 to carry out this section.
SEC. 100237.

STUDY AND REPORT CONCERNING THE PARTICIPATION OF INDIAN TRIBES AND MEMBERS OF INDIAN TRIBES IN THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM.
(a)

Definition.—
In this section, the term “Indian tribe” has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
(b)

Findings.—
Congress finds that participation by Indian tribes in the National Flood Insurance Program is low. Only 45 of 565 Indian tribes participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
(c)

Study.—
The Comptroller General of the United States, in coordination and consultation with Indian tribes and members of Indian tribes throughout the United States, shall carry out a study that examines—
(1)
the factors contributing to the current rates of participation by Indian tribes and members of Indian tribes in the National Flood Insurance Program; and
(2)
methods of encouraging participation by Indian tribes and members of Indian tribes in the National Flood Insurance Program.
(d)

Report.—
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report that—
(1)
contains the results of the study carried out under subsection (c);
(2)
describes the steps that the Administrator should take to increase awareness and encourage participation by Indian tribes and members of Indian tribes in the National Flood Insurance Program; and
(3)
identifies any legislative changes that would encourage participation by Indian tribes and members of Indian tribes in the National Flood Insurance Program.
SEC. 100238.

TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
(a)

Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973.—
The Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4002 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
[42 U.S.C. 4003et]
by striking “Director” each place that term appears, except in section 102(f)(3) (42 U.S.C. 4012a(f)(3)), and inserting “Administrator”; and
(2)
in section 201(b) (42 U.S.C. 4105(b)), by striking “Director’s” and inserting “Administrator’s”.
(b)

National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.—
The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
[42 U.S.C. 4011et]
by striking “Director” each place that term appears and inserting “Administrator”;
(2)
in section 1363 (42 U.S.C. 4104), by striking “Director’s” each place that term appears and inserting “Administrator’s”; and
(3)
in section 1370(a)(9) (42 U.S.C. 4121(a)(9)), by striking “the Office of Thrift Supervision,”.
(c)

Federal Flood Insurance Act of 1956.—
Section 15(e) of the Federal Flood Insurance Act of 1956 (42 U.S.C. 2414(e)) is amended by striking “Director” each place that term appears and inserting “Administrator”.
SEC. 100239.

USE OF PRIVATE INSURANCE TO SATISFY MANDATORY PURCHASE REQUIREMENT.
(a)

Amendments.—
Section 102(b) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”;
(B)
by striking “lending institutions not to make” and inserting
“lending institutions—
“(A)
not to make”
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
“(B)
to accept private flood insurance as satisfaction of the flood insurance coverage requirement under subparagraph (A) if the coverage provided by such private flood insurance meets the requirements for coverage under such subparagraph.”
;
(2)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
by striking “paragraph (1)” each place that term appears and inserting “paragraph (1)(A)”; and
(B)
by inserting after the first sentence the following: “Each Federal agency lender shall accept private flood insurance as satisfaction of the flood insurance coverage requirement under the preceding sentence if the flood insurance coverage provided by such private flood insurance meets the requirements for coverage under such sentence.”;
(3)
in paragraph (3), in the matter following subparagraph (B), by striking “paragraph (1).” and inserting “paragraph (1)(A). The Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation shall accept private flood insurance as satisfaction of the flood insurance coverage requirement under paragraph (1)(A) if the flood insurance coverage provided by such private flood insurance meets the requirements for coverage under such paragraph and any requirements established by the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, respectively, relating to the financial solvency, strength, or claims-paying ability of private insurance companies from which the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation will accept private flood insurance.”; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following:
“(5)

Rule of construction.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to supersede or limit the authority of a Federal entity for lending regulation, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, a Federal agency lender, the Federal National Mortgage Association, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation to establish requirements relating to the financial solvency, strength, or claims-paying ability of private insurance companies from which the entity or agency will accept private flood insurance.
“(6)

Notice.
“(A)

In general.
Each lender shall disclose to a borrower that is subject to this subsection that—
“(i)
flood insurance is available from private insurance companies that issue standard flood insurance policies on behalf of the national flood insurance program or directly from the national flood insurance program;
“(ii)
flood insurance that provides the same level of coverage as a standard flood insurance policy under the national flood insurance program may be available from a private insurance company that issues policies on behalf of the company; and
“(iii)
the borrower is encouraged to compare the flood insurance coverage, deductibles, exclusions, conditions and premiums associated with flood insurance policies issued on behalf of the national flood insurance program and policies issued on behalf of private insurance companies and to direct inquiries regarding the availability, cost, and comparisons of flood insurance coverage to an insurance agent.
“(B)

Rule of construction.
Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as affecting or otherwise limiting the authority of a Federal entity for lending regulation to approve any disclosure made by a regulated lending institution for purposes of complying with subparagraph (A).
“(7)

Private flood insurance defined.
In this subsection, the term ‘private flood insurance’ means an insurance policy that—
“(A)
is issued by an insurance company that is—
“(i)
licensed, admitted, or otherwise approved to engage in the business of insurance in the State or jurisdiction in which the insured building is located, by the insurance regulator of that State or jurisdiction; or
“(ii)
in the case of a policy of difference in conditions, multiple peril, all risk, or other blanket coverage insuring nonresidential commercial property, is recognized, or not disapproved, as a surplus lines insurer by the insurance regulator of the State or jurisdiction where the property to be insured is located;
“(B)
provides flood insurance coverage which is at least as broad as the coverage provided under a standard flood insurance policy under the national flood insurance program, including when considering deductibles, exclusions, and conditions offered by the insurer;
“(C)
includes—
“(i)
a requirement for the insurer to give 45 days’ written notice of cancellation or non-renewal of flood insurance coverage to—
“(I)
the insured; and
“(II)
the regulated lending institution or Federal agency lender;
“(ii)
information about the availability of flood insurance coverage under the national flood insurance program;
“(iii)
a mortgage interest clause similar to the clause contained in a standard flood insurance policy under the national flood insurance program; and
“(iv)
a provision requiring an insured to file suit not later than 1 year after date of a written denial of all or part of a claim under the policy; and
“(D)
contains cancellation provisions that are as restrictive as the provisions contained in a standard flood insurance policy under the national flood insurance program.”
.
(b)

Technical and Conforming Amendment.—
Section 1364(a)(3)(C) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104a(a)(3)(C)) is amended by inserting after “private insurers” the following: “, as required under section 102(b)(6) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(6))”.
SEC. 100240.

LEVEES CONSTRUCTED ON CERTAIN PROPERTIES.
(a)

Definition.—
In this section, the term “covered hazard mitigation land” means land that—
(1)
was acquired and deed restricted under section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104c) during the period beginning on January 1, 1999, and ending December 31, 2011;
(2)
is located at—
(A)
1029 Oak Street, Fargo, North Dakota;
(B)
27 South Terrace, Fargo, North Dakota;
(C)
1033 Oak Street, Fargo, North Dakota;
(D)
308 Schnell Drive, Oxbow, North Dakota; or
(E)
306 Schnell Drive, Oxbow, North Dakota; and
(3)
is located in a community that—
(A)
is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program on the date on which a State, local, or tribal government submits an application requesting to construct a permanent flood risk reduction levee under subsection (b); and
(B)
certifies to the Administrator and the Chief of Engineers that the community will continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
(b)

Authority.—
Notwithstanding any other prohibition on construction on property acquired with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for conversion to open space purposes, the Administrator shall allow the construction of a permanent flood risk reduction levee by a State, local, or tribal government on covered hazard mitigation land if—
(1)
the Administrator and the Chief of Engineers make a determination that—
(A)
construction of the proposed permanent flood risk reduction levee would more effectively mitigate against flooding risk than an open floodplain or other flood risk reduction measures;
(B)
the proposed permanent flood risk reduction levee complies with Federal, State, and local requirements, including mitigation of adverse impacts and implementation of floodplain management requirements, which shall include an evaluation of whether the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed levee—
(i)
would continue to meet best available industry standards and practices;
(ii)
would be the most cost-effective measure to protect against the assessed flood risk; and
(iii)
minimizes future costs to the Federal Government;
(C)
the State, local, or tribal government seeking to construct the proposed permanent flood risk reduction levee has provided an adequate maintenance plan that documents the procedures the State, local, or tribal government will use to ensure that the stability, height, and overall integrity of the proposed levee and the structure and systems of the proposed levee are maintained, including—
(i)
specifying the maintenance activities to be performed;
(ii)
specifying the frequency with which maintenance activities will be performed;
(iii)
specifying the person responsible for performing each maintenance activity (by name or title);
(iv)
detailing the plan for financing the maintenance of the levee; and
(v)
documenting the ability of the State, local, or tribal government to finance the maintenance of the levee; and
(2)
before the commencement of construction, the State, local, or tribal government provides to the Administrator an amount—
(A)
equal to the Federal share of all project costs previously provided by the Administrator under the applicable program for each deed restricted parcel of the covered hazard mitigation land, which the Administrator shall deposit in the National Flood Insurance Fund; and
(B)
that does not include any Federal funds.
(c)

Maintenance Certification.—
(1)

In general.—
A State, local, or tribal government that constructs a permanent flood risk reduction levee under subsection (b) shall submit to the Administrator and the Chief of Engineers an annual certification indicating whether the State, local, or tribal government is in compliance with the maintenance plan provided under subsection (b)(1)(C).
(2)

Review.—
The Chief of Engineers shall review each certification submitted under paragraph (1) and determine whether the State, local, or tribal government has complied with the maintenance plan.
SEC. 100241.

INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PRIVATE PROPERTIES AFFECTED BY FLOODING FROM FEDERAL LANDS.
Section 1306(c)(2) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4013(c)(2)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A), by striking “or” at the end;
(2)
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; or”; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
“(C)
the initial purchase of flood insurance coverage for private property if—
“(i)
the Administrator determines that the property is affected by flooding on Federal land that is a result of, or is exacerbated by, post-wildfire conditions, after consultation with an authorized employee of the Federal agency that has jurisdiction of the land on which the wildfire that caused the post-wildfire conditions occurred; and
“(ii)
the flood insurance coverage was purchased not later than 60 days after the fire containment date, as determined by the appropriate Federal employee, relating to the wildfire that caused the post-wildfire conditions described in clause (i).”
.
SEC. 100242.

PERMISSIBLE LAND USE UNDER FEDERAL FLOOD INSURANCE PLAN.
Chapter I of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 1325.
[42 U.S.C. 4032]

TREATMENT OF SWIMMING POOL ENCLOSURES OUTSIDE OF HURRICANE SEASON
“(a)

In General.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including the adequate land use and control measures developed pursuant to section 1361 and applicable to non-one- and two-family structures located within coastal areas, as identified by the Administrator, the following may be permitted:
“(1)
Nonsupporting breakaway walls in the space below the lowest elevated floor of a building, if the space is used solely for a swimming pool between November 30 and June 1 of any year, in an area designated as Zone V on a flood insurance rate map.
“(2)
Openings in walls in the space below the lowest elevated floor of a building, if the space is used solely for a swimming pool between November 30 and June 1 of any year, in an area designated as Zone A on a flood insurance rate map.
“(b)

Rule of Construction.
Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to alter the terms and conditions of eligibility and insurability of coverage for a building under the standard flood insurance policy under the national flood insurance program.”
.
SEC. 100243.

CDBG ELIGIBILITY FOR FLOOD INSURANCE OUTREACH ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY BUILDING CODE ADMINISTRATION GRANTS.
(a)

Amendments.—
Section 105(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraph (25) as paragraph (26);
(2)
by redesignating the second paragraph designated as paragraph (24) (relating to tornado-safe shelters) as paragraph (25);
(3)
in paragraph (24) (relating to homeownership among persons with low and moderate income), by striking “and” at the end;
(4)
in paragraph (25), as so redesignated, by striking “and” at the end;
(5)
in paragraph (26), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(6)
by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
“(27)
supplementing existing State or local funding for administration of building code enforcement by local building code enforcement departments, including for increasing staffing, providing staff training, increasing staff competence and professional qualifications, and supporting individual certification or departmental accreditation, and for capital expenditures specifically dedicated to the administration of the building code enforcement department, except that, to be eligible to use amounts as provided in this paragraph—
“(A)
a building code enforcement department shall provide matching, non-Federal funds to be used in conjunction with amounts used under this paragraph in an amount—
“(i)
in the case of a building code enforcement department serving an area with a population of more than 50,000, equal to not less than 50 percent of the total amount of any funds made available under this title that are used under this paragraph;
“(ii)
in the case of a building code enforcement department serving an area with a population of between 20,001 and 50,000, equal to not less than 25 percent of the total amount of any funds made available under this title that are used under this paragraph; and
“(iii)
in the case of a building code enforcement department serving an area with a population of less than 20,000, equal to not less than 12.5 percent of the total amount of any funds made available under this title that are used under this paragraph,
except that the Secretary may waive the matching fund requirements under this subparagraph, in whole or in part, based upon the level of economic distress of the jurisdiction in which is located the local building code enforcement department that is using amounts for purposes under this paragraph, and shall waive such matching fund requirements in whole for any recipient jurisdiction that has dedicated all building code permitting fees to the conduct of local building code enforcement; and
“(B)
any building code enforcement department using funds made available under this title for purposes under this paragraph shall empanel a code administration and enforcement team consisting of at least 1 full-time building code enforcement officer, a city planner, and a health planner or similar officer; and
“(28)
provision of assistance to local governmental agencies responsible for floodplain management activities (including such agencies of Indians tribes, as such term is defined in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103)) in communities that participate in the national flood insurance program under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.), only for carrying out outreach activities to encourage and facilitate the purchase of flood insurance protection under such Act by owners and renters of properties in such communities and to promote educational activities that increase awareness of flood risk reduction; except that—
“(A)
amounts used as provided under this paragraph shall be used only for activities designed to—
“(i)
identify owners and renters of properties in communities that participate in the national flood insurance program, including owners of residential and commercial properties;
“(ii)
notify such owners and renters when their properties become included in, or when they are excluded from, an area having special flood hazards and the effect of such inclusion or exclusion on the applicability of the mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement under section 102 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a) to such properties;
“(iii)
educate such owners and renters regarding the flood risk and reduction of this risk in their community, including the continued flood risks to areas that are no longer subject to the flood insurance mandatory purchase requirement;
“(iv)
educate such owners and renters regarding the benefits and costs of maintaining or acquiring flood insurance, including, where applicable, lower-cost preferred risk policies under this title for such properties and the contents of such properties;
“(v)
encourage such owners and renters to maintain or acquire such coverage;
“(vi)
notify such owners of where to obtain information regarding how to obtain such coverage, including a telephone number, mailing address, and Internet site of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (in this paragraph referred to as the ‘Administrator’) where such information is available; and
“(vii)
educate local real estate agents in communities participating in the national flood insurance program regarding the program and the availability of coverage under the program for owners and renters of properties in such communities, and establish coordination and liaisons with such real estate agents to facilitate purchase of coverage under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and increase awareness of flood risk reduction;
“(B)
in any fiscal year, a local governmental agency may not use an amount under this paragraph that exceeds 3 times the amount that the agency certifies, as the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall require, that the agency will contribute from non-Federal funds to be used with such amounts used under this paragraph only for carrying out activities described in subparagraph (A); and for purposes of this subparagraph, the term ‘non-Federal funds’ includes State or local government agency amounts, in-kind contributions, any salary paid to staff to carry out the eligible activities of the local governmental agency involved, the value of the time and services contributed by volunteers to carry out such services (at a rate determined by the Secretary), and the value of any donated material or building and the value of any lease on a building;
“(C)
a local governmental agency that uses amounts as provided under this paragraph may coordinate or contract with other agencies and entities having particular capacities, specialties, or experience with respect to certain populations or constituencies, including elderly or disabled families or persons, to carry out activities described in subparagraph (A) with respect to such populations or constituencies; and
“(D)
each local government agency that uses amounts as provided under this paragraph shall submit a report to the Secretary and the Administrator, not later than 12 months after such amounts are first received, which shall include such information as the Secretary and the Administrator jointly consider appropriate to describe the activities conducted using such amounts and the effect of such activities on the retention or acquisition of flood insurance coverage.”
.
(b)

Sunset.—
Effective on the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, section 105(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (25), as so redesignated by subsection (a) of this subsection, by adding “and” at the end;
(2)
in paragraph (26), as so redesignated by subsection (a) of this subsection, by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period; and
(3)
by striking paragraphs (27) and (28), as added by subsection (a) of this subsection.
SEC. 100244.

TERMINATION OF FORCE-PLACED INSURANCE.
(a)

In General.—
Section 102(e) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(e)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2), by striking “purchasing the insurance” and inserting “purchasing the insurance, including premiums or fees incurred for coverage beginning on the date on which flood insurance coverage lapsed or did not provide a sufficient coverage amount”;
(2)
by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; and
(3)
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraphs:
“(3)

Termination of force-placed insurance.
Within 30 days of receipt by the lender or servicer of a confirmation of a borrower’s existing flood insurance coverage, the lender or servicer shall—
“(A)
terminate any insurance purchased by the lender or servicer under paragraph (2); and
“(B)
refund to the borrower all premiums paid by the borrower for any insurance purchased by the lender or servicer under paragraph (2) during any period during which the borrower’s flood insurance coverage and the insurance coverage purchased by the lender or servicer were each in effect, and any related fees charged to the borrower with respect to the insurance purchased by the lender or servicer during such period.
“(4)

Sufficiency of demonstration.
For purposes of confirming a borrower’s existing flood insurance coverage, a lender or servicer for a loan shall accept from the borrower an insurance policy declarations page that includes the existing flood insurance policy number and the identity of, and contact information for, the insurance company or agent.”
.
SEC. 100245.

FEMA AUTHORITY ON TRANSFER OF POLICIES.
Section 1345 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4081) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
“(d)

FEMA Authority on Transfer of Policies.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Administrator may, at the discretion of the Administrator, refuse to accept the transfer of the administration of policies for coverage under the flood insurance program under this title that are written and administered by any insurance company or other insurer, or any insurance agent or broker.”
.
SEC. 100246.

REIMBURSEMENT OF CERTAIN EXPENSES.
Section 1363 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104) is amended by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following:
“(f)

Reimbursement of Certain Expenses.
When, incident to any appeal under subsection (b) or (c) of this section, the owner or lessee of real property or the community, as the case may be, incurs expense in connection with the services of surveyors, engineers, or similar services, but not including legal services, in the effecting of an appeal based on a scientific or technical error on the part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is successful in whole or part, the Administrator shall reimburse such individual or community to an extent measured by the ratio of the successful portion of the appeal as compared to the entire appeal and applying such ratio to the reasonable value of all such services, but no reimbursement shall be made by the Administrator in respect to any fee or expense payment, the payment of which was agreed to be contingent upon the result of the appeal. The amounts available for implementing this subsection shall not exceed $250,000. The Administrator shall promulgate regulations to carry out this subsection.”
.
SEC. 100247.

FIO STUDY ON RISKS, HAZARDS, AND INSURANCE.
(a)

In General.—
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Federal Insurance Office shall conduct a study and submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report providing an assessment of the current state of the market for natural catastrophe insurance in the United States.
(b)

Factors.—
The study and report required under subsection (a) shall assess—
(1)
the current condition of, as well as the outlook for, the availability and affordability of insurance for natural catastrophe perils in all regions of the United States;
(2)
the current ability of States, communities, and individuals to mitigate their natural catastrophe risks, including the affordability and feasibility of such mitigation activities;
(3)
the current state of catastrophic insurance and reinsurance markets and the current approaches in providing insurance protection to different sectors of the population of the United States;
(4)
the current financial condition of State residual markets and catastrophe funds in high-risk regions, including the likelihood of insolvency following a natural catastrophe, the concentration of risks within such funds, the reliance on post-event assessments and State funding, and the adequacy of rates; and
(5)
the current role of the Federal Government and State and local governments in providing incentives for feasible risk mitigation efforts and the cost of providing post-natural catastrophe aid in the absence of insurance.
(c)

Additional Factors.—
The study and report required under subsection (a) shall also contain an assessment of current approaches to insuring natural catastrophe risks in the United States and such other information as the Director of the Federal Insurance Office determines necessary or appropriate.
(d)

Consultation.—
In carrying out the study and report under subsection (a), the Director of the Federal Insurance Office shall consult with the National Academy of Sciences, State insurance regulators, consumer organizations, representatives of the insurance and reinsurance industry, policyholders, and other organizations and experts, as appropriate.
SEC. 100248.

FLOOD PROTECTION IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTED ON CERTAIN PROPERTIES.
(a)

Definition.—
In this section, the term “covered hazard mitigation land” means land that—
(1)
was acquired and deed restricted under section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104c) during the period beginning on March 1, 2008, and ending on December 31, 2008;
(2)
is located at—
(A)
809 East Main Cross Street, Findlay, Ohio, 45840;
(B)
801 East Main Cross Street, Findlay, Ohio, 45840;
(C)
725 East Main Cross Street, Findlay, Ohio, 45840; or
(D)
631 East Main Cross Street, Findlay, Ohio, 45840; and
(3)
is located in a community that—
(A)
is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program on the date on which a State, local, or tribal government submits an application requesting to construct a flood protection improvement under subsection (b); and
(B)
certifies to the Administrator and the Chief of Engineers that the community will continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
(b)

Authority.—
Notwithstanding any other prohibition on construction on property acquired with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for conversion to open space purposes, the Administrator shall allow the construction of a flood protection improvement by a State, local, or tribal government on covered hazard mitigation land if—
(1)
the Administrator and the Chief of Engineers make a determination that—
(A)
construction of the proposed flood protection improvement would more effectively mitigate against flooding risk than an open floodplain or other flood risk reduction measures;
(B)
the proposed flood protection improvement complies with Federal, State, and local requirements, including mitigation of adverse impacts and implementation of floodplain management requirements, which shall include an evaluation of whether the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed flood protection improvement—
(i)
would continue to meet best available industry standards and practices;
(ii)
would be the most cost-effective measure to protect against the assessed flood risk; and
(iii)
minimizes future costs to the Federal Government;
(C)
the State, local, or tribal government seeking to construct the flood protection improvement has provided an adequate maintenance plan that documents the procedures the State, local, or tribal government will use to ensure that the stability, height, and overall integrity of the proposed flood protection improvement and the structure and systems of the proposed flood protection improvement are maintained, including—
(i)
specifying the maintenance activities to be performed;
(ii)
specifying the frequency with which maintenance activities will be performed;
(iii)
specifying the person responsible for performing each maintenance activity (by name or title);
(iv)
detailing the plan for financing the maintenance of the flood protection improvement; and
(v)
documenting the ability of the State, local, or tribal government to finance the maintenance of the flood protection improvement; and
(2)
before the commencement of construction, the State, local, or tribal government provides to the Administrator an amount—
(A)
equal to the Federal share of all project costs previously provided by the Administrator under the applicable program for each deed restricted parcel of the covered hazard mitigation land, which the Administrator shall deposit in the National Flood Insurance Fund; and
(B)
that does not include any Federal funds.
(c)

Maintenance Certification.—
(1)

In general.—
A State, local, or tribal government that constructs a flood protection improvement under subsection (b) shall submit to the Administrator and the Chief of Engineers an annual certification indicating whether the State, local, or tribal government is in compliance with the maintenance plan provided under subsection (b)(1)(C).
(2)

Review.—
The Chief of Engineers shall review each certification submitted under paragraph (1) and determine whether the State, local, or tribal government has complied with the maintenance plan.
SEC. 100249.
[42 U.S.C. 4130]

NO CAUSE OF ACTION.
No cause of action shall exist and no claim may be brought against the United States for violation of any notification requirement imposed upon the United States by this subtitle or any amendment made by this subtitle.
Subtitle B—

Alternative Loss Allocation
SEC. 100251.

SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the “Consumer Option for an Alternative System to Allocate Losses Act of 2012” or the “COASTAL Act of 2012”.
SEC. 100252.

ASSESSING AND MODELING NAMED STORMS OVER COASTAL STATES.
Subtitle C of title XII of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) (also known as the “Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009”) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 12312.
[33 U.S.C. 3611]

ASSESSING AND MODELING NAMED STORMS OVER COASTAL STATES
“(a)

Definitions.
In this section:
“(1)

COASTAL formula.
The term ‘COASTAL Formula’ has the meaning given the term in section 1337(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.
“(2)

Coastal state.
The term ‘coastal State’ has the meaning given the term ‘coastal state’ in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453).
“(3)

Coastal waters.
The term ‘coastal waters’ has the meaning given the term in such section.
“(4)

Covered data.
The term ‘covered data’ means, with respect to a named storm identified by the Administrator under subsection (b)(2)(A), empirical data that are—
“(A)
collected before, during, or after such storm; and
“(B)
necessary to determine magnitude and timing of wind speeds, rainfall, the barometric pressure, river flows, the extent, height, and timing of storm surge, topographic and bathymetric data, and other measures required to accurately model and assess damage from such storm.
“(5)

Indeterminate loss.
The term ‘indeterminate loss’ has the meaning given the term in section 1337(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.
“(6)

Named storm.
The term ‘named storm’ means any organized weather system with a defined surface circulation and maximum winds of at least 39 miles per hour which the National Hurricane Center of the United States National Weather Service names as a tropical storm or a hurricane.
“(7)

Named storm event model.
The term ‘Named Storm Event Model’ means the official meteorological and oceanographic computerized model, developed by the Administrator under subsection (b)(1)(A), which utilizes covered data to replicate the magnitude, timing, and spatial variations of winds, rainfall, and storm surges associated with named storms that threaten any portion of a coastal State.
“(8)

Participant.
The term ‘participant’ means a Federal, State, or private entity that chooses to cooperate with the Administrator in carrying out the provisions of this section by collecting, contributing, and maintaining covered data.
“(9)

Post-storm assessment.
The term ‘post-storm assessment’ means a scientific assessment produced and certified by the Administrator to determine the magnitude, timing, and spatial variations of winds, rainfall, and storm surges associated with a specific named storm to be used in the COASTAL Formula.
“(10)

State.
The term ‘State’ means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States.
“(b)

Named Storm Event Model and Post-storm Assessment.
“(1)

Establishment of named storm event model.
“(A)

In general.
Not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of the Consumer Option for an Alternative System to Allocate Losses Act of 2012, the Administrator shall develop by regulation the Named Storm Event Model.
“(B)

Accuracy.
The Named Storm Event Model shall be designed to generate post-storm assessments, as provided in paragraph (2), that have a degree of accuracy of not less than 90 percent for every indeterminate loss for which a post-storm assessment is utilized.
“(2)

Post-storm assessment.
“(A)

Identification of named storms threatening coastal states.
After the establishment of the COASTAL Formula, the Administrator shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, identify named storms that may reasonably constitute a threat to any portion of a coastal State.
“(B)

Post-storm assessment required.
Upon identification of a named storm under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall develop a post-storm assessment for such named storm using the Named Storm Event Model and covered data collected for such named storm pursuant to the protocol established under subsection (c)(1).
“(C)

Submittal of post-storm assessment.
Not later than 90 days after an identification of a named storm is made under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall submit to the Secretary of Homeland Security the post-storm assessment developed for such storm under subparagraph (B).
“(3)

Accuracy.
The Administrator shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that each post-storm assessment developed under paragraph (2) has a degree of accuracy of not less than 90 percent.
“(4)

Certification.
For each post-storm assessment carried out under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall—
“(A)
certify the degree of accuracy for such assessment, including specific reference to any segments or geographic areas for which the assessment is less than 90 percent accurate; and
“(B)
report such certification to the Secretary of Homeland Security for the purposes of use with indeterminate loss claims under section 1337 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.
“(5)

Finality of determinations.
A certification of the degree of accuracy of a post-storm assessment under this subsection by the Administrator shall be final and shall not be subject to judicial review.
“(6)

Availability.
The Administrator shall make available to the public the Named Storm Event Model and any post-storm assessment developed under this subsection.
“(c)

Establishment of a Protocol for Post-storm Assessment.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of the Consumer Option for an Alternative System to Allocate Losses Act of 2012, the Administrator shall establish a protocol, based on the plan submitted under subsection (d)(3), to collect and assemble all covered data required by the Administrator to produce post-storm assessments required by subsection (b), including assembling data collected by participants and stored in the database established under subsection (f) and from such other sources as the Administrator considers appropriate.
“(2)

Acquisition of sensors and structures.
If the Administrator is unable to use a public or private asset to obtain covered data as part of the protocol established under paragraph (1), the Administrator may acquire such sensors and structures for the placement of sensors as may be necessary to obtain such data.
“(3)

Use of federal assets.
If the protocol requires placement of a sensor to develop assessments pursuant to subsection (b), the Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, use Federal assets for the placement of such sensors.
“(4)

Use of acquired structures.
“(A)

In general.
If the Administrator acquires a structure for the placement of a sensor for purposes of such protocol, the Administrator shall to the extent practical permit other public and private entities to place sensors on such structure to collect—
“(i)
meteorological data;
“(ii)
national security-related data;
“(iii)
navigation-related data;
“(iv)
hydrographic data; or
“(v)
such other data as the Administrator considers appropriate.
“(B)

Receipt of consideration.
The Administrator may receive consideration for the placement of a sensor on a structure under subparagraph (A).
“(C)

In-kind consideration.
Consideration received under subparagraph (B) may be received in-kind.
“(D)

Use of consideration.
To the extent practicable, consideration received under subparagraph (B) shall be used for the maintenance of sensors used to collect covered data.
“(5)

Coordinated deployments and data collection practices.
The Administrator shall, in consultation with the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology, coordinate the deployment of sensors as part of the protocol established under paragraph (1) and related data collection carried out by Federal, State, academic, and private entities who choose to cooperate with the Administrator in carrying out this subsection.
“(6)

Priority acquisition and deployment.
The Administrator shall give priority in the acquisition for and deployment of sensors under the protocol required by paragraph (1) to areas of coastal States that have the highest risk of being harmed by named storms.
“(d)

Assessment of Systems and Efforts to Collect Covered Data.
“(1)

Identification of systems and efforts to collect covered data.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Consumer Option for an Alternative System to Allocate Losses Act of 2012, the Administrator shall, in consultation with the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology—
“(A)
carry out a survey to identify all Federal and State efforts and systems that are capable of collecting covered data; and
“(B)
consult with private and academic sector entities to identify domestic private and academic systems that are capable of collecting covered data.
“(2)

Identification of gaps.
The Administrator shall, in consultation with the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology and individuals and entities consulted under subsection (e)(3), assess the systems identified under paragraph (1) and identify which systems meet the needs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the collection of covered data, including with respect to the accuracy requirement for post-storm assessment under subsection (b)(3).
“(3)

Plan.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of the Consumer Option for an Alternative System to Allocate Losses Act of 2012, the Administrator shall, in consultation with the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology, submit to Congress a plan for the collection of covered data necessary to develop the Named Storm Event Model and post-storm assessment required by subsection (b) that addresses any gaps identified in paragraph (2).
“(e)

Coordination of Covered Data Collection and Maintenance by Participants.
“(1)

In general.
The Administrator shall, in consultation with the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology, coordinate the collection and maintenance of covered data by participants under this section—
“(A)
to streamline the process of collecting covered data in accordance with the protocol established under subsection (c)(1); and
“(B)
to maintain transparency of such process and the database established under subsection (f).
“(2)

Sharing information.
The Administrator shall establish a process for sharing among participants information relevant to collecting and using covered data for—
“(A)
academic research;
“(B)
private sector use;
“(C)
public outreach; and
“(D)
such other purposes as the Administrator considers appropriate.
“(3)

Consultation.
In carrying out paragraphs (1) and (2), the Administrator shall consult with the following:
“(A)
The Commanding General of the Corps of Engineers.
“(B)
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“(C)
The Commandant of the Coast Guard.
“(D)
The Director of the United States Geological Survey.
“(E)
The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology.
“(F)
The Director of the National Science Foundation.
“(G)
The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
“(H)
Such public, private, and academic sector entities as the Administrator considers appropriate for purposes of carrying out the provisions of this section.
“(f)

Establishment of Coastal Wind and Water Event Database.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Consumer Option for an Alternative System to Allocate Losses Act of 2012, the Administrator shall establish a database for the collection and compilation of covered data—
“(A)
to support the protocol established under subsection (c)(1); and
“(B)
for the purposes listed in subsection (e)(2).
“(2)

Designation.
The database established under paragraph (1) shall be known as the ‘Coastal Wind and Water Event Database’.
“(g)

Comptroller General Study.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Consumer Option for an Alternative System to Allocate Losses Act of 2012, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—
“(1)
complete an audit of Federal efforts to collect covered data for purposes of the Consumer Option for an Alternative System to Allocate Losses Act of 2012, which audit shall—
“(A)
examine duplicated Federal efforts to collect covered data; and
“(B)
determine the cost effectiveness of such efforts; and
“(2)
submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the Comptroller General with respect to the audit completed under paragraph (1).”
.
SEC. 100253.

ALTERNATIVE LOSS ALLOCATION SYSTEM FOR INDETERMINATE CLAIMS.
Part A of chapter II of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4051 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 1337.
[42 U.S.C. 4057]

ALTERNATIVE LOSS ALLOCATION SYSTEM FOR INDETERMINATE CLAIMS
“(a)

Definitions.
In this section:
“(1)

Administrator.
The term ‘Administrator’ means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“(2)

COASTAL formula.
The term ‘COASTAL Formula’ means the formula established under subsection (b).
“(3)

Coastal state.
The term ‘coastal State’ has the meaning given the term ‘coastal state’ in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453).
“(4)

Indeterminate loss.
“(A)

In general.
The term ‘indeterminate loss’ means, as determined by an insurance claims adjuster certified under the national flood insurance program and in consultation with an engineer as appropriate, a loss resulting from physical damage to, or loss of, property located in any coastal State arising from the combined perils of flood and wind associated with a named storm.
“(B)

Requirements.
An insurance claims adjuster certified under the national flood insurance program shall only determine that a loss is an indeterminate loss if the claims adjuster determines that—
“(i)
no material remnant of physical buildings or man-made structures remain except building foundations for the specific property for which the claim is made; and
“(ii)
there is insufficient or no tangible evidence created, yielded, or otherwise left behind of the specific property for which the claim is made as a result of the named storm.
“(5)

Named storm.
The term ‘named storm’ means any organized weather system with a defined surface circulation and maximum winds of not less than 39 miles per hour which the National Hurricane Center of the United States National Weather Service names as a tropical storm or a hurricane.
“(6)

Post-storm assessment.
The term ‘post-storm assessment’ means the post-storm assessment developed under section 12312(b) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.
“(7)

State.
The term ‘State’ means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States.
“(8)

Secretary.
The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
“(9)

Standard insurance policy.
The term ‘standard insurance policy’ means any insurance policy issued under the national flood insurance program that covers loss or damage to property resulting from water peril.
“(10)

Property.
The term ‘property’ means real or personal property that is insured under a standard insurance policy for loss or damage to structure or contents.
“(11)

Under secretary.
The term ‘Under Secretary’ means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, in the Under Secretary’s capacity as Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“(b)

Establishment of Flood Loss Allocation Formula for Indeterminate Claims.
“(1)

In general.
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the protocol is established under section 12312(c)(1) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator and in consultation with the Under Secretary, shall establish by rule a standard formula to determine and allocate wind losses and flood losses for claims involving indeterminate losses.
“(2)

Contents.
The standard formula established under paragraph (1) shall—
“(A)
incorporate data available from the Coastal Wind and Water Event Database established under section 12312(f) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009;
“(B)
use relevant data provided on the National Flood Insurance Program Elevation Certificate for each indeterminate loss for which the formula is used;
“(C)
consider any sufficient and credible evidence, approved by the Administrator, of the pre-event condition of a specific property, including the findings of any policyholder or insurance claims adjuster in connection with the indeterminate loss to that specific property;
“(D)
include other measures, as the Administrator considers appropriate, required to determine and allocate by mathematical formula the property damage caused by flood or storm surge associated with a named storm; and
“(E)
subject to paragraph (3), for each indeterminate loss, use the post-storm assessment to allocate water damage (flood or storm surge) associated with a named storm.
“(3)

Degree of accuracy required.
The standard formula established under paragraph (1) shall specify that the Administrator may only use the post-storm assessment for purposes of the formula if the Under Secretary certifies that the post-storm assessment has a degree of accuracy of not less than 90 percent in connection with the specific indeterminate loss for which the assessment and formula are used.
“(c)

Authorized Use of Post-storm Assessment and COASTAL Formula.
“(1)

In general.
Subject to paragraph (3), the Administrator may use the post-storm assessment and the COASTAL Formula to—
“(A)
review flood loss payments for indeterminate losses, including as part of the quality assurance reinspection program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for claims under the national flood insurance program and any other process approved by the Administrator to review and validate payments under the national flood insurance program for indeterminate losses following a named storm; and
“(B)
assist the national flood insurance program to—
“(i)
properly cover qualified flood loss for claims for indeterminate losses; and
“(ii)
avoid paying for any loss or damage to property caused by any peril (including wind), other than flood or storm surge, that is not covered under a standard policy under the national flood insurance program.
“(2)

Federal disaster declaration.
Subject to paragraph (3), in order to expedite claims and reduce costs to the national flood insurance program, following any major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) relating to a named storm in a coastal State, the Administrator may use the COASTAL Formula to determine and pay for any flood loss covered under a standard insurance policy under the national flood insurance program, if the loss is an indeterminate loss.
“(3)

National academy of sciences evaluation.
“(A)

Evaluation required.
“(i)

Evaluation.
Upon the issuance of the rule establishing the COASTAL Formula, and each time the Administrator modifies the COASTAL Formula, the National Academy of Sciences shall—
“(I)
evaluate the expected financial impact on the national flood insurance program of the use of the COASTAL Formula as so established or modified; and
“(II)
evaluate the validity of the scientific assumptions upon which the formula is based and determine whether the COASTAL formula can achieve a degree of accuracy of not less than 90 percent in allocating flood losses for indeterminate losses.
“(ii)

Report.
The National Academy of Sciences shall submit a report containing the results of each evaluation under clause (i) to the Administrator, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.
“(B)

Effective date and applicability.
“(i)

Effective date.
Paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall not take effect unless the report under subparagraph (A) relating to the establishment of the COASTAL Formula concludes that the use of the COASTAL Formula for purposes of paragraph (1) and (2) would not have an adverse financial impact on the national flood insurance program and that the COASTAL Formula is based on valid scientific assumptions that would allow a degree of accuracy of not less than 90 percent to be achieved in allocating flood losses for indeterminate losses.
“(ii)

Effect of modifications.
Unless the report under subparagraph (A) relating to a modification of the COASTAL Formula concludes that the use of the COASTAL Formula, as so modified, for purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2) would not have an adverse financial impact on the national flood insurance program and that the COASTAL Formula is based on valid scientific assumptions that would allow a degree of accuracy of not less than 90 percent to be achieved in allocating flood losses for indeterminate losses the Administrator may not use the COASTAL Formula, as so modified, for purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2).
“(C)

Funding.
Notwithstanding section 1310 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4017), there shall be available to the Administrator from the National Flood Insurance Fund, of amounts not otherwise obligated, not more than $750,000 to carry out this paragraph.
“(d)

Disclosure of COASTAL Formula.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which a post-storm assessment is submitted to the Secretary under section 12312(b)(2)(C) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, for each indeterminate loss for which the COASTAL Formula is used pursuant to subsection (c)(2), the Administrator shall disclose to the policyholder that makes a claim relating to the indeterminate loss—
“(1)
that the Administrator used the COASTAL Formula with respect to the indeterminate loss; and
“(2)
a summary of the results of the use of the COASTAL Formula.
“(e)

Consultation.
In carrying out subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall consult with—
“(1)
the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere;
“(2)
the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology;
“(3)
the Chief of Engineers of the Corps of Engineers;
“(4)
the Director of the United States Geological Survey;
“(5)
the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology;
“(6)
State insurance regulators of coastal States; and
“(7)
such public, private, and academic sector entities as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of carrying out such subsections.
“(f)

Recordkeeping.
Each consideration and measure the Administrator determines necessary to carry out subsection (b) may be required, with advanced approval of the Administrator, to be provided for on the National Flood Insurance Program Elevation Certificate, or maintained otherwise on record if approved by the Administrator, for any property that qualifies for the COASTAL Formula under subsection (c).
“(g)

Civil Penalty.
“(1)

In general.
If an insurance claims adjuster knowingly and willfully makes a false or inaccurate determination relating to an indeterminate loss, the Administrator may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, impose on the insurance claims adjuster a civil penalty of not more than $1,000.
“(2)

Deposit.
Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, United States Code, or any other law relating to the crediting of money, the Administrator shall deposit in the National Flood Insurance Fund any amounts received under this subsection, which shall remain available until expended and be available to the Administrator for purposes authorized for the National Flood Insurance Fund without further appropriation.
“(h)

Rule of Construction.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the Administrator to make any payment under the national flood insurance program, or an insurance company to make any payment, for an indeterminate loss based upon post-storm assessment or the COASTAL Formula.
“(i)

Applicability.
Subsection (c) shall apply with respect to an indeterminate loss associated with a named storm that occurs after the date on which the Administrator issues the rule establishing the COASTAL Formula under subsection (b).
“(j)

Rule of Construction.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to negate, set aside, or void any policy limit, including any loss limitation, set forth in a standard insurance policy.”
.
Subtitle C—

HEARTH Act Amendment
SEC. 100261.
[42 U.S.C. 11360 note]

HEARTH ACT TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
For purposes of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360 et seq.)—
(1)
the term “local government” includes an instrumentality of a unit of general purpose local government other than a public housing agency that is established pursuant to legislation and designated by the chief executive to act on behalf of the local government with regard to activities funded under such title IV and includes a combination of general purpose local governments, such as an association of governments, that is recognized by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;
(2)
the term “State” includes any instrumentality of any of the several States designated by the Governor to act on behalf of the State and does not include the District of Columbia;
(3)
for purposes of environmental review, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall continue to permit assistance and projects to be treated as assistance for special projects that are subject to section 305(c) of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 3547), and subject to the regulations issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to implement such section; and
(4)
a metropolitan city and an urban county that each receive an allocation under such title IV and are located within a geographic area that is covered by a single continuum of care may jointly request the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to permit the urban county or the metropolitan city, as agreed to by such county and city, to receive and administer their combined allocations under a single grant.
TITLE III—

STUDENT LOAN INTEREST RATE EXTENSION
SEC. 100301.

FEDERAL DIRECT STAFFORD LOAN INTEREST RATE EXTENSION.
Section 455(b)(7)(D) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(b)(7)(D)) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking “and before July 1, 2012,” and inserting “and before July 1, 2013,”; and
(2)
in clause (v), by striking “and before July 1, 2012,” and inserting “and before July 1, 2013,”.
SEC. 100302.

ELIGIBILITY FOR, AND INTEREST CHARGES ON, FEDERAL DIRECT STAFFORD LOANS FOR NEW BORROWERS ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2013.
(a)

In General.—
Section 455 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(q)

Eligibility for, and Interest Charges on, Federal Direct Stafford Loans for New Borrowers on or After July 1, 2013.
“(1)

In general.
Notwithstanding subsection (a) or any other provision of this title, any borrower who was a new borrower on or after July 1, 2013, shall not be eligible for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan if the period of time for which the borrower has received Federal Direct Stafford Loans, in the aggregate, exceeds the period of enrollment described in paragraph (3). Such borrower may still receive any Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for which such borrower is otherwise eligible.
“(2)

Accrual of interest on federal direct stafford loans.
Notwithstanding subsection (f)(1)(A) or any other provision of this title and beginning on the date upon which a borrower who is enrolled in a program of education or training (including a course of study or program described in paragraph (3)(B) or (4)(B) of section 484(b)) for which borrowers are otherwise eligible to receive Federal Direct Stafford Loans, becomes ineligible for such loan as a result of paragraph (1), interest on all Federal Direct Stafford Loans that were disbursed to such borrower on or after July 1, 2013, shall accrue. Such interest shall be paid or capitalized in the same manner as interest on a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is paid or capitalized under section 428H(e)(2).
“(3)

Period of enrollment.
“(A)

In general.
The aggregate period of enrollment referred to in paragraph (1) shall not exceed the lesser of—
“(i)
a period equal to 150 percent of the published length of the educational program in which the student is enrolled; or
“(ii)
in the case of a borrower who was previously enrolled in one or more other educational programs that began on or after July 1, 2013, and subject to subparagraph (B), a period of time equal to the difference between—
“(I)
150 percent of the published length of the longest educational program in which the borrower was, or is, enrolled; and
“(II)
any periods of enrollment in which the borrower received a Federal Direct Stafford Loan.
“(B)

Regulations.
The Secretary shall specify in regulation—
“(i)
how the aggregate period described in subparagraph (A) shall be calculated with respect to a borrower who was or is enrolled on less than a full-time basis; and
“(ii)
how such aggregate period shall be calculated to include a course of study or program described in paragraph (3)(B) or (4)(B) of section 484(b), respectively.”
.
(b)
[20 U.S.C. 1089 note]

Inapplicability of Title IV Negotiated Rulemaking Requirement and Master Calendar Exception.—
Sections 482(c) and 492 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1089(c), 1098a) shall not apply to the amendment made by subsection (a), or to any regulations promulgated under such amendment.
DIVISION G—

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION
SEC. 110001.
[23 U.S.C. 101 note]

SHORT TITLE.
This division may be cited as the “Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012, Part II”.
TITLE I—

FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS
SEC. 111001.

EXTENSION OF FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY PROGRAMS.
(a)

In General.—
Section 111 of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II (Public Law 112-30; 125 Stat. 343; 126 Stat. 272) is amended—
(1)
by striking “the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” each place it appears and inserting “fiscal year 2012”;
(2)
by striking “¾ of” each place it appears; and
(3)
in subsection (a) by striking “June 30, 2012” and inserting “September 30, 2012”.
(b)

Use of Funds.—
Section 111(c) of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II (125 Stat. 343; 126 Stat. 272) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A) by striking “, except that during such period” and all that follows before the period at the end; and
(B)
in subparagraph (B)(ii) by striking “$479,250,000” and inserting “$639,000,000”; and
(2)
by striking paragraph (4).
(c)

Extension of Authorizations Under Title V of SAFETEA-LU.—
Section 111(e)(2) of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II (125 Stat. 346; 126 Stat. 272) is amended by striking “the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012.” and inserting “fiscal year 2012.”.
(d)

Administrative Expenses.—
Section 112(a) of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II (125 Stat. 346; 126 Stat. 272) is amended by striking “$294,641,438 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012.” and inserting “$392,855,250 for fiscal year 2012.”.
TITLE II—

EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS
SEC. 112001.

EXTENSION OF NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS.
(a)

Chapter 4 Highway Safety Programs.—
Section 2001(a)(1) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1519) is amended by striking “$235,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “and $235,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.”.
(b)

Highway Safety Research and Development.—
Section 2001(a)(2) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1519) is amended by striking “and $81,183,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012.” and inserting “and $108,244,000 for fiscal year 2012.”.
(c)

Occupant Protection Incentive Grants.—
Section 2001(a)(3) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1519) is amended by striking “$25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2011” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “and $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2012.”.
(d)

Safety Belt Performance Grants.—
Section 2001(a)(4) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1519) is amended by striking “and $36,375,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012.” and inserting “and $48,500,000 for fiscal year 2012.”.
(e)

State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements.—
Section 2001(a)(5) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1519) is amended by striking “for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2011” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2012.”.
(f)

Alcohol-impaired Driving Countermeasures Incentive Grant Program.—
Section 2001(a)(6) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1519) is amended by striking “$139,000,000 for each of fiscal years fiscal years 2009 through 2011” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “and $139,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.”.
(g)

National Driver Register.—
Section 2001(a)(7) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1520) is amended by striking “and $3,087,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012.” and inserting “and $4,116,000 for fiscal year 2012.”.
(h)

High Visibility Enforcement Program.—
Section 2001(a)(8) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1520) is amended by striking “for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2011” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2012.”.
(i)

Motorcyclist Safety.—
Section 2001(a)(9) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1520) is amended by striking “$7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “and $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.”.
(j)

Child Safety and Child Booster Seat Safety Incentive Grants.—
Section 2001(a)(10) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1520) is amended by striking “$7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “and $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.”.
(k)

Administrative Expenses.—
Section 2001(a)(11) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1520) is amended by striking “$25,328,000 for fiscal year 2011” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “and $25,328,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 and 2012.”.
SEC. 112002.

EXTENSION OF FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS.
(a)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Grants.—
Section 31104(a)(8) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“(8)
$212,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.”
.
(b)

Administrative Expenses.—
(1)

In general.—
Section 31104(i)(1)(H) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“(H)
$244,144,000 for fiscal year 2012.”
.
(2)

Technical correction.—
Section 31104(i)(1)(F) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“(F)
$239,828,000 for fiscal year 2010;”
.
(c)

Grant Programs.—
Section 4101(c) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1715) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1) by striking “and $22,500,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012.” and inserting “and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.”;
(2)
in paragraph (2) by striking “2011 and $24,000,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012.” and inserting “2012.”;
(3)
in paragraph (3) by striking “2011 and $3,750,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012.” and inserting “2012.”;
(4)
in paragraph (4) by striking “2011 and $18,750,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012.” and inserting “2012.”; and
(5)
in paragraph (5) by striking “2011 and $2,250,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012.” and inserting “2012.”.
(d)

New Entrant Audits.—
Section 31144(g)(5)(B) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “and up to $21,750,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,”.
(e)
[49 U.S.C. 31100 note]

Outreach and Education.—
Section 4127(e) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1741) is amended by striking “and 2011 (and $750,000 to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and $2,250,000 to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012)” and inserting “2011, and 2012”.
(f)

Working Group for Development of Practices and Procedures to Enhance Federal-State Relations.—
Section 4213(d) of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 14710 note; 119 Stat. 1759) is amended by striking “June 30, 2012” and inserting “September 30, 2012”.
SEC. 112003.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS.
Section 7131(c) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1910) is amended by striking “and $870,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $1,160,000 for fiscal year 2012”.
TITLE III—

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS
SEC. 113001.

ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR PLANNING PROGRAMS.
Section 5305(g) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “2011 and for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012” and inserting “2012”.
SEC. 113002.

SPECIAL RULE FOR URBANIZED AREA FORMULA GRANTS.
Section 5307(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking the paragraph heading and inserting “special rule for fiscal years 2005 through 2012.—” ;
(2)
in subparagraph (A) by striking “2011 and the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “2012,”; and
(3)
in subparagraph (E)—
(A)
by striking the subparagraph heading and inserting “maximum amounts in fiscal years 2008 through 2012 .—”; and
(B)
in the matter preceding clause (i) by striking “2011 and during the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012” and inserting “2012”.
SEC. 113003.

ALLOCATING AMOUNTS FOR CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS.
Section 5309(m) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
by striking the paragraph heading and inserting “fiscal years 2006 through 2012.—”;
(B)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking “2011 and the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “2012”; and
(C)
in subparagraph (A)(i) by striking “2011 and $150,000,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “2012”;
(2)
in paragraph (6)—
(A)
in subparagraph (B) by striking “2011 and $11,250,000 shall be available for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “2012”; and
(B)
in subparagraph (C) by striking “though 2011 and $3,750,000 shall be available for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “through 2012”; and
(3)
in paragraph (7)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A)—
(i)
in the matter preceding clause (i)—
(I)
in the first sentence by striking “2011 and $7,500,000 shall be available for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “2012”; and
(II)
in the second sentence by inserting “each fiscal year” before the colon;
(ii)
in clause (i) by striking “for each fiscal year and $1,875,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,”;
(iii)
in clause (ii) by striking “for each fiscal year and $1,875,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,”;
(iv)
in clause (iii) by striking “for each fiscal year and $750,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,”;
(v)
in clause (iv) by striking “for each fiscal year and $750,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,”;
(vi)
in clause (v) by striking “for each fiscal year and $750,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,”;
(vii)
in clause (vi) by striking “for each fiscal year and $750,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,”;
(viii)
in clause (vii) by striking “for each fiscal year and $487,500 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,”; and
(ix)
in clause (viii) by striking “for each fiscal year and $262,500 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,”;
(B)
in subparagraph (B) by striking clause (vii) and inserting the following:
“(vii)
$13,500,000 for fiscal year 2012.”
;
(C)
in subparagraph (C) by striking “and during the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,”;
(D)
in subparagraph (D) by striking “and not less than $26,250,000 shall be available for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,”; and
(E)
in subparagraph (E) by striking “and $2,250,000 shall be available for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,”.
SEC. 113004.

APPORTIONMENT OF FORMULA GRANTS FOR OTHER THAN URBANIZED AREAS.
Section 5311(c)(1)(G) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“(G)
$15,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.”
.
SEC. 113005.

APPORTIONMENT BASED ON FIXED GUIDEWAY FACTORS.
Section 5337 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (g).
SEC. 113006.

AUTHORIZATIONS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
(a)

Formula and Bus Grants.—
Section 5338(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1) by striking subparagraph (G) and inserting the following:
“(G)
$8,360,565,000 for fiscal year 2012.”
; and
(2)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A) by striking “$113,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, and $85,125,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $113,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012”;
(B)
in subparagraph (B) by striking “$4,160,365,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, and $3,120,273,750 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $4,160,365,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012”;
(C)
in subparagraph (C) by striking “$51,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, and $38,625,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $51,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012”;
(D)
in subparagraph (D) by striking “$1,666,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, and $1,249,875,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $1,666,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012”;
(E)
in subparagraph (E) by striking “$984,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, and $738,000,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $984,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012”;
(F)
in subparagraph (F) by striking “$133,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, and $100,125,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $133,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012”;
(G)
in subparagraph (G) by striking “$465,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, and $348,750,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $465,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012”;
(H)
in subparagraph (H) by striking “$164,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, and $123,375,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $164,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012”;
(I)
in subparagraph (I) by striking “$92,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, and $69,375,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $92,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012”;
(J)
in subparagraph (J) by striking “$26,900,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, and $20,175,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $26,900,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012”;
(K)
in subparagraph (K) by striking “for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2011 and $2,625,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2012”;
(L)
in subparagraph (L) by striking “for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2011 and $18,750,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2012”;
(M)
in subparagraph (M) by striking “$465,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, and $348,750,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $465,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012”; and
(N)
in subparagraph (N) by striking “$8,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, and $6,600,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “and $8,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012”.
(b)

Capital Investment Grants.—
Section 5338(c)(7) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“(7)
$1,955,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.”
.
(c)

Research and University Research Centers.—
Section 5338(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “through 2011, and $33,000,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “through 2011, and $44,000,000 for fiscal year 2012,”; and
(2)
by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
“(3)

Additional authorizations.
“(A)

Research.
Of amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1) for fiscal year 2012, the Secretary shall allocate for each of the activities and projects described in subparagraphs (A) through (F) of paragraph (1) an amount equal to 63 percent of the amount allocated for fiscal year 2009 under each such subparagraph.
“(B)

University centers program.
“(i)

Fiscal year 2012.
Of the amounts allocated under paragraph (1)(C) for the university centers program under section 5506 for fiscal year 2012, the Secretary shall allocate for each program described in clauses (i) through (iii) and (v) through (viii) of paragraph (2)(A) an amount equal to 63 percent of the amount allocated for fiscal year 2009 under each such clause.
“(ii)

Funding.
If the Secretary determines that a project or activity described in paragraph (2) received sufficient funds in fiscal year 2011, or a previous fiscal year, to carry out the purpose for which the project or activity was authorized, the Secretary may not allocate any amounts under clause (i) for the project or activity for fiscal year 2012 or any subsequent fiscal year.”
.
(d)

Administration.—
Section 5338(e)(7) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
“(7)
$98,713,000 for fiscal year 2012.”
.
SEC. 113007.

AMENDMENTS TO SAFETEA-LU.
(a)

Contracted Paratransit Pilot.—
Section 3009(i)(1) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1572) is amended by striking “2011 and the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “2012,”.
(b)

Public-private Partnership Pilot Program.—
Section 3011 of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5309 note; 119 Stat. 1588) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)(5) by striking “2011 and the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012” and inserting “2012”; and
(2)
in the second sentence of subsection (d) by striking “2011 and the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “2012”.
(c)

Elderly Individuals and Individuals With Disabilities Pilot Program.—
Section 3012(b)(8) of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5310 note; 119 Stat. 1593) is amended by striking “June 30, 2012” and inserting “September 30, 2012”.
(d)

Obligation Ceiling.—
Section 3040(8) of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1639) is amended to read as follows:
“(8)
$10,458,278,000 for fiscal year 2012, of which not more than $8,360,565,000 shall be from the Mass Transit Account.”
.
(e)

Project Authorizations for New Fixed Guideway Capital Projects.—
Section 3043 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1640) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “2011 and the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “2012”; and
(2)
in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “2011 and the period beginning on October 1, 2011, and ending on June 30, 2012,” and inserting “2012”.
(f)

Allocations for National Research and Technology Programs.—
Section 3046 of SAFETEA-LU (49 U.S.C. 5338 note; 119 Stat. 1706) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b) by striking “fiscal year or period” and inserting “fiscal year”; and
(2)
by striking subsection (c)(2) and inserting the following:
“(2)
for fiscal year 2012, in amounts equal to 63 percent of the amounts allocated for fiscal year 2009 under each of paragraphs (2), (3), (5), and (8) through (25) of subsection (a).”
.
TITLE IV—

EFFECTIVE DATE
SEC. 114001.
[49 U.S.C. 5305 note]

EFFECTIVE DATE.
This division and the amendments made by this division shall take effect on July 1, 2012.
DIVISION H—

BUDGETARY EFFECTS
SEC. 120001.

BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
(a)

PAYGO Scorecard.—
The budgetary effects of this Act shall not be entered on either PAYGO scorecard maintained pursuant to section 4(d) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.
(b)

Senate PAYGO Scorecard.—
The budgetary effects of this Act shall not be recorded on any PAYGO scorecard maintained for purposes of section 201 of S. Con. Res. 21 (110th Congress).