69–006 

110TH CONGRESS REPT. 110–576 " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session Part 1 

GREEN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH 

AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACT 

APRIL 10, 2008.—Ordered to be printed 

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee, from the Committee on Science and 

Technology, submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany H.R. 5161] 

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] 

The Committee on Science and Technology, to whom was referred the bill (H.R. 5161) to provide for the establishment of Green 

Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer 

Centers, and for other purpose, having considered the same, report 

favorably thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill 

as amended do pass. 

CONTENTS 

Page 

I. Amendment ................................................................................................. 2 

II. Purpose of the Bill ...................................................................................... 4 

III. Background and Need for the Legislation ................................................ 4 

V. Hearing Summary ....................................................................................... 7 

V. Committee Actions ...................................................................................... 7 

VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill .................................................. 8 

VII. Section-by-Section Analysis (by Title and Section) .................................. 9 

VIII. Committee Views ........................................................................................ 10 

IX. Cost Estimate .............................................................................................. 11 

X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate ............................................. 11 

XI. Compliance with Public Law 104–4 .......................................................... 11 

XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations ........................... 11 

XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives ...................... 12 

XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement .......................................................... 12 

XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement ................................................... 12 

XVI. Congressional Accountability Act .............................................................. 12 

XVII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law ........................ 12 

XVIII. Earmark Identification ............................................................................... 12 

XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported ........................ 12 

XX. Committee Recommendations .................................................................... 16 

XXI. Proceedings of the Subcommittee Markup ................................................ 17 

XXII. Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup ............................................. 40 


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I. AMENDMENT

The amendment is as follows: 

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and 

Technology Transfer Act’’. 

SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 

Congress finds the following: 

(1) Transportation infrastructure contributes to the pollution of surface and 

ground water because it is comprised of impervious surfaces that concentrate 

contaminants which are introduced into the water supply during storms. 

(2) Scientists and engineers have developed numerous technologies that can 

be incorporated into transportation infrastructure which control stormwater and 

mitigate nonpoint source water pollution. 

(3) There has not been widespread implementation of green transportation infrastructure by governments or private industry because of technical, regulatory, and social barriers, such as restrictive designs and lack of training and 

awareness for builders. 

(4) The Federal Highway Administration, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, has the technical expertise and capacity to promote 

the use of green transportation infrastructure technologies by State and local 

governments and private industry through education and outreach and technical assistance programs. 

SEC. 3. REGIONAL GREEN TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTERS. 

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Subchapter I of chapter 55 of title 49, United States Code, 

is amended by inserting after section 5505 following new section: 

‘‘SEC. 5505A. REGIONAL GREEN TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTERS. 

‘‘(a) GREEN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

TRANSFER.—The Secretary of Transportation shall make grants to university transportation centers established pursuant to section 5505 or 5506, or to consortia consisting of such a center and one or more institutions of higher education, to carry 

out research and development and technology transfer activities in the field of green 

transportation infrastructure. ‘‘(b) OBJECTIVES.—Grant funds provided under this section may be used to— ‘‘(1) generate innovative and cost-effective approaches to mitigating environmental impacts throughout the lifecycle of transportation infrastructure; ‘‘(2) develop holistic approaches to integrating green infrastructure into existing wastewater management systems; ‘‘(3) promote adoption of innovative green transportation infrastructure systems by State and local governments and the private sector; and ‘‘(4) manage technology transfer programs to disseminate information on best 

management practices in the area of green transportation infrastructure to 

State and local governments and the private sector. ‘‘(c) SELECTION OF GRANT RECIPIENTS.— ‘‘(1) APPLICATIONS.—In order to be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a university transportation center or consortium shall submit to the Secretary an application that is in such form and contains such information as the 

Secretary may require. ‘‘(2) MERIT REVIEW; PRIORITY.—Grants shall be awarded under this section on 

a merit-reviewed competitive basis. ‘‘(3) REGIONAL CENTERS.—To the greatest extent practicable, the Secretary 

shall ensure that there is at least one grant recipient from each of the 10 

United States Government regions that comprise the Standard Federal Regional 

Boundary System. ‘‘(4) SELECTION CRITERIA.—Except as otherwise provided by this section, the 

Secretary shall select each recipient of a grant under this section through a 

merit-reviewed competitive process on the basis of the following: ‘‘(A) Demonstrated expertise in transportation research and environmental impacts of transportation infrastructure. ‘‘(B) Demonstrated research capacity and technology transfer resources. 

‘‘(C) Existing or proposed partnerships with State and local governments 

and private industry involved in transportation-related construction, environmental impact mitigation, or other areas related to green transportation 

infrastructure research to help set research priorities and facilitate technology transfer. 


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‘‘(D) Capability to provide leadership in developing national best management practices, regional best management practices, or both in the field of 

green transportation infrastructure. ‘‘(E) Expertise in specific regional climate characteristics which impact 

the effectiveness of green transportation infrastructure technologies and 

practices. ‘‘(F) Demonstrated ability to disseminate results of research and education programs through a statewide or regionwide continuing education 

program. ‘‘(G) The strategic plan the recipient proposes to carry out under the 

grant. 

‘‘(d) ACTIVITIES.—The types of activities the Secretary may support under this section include the following: 

‘‘(1) Research and development of innovative technologies, construction techniques, or best management processes that mitigate the environmental impact 

of transportation infrastructure, including—

‘‘(A) assessments of the lifecycle environmental impact of local existing or 

planned transportation infrastructure; 

‘‘(B) integration of green transportation infrastructure elements into existing transportation or waste water management systems; and 

‘‘(C) research, development, testing, and evaluation of new technologies or 

best management practices. 

‘‘(2) Establishment and operation of a regional technology transfer program 

to disseminate information on new technologies and best management practices 

to State and local governments, institutions of higher learning, and private industry in the region. 

‘‘(3) Study of the impact of State, local, and Federal regulations on the implementation of green transportation infrastructure technologies and practices. 

These studies shall include collaboration with appropriate Federal agencies and 

industries to evaluate the effect of and possible changes to Federal and State 

regulations that impede implementation of green transportation infrastructure. 

‘‘(4) Public education campaigns to raise awareness of the benefits of green 

transportation infrastructure technologies, including activities to raise awareness and foster collaboration among regional governments, private industry, 

and other public and private stakeholders. 

‘‘(e) ANNUAL MEETING.—The Secretary shall convene an annual meeting of the 

Centers and consortia receiving grants pursuant to this section in order to foster 

evaluation, collaboration, and communication among participants and disseminate 

best management practices. 

‘‘(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized to be appropriated 

to the Secretary to carry out this section $6,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2009 

and 2010. Amounts appropriated pursuant to this section shall be in addition to 

amounts otherwise appropriated for university transportation centers established 

pursuant to section 5505 or 5506. 

‘‘(g) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘green transportation infrastructure’

includes infrastructure that—

‘‘(1) preserves and restores natural processes, landforms (such as floodplains), 

natural vegetated stream side buffers, wetlands, or other topographical features 

that can slow, filter, and naturally store stormwater runoff and floodwaters for 

future water supply and recharge of natural aquifers; 

‘‘(2) utilizes natural design techniques that infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, 

and detain water close to its source; 

‘‘(3) minimizes the use of impervious surfaces in order to slow or infiltrate 

precipitation; 

‘‘(4) minimizes lifecycle energy consumption, including during construction, 

maintenance, use by vehicles, and destruction and recycling; and 

‘‘(5) minimizes lifecycle air pollution.’’. 

(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of sections for such subchapter is 

amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5505 the following new item: 

‘‘5505A. Regional Green Transportation Research Centers.’’. 

SEC. 4. GREEN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AMENDMENTS. 

Section 504 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)(3)—

(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii)—

(i) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of subclause (V); 

(ii) by striking the period at the end of subclause (VI) and inserting 

‘‘; and’’; and 

(iii) by adding at the end the following new subclause: 


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‘‘(VII) the use of green transportation infrastructure (as defined 

in section 5505A(g) of title 49) for environmental protection and 

mitigating environmental impacts of transportation construction.’’; 

and 

(B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: 

‘‘(D) INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.—The Institute shall coordinate the development of curriculum and courses with other Federal agencies with expertise in the course subject areas.’’; and 

(2) in subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) by striking ‘‘and traffic safety countermeasures’’

and inserting ‘‘traffic safety countermeasures, and options with respect to green 

transportation infrastructure (as defined in section 5505A(g) of title 49)’’. 

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this bill is to expand the use of green transportation infrastructure technologies through university research programs, public awareness campaigns, and training and technology 

transfer programs for builders and transportation policymakers. 

The programs authorized in this bill are carried out by the Research and Innovative Technology Administration and Federal 

Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

III. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH RUNOFF

Infrastructure, such as roads and parking lots, comprised of surfaces that are impervious to water, can have significant impacts on 

an area’s natural hydrology, potentially resulting in flooding, pollution, or aquatic ecosystem destruction. Stormwater runoff washes 

over agricultural land, lawns, urban areas, and other types of 

human land-use areas, introducing chemicals like fertilizers, heavy 

metals, and harmful bacteria into water ecosystems such as 

streams, lakes, and rivers. Transportation infrastructure is a major 

contributor to this type of pollution. This type of non-localized pollution is responsible for over 80 percent of the contamination of the 

nation’s surface water. Thus, development of new transportation 

infrastructure has a significant and far-ranging environmental impact. 

GREEN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

To be effective in countering the negative impact of rainfall runoff, mitigation measures must meet the goals of reducing the speed 

and volume of flow and treating or reducing pollutants. Green 

transportation infrastructure uses innovative materials, structural 

measures, and design techniques to address these goals. Structural 

measures are installations like infiltration basins and trenches, detention and retention ponds, constructed wetlands, vegetated 

swales and filter strips, and filtration systems. Stormwater managers generally choose a treatment by evaluating the amount of 

land available, the cost of implementation, operation and maintenance of the technology, and treatment objectives such as cleanliness. However, many local governments are also constrained by environmental regulations that stipulate specific methods for reducing water pollution, and are unable to include innovative green infrastructure technologies and techniques in their stormwater management plans. 


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CURRENT FEDERAL PROGRAMS

While most of the decisions regarding implementation of green 

transportation infrastructure are made at the state and local level, 

there are Federal programs addressing the issue of non-point 

source water pollution control in transportation infrastructure. The 

Green Highways Partnership (GHP) is the primary Federal vehicle 

for encouraging the use of green transportation infrastructure by 

state and local governments and private industry. EPA and FHWA 

are the main Federal participants in the partnership, which includes state departments of transportation, trade organizations, 

municipal governments, and non-profit organizations. The Partnership’s activities focus on planning and design, construction, and operation and maintenance of green transportation infrastructure, 

and include pilot projects that demonstrate cost-effective, environmentally-sound, transportation infrastructure technologies that 

meet state performance requirements. There are also additional ongoing programs at the U.S. Department of Transportation and EPA 

in support of research, development, and transfer of green transportation infrastructure technologies. 

REMAINING CHALLENGES

Though research has shown significant benefits in terms of 

stormwater management and control of non-point source water pollution, technologies such as bioswales and pervious pavement have 

not been adopted in many jurisdictions or by significant numbers 

of private entities. There are numerous barriers to full adoption of 

green infrastructure, including technical problems, regulatory challenges, and slow industry adoption of new practices. The installation of green transportation infrastructure can be impeded by problems of high cost and availability of space for technologies. Climate 

conditions can also present unique challenges to implementation; 

for example, in areas where very cold weather is common, technologies that retain water for slow filtration are susceptible to 

freezing. Also, the construction industry tends to be risk-averse, 

and hence reluctant to adopt technologies that may be considered 

experimental or unproven because of concerns about high cost, reliability, maintenance, or simply confusion about the best products 

to use. The slow adoption of these technologies has also led to a 

shortage of trained contractors who are able to properly design and 

install integrated systems, making implementation more difficult 

and costly. 

Though Federal, state, and local government agencies have taken 

an active role in promoting the use of green transportation infrastructure, those same entities have often erected regulatory barriers which prevent widespread implementation. For example, 

though the Office of Water has been a strong advocate for green 

infrastructure projects, there are regulatory barriers internal to the 

EPA that prevents those projects from moving forward. The Clean 

Water Act, under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination 

System (NPDES) permit program, gives EPA the authority to regulate sources of water that release pollutants into ground and surface water. The program is administered on a regional level, and 

regional administrators have discretion in classifying green infrastructure technologies that serve as sources of water covered by 


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NPDES. If technologies such as pervious pavement or bioswales, 

which filter runoff before it flows into the ground or surface water, 

are considered ‘‘point sources’’ then EPA regulations that require 

permitting procedures act as a significant disincentive to use these 

technologies. 

State and local authorities can sometimes also be impediments 

to implementation of green transportation infrastructure. Unlike 

Federal laws that specifically disallow the use of green technologies 

without extensive permitting, state and local authorities tend to 

fail to explicitly allow their use. As a result, governments or private companies within the jurisdiction who propose the use of 

green transportation infrastructure are not given approval simply 

because the innovative technologies have not been previously considered by the regulating authority. The problem then becomes 

self-perpetuating, as these local governments block all potential 

demonstration projects, and continue to deny builders permits on 

the basis that there have been no successful demonstration 

projects. While many cities have acted as leaders in the green 

transportation infrastructure initiative, the challenge remains to 

greatly expand its acceptance by local jurisdictions. 

OPTIONS FOR PROMOTING IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

One of the primary reasons policymakers and builders resist incorporating green transportation infrastructure technologies into 

their design plans is lack of understanding of the variety of uses 

and their effectiveness in local environments. Insufficient data and 

information about its effectiveness in mitigating pollution are disincentives for incorporating green infrastructure into stormwater 

management systems because of the need for accountability for expenditures of public funds. Also, there are still relatively few engineers trained in design, installation, and maintenance methods, 

which prevents even interested localities from implementing green 

infrastructure plans. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s University Transportation Centers, authorized under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, 

Efficient Transportation Equity Act—A Legacy for Users 

(SAFETEA–LU), are uniquely suited to meet the research needs to 

fill the gaps in data and engineering information that prevent the 

widespread implementation of green transportation infrastructure 

projects. This program funds university research centers around 

the country to focus on state of the art transportation research and 

workforce development. These Centers bring together experts in 

multidisciplinary fields to address transportation challenges including congestion, safety issues, and energy efficiency. A number of 

Centers currently highlight sustainability as the theme of their research projects, and green transportation infrastructure is a natural component of a sustainability portfolio. 

The National Highway Institute (NHI), part of the Federal Highway Administration, is a key resource for transportation workers 

to learn about new construction and design concepts, and as such 

is an excellent partner for technology transfer from the University 

Transportation Centers. NHI has provided training for transportation workers in diverse subjects, including improving road safety 

for pedestrians and bicyclists, managing roads in inclement weathVerDate Aug 31 2005 04:37 Apr 12, 2008 Jkt 069006 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR576P1.XXX HR576P1

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er, and traffic management. Green transportation infrastructure 

curriculum would augment NHI’s excellent course offerings by providing builders with guidance on design, construction, and maintenance of green infrastructure from a trusted source. Using NHI to 

deliver information on green infrastructure technology and processes would help overcome some of the biases against this type of 

design and ensure that all localities are able to implement the most 

effective green infrastructure systems for their unique needs. 

IV. HEARING SUMMARY

On Thursday, May 10, 2007, the Subcommittee on Technology 

and Innovation held a hearing to examine options for construction 

technologies and materials available for transportation infrastructure that contribute to stormwater management and control of nonpoint source water pollution. Witnesses testified on the barriers to 

widespread implementation of green transportation infrastructure 

and made recommendations for Federal action to promote its use. 

The Subcommittee heard from Ms. Gloria Shepherd, Associate 

Administrator for Planning, Environment, and Realty at the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT); Mr. Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA); Mr. Sam Adams, Commissioner of Public Utilities 

for the City of Portland, Oregon; Mr. Dan Huffman, managing director for national resources for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA); and Mr. Hal Kassoff, senior vice president for sustainable development at Parsons Brinckerhoff. The witnesses discussed the various types of green infrastructure available 

for use in the transportation sector and the environmental and cost 

benefits that infrastructure provides. They also noted the various 

technical, regulatory, and social barriers to implementation of 

green transportation infrastructure systems and suggested Federal 

support for research and development to provide better data and 

best practices for designing and building these systems. 

V. COMMITTEE ACTIONS

The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation heard testimony in the 110th Congress relevant to the programs authorized 

in H.R. 5161 at a hearing held May 10, 2007. During those hearings, the Subcommittee heard testimony from the Associate Administrator for Planning, Environment and Realty at the Federal Highway Administration; the Assistant Administrator for Water at the 

Environmental Protection Agency, and representatives of local government and industry. 

On January 29, 2008, Representative David Wu, Chairman of the 

Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation of the Committee on 

Science and Technology, introduced H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act, a 

bill to provide for the establishment of Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Centers, and for other 

purpose. 

The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation met to consider 

H.R. 5161 on Thursday, February 7, 2008 and considered the following amendment to the bill: 


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1. Mr. Ehlers offered an amendment to Section 3 to limit eligibility for grants under that section to existing University Transportation Centers receiving grants under section 5505 or 5506 of the 

U.S. Code, and to authorize $6 million in appropriations for fiscal 

years 2009 and 2010. The amendment was agreed to by voice vote. 

Mr. Hall moved that the Subcommittee favorably report the bill, 

H.R. 5161, as amended, to the full Committee. The motion was 

agreed to by a voice vote. 

The Committee on Science and Technology met to consider H.R. 

5161 on February 27, 2008 and considered the following amendments to the bill: 

1. Mr. Wu offered an amendment to Section 3 to allow universities that are not current University Transportation Center (UTC) 

program participants to form consortia with existing UTCs to apply 

for university research grants. The amendment was agreed to by 

voice vote. 

2. Mr. Inglis offered an amendment to authorize the Secretary of 

Transportation to require cost-sharing by industry and consortia 

partners for research as part of the green transportation infrastructure component of the University Transportation Centers program. 

The amendment was withdrawn. 

3. Mr. Inglis offered an amendment to specify that design and 

building code restrictions can impede implementation of green 

transportation infrastructure, and to recommend that grant recipient conferences offer opportunities for peer review and evaluation. 

The amendment was agreed to by voice vote. 

Mr. Baird moved that the Committee favorably report the bill, 

H.R. 5161, as amended to the House with the recommendation that 

the bill, as amended, do pass, and that the staff be instructed to 

make technical and conforming changes to the bill, as amended, 

and prepare the legislative report and that the Chairman take all 

necessary steps to bring the bill before the House for consideration. 

The motion was agreed to by voice vote. 

VI. SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE BILL

H.R. 5161 authorizes the U.S. Department of Transportation to 

provide grants to national and regional university transportation 

centers to carry out research and technology transfer in the field 

of green transportation infrastructure. Applicants are limited to existing centers receiving grants under section 5505 or 5506 of the 

U.S. Code or consortia of universities including at least one previously authorized university transportation center. Grant recipients are selected via a merit-based competition with preference 

given to those institutions demonstrating expertise in the environmental effects of transportation infrastructure; research capacity 

and technology transfer resources; partnerships with government 

and industry; and other attributes. Authorized activities include research and development of innovative infrastructure technologies; 

establishment of regional technology transfer programs; studies of 

the impact of government regulations on implementation of green 

infrastructure programs; and public education campaigns aimed at 

public and private stakeholders. The bill requires the Secretary of 

Transportation to convene an annual meeting of Centers to foster 

collaboration and dissemination of findings. H.R. 5161 authorizes 

$6 million per fiscal year for fiscal years 2009 and 2010 for grants 


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to the university transportation centers. To promote technology 

transfer, the bill requires the Federal Highway Administration to 

incorporate education and training on green transportation infrastructure into its National Highway Institute curriculum which is 

offered to transportation workers nationwide. Finally, the bill defines green transportation infrastructure as infrastructure that preserves and restores natural processes and landforms, uses natural 

design techniques to manage stormwater; and minimizes lifecycle 

energy consumption and air pollution. 

VII. SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS OF THE BILL (BY SECTION) 

Sec. 1: Short title 

‘‘Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology 

Transfer Act.’’

Sec. 2: Findings 

Finds that innovative transportation infrastructure can be used 

to mitigate water pollution, and that technical and social barriers 

to implementing these technologies can be overcome with research 

and technology transfer assistance from the U.S. Department of 

Transportation. 

Sec. 3: Regional Green Transportation Research Centers 

Amends the existing authorization for university transportation 

centers or consortia to provide grants focusing on green transportation infrastructure in regions around the U.S. The objectives of 

these grants include developing innovative transportation infrastructure technologies that mitigate environmental damage from 

runoff, and encouraging governments to adopt these technologies 

and integrate them into existing infrastructure through technology 

transfer programs. 

Activities will include: 1) research and development of green infrastructure technologies, techniques and best management practices; 2) establishment of a technology transfer program; 3) assessment of the impact of regulations on the adoption of green transportation infrastructure locally; and 4) public education efforts for 

local decision makers. 

Grant recipients will be selected on a competitive basis with preference given to those applicants demonstrating expertise in transportation and green infrastructure research, existing partnerships 

with state and local governments, and technology transfer programs. Only those applicants currently receiving University Transportation Center funding, or consortia including at least one existing University Transportation Center, will be eligible for grants. 

Defines green transportation infrastructure as infrastructure 

that preserves and restores natural processes and landforms, uses 

natural design techniques to manage stormwater; and minimizes 

lifecycle energy consumption and air pollution. 

Authorizes $6 million per year for fiscal years 2009 and 2010 to 

carry out this section. 

Sec. 4: Green transportation infrastructure amendments 

Amends authorization of the Federal Highway Administration’s 

National Highway Institute (NHI) to include green transportation 


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infrastructure as a course topic. Instructs NHI to collaborate with 

other federal agencies with expertise in this field when designing 

curriculum. 

VIII. COMMITTEE VIEWS

The Committee strongly believes that the Federal government 

must take an active role in promoting and supporting the use of 

low cost, energy efficient, innovative, green transportation infrastructure solutions for mitigating water pollution by state and local 

governments. Currently, while the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) are 

funding research and education and facilitating collaboration on 

green infrastructure projects among some stakeholders, there is not 

a coordinated effort by the Federal government to ensure that data 

and best practices are available to end users. Additionally, some 

Federal regulations impede the use of green transportation infrastructure, thereby providing strong disincentives to State and local 

government investments in these technologies by state and local 

governments. 

Though additional research on the benefits of green transportation infrastructure is needed to identify appropriate systems for 

a variety of users, existing projects around the United States have 

demonstrated that these techniques and technologies have great 

promise for mitigating water pollution from roads and other paved 

surfaces. Low cost, green infrastructure installations in Portland, 

Oregon; Chicago, Illinois, and elsewhere have slowed runoff and cut 

down on pollution while maintaining the surrounding aesthetic 

characteristics. 

University-based research is an essential component of any Federal effort to encourage the adoption of green transportation infrastructure by state and local governments. Local policymakers and 

industry representatives agree that a major impediment to implementing green infrastructure projects is the lack of data about effectiveness in mitigating pollution, as well as a lack of region-specific engineering and design guidance. The Committee believes that 

University Transportation Centers (UTCs), which are skilled in 

both transportation-related R&D and technology transfer, are the 

most appropriate resource for users of green transportation infrastructure. 

H.R. 5161 authorizes $6 million in annual funding to the Department of Transportation for research grants to existing UTCs and 

consortia of institutions that include at least one UTC. The Committee intends for the authorized funding to support research 

grants to approximately twelve awardees; ten regional Centers and 

two national Centers. The regional Centers will carry out research 

and technology transfer programs customized to the needs of State 

and local governments and industry. The grantees should involve 

government representatives, associations and coalitions of regional 

governments, and industry groups in their research planning to ensure that the Centers efforts will address the needs of end users. 

The National Highway Institute (NHI) also has an important 

role in technology transfer to the transportation industry. Witnesses before the Committee noted that innovations in transportation are often slow to be adopted because of reticence within the 

industry to change long-standing practices. NHI has an established 


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relationship with the transportation industry, serving as a source 

of mandatory and elective education and training for officials and 

contractors. It can act as a trusted resource to promote and normalize the use of green transportation infrastructure through the 

addition of curriculum on design and installation. 

IX. COST ESTIMATE

A cost estimate and comparison prepared by the Director of the 

Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the Congressional 

Budget Act of 1974 has been timely submitted to the Committee on 

Science and Technology prior to the filing of this report and is included in Section X of this report pursuant to House Rule XIII, 

clause 3(c)(3). 

H.R. 5161 does not contain new budget authority, credit authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures. Assuming that the 

sums authorized under the bill are appropriated, H.R. 5161 does 

authorize additional discretionary spending, as described in the 

Congressional Budget Office report on the bill, which is contained 

in Section X of this report. 

X. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE

H.R. 5161 would direct the Federal Highway Administration 

(FHWA) to make grants to institutions of higher education to carry 

out research and development on green transportation infrastructure. Under the bill, the term green transportation infrastructure 

includes infrastructure that preserves natural processes, treats 

water close to its source, minimizes the use of impervious surfaces, 

and minimizes energy use and air pollution. Assuming appropriation of the specified amounts, CBO estimates that implementing 

H.R. 5161 would cost $12 million over the 2009–2013 period. 

The bill would authorize the appropriations of $6 million for each 

of fiscal years 2009 and 2010. H.R. 5161 would direct FHWA to 

make grants to university transportation centers to carry out research and development regarding transportation infrastructure 

that has a limited impact on the natural environment. Under current law, there are 60 such centers, and H.R. 5161 would require 

that 10 of them receive such grants. 

Enacting the legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues. The bill contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would 

impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments. 

The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Sarah Puro. This estimate was approved by Peter H. Fontaine, Assistant Director for 

Budget Analysis. 

XI. COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104–4 

H.R. 5161 contains no unfunded mandates. 

XII. COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The oversight findings and recommendations of the Committee 

on Science and Technology are reflected in the body of this report. 


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XIII. STATEMENT ON GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND

OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to clause (3)(c) of House rule XIII, the goals of H.R. 

5161 are to promote the use of green transportation infrastructure 

for stormwater management and pollution mitigation through programs to carry out research and development, collect data, develop 

best practices, and support technology transfer to government and 

private stakeholders. 

XIV. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United States 

grants Congress the authority to enact H.R. 5161. 

XV. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

H.R. 5161 does not establish nor authorize the establishment of 

any advisory committee. 

XVI. CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

The Committee finds that H.R. 5161 does not relate to the terms 

and conditions of employment or access to public services or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104–1). 

XVII. EARMARK IDENTIFICATION

H.R. 5161 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited 

tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), 

or 9(f) of rule XXI. 

XVIII. STATEMENT ON PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL, OR TRIBAL

LAW

This bill is not intended to preempt any state, local, or tribal law. 

XIX. CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, 

as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, 

existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman): 

TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE 

* * * * * * * 

SUBTITLE III—GENERAL AND INTERMODAL 

PROGRAMS 

* * * * * * * 


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CHAPTER 55—INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION 

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL 

Sec. 

5501. National Intermodal Transportation System policy. 

* * * * * * * 

5505A. Regional Green Transportation Research Centers. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 5505A. REGIONAL GREEN TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH CENTERS. 

(a) GREEN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH AND

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.—The Secretary of Transportation shall 

make grants to university transportation centers established pursuant to section 5505 or 5506, or to consortia consisting of such a center and one or more institutions of higher education, to carry out 

research and development and technology transfer activities in the 

field of green transportation infrastructure. 

(b) OBJECTIVES.—Grant funds provided under this section may be 

used to— 

(1) generate innovative and cost-effective approaches to mitigating environmental impacts throughout the lifecycle of transportation infrastructure; 

(2) develop holistic approaches to integrating green infrastructure into existing wastewater management systems; 

(3) promote adoption of innovative green transportation infrastructure systems by State and local governments and the private sector; and 

(4) manage technology transfer programs to disseminate information on best management practices in the area of green 

transportation infrastructure to State and local governments 

and the private sector. 

(c) SELECTION OF GRANT RECIPIENTS.— (1) APPLICATIONS.—In order to be eligible to receive a grant 

under this section, a university transportation center or consortium shall submit to the Secretary an application that is in 

such form and contains such information as the Secretary may 

require. 

(2) MERIT REVIEW; PRIORITY.—Grants shall be awarded under 

this section on a merit-reviewed competitive basis. 

(3) REGIONAL CENTERS.—To the greatest extent practicable, 

the Secretary shall ensure that there is at least one grant recipient from each of the 10 United States Government regions that 

comprise the Standard Federal Regional Boundary System. 

(4) SELECTION CRITERIA.—Except as otherwise provided by 

this section, the Secretary shall select each recipient of a grant 

under this section through a merit-reviewed competitive process 

on the basis of the following: 

(A) Demonstrated expertise in transportation research 

and environmental impacts of transportation infrastructure. 

(B) Demonstrated research capacity and technology 

transfer resources. 

(C) Existing or proposed partnerships with State and 

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gation, or other areas related to green transportation infrastructure research to help set research priorities and facilitate technology transfer. 

(D) Capability to provide leadership in developing national best management practices, regional best management practices, or both in the field of green transportation 

infrastructure. 

(E) Expertise in specific regional climate characteristics 

which impact the effectiveness of green transportation infrastructure technologies and practices. 

(F) Demonstrated ability to disseminate results of research and education programs through a statewide or regionwide continuing education program. 

(G) The strategic plan the recipient proposes to carry out 

under the grant. 

(d) ACTIVITIES.—The types of activities the Secretary may support 

under this section include the following: 

(1) Research and development of innovative technologies, construction techniques, or best management processes that mitigate the environmental impact of transportation infrastructure, 

including—

(A) assessments of the lifecycle environmental impact of 

local existing or planned transportation infrastructure; 

(B) integration of green transportation infrastructure elements into existing transportation or waste water management systems; and 

(C) research, development, testing, and evaluation of new 

technologies or best management practices. 

(2) Establishment and operation of a regional technology 

transfer program to disseminate information on new technologies and best management practices to State and local governments, institutions of higher learning, and private industry 

in the region. 

(3) Study of the impact of State, local, and Federal regulations on the implementation of green transportation infrastructure technologies and practices. These studies shall include collaboration with appropriate Federal agencies and industries to 

evaluate the effect of and possible changes to Federal and State 

regulations that impede implementation of green transportation 

infrastructure. 

(4) Public education campaigns to raise awareness of the benefits of green transportation infrastructure technologies, including activities to raise awareness and foster collaboration among 

regional governments, private industry, and other public and 

private stakeholders. 

(e) ANNUAL MEETING.—The Secretary shall convene an annual 

meeting of the Centers and consortia receiving grants pursuant to 

this section in order to foster evaluation, collaboration, and communication among participants and disseminate best management 

practices. 

(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized to 

be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $6,000,000 

for each of the fiscal years 2009 and 2010. Amounts appropriated 

pursuant to this section shall be in addition to amounts otherwise 


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appropriated for university transportation centers established pursuant to section 5505 or 5506. 

(g) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘‘green transportation 

infrastructure’’ includes infrastructure that— (1) preserves and restores natural processes, landforms (such 

as floodplains), natural vegetated stream side buffers, wetlands, 

or other topographical features that can slow, filter, and naturally store stormwater runoff and floodwaters for future water 

supply and recharge of natural aquifers; 

(2) utilizes natural design techniques that infiltrate, filter, 

store, evaporate, and detain water close to its source; 

(3) minimizes the use of impervious surfaces in order to slow 

or infiltrate precipitation; 

(4) minimizes lifecycle energy consumption, including during 

construction, maintenance, use by vehicles, and destruction and 

recycling; and 

(5) minimizes lifecycle air pollution. 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE 23, UNITED STATES CODE 

* * * * * * * 

CHAPTER 5—RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY, AND 

EDUCATION 

* * * * * * * 

§ 504. Training and education 

(a) NATIONAL HIGHWAY INSTITUTE.— (1) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(3) COURSES.— (A) IN GENERAL.—The Institute shall— (i) * * * 

(ii) continually develop courses relating to the application of emerging technologies for— (I) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(V) expediting the planning and development of 

transportation projects; øand¿ 

(VI) the intermodal movement of individuals 

and freightø.¿; and 

(VII) the use of green transportation infrastructure (as defined in section 5505A(g) of title 49) for 

environmental protection and mitigating environmental impacts of transportation construction. 

* * * * * * * 

(D) INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.—The Institute shall coordinate the development of curriculum and courses with 

other Federal agencies with expertise in the course subject 

areas. 

* * * * * * * 


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(b) LOCAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.— (1) * * * 

(2) GRANTS, COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS, AND CONTRACTS.— The Secretary may make grants and enter into cooperative 

agreements and contracts to provide education and training, 

technical assistance, and related support services to— (A) assist rural, local transportation agencies and tribal 

governments, and the consultants and construction personnel working for the agencies and governments, to— (i) develop and expand expertise in road and transportation areas (including pavement, bridge, concrete 

structures, intermodal connections, safety management systems, intelligent transportation systems, incident response, operations, øand traffic safety countermeasures¿ traffic safety countermeasures, and options 

with respect to green transportation infrastructure (as 

defined in section 5505A(g) of title 49)); 

* * * * * * * 

XX. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

On February 27, 2008, the Committee on Science and Technology 

favorably reported the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act by a voice vote, and recommended its enactment. 


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(17) 

XXI: PROCEEDINGS OF THE MARKUP BY THE 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION ON H.R. 5161, THE GREEN 

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACT 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2008 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, 

COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, 

Washington, DC. 

The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 10:15 a.m., in Room 

2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. David Wu [Chairman of the Subcommittee] presiding. 

Chairman WU. Good morning. The Subcommittee on Technology 

and Innovation will now come to order. Pursuant to notice, the 

Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation meets to consider the 

following measures: H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007. It appears to me that we are no 

longer in 2007. Is that going to be an administrative amendment? 

Terrific—as read, 2007; H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act, and H.R. 3916, To 

provide for the next generation of border and maritime security technologies. 

We will now proceed with the markup, beginning with opening 

statements, and the Chairman recognizes himself. 

First of all, I would like to welcome everyone to the first Science 

and Technology Committee markup of 2008. We had a very productive first session in 2007, and I am looking forward to working with 

my colleagues to pass more good legislation this year. Today we 

will be considering three bills, each of which deals with protecting 

and enhancing our nation’s critical infrastructure our environment. 

H.R. 4847, introduced by the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee, Representative Mitchell, the gentleman from Arizona, and with Subcommittee Ranking Member Gingrey as an original co-sponsor, reauthorizes the United States Fire Administration. USFA is an important resource for our nation’s firefighters, providing training, 

fire safety awareness for the public, data collection services, and 

fire-suppression and prevention research and technology. I am 

pleased we are considering H.R. 4847 today, a bill worked on hard 

by both Republicans and Democrats, and will authorize USFA to 

continue its role as a leader and resource for the Nation’s fire servVerDate Aug 31 2005 04:37 Apr 12, 2008 Jkt 069006 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 6601 Sfmt 6601 E:\HR\OC\HR576P1.XXX HR576P1

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ice, and help enable firefighters to meet the dynamic and growing 

mission of the fire service in the 21st century. 

We will also be considering H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation 

Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act. As you may 

remember, this past May, we heard from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as 

local governments and industry. They agreed that we have a great 

opportunity in this country to manage and protect our water resources through the use of innovative technologies and also serve 

as transportation infrastructure and as means for managing and 

filtering stormwater runoff. 

The EPA witness, Assistant Administrator for Water, Ben Grumbles, is already making a great effort to promote the expanded use 

of such infrastructure around the U.S., but he and the other witnesses found a number of barriers, which this bill works to overcome through research and education programs at the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Finally, H.R. 3916, introduced by Ranking Member Hall, authorizes programs at the Department of Homeland Security to improve 

the technology used to protect the Nation’s borders and ports of 

entry. Border security officers have an incredibly difficult job. It is 

part law enforcement, part first responder, part diplomat, and part 

detective. It is clear that these agents need the help of new technology to do their jobs better and to make our borders more secure. 

Technology can act as additional eyes and ears for Border Patrol 

agents. 

This bill has special importance for me, as these technologies 

help reinforce security efforts at ports in addition to land borders. 

The Port of Portland processed more than fourteen million tons of 

cargo in 2007, and our international airport also screened in a 

number of people coming in from overseas. I know that the hardworking officers managing security at the Port of Portland could 

use the assistance of these innovative technologies. 

These three bills share an important common theme: the use of 

research and technology to solve some of our nation’s most pressing 

problems. I am eager to join my colleagues on both sides of the 

aisle in advancing these important objectives. 

[The prepared statement of Chairman Wu follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN DAVID WU

First of all, I’d like to welcome everyone to the first Science and Technology Committee markup of 2008. We had a very productive first session, and I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to pass good legislation this year. Today we 

will be considering three bills, each of which deals with protecting and enhancing 

our nation’s critical infrastructure and environment. 

H.R. 4847, introduced by the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee, Representative 

Mitchell, and with Subcommittee Ranking Member Gingrey as an original co-sponsor, reauthorizes the U.S. Fire Administration. The U.S. Fire Administration is an 

important resource for our nation’s firefighters, providing training, fire safety 

awareness for the public, data collection services, and fire suppression and prevention research and technology. 

I am pleased we are considering H.R. 4847 today, a bipartisan piece of legislation 

that will authorize USFA to continue its role as a leader and resource for the Nation’s firefighters, and help firefighters save lives and meet the dynamic mission of 

the fire service in the 21st century. 

We will also be considering H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure 

Research and Technology Transfer Act. This past May this subcommittee held a 

hearing that included witnesses from the Environmental Protection Agency, the 


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U.S. Department of Transportation, and representatives of local government and industry. The witnesses agreed that we have a great opportunity to manage and protect our nation’s water resources by using of innovative techniques and technologies 

that simultaneously serve as transportation infrastructure and as means for managing and filtering stormwater. 

The EPA witness, Assistant Administrator for Water Ben Grumbles, is already 

making great efforts to promote the expanded use of green infrastructure around 

the U.S. But he and the other witnesses described a number of barriers, which this 

bill works to overcome through research and education efforts at the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Finally, H.R. 3916, introduced by Ranking Member Hall, authorizes programs at 

the Department of Homeland Security to improve the technology used to protect the 

Nation’s borders and ports of entry. Border security officers have an incredibly difficult job. It is part law enforcement, part first responder, part diplomat, and part 

detective. It is clear that these agents need the help of new technology to do their 

jobs better and to make our borders more secure. Technology can act as additional 

eyes and ears for Border Patrol agents. 

This bill has special importance for me, as these technologies help reinforce security efforts at ports in addition to land borders. The Port of Portland processed more 

than fourteen million tons of cargo in 2007, and I know that the hardworking officers managing security there could use the assistance these innovative technologies 

would provide. 

These three bills share an important common theme—the use of research and 

technology to solve some of our nation’s most pressing problems. I’m eager to join 

my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in advancing this important legislation. 

Chairman WU. And now, I recognize the Ranking Member of the 

Subcommittee, Dr. Gingrey, the gentleman from Georgia, to 

present his opening remarks. 

Mr. GINGREY. Chairman Wu, I thank you for holding this subcommittee markup on the three pieces of legislation that address 

a wide range of issues under the jurisdiction of the Technology and 

Innovation Subcommittee. We have the privilege today to be conducting the Science Committee’s first official business of the year, 

and the 2nd session of 110th Congress. 

Today, we consider H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act; and 

finally, H.R. 3916, a border-security technology bill. 

As we consider each piece of legislation, we will reaffirm that the 

Technology and Innovation Subcommittee plays an important role 

in a number of issues urgently facing our country. Today, we will 

be examining issues facing first responders in local communities on 

a daily basis, the impact that our transportation infrastructure has 

on the contamination of our water supplies, and developing the 

next-generation technologies for the Federal Government to keep 

our borders secure. 

Mr. Chairman, I want to also thank you for the way the Subcommittee has conducted the process by which each piece of legislation is being considered today. Each of the bills being marked up 

today has gone through a—what we all refer to and know as regular order. The Subcommittee held an individual hearing on each 

bill, last year in 2007, and that provided Members with the opportunity to ask questions of these experts, in order for us to be better 

informed as we crafted each bill to, hopefully, perfection or nearperfection. 

Furthermore, Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you. I want to 

thank you for allowing us to work in a bipartisan manner on each 

piece of legislation. As these three bills demonstrate, we can accomplish more for the American people when Republicans and DemoVerDate Aug 31 2005 04:37 Apr 12, 2008 Jkt 069006 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 6601 Sfmt 6601 E:\HR\OC\HR576P1.XXX HR576P1

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crats work together. Mr. Chairman, I applaud you and your staff 

for working with me and my Republican staff on the Committee to 

balance all perspectives to make these bills sound policy. 

So Mr. Chairman, I hope this markup is an indication of how we 

can expect the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee to continue to operate throughout the year 2008. I look forward to working with you on these issues that we will discuss and debate today, 

as well as other matters that will come before the Subcommittee 

for the rest of this year. 

And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my 

time. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Gingrey follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE PHIL GINGREY

Chairman Wu, I want to thank you for holding this subcommittee mark-up on 

three pieces of legislation that address a wide range of issues under the jurisdiction 

of the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee. We have the privilege today to be 

conducting the Science Committee’s first official business of this year and the 2nd 

Session of the 110th Congress. 

Today, we consider H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and 

Technology Transfer Act; and H.R. 3916, a border security technology bill. 

As we consider each piece of legislation, we will reaffirm that the Technology and 

Innovation Subcommittee plays an important role in a number of issues currently 

facing our country. Today, we will be examining issues facing first responders in 

local communities on a daily basis; the impact that our transportation infrastructure 

has on the contamination of our water supplies; and developing next generation 

technologies for the Federal Government to keep our borders secure. 

Mr. Chairman, I want to also thank you for the way the Subcommittee has conducted the process by which each piece of legislation is being considered today. Each 

of the bills being marked up today has gone through regular order. The Subcommittee held an individual hearing on each bill in 2007, providing Members the 

opportunity to ask questions of the experts in order for us to be better informed as 

we crafted each bill. Furthermore Mr. Chairman, I also want to thank you for allowing us to work in a bipartisan manner on each piece of legislation. As these three 

bills demonstrate, we can accomplish more for the American people when Republicans and Democrats work together. Mr. Chairman, I applaud you and your staff 

for working with me and the Republican staff on the Committee to balance all perspectives to make these bills into sound policy. Mr. Chairman, I hope that this 

markup is an indication of how we can expect the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee to continue to operate throughout 2008. I look forward to working with 

you on these issues that we will discuss and debate today, as well as other matters 

that will come before the Subcommittee for the rest of the year. 

With that Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. 

Chairman WU. Thank you very much, Dr. Gingrey, and without 

objection, Members may place statement may place statements in 

the record at this point. 

We will now move to consider H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act. 

And I yield myself five minutes to describe this bill. 

H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and 

Technology Transfer Act, authorizes research and education programs within the Federal Highway Administration and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration at university 

transportation centers. 

Green infrastructure includes materials and design techniques 

that help mitigate water pollution by managing, reducing, and filtering runoff. These programs at the Department of Transportation 

will advance the understanding of the benefits of green transportation infrastructure and its impact on the environment and help 


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21 

policy-makers and builders make smart decisions about where and 

how to include green infrastructure in their transportation systems. 

The activities can include research and development of green infrastructure technologies, technology-transfer programs, assessment of the impact of regulations on the adoption of these green 

technologies at a local level, and education campaigns. The bill also 

authorizes FWHA to incorporate green infrastructure design-andconstruction training in the National Highway Institute curriculum, which is offered to state and local highway contractors 

and workers. 

The green transportation infrastructure is a simple, exciting, potentially cost-saving set of technologies that can help solve substantial pollution problems in our communities while increasing energy 

efficiency. I look forward to working with Members of the Committee and Subcommittee to pass this legislation. And I now recognize Dr. Gingrey to present any remarks he may have on this legislation. 

[The prepared statement of Chairman Wu follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN DAVID WU

This past May, the Technology and Innovation subcommittee held a hearing that 

included witnesses from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department 

of Transportation, and representatives of local government and industry. The witnesses agreed that we have a great opportunity to manage and protect our nation’s 

water resources through the use of innovative techniques and technologies that simultaneously serve as transportation infrastructure and as means for managing and 

filtering stormwater. Green infrastructure includes materials and design techniques 

that help mitigate water pollution by managing and filtering runoff. The EPA witness at the May hearing, Assistant Administrator for Water Ben Grumbles, is already making great efforts to promote the expanded use of green infrastructure 

around the U.S. But he and the other witnesses described a number of barriers to 

implementing green infrastructure programs around the United States; barriers 

which this bill works to overcome through research and education efforts at the U.S. 

Department of Transportation. 

H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology 

Transfer Act, authorizes research and education programs within the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)’s University Transportation Centers. 

These new programs at the Department of Transportation will advance the understanding of the benefits of green transportation infrastructure and its impact on the 

environment, and help policy-makers and builders make smart decisions about 

where and how to include green infrastructure in their transportation systems. The 

bill authorizes grants to existing University Transportation Centers for research 

and development of green infrastructure technologies; technology transfer programs; 

assessment of the impact of regulations on the adoption of these green technologies 

at a local level; and education campaigns aimed at local officials and builders. 

The bill also authorizes FWHA to incorporate green infrastructure design and construction training in the National Highway Institute (NHI) curriculum which is offered to State and local highway contractors and workers. 

Green transportation infrastructure is a simple and exciting set of technologies 

that can help solve substantial pollution problems in our communities, while increasing energy efficiency and potentially decreasing total cost. I look forward to 

working with Members of the Committee to pass this bill. 

Mr. GINGREY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I commend you for 

bringing forward this legislation, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act, that address an 

overlooked and important water contamination and pollution problem in our country, and I am glad to be working with you on this 

issue. 


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While we all know that the Nation’s roads and highways are a 

vital part of our transportation infrastructure, few realize the persistent problem that can be created due to rainwater runoff from 

these asphalt and concrete pavements. As rainwater flows along 

the surface of our highways, it accumulates and carries pollutants, 

such as oil and grease from the vehicles that pass overhead. Left 

unchecked, this water, along with these pollutants, unfortunately 

finds its way into our freshwater lakes, our rivers, and our 

aquifers. This runoff is part of what is known as non-point-source 

pollution, and it is currently the leading cause of water quality 

problems. Additionally, these pollutants can have a tremendous impact on freshwater ecosystems and have the potential of becoming 

a part of drinking water supplies across the country. 

Mr. Chairman, the importance of adequate freshwater supplies is 

not lost on me. The State of Georgia, as I think most of you know, 

is still suffering from the effects of last year’s historic drought and 

more is predicted for this year. The most serious and immediate 

problem has been the dwindling water supply at our reservoirs, 

which are critical to the water supply of millions of people in North 

Georgia, metropolitan Atlanta, and yes, downstream in the States 

of Alabama and Florida, and their businesses. 

Mr. Chairman, for the areas in the Northwest and Georgia and 

across the country that have been affected by severe drought over 

this past year, it is imperative to keep our precious freshwater supplies free from contamination, and I am happy to see that your legislation addresses these very serious issues. H.R. 5161 provides the 

direction and the means by which existing university transportation centers can develop the technologies and the methods needed 

to help mitigate water pollution caused by our roads and our highways. Additionally, this legislation provides for the dissemination 

of information through technology-transfer programs by using 

grants, partnerships, and collaboration between university transportation centers, this bill works to ensure clean freshwater supplies for our nation by limiting the presence of pollutants caused 

by runoff from our roads and our highways. 

Mr. Chairman, thank you again for bringing forward this legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues on the subcommittee to support H.R. 5161. And I yield back. 

Chairman WU. Thank you very much, Dr. Gingrey. Does anyone 

else wish to be recognized? 

I ask unanimous consent that the bill is considered as read and 

open to amendment at any point and that Members proceed with 

amendments in the order of the roster. Without objection, so ordered. 

The first amendment on the roster is an amendment offered by 

the gentleman from Michigan, Dr. Ehlers. Are you ready to proceed 

with your amendment? 

Mr. EHLERS. Yes, I have an amendment at the desk. 

Chairman WU. The Clerk will report the amendment. 

The CLERK. An amendment to H.R. 5161, offered by Mr. Ehlers 

of Michigan. 

Chairman WU. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the 

reading. Without objection, so ordered. 


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I recognize the gentleman from Michigan for five minutes to explain his amendment. 

Mr. EHLERS. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I do want to indicate my support for the bill and list, in addition to the list of pollutants offered by Mr. Gingrey, who represents the South. I speak on 

behalf of the frozen North, and we have other pollutants which are 

used to try to melt the ice, sometimes salt, sometimes other combinations of chemicals, and these also do end up getting into the 

environment in various ways, so that’s an additional reason to support the bill. 

My amendment is a relatively minor one, having to do with the 

technical aspects of the bill, and having the research done, instead 

of having it open to all universities, my bill would provide that it 

be done through the 60 university transportation centers which we 

already have throughout the country. They have been established 

to perform transportation-related research, and by using the funds 

from this bill at the transportation centers, you actually can save 

money because the grants, instead of going to centers which would 

have to use part of the grant money to establish the mechanisms 

for research, by sending it to current University Technology centers, you are eliminating some of the overhead that you might encounter if it were made available to all individuals. The university 

transportation centers have been established for a number of years 

in some cases, but there are a number of them which were developed just recently as a result of the safety legislation we passed. 

I ask for the support of the amendment. I think it would make 

for the use of the funds from the bill more efficient, and would 

achieve better results, because it would go to people who are constantly dealing with transportation issues. Also as a Member of the 

Transportation Committee, I would say that I am sure that if this 

bill is jointly referred to the Transportation Committee, it would 

make it much more likely that this bill will zoom through the 

Transportation Committee without them making major changes to 

it, so I hope that this will help. 

With that, I yield back. 

Chairman WU. I thank the gentleman from Michigan, and it is 

my intention to support the amendment. 

Is there any further discussion on the amendment? If not—I recognize the gentleman from Texas. 

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I will be brief. I just want to express 

my support and the support of this side for the amendment offered 

by the gentleman from Michigan, Dr. Ehlers. 

His amendment improves the legislation by directing the efforts 

to develop contaminated rainwater runoff mitigation techniques 

through existing university transportation centers, and that is 

where we already know the needed expertise exists. And additionally, Dr. Ehlers’s amendment also authorizes reasonable funds to 

accomplish the task of these university transportation centers that 

are set forth in this bill. 

Mr. Chairman, it is a good amendment, and I urge our colleagues 

on this side to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. 


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Chairman WU. Thank you very much, Mr. Hall, and actually, 

Mr. Hall would you care to yield some of your time before yielding 

it back to Dr. Ehlers. I believe Dr. Ehlers has—— Mr. HALL. I would be honored to yield. I reserve the balance of 

my time, and I yield at this time to Dr. Ehlers. 

Mr. EHLERS. I thank the gentleman for yielding. 

Just a few additional points, not directly relating to the bill, but 

it is important to recognize the difficulties that we face in what I 

earlier called the frozen North. There is a lot of news today about 

Wisconsin having had a big snowfall and freeways to a standstill 

and so forth. In Michigan, we deal with that amount of snow in a 

couple of weeks, and it brings unique problems to the North, and 

particularly unique environmental problems. Currently, as of this 

week—or as of yesterday, in fact—we received some more snow, 

and we are, I think, now up to 54 inches in my hometown of Grand 

Rapids for the season, and we expect to hit 80, perhaps 90. That 

creates unique demands and creates unique dangers for the environment in the way it is handled. And this is just an example. I 

am sure in Oregon, you have that in the mountainous areas; in 

Washington, even more so. 

So I think this bill will really be very helpful to these states in 

dealing with the problem. In addition, Michigan has an incredible 

freeze/thaw cycle. We get snow, and it melts; we get snow; it melts. 

And that is murderous for the roads, and so a lot of repairs have 

to be done, which also have a chance for environmental pollution, 

because they involve just putting—because you can’t lay asphalt in 

the middle of the winter, it involves putting the asphalt down in 

a way that means it gets into the environment pretty readily. 

So there is a lot of work that needs to be done here, and I commend you for offering this bill, and I thank Mr. Hall for yielding 

and for his support of the amendment. 

Mr. HALL. I really and truly yield back the balance of my time. 

Chairman WU. Thank you very much, and I thank both gentleman, and particularly the gentleman from Michigan for this 

amendment, which I do support. 

The weather at sea level in Oregon is one kind of weather. I have 

a different weather, where I am, about 800 or 1,000 feet up in the 

Portland Metropolitan area. I have a little freeze/thaw cycle demonstration going on in my driveway, and if you are 4,000 or 6,000 

in Oregon, you have an entirely different climate at this time of 

year to deal with. And I think the gentleman from Michigan properly points out that the current transportation research centers are 

regionally distributed to deal with the differing problems of the different regions, but also interconnected in a way so that they can 

share data, so that folks in, say, Redmond Oregon can get the data 

that they need from, perhaps, a center in Michigan on freeze/thaw 

cycles, which may be similar. 

Are there any other comments or statements on this amendment? Hearing none, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in 

favor, please, say aye. Those opposed, say no. The ayes have it, and 

the amendment is agreed to. 

Are there any other amendments? Hearing none, the vote is on 

the bill H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act, as amended. All of those in 


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favor will say aye. All those opposed will say no. In the opinion of 

the Chair, the ayes have it. 

I will now recognize Mr. Hall to make a motion. 

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Subcommittee favorably report H.R. 5161, as amended, to the Full Committee. Furthermore, I move that staff be instructed to prepare the Subcommittee legislative report and make necessary technical and conforming changes to the bill, as amended, in accordance with the 

recommendation of the Subcommittee. I yield back. 

Chairman WU. The question is on the motion to report the bill 

favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye; 

opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the bill is favorably reported. 

Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. 

Subcommittee Members may submit additional or Minority views 

on the measure. 

I want to thank Members of the Committee and the Subcommittee for their attendance, and with our typical, across-theaisle-workmanship is not the right term, but our work across the 

aisle, and our head-spinning efficiency. We have again moved multiple pieces of legislation and conclude this subcommittee markup. 

Thank you all very much. 

[Whereupon, at 11:05 a.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.] 


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Appendix: 

H.R. 5161, SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS, AMENDMENT ROSTER


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SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS OF

H.R. 5161, THE GREEN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACT

Sec. 1. Short Title 

‘‘Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act’’

Sec. 2. Findings 

Finds that innovative transportation infrastructure can be used to mitigate water 

pollution, and that technical and social barriers to implementing these technologies 

can be overcome with research and technology transfer assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Sec. 3. Regional Green Transportation Research Centers 

Amends the existing authorization for university transportation centers to create 

centers focusing on green transportation infrastructure in regions around the U.S. 

The objectives of these centers include developing innovative transportation infrastructure technologies that mitigate environmental damage from runoff, and encouraging governments to adopt these technologies and integrate them into existing infrastructure through technology transfer programs. 

Activities will include: 1) research and development of green infrastructure technologies, techniques and best management practices; 2) establishment of a technology transfer program; 3) assessment of the impact of regulations on the adoption 

of green transportation infrastructure locally; and 4) public education efforts for 

local decision-makers. 

Grant recipients will be selected on a competitive basis, with preference given to 

those applicants demonstrating expertise in transportation and green infrastructure 

research, existing partnerships with State and local governments, and technology 

transfer programs. 

Defines green transportation infrastructure as infrastructure that preserves and 

restores natural processes and landforms, uses natural design techniques to manage 

stormwater; and minimizes life cycle energy consumption and air pollution. 

Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. 

Sec. 4. Green transportation infrastructure amendments 

Amends authorization of the Federal Highway Administration’s National Highway 

Institute (NHI) to include green transportation infrastructure as a course topic. Instructs NHI to collaborate with other federal agencies with expertise in this field 

when designing curriculum. 


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XXII: PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP ON H.R. 5161, THE GREEN 

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACT 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2008 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, 

Washington, DC. 

The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:06 a.m., in Room 

2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Bart Gordon 

[Chairman of the Committee] presiding. 

Chairman GORDON. The Committee will come to order pursuant 

to notice the Committee on Science and Technology meets to consider the following measures: H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 5161, the Green 

Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer 

Act; and H.R. 3916, To provide for the next generation of border and 

maritime security technologies. 

I would like to welcome everyone to this morning’s markup, the 

first Full Committee markup of 2008. Today we will consider the 

three bills reported out of the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee with unanimous support. These three bills deal with 

public safety, improving the environment and border security, addressing some of the Nation’s most pressing issues. 

H.R. 4847, introduced by the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee, 

Representative Mitchell, and co-sponsored by the Subcommittee 

Ranking Member Gingrey, reauthorizes the U.S. Fire Administration. 

The U.S. Fire Administration is an important resource for our 

nation’s firefighters, providing training, fire safety awareness for 

the public, data collection, and R&D on fire suppression and prevention research and technology. 

This important bill will help ensure the continued success of the 

USFA in its mission to protect lives and property from fire. 

We will also consider H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act, introduced by 

Chairman Wu. 

This bipartisan bill supports the development and use of green 

technology to protect our nation’s water supply through innovative 

technologies and materials that can be integrated into transportation infrastructure such as roads and parking lots. By filtering 

stormwater and slowing runoff, green infrastructure mitigates pollution while saving money and energy. 

The bill builds upon the good work going on now in the Department of Transportation to promote green infrastructure widespread 

use. 

Finally, H.R. 3916, introduced by Ranking Member Hall, authorizes programs at the Department of Homeland Security to improve 

technology used to protect the Nation’s borders and ports of entry. 


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Border Patrol agents are responsible for securing nearly 7,000 

miles of land borders to the north and south, as well as 95,000 

miles of shoreline. Technology can play a vital role in extending observational capabilities, helping Border Patrol agents locate suspects, and monitor the border more efficiently. 

Mr. Hall’s bill authorizes important programs to enhance the 

Border Patrol’s ability to carry out its mission by supporting shortand long-term research priorities. It also ensures that new technologies will be useful to Border Patrol agents by mandating that 

DHS work to meet cost and training needs to end-users when developing these technologies. 

I want to commend the T&I Subcommittee for bringing these 

issues to the Committee’s attention. All three of these bills were 

developed via a regular order process of identifying the problem, 

holding a hearing, and then developing legislation. 

I strongly support each of these bills and look forward to working 

with my colleagues on the Committee to advance this important 

legislation. 

[The prepared statement of Chairman Gordon follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN BART GORDON

Full Committee Mark-Up: 

• H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007; 

• H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology 

Transfer Act; 

• H.R. 3916, To provide for the next generation of border and maritime security technologies 

I’d like to welcome everyone to this morning’s markup, the first Full Committee 

markup of 2008. 

Today we will consider three bills reported out of the Technology and Innovation 

Subcommittee with unanimous support. These three bills deal with public safety, 

improving the environment and border security—addressing some of the Nation’s 

most pressing issues. 

H.R. 4847, introduced by the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee, Representative 

Mitchell, and co-sponsored by Subcommittee Ranking Member Gingrey, reauthorizes 

the U.S. Fire Administration. The U.S. Fire Administration is an important resource 

for our nation’s firefighters, providing training, fire safety awareness for the public, 

data collection, and R&D on fire suppression and prevention research and technology. This important bill will help ensure the continued success of the USFA in 

its mission to protect lives and property from fire. 

We will also consider H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research 

and Technology Transfer Act, introduced by Chairman Wu. This bipartisan bill supports the development and use of green technology to protect our nation’s water supply through innovative techniques and materials that can be integrated into transportation infrastructure such as roads and parking lots. By filtering stormwater and 

slowing runoff, green infrastructure mitigates pollution while saving money and energy. This bill builds upon the good work going on at the Department of Transportation to promote green infrastructure’s widespread use. 

Finally, H.R. 3916, introduced by Ranking Member Hall, authorizes programs at 

the Department of Homeland Security to improve the technology used to protect the 

Nation’s borders and ports of entry. Border Patrol agents are responsible for securing nearly seven thousand miles of land borders to the North and South, as well 

as ninety-five thousand miles of shoreline. While our current corps of Border Patrol 

agents is doing a commendable job, their job is daunting. Technology can play a 

vital role in extending observational capabilities, helping Border Patrol agents locate suspects and monitor the border more effectively. 

Mr. Hall’s bill authorizes important programs to enhance the Border Patrol’s ability to carry out its mission by supporting short- and long-term research priorities. 

It also ensures that new technologies will be useful to Border Patrol agents by manVerDate Aug 31 2005 04:37 Apr 12, 2008 Jkt 069006 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 6601 Sfmt 6621 E:\HR\OC\HR576P1.XXX HR576P1

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dating that DHS work to meet cost and training needs of end-users when developing 

these technologies. 

I want to commend the T&I Subcommittee for bringing these issues to the Committee’s attention. All three of these bills were developed via a regular order process 

of identifying the problem, holding a hearing, and then developing legislation. 

I strongly support each of these bills, and look forward to working with my colleagues on the Committee to advance this important legislation. 

Chairman GORDON. I now recognize Mr. Hall to present his opening remarks. 

Mr. HALL. I thank you, Chairman Gordon. I am looking forward 

to a productive start for the Committee in this second session of 

the 110th Congress. 

Today the Full Committee is considering three bills previously 

considered by the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee. As 

you have said to begin with, we will be considering the reauthorization for the United States Fire Administration. USFA provides critical support to our nation’s firefighters through training, through 

research and development, and logistical support. This is an extremely important agency in this committee’s jurisdiction, and I 

would like to thank Mr. Mitchell and Dr. Gingrey for their hard 

work over the past few months on this matter. 

Now, we will be considering Mr. Wu’s Green Transportation Infrastructure Bill, which provides funding for the Department of 

Transportation’s University Transportation Centers to examine and 

hopefully implement technologies that significantly reduce nonpoint source water pollution from our roadways and other paved 

surfaces. 

Finally, H.R. 3916, a bill near and dear to me, focuses on the 

technology needs for the Border Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard. 

I started writing this bill last year in response to a real need to 

develop and employ next generation technologies to help secure our 

border. I am pleased that many Members of the Committee on both 

sides of the aisle have co-sponsored this bill, and I would like to 

thank all of you for supporting my bill. I thank you, Chairman Gordon, specifically for your support and guidance. 

These are all significant pieces of legislation that the Committee 

can be proud of advancing. I look forward to working with Chairman Gordon to ensure that these bills continue to progress through 

their other committee referrals and onto the House Floor. 

I yield back. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE RALPH M. HALL

Thank you Chairman Gordon, I’m looking forward to a productive start for the 

Committee in this second session of the 110th Congress. Today the Full Committee 

is considering three bills previously considered by the Technology and Innovation 

Subcommittee. To begin we’ll be considering the reauthorization for the United 

States Fire Administration (USFA). USFA provides critical support to our nation’s 

firefighters through training, research and development, and logistical support. This 

is an extremely important agency in this committee’s jurisdiction and I’d like to 

thank Mr. Mitchell and Dr. Gingrey for their hard work over the past few months 

on this matter. 

Next we’ll be considering Mr. Wu’s green transportation infrastructure bill, which 

provides funding for the Department of Transportation’s University Transportation 

Centers to examine and hopefully implement technologies that significantly reduce 

non-point source water pollution from our roadways and other paved surfaces. 

Finally, H.R. 3916, a bill near and dear to me, focuses on the technology needs 

of the Border Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard. I began writing this bill last year in 


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response to a real need to develop and employ next generation technologies to help 

secure our border. I’m pleased that many Members of this committee on both sides 

of the aisle have co-sponsored the bill and I’d like to thank all of you for supporting 

my bill. 

These are all significant pieces of legislation that the Committee can be proud of 

advancing. I look forward to working with Chairman Gordon to ensure that these 

bills continue to progress through their other Committee referrals and onto the 

House Floor. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Mr. Hall. You can be assured 

that we will all be working together to see these bills go to the 

Floor and then find a way to the Senate. 

We will now consider H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act. 

I yield to the Chairman of the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee, Mr. Wu, five minutes to describe his bill. 

Mr. WU. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

In May of last year, the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee held a hearing on Green Transportation Infrastructure, 

challenges to access and implementation. It includes witnesses 

from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of 

Transportation, and representatives from local government and private industry. 

The witnesses agreed that we have a great opportunity to manage and protect our nation’s water resources through the use of innovative techniques and technologies that are simultaneously a 

part of transportation infrastructure and a means for managing 

and filtering stormwater. Green infrastructure includes materials 

and design techniques that help mitigate water pollution by managing and filtering runoff. 

The EPA witness at the May hearing, Assistant Administrator 

for Water, Ben Grumbles, is already making great efforts to promote the use of green infrastructure around the United States. But 

he and the other witnesses described a number of barriers to implementation of green programs; barriers which this bill works to 

overcome through research and education efforts at the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and 

Technology Transfer Act, authorizes research and education programs within the Federal Highway Administration and Research 

and Innovative Technology Administration’s University Transportation Centers. 

These new programs at the Department of Transportation will 

advance the understanding of the benefits of green transportation 

infrastructure and its impact on the environment and help policymakers and builders make informed decisions about where and 

how to include green infrastructure in their transportation systems. 

The bill authorizes grants to existing University Transportation 

Centers for research and development of green infrastructure technologies, technology transfer programs, assessment of the impact of 

regulations on the adoption of these green technologies at a local 

level, and education campaigns aimed at local officials and builders. 


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I will offer a manager’s amendment today that will allow other 

universities with existing expertise in green infrastructure to form 

consortia with University Transportation Centers. 

The bill also authorizes FWHA to incorporate green infrastructure design and construction training in the National Highway Institute curriculum, which is offered to State and local highway contractors and workers. 

Green transportation infrastructure is a simple and exciting set 

of technologies that can help solve substantial pollution problems 

in our communities while increasing energy efficiency and potentially decreasing total costs. 

I look forward to working with Members of the Committee to 

pass this bill. I greatly appreciate the cooperation of Members on 

both sides of the aisle, and I strongly urge every Committee Member to support this commonsense legislation. 

I yield back the balance of my time. 

[The prepared statement of Chairman Wu follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN DAVID WU

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

This past May, the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Green Transportation Infrastructure: Challenges to Access and Implementation’’

that included witnesses from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and representatives of local government and industry. 

The witnesses agreed that we have a great opportunity to manage and protect our 

nation’s water resources through the use of innovative techniques and technologies 

that are simultaneously a part of transportation infrastructure and as means for 

managing and filtering stormwater. 

Green infrastructure includes materials and design techniques that help mitigate 

water pollution by managing and filtering runoff. 

The EPA witness at the May hearing, Assistant Administrator for Water Ben 

Grumbles, is already making great efforts to promote the use of green infrastructure 

around the U.S. But he and the other witnesses described a number of barriers to 

implementing green infrastructure programs; barriers which this bill works to overcome through research and education efforts at the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology 

Transfer Act authorizes research and education programs within the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)’s University Transportation Centers. 

These new programs at the Department of Transportation will advance the understanding of the benefits of green transportation infrastructure and its impact on the 

environment, and help policy-makers and builders make informed decisions about 

where and how to include green infrastructure in their transportation systems. 

The bill authorizes grants to existing University Transportation Centers for research and development of green infrastructure technologies; technology transfer 

programs; assessment of the impact of regulations on the adoption of these green 

technologies at a local level; and education campaigns aimed at local officials and 

builders. 

I will offer a manager’s amendment today that will allow other universities with 

expertise in green infrastructure to form consortia with University Transportation 

Centers. 

The bill also authorizes FWHA to incorporate green infrastructure design and construction training in the National Highway Institute (NHI) curriculum which is offered to State and local highway contractors and workers. 

Green transportation infrastructure is a simple and exciting set of technologies 

that can help solve substantial pollution problems in our communities, while increasing energy efficiency and potentially decreasing total cost. I look forward to 

working with Members of the Committee to pass this bill. I strongly urge every 

Committee Member to support this common sense bill. 


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Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Mr. Wu. It is my understanding 

we are going to be having votes in about 10 or 15 minutes, but I 

think we have time to complete these important bills. 

Mr. Hall, you are recognized. 

Mr. HALL. That is the Chairman’s instructions to be brief. 

This bill provides direction exactly as Mr. Wu indicated. It provides for dissemination additionally of information through Technology Transfer Programs and also encourages State and local governments and private industry to adopt green infrastructure systems and construction techniques. 

I would have preferred to stick with the language of the Ehlers 

amendment that was agreed to in Subcommittee. It was, but I understand the Majority’s desire to ensure that relevant expertise at 

other institutions may be included at the discretion of current 

UTCs. 

So I don’t oppose the gentleman’s amendment. I support his 

amendment, and I thank you, again, for bringing this legislation. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE RALPH M. HALL

Statement on H.R. 5161 and Manager’s Amendment 

Mr. Chairman, thank you for bringing forward this legislation—the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act—that provides a way 

to develop more ecologically friendly highways and other transportation infrastructure. 

H.R. 5161 provides the direction and means by which existing university transportation centers can develop the technologies and methods needed to help mitigate 

water pollution due to rainwater runoff from our roads and highways, reduce the 

impact of our transportation infrastructure on the environment, and decrease the 

energy needed to construct and maintain our transportation infrastructure. 

Additionally, this legislation provides for the dissemination of information through 

technology transfer programs and also encourages State and local governments, and 

private industry to adopt green infrastructure systems and construction techniques. 

By using grants, partnerships and collaboration between university transportation 

centers, this bill works to ensure that our nation’s transportation system will become more environmentally friendly. 

Mr. Wu will be proposing an amendment to ensure that university transportation 

centers have flexibility to include additional institutions of higher education. I would 

prefer to stick to the language in the Ehlers amendment that was agreed to in Subcommittee, but understand the Majority’s desire to ensure that relevant expertise 

at other institutions may be included at the discretion of current UTCs. Therefore, 

I will not oppose the gentleman’s amendment. 

Mr. Chairman, thank you again for bringing this legislation before us. I urge all 

of my colleagues on the Committee to support H.R. 5161 and the amendment, and 

I yield back the balance of my time. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Mr. Hall. 

Does anyone else wish to be recognized? 

Ms. Johnson, who is an important lady, because she is going to 

be dealing with this in the Transportation Committee. 

Ms. JOHNSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I simply want to thank 

you and Mr. Wu and Mr. Hall. Thank you. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Ms. Johnson. 

Mr. Ehlers is recognized. 

Mr. EHLERS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a brief comment on 

the one amendment by Mr. Wu. 

As you recall, during the Subcommittee markup, I added an 

amendment to require that the funding go to the University Transportation Center Program, which is a well-established program. I 

notice Mr. Wu has an amendment to expand that slightly to allow 


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the University Transportation Centers to develop consortia with 

other universities with particular expertise in the topic before 

them. And I just want the Committee to know that I have no objection to that amendment. I think it actually, if the other universities 

involved have the appropriate expertise, it, in fact, could strengthen the program and still maintain the requirement that the funding go through the UTCs. 

So thank you. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Dr. Ehlers. 

Does anyone else wish to be recognized? 

If not, then I ask unanimous consent that the resolution is considered as read and open to amendment at any point and that the 

Members proceed with the amendments in the order of the roster. 

Without objection, so ordered. 

The first amendment on the roster is the manager’s amendment 

offered by the gentleman from Oregon, Mr. Wu. Are you ready to 

proceed? 

Mr. WU. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. 

Chairman GORDON. The Clerk will report the amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment number 001, amendment to H.R. 5161, 

offered by Mr. Wu of Oregon. 

Chairman GORDON. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with 

the reading. 

Without objection, so ordered. 

I recognize the gentleman from Oregon for five minutes to explain his amendment. 

Mr. WU. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

This amendment makes a minor change to H.R. 5161, and the 

current language limits eligibility for green transportation infrastructure research grants to those universities already participating in the University Transportation Center Program. And this 

would allow more additional funding authorized by this bill to go 

towards research instead of additional overhead and administrative 

costs. 

My amendment makes a small change to H.R. 5161 to allow 

other universities, which may have existing expertise in related 

topics, to form consortia with existing UTCs in order to apply for 

grants. 

This amendment preserves the benefits of the earlier limitation 

but allows UTCs to take advantage of the expertise of researchers 

at other institutions. 

This amendment also clarifies that universities receiving grants 

must have strong relationships with local and State governments 

in discussing research priorities. As we heard during our May hearing and during our recent Subcommittee markup, the types of 

green transportation infrastructure that are most effective vary 

strongly from region to region, and the bill deliberately provides 

grants to universities in different parts of the country to address 

this regional variability, ensuring that State and local transportation officials who are intimately familiar with how their regional 

climate affects transportation infrastructure, that they are involved 

in research planning as another way to ensure that end-user needs 

are met by the research performed by UTCs. 

[The prepared statement of Chairman Wu follows:] 


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PREPARED STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN DAVID WU

Mr. Chairman, this amendment makes minor changes to H.R. 5161 which improve the Department of Transportation’s ability to encourage the implementation 

of innovative, cost effective green transportation infrastructure. 

The current language limits eligibility for green transportation infrastructure research grants to those universities already participating in the University Transportation Center program, thus allowing more of the additional funding authorized in 

H.R. 5161 to go towards research instead of overhead and administrative costs. 

This amendment makes a small change to H.R. 5161, as amended, to allow other 

universities which may have expertise in related topics to form consortia with existing UTCs in order to apply for grants. This amendment preserves the benefits of 

the earlier limitation, but allows UTCs to take advantage of the expertise of researchers at other institutions with backgrounds in materials, engineering, design, 

and other fields related to green transportation infrastructure. 

This amendment also clarifies that universities receiving grants must have strong 

relationships with local and State governments for the purpose of discussing research priorities. 

As we heard during our May hearing and during our recent Subcommittee markup, the types of green transportation infrastructure that work most effectively vary 

from region to region. 

The bill deliberately provides grants to universities in different parts of the country to address this regional variability. Ensuring that State and local transportation 

officials, who are intimately familiar with how their regional climate affects transportation infrastructure, are involved in research planning is another way to ensure 

that end-user needs are met by the research performed by the UTCs. 

I have worked with the Republican Members of the Committee and appreciate 

their assistance and input. I encourage the Members to adopt this amendment. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Mr. Wu. 

Mr. WU. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman GORDON. Is there further discussion on the amendment? 

If no, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor say, aye. 

Opposed, no. The amendment, the ayes have it. The amendment is 

agreed to. 

The second amendment on the roster is an amendment offered 

by the gentleman from South Carolina, Mr. Inglis. Are you ready 

to commence? 

Mr. INGLIS. I am, Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman GORDON. The Clerk will report the amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment number 041, amendment to H.R. 5161, 

offered by Mr. Inglis of South Carolina. 

Chairman GORDON. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with 

the reading. 

Without objection, so ordered. 

I recognize the gentleman from South Carolina for five minutes 

to explain his amendment. 

Mr. INGLIS. And I will be briefer than that, Mr. Chairman, to say 

this, that we have, this amendment would make it so that industry 

and others in private sector could participate in the centers, both 

in the funding and in the progress of the research. 

As I understand it, that concept is best considered under safety 

reauthorization and so with the Chairman’s commitment to work 

toward that end, to allow a cooperation between the private sector 

and the public sector, I would be happy to withdraw my amendment. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Mr. Inglis. Oh, I am sorry. Okay. 

Excuse me. What was it? 

Mr. INGLIS. What I was saying, Mr. Chairman, is that I understand it is probably best to consider this in SAFETEA09LU reauVerDate Aug 31 2005 04:37 Apr 12, 2008 Jkt 069006 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 6601 Sfmt 6601 E:\HR\OC\HR576P1.XXX HR576P1

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thorization, and therefore if the Chairman would join with me in 

an effort to make it possible for the private sector to participate, 

set up a structure so the private sector could participate in the 

funding and the research at these centers, then perhaps we could 

take it up as part of the SAFETEA 09LU reauthorization. 

Chairman GORDON. Certainly, Mr. Inglis. We welcome your suggestions, and we will continue to work through this, and we have 

a number of Members of the Transportation Committee on this 

committee also, and we will try to work with them. 

Mr. INGLIS. I am happy to withdraw the amendment, Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman GORDON. And did you, the amendment is withdrawn. 

Did you have a second amendment? 

Mr. INGLIS. Yes, I do. 

Chairman GORDON. Then the Clerk will report the amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment number 042, amendment to H.R. 5161, 

offered by Mr. Inglis of South Carolina. 

Chairman GORDON. The third amendment on the roster is 

amendment offered by the—I ask unanimous—well, excuse me. I 

ask unanimous consent to dispense with the reading. 

Without objection, so ordered. 

And I recognize the gentleman from South Carolina for five minutes to explain his amendment. 

Mr. INGLIS. And, Mr. Chairman, I believe these are some technical changes that your side has agreed to, so I hope in the interest 

of time we can proceed swiftly on these technical changes. 

Chairman GORDON. Mr. Inglis, you have done good inventing 

these, and they are approved. 

Is there further discussion? 

If no, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor, say aye. 

Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is agreed to. 

Are there other amendments? 

If no, then the vote is on the bill, H.R. 5161, as amended. All 

those in favor will say, aye. All opposed, no. In the opinion of the 

Chair the ayes have it. 

I recognize Mr. Baird for a motion. 

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee favorably 

report H.R. 5161, as amended, to the House with the recommendation that the bill do pass. Furthermore, I move that the staff be instructed to prepare the legislative report and make necessary technical and conforming changes, and that the Chairman take all necessary steps to bring the bill before the House for consideration. 

Chairman GORDON. The question is on the motion to report the 

bill favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify by saying 

aye. All opposed, aye. The ayes have it. The motion is favorably reported. 

Without objection, the motion is reconsidered, to reconsider is 

laid upon the table. Members will have two subsequent calendar 

days in which to submit supplemental, Minority, or additional 

views on the measure, ending Monday, March the 3rd, at 9:00 a.m. 

I move pursuant to Clause 1 of Rule 22 of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives that the Committee authorize the Committee to 

offer such motions as may be necessary in the House to adopt and 


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pass H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research 

and Technology Transfer Act, as amended. 

Without objection, so ordered. 

Let me make this suggestion. We have one more bill. Mr. Hall 

has put a lot of work into this bill, and you know, I don’t think we 

should give it shortchange here. 

So we can either move forward, or we can move forward promptly, or we can go and have a vote. 

Mr. HALL. It has been suggested we do opening statements and 

then do amendments. If we are going to do that, we might as well 

come back. 

Chairman GORDON. Okay. And again, Mr. Hall has put a lot of 

time and effort into this important bill on——

Mr. HALL. It is not my time. It is your time and the Committee’s 

time. They have really worked hard on it, and I think their 

input——

Chairman GORDON. I agree, and so this shouldn’t be rushed. We 

have one vote. Let us go vote, and we will come back and proceed 

with this important amendment, important bill. 

[Whereupon, at 10:49 a.m. the Committee recessed, to reconvene 

at 11:10 a.m. the same day.] 

Let me thank the Members for coming back from the last vote. 

This was an important bill, and I appreciate your attendance. I 

want to thank the staff for the hard work that they have put in 

and the good work on doing this. I think we did a good day’s work 

today, and I thank everyone. 

The meeting is adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 11:32 a.m., the Committee was adjourned.] 


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Appendix: 

SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP REPORT, H.R. 5161 AS AMENDED, 

AMENDMENT ROSTER


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COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 

REPORT FROM SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP 

FEBRUARY 7, 2008 

H.R. 5161, THE GREEN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACT

I. Purpose 

The purpose of this bill is to expand the use of green transportation infrastructure 

technologies through university research programs, public awareness campaigns, 

and training and technology transfer programs for builders and transportation policy-makers. The programs authorized in this bill are carried out by the Research 

and Innovative Technology Administration and Federal Highway Administration of 

the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

II. Background and Need for Legislation 

Environmental Problems Associated with Runoff 

Development of infrastructure, such as roads and parking lots, that are comprised 

of surfaces that are impervious to water can have significant impacts on an area’s 

natural hydrology, potentially resulting in flooding, pollution, or aquatic ecosystem 

destruction. Stormwater runoff washes over agricultural land, lawns, urban areas, 

and other types of human land-use areas, introducing chemicals like fertilizers, 

heavy metals, and harmful bacteria into water ecosystems such as streams, lakes, 

and rivers. Highway and other transportation installations are major contributors 

to this type of pollution. This type of non-localized pollution emission is responsible 

for over 80 percent of the degradation of the Nation’s surface water. Thus, development of transportation infrastructure has a significant and far-ranging environmental impact. 

Green Transportation Infrastructure 

To be effective in countering the negative impact of rainfall runoff, mitigation 

measures must meet the goals of reducing the speed and volume of flow and treating or reducing pollutants. Green transportation infrastructure uses innovative materials, structural measures, and design techniques to address these goals. Structural measures are installations like infiltration basins and trenches, detention and 

retention ponds, constructed wetlands, vegetated swales and filter strips, and filtration systems. Stormwater managers generally choose a treatment by evaluating the 

amount of land available, the cost of implementation, operation and maintenance of 

the technology, and treatment objectives such as cleanliness. However, many local 

governments are also constrained by environmental regulations that stipulate specific methods for reducing water pollution, and are unable to include innovative 

green infrastructure technologies and techniques in their stormwater management 

plans. 

Current Federal Programs 

While most of the decisions regarding implementation of green transportation infrastructure are made at the State and local level, there are federal programs addressing the issue of non-point source water pollution control in transportation infrastructure. The Green Highways Partnership (GHP) is the primary federal vehicle 

for encouraging the use of green transportation infrastructure by State and local 

governments and private industry. EPA and FHWA are the main federal participants in the partnership, which includes State departments of transportation, trade 

organizations, municipal governments, and non-profit organizations. The Partnership’s activities focus on planning and design, construction, and operation and maintenance of green transportation infrastructure, and include pilot projects that demonstrate cost-effective, environmentally-sound transportation infrastructure technologies that meet State performance requirements. There are also additional ongoing programs at the U.S. Department of Transportation and EPA in support of research, development, and transfer of green transportation infrastructure technologies. 


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Remaining Challenges 

Though research has shown significant benefits in terms of stormwater management and control of non-point source water pollution, technologies such as bioswales 

and pervious pavement have not been adopted in many jurisdictions or by significant numbers of private entities. There are numerous barriers to full adoption of 

green infrastructure, including technical problems, regulatory challenges, and slow 

industry adoption of new practices. The installation of green transportation infrastructure can be impeded by problems of high cost and availability of space for technologies. Climate conditions can also present unique challenges to implementation; 

for example, in areas where very cold weather is common, technologies that retain 

water for slow filtration are susceptible to freezing. Also, the construction industry 

tends to be risk-averse, and hence reluctant to adopt technologies that may be considered experimental or unproven because of concerns about high cost, reliability, 

maintenance, or simply confusion about the best products to use. The slow adoption 

of these technologies has also led to a shortage of trained contractors who are able 

to properly design and install integrated systems, making implementation more difficult and costly. 

Though Federal, State, and local government agencies have taken an active role 

in promoting the use of green transportation infrastructure, those same entities 

have often erected regulatory barriers which prevent widespread implementation. 

For example, though the Office of Water has been a strong advocate for green infrastructure projects, there are regulatory barriers internal to the EPA that prevents 

those projects from moving forward. The Clean Water Act, under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, gives EPA the authority to regulate sources of water that release pollutants into ground and surface 

water. The program is administered on a regional level, and regional administrators 

have discretion in classifying green infrastructure technologies that serve as sources 

of water covered by NPDES. If technologies such as pervious pavement or bioswales, 

which filter runoff before it flows into the ground or surface water, are considered 

‘‘point sources’’ then EPA regulations that require permitting procedures act as a 

significant disincentive to use these technologies. 

State and local authorities can sometimes also be impediments to implementation 

of green transportation infrastructure, unlike federal laws that specifically disallow 

the use of green technologies without extensive permitting, State and local authorities tend to fail to explicitly allow their use. As a result, governments or private 

companies within the jurisdiction who propose the use of green transportation infrastructure are not given approval simply because the innovative technologies have 

not been previously considered by the regulating authority. The problem then becomes self-perpetuating, as these local governments block all potential demonstration projects, and continue to deny builders permits on the basis that there have 

been no successful demonstration projects. However, many cities have acted as leaders in the green transportation infrastructure initiative, but the challenge remains 

to universalize its acceptance across local jurisdictions. 

Options for Promoting Implementation of Green Transportation Infrastructure 

One of the primary reasons policy-makers and builders resist incorporating green 

transportation infrastructure technologies into their design plans is lack of understanding of the different options. Insufficient data and information about its effectiveness in mitigating pollution are disincentives for incorporating green infrastructure into stormwater management systems because of the need for accountability 

for expenditures of public money. Also, there are still relatively few engineers 

trained in design, installation and maintenance methods, preventing even interested 

localities from implementing green infrastructure plans. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s University Transportation Centers, authorized under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act—

A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA09LU), are uniquely suited to meet the research 

needs to fill the gaps in data and engineering information that prevent the widespread implementation of green transportation infrastructure projects. This program 

funds university research centers around the country to focus on state-of-the-art 

transportation research and workforce development. These Centers bring together 

experts in multi-disciplinary fields to address transportation challenges including 

congestion, safety issues, and energy efficiency. 

A number of Centers currently highlight sustainability as the theme of their research projects, and green transportation infrastructure is a natural component of 

a sustainability portfolio. 

The National Highway Institute (NHI), part of the Federal Highway Administration, is a key resource for transportation workers to learn about new construction 


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and design concepts, and as such is an excellent partner for technology transfer 

from the University Transportation Centers. NHI has provided training for transportation workers in diverse subjects, including improving road safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, managing roads in inclement weather, and traffic management. Green transportation infrastructure curriculum would augment NHI’s excellent course offerings by providing builders with guidance on design, construction, 

and maintenance of green infrastructure from a trusted source. Using NHI to deliver information on green infrastructure technology and processes would help overcome some of the biases against this type of design and ensure that all localities 

are able to implement the most effective green infrastructure systems for their 

unique needs. 

III. Subcommittee Actions 

The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation heard testimony in the 110th 

Congress relevant to the programs authorized in H.R. 5161 at a hearing held May 

10, 2007. During those hearings, the Subcommittee heard testimony from the Associate Administrator for Planning, Environment and Realty at the Federal Highway 

Administration; the Assistant Administrator for Water at the Environmental Protection Agency, and representatives of local government and industry. 

On January 29, 2008, Representative David Wu, Chairman of the Subcommittee 

on Technology and Innovation of the Committee on Science and Technology, introduced H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology 

Transfer Act, a bill to provide for the establishment of Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Centers, and for other purposes. 

The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation met to consider H.R. 5161 on 

Thursday, February 7, 2008 and considered the following amendment to the 

bill: 

grants under that section to existing University Transportation Centers receiving 

grants under section 5505 or 5506 of the U.S. Code, and to authorize $6 million in 

appropriations for fiscal years 2009 and 2010. The amendment was agreed to by 

voice vote. 

Mr. Gingrey moved that the Subcommittee favorably report the bill, H.R. 5161, 

as amended, to the Full Committee. The motion was agreed to by a voice vote. 

IV. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill 

H.R. 5161 authorizes the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide grants to 

national and regional university transportation centers to carry out research on and 

technology transfer in the field of green transportation infrastructure. Applicants 

are limited to existing centers receiving grants under section 5505 or 5506 of the 

U.S. Code. Grant recipients are selected via a merit-based competition, with preference given to those institutions demonstrating expertise in the environmental effects of transportation infrastructure; research capacity and technology transfer resources; partnerships with government and industry; and other attributes. Authorized activities include research and development of innovative infrastructure technologies; establishment of regional technology transfer programs; studies of the impact of government regulations on implementation of green infrastructure programs; 

and public education campaigns aimed at public and private stakeholders. The bill 

requires the Secretary of Transportation to convene an annual meeting of Centers 

to foster collaboration and dissemination of findings. H.R. 5161 authorizes $6 M per 

fiscal year for fiscal years 2009 and 2010 for grants to the university transportation 

centers. To promote technology transfer, the bill requires the Federal Highway Administration to incorporate education and training on green transportation infrastructure into its National Highway Institute curriculum which is offered to transportation workers nationwide. Finally, the bill defines green transportation infrastructure as infrastructure that preserves and restores natural processes and 

landforms, uses natural design techniques to manage stormwater; and minimizes 

life cycle energy consumption and air pollution. 

V. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Bill, as reported by the Subcommittee 

Sec. 1. Short Title 

‘‘Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act’’

Sec. 2. Findings 

Finds that innovative transportation infrastructure can be used to mitigate water 

pollution, and that technical and social barriers to implementing these technologies 


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can be overcome with research and technology transfer assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Sec. 3. Regional Green Transportation Research Centers 

Amends the existing authorization for university transportation centers to create 

centers focusing on green transportation infrastructure in regions around the U.S. 

The objectives of these centers include developing innovative transportation infrastructure technologies that mitigate environmental damage from runoff, and encouraging governments to adopt these technologies and integrate them into existing infrastructure through technology transfer programs. 

Activities will include: 1) research and development of green infrastructure technologies, techniques and best management practices; 2) establishment of a technology transfer program; 3) assessment of the impact of regulations on the adoption 

of green transportation infrastructure locally; and 4) public education efforts for 

local decision-makers. 

Grant recipients will be selected on a competitive basis, with preference given to 

those applicants demonstrating expertise in transportation and green infrastructure 

research, existing partnerships with State and local governments, and technology 

transfer programs. Only those applicants currently receiving University Transportation Center funding will be eligible for grants. 

Defines green transportation infrastructure as infrastructure that preserves and 

restores natural processes and landforms, uses natural design techniques to manage 

stormwater; and minimizes life cycle energy consumption and air pollution. 

Authorizes $6 M per year for fiscal years 2009 and 2010 to carry out this section. 

Sec. 4: Green transportation infrastructure amendments 

Amends authorization of the Federal Highway Administration’s National Highway 

Institute (NHI) to include green transportation infrastructure as a course topic. Instructs NHI to collaborate with other federal agencies with expertise in this field 

when designing curriculum. 


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