45 U.S.C.
United States Code, 2013 Edition
Title 45 - RAILROADS
CHAPTER 17 - RAILROAD REVITALIZATION AND REGULATORY REFORM
From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov

CHAPTER 17—RAILROAD REVITALIZATION AND REGULATORY REFORM

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec.
801.
Declaration of policy.
802.
Definitions.
803.
Repealed.

        

SUBCHAPTER II—RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING

821.
Definitions.
822.
Direct loans and loan guarantees.
823.
Administration of direct loans and loan guarantees.
824 to 835. Repealed or Transferred.
836.
Employee protection.
837, 838.
Repealed.

        

SUBCHAPTER III—NORTHEAST CORRIDOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

851 to 856. Repealed.

        

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

§801. Declaration of policy

(a) Purpose

It is the purpose of the Congress in this Act to provide the means to rehabilitate and maintain the physical facilities, improve the operations and structure, and restore the financial stability of the railway system of the United States, and to promote the revitalization of such railway system, so that this mode of transportation will remain viable in the private sector of the economy and will be able to provide energy-efficient, ecologically compatible transportation services with greater efficiency, effectiveness, and economy, through—

(1) ratemaking and regulatory reform;

(2) the encouragement of efforts to restructure the system on a more economically justified basis, including planning authority in the Secretary of Transportation, an expedited procedure for determining whether merger and consolidation applications are in the public interest, and continuing reorganization authority;

(3) financing mechanisms that will assure adequate rehabilitation and improvement of facilities and equipment, implementation of the final system plan, and implementation of the Northeast Corridor project;

(4) transitional continuation of service on light-density rail lines that are necessary to continued employment and community well-being throughout the United States;

(5) auditing, accounting, reporting, and other requirements to protect Federal funds and to assure repayment of loans and financial responsibility; and

(6) necessary studies.

(b) Policy

It is declared to be the policy of the Congress in this Act to—

(1) balance the needs of carriers, shippers, and the public;

(2) foster competition among all carriers by railroad and other modes of transportation, to promote more adequate and efficient transportation services, and to increase the attractiveness of investing in railroads and rail-service-related enterprises;

(3) permit railroads greater freedom to raise or lower rates for rail services in competitive markets;

(4) promote the establishment of railroad rate structures which are more sensitive to changes in the level of seasonal, regional, and shipper demand;

(5) promote separate pricing of distinct rail and rail-related services;

(6) formulate standards and guidelines for determining adequate revenue levels for railroads; and

(7) modernize and clarify the functions of railroad rate bureaus.

(Pub. L. 94–210, title I, §101, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 33.)

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, means Pub. L. 94–210, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 31, as amended, known as the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.

Short Title

Pub. L. 94–210, §1, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 31, provided in part that this Act [enacting this chapter and sections 726 and 745 to 747 of this title, and sections 1a, 5c, 26b, 26c, 1613, 1653a, 1654, and 1657a of former Title 49, Transportation, amending sections 543, 545, 546, 562 to 564, 702, 711 to 713, 715, 716, 718 to 721, 724, 725, 741, 743, 744, 762, 763, 771, 772, 774, 775, 778, 779, and 791 of this title, sections 77c, 77s, 78m, and 80a–3 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, sections 11 and 856 of former Title 31, Money and Finance, and sections 1, 1a, 5, 5b, 6, 12, 13, 15, 15a, 17, 20, 27, 314, 1653, 1658, and 1659 of former Title 49, repealing sections 761 to 762 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 745, 761, 791, and 793 of this title, sections 77c and 80a–3 of Title 15, and sections 1, 1a, 5b, 5c, 17, and 1654 of former Title 49, and amending notes set out under section 1651 of former Title 49] may be cited as the "Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976".

§802. Definitions

As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise indicates, the term—

(1) "Association" means the United States Railway Association;

(2) "Commission" means the Interstate Commerce Commission;

(3) "Corporation" means the Consolidated Rail Corporation;

(4) "final system plan" means the final system plan and any additions thereto adopted by the Association pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 (45 U.S.C. 701 et seq.);

(5) "includes" and variants thereof should be read as if the phrase "but is not limited to" were also set forth;

(6) "Office" means the Rail Services Planning Office of the Commission;

(7) "railroad" has the meaning given that term in section 20102 of title 49; and

(8) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Transportation or his designated representative.

(Pub. L. 94–210, title I, §102, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 33; Pub. L. 97–468, title VI, §615(b)(2), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2578; Pub. L. 104–88, title III, §330(1), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 953; Pub. L. 109–59, title IX, §9003(a), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1921.)

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, means Pub. L. 94–210, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 31, as amended, known as the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 801 of this title and Tables.

The Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, referred to in par. (4), is Pub. L. 93–236, Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 985, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 16 (§701 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2005—Par. (7). Pub. L. 109–59 amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (7) read as follows: " 'railroad' means a rail carrier subject to part A of subtitle IV of title 49, and includes the National Railroad Passenger Corporation; and".

1995—Par. (7). Pub. L. 104–88 substituted "rail carrier subject to part A of subtitle IV of title 49" for "common carrier by railroad or express, as defined in section 1(3) of the Interstate Commerce Act (49 U.S.C. 1(3))".

1983—Par. (7). Pub. L. 97–468 struck out "and the Alaska Railroad" before the semicolon at end.

Effective Date of 1995 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–88 effective Jan. 1, 1996, see section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as an Effective Date note under section 701 of Title 49, Transportation.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–468 effective on date of transfer of Alaska Railroad to the State [Jan. 5, 1985], pursuant to section 1203 of this title, see section 615(b) of Pub. L. 97–468.

Abolition of Interstate Commerce Commission and Transfer of Functions

Interstate Commerce Commission abolished and functions of Commission transferred, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 104–88, to Surface Transportation Board effective Jan. 1, 1996, by section 702 of Title 49, Transportation, and section 101 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as a note under section 701 of Title 49. References to Interstate Commerce Commission deemed to refer to Surface Transportation Board, a member or employee of the Board, or Secretary of Transportation, as appropriate, see section 205 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as a note under section 701 of Title 49.

Abolition of United States Railway Association and Transfer of Functions and Securities

See section 1341 of this title.

§803. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2443

Section, Pub. L. 94–210, title IX, §905, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 148, directed that no person in the United States be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex with regard to any activity funded in whole or in part under this Act and provided for cut-off of funds to and civil action against any person who persisted in failure to comply. See section 306 of Title 49, Transportation.

SUBCHAPTER II—RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING

§821. Definitions

For purposes of this subchapter:

(1)(A) The term "cost" means the estimated long-term cost to the Government of a direct loan or loan guarantee or modification thereof, calculated on a net present value basis, excluding administrative costs and any incidental effects on governmental receipts or outlays.

(B) The cost of a direct loan shall be the net present value, at the time when the direct loan is disbursed, of the following estimated cash flows:

(i) Loan disbursements.

(ii) Repayments of principal.

(iii) Payments of interest and other payments by or to the Government over the life of the loan after adjusting for estimated defaults, prepayments, fees, penalties, and other recoveries.


Calculation of the cost of a direct loan shall include the effects of changes in loan terms resulting from the exercise by the borrower of an option included in the loan contract.

(C) The cost of a loan guarantee shall be the net present value, at the time when the guaranteed loan is disbursed, of the following estimated cash flows:

(i) Payments by the Government to cover defaults and delinquencies, interest subsidies, or other payments.

(ii) Payments to the Government, including origination and other fees, penalties, and recoveries.


Calculation of the cost of a loan guarantee shall include the effects of changes in loan terms resulting from the exercise by the guaranteed lender of an option included in the loan guarantee contract, or by the borrower of an option included in the guaranteed loan contract.

(D) The cost of a modification is the difference between the current estimate of the net present value of the remaining cash flows under the terms of a direct loan or loan guarantee contract, and the current estimate of the net present value of the remaining cash flows under the terms of the contract, as modified.

(E) In estimating net present values, the discount rate shall be the average interest rate on marketable Treasury securities of similar maturity to the cash flows of the direct loan or loan guarantee for which the estimate is being made.

(F) When funds are obligated for a direct loan or loan guarantee, the estimated cost shall be based on the current assumptions, adjusted to incorporate the terms of the loan contract, for the fiscal year in which the funds are obligated.

(2) The term "current" has the same meaning as in section 900(c)(9) of title 2.

(3) The term "direct loan" means a disbursement of funds by the Government to a non-Federal borrower under a contract that requires the repayment of such funds. The term includes the purchase of, or participation in, a loan made by another lender and financing arrangements that defer payment for more than 90 days, including the sale of a Government asset on credit terms. The term does not include the acquisition of a federally guaranteed loan in satisfaction of default claims.

(4) The term "direct loan obligation" means a binding agreement by the Secretary to make a direct loan when specified conditions are fulfilled by the borrower.

(5) The term "intermodal" means of or relating to the connection between rail service and other modes of transportation, including all parts of facilities at which such connection is made.

(6) The term "loan guarantee" means any guarantee, insurance, or other pledge with respect to the payment of all or a part of the principal or interest on any debt obligation of a non-Federal borrower to a non-Federal lender, but does not include the insurance of deposits, shares, or other withdrawable accounts in financial institutions.

(7) The term "loan guarantee commitment" means a binding agreement by the Secretary to make a loan guarantee when specified conditions are fulfilled by the borrower, the lender, or any other party to the guarantee agreement.

(8) The term "modification" means any Government action that alters the estimated cost of an outstanding direct loan (or direct loan obligation) or an outstanding loan guarantee (or loan guarantee commitment) from the current estimate of cash flows. This includes the sale of loan assets, with or without recourse, and the purchase of guaranteed loans. This also includes any action resulting from new legislation, or from the exercise of administrative discretion under existing law, that directly or indirectly alters the estimated cost of outstanding direct loans (or direct loan obligations) or loan guarantees (or loan guarantee commitments) such as a change in collection procedures.

(Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §501, as added Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(1), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 471.)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 821, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §501, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 66; Pub. L. 95–620, title VIII, §803(c)(1), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3347; Pub. L. 96–101, §24(b), Nov. 4, 1979, 93 Stat. 747; Pub. L. 96–448, title IV, §405(d), Oct. 14, 1980, 94 Stat. 1947; Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1162(b), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 684; Pub. L. 99–509, title IV, §4033(c)(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1908, defined terms for purposes of this subchapter, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(1), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 471.

Savings Provision

Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(b)(2), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 477, provided that: "A transaction entered into under the authority of title V of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 821 et seq.) before the date of enactment of this Act [June 9, 1998] shall be administered until completion under its terms as if this Act [see Tables for classification] were not enacted."

§822. Direct loans and loan guarantees

(a) General authority

The Secretary shall provide direct loans and loan guarantees to—

(1) State and local governments;

(2) interstate compacts consented to by Congress under section 410(a) of the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997 (49 U.S.C. 24101 note);

(3) government sponsored authorities and corporations;

(4) railroads;

(5) joint ventures that include at least one railroad; and

(6) solely for the purpose of constructing a rail connection between a plant or facility and a second rail carrier, limited option rail freight shippers that own or operate a plant or other facility that is served by no more than a single railroad.

(b) Eligible purposes

(1) In general

Direct loans and loan guarantees under this section shall be used to—

(A) acquire, improve, or rehabilitate intermodal or rail equipment or facilities, including track, components of track, bridges, yards, buildings, and shops;

(B) refinance outstanding debt incurred for the purposes described in subparagraph (A); or

(C) develop or establish new intermodal or railroad facilities.

(2) Operating expenses not eligible

Direct loans and loan guarantees under this section shall not be used for railroad operating expenses.

(c) Priority projects

In granting applications for direct loans or guaranteed loans under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that—

(1) enhance public safety;

(2) enhance the environment;

(3) promote economic development;

(4) enable United States companies to be more competitive in international markets;

(5) are endorsed by the plans prepared under section 135 of title 23 by the State or States in which they are located;

(6) preserve or enhance rail or intermodal service to small communities or rural areas;

(7) enhance service and capacity in the national rail system; or

(8) would materially alleviate rail capacity problems which degrade the provision of service to shippers and would fulfill a need in the national transportation system.

(d) Extent of authority

The aggregate unpaid principal amounts of obligations under direct loans and loan guarantees made under this section shall not exceed $35,000,000,000 at any one time. Of this amount, not less than $7,000,000,000 shall be available solely for projects primarily benefiting freight railroads other than Class I carriers. The Secretary shall not establish any limit on the proportion of the unused amount authorized under this subsection that may be used for 1 loan or loan guarantee.

(e) Rates of interest

(1) Direct loans

The Secretary shall require interest to be paid on a direct loan made under this section at a rate not less than that necessary to recover the cost of making the loan.

(2) Loan guarantees

The Secretary shall not make a loan guarantee under this section if the interest rate for the loan exceeds that which the Secretary determines to be reasonable, taking into consideration the prevailing interest rates and customary fees incurred under similar obligations in the private capital market.

(f) Infrastructure partners

(1) Authority of Secretary

In lieu of or in combination with appropriations of budget authority to cover the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees as required under section 661c(b)(1) of title 2, the Secretary may accept on behalf of an applicant for assistance under this section a commitment from a non-Federal source to fund in whole or in part credit risk premiums with respect to the loan that is the subject of the application. In no event shall the aggregate of appropriations of budget authority and credit risk premiums described in this paragraph with respect to a direct loan or loan guarantee be less than the cost of that direct loan or loan guarantee.

(2) Credit risk premium amount

The Secretary shall determine the amount required for credit risk premiums under this subsection on the basis of—

(A) the circumstances of the applicant, including the amount of collateral offered, if any;

(B) the proposed schedule of loan disbursements;

(C) historical data on the repayment history of similar borrowers;

(D) consultation with the Congressional Budget Office;

(E) the size and characteristics of the cohort of which the loan or loan guarantee is a member; and

(F) any other factors the Secretary considers relevant.

(3) Payment of premiums

Credit risk premiums under this subsection shall be paid to the Secretary before the disbursement of loan amounts.

(4) Cohorts of loans

In order to maintain sufficient balances of credit risk premiums to adequately protect the Federal Government from risk of default, while minimizing the length of time the Government retains possession of those balances, the Secretary shall establish cohorts of loans. When all obligations attached to a cohort of loans have been satisfied, credit risk premiums paid for the cohort, and interest accrued thereon, which were not used to mitigate losses shall be returned to the original source on a pro rata basis. A cohort may include loans and loan guarantees. The Secretary shall not establish any limit on the proportion of a cohort that may be used for 1 loan or loan guarantee.

(g) Prerequisites for assistance

The Secretary shall not make a direct loan or loan guarantee under this section unless the Secretary has made a finding in writing that—

(1) repayment of the obligation is required to be made within a term of not more than 35 years from the date of its execution;

(2) the direct loan or loan guarantee is justified by the present and probable future demand for rail services or intermodal facilities;

(3) the applicant has given reasonable assurances that the facilities or equipment to be acquired, rehabilitated, improved, developed, or established with the proceeds of the obligation will be economically and efficiently utilized;

(4) the obligation can reasonably be repaid, using an appropriate combination of credit risk premiums and collateral offered by the applicant to protect the Federal Government; and

(5) the purposes of the direct loan or loan guarantee are consistent with subsection (b) of this section.

(h) Conditions of assistance

(1) The Secretary shall, before granting assistance under this section, require the applicant to agree to such terms and conditions as are sufficient, in the judgment of the Secretary, to ensure that, as long as any principal or interest is due and payable on such obligation, the applicant, and any railroad or railroad partner for whose benefit the assistance is intended—

(A) will not use any funds or assets from railroad or intermodal operations for purposes not related to such operations, if such use would impair the ability of the applicant, railroad, or railroad partner to provide rail or intermodal services in an efficient and economic manner, or would adversely affect the ability of the applicant, railroad, or railroad partner to perform any obligation entered into by the applicant under this section;

(B) will, consistent with its capital resources, maintain its capital program, equipment, facilities, and operations on a continuing basis; and

(C) will not make any discretionary dividend payments that unreasonably conflict with the purposes stated in subsection (b) of this section.


(2) The Secretary shall not require an applicant for a direct loan or loan guarantee under this section to provide collateral. Any collateral provided or thereafter enhanced shall be valued as a going concern after giving effect to the present value of improvements contemplated by the completion and operation of the project. The Secretary shall not require that an applicant for a direct loan or loan guarantee under this section have previously sought the financial assistance requested from another source.

(3) The Secretary shall require recipients of direct loans or loan guarantees under this section to comply with—

(A) the standards of section 24312 of title 49, as in effect on September 1, 2002, with respect to the project in the same manner that the National Railroad Passenger Corporation is required to comply with such standards for construction work financed under an agreement made under section 24308(a) of that title; and

(B) the protective arrangements established under section 836 of this title, with respect to employees affected by actions taken in connection with the project to be financed by the loan or loan guarantee.

(i) Time limit for approval or disapproval

Not later than 90 days after receiving a complete application for a direct loan or loan guarantee under this section, the Secretary shall approve or disapprove the application.

(j) Repayment schedules

(1) In general

The Secretary shall establish a repayment schedule requiring payments to commence not later than the sixth anniversary date of the original loan disbursement.

(2) Accrual

Interest shall accrue as of the date of disbursement, and shall be amortized over the remaining term of the loan beginning at the time the payments begin.

(Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §502, as added Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(1), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 473; amended Pub. L. 109–59, title IX, §9003(b)–(g), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1921–1923; Pub. L. 110–432, div. A, title VII, §701(e), Oct. 16, 2008, 122 Stat. 4906.)

References in Text

Section 410(a) of the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is section 410(a) of Pub. L. 105–134, which is set out as a note under section 24101 of Title 49, Transportation.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 822, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §502, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 67; Pub. L. 95–620, title VIII, §803(c)(2)–(4), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3347, related to the Rail Fund, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(1), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 471.

Amendments

2008—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 110–432 substituted "35 years" for "25 years".

2005—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–59, §9003(b), reenacted heading without change and amended text of subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary may provide direct loans and loan guarantees to State and local governments, government sponsored authorities and corporations, railroads, and joint ventures that include at least 1 railroad."

Subsec. (c)(7), (8). Pub. L. 109–59, §9003(c), added pars. (7) and (8).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–59, §9003(d), substituted "$35,000,000,000" for "$3,500,000,000" and "$7,000,000,000" for "$1,000,000,000" and inserted at end "The Secretary shall not establish any limit on the proportion of the unused amount authorized under this subsection that may be used for 1 loan or loan guarantee."

Subsec. (f)(2)(A). Pub. L. 109–59, §9003(f)(2), substituted "amount of collateral offered, if any;" for "amount of collateral offered;".

Subsec. (f)(2)(E), (F). Pub. L. 109–59, §9003(e)(1)–(3), added subpar. (E) and redesignated former subpar. (E) as (F).

Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 109–59, §9003(e)(4), inserted at end "A cohort may include loans and loan guarantees. The Secretary shall not establish any limit on the proportion of a cohort that may be used for 1 loan or loan guarantee."

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 109–59, §9003(f)(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1), redesignated former pars. (1) to (3) as subpars. (A) to (C) of par. (1), respectively, and added pars. (2) and (3).

Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 109–59, §9003(g), added subsecs. (i) and (j).

Substantive Criteria and Standards

Pub. L. 109–59, title IX, §9003(j), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1923, provided that: "Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 10, 2005], the Secretary of Transportation shall publish in the Federal Register and post on the Department of Transportation Web site the substantive criteria and standards used by the Secretary to determine whether to approve or disapprove applications submitted under section 502 of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 822). The Secretary of Transportation shall ensure adequate procedures and guidelines are in place to permit the filing of complete applications within 30 days of such publication."

§823. Administration of direct loans and loan guarantees

(a) Applications

The Secretary shall prescribe the form and contents required of applications for assistance under section 822 of this title, to enable the Secretary to determine the eligibility of the applicant's proposal, and shall establish terms and conditions for direct loans and loan guarantees made under that section.

(b) 1 Full faith and credit

All guarantees entered into by the Secretary under section 822 of this title shall constitute general obligations of the United States of America backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America.

(b) 1 Assignment of loan guarantees

The holder of a loan guarantee made under section 822 of this title may assign the loan guarantee in whole or in part, subject to such requirements as the Secretary may prescribe.

(c) Modifications

The Secretary may approve the modification of any term or condition of a direct loan, loan guarantee, direct loan obligation, or loan guarantee commitment, including the rate of interest, time of payment of interest or principal, or security requirements, if the Secretary finds in writing that—

(1) the modification is equitable and is in the overall best interests of the United States; and

(2) consent has been obtained from the applicant and, in the case of a loan guarantee or loan guarantee commitment, the holder of the obligation.

(d) Compliance

The Secretary shall assure compliance, by an applicant, any other party to the loan, and any railroad or railroad partner for whose benefit assistance is intended, with the provisions of this subchapter, regulations issued hereunder, and the terms and conditions of the direct loan or loan guarantee, including through regular periodic inspections.

(e) Commercial validity

For purposes of claims by any party other than the Secretary, a loan guarantee or loan guarantee commitment shall be conclusive evidence that the underlying obligation is in compliance with the provisions of this subchapter, and that such obligation has been approved and is legal as to principal, interest, and other terms. Such a guarantee or commitment shall be valid and incontestable in the hands of a holder thereof, including the original lender or any other holder, as of the date when the Secretary granted the application therefor, except as to fraud or material misrepresentation by such holder.

(f) Default

The Secretary shall prescribe regulations setting forth procedures in the event of default on a loan made or guaranteed under section 822 of this title. The Secretary shall ensure that each loan guarantee made under that section contains terms and conditions that provide that—

(1) if a payment of principal or interest under the loan is in default for more than 30 days, the Secretary shall pay to the holder of the obligation, or the holder's agent, the amount of unpaid guaranteed interest;

(2) if the default has continued for more than 90 days, the Secretary shall pay to the holder of the obligation, or the holder's agent, 90 percent of the unpaid guaranteed principal;

(3) after final resolution of the default, through liquidation or otherwise, the Secretary shall pay to the holder of the obligation, or the holder's agent, any remaining amounts guaranteed but which were not recovered through the default's resolution;

(4) the Secretary shall not be required to make any payment under paragraphs (1) through (3) if the Secretary finds, before the expiration of the periods described in such paragraphs, that the default has been remedied; and

(5) the holder of the obligation shall not receive payment or be entitled to retain payment in a total amount which, together with all other recoveries (including any recovery based upon a security interest in equipment or facilities) exceeds the actual loss of such holder.

(g) Rights of the Secretary

(1) Subrogation

If the Secretary makes payment to a holder, or a holder's agent, under subsection (g) of this section in connection with a loan guarantee made under section 822 of this title, the Secretary shall be subrogated to all of the rights of the holder with respect to the obligor under the loan.

(2) Disposition of property

The Secretary may complete, recondition, reconstruct, renovate, repair, maintain, operate, charter, rent, sell, or otherwise dispose of any property or other interests obtained pursuant to this section. The Secretary shall not be subject to any Federal or State regulatory requirements when carrying out this paragraph.

(h) Action against obligor

The Secretary may bring a civil action in an appropriate Federal court in the name of the United States in the event of a default on a direct loan made under section 822 of this title, or in the name of the United States or of the holder of the obligation in the event of a default on a loan guaranteed under section 822 of this title. The holder of a guarantee shall make available to the Secretary all records and evidence necessary to prosecute the civil action. The Secretary may accept property in full or partial satisfaction of any sums owed as a result of a default. If the Secretary receives, through the sale or other disposition of such property, an amount greater than the aggregate of—

(1) the amount paid to the holder of a guarantee under subsection (g) of this section; and

(2) any other cost to the United States of remedying the default,


the Secretary shall pay such excess to the obligor.

(i) Breach of conditions

The Attorney General shall commence a civil action in an appropriate Federal court to enjoin any activity which the Secretary finds is in violation of this subchapter, regulations issued hereunder, or any conditions which were duly agreed to, and to secure any other appropriate relief.

(j) Attachment

No attachment or execution may be issued against the Secretary, or any property in the control of the Secretary, prior to the entry of final judgment to such effect in any State, Federal, or other court.

(k) Evaluation charge

The Secretary may charge and collect from each applicant a reasonable charge for the cost of evaluating the application, including appraisal of the value of the equipment or facilities for which the direct loan or loan guarantee is sought, and for making necessary determinations and findings. Such charge shall not aggregate more than one-half of 1 percent of the principal amount of the obligation. Amounts collected under this subsection shall be credited directly to the Safety and Operations account of the Federal Railroad Administration, and shall remain available until expended to pay for the evaluation costs described in this subsection.

(l) Fees and charges

Except as provided in this subchapter, the Secretary may not assess any fees, including user fees, or charges in connection with a direct loan or loan guarantee provided under section 822 of this title.

(Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §503, as added and amended Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(1), (4), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 475, 477; Pub. L. 109–59, title IX, §9003(h), (i), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1923.)

Codification

The text of section 831(c) of this title, which was transferred to subsec. (b) of this section, relating to full faith and credit backing of guarantees entered into by Secretary, by Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(4), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 477, was based on Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §511, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 76; Pub. L. 94–555, title II, §215(a), Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2625; Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(2), (3), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 477.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 823, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §503, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 69; Pub. L. 94–555, title II, §216(b), Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2627, related to classification and designation of rail lines, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(1), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 471.

Amendments

2005—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 109–59, §9003(h), in heading, substituted "Evaluation" for "Investigation" and, in text, inserted "the cost of evaluating the application, including" after "reasonable charge for" and inserted at end "Amounts collected under this subsection shall be credited directly to the Safety and Operations account of the Federal Railroad Administration, and shall remain available until expended to pay for the evaluation costs described in this subsection."

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 109–59, §9003(i), added subsec. (l).

1998—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–178, §7203(a)(4), redesignated subsec. (c) of section 831 of this title as subsec. (b) of this section, relating to full faith and credit backing of guarantees entered into by Secretary. See Codification note above.

1 So in original. There are two subsections designated (b).

§§824, 825. Repealed. Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(1), (2), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 471, 477

Section 824, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §504, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 70; Pub. L. 94–555, title II, §§216(c), 220(d), Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2627, 2629, related to capital needs study to be submitted to Secretary.

Section 825, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §505, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 71; Pub. L. 94–555, title II, §§212, 216(a), Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2624, 2626; Pub. L. 95–565, §5, Nov. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 2400; Pub. L. 95–607, title III, §§301(a), 302, Nov. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 3066; Pub. L. 95–620, title VIII, §803(c)(5), (6), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3347, 3348; Pub. L. 96–73, title IV, §401, Sept. 29, 1979, 93 Stat. 557; Pub. L. 96–101, §§16, 24(a), Nov. 4, 1979, 93 Stat. 744, 747; Pub. L. 96–254, title I, §112, May 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 404; Pub. L. 96–448, title IV, §§404, 405(a)(1), (c)(1), (2), (4), (5), 406, title VII, §701(d), Oct. 14, 1980, 94 Stat. 1945–1947, 1961; Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1162(a), (c), (d), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 683, 684; Pub. L. 97–468, title IV, §§401, 403(b), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2550, 2551; Pub. L. 99–509, title IV, §4033(c)(3), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1908; Pub. L. 104–88, title III, §330(2), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 953, related to rehabilitation and improvement financing.

§825a. Repealed. Pub. L. 99–509, title IV, §4033(c)(6), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1909

Section, Pub. L. 97–468, title IV, §402, Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2550, provided for financial assistance to responsible persons for purchase, lease, or rehabilitation of rail lines of Consolidated Rail Corporation.

§§826 to 830. Repealed. Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(2), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 477

Section 826, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §506, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 73; Pub. L. 94–555, title II, §§213, 214, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2624, 2625; Pub. L. 96–448, title IV, §405(c)(3)(A), (C), Oct. 14, 1980, 94 Stat. 1946, 1947, related to redeemable preference shares.

Section 827, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §507, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 74; Pub. L. 95–607, title III, §301(b), Nov. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 3066; Pub. L. 96–73, title IV, §401, Sept. 29, 1979, 93 Stat. 557; Pub. L. 96–448, title IV, §§404, 405(a)(2), (c)(3)(B), Oct. 14, 1980, 94 Stat. 1945, 1946; Pub. L. 97–468, title IV, §401, Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2550, related to fund anticipation notes.

Section 828, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §508, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 74, related to fund bonds.

Section 829, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §509, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 76; Pub. L. 94–555, title II, §216(d), Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2627; Pub. L. 95–607, title III, §301(c), Nov. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 3066; Pub. L. 96–73, title IV, §401, Sept. 29, 1979, 93 Stat. 557; Pub. L. 96–448, title IV, §§404, 405(a)(2), (b)(1), Oct. 14, 1980, 94 Stat. 1945; Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1162(e), (f), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 684, 685; Pub. L. 97–468, title IV, §§401, 403(a), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2550, 2551; Pub. L. 99–509, title IV, §4033(c)(4), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1909; Pub. L. 104–88, title III, §330(3), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 953, related to authorization of appropriations, purchases, transfer of funds, and restrictions.

Section 830, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §510, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 76; Pub. L. 104–88, title III, §330(4), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 953, related to exemption of redeemable preference shares from certain Federal and State securities provisions.

§831. Transferred

Codification

Section, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §511, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 76; Pub. L. 94–555, title II, §§215, 220(e), (f), Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2625, 2629, 2630; Pub. L. 96–448, title IV, §405(e), Oct. 14, 1980, 94 Stat. 1947; Pub. L. 99–509, title IV, §4033(c)(5), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1909; Pub. L. 102–240, title I, §1036(e), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 1986, which related to guarantee of obligations, was repealed, except for subsec. (c), by Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(2), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 477. Subsec. (c) of section 831 was amended, redesignated, and transferred to section 823(b) of this title by Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(3), (4), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 477.

§§832 to 834. Repealed. Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(2), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 477

Section 832, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §512, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 79, related to issuance of notes or obligations.

Section 833, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §513, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 80, related to default on guaranteed obligations.

Section 834, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §514, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 81, related to audit of transactions.

§835. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–375, title I, §111(d), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1821; Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(2), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 477

Section, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §515, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 82, directed Secretary to report to Congress within 90 days following end of each fiscal year on financial condition and operations of Fund and of obligation guarantee fund during such fiscal year, and on anticipated condition and operations of Fund and of obligation guarantee fund during current fiscal year.

§836. Employee protection

(a) General

Fair and equitable arrangements shall be provided, in accordance with this section, to protect the interests of any employees not otherwise protected under title V of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 (45 U.S.C. 771 et seq.), who may be affected by actions taken pursuant to authorizations or approval obtained under this subchapter. Such arrangements shall be determined by the execution of an agreement between the representatives of the railroads and the representatives of their employees, within 120 days after February 5, 1976. In the absence of such an executed agreement, the Secretary of Labor shall prescribe the applicable protective arrangements, within 150 days after February 5, 1976.

(b) Terms

The arrangements required by subsection (a) of this section shall apply to each employee who has an employment relationship with a railroad on the date on which such railroad first applies for applicable financial assistance under this subchapter. Such arrangements shall include such provisions as may be necessary for the negotiation and execution of agreements as to the manner in which the protective arrangements shall be applied, including notice requirements. Such agreements shall be executed prior to implementation of work funded from financial assistance under this subchapter. If such an agreement is not reached within 30 days after the date on which an application for such assistance is approved, either party to the dispute may submit the issue for final and binding arbitration. The decision on any such arbitration shall be rendered within 30 days after such submission. Such arbitration decision shall in no way modify the protection afforded in the protective arrangements established pursuant to this section, shall be final and binding on the parties thereto, and shall become a part of the agreement. Such arrangements shall also include such provisions as may be necessary—

(1) for the preservation of compensation (including subsequent general wage increases, vacation allowances, and monthly compensation guarantees), rights, privileges, and benefits (including fringe benefits such as pensions, hospitalization, and vacations, under the same conditions and so long as such benefits continue to be accorded to other employees of the employing railroad in active service or on furlough, as the case may be) to such employees under existing collective-bargaining agreements or otherwise;

(2) to provide for final and binding arbitration of any dispute which cannot be settled by the parties, with respect to the interpretation, application, or enforcement of the provisions of the protective arrangements;

(3) to provide that an employee who is unable to secure employment by the exercise of his or her seniority rights, as a result of actions taken with financial assistance obtained under this subchapter, shall be offered reassignment and, where necessary, retraining to fill a position comparable to the position held at the time of such adverse effect and for which he is, or by training and retraining can become, physically and mentally qualified, so long as such offer is not in contravention of collective bargaining agreements relating thereto; and

(4) to provide that the protection afforded pursuant to this section shall not be applicable to employees benefited solely as a result of the work which is financed by funds provided pursuant to this subchapter.

(c) Subcontracting

The arrangements which are required to be negotiated by the parties or prescribed by the Secretary of Labor, pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section, shall include provisions regulating subcontracting by the railroads of work which is financed by funds provided pursuant to this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §504, formerly §516, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 82; renumbered §504, Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(5), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 477.)

References in Text

The Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 93–236, Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 985, as amended. Title V of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, which was classified generally to subchapter V (§771 et seq.) of chapter 16 of this title, was repealed by Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1144(a)(1), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 669. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 504 of Pub. L. 94–210 was classified to section 824 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–178.

§§837, 838. Repealed. Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, §7203(a)(2), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 477

Section 837, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §517, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 83, related to intercity rail passenger service.

Section 838, Pub. L. 94–210, title V, §518, as added Pub. L. 102–533, §12(a), Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3521, related to Columbus and Greenville Railway.

SUBCHAPTER III—NORTHEAST CORRIDOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

§851. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379

Section, Pub. L. 94–210, title VII, §701, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 119; Pub. L. 96–254, title II, §205, May 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 412, specified powers and duties of National Railroad Passenger Corporation with respect to implementing the Northeast Corridor improvement project. See sections 24102, 24305, 24315, 24902, and 24904 of Title 49, Transportation.

§852. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1188(e), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 699

Section, Pub. L. 94–210, title VII, §702, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 120, set forth provisions relating to the Operations Review Panel.

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective Oct. 1, 1981, see section 1189 of Pub. L. 97–35.

§§853 to 855. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379

Section 853, Pub. L. 94–210, title VII, §703, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 121; Pub. L. 95–421, §§5, 8, Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 926, 927; Pub. L. 96–254, title II, §§202, 203, 209, May 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 410, 414; Pub. L. 97–468, title III, §301(1), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2547; Pub. L. 99–272, title IV, §4007(d), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 108, enumerated goals of Northeast Corridor improvement project. See section 24902 of Title 49, Transportation.

Section 854, Pub. L. 94–210, title VII, §704, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 122; Pub. L. 94–555, title II, §217, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2627; Pub. L. 95–421, §9, Oct. 5, 1978, 92 Stat. 928; Pub. L. 96–254, title II, §§204(a), (b), 210, May 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 411, 414; Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1193, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 701; Pub. L. 97–468, title III, §301(2)–(4), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2548, 2549; Pub. L. 100–342, §6, June 22, 1988, 102 Stat. 627, related to funding of Northeast Corridor improvement project. See sections 24104, 24902, 24904, 24907, and 24909 of Title 49.

Section 855, Pub. L. 94–210, title VII, §705, as added Pub. L. 96–254, title II, §206(a), May 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 412; amended Pub. L. 97–468, title III, §301(5), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2550, related to transfers of authority with respect to track improvements and implementation of Northeast Corridor improvement project goals. See sections 24902, 24904, and 24909 of Title 49.

§856. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–429, §7(a)(1), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4388

Section, Pub. L. 94–210, title VII, §708, as added Pub. L. 102–533, §4(a), Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3516, directed Secretary to develop and report to Congress within one year after Oct. 27, 1992, on a program master plan for improvements in passenger service between Boston and New York. See section 24903 of Title 49, Transportation.

Effective Date of Repeal

Pub. L. 103–429, §7(a)(1), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4388, provided that the repeal by section 7(a)(1) is effective July 5, 1994.