A bill to improve the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program, and for other purposes.

To improve the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program, and for other purposes. 1. Consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvements (a) In general Section 22907 of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting (including the District of Columbia) State (B) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (11) as paragraphs (10) through (13), respectively; and (C) by inserting after paragraph (7), the following: (8) An association representing 1 or more railroads described in paragraph (7). ; (9) A federally recognized Indian tribe. ; (2) in subsection (c)— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (11) and (12) as paragraphs (13) and (14), respectively; (B) by inserting after paragraph (10) the following: (11) The development and implementation of measures to prevent trespassing and reduce associated injuries and fatalities. ; (12) Rehabilitating, remanufacturing, procuring, or overhauling one or more rail locomotives, provided that such activities result in a significant reduction of emissions. ; and (C) by inserting after paragraph (14), as redesignated, the following: (15) Research, development, and testing to advance and facilitate innovative rail projects, including projects using electromagnetic guideways in an enclosure in a very low-pressure environment. ; and (3) in subsection (e)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking shall— shall select projects that will maximize the net benefits of the funds appropriated for use under this section, considering the cost-benefit analysis of the proposed project, including anticipated private and public benefits relative to the costs of the proposed project and factoring in the other considerations described in paragraph (2). (B) in paragraph (3), by striking (B) (4) in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following: (4) Grade crossing and trespassing projects Applicants may use costs incurred for preliminary engineering associated with highway-rail grade crossing improvement projects under subsection (c)(5) and trespassing prevention projects under subsection (c)(11) to satisfy the non-Federal share requirements. . (b) Rule of construction The amendments made by subsection (a) may not be construed to affect any grant, including any application for a grant, made under section 22907 of title 49, United States Code, before the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: This bill expands eligibility for and modifies grants available through the Department of Transportation for improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of passenger and freight rail transportation systems. Specifically, the bill makes the District of Columbia, certain associations that represent railroads, and Indian tribes eligible for the grants. Other modifications include allowing grants to fund additional types of projects, such as (1) measures to prevent trespassing to reduce associated injuries and fatalities; (2) modifications to locomotives that reduce emissions; and (3) research, development, and testing of electromagnetic guideways in a vacuum (e.g., the hyperloop).