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[Congressional Bills 114th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3458 Introduced in House (IH)]

114th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                H. R. 3458

  To authorize appropriations to the Department of Transportation for 
 surface transportation research, development, and deployment, and for 
                            other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 9, 2015

   Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas (for herself, Ms. Edwards, Ms. 
   Bonamici, Mr. Swalwell of California, Mr. Grayson, Ms. Esty, Mr. 
Veasey, Ms. Clark of Massachusetts, Mr. Beyer, Mr. Perlmutter, and Mr. 
    Tonko) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
  Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the 
  Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be 
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration 
  of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
                               concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 
  To authorize appropriations to the Department of Transportation for 
 surface transportation research, development, and deployment, and for 
                            other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Connected 
Transportation Research and Innovation Act of 2015''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
                TITLE I--HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH

Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 102. Research, technology, and education.
Sec. 103. Research and technology development and deployment.
Sec. 104. Training and education.
Sec. 105. Transportation research and development strategic planning.
Sec. 106. 5.9 GHz spectrum use testing.
Sec. 107. ITS general authorities and requirements.
Sec. 108. Researching surface transportation system funding 
                            alternatives.
              TITLE II--MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH

Sec. 201. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 202. University transportation centers program.
Sec. 203. International collaboration for innovation.
Sec. 204. Title 49 amendments.
Sec. 205. Advanced Transportation Research and Innovation Program.
Sec. 206. Transit research, development, demonstration, and deployment 
                            projects.
Sec. 207. Transit human resources and training.
Sec. 208. Rail research, development, testing, and training.
Sec. 209. Rail cooperative research program.
Sec. 210. Hazardous materials research and development.
Sec. 211. Web-based training for emergency responders.
Sec. 212. National cooperative freight transportation research program.
Sec. 213. Smart cities transportation planning study.

                TITLE I--HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH

SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) In General.--The following amounts are authorized to be 
appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit 
Account):
            (1) Highway safety research and development.--To carry out 
        section 403 of title 23, United States Code--
                    (A) $152,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
                    (B) $158,840,000 for fiscal year 2017;
                    (C) $166,146,640 for fiscal year 2018;
                    (D) $173,457,092 for fiscal year 2019;
                    (E) $181,783,033 for fiscal year 2020; and
                    (F) $190,145,052 for fiscal year 2021.
            (2) Highway research and development program.--To carry out 
        section 503(b) of title 23, United States Code--
                    (A) $130,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
                    (B) $132,594,234 for fiscal year 2017;
                    (C) $135,188,470 for fiscal year 2018;
                    (D) $138,070,953 for fiscal year 2019;
                    (E) $140,832,372 for fiscal year 2020; and
                    (F) $143,649,100 for fiscal year 2021.
            (3) Technology and innovation deployment program.--To carry 
        out section 503(c) of title 23, United States Code--
                    (A) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
                    (B) $71,396,896 for fiscal year 2017;
                    (C) $72,793,792 for fiscal year 2018;
                    (D) $74,345,898 for fiscal year 2019;
                    (E) $75,832,816 for fiscal year 2020; and
                    (F) $77,349,552 for fiscal year 2021.
            (4) Training and education.--To carry out section 504 of 
        title 23, United States Code--
                    (A) $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
                    (B) $27,538,803 for fiscal year 2017;
                    (C) $28,077,605 for fiscal year 2018;
                    (D) $28,676,275 for fiscal year 2019;
                    (E) $29,249,801 for fiscal year 2020; and
                    (F) $29,834,876 for fiscal year 2021.
            (5) Intelligent transportation systems program.--To carry 
        out sections 512 through 518 of title 23, United States Code--
                    (A) $158,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
                    (B) $179,254,989 for fiscal year 2017;
                    (C) $173,509,978 for fiscal year 2018;
                    (D) $137,015,521 for fiscal year 2019;
                    (E) $142,415,831 for fiscal year 2020; and
                    (F) $144,864,148 for fiscal year 2021.
    (b) Applicability of Title 23, United States Code.--Funds 
authorized to be appropriated by subsection (a) shall--
            (1) be available for obligation in the same manner as if 
        those funds were appropriated under chapter 1 of title 23, 
        United States Code, except that the Federal share of the cost 
        of a project or activity carried out using those funds shall be 
        80 percent, unless otherwise expressly provided by this Act 
        (including the amendments by this Act) or otherwise determined 
        by the Secretary; and
            (2) remain available until expended and not be 
        transferable.

SEC. 102. RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY, AND EDUCATION.

    Section 501 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
            ``(10) Institution of higher education.--The term 
        `institution of higher education' has the meaning given that 
        term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 1001(a)).''.

SEC. 103. RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT.

    Section 503 of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(6) by inserting ``the Advanced 
        Transportation Research program described in section 5508 of 
        title 49, United States Code, as it relates to highway 
        research, and'' after ``shall carry out''; and
            (2) in subsection (c)(2)--
                    (A) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as 
                subparagraph (D); and
                    (B) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the 
                following:
                    ``(C) Research.--
                            ``(i) In general.--In carrying out the 
                        program established under paragraph (1), the 
                        Secretary shall--
                                    ``(I) conduct research, 
                                development, technology transfer, and 
                                deployment activities at the 
                                Department's research facilities, 
                                including the Turner Fairbank Highway 
                                Research Center; and
                                    ``(II) make grants to, and enter 
                                into cooperative agreements and 
                                contracts with, States, other Federal 
                                agencies, institutions of higher 
                                education, private sector entities, and 
                                nonprofit organizations for research, 
                                development, technology transfer, 
                                including proof of concept activities, 
                                and deployment activities.
                            ``(ii) Applications.--To receive a grant 
                        under this subsection, States, Federal 
                        agencies, institutions of higher education, 
                        private sector entities, and nonprofit 
                        organizations shall submit an application to 
                        the Secretary. The application shall be in such 
                        form and contain such information as the 
                        Secretary may require. The Secretary shall 
                        select and award, on a competitive basis, an 
                        application based on the ability of the project 
                        to meet the goals of the program described in 
                        paragraph (1).''.

SEC. 104. TRAINING AND EDUCATION.

    Section 504(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3)(B), after ``maintenance'' by inserting 
        ``green transportation infrastructure''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(9) Definitions.--In this subsection, the term `green 
        transportation infrastructure' includes infrastructure that--
                    ``(A) reserves 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;
                    ``(B) utilizes natural design techniques that 
                infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain water 
                close to its source;
                    ``(C) minimizes the use of impervious surfaces in 
                order to slow or infiltrate precipitation;
                    ``(D) minimizes lifecycle energy consumption, 
                including during construction, maintenance, use by 
                vehicles, and destruction and recycling; and
                    ``(E) minimizes lifecycle air pollution.''.

SEC. 105. TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLANNING.

    Section 508(a)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``, and shall be updated every 5 years after its initial 
development'' after ``Department of Transportation''.

SEC. 106. 5.9 GHZ SPECTRUM USE TESTING.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after receiving a 5.9 GHz 
Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure device, the Secretary of 
Transportation, in cooperation with the Secretary of Commerce, National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Federal 
Communications Commission, other appropriate Federal agencies, the 
automotive industry, the intelligent transportation industry, and the 
communications industry, shall conduct testing on the unlicensed device 
within the 5.9 GHz band to examine the possibility of interference with 
safety-related vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure 
applications.
    (b) Contents of the Test.--In conducting the test, the Secretary of 
Transportation shall--
            (1) define interference of connected vehicle safety 
        applications;
            (2) identify the technology and operating parameters that 
        must be in place to allow vehicle safety communications signals 
        to share the 5.9 GHz band with signals from unlicensed devices 
        without interference;
            (3) test the unlicensed device to determine whether it 
        interferes with dedicated short-range communications or any 
        other communications systems the Department of Commerce is 
        testing for connected vehicle safety applications;
            (4) identify possible challenges of allowing unlicensed 
        devices to operate in the 5.9 GHz band concerning automated 
        vehicle systems development; and
            (5) evaluate any other information the Secretary determines 
        appropriate.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after receipt of such an 
unlicensed 5.9 GHz device, the Secretary shall submit a report of the 
testing of such device to the Committee on Environment and Public Works 
of the Senate and the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology and 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as are necessary for the purpose of carrying out 
this section.

SEC. 107. ITS GENERAL AUTHORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS.

    Section 515(a)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``, including automated vehicle systems'' after ``intelligent 
transportation systems''.

SEC. 108. RESEARCHING SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FUNDING 
              ALTERNATIVES.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall promote the 
research, development, and demonstration of user-based alternative 
revenue mechanisms that preserve a user fee structure to maintain the 
long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund.
    (b) Objectives.--The objectives of the research, development, and 
demonstration described in subsection (a) shall be--
            (1) to study uncertainties relating to the design, 
        acceptance, and implementation of 2 or more future user-based 
        alternative revenue mechanisms;
            (2) to define the functionality of those user-based 
        alternative revenue mechanisms;
            (3) to conduct or promote research activities to 
        demonstrate and test those user-based alternative revenue 
        mechanisms, including by conducting field trials, by partnering 
        with individual States, groups of States, or other appropriate 
        entities to conduct the research activities;
            (4) to conduct outreach to increase public awareness 
        regarding the need for alternative funding sources for surface 
        transportation programs and provide information on possible 
        approaches;
            (5) to provide recommendations regarding adoption and 
        implementation of those user-based alternative revenue 
        mechanisms, and to assess the technical feasibility of value 
        pricing; and
            (6) to minimize the administrative cost of any potential 
        user-based alternative revenue mechanisms.
    (c) Grants.--The Secretary shall provide grants to individual 
States, groups of States, or other appropriate entities to conduct 
research, development, and demonstration that addresses--
            (1) the implementation, interoperability, and public 
        acceptance of, and other potential hurdles to, the adoption of 
        a user-based alternative revenue mechanism;
            (2) the protection of personal privacy;
            (3) the use of independent and private third-party vendors 
        to collect fees and operate the user-based alternative revenue 
        mechanism;
            (4) equity concerns, including the impacts of the user-
        based alternative revenue mechanism on differing income groups, 
        various geographic areas, and the relative burdens on rural and 
        urban drivers;
            (5) ease of compliance for different users of the 
        transportation system;
            (6) the reliability and security of technology used to 
        implement the user-based alternative revenue mechanism;
            (7) the flexibility and choices of user-based alternative 
        revenue mechanisms, including the ability of users to select 
        from various technology and payment options;
            (8) the cost of administering the user-based alternative 
        revenue mechanism; and
            (9) the ability of the administering entity to audit and 
        enforce user compliance.
    (d) Advisory Council.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in 
        consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall 
        establish and lead a Surface Transportation Revenue 
        Alternatives Advisory Council (referred to in this subsection 
        as the ``Council'') to inform the selection and evaluation of 
        user-based alternative revenue mechanisms.
            (2) Membership.--
                    (A) In general.--The members of the Council shall--
                            (i) be appointed by the Secretary; and
                            (ii) include, at a minimum--
                                    (I) representatives with experience 
                                in user-based alternative revenue 
                                mechanisms, of which--
                                            (aa) not fewer than 1 shall 
                                        be from the Department of 
                                        Transportation;
                                            (bb) not fewer than 1 shall 
                                        be from the Department of the 
                                        Treasury; and
                                            (cc) not fewer than 2 shall 
                                        be from State departments of 
                                        transportation;
                                    (II) representatives from 
                                applicable users of the surface 
                                transportation system; and
                                    (III) appropriate technology and 
                                public privacy experts.
                    (B) Geographic considerations.--The Secretary shall 
                consider geographic diversity when selecting members 
                under this paragraph.
            (3) Functions.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
        which the Council is established, the Council shall, at a 
        minimum--
                    (A) define the functionality of 2 or more user-
                based alternative revenue mechanisms;
                    (B) identify technological, administrative, 
                institutional, privacy, and other issues that--
                            (i) are associated with the user-based 
                        alternative revenue mechanisms; and
                            (ii) may be researched through research, 
                        development, and demonstration activities;
                    (C) conduct public outreach to identify and assess 
                questions and concerns about the user-based alternative 
                revenue mechanisms for future evaluation through 
                research activities; and
                    (D) provide recommendations to the Secretary on the 
                process and criteria used for selecting research 
                activities under subsection (c).
            (4) Evaluations.--The Council shall conduct periodic 
        evaluations of the research, development, and demonstration 
        activities that have received assistance from the Secretary 
        under this section.
            (5) Applicability of federal advisory committee act.--The 
        Council shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee 
        Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
    (e) Biennial Reports.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter until the 
completion of the research, development, and demonstration activities 
under this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the 
Secretary of the Treasury, the Committee on Finance and the Committee 
on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and the Committee on 
Ways and Means, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and 
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives a report describing the progress of the research, 
development, and demonstration activities.
    (f) Final Report.--On the completion of the research, development, 
and demonstration activities under this section, the Secretary of 
Transportation and the Secretary of the Treasury, acting jointly, shall 
submit to the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Environment and 
Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means, the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report 
describing the results of the research, development, and demonstration 
activities and any recommendations.
    (g) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
carry out this section $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2016 and $20,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021.

              TITLE II--MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH

SEC. 201. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) University Transportation Centers Program.--The following 
amounts are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund 
(other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out section 5505 of 
title 49, United States Code:
            (1) $82,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.
            (2) $83,636,364 for fiscal year 2017.
            (3) $85,272,727 for fiscal year 2018.
            (4) $87,090,909 for fiscal year 2019.
            (5) $88,832,727 for fiscal year 2020.
            (6) $90,609,462 for fiscal year 2021.
    (b) Bureau of Transportation Statistics.--The following amounts are 
authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than 
the Mass Transit Account) to carry out chapter 63 of title 49, United 
States Code:
            (1) $29,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.
            (2) $29,578,714 for fiscal year 2017.
            (3) $30,157,428 for fiscal year 2018.
            (4) $30,800,444 for fiscal year 2019.
            (5) $31,416,453 for fiscal year 2020.
            (6) $32,044,862 for fiscal year 2021.
    (c) Transit Research and Development.--Section 5338(b) through (e) 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
    ``(b) Research, Development, Demonstration, and Deployment 
Projects.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 
5312, $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2016, $27,000,000 for fiscal year 
2017, $29,000,000 for fiscal year 2018, $31,000,000 for fiscal year 
2019, $32,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, and $34,000,000 for fiscal year 
2021.
    ``(c) Transit Cooperative Research Program.--There are authorized 
to be appropriated to carry out section 5313, $7,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2016 through 2021.
    ``(d) Technical Assistance and Standards Development.--There are 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 5314, $7,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018 and $9,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2019 through 2021.
    ``(e) Human Resources and Training.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out section 5322, $20,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2016 through 2021.''.
    (d) National Cooperative Rail Research Program.--There are 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 24910 of title 49, 
United States Code, $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 
2021.
    (e) Hazardous Materials Research and Development.--There are 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 5118(c) of title 49, 
United States Code, $1,000,000 from the Highway Trust Fund and 
$1,000,000 from the General Fund for each of fiscal years 2016 through 
2021.
    (f) Advanced Transportation Research and Innovation Program.--There 
are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 5508 of title 
49, United States Code, $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 
through 2021, of which $10,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated out 
of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account).
    (g) National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research Program.--
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 5509 of 
title 49, United States Code, $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 
through 2021.

SEC. 202. UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION CENTERS PROGRAM.

    Section 5505 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or member of a 
                consortium'';
                    (B) in paragraph (3)--
                            (i) by striking ``identical'' and inserting 
                        ``sequential''; and
                            (ii) by adding at the end the following: 
                        ``The Secretary shall first conduct a 
                        competition for national transportation centers 
                        and regional transportation centers, then Tier 
                        1 university transportation centers. The 
                        Secretary shall strive to maintain four month 
                        intervals between each competition.'';
                    (C) in paragraph (4)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A) by adding at the 
                        end the following: ``For Centers not 
                        specializing in highways, the priorities 
                        identified in section 503 can be applied to any 
                        mode, including transit and rail.''; and
                            (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
                                    (I) by striking ``and'' after 
                                ``Federal Highway Administration'' and 
                                inserting a comma;
                                    (II) by inserting ``, or other 
                                modal administrations'' after ``Federal 
                                Transit Administration'';
                                    (III) by redesignating clauses (ii) 
                                through (ix) as clauses (iii) through 
                                (x), respectively;
                                    (IV) by inserting after clause (i) 
                                the following:
                            ``(ii) the demonstrated ability of the 
                        recipient to address one or more of the 
                        Department's Research, Development, and 
                        Technology Strategic Plan priority areas;''; 
                        and
                                    (V) in clause (vi)(II), as so 
                                redesignated by subclause (III) of this 
                                clause, by inserting ``, including 
                                women and underrepresented minorities'' 
                                after ``field''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following new 
                paragraph:
            ``(7) Broadening participation.--In awarding grants under 
        this section, consideration shall be given to minority 
        institutions, as defined by section 365 of the Higher Education 
        Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067k), or consortia that include such 
        institutions that have demonstrated an ability in 
        transportation-related research.'';
            (2) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
    ``(c) Grants.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than June 1, 2017, the 
        Secretary, in consultation as appropriate with the 
        Administrators of the Federal Highway Administration, the 
        Federal Transit Administration, or other modal administrations, 
        shall initiate a competition among institutions of higher 
        education for grants to establish and operate university 
        transportation centers. Any university transportation center 
        established prior to the competition required under this 
        paragraph shall be eligible to compete in the competition 
        required under this paragraph.
            ``(2) National transportation centers.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
                Secretary shall provide grants to 5 recipients that the 
                Secretary determines best meet the criteria described 
                in subsection (b)(4).
                    ``(B) Restrictions.--
                            ``(i) In general.--For each fiscal year, a 
                        grant made available under this paragraph shall 
                        be in the amount of $3,200,000 per recipient.
                            ``(ii) Focused research.--Grant recipients 
                        under this paragraph shall focus research on 
                        national transportation issues, as determined 
                        by the Secretary.
                    ``(C) Matching requirement.--
                            ``(i) In general.--As a condition of 
                        receiving a grant under this paragraph, a grant 
                        recipient shall match 100 percent of the 
                        amounts made available under the grant.
                            ``(ii) Sources.--The matching amounts 
                        referred to in clause (i) may include amounts 
                        made available to the recipient under section 
                        504(b) or 505 of title 23 and amounts made 
                        available to the recipient by other Federal 
                        agencies with interests in transportation.
            ``(3) Regional university transportation centers.--
                    ``(A) Location of regional centers.--One regional 
                university transportation center shall be located in 
                each of the 10 Federal regions that comprise the 
                Standard Federal Regions established by the Office of 
                Management and Budget in the document entitled 
                `Standard Federal Regions' and dated April, 1974 
                (circular A-105).
                    ``(B) Selection criteria.--In conducting a 
                competition under this paragraph, the Secretary shall 
                provide grants to 10 recipients on the basis of--
                            ``(i) the criteria described in subsection 
                        (b)(4);
                            ``(ii) the location of the center within 
                        the Federal region to be served; and
                            ``(iii) whether the institution (or, in the 
                        case of a consortium of institutions, the lead 
                        institution) demonstrates that the institution 
                        has a well-established, nationally recognized 
                        program in transportation research and 
                        education, as evidenced by--
                                    ``(I) recent expenditures by the 
                                institution in highway or public 
                                transportation research;
                                    ``(II) a historical track record of 
                                awarding graduate degrees in 
                                professional fields closely related to 
                                highways and public transportation; and
                                    ``(III) an experienced faculty who 
                                specialize in professional fields 
                                closely related to highways and public 
                                transportation.
                    ``(C) Restrictions.--For each fiscal year, a grant 
                made available under this paragraph shall be in the 
                amount of $3,000,000 for each recipient.
                    ``(D) Matching requirements.--
                            ``(i) In general.--As a condition of 
                        receiving a grant under this paragraph, a grant 
                        recipient shall match 100 percent of the 
                        amounts made available under the grant.
                            ``(ii) Sources.--The matching amounts 
                        referred to in the clause (i) may include 
                        amounts made available to the recipient under 
                        section 504(b) or 505 of title 23 and amounts 
                        made available to the recipient by other 
                        Federal agencies with interests in 
                        transportation.
                    ``(E) Focused research.--The Secretary shall make a 
                grant to 1 of the 10 regional university transportation 
                centers established under this paragraph for the 
                purpose of furthering the objectives described in 
                subsection (a)(2) in the field of comprehensive 
                transportation safety.
            ``(4) Tier 1 university transportation centers.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide 
                grants of $1,800,000 each to not more than 20 
                recipients to carry out this paragraph.
                    ``(B) Restriction.--A lead institution of a 
                consortium that receives a grant under paragraph (2) or 
                (3) shall not be eligible to receive a grant under this 
                paragraph.
                    ``(C) Matching requirement.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (iii), 
                        as a condition of receiving a grant under this 
                        paragraph, a grant recipient shall match 50 
                        percent of the amounts made available under the 
                        grant.
                            ``(ii) Sources.--The matching amounts 
                        referred to in clause (i) may include amounts 
                        made available to the recipient under section 
                        504(b) or 505 of title 23 and amounts made 
                        available to the recipient by other Federal 
                        agencies with interests in transportation.
                            ``(iii) Exemption.--This subparagraph shall 
                        not apply on a demonstration of financial 
                        hardship by the applicant institution. In 
                        determining whether an applicant demonstrates 
                        financial hardship, the Secretary may 
                        consider--
                                    ``(I) whether the institution, or a 
                                collaborating partner, has provided a 
                                match for any Federal research funding 
                                it has received in the past 5 years;
                                    ``(II) whether the institution has 
                                received any research funds from its 
                                State Department of Transportation 
                                during the past 5 years;
                                    ``(III) whether the institution 
                                houses a federally funded Local 
                                Technical Assistance Program Center;
                                    ``(IV) whether the size of the 
                                institution's endowment exceeds 
                                $50,000,000; and
                                    ``(V) any other factor that the 
                                Secretary determines to be 
                                appropriate.''; and
            (3) in subsection (d)(3) by striking ``2013 and 2014'' and 
        inserting ``2016 through 2021''.

SEC. 203. INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION FOR INNOVATION.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 55 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 5507. International collaboration for innovation
    ``In consultation with the American Association of State Highway 
and Transportation Officials, other public surface transportation 
associations, private sector stakeholders, and the National Academy of 
Sciences, the Secretary of Transportation shall examine opportunities 
to leverage Federal and State participation and investment in 
international transportation research collaborations, recommend to 
States best practices for collaborating with foreign countries and 
international entities on transportation research, clarify States' use 
of Federal funds for collaborating with foreign countries and 
international entities, and identify research topic areas suitable for 
international transportation research collaboration by States.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for such 
subchapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

``5507. International collaboration for innovation.''.

SEC. 204. TITLE 49 AMENDMENTS.

    Title 49, United States Code, is amended as follows:
            (1) Amend section 102(e)(1)--
                    (A) by striking ``5'' and inserting ``6'';
                    (B) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph 
                (C);
                    (C) by striking the period at the end of 
                subparagraph (D) and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (D) by inserting at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
                    ``(E) an Assistant Secretary for Research and 
                Technology who shall be appointed by the President, by 
                and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and 
                shall report directly to the Secretary.''.
            (2) Amend section 102(g)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) by striking ``Department'' and 
                        inserting ``Office of the Assistant Secretary 
                        for Research and Technology'';
                            (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
                        ``climate change; and'' and inserting the 
                        following: ``climate change, including 
                        multimodal activities focused on--
                            ``(i) reducing vehicle miles traveled;
                            ``(ii) reducing congestion; and
                            ``(iii) reducing construction and 
                        maintenance-related carbon emissions and energy 
                        consumption; and''; and
                            (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the 
                        period and inserting the following: ``, 
                        including multimodal activities focused on--
                            ``(i) adaptation and systems resilience and 
                        recovery; and
                            ``(ii) efforts to improve regional scale 
                        modeling of future climate change impacts on 
                        transportation infrastructure.''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the 
                following: ``The Office shall conduct outreach to other 
                Federal agencies, State and local transportation 
                agencies, and the transportation industry to promote 
                the solutions and provide best practices for 
                implementation.''.
            (3) Amend section 102 by adding at the end the following:
    ``(i) Chief Scientist.--There shall be in the Office of the 
Secretary a Chief Scientist who shall be appointed by the Secretary and 
shall be the principal science and technology advisor to the Secretary 
and shall perform other duties as the Secretary may direct. The Chief 
Scientist shall be an individual who is, by reason of scientific 
education and experience, knowledgeable in the principles of 
engineering, computer science, physics, human factors, or other 
scientific disciplines important to the work of the Department.''.
            (4) Amend section 112 to read as follows:
``Sec. 112. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and 
              Technology of the Department of Transportation
    ``(a) Deputy Assistant Secretary.--The Assistant Secretary for 
Research and Technology shall have a Deputy Assistant Secretary who 
shall be appointed by the Secretary of Transportation. The Deputy 
Assistant Secretary shall carry out duties and powers prescribed by the 
Assistant Secretary.
    ``(b) Powers and Duties of the Assistant Secretary.--The Assistant 
Secretary shall carry out--
            ``(1) powers and duties prescribed by the Secretary for--
                    ``(A) coordination, facilitation, and review of the 
                Department's research and development programs and 
                activities;
                    ``(B) coordination with other Federal agencies of 
                research efforts that affect the national 
                transportation system;
                    ``(C) dissemination of findings that have 
                transportation applications to stakeholder communities;
                    ``(D) advancement, and research and development, of 
                innovative technologies, including intelligent 
                transportation systems;
                    ``(E) comprehensive transportation statistics 
                research, analysis, and reporting;
                    ``(F) education and training in transportation and 
                transportation-related fields; and
                    ``(G) activities of the Volpe National 
                Transportation Center; and
            ``(2) other powers and duties prescribed by the Secretary.
    ``(c) Authorities.--The Assistant Secretary may enter into grants 
and cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, State and local 
government agencies, other public entities, private organizations, and 
other persons--
            ``(1) to conduct research into transportation service and 
        infrastructure assurance; and
            ``(2) to carry out other research activities of the Office 
        of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology.
    ``(d) Program Evaluation and Oversight.--For each of fiscal years 
2016 through 2021, the Assistant Secretary is authorized to expend not 
more than 1\1/2\ percent of the amounts authorized to be appropriated 
for necessary expenses for administration and operations of the Office 
of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology for the 
coordination, evaluation, and oversight of the programs administered by 
the Office.
    ``(e) Collaborative Research and Development.--
            ``(1) In general.--To encourage innovative solutions to 
        multimodal transportation problems and stimulate the deployment 
        of new technology, the Assistant Secretary may carry out, on a 
        cost-shared basis, collaborative research and development 
        with--
                    ``(A) non-Federal entities, including State and 
                local governments, foreign governments, institutions of 
                higher education, corporations, institutions, 
                partnerships, sole proprietorships, and trade 
                associations that are incorporated or established under 
                the laws of any State;
                    ``(B) Federal laboratories; and
                    ``(C) other Federal agencies.
            ``(2) Cooperation, grants, contracts, and agreements.--
        Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Assistant 
        Secretary may directly initiate contracts, grants, cooperative 
        research and development agreements (as defined in section 12 
        of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 
        U.S.C. 3710a)), and other agreements to fund, and accept funds 
        from, the Transportation Research Board of the National 
        Research Council of the National Academies, State departments 
        of transportation, cities, counties, institutions of higher 
        education, associations, and the agents of those entities to 
        carry out joint transportation research and technology efforts.
            ``(3) Federal share.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
                Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out 
                under paragraph (2), shall not exceed 50 percent.
                    ``(B) Exception.--If the Secretary determines that 
                the activity is of substantial public interest or 
                benefit, the Secretary may approve a greater Federal 
                share.
                    ``(C) Non-federal share.--All costs directly 
                incurred by the non-Federal partners, including 
                personnel, travel, facility, and hardware development 
                costs, shall be credited toward the non-Federal share 
                of the cost of an activity described in subparagraph 
                (A).''.

SEC. 205. ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 55 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 5508. Advanced Transportation Research and Innovation Program
    ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
establish the Advanced Transportation Research and Innovation Program, 
to be carried out by each modal administration, as appropriate, to 
address the long-term barriers to development of multimodal advanced 
transportation technologies with the potential to meet the Nation's 
long-term safety, competitiveness, and transportation goals by 
supporting long-term, high-risk research and development to accelerate 
transformational transportation innovations.
    ``(b) Interagency Collaboration.--The Secretary shall collaborate, 
as appropriate, on advanced transportation research, development, and 
other activities with other Federal agencies, including the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation, the 
Department of Energy, the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology, the Department of Homeland Security, the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, and the Department of Defense. The 
Secretary shall consult with the Office of Science and Technology 
Policy to ensure the Department's research investments are making the 
best possible contribution to the Nation's goals of public health and 
safety, economic prosperity, national security, and environmental 
quality.
    ``(c) Review.--The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the 
National Academies to review the research and activities carried out 
under this program assess whether they are consistent with the purposes 
described in subsection (a). Members of the review panel shall 
represent, at a minimum, multimodal surface transportation researchers 
and practitioners.
    ``(d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment 
of the Connected Transportation Research and Innovation Act of 2015, 
and biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall provide to the 
Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Environment and 
Public Works of the Senate and the Committees on Transportation and 
Infrastructure and Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives a report on implementation of this program and research 
areas that the program will support.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for such 
subchapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

``5508. Advanced Transportation Research and Innovation Program.''.

SEC. 206. TRANSIT RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND DEPLOYMENT 
              PROJECTS.

    Section 5312 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in section (a)(1), by striking ``may make grants and 
        enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other 
        agreements for'' and inserting ``shall carry out''; and
            (2) in subsection (c)(2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``or'';
                    (B) by redesignating subparagraph (H) as 
                subparagraph (I); and
                    (C) after subparagraph (G), by inserting the 
                following new subparagraph:
                    ``(H) human factors; and''.

SEC. 207. TRANSIT HUMAN RESOURCES AND TRAINING.

    Section 5322 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``may undertake'' and 
        inserting ``shall undertake'';
            (2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) Programs.--Eligible public transportation workforce 
        development programs under this subsection are skills training, 
        on-the-job training, and work based learning, including 
        apprenticeship programs that are registered under the Act 
        entitled `An Act to enable the Department of Labor to formulate 
        and promote the furtherance of labor standards necessary to 
        safeguard the welfare of apprentices and to cooperate with the 
        States in the promotion of such standards', enacted August 16, 
        1937 (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.; popularly known as the National 
        Apprenticeship Act), that--
                    ``(A) are, to the extent possible, nationally or 
                regionally significant in scope;
                    ``(B) replicate a successful workforce development 
                model adopted in multiple geographic locations;
                    ``(C) target areas with high rates of unemployment;
                    ``(D) are designed to address current or projected 
                workforce shortages;
                    ``(E) give priority to minorities, women, 
                individuals with disabilities, veterans, low income 
                populations and other underserved populations;
                    ``(F) are designed to provide career pathways that 
                support the movement of targeted populations from 
                initial or short-term employment opportunities to 
                sustainable careers; and
                    ``(G) consist of other critical activities as 
                identified by the Secretary.
            ``(4) Program outcomes.--Eligible public transportation 
        workforce development programs under this subsection shall be 
        outcome-based and demonstrate outcomes including--
                    ``(A) increasing diversity of training 
                participants;
                    ``(B) increasing job placement, job retention, 
                wages, and achievement of certification and credentials 
                using performance metrics established in consultation 
                with the Secretary of Labor and consistent with metrics 
                used by programs under the Workforce Innovation and 
                Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.); and
                    ``(C) to the extent practical, evidence that the 
                program did not preclude workers that are participating 
                in skills training, on-the-job training, and work-based 
                learning, including registered apprenticeships from 
                being referred to, hired on, projects funded under this 
                chapter without regard to the length of time of their 
                participation in such program.
            ``(5) Coordination.--Recipients of assistance under this 
        subsection shall--
                    ``(A) identify the training needs to be implemented 
                at the local level in coordination with entities such 
                as local employers, local transit operators, labor 
                union organizations, Workforce Development Boards, 
                State workforce agencies, State Apprenticeship Agencies 
                (where applicable), University Transportation Centers, 
                Community Colleges, and community-based organizations 
                representing minority, disability, and low income 
                populations; and
                    ``(B) conduct local training programs, as 
                appropriate, in coordination with existing local 
                training programs supported by the Department of 
                Transportation, the Department of Labor (including 
                registered apprenticeship programs), and the Department 
                of Education.
            ``(6) Research and program evaluation.--The Secretary of 
        Transportation shall conduct research and an impact evaluation 
        based on measurable outcomes of the training funded under this 
        subsection. In the second, fourth, and sixth year following the 
        enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall conduct an 
        aggregate analysis of the national impact related to workforce 
        shortage, diversity, and job placement.'';
            (3) in subsection (d)(3), by inserting ``, including online 
        curriculum,'' after ``under this subsection'';
            (4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f);
            (5) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
    ``(e) Use for Administration and Technical Assistance.--The 
Secretary may use up to 1 percent of the amounts made available to 
carry out this section to administer, oversee, and provide technical 
assistance for the activities and programs developed and conducted 
under this section.''; and
            (6) in subsection (f), as so redesignated by paragraph (4) 
        of this section, by inserting ``and the Committee on Science, 
        Space, and Technology'' after ``Transportation and 
        Infrastructure''.

SEC. 208. RAIL RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TESTING, AND TRAINING.

    Section 20108 of title 49, United States Code, is amended in 
subsection (a) by inserting ``, including operations and technology'' 
after ``safety''.

SEC. 209. RAIL COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAM.

    Section 24910 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph 
                (12);
                    (B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph 
                (13) and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by inserting the following new paragraph at the 
                end:
            ``(14) to improve the management of shared rights-of-way 
        between passenger and freight services.''; and
            (2) in subsection (e) by striking ``2010 through 2013'' and 
        inserting ``2016 through 2021''.

SEC. 210. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

    Section 5118 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in section (a)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``may'' and 
                inserting ``shall''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
                        ``and'';
                            (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the 
                        period and inserting ``; and''; and
                            (iii) by adding at the end the following 
                        new subparagraph:
                    ``(C) coordinate, as appropriate, with other 
                Federal agencies, including the National Institute of 
                Standards and Technology, the Department of Homeland 
                Security, and the Department of Energy.''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(c) Cooperative Research Program.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish and carry 
        out a hazardous materials transport cooperative research 
        program.
            ``(2) National academy of sciences.--The Secretary shall 
        enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences 
        to support and carry out administrative and management 
        activities relating to the governance of the hazardous 
        materials transport cooperative research program.
            ``(3) Research.--Research funded under this program may 
        include activities related to--
                    ``(A) emergency planning and response, including 
                information and programs that can be readily assessed 
                and implemented in local jurisdictions;
                    ``(B) risk analysis and perception and data 
                assessment;
                    ``(C) commodity flow data, including voluntary 
                collaboration between shippers and first responders for 
                secure data exchange of critical information;
                    ``(D) integration of safety and security;
                    ``(E) cargo packaging and handling;
                    ``(F) hazmat release consequences; and
                    ``(G) materials and equipment testing.
            ``(4) Program administration.--In carrying out the program 
        under this section, the National Academy of Sciences shall 
        ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that projects are 
        selected on the basis of merit and open solicitation of 
        proposals and review by panels of appropriate experts.''.

SEC. 211. WEB-BASED TRAINING FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS.

    Section 5115(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``, including online curriculum as appropriate,'' after ``a 
current curriculum of courses''.

SEC. 212. NATIONAL COOPERATIVE FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 55 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 5509. National cooperative freight transportation research 
              program
    ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
establish and support a multimodal national cooperative freight 
transportation research program.
    ``(b) Agreement.--The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with 
the National Academy of Sciences to support and carry out 
administrative and management activities relating to the governance of 
the national cooperative freight transportation research program.
    ``(c) Advisory Committee.--The National Academy of Sciences shall 
select an advisory committee consisting of a representative cross-
section of freight stakeholders, including the Department of 
Transportation, other Federal agencies, State transportation 
departments, local governments, nonprofit entities, academia, and the 
private sector.
    ``(d) Governance.--The national cooperative freight transportation 
research program established under this section shall include the 
following administrative and management elements:
            ``(1) National research agenda.--The advisory committee, in 
        consultation with interested parties, shall recommend a multi-
        year national research agenda for the program. At a minimum, 
        the advisory committee shall consider--
                    ``(A) techniques for estimating and quantifying 
                public benefits derived from transportation projects;
                    ``(B) methods for incorporating estimates of 
                international trade, originating at both water and land 
                ports, into landside transportation planning;
                    ``(C) ways to synchronize infrastructure 
                improvements with freight transportation demand, 
                including impacts of e-commerce on freight demand, and 
                strategies for better management;
                    ``(D) the effect of changing patterns of freight 
                movement on transportation planning decisions relating 
                to rest areas and implementation of truck parking 
                solutions;
                    ``(E) new innovative technologies and tools for 
                data collection, analysis, modeling, routing, and 
                overall management of freight movement;
                    ``(F) ways to advance deployment of freight 
                intelligent transportation systems, including advanced 
                information systems;
                    ``(G) methods for developing the outreach tools and 
                incentives to increase the workforce;
                    ``(H) new methods and technologies for monitoring 
                and enforcement, including data sharing and 
                harmonization;
                    ``(I) new methods and policies for incorporating 
                freight in urban transportation and land use planning; 
                and
                    ``(J) other research areas, including human factors 
                research, to identify and address emerging and future 
                research needs related to freight transportation by all 
                modes.
            ``(2) Program administration.--In carrying out the program 
        under this section, the National Academy of Sciences shall 
        ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that projects are 
        selected on the basis of merit and open solicitation of 
        proposals and review by panels of appropriate experts.
            ``(3) Dissemination of research findings.--The National 
        Academy of Sciences shall disseminate research findings to 
        researchers, practitioners, and decisionmakers, including 
        through conferences and seminars, field demonstrations, 
        workshops, presentations, testimony to government officials, 
        the Internet, publications for the general public, and other 
        appropriate means.
    ``(e) Funding.--
            ``(1) Use of non-federal funds.--In addition to using funds 
        authorized for this section, the National Academy of Sciences 
        may seek and accept additional funding from non-Federal 
        sources, including public and private entities.
            ``(2) Period of availability.--Amounts made available to 
        carry out this section shall remain available until 
        expended.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for such 
subchapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

``5509. National cooperative freight transportation research 
                            program.''.

SEC. 213. SMART CITIES TRANSPORTATION PLANNING STUDY.

    (a) In General.--The Assistant Secretary of Transportation for 
Research and Technology shall conduct a study of digital technologies 
and information technologies, including shared mobility, data, 
transportation network companies, and on-demand transportation 
services--
            (1) to understand the degree to which cities are adopting 
        these technologies;
            (2) to assess future planning, infrastructure, and 
        investment needs; and
            (3) to provide best practices to plan for smart cities in 
        which information and technology are used--
                    (A) to reduce traffic congestion;
                    (B) to improve city operations;
                    (C) to grow the local economy;
                    (D) to improve response in times of emergencies and 
                natural disasters;
                    (E) to improve the lives of city residents; and
                    (F) to reduce environmental impact.
    (b) Components.--The study conducted under subsection (a) shall--
            (1) identify issues that influence the ability of the 
        United States to plan for and invest in smart cities, including 
        barriers to collaboration and access to scientific information; 
        and
            (2) review how the expanded use of digital technologies, 
        mobile devices, and information may--
                    (A) enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of 
                existing transportation networks;
                    (B) optimize demand management services;
                    (C) impact low-income and other disadvantaged 
                communities;
                    (D) provide opportunities to share, collect, and 
                use data while ensuring the privacy of individuals;
                    (E) change current planning and investment 
                strategies;
                    (F) provide opportunities for enhanced coordination 
                and planning; and
                    (G) provide opportunities to reduce the 
                environmental impact of transportation.
    (c) Coordination.--The study conducted under subsection (a) shall 
include coordination with other relevant Federal agencies conducting 
research on smart cities, including the National Science Foundation and 
the National Institute of Standards and Technology, as well as relevant 
State and local agencies.
    (d) Reporting.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall publish the 
results of the study required under subsection (a) on a public website.
                                 <all>
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