Transportation Assistance for Olympic Cities Act of 2022

To provide assistance for surface transportation projects relating to international Olympic, Paralympic, and Special Olympics events. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Transportation Assistance for Olympic Cities Act of 2022 2. Transportation assistance for Olympic, Paralympic, and Special Olympics cities (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to prioritize and support State and local efforts on surface transportation issues necessary to obtain the national recognition and economic benefits of participation in the international Olympic, Paralympic, and Special Olympics movement by hosting international Olympic, Paralympic, and Special Olympics events in the United States. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered event (A) In general The term covered event (B) Exclusion The term covered event (2) Secretary The term Secretary (c) Priority for transportation projects relating to Olympic, Paralympic, and Special Olympics events (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in providing grants for surface transportation projects described in paragraph (2), the Secretary may give priority to a surface transportation project relating to a covered event. (2) Grants described A grant referred to in paragraph (1) is a discretionary grant for a surface transportation project— (A) under title 23 or 49, United States Code, beginning on the date of enactment of this Act; or (B) otherwise administered by the Secretary for surface transportation projects. (d) Transportation planning activities The Secretary shall take all reasonable efforts to provide assistance to a covered event, including— (1) by providing assistance for planning activities of States and metropolitan planning organizations under sections 134 and 135 of title 23, United States Code, for surface transportation projects relating to a covered event; (2) by developing intermodal transportation plans in coordination with States and local transportation agencies; (3) by expediting review and comment of any required submissions to the Secretary relating to a covered event; and (4) by providing technical assistance. (e) Transportation projects relating to Olympic, Paralympic, and Special Olympics events (1) In general The Secretary may provide assistance, including planning, capital, and operating assistance, to a State or unit of local government in carrying out surface transportation projects relating to a covered event. (2) Use of funds Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any funding provided in accordance with this section may be used for any temporary facility, equipment, operations, and maintenance that meets the extraordinary surface transportation needs associated with hosting a covered event. (f) Funding (1) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2034. (2) Supplement, not supplant Any amounts provided to a State or unit of local government in accordance with this section shall be in addition to any Federal funds otherwise available to the State or unit of local government for the surface transportation project. (g) Sunset The authority provided by this section shall terminate on September 30, 2034.

Summary: Transportation Assistance for Olympic Cities Act of 2022 This bill authorizes through FY2034 the Department of Transportation (DOT) to prioritize providing grants for surface transportation projects relating to international Olympic, Paralympic, and Special Olympics events, including for temporary facilities, equipment, operations, and maintenance that meet the extraordinary needs associated with hosting such events. DOT must take all reasonable efforts to provide assistance for such events, including by developing intermodal transportation plans and expediting federal review of requests with regards to the events. Authority under the bill to provide grants and assistance terminates on September 30, 2034.