bridge projects described in paragraph (2), to 
employ a substantial number of individuals that 
are trained and certified by a qualified training 
program. 
(4) CERTIFICATION.—For an applicable bridge 
project that includes an aspect described in para-
graph (2), the entity carrying out the project shall 
only accept bids from a certified contractor that pre-
sents written proof that the certification of the con-
tractor meets the relevant (AMPP) SSPC–QP 
standards (or a successor standard). 
(c) TRAINING PROGRAM.—As a condition of entering 
into a contract for an applicable bridge project, each cer-
tified contractor shall provide training for each individual 
who is not a certified coating applicator but that the cer-
tified contractor employs to carry out aspects of applicable 
bridge projects described in subsection (b)(2). 
SEC. 3. AVAILABILITY OF FEDERAL GRANT FUNDING FOR 
CORROSION 
CONTROL 
WORK 
ON 
RAIL 
BRIDGES. 
Section 22402(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘or’’ at 
the end; 
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(2) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as sub-
paragraph (G); and 
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(F) to perform corrosion control work on 
rail bridges; or’’. 
SEC. 4. STUDY ON EFFICACY OF WEATHERING STEEL. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— 
(1) weathering steel is often used for bridge 
construction projects because of its ability to with-
stand weather conditions better than other forms of 
steel; 
(2) the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge in 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in January 2022 high-
lights the real threat that corrosion poses to the 
bridges of the United States; 
(3) 
more 
research 
is 
needed 
into 
the 
vulnerabilities of weathering steel; and 
(4) States and units of local government need 
more information on when and how to address the 
risk of corrosion to weathering steel. 
(b) STUDY.—Not later than 18 months after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation 
shall— 
(1) carry out a study on best practices for— 
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(A) the frequency and method of inspect-
ing corrosion on weathering steel bridges; and 
(B) addressing corrosion on weathering 
steel bridges; 
(2) submit to the Committee on Environment 
and Public Works of the Senate, the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen-
ate, and the Committee on Transportation and In-
frastructure of the House of Representatives a re-
port on the results of the study under paragraph 
(1); and 
(3) make the report under paragraph (2) avail-
able to State departments of transportation, metro-
politan planning organizations (as defined in section 
134(b) of title 23, United States Code), regional 
transportation planning organizations (as defined in 
that section), and units of local government that 
own bridge assets. 
Æ 
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