To reauthorize surface transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities, and for other purposes.

Bill: 111-hr-2569
Sponsor: Rep. Wu, David [D-OR-1]
Introduced: 2009-05-21 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations
Advisory bodies
Air quality
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Department of Transportation
Education programs funding
Energy efficiency and conservation
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental technology
Executive agency funding and structure
Higher education
Motor fuels
Performance measurement
Research administration and funding
Research and development
Roads and highways
Technology transfer and commercialization
Transportation programs funding

Summary:
action_date: 2009-05-21
text: 
Directs the Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) within the Department of Transportation (DOT) to: (1) develop a strategic plan annually to guide DOT surface transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities for the following three years; (2) develop and execute a review process to assess the performance of university transportation centers (UTCs); and (3) report to Congress on how best to strengthen the transfer of transportation-related technology, including through the establishment of transportation technology extension centers at UTCs.
 
Authorizes the Administrator, in order to expand the workforce of transportation professionals, to establish a grant program to fund internships for students participating in the UTC program.
 
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a visiting committee on surface transportation research.
 
Moves the Office of Climate Change and Environment into RITA and requires it to coordinate research, development, and technology transfer activities: (1) that focus on transportation-related emissions and energy reduction strategies; and (2) on the impacts of climate change on surface transportation infrastructure.
 
Revises the surface transportation, research, development, and technology program to direct the Administrator to make grants to institutions of higher education (including consortia) to establish regional UTCs to carry out research, development, and technology transfer activities in the field of green transportation infrastructure (i.e., infrastructure that preserves and restores natural processes, utilizes natural design techniques, and minimizes energy consumption and pollution).
 
Directs the Administrator to: (1) contract with the National Research Council to review the research, development, and technology transfer activities at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research facility; and (2) establish a pavement research, deployment, and education program.
 
Reauthorizes: (1) the surface transportation research, development, and technology program; and (2) university transportation research.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2009-07-15
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
action_date: 2009-07-15
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2009-05-28
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation.
action_date: 2009-05-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.
action_date: 2009-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-05-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-03-31
text: Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation Prior to Introduction and Referral.
action_date: 2009-02-12
text: Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation Prior to Introduction and Referral.