Increase Transportation Alternatives Investment Act of 2017

To authorize programs and activities to support transportation options in areas that are undergoing extensive repair or reconstruction of transportation infrastructure, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Increase Transportation Alternatives Investment Act of 2017 2. Surface transportation block grant program Section 133 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (j) Transportation alternatives for areas undergoing extensive repair or reconstruction of transportation infrastructure The Secretary shall issue regulations to ensure that States give preference to eligible projects under this section that— (1) are located in areas that are undergoing extensive repair or reconstruction of transportation infrastructure, including Federal-aid highways, federally owned roads open for public travel, passenger rail facilities, and public transportation facilities; and (2) will provide transportation alternatives related to the full or partial closure of the 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. (c) Preference In awarding the grants, the Secretary shall give preference to projects located in areas that are undergoing extensive repair or reconstruction of transportation infrastructure, including Federal-aid highways, federally owned roads open for public travel, passenger rail facilities, and public transportation facilities. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) 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 Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that states give preference, under the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, to eligible projects that are located in areas that are undergoing extensive repair or reconstruction of transportation infrastructure, including federal-aid highways, federally owned roads open for public travel, passenger rail facilities, and public transportation facilities and that will provide 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.