I 
111TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 4287 
To establish an Office of Livability in the Office of the Secretary of 
Transportation, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
DECEMBER 11, 2009 
Mr. COHEN introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure 
A BILL 
To establish an Office of Livability in the Office of the 
Secretary of Transportation, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Enhancing Livability 
for All Americans Act of 2009’’. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 
Congress finds the following: 
(1) Since the creation of the Interstate System, 
United States surface transportation has been de-
fined by the use of personal motor vehicles. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
(2) The focus on automobiles has afforded the 
people of the United States increased mobility and 
interconnectivity, but has also resulted in increased 
congestion, higher greenhouse gas emissions, and a 
reduced focus on other modes of surface transpor-
tation. 
(3) Between 1955 and 2005, vehicle miles trav-
eled in the United States increased fivefold, bringing 
with it an escalation in traffic congestion. 
(4) Each year, Americans spend 4,200,000,000 
hours in traffic congestion, burning 2,900,000,000 
gallons of fuel. 
(5) Wasted time and fuel result in a 
$78,000,000,000 annual congestion tax, creating a 
financial drain on individuals and the economy as a 
whole. 
(6) The transportation sector accounts for 22 
percent of the greenhouse gases emitted annually in 
the United States, with 60 percent of the emissions 
coming from personal motor vehicle use. 
(7) Transportation costs account for approxi-
mately 18 percent of an average household’s expend-
itures. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
(8) Over reliance on automobiles can have ad-
verse impacts on public health, both through less-
ened physical activity and from increased pollutants. 
(9) In order to reduce the financial, environ-
mental, and quality of life impacts of traffic conges-
tion and to create modal choice for all users, the 
United States transportation system must include 
alternate modes of transportation to complement 
personal motor vehicle travel, including public tran-
sit, walking, and bicycling. 
(10) Public transit, walking, and bicycling are 
sustainable modes of transportation that result in 
5,600,000,000 gallons of fuel savings and reduce 
carbon dioxide emissions by 49,000,000 metric tons 
each year. 
(11) Sustainable modes of transportation can 
provide affordable transportation choices and have 
the ability to reduce the transportation cost burden. 
(12) Bicyclists and pedestrians are intended 
users of the surface transportation system, except 
where prohibited by law, and it is the policy of the 
Federal Government to encourage maximum accessi-
bility and safety with respect to the surface trans-
portation system for bicyclists and pedestrians as in-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
tended users when designing and constructing sur-
face transportation facilities. 
(13) In order to provide access to sustainable 
modes of transportation, land use and planning deci-
sions must include consideration of transportation 
options. 
(14) A modally balanced surface transportation 
system will benefit all users through improved acces-
sibility, mobility, and quality of life. 
(15) Increasing the availability and use of sus-
tainable modes of transportation and the develop-
ment of livable communities are priorities of the 
United States. 
SEC. 3. OFFICE OF LIVABILITY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 3 of title 23, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘§ 330. Office of Livability 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall estab-
lish within the Office of the Secretary an office to be 
known as the ‘Office of Livability’ (in this section referred 
to as the ‘Office’) to— 
‘‘(1) provide funding, leadership, and support 
for transportation projects, planning, and policies at 
all levels of government that enhance livability; and 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) work to create and maintain a safe, reli-
able, integrated, and accessible transportation net-
work that improves the economic and social well- 
being of the people of the United States by enhanc-
ing choices for transportation users that— 
‘‘(A) provide easy access to employment 
opportunities and other destinations; and 
‘‘(B) promote positive effects on the sur-
rounding community and environment. 
‘‘(b) DIRECTOR.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Office shall be headed 
by a director who shall be known as the ‘‘Director 
of the Office of Livability’’ (in this section referred 
to as the ‘Director’) and who shall be appointed by 
the Secretary. 
‘‘(2) DUTIES.—The duties of the Director shall 
be to— 
‘‘(A) manage the programs of the Office; 
‘‘(B) provide leadership within the Depart-
ment of Transportation and throughout the 
United States with respect to Federal livability 
transportation policies; and 
‘‘(C) work collaboratively to ensure the ex-
peditious and successful implementation of the 
projects and programs of other offices within 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
the Department of Transportation relating to 
livability. 
‘‘(c) GRANT PROGRAMS.—The Director shall estab-
lish and carry out the grant programs established under 
this section by— 
‘‘(1) developing applications and criteria for the 
programs; 
‘‘(2) issuing regulations with respect to the pro-
grams; 
‘‘(3) selecting the recipients of grants under the 
programs; 
‘‘(4) creating performance measures for recipi-
ents of grants under the programs; 
‘‘(5) monitoring and evaluating the performance 
of recipients of grants under the programs; 
‘‘(6) developing technical assistance and other 
guidance to assist potential applicants, applicants, 
and recipients of grants under the programs; and 
‘‘(7) carrying out other activities with respect to 
the programs determined necessary by the Director. 
‘‘(d) GRANT PROGRAM FOR PROJECTS.— 
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Director shall es-
tablish and carry out a grant program (in this sub-
section referred to as the ‘program’) to award grants 
on a competitive basis to eligible entities specified in 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
paragraph (2) to assist capital investments in sur-
face transportation projects that have a significant 
impact on a region, metropolitan area, community, 
or neighborhood. 
‘‘(2) ELIGIBLE
ENTITIES.—For purposes of 
paragraph (1), the following are eligible entities: 
‘‘(A) A State government. 
‘‘(B) A local government. 
‘‘(C) The government of a territory of the 
United States. 
‘‘(D) The government of an Indian tribe. 
‘‘(E) A transit agency. 
‘‘(F) A port authority. 
‘‘(G) A metropolitan planning organiza-
tion. 
‘‘(H) Any other political subdivision of a 
State or local government. 
‘‘(I) A multimodal or multi-State entity 
composed of entities specified in subparagraphs 
(A) through (H). 
‘‘(3) 
ELIGIBILITY
AND
PRIORITY
OF 
PROJECTS.— 
‘‘(A) ELIGIBILITY.—A grant under the 
program shall be used for a transportation 
project that enhances livability. To be eligible 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
for a grant under the program, an applicant 
must demonstrate the following: 
‘‘(i) The proposed project of the appli-
cant will take place in a community with a 
transportation system characterized by, in 
the determination of the Director, a major-
ity of the following: 
‘‘(I) Poor accessibility with re-
spect to job centers, schools, and 
other urban areas in the region. 
‘‘(II) Limited transportation op-
tions for residents, particularly for in-
dividuals living in high-poverty areas, 
the elderly, and individuals with a dis-
ability. 
‘‘(III) Limited access and safety 
with respect to all transportation 
modes, including bicycling and walk-
ing, and an overall record of poor 
transportation safety. 
‘‘(IV) 
Limited 
connectivity 
among existing transportation modes. 
‘‘(V) Significant congestion. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(VI) Significant urban sprawl 
characterized by low population den-
sity. 
‘‘(VII) Poor air and water qual-
ity. 
‘‘(VIII) Limited green space and 
greenways. 
‘‘(IX) An excessive average vehi-
cle miles traveled per resident. 
‘‘(ii) The applicant has established 
performance measures to evaluate the ef-
fectiveness of the proposed project. 
‘‘(iii) The applicant will utilize context 
sensitive solutions and public involvement 
in project development to ensure that the 
project reflects community and environ-
mental values. 
‘‘(iv) There is a commitment to imple-
mentation of the proposed project on the 
part of key local political leadership and 
stakeholder groups, including metropolitan 
planning organizations. 
‘‘(v) The proposed project is able to 
begin implementation not later than one 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
year after the date on which grant 
amounts are received. 
‘‘(B) PRIORITIES.—The Director shall give 
priority in awarding grants under the program 
to transportation projects that include at least 
two or more of the following: 
‘‘(i) Provision of an increased number 
of transportation options, including bicy-
cling and walking, to improve access to 
housing, jobs, businesses, services, and so-
cial activities, particularly for low-income 
individuals and populations without access 
to a motor vehicle. 
‘‘(ii) Design of streets and transit and 
rail stations to enable safe and equitable 
access for all users. 
‘‘(iii) Improvement of the safety of a 
transportation system, facility, or network. 
‘‘(iv) Reduction of greenhouse gas and 
criteria pollutant emissions, enhancement 
of wildlife habitat, or an increase in green 
spaces. 
‘‘(v) Reduction of exposure to criteria 
pollutants and other public health risks, 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
particularly for low-income and at-risk 
communities. 
‘‘(vi) Use of innovative land use strat-
egies to better coordinate transportation, 
housing, and development. 
‘‘(vii) Strong collaboration among a 
broad range of participants or the integra-
tion of transportation projects with other 
public service efforts. 
‘‘(viii) Revitalization of main streets 
and downtowns by making transportation 
improvements that encourage greater use 
of such areas. 
‘‘(ix) Support for community in-fill, 
transit-oriented development, or neighbor-
hood revitalization activities. 
‘‘(x) Support for goals or projects in-
cluded in a long range transportation plan. 
‘‘(4) SIZE
DIVERSITY.—In awarding grants 
under the program, the Director shall award— 
‘‘(A) at least 25 percent of the amount 
available for grants under the program to 
projects located in communities with a popu-
lation of not more than 200,000 individuals 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
(which may include amounts awarded pursuant 
to subparagraph (B)); and 
‘‘(B) at least 10 percent of the amount 
available for grants under the program to 
projects located in communities with a popu-
lation of not more than 50,000 individuals. 
‘‘(5) AVAILABILITY
OF
AMOUNTS.—Amounts 
made available to a recipient of a grant under the 
program shall remain available for the 3 fiscal years 
beginning after the fiscal year in which amounts are 
provided. Amounts unobligated by the recipient at 
the end of such period shall be redistributed by the 
Director to other eligible entities under the program. 
‘‘(6) ANNUAL REPORT.—As a condition of re-
ceiving a grant under the program, the recipient of 
the grant shall submit to the Director, each fiscal 
year in which the grant amounts are received, a re-
port that, at a minimum— 
‘‘(A) lists and describes the projects and 
activities carried out by the recipient during the 
fiscal year; and 
‘‘(B) describes and analyzes the impact of 
the projects and activities with respect to the 
objectives of programs and activities under this 
section. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(e) GRANT
PROGRAM
FOR
INNOVATIVE
PLAN-
NING.— 
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Director shall es-
tablish and carry out a grant program (in this sub-
section referred to as the ‘program’) to award grants 
on a competitive basis to eligible entities specified in 
paragraph (2) to assist communities in developing 
strategic growth plans that provide a vision and 
goals for development with respect to at least a 20- 
year period and that integrate long-term transpor-
tation and land use planning. 
‘‘(2) ELIGIBLE
ENTITIES.—For purposes of 
paragraph (1), the following are eligible entities: 
‘‘(A) A State government. 
‘‘(B) A regional planning organization. 
‘‘(C) A metropolitan planning organization. 
‘‘(D) A local government. 
‘‘(3) PRIORITY
FOR
GRANTS.—The Director 
shall give priority in awarding grants under the pro-
gram to applicants that demonstrate the following: 
‘‘(A) The proposed strategic growth plan 
of the applicant is for a community with a 
transportation system characterized by, in the 
determination of the Director, a majority of the 
following: 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(i) Poor accessibility with respect to 
job centers, schools, and other urban areas 
in the region. 
‘‘(ii) Limited transportation options 
for residents, particularly for individuals 
living in high-poverty areas, the elderly, 
and individuals with a disability. 
‘‘(iii) Limited access and safety with 
respect to all transportation modes, includ-
ing bicycling and walking, and an overall 
record of poor transportation safety. 
‘‘(iv) Limited connectivity among ex-
isting transportation modes. 
‘‘(v) Significant congestion. 
‘‘(vi) Significant urban sprawl charac-
terized by low population density. 
‘‘(vii) Poor air and water quality. 
‘‘(viii) Limited green space and green-
ways. 
‘‘(ix) An excessive average vehicle 
miles traveled per resident. 
‘‘(B) Multijurisdictional partnerships and 
engagement with local jurisdictions, transit 
agencies and service providers, and housing and 
land use entities. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(C) The ability to complete a strategic 
growth plan in an effective and timely manner. 
‘‘(D) The ability to incorporate the stra-
tegic growth plan into a long range transpor-
tation plan. 
‘‘(4) REQUIREMENTS ON STRATEGIC GROWTH 
PLANS.—A strategic growth plan for which a grant 
is awarded under the program shall develop a vision 
and goals for enhancing livability. The recipient of 
a grant under the program shall coordinate with 
local jurisdictions, transit agencies and service pro-
viders, and housing and land use entities and shall 
develop a strategic growth plan that— 
‘‘(A) furthers the creation of livable com-
munities; 
‘‘(B) incorporates the development of fea-
sible steps for implementing the plan, including 
interjurisdictional agreements that provide for 
cooperative and coordinated approaches to 
achieving plan goals; 
‘‘(C) assesses projected regional population 
growth or loss and other demographic changes, 
including by creating 2 to 4 alternative growth 
scenarios; 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(D) assesses how regional population 
growth or loss and other demographic changes 
may impact the need for housing, community 
development, and transportation, including pub-
lic transportation, in the region; 
‘‘(E) assesses existing transportation cor-
ridors and includes strategies for maintaining 
the corridors and for enhancing development 
along the corridors; 
‘‘(F) assesses the accessibility of job cen-
ters in the region with respect to public trans-
portation facilities and housing, including af-
fordable and public housing; 
‘‘(G) assesses transportation options in the 
region, including— 
‘‘(i) public transportation options, in-
cluding intercity and high-speed rail; 
‘‘(ii) options for individuals with low 
incomes, individuals living in high-poverty 
areas, the elderly, and individuals with a 
disability; and 
‘‘(iii) any obstacles to providing access 
to locations that offer employment oppor-
tunities, including those in other urban 
areas in the region; 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(H) assesses the daily vehicle miles trav-
eled in the region and the opportunities for re-
ducing growth in daily vehicle miles traveled 
and traffic congestion in the region; 
‘‘(I) assesses the environmental and public 
health needs of the region and incorporates 
strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emis-
sions, improving air and water quality, and re-
mediating brownfield sites; 
‘‘(J) includes strategies for adding new ca-
pacity for public transportation and increasing 
ridership on public transportation; 
‘‘(K) includes strategies for supporting the 
development of location-efficient and transit-ori-
ented development; 
‘‘(L) includes strategies for revitalizing 
communities, neighborhoods, and commercial 
centers by supporting existing infrastructure; 
‘‘(M) includes strategies for coordinating 
the provision of transportation services to indi-
viduals with low incomes, the elderly, and indi-
viduals with a disability; 
‘‘(N) includes strategies for reducing the 
costs of housing and transportation, particu-
larly for low-income households; and 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(O) assesses public lands and waters and 
includes strategies for maintaining or enhancing 
the amount of public lands and waters. 
‘‘(5) SIZE
DIVERSITY.—In awarding grants 
under the program, the Director shall award— 
‘‘(A) at least 25 percent of the amount 
available for grants under the program to plans 
for communities with a population of not more 
than 200,000 individuals (which may include 
amounts awarded pursuant to subparagraph 
(B)); and 
‘‘(B) at least 10 percent of the amount 
available for grants under the program to plans 
for communities with a population of not more 
than 50,000 individuals. 
‘‘(6) AVAILABILITY
OF
AMOUNTS.—Amounts 
made available to a recipient of a grant under the 
program shall remain available for the 3 fiscal years 
beginning after the fiscal year in which amounts are 
provided. Amounts unobligated by the recipient at 
the end of such period shall be redistributed by the 
Director to other eligible entities under the program. 
‘‘(7) MAXIMUM GRANT AMOUNTS.—The Direc-
tor shall establish the maximum amount of a grant 
under the program for each of the following: 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(A) Recipients developing a strategic 
growth plan for a community with a population 
of not more than 50,000 individuals. 
‘‘(B) Recipients developing a strategic 
growth plan for a community with a population 
of more than 50,000 individuals and not more 
than 200,000 individuals. 
‘‘(C) Recipients developing a strategic 
growth plan for a community with a population 
of more than 200,000 individuals and not more 
than 1,000,000 individuals. 
‘‘(D) Recipients developing a strategic 
growth plan for a community with a population 
of more than 1,000,000 individuals and not 
more than 3,000,000 individuals. 
‘‘(E) Recipients developing a strategic 
growth plan for a community with a population 
of more than 3,000,000 individuals. 
‘‘(8) ANNUAL REPORT.—As a condition of re-
ceiving a grant under the program, the recipient of 
the grant shall submit to the Director, each fiscal 
year in which the grant amounts are received, a re-
port that, at a minimum— 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(A) lists and describes the projects and 
activities carried out by the recipient during the 
fiscal year; 
‘‘(B) describes and analyzes the impact of 
the projects and activities with respect to the 
objectives of programs and activities under this 
section; 
‘‘(C) includes a set of performance meas-
ures to evaluate the strategic growth plan of 
the recipient, including measures with respect 
to the evaluation of economic development, 
quality of life, transportation costs, public 
health and safety, equitable access to transpor-
tation options, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas 
emission reductions and other environmental 
impacts, and transportation system conditions 
and connectivity; and 
‘‘(D) describes innovative planning and 
public participation methods developed and im-
plemented, including for engaging regional em-
ployers, public health and housing providers, 
and transportation users, including individuals 
with low incomes, the elderly, and individuals 
with a disability; 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(f) DEVELOPMENT OF STATISTICAL AND ANALYT-
ICAL CAPABILITIES.—The Director shall develop statis-
tical and analytical capabilities, in conjunction, when ap-
propriate, with other entities in the executive branch (in-
cluding the Environmental Protection Agency and the De-
partment of Housing and Urban Development) and with 
other entities within the Department of Transportation 
(including other offices within the Federal Highway Ad-
ministration, the Federal Transit Administration, the 
Federal Railroad Administration, the National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration, and the Bureau of Trans-
portation Statistics) to ascertain, and shall determine, the 
following using the best available research methodologies: 
‘‘(1) The percentage of trips taken throughout 
the United States each year using each of the fol-
lowing modes of transportation: 
‘‘(A) Motor vehicle travel. 
‘‘(B) Public transit, including ferries. 
‘‘(C) Walking. 
‘‘(D) Bicycling. 
‘‘(E) Intercity rail and bus travel. 
‘‘(2) The economic, public health, and environ-
mental benefits derived due to the percentage of 
trips taken annually using sustainable modes of 
transportation. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(3) Benefits that may be achieved with an in-
crease in the percentage of trips taken annually 
using sustainable modes of transportation. 
‘‘(4) An affordability index that illustrates the 
transportation and housing costs associated with liv-
ing in specific locations. 
‘‘(5) Any other information relating to the sta-
tus and expansion of sustainable modes of transpor-
tation and livable communities that the Director de-
termines is necessary. 
‘‘(g) EXECUTIVE BRANCH COORDINATION.—The Di-
rector shall work collaboratively with other executive 
branch agencies, including the Department of Housing 
and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection 
Agency, the Department of the Interior, and the Depart-
ment of Health and Human Services, to exchange infor-
mation, carry out joint planning and research, and con-
duct other activities that promote the development of liv-
able communities, increase transportation choices, and im-
prove the environment, public health, and quality of life. 
‘‘(h) COLLABORATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Director shall work 
collaboratively to ensure the expeditious and success-
ful implementation of projects and programs that 
pertain to livability in offices of the Federal High-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
way Administration, Federal Transit Administration, 
Federal Railroad Administration, and all other oper-
ating administrations within the Department of 
Transportation. Projects and programs that pertain 
to livability include the following: 
‘‘(A) The nonmotorized transportation 
pilot 
program 
under 
section 
1807 
of 
SAFETEA–LU (23 U.S.C. 217 note; 119 Stat. 
1460). 
‘‘(B) Transportation enhancements under 
section 133. 
‘‘(C) The recreational trails program under 
section 206. 
‘‘(D) The national scenic byways program 
under section 162. 
‘‘(E) Other programs of the Department of 
Transportation identified by the Secretary as 
contributing significantly to improved livability. 
‘‘(2) EFFECT ON LOCATION OF PROGRAMS.— 
Programs specified under paragraph (1) shall re-
main in the modal location in effect before the date 
of enactment of this section. A program relating to 
livability established after the date of enactment of 
this section may be situated in any modal location 
in the Department of Transportation, at the discre-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
tion of the Secretary, unless otherwise mandated by 
Act of Congress. 
‘‘(i) DEVELOPMENT AND DISSEMINATION OF BEST 
PRACTICES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Office shall act as a 
leadership resource to develop and disseminate infor-
mation on best practices and provide technical as-
sistance or other training to States, regional and 
local governmental entities, and Indian tribes relat-
ing to, at a minimum, the following: 
‘‘(A) Promotion of the integration of land 
use planning and transit-oriented development 
to support the creation of livable communities. 
‘‘(B) Fostering multimodal transportation 
systems and effective multimodal connections. 
‘‘(C) The expeditious delivery of non-
motorized transportation projects. 
‘‘(D) Innovative design of nonmotorized 
transportation facilities. 
‘‘(E) Adoption and implementation of com-
prehensive street design policies and principles 
and practical design standards. 
‘‘(F) Reduction of greenhouse gas emis-
sions and other criteria pollutants. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
‘‘(G) Projects, programs, and activities 
that support the achievement of the national 
mode share targets developed under paragraph 
(2). 
‘‘(2) MODE
SHARE
TARGETS.—The Director 
shall develop quantifiable national mode share tar-
gets for sustainable modes of transportation, develop 
a timeline for achievement of the targets, and sup-
port projects, programs, and activities within the 
Department of Transportation and throughout the 
United States in support of the targets. 
‘‘(j) COMPREHENSIVE STREET DESIGN POLICIES 
AND PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICAL DESIGN STANDARDS.— 
The Director shall encourage the adoption and implemen-
tation by States, regional and local governmental entities, 
and Indian tribes of comprehensive street design policies 
and principles and practical design standards through— 
‘‘(1) the development and dissemination of in-
formation on best practices under subsection (i); 
‘‘(2) the provision of technical assistance or 
other training under subsection (i); and 
‘‘(3) the creation or compilation of model com-
prehensive street design policies and principles and 
practical design standards and the dissemination of 
information relating to such models to States, met-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS
ropolitan planning organizations, and other appro-
priate governmental entities. 
‘‘(k) LIVABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY, 
AND
PLAN-
NING.—The Director shall compile information and pro-
vide technical assistance, training, and information con-
cerning best practices to States and metropolitan planning 
organizations to assist such entities in achieving compli-
ance with livability and sustainability requirements and 
performance targets. 
‘‘(l) FUNDING.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—There is authorized to be 
appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other 
than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out this 
section $750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 
through 2015. 
‘‘(2) CONTRACT
AUTHORITY.—Funds made 
available to carry out this section shall be available 
for obligation and administered in the same manner 
as if the funds were apportioned under chapter 1.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for such 
chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘330. Office of Livability.’’. 
Æ 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
05:48 Dec 12, 2009
Jkt 089200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\H4287.IH
H4287
tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with BILLS