Smart Intersections Act of 2021

To require the Secretary of Transportation to establish a grant program to improve the functioning of traffic signals through the implementation of innovative technology, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Smart Intersections Act of 2021 2. Smart Technology Traffic Signals Grant Program (a) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a grant program, to be known as the Smart Technology Traffic Signals Grant Program (1) reduces traffic congestion; (2) improves the safety and effectiveness of roadways; (3) reduces fuel costs for drivers; (4) reduces air pollution; and (5) improves emergency response. (b) Applications To be eligible to receive a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Use of grant funds An eligible entity that receives a grant under the program shall use the grant— (1) to improve active management of traffic signals, including through the use of automated traffic signal performance measures; (2) to implement strategies, activities, and projects that support active management of traffic signal operations, including through— (A) optimization of corridor timing; (B) improved vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle detection at traffic signals; and (C) the use of connected vehicle technologies; (3) to replace outdated traffic signals, as needed; and (4) in the case of an eligible entity that is a local government entity serving a population of less than 500,000, to pay the costs of temporary staffing hours dedicated to updating traffic signal technology. (d) Timing of expenditures An eligible entity that receives a grant under the program shall fully expend the grant funds by the date that is 3 years after the date on which grant funds are first made available to the eligible entity. (e) Federal share (1) In general The Federal share of the costs of a project assisted with a grant under the program may not exceed 80 percent. (2) In-kind contributions The non-Federal share of the costs of a project assisted with a grant under the program may be derived in whole or in part from in-kind contributions. (f) Prohibition A grant awarded under the program may not be used to purchase, operate, or maintain an automated traffic enforcement system. (g) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out the program. (h) Definitions In this section: (1) Automated traffic enforcement system The term automated traffic enforcement system (2) Eligible entity The term eligible entity (3) Program The term program (4) Secretary The term Secretary 3. GAO study Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall carry out, and submit to Congress a report describing the results of, a study on the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by improving the efficiency of traffic systems.

Summary: Smart Intersections Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Transportation to award grants for improving the functioning of traffic signals through active management of traffic signal operations. State, tribal, and local government entities are eligible for these grants. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by improving the efficiency of traffic systems.