Increase Transportation Alternatives Investment Program

To authorize programs and activities to support transportation options in areas with limited access to public transportation due to extensive repair or reconstruction projects, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Increase Transportation Alternatives Investment Program 2. Surface transportation block grant program Section 133 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (j) Preference for certain projects The Secretary through issuing regulations shall ensure that States give preference to eligible projects under this section located in areas that are undergoing extensive repair or reconstruction of Federal-aid highways, passenger rail, and other federally owned roads open for public travel, and public transportation, for the purpose of providing transportation alternatives related to the full or partial closure of transportation infrastructure in such areas. . 3. Grant Program (a) In general The Secretary of Transportation shall carry out a grant program to support community efforts to invest in transportation alternatives. (b) Award of grants Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall award grants under the program on a competitive basis. The Secretary shall give preference to projects located in areas that are undergoing extensive repair or reconstruction of Federal-aid highways, passenger rail, and other federally owned roads open for public travel, and public transportation. (c) Eligible entities The following entities shall be eligible to receive grants under the program: (1) State and local governments. (2) Metropolitan planning organizations. (3) Rural planning organizations. (d) Eligible activities Amounts received in grants under the program may be used to plan for, facilitate, and provide initial support for any of the following activities: (1) Transportation demand management programs, including support for transportation management associations. (2) Carpool or telecommuting projects. (3) Planning, design, acquisition of rights-of-way, construction, improvement, and management of streets, pathways, and public transportation facilities to facilitate expanded bicycle and pedestrian mobility and access. (e) Application To receive a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form and manner as the Secretary prescribes.

Summary: Increase Transportation Alternatives Investment Program This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that states give preference, under the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, to eligible projects located in areas that are undergoing extensive repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways, other federally owned roads open for public travel, passenger rail, and public transportation for the purpose of providing transportation alternatives related to the closure of transportation infrastructure in such areas. DOT shall: (1) carry out a competitive grant program to support community efforts to invest in transportation alternatives; and (2) give grant preference to projects located in such areas. Entities eligible for grants include state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and rural planning organizations. Grants may be used to plan for, facilitate, and provide initial support for: transportation demand management programs; carpool or telecommuting projects; and planning, design, acquisition of rights-of-way, construction, improvement, and management of streets, pathways, and public transportation facilities to facilitate expanded bicycle and pedestrian mobility and access.