Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1931
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2021-05-27
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Accidents

Advanced technology and technological innovations

Advisory bodies

Appalachian Regional Commission

Atmospheric science and weather

Aviation and airports

Congressional oversight

Disaster relief and insurance

Economic development

Economic performance and conditions

Emergency planning and evacuation

Energy research

Energy storage, supplies, demand

Environmental assessment, monitoring, research

Floods and storm protection

Government information and archives

Government lending and loan guarantees

Government studies and investigations

Government trust funds

Horticulture and plants

Indian lands and resources rights

Infrastructure development

Insects

Kentucky

Lighting, heating, cooling

Materials

Motor carriers

Motor vehicles

Natural disasters

Oil and gas

Oklahoma

Pedestrians and bicycling

Public transit

Public-private cooperation

Regional and metropolitan planning

Roads and highways

Rural conditions and development

State and local government operations

Terrorism

Transportation costs

Transportation programs funding

Transportation safety and security

Wildlife conservation and habitat protection
Latest action: action_date: 2021-10-06
text: By Senator Carper from Committee on Environment and Public Works filed written report. Report No. 117-41.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-05-27
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p><strong>Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021</strong></p> <p>This bill reauthorizes through FY2026, revises, and establishes multiple transportation programs and activities, including those supported by the Highway Trust Fund.</p> <p>This includes</p> <ul> <li>incorporating data-driven practices and other changes to transportation planning activities;</li> <li>modifying requirements concerning contracting methods, compliance with federal environmental laws, and additional aspects of delivering and improving processes related to transportation projects;</li> <li>mitigating climate change through, among other efforts, programs to reduce emissions and supporting alternative fueling infrastructure; and</li> <li>addressing transportation safety, new transportation technologies and systems, storm water management, cybersecurity, active transportation, and other miscellaneous matters.</li> </ul> <p>In addition, the bill modifies eligibility criteria and other elements of a program that provides loans and other types of credit for surface transportation projects of regional and national significance.</p> <p>Further, the bill makes changes to research and related activities carried out by the Department of Transportation (DOT). For example, DOT must carry out and support research on (1) user-based alternative revenue mechanisms to support the Highway Trust Fund, (2) automated vehicles and other new technologies, and (3) development of data sets to measure performance and other aspects of transportation programs.</p> <p>The bill also authorizes through FY2026 funding for the Department of the Interior for road maintenance and otherwise addresses transportation programs for Indian tribes.</p>

action_date: 2021-05-27
action_desc: Reported to Senate
text: <p><strong>Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021</strong></p> <p>This bill reauthorizes through FY2026, revises, and establishes multiple transportation programs and activities, including those supported by the Highway Trust Fund.</p> <p>This includes</p> <ul> <li>incorporating data-driven practices and other changes to transportation planning activities;</li> <li>modifying requirements concerning contracting methods, compliance with federal environmental laws, and additional aspects of delivering and improving processes related to transportation projects;</li> <li>mitigating climate change through, among other efforts, programs to reduce emissions and supporting alternative fueling infrastructure; and</li> <li>addressing transportation safety, new transportation technologies and systems, storm water management, cybersecurity, active transportation, and other miscellaneous matters.</li> </ul> <p>In addition, the bill modifies eligibility criteria and other elements of a program that provides loans and other types of credit for surface transportation projects of regional and national significance.</p> <p>Further, the bill makes changes to research and related activities carried out by the Department of Transportation (DOT). For example, DOT must carry out and support research on (1) user-based alternative revenue mechanisms to support the Highway Trust Fund, (2) automated vehicles and other new technologies, and (3) development of data sets to measure performance and other aspects of transportation programs.</p> <p>The bill also authorizes through FY2026 funding for the Department of the Interior for road maintenance and otherwise addresses transportation programs for Indian tribes.</p>

tv_txt: II Calendar No. 64 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1931 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 27, 2021 Mr. Carper , from the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate , reported the following original bill; which was read twice and placed on the calendar A BILL To amend title 23, United States Code, to authorize funds for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. Sec. 3. Effective date. TITLE I—Federal-aid highways Subtitle A—Authorizations and programs Sec. 1101. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 1102. Obligation ceiling. Sec. 1103. Definitions. Sec. 1104. Apportionment. Sec. 1105. National highway performance program. Sec. 1106. Emergency relief. Sec. 1107. Federal share payable. Sec. 1108. Railway-highway grade crossings. Sec. 1109. Surface transportation block grant program. Sec. 1110. Nationally significant freight and highway projects. Sec. 1111. Highway safety improvement program. Sec. 1112. Federal lands transportation program. Sec. 1113. Federal lands access program. Sec. 1114. National highway freight program. Sec. 1115. Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program. Sec. 1116. Alaska Highway. Sec. 1117. Toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries. Sec. 1118. Bridge investment program. Sec. 1119. Safe routes to school. Sec. 1120. Highway use tax evasion projects. Sec. 1121. Construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities. Sec. 1122. Vulnerable road user research. Sec. 1123. Wildlife crossing safety. Sec. 1124. Consolidation of programs. Sec. 1125. State freight advisory committees. Sec. 1126. Territorial and Puerto Rico highway program. Sec. 1127. Nationally significant Federal lands and Tribal projects program. Sec. 1128. Tribal high priority projects program. Sec. 1129. Standards. Sec. 1130. Public transportation. Sec. 1131. Rural opportunities to use transportation for economic success council. Sec. 1132. Reservation of certain funds. Sec. 1133. Rural surface transportation grant program. Sec. 1134. Bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways. Sec. 1135. Recreational trails program. Sec. 1136. Updates to Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Subtitle B—Planning and performance management Sec. 1201. Transportation planning. Sec. 1202. Fiscal constraint on long-range transportation plans. Sec. 1203. State human capital plans. Sec. 1204. Prioritization process pilot program. Sec. 1205. Travel demand data and modeling. Sec. 1206. Increasing safe and accessible transportation options. Subtitle C—Project delivery and process improvement Sec. 1301. Codification of One Federal Decision. Sec. 1302. Work zone process reviews. Sec. 1303. Transportation management plans. Sec. 1304. Intelligent transportation systems. Sec. 1305. Alternative contracting methods. Sec. 1306. Flexibility for projects. Sec. 1307. Improved Federal-State stewardship and oversight agreements. Sec. 1308. Geomatic data. Sec. 1309. Evaluation of projects within an operational right-of-way. Sec. 1310. Preliminary engineering. Sec. 1311. Efficient implementation of NEPA for Federal land management projects. Sec. 1312. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 reporting program. Sec. 1313. Surface transportation project delivery program written agreements. Sec. 1314. State assumption of responsibility for categorical exclusions. Sec. 1315. Early utility relocation prior to transportation project environmental review. Sec. 1316. Streamlining of section 4(f) reviews. Sec. 1317. Categorical exclusion for projects of limited Federal assistance. Sec. 1318. Certain gathering lines located on Federal land and Indian land. Sec. 1319. Annual report. Subtitle D—Climate change Sec. 1401. Grants for charging and fueling infrastructure. Sec. 1402. Reduction of truck emissions at port facilities. Sec. 1403. Carbon reduction program. Sec. 1404. Congestion relief program. Sec. 1405. Freight plans. Sec. 1406. Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) program. Sec. 1407. Healthy Streets program. Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Sec. 1501. Additional deposits into Highway Trust Fund. Sec. 1502. Stopping threats on pedestrians. Sec. 1503. Transfer and sale of toll credits. Sec. 1504. Study of impacts on roads from self-driving vehicles. Sec. 1505. Disaster relief mobilization study. Sec. 1506. Appalachian Regional Commission. Sec. 1507. Denali Commission. Sec. 1508. Requirements for transportation projects carried out through public-private partnerships. Sec. 1509. Reconnecting communities pilot program. Sec. 1510. Cybersecurity tool; cyber coordinator. Sec. 1511. Report on emerging alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure. Sec. 1512. Nonhighway recreational fuel study. Sec. 1513. Buy America. Sec. 1514. High priority corridors on the National Highway System. Sec. 1515. Interstate weight limits. Sec. 1516. Report on air quality improvements. Sec. 1517. Roadside highway safety hardware. Sec. 1518. Permeable pavements study. Sec. 1519. Emergency relief projects. Sec. 1520. Study on stormwater best management practices. Sec. 1521. Stormwater best management practices reports. Sec. 1522. Invasive plant elimination program. Sec. 1523. Over-the-road bus tolling equity. Sec. 1524. Bridge terminology. Sec. 1525. Technical corrections. Sec. 1526. Working group on covered resources. Sec. 1527. Blood transport vehicles. Sec. 1528. Pollinator-friendly practices on roadsides and highway rights-of-way. Sec. 1529. Active transportation infrastructure investment program. TITLE II—Transportation infrastructure finance and innovation Sec. 2001. Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1998 amendments. TITLE III—Research, technology, and education Sec. 3001. Strategic innovation for revenue collection. Sec. 3002. National motor vehicle per-mile user fee pilot. Sec. 3003. Performance management data support program. Sec. 3004. Data integration pilot program. Sec. 3005. Emerging technology research pilot program. Sec. 3006. Research and technology development and deployment. Sec. 3007. Workforce development, training, and education. Sec. 3008. Wildlife-vehicle collision research. Sec. 3009. Transportation Resilience and Adaptation Centers of Excellence. Sec. 3010. Transportation access pilot program. TITLE IV—Indian Affairs Sec. 4001. Definition of Secretary. Sec. 4002. Environmental reviews for certain tribal transportation facilities. Sec. 4003. Programmatic agreements for tribal categorical exclusions. Sec. 4004. Use of certain tribal transportation funds. Sec. 4005. Bureau of Indian Affairs road maintenance program. Sec. 4006. Study of road maintenance on Indian land. Sec. 4007. Maintenance of certain Indian reservation roads. Sec. 4008. Tribal transportation safety needs. Sec. 4009. Office of Tribal Government Affairs. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Department The term Department means the Department of Transportation. (2) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation. 3. Effective date This Act and the amendments made by this Act take effect on October 1, 2021. I Federal-aid highways A Authorizations and programs 1101. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general The following amounts are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account): (1) Federal-aid highway program For the national highway performance program under section 119 of title 23, United States Code, the surface transportation block grant program under section 133 of that title, the highway safety improvement program under section 148 of that title, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under section 149 of that title, the national highway freight program under section 167 of that title, the carbon reduction program under section 175 of that title, to carry out subsection (c) of the PROTECT program under section 176 of that title, and to carry out section 134 of that title— (A) $52,488,065,375 for fiscal year 2022; (B) $53,537,826,683 for fiscal year 2023; (C) $54,608,583,217 for fiscal year 2024; (D) $55,700,754,881 for fiscal year 2025; and (E) $56,814,769,844 for fiscal year 2026. (2) Transportation infrastructure finance and innovation program For credit assistance under the transportation infrastructure finance and innovation program under chapter 6 of title 23, United States Code, $250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (3) Federal lands and tribal transportation programs (A) Tribal transportation program For the tribal transportation program under section 202 of title 23, United States Code— (i) $578,460,000 for fiscal year 2022; (ii) $589,960,000 for fiscal year 2023; (iii) $602,460,000 for fiscal year 2024; (iv) $612,960,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (v) $627,960,000 for fiscal year 2026. (B) Federal lands transportation program (i) In general For the Federal lands transportation program under section 203 of title 23, United States Code— (I) $421,965,000 for fiscal year 2022; (II) $429,965,000 for fiscal year 2023; (III) $438,965,000 for fiscal year 2024; (IV) $447,965,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (V) $455,965,000 for fiscal year 2026. (ii) Allocation Of the amount made available for a fiscal year under clause (i)— (I) the amount for the National Park Service is— (aa) $332,427,450 for fiscal year 2022; (bb) $338,867,450 for fiscal year 2023; (cc) $346,237,450 for fiscal year 2024; (dd) $353,607,450 for fiscal year 2025; and (ee) $360,047,450 for fiscal year 2026; (II) the amount for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is $36,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026; and (III) the amount for the Forest Service is— (aa) $24,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (bb) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (cc) $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (dd) $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (ee) $28,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (C) Federal lands access program For the Federal lands access program under section 204 of title 23, United States Code— (i) $285,975,000 for fiscal year 2022; (ii) $291,975,000 for fiscal year 2023; (iii) $296,975,000 for fiscal year 2024; (iv) $303,975,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (v) $308,975,000 for fiscal year 2026. (4) Territorial and puerto rico highway program For the territorial and Puerto Rico highway program under section 165 of title 23, United States Code— (A) $219,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (B) $224,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (C) $228,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (D) $232,500,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (E) $237,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (5) Nationally significant freight and highway projects For nationally significant freight and highway projects under section 117 of title 23, United States Code— (A) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (B) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (C) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (D) $900,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (E) $900,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (b) Other programs (1) In general The following amounts are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account): (A) Bridge investment program To carry out the bridge investment program under section 124 of title 23, United States Code— (i) $600,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (ii) $640,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (iii) $650,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (iv) $675,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (v) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (B) Congestion relief program To carry out the congestion relief program under section 129(d) of title 23, United States Code, $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (C) Charging and fueling infrastructure grants To carry out section 151(f) of title 23, United States Code— (i) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (ii) $400,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (iii) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (iv) $600,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (v) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (D) Rural surface transportation grant program To carry out the rural surface transportation grant program under section 173 of title 23, United States Code— (i) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (ii) $350,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (iii) $400,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (iv) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (v) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (E) PROTECT grants (i) In general To carry out subsection (d) of the PROTECT program under section 176 of title 23, United States Code, for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026— (I) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (II) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (III) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (IV) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (V) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (ii) Allocation Of the amounts made available under clause (i)— (I) for planning grants under paragraph (3) of that subsection— (aa) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (bb) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (cc) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (dd) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (ee) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; (II) for resilience improvement grants under paragraph (4)(A) of that subsection— (aa) $175,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (bb) $175,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (cc) $210,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (dd) $210,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (ee) $210,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; (III) for community resilience and evacuation route grants under paragraph (4)(B) of that subsection— (aa) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (bb) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (cc) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (dd) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (ee) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and (IV) for at-risk coastal infrastructure grants under paragraph (4)(C) of that subsection— (aa) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (bb) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (cc) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (dd) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (ee) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (F) Reduction of truck emissions at port facilities (i) In general To carry out the reduction of truck emissions at port facilities under section 1402, $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (ii) Treatment Amounts made available under clause (i) shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if those amounts were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code. (G) Nationally significant Federal lands and Tribal projects (i) In general To carry out the nationally significant Federal lands and tribal projects program under section 1123 of the FAST Act ( 23 U.S.C. 201 note; Public Law 114–94 ), $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (ii) Treatment Amounts made available under clause (i) shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if those amounts were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code. (2) General fund (A) Bridge investment program (i) In general In addition to amounts made available under paragraph (1)(A), there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the bridge investment program under section 124 of title 23, United States Code— (I) $600,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (II) $640,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (III) $650,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (IV) $675,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (V) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (ii) Allocation Amounts made available under clause (i) shall be allocated in the same manner as if made available under paragraph (1)(A). (B) Nationally significant Federal lands and Tribal projects program In addition to amounts made available under paragraph (1)(G), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 1123 of the FAST Act ( 23 U.S.C. 201 note; Public Law 114–94 ) $300,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (C) Healthy Streets program There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Healthy Streets program under section 1407 $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (D) Transportation Resilience and Adaptation Centers of Excellence There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 520 of title 23, United States Code, $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (E) Open challenge and research proposal pilot program There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the open challenge and research proposal pilot program under section 3006(e) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (c) Research, technology, and education authorizations (1) In general The following amounts are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account): (A) Highway research and development program To carry out section 503(b) of title 23, United States Code, $147,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (B) Technology and innovation deployment program To carry out section 503(c) of title 23, United States Code, $110,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (C) Training and education To carry out section 504 of title 23, United States Code— (i) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (ii) $25,250,000 for fiscal year 2023; (iii) $25,500,000 for fiscal year 2024; (iv) $25,750,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (v) $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (D) Intelligent transportation systems program To carry out sections 512 through 518 of title 23, United States Code, $110,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (E) University transportation centers program To carry out section 5505 of title 49, United States Code— (i) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (ii) $80,500,000 for fiscal year 2023; (iii) $81,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (iv) $81,500,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (v) $82,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (F) Bureau of transportation statistics To carry out chapter 63 of title 49, United States Code— (i) $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (ii) $26,250,000 for fiscal year 2023; (iii) $26,500,000 for fiscal year 2024; (iv) $26,750,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (v) $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (2) Administration The Federal Highway Administration shall— (A) administer the programs described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1); and (B) in consultation with relevant modal administrations, administer the programs described in paragraph (1)(D). (3) Applicability of title 23, United States Code Amounts authorized to be appropriated by paragraph (1) shall— (A) be available for obligation in the same manner as if those funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, except that the Federal share of the cost of a project or activity carried out using those funds shall be 80 percent, unless otherwise expressly provided by this Act (including the amendments by this Act) or otherwise determined by the Secretary; and (B) remain available until expended and not be transferable, except as otherwise provided by this Act. (d) Pilot programs The following amounts are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account): (1) Wildlife crossings pilot program For the wildlife crossings pilot program under section 171 of title 23, United States Code— (A) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (B) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (C) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (D) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (E) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (2) Prioritization process pilot program (A) In general For the prioritization process pilot program under section 1204, $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (B) Treatment Amounts made available under subparagraph (A) shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if those amounts were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code. (3) Reconnecting communities pilot program (A) Planning grants For planning grants under the reconnecting communities pilot program under section 1509(c), $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (B) Capital construction grants For capital construction grants under the reconnecting communities pilot program under section 1509(d)— (i) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (ii) $68,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (iii) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (iv) $72,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (v) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (C) Treatment Amounts made available under subparagraph (A) or (B) shall be available for obligation in the same manner as if those amounts were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, except that those amounts shall remain available until expended. (e) Disadvantaged business enterprises (1) Findings Congress finds that— (A) while significant progress has occurred due to the establishment of the disadvantaged business enterprise program, discrimination and related barriers continue to pose significant obstacles for minority- and women-owned businesses seeking to do business in Federally assisted surface transportation markets across the United States; (B) the continuing barriers described in subparagraph (A) merit the continuation of the disadvantaged business enterprise program; (C) Congress has received and reviewed testimony and documentation of race and gender discrimination from numerous sources, including congressional hearings and roundtables, scientific reports, reports issued by public and private agencies, news stories, reports of discrimination by organizations and individuals, and discrimination lawsuits, which show that race- and gender-neutral efforts alone are insufficient to address the problem; (D) the testimony and documentation described in subparagraph (C) demonstrate that discrimination across the United States poses a barrier to full and fair participation in surface transportation-related businesses of women business owners and minority business owners and has impacted firm development and many aspects of surface transportation-related business in the public and private markets; and (E) the testimony and documentation described in subparagraph (C) provide a strong basis that there is a compelling need for the continuation of the disadvantaged business enterprise program to address race and gender discrimination in surface transportation-related business. (2) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Small business concern (i) In general The term small business concern means a small business concern (as the term is used in section 3 of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 632 )). (ii) Exclusions The term small business concern does not include any concern or group of concerns controlled by the same socially and economically disadvantaged individual or individuals that have average annual gross receipts during the preceding 3 fiscal years in excess of $26,290,000, as adjusted annually by the Secretary for inflation. (B) Socially and economically disadvantaged individuals The term socially and economically disadvantaged individuals has the meaning given the term in section 8(d) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d) ) and relevant subcontracting regulations issued pursuant to that Act, except that women shall be presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged individuals for purposes of this subsection. (3) Amounts for small business concerns Except to the extent that the Secretary determines otherwise, not less than 10 percent of the amounts made available for any program under this Act (other than section 4004) and section 403 of title 23, United States Code, shall be expended through small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. (4) Annual listing of disadvantaged business enterprises Each State shall annually— (A) survey and compile a list of the small business concerns referred to in paragraph (3) in the State, including the location of the small business concerns in the State; and (B) notify the Secretary, in writing, of the percentage of the small business concerns that are controlled by— (i) women; (ii) socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (other than women); and (iii) individuals who are women and are otherwise socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. (5) Uniform certification (A) In general The Secretary shall establish minimum uniform criteria for use by State governments in certifying whether a concern qualifies as a small business concern for the purpose of this subsection. (B) Inclusions The minimum uniform criteria established under subparagraph (A) shall include, with respect to a potential small business concern— (i) on-site visits; (ii) personal interviews with personnel; (iii) issuance or inspection of licenses; (iv) analyses of stock ownership; (v) listings of equipment; (vi) analyses of bonding capacity; (vii) listings of work completed; (viii) examination of the resumes of principal owners; (ix) analyses of financial capacity; and (x) analyses of the type of work preferred. (6) Reporting The Secretary shall establish minimum requirements for use by State governments in reporting to the Secretary— (A) information concerning disadvantaged business enterprise awards, commitments, and achievements; and (B) such other information as the Secretary determines to be appropriate for the proper monitoring of the disadvantaged business enterprise program. (7) Compliance with court orders Nothing in this subsection limits the eligibility of an individual or entity to receive funds made available under this Act and section 403 of title 23, United States Code, if the entity or person is prevented, in whole or in part, from complying with paragraph (3) because a Federal court issues a final order in which the court finds that a requirement or the implementation of paragraph (3) is unconstitutional. (8) Sense of congress on prompt payment of DBE subcontractors It is the sense of Congress that— (A) the Secretary should take additional steps to ensure that recipients comply with section 26.29 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (the disadvantaged business enterprises prompt payment rule), or any corresponding regulation, in awarding Federally funded transportation contracts under laws and regulations administered by the Secretary; and (B) such additional steps should include increasing the ability of the Department to track and keep records of complaints and to make that information publicly available. 1102. Obligation ceiling (a) General limitation Subject to subsection (e), and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the obligations for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs shall not exceed— (1) $57,473,430,072 for fiscal year 2022; (2) $58,764,510,674 for fiscal year 2023; (3) $60,095,782,888 for fiscal year 2024; (4) $61,314,170,545 for fiscal year 2025; and (5) $62,657,105,821 for fiscal year 2026. (b) Exceptions The limitations under subsection (a) shall not apply to obligations under or for— (1) section 125 of title 23, United States Code; (2) section 147 of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978 ( 23 U.S.C. 144 note; 92 Stat. 2714); (3) section 9 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1981 (95 Stat. 1701); (4) subsections (b) and (j) of section 131 of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (96 Stat. 2119); (5) subsections (b) and (c) of section 149 of the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 (101 Stat. 198); (6) sections 1103 through 1108 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 2027); (7) section 157 of title 23, United States Code (as in effect on June 8, 1998); (8) section 105 of title 23, United States Code (as in effect for fiscal years 1998 through 2004, but only in an amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of those fiscal years); (9) Federal-aid highway programs for which obligation authority was made available under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (112 Stat. 107) or subsequent Acts for multiple years or to remain available until expended, but only to the extent that the obligation authority has not lapsed or been used; (10) section 105 of title 23, United States Code (as in effect for fiscal years 2005 through 2012, but only in an amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of those fiscal years); (11) section 1603 of SAFETEA–LU ( 23 U.S.C. 118 note; 119 Stat. 1248), to the extent that funds obligated in accordance with that section were not subject to a limitation on obligations at the time at which the funds were initially made available for obligation; (12) section 119 of title 23, United States Code (as in effect for fiscal years 2013 through 2015, but only in an amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of those fiscal years); (13) section 119 of title 23, United States Code (as in effect for fiscal years 2016 through 2021, but only in an amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of those fiscal years); and (14) section 119 of title 23, United States Code (but, for fiscal years 2022 through 2026, only in an amount equal to $639,000,000 for each of those fiscal years). (c) Distribution of obligation authority For each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, the Secretary— (1) shall not distribute obligation authority provided by subsection (a) for the fiscal year for— (A) amounts authorized for administrative expenses and programs by section 104(a) of title 23, United States Code; and (B) amounts authorized for the Bureau of Transportation Statistics; (2) shall not distribute an amount of obligation authority provided by subsection (a) that is equal to the unobligated balance of amounts— (A) made available from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs for previous fiscal years the funds for which are allocated by the Secretary (or apportioned by the Secretary under section 175, 176(c), 202, or 204 of title 23, United States Code); and (B) for which obligation authority was provided in a previous fiscal year; (3) shall determine the proportion that— (A) the obligation authority provided by subsection (a) for the fiscal year, less the aggregate of amounts not distributed under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection; bears to (B) the total of the sums authorized to be appropriated for the Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs (other than sums authorized to be appropriated for provisions of law described in paragraphs (1) through (13) of subsection (b) and sums authorized to be appropriated for section 119 of title 23, United States Code, equal to the amount referred to in subsection (b)(14) for the fiscal year), less the aggregate of the amounts not distributed under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection; (4) shall distribute the obligation authority provided by subsection (a), less the aggregate amounts not distributed under paragraphs (1) and (2), for each of the programs (other than programs to which paragraph (1) applies) that are allocated by the Secretary under this Act and title 23, United States Code, or apportioned by the Secretary under section 175, 176(c), 202, or 204 of that title, by multiplying— (A) the proportion determined under paragraph (3); by (B) the amounts authorized to be appropriated for each such program for the fiscal year; and (5) shall distribute the obligation authority provided by subsection (a), less the aggregate amounts not distributed under paragraphs (1) and (2) and the amounts distributed under paragraph (4), for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs that are apportioned by the Secretary under title 23, United States Code (other than the amounts apportioned for the national highway performance program in section 119 of title 23, United States Code, that are exempt from the limitation under subsection (b)(14) and the amounts apportioned under sections 175, 176(c), 202, and 204 of that title) in the proportion that— (A) amounts authorized to be appropriated for the programs that are apportioned under title 23, United States Code, to each State for the fiscal year; bears to (B) the total of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for the programs that are apportioned under title 23, United States Code, to all States for the fiscal year. (d) Redistribution of unused obligation authority Notwithstanding subsection (c), the Secretary shall, after August 1 of each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026— (1) revise a distribution of the obligation authority made available under subsection (c) if an amount distributed cannot be obligated during that fiscal year; and (2) redistribute sufficient amounts to those States able to obligate amounts in addition to those previously distributed during that fiscal year, giving priority to those States having large unobligated balances of funds apportioned under sections 144 (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of MAP–21 ( Public Law 112–141 ; 126 Stat. 405)) and 104 of title 23, United States Code. (e) Applicability of obligation limitations to transportation research programs (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), obligation limitations imposed by subsection (a) shall apply to contract authority for transportation research programs carried out under chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code. (2) Exception Obligation authority made available under paragraph (1) shall— (A) remain available for a period of 4 fiscal years; and (B) be in addition to the amount of any limitation imposed on obligations for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs for future fiscal years. (f) Redistribution of certain authorized funds (1) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of distribution of obligation authority under subsection (c) for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, the Secretary shall distribute to the States any funds (excluding funds authorized for the program under section 202 of title 23, United States Code) that— (A) are authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for Federal-aid highway programs; and (B) the Secretary determines will not be allocated to the States (or will not be apportioned to the States under sections 175, 176(c), and 204 of title 23, United States Code), and will not be available for obligation, for the fiscal year because of the imposition of any obligation limitation for the fiscal year. (2) Ratio Funds shall be distributed under paragraph (1) in the same proportion as the distribution of obligation authority under subsection (c)(5). (3) Availability Funds distributed to each State under paragraph (1) shall be available for any purpose described in section 133(b) of title 23, United States Code. 1103. Definitions Section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (4)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting assessing resilience, after surveying, ; (B) in subparagraph (G), by striking and at the end; (C) by redesignating subparagraph (H) as subparagraph (I); and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following: (H) improvements that reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions, such as wildlife crossing structures; and ; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (17) through (34) as paragraphs (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (23), (25), (26), (27), (28), (29), (30), (31), (32), (33), (34), (35), and (36), respectively; (3) by inserting after paragraph (16) the following: (17) Natural infrastructure The term natural infrastructure means infrastructure that uses, restores, or emulates natural ecological processes and— (A) is created through the action of natural physical, geological, biological, and chemical processes over time; (B) is created by human design, engineering, and construction to emulate or act in concert with natural processes; or (C) involves the use of plants, soils, and other natural features, including through the creation, restoration, or preservation of vegetated areas using materials appropriate to the region to manage stormwater and runoff, to attenuate flooding and storm surges, and for other related purposes. ; (4) by inserting after paragraph (23) (as so redesignated) the following: (24) Resilience The term resilience , with respect to a project, means a project with the ability to anticipate, prepare for, or adapt to conditions or withstand, respond to, or recover rapidly from disruptions, including the ability— (A) (i) to resist hazards or withstand impacts from weather events and natural disasters; or (ii) to reduce the magnitude or duration of impacts of a disruptive weather event or natural disaster on a project; and (B) to have the absorptive capacity, adaptive capacity, and recoverability to decrease project vulnerability to weather events or other natural disasters. ; and (5) in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (32) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; (B) by striking through the implementation and inserting the following: “through— (i) the implementation ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (ii) the consideration of incorporating natural infrastructure. . 1104. Apportionment (a) Administrative expenses Section 104(a)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (E) and inserting the following: (A) $490,964,697 for fiscal year 2022; (B) $500,783,991 for fiscal year 2023; (C) $510,799,671 for fiscal year 2024; (D) $521,015,664 for fiscal year 2025; and (E) $531,435,977 for fiscal year 2026. . (b) Division among programs of State share Section 104(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended in subsection (b)— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting the carbon reduction program under section 175, to carry out subsection (c) of the PROTECT program under section 176, before and to carry out section 134 ; (2) in paragraph (1), by striking 63.7 percent and inserting 59.0771195921461 percent ; (3) in paragraph (2), by striking 29.3 percent and inserting 28.7402203421251 percent ; (4) in paragraph (3), by striking 7 percent and inserting 6.70605141316253 percent ; (5) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program (A) In general For the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, an amount determined for the State under subparagraphs (B) and (C). (B) Total amount The total amount for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program for all States shall be— (i) $2,536,490,803 for fiscal year 2022; (ii) $2,587,220,620 for fiscal year 2023; (iii) $2,638,965,032 for fiscal year 2024; (iv) $2,691,744,332 for fiscal year 2025; and (v) $2,745,579,213 for fiscal year 2026. (C) State share For each fiscal year, the Secretary shall distribute among the States the total amount for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under subparagraph (B) so that each State receives an amount equal to the proportion that— (i) the amount apportioned to the State for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program for fiscal year 2020; bears to (ii) the total amount of funds apportioned to all States for that program for fiscal year 2020. ; (6) in paragraph (5)— (A) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) Total amount The total amount set aside for the national highway freight program for all States shall be— (i) $1,373,932,519 for fiscal year 2022; (ii) $1,401,411,169 for fiscal year 2023; (iii) $1,429,439,392 for fiscal year 2024; (iv) $1,458,028,180 for fiscal year 2025; and (v) $1,487,188,740 for fiscal year 2026. ; and (B) by striking subparagraph (D); and (7) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting the following: (6) Metropolitan planning (A) In general To carry out section 134, an amount determined for the State under subparagraphs (B) and (C). (B) Total amount The total amount for metropolitan planning for all States shall be— (i) $ 438,121,139 for fiscal year 2022; (ii) $446,883,562 for fiscal year 2023; (iii) $455,821,233 for fiscal year 2024; (iv) $464,937,657 for fiscal year 2025; and (v) $474,236,409 for fiscal year 2026. (C) State share For each fiscal year, the Secretary shall distribute among the States the total amount to carry out section 134 under subparagraph (B) so that each State receives an amount equal to the proportion that— (i) the amount apportioned to the State to carry out section 134 for fiscal year 2020; bears to (ii) the total amount of funds apportioned to all States to carry out section 134 for fiscal year 2020. (7) Carbon reduction program For the carbon reduction program under section 175, 2.56266964565637 percent of the amount remaining after distributing amounts under paragraphs (4), (5), and (6). (8) PROTECT formula program To carry out subsection (c) of the PROTECT program under section 176, 2.91393900690991 percent of the amount remaining after distributing amounts under paragraphs (4), (5), and (6). . (c) Calculation of amounts Section 104(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking each of fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and inserting fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter ; (B) in subparagraph (A)— (i) by striking clause (i) and inserting the following: (i) the base apportionment; by ; and (ii) in clause (ii)(I), by striking fiscal year 2015 and inserting fiscal year 2021 ; and (C) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) Guaranteed amounts The initial amounts resulting from the calculation under subparagraph (A) shall be adjusted to ensure that each State receives an aggregate apportionment that is— (i) equal to at least 95 percent of the estimated tax payments paid into the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) in the most recent fiscal year for which data are available that are— (I) attributable to highway users in the State; and (II) associated with taxes in effect on July 1, 2019, and only up to the rate those taxes were in effect on that date; (ii) at least 2 percent greater than the apportionment that the State received for fiscal year 2021; and (iii) at least 1 percent greater than the apportionment that the State received for the previous fiscal year. ; and (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and inserting fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter ; and (B) by inserting the carbon reduction program under section 175, to carry out subsection (c) of the PROTECT program under section 176, before and to carry out section 134 . (d) Metropolitan planning Section 104(d)(1)(A) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (5)(D) and (6) of subsection (b) each place it appears and inserting subsection (b)(6) . (e) Supplemental funds Section 104 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (h). (f) Base apportionment defined Section 104 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (h); and (2) in subsection (h) (as so redesignated)— (A) by striking means in the matter preceding paragraph (1) and all that follows through the combined amount in paragraph (1) and inserting means the combined amount ; (B) by striking and to carry out section 134; minus and inserting the carbon reduction program under section 175, to carry out subsection (c) of the PROTECT program under section 176, and to carry out section 134. ; and (C) by striking paragraph (2). 1105. National highway performance program Section 119 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (4) to provide support for activities to increase the resiliency of the National Highway System to mitigate the cost of damages from sea level rise, extreme weather events, flooding, or other natural disasters. ; (2) in subsection (d)(2), by adding at the end the following: (Q) Undergrounding public utility infrastructure carried out in conjunction with a project otherwise eligible under this section. (R) Resiliency improvements on the National Highway System, including protective features described in subsection (k)(2). (S) Implement activities to protect segments of the National Highway System from cybersecurity threats. ; (3) in subsection (e)(4)(D), by striking analysis and inserting analyses, both of which shall take into consideration extreme weather and resilience ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (k) Protective features (1) In general A State may use not more than 15 percent of the funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(1) for each fiscal year for 1 or more protective features on a Federal-aid highway or bridge not on the National Highway System, if the protective feature is designed to mitigate the risk of recurring damage or the cost of future repairs from extreme weather events, flooding, or other natural disasters. (2) Protective features described A protective feature referred to in paragraph (1) includes— (A) raising roadway grades; (B) relocating roadways in a base floodplain to higher ground above projected flood elevation levels or away from slide prone areas; (C) stabilizing slide areas; (D) stabilizing slopes; (E) lengthening or raising bridges to increase waterway openings; (F) increasing the size or number of drainage structures; (G) replacing culverts with bridges or upsizing culverts; (H) installing seismic retrofits on bridges; (I) adding scour protection at bridges, installing riprap, or adding other scour, stream stability, coastal, or other hydraulic countermeasures, including spur dikes; and (J) the use of natural infrastructure to mitigate the risk of recurring damage or the cost of future repair from extreme weather events, flooding, or other natural disasters. (3) Savings provision Nothing in this subsection limits the ability of a State to carry out a project otherwise eligible under subsection (d) using funds apportioned under section 104(b)(1). . 1106. Emergency relief Section 125 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting wildfire, after severe storm, ; (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: (b) Restriction on eligibility Funds under this section shall not be used for the repair or reconstruction of a bridge that has been permanently closed to all vehicular traffic by the State or responsible local official because of imminent danger of collapse due to a structural deficiency or physical deterioration. ; and (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (2)(A)— (i) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (ii) by striking a facility that meets the current and inserting the following: “a facility that— (i) meets the current ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (ii) incorporates economically justifiable improvements that will mitigate the risk of recurring damage from extreme weather, flooding, and other natural disasters. ; (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Protective features (A) In general The cost of an improvement that is part of a project under this section shall be an eligible expense under this section if the improvement is a protective feature that will mitigate the risk of recurring damage or the cost of future repair from extreme weather, flooding, and other natural disasters. (B) Protective features described A protective feature referred to in subparagraph (A) includes— (i) raising roadway grades; (ii) relocating roadways in a floodplain to higher ground above projected flood elevation levels or away from slide prone areas; (iii) stabilizing slide areas; (iv) stabilizing slopes; (v) lengthening or raising bridges to increase waterway openings; (vi) increasing the size or number of drainage structures; (vii) replacing culverts with bridges or upsizing culverts; (viii) installing seismic retrofits on bridges; (ix) adding scour protection at bridges, installing riprap, or adding other scour, stream stability, coastal, or other hydraulic countermeasures, including spur dikes; and (x) the use of natural infrastructure to mitigate the risk of recurring damage or the cost of future repair from extreme weather, flooding, and other natural disasters. . 1107. Federal share payable Section 120 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1), in the first sentence, by inserting vehicle-to-infrastructure communication equipment, after breakaway utility poles, ; (B) in subparagraph (3)(B)— (i) in clause (v), by striking or at the end; (ii) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (vii); and (iii) by inserting after clause (v) the following: (vi) contractual provisions that provide safety contingency funds to incorporate safety enhancements to work zones prior to or during roadway construction activities; or ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (4) Pooled funding Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may waive the non-Federal share of the cost of a project or activity under section 502(b)(6) that is carried out with amounts apportioned under section 104(b)(2) after considering appropriate factors, including whether— (A) decreasing or eliminating the non-Federal share would best serve the interests of the Federal-aid highway program; and (B) the project or activity addresses national or regional high priority research, development, and technology transfer problems in a manner that would benefit multiple States or metropolitan planning organizations. ; (2) in subsection (e)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking 180 days and inserting 270 days ; and (B) in paragraph (4), by striking permanent ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (l) Federal share flexibility pilot program (1) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , the Secretary shall establish a pilot program (referred to in this subsection as the pilot program ) to give States additional flexibility with respect to the Federal requirements under this section. (2) Program (A) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a State participating in the pilot program (referred to in this subsection as a participating State ) may determine the Federal share on a project, multiple-project, or program basis for projects under any of the following: (i) The national highway performance program under section 119. (ii) The surface transportation block grant program under section 133. (iii) The highway safety improvement program under section 148. (iv) The congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under section 149. (v) The national highway freight program under section 167. (vi) The carbon reduction program under section 175. (vii) Subsection (c) of the PROTECT program under section 176. (B) Requirements (i) Maximum Federal share Subject to clause (iii), the Federal share of the cost of an individual project carried out under a program described in subparagraph (A) by a participating State and to which the participating State is applying the Federal share requirements under the pilot program may be up to 100 percent. (ii) Minimum Federal share No individual project carried out under a program described in subparagraph (A) by a participating State and to which the participating State is applying the Federal share requirements under the pilot program shall have a Federal share of 0 percent. (iii) Determination The average annual Federal share of the total cost of all projects authorized under a program described in subparagraph (A) to which a participating State is applying the Federal share requirements under the pilot program shall be not more than the average of the maximum Federal share of those projects if those projects were not carried out under the pilot program. (C) Selection (i) Application A State seeking to be a participating State shall— (I) submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Secretary may require; and (II) have in place adequate financial controls to allow the State to determine the average annual Federal share requirements under the pilot program. (ii) Requirement For each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, the Secretary shall select not more than 10 States to be participating States. . 1108. Railway-highway grade crossings (a) In general Section 130(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the heading, by striking protective devices and inserting railway-Highway grade crossings ; and (2) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and the installation of protective devices at railway-highway crossings in the matter preceding clause (i) and all that follows through 2020. in clause (v) and inserting the following: , the installation of protective devices at railway-highway crossings, the replacement of functionally obsolete warning devices, and as described in subparagraph (B), not less than $245,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. ; and (B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B) Reducing trespassing fatalities and injuries A State may use funds set aside under subparagraph (A) for projects to reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries from trespassing at grade crossings. . (b) Federal share Section 130(f)(3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking 90 percent and inserting 100 percent . (c) Incentive payments for at-grade crossing closures Section 130(i)(3)(B) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking $7,500 and inserting $100,000 . (d) Expenditure of funds Section 130(k) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking 2 percent and inserting 8 percent . (e) GAO study Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that includes an analysis of the effectiveness of the railway-highway crossings program under section 130 of title 23, United States Code. (f) Sense of Congress relating to trespasser deaths along railroad rights-of-way It is the sense of Congress that the Department should, where feasible, coordinate departmental efforts to prevent or reduce trespasser deaths along railroad rights-of-way and at or near railway-highway crossings. 1109. Surface transportation block grant program (a) In general Section 133 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (B)— (I) by adding or at the end; (II) by striking facilities eligible and inserting the following: “facilities— (i) that are eligible ; and (III) by adding at the end the following: (ii) that are privately or majority-privately owned, but that the Secretary determines provide a substantial public transportation benefit or otherwise meet the foremost needs of the surface transportation system described in section 101(b)(3)(D); ; (ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking and at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: (G) wildlife crossing structures. ; (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting 148(a)(4)(B)(xvii), after 119(g), ; (C) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (15) as paragraphs (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (20), (21), and (22), respectively; (D) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking railway-highway grade crossings and inserting projects eligible under section 130 and installation of safety barriers and nets on bridges ; (E) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated)— (i) by inserting including the maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails, after section 206 ; and (ii) by striking the safe routes to school program under section 1404 of SAFETEA–LU ( 23 U.S.C. 402 note) and inserting the safe routes to school program under section 208 ; (F) by inserting after paragraph (13) (as so redesignated) the following: (14) Projects and strategies designed to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions, including project-related planning, design, construction, monitoring, and preventative maintenance. (15) The installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and vehicle-to-grid infrastructure. (16) The installation and deployment of current and emerging intelligent transportation technologies, including the ability of vehicles to communicate with infrastructure, buildings, and other road users. (17) Planning and construction of projects that facilitate intermodal connections between emerging transportation technologies, such as magnetic levitation and hyperloop. (18) Protective features, including natural infrastructure, to enhance the resilience of a transportation facility otherwise eligible for assistance under this section. (19) Measures to protect a transportation facility otherwise eligible for assistance under this section from cybersecurity threats. ; and (G) by adding at the end the following: (23) Rural barge landing, dock, and waterfront infrastructure projects in accordance with subsection (j). (24) Projects to enhance travel and tourism. ; (2) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking paragraphs (4) through (11) and inserting paragraphs (5) through (15) and paragraph (23) ; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and (D) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: (4) for a bridge project for the replacement of a low water crossing (as defined by the Secretary) with a bridge; and ; (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking reservation and inserting set aside ; and (ii) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking the percentage specified in paragraph (6) for a fiscal year and inserting 55 percent for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 ; and (II) by striking clauses (ii) and (iii) and inserting the following: (ii) in urbanized areas of the State with an urbanized area population of not less than 50,000 and not more than 200,000; (iii) in urban areas of the State with a population not less than 5,000 and not more than 49,999; and (iv) in other areas of the State with a population less than 5,000; and ; (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Local consultation (A) Consultation with metropolitan planning organizations For purposes of clause (ii) of paragraph (1)(A), a State shall— (i) establish a process to consult with all metropolitan planning organizations in the State that represent an urbanized area described in that clause; and (ii) describe how funds allocated for areas described in that clause will be allocated equitably among the applicable urbanized areas during the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (B) Consultation with regional transportation planning organizations For purposes of clauses (iii) and (iv) of paragraph (1)(A), before obligating funding attributed to an area with a population less than 50,000, a State shall consult with the regional transportation planning organizations that represent the area, if any. ; and (C) by striking paragraph (6); (4) in subsection (e)(1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and inserting fiscal years 2022 through 2026 ; (5) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting or low water crossing (as defined by the Secretary) after a highway bridge ; and (ii) by inserting or low water crossing (as defined by the Secretary) after other than a bridge ; (B) in paragraph (2)(A)— (i) by striking activities described in subsection (b)(2) for off-system bridges and inserting activities described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (10) of subsection (b) for off-system bridges, projects and activities described in subsection (b)(1)(A) for the replacement of low water crossings with bridges, and projects and activities described in subsection (b)(10) for low water crossings (as defined by the Secretary), ; and (ii) by striking 15 percent and inserting 20 percent ; and (C) in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)— (i) by striking bridge or rehabilitation of a bridge and inserting bridge, rehabilitation of a bridge, or replacement of a low water crossing (as defined by the Secretary) with a bridge ; and (ii) by inserting or, in the case of a replacement of a low water crossing with a bridge, is determined by the Secretary on completion to have improved the safety of the location after no longer a deficient bridge ; (6) in subsection (g)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking less than 5,000 and inserting less than 50,000 ; and (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) In general Notwithstanding subsection (c), and except as provided in paragraph (2), up to 15 percent of the amounts required to be obligated by a State under clauses (iii) and (iv) of subsection (d)(1)(A) for each fiscal year may be obligated on— (A) roads functionally classified as rural minor collectors or local roads; or (B) on critical rural freight corridors designated under section 167(e). ; and (7) by adding at the end the following: (j) Rural barge landing, dock, and waterfront infrastructure projects (1) In general A State may use not more than 5 percent of the funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(2) for eligible rural barge landing, dock, and waterfront infrastructure projects described in paragraph (2). (2) Eligible projects An eligible rural barge landing, dock, or waterfront infrastructure project referred to in paragraph (1) is a project for the planning, designing, engineering, or construction of a barge landing, dock, or other waterfront infrastructure in a rural community or a Native village (as defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1602 )) that is off the road system. (k) Projects in rural areas (1) Set aside Notwithstanding subsection (c), in addition to the activities described in subsections (b) and (g), of the amounts apportioned to a State for each fiscal year to carry out this section, not more than 15 percent may be— (A) used on eligible projects under subsection (b) or maintenance activities on roads functionally classified as rural minor collectors or local roads, ice roads, or seasonal roads; or (B) transferred to— (i) the Appalachian Highway System Program under 14501 of title 40; or (ii) the Denali access system program under section 309 of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 ( 42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105–277 ). (2) Savings clause Amounts allocated under subsection (d) shall not be used to carry out this subsection, except at the request of the applicable metropolitan planning organization. . (b) Set-aside (1) In general Section 133(h) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the heading, by striking Reservation of funds and inserting In general ; and (ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking for each fiscal year and all that follows through and at the end of subparagraph (A)(ii) and inserting the following: “for fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter— (A) the Secretary shall set aside an amount equal to 10 percent to carry out this subsection; and ; (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Allocation within a State (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), funds set aside for a State under paragraph (1) shall be obligated within that State in the manner described in subsection (d), except that, for purposes of this paragraph (after funds are made available under paragraph (5))— (i) for fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter, the percentage referred to in paragraph (1)(A) of that subsection shall be deemed to be 59 percent; and (ii) paragraph (3) of subsection (d) shall not apply. (B) Local control A State may allocate up to 100 percent of the funds referred to in subparagraph (A)(i) if— (i) the State submits to the Secretary a plan that describes— (I) how funds will be allocated to counties, metropolitan planning organizations, regional transportation planning organizations as described in section 135(m), or local governments; (II) how the entities described in subclause (I) will carry out a competitive process to select projects for funding and report selected projects to the State; (III) the legal, financial, and technical capacity of the entities described in subclause (I); (IV) how input was gathered from the entities described in subclause (I) to ensure those entities will be able to comply with the requirements of this subsection; and (V) how the State will comply with paragraph (8); and (ii) the Secretary approves the plan submitted under clause (i). ; (C) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Eligible projects Funds set aside under this subsection may be obligated for— (A) projects or activities described in section 101(a)(29) or 213, as those provisions were in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the FAST Act ( Public Law 114–94 ; 129 Stat. 1312); (B) projects and activities under the safe routes to school program under section 208; and (C) activities in furtherance of a vulnerable road user safety assessment (as defined in section 148(a)). ; (D) in paragraph (4)— (i) by striking subparagraph (A); (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (A); (iii) in subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated)— (I) by redesignating clauses (vii) and (viii) as clauses (viii) and (ix), respectively; (II) by inserting after clause (vi) the following: (vii) a metropolitan planning organization that serves an urbanized area with a population of 200,000 or fewer; ; (III) in clause (viii) (as so redesignated), by striking responsible and all that follows through programs; and and inserting a semicolon; (IV) in clause (ix) (as so redesignated)— (aa) by inserting that serves an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000 after metropolitan planning organization ; and (bb) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (V) by adding at the end the following: (x) a State, at the request of an entity described in clauses (i) through (ix). ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: (B) Competitive process A State or metropolitan planning organization required to obligate funds in accordance with paragraph (2) shall develop a competitive process to allow eligible entities to submit projects for funding that achieve the objectives of this subsection. (C) Selection A metropolitan planning organization for an area described in subsection (d)(1)(A)(i) shall select projects under the competitive process described in subparagraph (B) in consultation with the relevant State. (D) Prioritization The competitive process described in subparagraph (B) shall include prioritization of project location and impact in high-need areas as defined by the State, such as low-income, transit-dependent, rural, or other areas. ; (E) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking reserved under this section and inserting set aside under this subsection ; (F) in paragraph (6)— (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking reserved and inserting set aside ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: (C) Improving accessibility and efficiency (i) In general A State may use an amount equal to not more than 5 percent of the funds set aside for the State under this subsection, after allocating funds in accordance with paragraph (2)(A), to improve the ability of applicants to access funding for projects under this subsection in an efficient and expeditious manner by providing— (I) to applicants for projects under this subsection application assistance, technical assistance, and assistance in reducing the period of time between the selection of the project and the obligation of funds for the project; and (II) funding for 1 or more full-time State employee positions to administer this subsection. (ii) Use of funds Amounts used under clause (i) may be expended— (I) directly by the State; or (II) through contracts with State agencies, private entities, or nonprofit entities. ; (G) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); (H) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following: (7) Federal share (A) Required aggregate non-Federal share The average annual non-Federal share of the total cost of all projects for which funds are obligated under this subsection in a State for a fiscal year shall be not less than the average non-Federal share of the cost of the projects that would otherwise apply. (B) Flexible financing Subject to subparagraph (A), notwithstanding section 120— (i) funds made available to carry out section 148 may be credited toward the non-Federal share of the costs of a project under this subsection if the project— (I) is an eligible project described in section 148(e)(1); and (II) is consistent with the State strategic highway safety plan (as defined in section 148(a)); (ii) the non-Federal share for a project under this subsection may be calculated on a project, multiple-project, or program basis; and (iii) the Federal share of the cost of an individual project in this section may be up to 100 percent. (C) Requirement Subparagraph (B) shall only apply to a State if the State has adequate financial controls, as certified by the Secretary, to account for the average annual non-Federal share under this paragraph. ; and (I) in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (8) (as so redesignated)— (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking describes and inserting includes ; and (ii) by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following: (ii) a list of each project selected for funding for each fiscal year, including, for each project— (I) the fiscal year during which the project was selected; (II) the fiscal year in which the project is anticipated to be funded; (III) the recipient; (IV) the location, including the congressional district; (V) the type; (VI) the cost; and (VII) a brief description. . (2) State transferability Section 126(b)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (A) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; (B) by striking reserved for a State under section 133(h) for a fiscal year may and inserting the following: “set aside for a State under section 133(h) for a fiscal year— (A) may ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (B) may only be transferred if the Secretary certifies that the State— (i) held a competition in compliance with the guidance issued to carry out section 133(h) and provided sufficient time for applicants to apply; (ii) offered to each eligible entity, and provided on request of an eligible entity, technical assistance; and (iii) demonstrates that there were not sufficiently suitable applications from eligible entities to use the funds to be transferred. . 1110. Nationally significant freight and highway projects (a) In general Section 117 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting in and across rural and urban areas after people ; and (B) in subparagraph (F), by inserting , including highways that support movement of energy equipment after security ; (2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following: (3) Grant administration The Secretary may— (A) retain not more than a total of 2 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section for the National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau to review applications for grants under this section; and (B) transfer portions of the funds retained under subparagraph (A) to the relevant Administrators to fund the award and oversight of grants provided under this section. ; (3) in subsection (c)(1)— (A) by redesignating subparagraph (H) as subparagraph (I); and (B) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following: (H) A multistate corridor organization. ; (4) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A)— (i) in clause (iii)(II), by striking or at the end; (ii) in clause (iv), by striking and at the end; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (v) a wildlife crossing project; (vi) a surface transportation infrastructure project that— (I) is located within the boundaries of or functionally connected to an international border crossing area in the United States; (II) improves a transportation facility owned by a Federal, State, or local government entity; and (III) increases throughput efficiency of the border crossing described in subclause (I), including— (aa) a project to add lanes; (bb) a project to add technology; and (cc) other surface transportation improvements; or (vii) a project for a marine highway corridor designated by the Secretary under section 55601(c) of title 46 (including an inland waterway corridor), if the Secretary determines that the project— (I) is functionally connected to the National Highway Freight Network; and (II) is likely to reduce on-road mobile source emissions; and ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(A), in the matter preceding clause (i)— (i) by striking $500,000,000 and inserting 30 percent ; and (ii) by striking fiscal years 2016 through 2020, in the aggregate, and inserting each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 ; and (5) in subsection (e)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking 10 percent and inserting not less than 15 percent ; (B) in paragraph (3)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (C) the effect of the proposed project on safety on freight corridors with significant hazards, such as high winds, heavy snowfall, flooding, rockslides, mudslides, wildfire, wildlife crossing onto the roadway, or steep grades. ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (4) Requirement Of the amounts reserved under paragraph (1), not less than 30 percent shall be used for projects in rural areas (as defined in subsection (i)(3)). ; (6) in subsection (h)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (4) enhancement of freight resilience to natural hazards or disasters, including high winds, heavy snowfall, flooding, rockslides, mudslides, wildfire, wildlife crossing onto the roadway, or steep grades; (5) whether the project will improve the shared transportation corridor of a multistate corridor organization, if applicable; and (6) prioritizing projects located in States in which neither the State nor an eligible entity in that State has been awarded a grant under this section. ; (7) in subsection (i)(2), by striking other grants under this section and inserting grants under subsection (e) ; (8) in subsection (j)— (A) by striking the subsection designation and heading and all that follows through The Federal share in paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (j) Federal assistance (1) Federal share (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B) or for a grant under subsection (q), the Federal share ; (B) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following: (B) Small projects In the case of a project described in subsection (e)(1), the Federal share of the cost of the project shall be 80 percent. ; and (C) in paragraph (2)— (i) by striking Federal assistance other and inserting Except for grants under subsection (q), Federal assistance other ; and (ii) by striking except that the total Federal and inserting the following: except that— (A) for a State with a population density of not more than 80 persons per square mile of land area, based on the 2010 census, the maximum share of the total Federal assistance provided for a project receiving a grant under this section shall be the applicable share under section 120(b); and (B) for a State not described in subparagraph (A), the total Federal ; (9) by redesignating subsections (k) through (n) as subsections (l), (m), (n), and (p), respectively; (10) by inserting after subsection (j) the following: (k) Efficient use of non-Federal funds (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to approval by the Secretary under paragraph (2)(B), in the case of any grant for a project under this section, during the period beginning on the date on which the grant recipient is selected and ending on the date on which the grant agreement is signed— (A) the grant recipient may obligate and expend non-Federal funds with respect to the project for which the grant is provided; and (B) any non-Federal funds obligated or expended in accordance with subparagraph (A) shall be credited toward the non-Federal cost share for the project for which the grant is provided. (2) Requirements (A) Application In order to obligate and expend non-Federal funds under paragraph (1), the grant recipient shall submit to the Secretary a request to obligate and expend non-Federal funds under that paragraph, including— (i) a description of the activities the grant recipient intends to fund; (ii) a justification for advancing the activities described in clause (i), including an assessment of the effects to the project scope, schedule, and budget if the request is not approved; and (iii) the level of risk of the activities described in clause (i). (B) Approval The Secretary shall approve or disapprove each request submitted under subparagraph (A). (C) Compliance with applicable requirements Any non-Federal funds obligated or expended under paragraph (1) shall comply with all applicable requirements, including any requirements included in the grant agreement. (3) Effect The obligation or expenditure of any non-Federal funds in accordance with this subsection shall not— (A) affect the signing of a grant agreement or other applicable grant procedures with respect to the applicable grant; (B) create an obligation on the part of the Federal Government to repay any non-Federal funds if the grant agreement is not signed; or (C) affect the ability of the recipient of the grant to obligate or expend non-Federal funds to meet the non-Federal cost share for the project for which the grant is provided after the period described in paragraph (1). ; (11) by inserting after subsection (n) (as so redesignated) the following: (o) Applicant notification (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the date on which a grant recipient for a project under this section is selected, the Secretary shall provide to each eligible applicant not selected for that grant a written notification that the eligible applicant was not selected. (2) Inclusion A written notification under paragraph (1) shall include an offer for a written or telephonic debrief by the Secretary that will provide— (A) detail on the evaluation of the application of the eligible applicant; and (B) an explanation of and guidance on the reasons the application was not selected for a grant under this section. (3) Response (A) In general Not later than 30 days after the eligible applicant receives a written notification under paragraph (1), if the eligible applicant opts to receive a debrief described in paragraph (2), the eligible applicant shall notify the Secretary that the eligible applicant is requesting a debrief. (B) Debrief If the eligible applicant submits a request for a debrief under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall provide the debrief by not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary receives the request for a debrief. ; and (12) by striking subsection (p) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following: (p) Reports (1) Annual report (A) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary selects a project for funding under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that describes the reasons for selecting the project, based on any criteria established by the Secretary in accordance with this section. (B) Inclusions The report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall specify each criterion established by the Secretary that the project meets. (C) Availability The Secretary shall make available on the website of the Department of Transportation the report submitted under subparagraph (A). (D) Applicability This paragraph applies to all projects described in subparagraph (A) that the Secretary selects on or after October 1, 2021. (2) Comptroller general (A) Assessment The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an assessment of the establishment, solicitation, selection, and justification process with respect to the funding of projects under this section. (B) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 and annually thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that describes, for each project selected to receive funding under this section— (i) the process by which each project was selected; (ii) the factors that went into the selection of each project; and (iii) the justification for the selection of each project based on any criteria established by the Secretary in accordance with this section. (3) Inspector general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 and annually thereafter, the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation shall— (A) conduct an assessment of the establishment, solicitation, selection, and justification process with respect to the funding of projects under this section; and (B) submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a final report that describes the findings of the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation with respect to the assessment conducted under subparagraph (A). (q) State incentives pilot program (1) Establishment There is established a pilot program to award grants to eligible applicants for projects eligible for grants under this section (referred to in this subsection as the pilot program ). (2) Priority In awarding grants under the pilot program, the Secretary shall give priority to an application that offers a greater non-Federal share of the cost of a project relative to other applications under the pilot program. (3) Federal share (A) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Federal share of the cost of a project assisted with a grant under the pilot program may not exceed 50 percent. (B) No federal involvement (i) In general For grants awarded under the pilot program, except as provided in clause (ii), an eligible applicant may not use Federal assistance to satisfy the non-Federal share of the cost under subparagraph (A). (ii) Exception An eligible applicant may use funds from a secured loan (as defined in section 601(a)) to satisfy the non-Federal share of the cost under subparagraph (A) if the loan is repayable from non-Federal funds. (4) Reservation (A) In general Of the amounts made available to provide grants under this section, the Secretary shall reserve for each fiscal year $150,000,000 to provide grants under the pilot program. (B) Unutilized amounts In any fiscal year during which applications under this subsection are insufficient to effect an award or allocation of the entire amount reserved under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall use the unutilized amounts to provide other grants under this section. (5) Set-asides (A) Small projects (i) In general Of the amounts reserved under paragraph (4)(A), the Secretary shall reserve for each fiscal year not less than 10 percent for projects eligible for a grant under subsection (e). (ii) Requirement For a grant awarded from the amount reserved under clause (i)— (I) the requirements of subsection (e) shall apply; and (II) the requirements of subsection (g) shall not apply. (B) Rural projects (i) In general Of the amounts reserved under paragraph (4)(A), the Secretary shall reserve for each fiscal year not less than 25 percent for projects eligible for a grant under subsection (i). (ii) Requirement For a grant awarded from the amount reserved under clause (i), the requirements of subsection (i) shall apply. (6) Report to congress Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that describes the administration of the pilot program, including— (A) the number, types, and locations of eligible applicants that have applied for grants under the pilot program; (B) the number, types, and locations of grant recipients under the pilot program; (C) an assessment of whether implementation of the pilot program has incentivized eligible applicants to offer a greater non-Federal share for grants under the pilot program; and (D) any recommendations for modifications to the pilot program. (r) Multistate corridor organization defined For purposes of this section, the term multistate corridor organization means an organization of a group of States developed through cooperative agreements, coalitions, or other arrangements to promote regional cooperation, planning, and shared project implementation for programs and projects to improve transportation system management and operations for a shared transportation corridor. . (b) Efficient use of non-Federal funds (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of a grant described in paragraph (2), section 117(k) of title 23, United States Code, shall apply to the grant as if the grant was a grant provided under that section. (2) Grant described A grant referred to in paragraph (1) is a grant that is— (A) provided under a competitive discretionary grant program administered by the Federal Highway Administration; (B) for a project eligible under title 23, United States Code; and (C) in an amount greater than $5,000,000. 1111. Highway safety improvement program (a) In general Section 148 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (4)(B)— (i) in clause (i), by inserting that provides for the safety of all road users, as appropriate, including a multimodal roundabout after improvement ; (ii) in clause (vi), by inserting or a grade separation project after devices ; (iii) by striking clause (viii) and inserting the following: (viii) Construction or installation of features, measures, and road designs to calm traffic and reduce vehicle speeds. ; (iv) by striking clause (xxvi) and inserting the following: (xxvi) Installation or upgrades of traffic control devices for pedestrians and bicyclists, including pedestrian hybrid beacons and the addition of bicycle movement phases to traffic signals. ; and (v) by striking clauses (xxvii) and (xxviii) and inserting the following: (xxvii) Roadway improvements that provide separation between pedestrians and motor vehicles or between bicyclists and motor vehicles, including medians, pedestrian crossing islands, protected bike lanes, and protected intersection features. (xxviii) A pedestrian security feature designed to slow or stop a motor vehicle. (xxix) A physical infrastructure safety project not described in clauses (i) through (xxviii). ; (B) by redesignating paragraphs (9) through (12) as paragraphs (10), (12), (13), and (14), respectively; (C) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following: (9) Safe system approach The term safe system approach means a roadway design— (A) that emphasizes minimizing the risk of injury or fatality to road users; and (B) that— (i) takes into consideration the possibility and likelihood of human error; (ii) accommodates human injury tolerance by taking into consideration likely accident types, resulting impact forces, and the ability of the human body to withstand impact forces; and (iii) takes into consideration vulnerable road users. ; (D) by inserting after paragraph (10) (as so redesignated) the following: (11) Specified safety project (A) In general The term specified safety project means a project carried out for the purpose of safety under any other section of this title that is consistent with the State strategic highway safety plan. (B) Inclusion The term specified safety project includes a project that— (i) promotes public awareness and informs the public regarding highway safety matters (including safety for motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, individuals with disabilities, and other road users); (ii) facilitates enforcement of traffic safety laws; (iii) provides infrastructure and infrastructure-related equipment to support emergency services; (iv) conducts safety-related research to evaluate experimental safety countermeasures or equipment; or (v) supports safe routes to school noninfrastructure-related activities described in section 208(g)(2). ; (E) in paragraph (13) (as so redesignated)— (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (G), (H), and (I) as subparagraphs (H), (I), and (J), respectively; and (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following; (G) includes a vulnerable road user safety assessment; ; and (F) by adding at the end the following: (15) Vulnerable road user The term vulnerable road user means a nonmotorist— (A) with a fatality analysis reporting system person attribute code that is included in the definition of the term number of non-motorized fatalities in section 490.205 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); or (B) described in the term number of non-motorized serious injuries in that section. (16) Vulnerable road user safety assessment The term vulnerable road user safety assessment means an assessment of the safety performance of the State with respect to vulnerable road users and the plan of the State to improve the safety of vulnerable road users as described in subsection (l). ; (2) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking subsections (a)(11) and inserting subsections (a)(13) ; and (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (A)(vi), by inserting and to differentiate the safety data for vulnerable road users, including bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians, from other road users after crashes ; (ii) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking (including motorcyclists), bicyclists, pedestrians, and inserting , vulnerable road users (including motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians), ; and (iii) in subparagraph (D)— (I) in clause (iv), by striking and at the end; (II) in clause (v), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting ; and ; and (III) by adding at the end the following: (vi) improves the ability of the State to differentiate the fatalities and serious injuries of vulnerable road users, including bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians, from other road users; ; (3) in subsection (d)(2)(B)(i), by striking subsection (a)(11) and inserting subsection (a)(13) ; (4) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following: (3) Flexible funding for specified safety projects (A) In general To advance the implementation of a State strategic highway safety plan, a State may use not more than 10 percent of the amounts apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(3) for a fiscal year to carry out specified safety projects. (B) Rule of construction Nothing in this paragraph requires a State to revise any State process, plan, or program in effect on the date of enactment of this paragraph. (C) Effect of paragraph (i) Requirements A project carried out under this paragraph shall be subject to all requirements under this section that apply to a highway safety improvement project. (ii) Other apportioned programs Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the use of funds made available under other provisions of this title for a specified safety project that is a noninfrastructure project. ; (5) in subsection (g), by adding at the end the following: (3) Vulnerable road user safety If the total annual fatalities of vulnerable road users in a State represents not less than 15 percent of the total annual crash fatalities in the State, that State shall be required to obligate not less than 15 percent of the amounts apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(3) for the following fiscal year for highway safety improvement projects to address the safety of vulnerable road users. ; and (6) by adding at the end the following: (l) Vulnerable road user safety assessment (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, each State shall complete a vulnerable road user safety assessment. (2) Contents A vulnerable road user safety assessment under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a quantitative analysis of vulnerable road user fatalities and serious injuries that— (i) includes data such as location, roadway functional classification, design speed, speed limit, and time of day; (ii) considers the demographics of the locations of fatalities and serious injuries, including race, ethnicity, income, and age; and (iii) based on the data, identifies areas as high-risk to vulnerable road users; and (B) a program of projects or strategies to reduce safety risks to vulnerable road users in areas identified as high-risk under subparagraph (A)(iii). (3) Use of data In carrying out a vulnerable road user safety assessment under paragraph (1), a State shall use data from the most recent 5-year period for which data is available. (4) Requirements In carrying out a vulnerable road user safety assessment under paragraph (1), a State shall— (A) take into consideration a safe system approach; and (B) consult with local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and regional transportation planning organizations that represent a high-risk area identified under paragraph (2)(A)(iii). (5) Update A State shall update the vulnerable road user safety assessment of the State in accordance with the updates required to the State strategic highway safety plan under subsection (d). (6) Requirement for transportation system access The program of projects developed under paragraph (2)(B) may not degrade transportation system access for vulnerable road users. (7) Guidance (A) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall develop guidance for States to carry out this subsection. (B) Consultation In developing the guidance under this paragraph, the Secretary shall consult with the States and relevant safety stakeholders. . (b) High-risk rural roads (1) Study Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall update the study under section 1112(b)(1) of MAP–21 ( 23 U.S.C. 148 note; Public Law 112–141 ). (2) Publication of report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish on the website of the Department of Transportation an update to the report described in section 1112(b)(2) of MAP–21 ( 23 U.S.C. 148 note; Public Law 112–141 ). (3) Best practices manual Not later than 180 days after the date on which the report is published under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall update the best practices manual described in section 1112(b)(3) of MAP–21 ( 23 U.S.C. 148 note; Public Law 112–141 ). 1112. Federal lands transportation program Section 203(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(D), by striking $10,000,000 and inserting $20,000,000 ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (6) Native plant materials In carrying out an activity described in paragraph (1), the entity carrying out the activity shall consider, to the maximum extent practicable— (A) the use of locally adapted native plant materials; and (B) designs that minimize runoff and heat generation. . 1113. Federal lands access program (a) Federal share Section 201 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(7)(B), by striking determined in accordance with section 120 , and inserting be up to 100 percent ; and (2) in subsection (c)(8)(A), by striking 5 percent and inserting 20 percent . (b) Federal lands access program Section 204(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(A)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting context-sensitive solutions, after restoration, ; (B) in clause (i), by inserting , including interpretive panels in or adjacent to those areas after areas ; (C) in clause (v), by striking and at the end; (D) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (ix); and (E) by inserting after clause (v) the following: (vi) contextual wayfinding markers; (vii) landscaping; (viii) cooperative mitigation of visual blight, including screening or removal; and ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (6) Native plant materials In carrying out an activity described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that the entity carrying out the activity considers, to the maximum extent practicable— (A) the use of locally adapted native plant materials; and (B) designs that minimize runoff and heat generation. . 1114. National highway freight program Section 167 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (e)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking 150 miles and inserting 300 miles ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (3) Rural states Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a State with a population per square mile of area that is less than the national average, based on the 2010 census, may designate as critical rural freight corridors a maximum of 600 miles of highway or 25 percent of the primary highway freight system mileage in the State, whichever is greater. ; (2) in subsection (f)(4), by striking 75 miles and inserting 150 miles ; and (3) in subsection (i)(5)(B)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 10 percent and inserting 30 percent ; (B) in clause (i), by striking and at the end; (C) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (iii) for the modernization or rehabilitation of a lock and dam, if the Secretary determines that the project— (I) is functionally connected to the National Highway Freight Network; and (II) is likely to reduce on-road mobile source emissions; and (iv) on a marine highway corridor, connector, or crossing designated by the Secretary under section 55601(c) of title 46 (including an inland waterway corridor, connector, or crossing), if the Secretary determines that the project— (I) is functionally connected to the National Highway Freight Network; and (II) is likely to reduce on-road mobile source emissions. . 1115. Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program Section 149 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking subsection (d) and inserting subsections (d) and (m)(1)(B)(ii) (B) in paragraph (7), by inserting shared micromobility (including bikesharing and shared scooter systems), after carsharing, ; (C) in paragraph (8)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting replacements or before retrofits ; (II) by striking clause (i) and inserting the following: (i) verified technologies (as defined in section 791 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 16131 )) for motor vehicles (as defined in section 216 of the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7550 )); or ; and (III) in clause (ii)(II), by striking or at the end; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting replacements or before retrofits ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (C) the purchase of medium- or heavy-duty zero emission vehicles and related charging equipment; ; (D) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (E) by adding at the end the following: (10) if the project is for the modernization or rehabilitation of a lock and dam that— (A) is functionally connected to the Federal-aid highway system; and (B) the Secretary determines is likely to contribute to the attainment or maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard; or (11) if the project is on a marine highway corridor, connector, or crossing designated by the Secretary under section 55601(c) of title 46 (including an inland waterway corridor, connector, or crossing) that— (A) is functionally connected to the Federal-aid highway system; and (B) the Secretary determines is likely to contribute to the attainment or maintenance of a national ambient air quality standard. ; (2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following: (4) Locks and dams; marine highways For each fiscal year, a State may not obligate more than 10 percent of the funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(4) for projects described in paragraphs (10) and (11) of subsection (b). ; (3) in subsection (f)(4)(A), by inserting and nonroad vehicles and nonroad engines used in construction projects or port-related freight operations after motor vehicles ; (4) in subsection (g)— (A) in paragraph (1)(B)— (i) in the subparagraph heading, by inserting replacement or before retrofit ; (ii) by striking The term diesel retrofit and inserting The term diesel replacement or retrofit ; and (iii) by inserting or retrofit after replacement ; (B) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting replacement or before retrofit ; and (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting replacements or before retrofits ; (5) in subsection (k)(1), by striking that reduce such fine particulate matter emissions in such area, including diesel retrofits. and inserting “that— (A) reduce such fine particulate matter emissions in such area, including diesel replacements or retrofits; and (B) to the extent practicable, prioritize benefits to minority populations or low-income populations living in, or immediately adjacent to, such area. ; (6) in subsection (l), by adding at the following: (3) Assistance to metropolitan planning organizations (A) In general On the request of a metropolitan planning organization, the Secretary may assist the metropolitan planning organization tracking progress made in minority or low-income populations as part of a performance plan under this subsection. (B) Savings provision Nothing in this paragraph provides the Secretary the authority— (i) to change the performance measures under section 150(c)(5) or the performance targets established under section 134(h)(2) or 150(d); or (ii) to establish any other Federal requirement. ; and (7) by striking subsection (m) and inserting the following: (m) Operating assistance (1) In general A State may obligate funds apportioned under section 104(b)(4) in an area of the State that is otherwise eligible for obligations of such funds for operating costs— (A) under chapter 53 of title 49; or (B) on— (i) a system for which CMAQ funding was eligible, made available, obligated, or expended in fiscal year 2012; or (ii) a State-supported Amtrak route with a valid cost-sharing agreement under section 209 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 ( 49 U.S.C. 24101 note; Public Law 110–432 ) and no current nonattainment areas under subsection (d). (2) No time limitation Operating assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall have no imposed time limitation if the operating assistance is for— (A) a route described in subparagraph (B)(ii) of that paragraph; or (B) a transit system that is located in— (i) a non-urbanized area; or (ii) an urbanized area with a population of 200,000 or fewer. . 1116. Alaska Highway Section 218 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 218. Alaska Highway (a) Recognizing the benefits that will accrue to the State of Alaska and to the United States from the reconstruction of the Alaska Highway from the Alaskan border at Beaver Creek, Yukon Territory, to Haines Junction in Canada and the Haines Cutoff Highway from Haines Junction in Canada to Haines, Alaska, the Secretary may provide for the necessary reconstruction of the highway using funds awarded through an applicable competitive grant program, if the highway meets all applicable eligibility requirements for the program, except for the specific requirements established by the agreement for the Alaska Highway Project between the Government of the United States and the Government of Canada. In addition to the funds described in the previous sentence, notwithstanding any other provision of law and on agreement with the State of Alaska, the Secretary is authorized to expend on such highway or the Alaska Marine Highway System any Federal-aid highway funds apportioned to the State of Alaska under this title at a Federal share of 100 per centum. No expenditures shall be made for the construction of the portion of such highways that are in Canada unless an agreement is in place between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States (including an agreement in existence on the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 ) that provides, in part, that the Canadian Government— (1) will provide, without participation of funds authorized under this title, all necessary right-of-way for the reconstruction of such highways; (2) will not impose any highway toll, or permit any such toll to be charged for the use of such highways by vehicles or persons; (3) will not levy or assess, directly or indirectly, any fee, tax, or other charge for the use of such highways by vehicles or persons from the United States that does not apply equally to vehicles or persons of Canada; (4) will continue to grant reciprocal recognition of vehicle registration and driver's licenses in accordance with agreements between the United States and Canada; and (5) will maintain such highways after their completion in proper condition adequately to serve the needs of present and future traffic. (b) The survey and construction work undertaken in Canada pursuant to this section shall be under the general supervision of the Secretary. (c) For purposes of this section, the term Alaska Marine Highway System includes all existing or planned transportation facilities and equipment in Alaska, including the lease, purchase, or construction of vessels, terminals, docks, floats, ramps, staging areas, parking lots, bridges and approaches thereto, and necessary roads. . 1117. Toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries (a) In general Section 129(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking the construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities, whether toll or free, and inserting the construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities (including ferry maintenance facilities), whether toll or free, and the procurement of transit vehicles used exclusively as an integral part of an intermodal ferry trip, . (b) Diesel fuel ferry vessels (1) In general Notwithstanding section 147(b), in the case of a project to replace or retrofit a diesel fuel ferry vessel that provides substantial emissions reductions, the Federal share of the cost of the project may be up to 85 percent, as determined by the State. (2) Sunset The authority provided by paragraph (1) shall terminate on September 30, 2025. 1118. Bridge investment program (a) In general Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 123 the following: 124. Bridge investment program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible project (A) In general The term eligible project means a project to replace, rehabilitate, preserve, or protect 1 or more bridges on the National Bridge Inventory under section 144(b). (B) Inclusions The term eligible project includes— (i) a bundle of projects described in subparagraph (A), regardless of whether the bundle of projects meets the requirements of section 144(j)(5); and (ii) a project to replace or rehabilitate culverts for the purpose of improving flood control and improved habitat connectivity for aquatic species. (2) Large project The term large project means an eligible project with total eligible project costs of greater than $100,000,000. (3) Program The term program means the bridge investment program established by subsection (b)(1). (b) Establishment of bridge investment program (1) In general There is established a bridge investment program to provide financial assistance for eligible projects under this section. (2) Goals The goals of the program shall be— (A) to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of people and freight over bridges; (B) to improve the condition of bridges in the United States by reducing— (i) the number of bridges— (I) in poor condition; or (II) in fair condition and at risk of falling into poor condition within the next 3 years; (ii) the total person miles traveled over bridges— (I) in poor condition; or (II) in fair condition and at risk of falling into poor condition within the next 3 years; (iii) the number of bridges that— (I) do not meet current geometric design standards; or (II) cannot meet the load and traffic requirements typical of the regional transportation network; and (iv) the total person miles traveled over bridges that— (I) do not meet current geometric design standards; or (II) cannot meet the load and traffic requirements typical of the regional transportation network; and (C) to provide financial assistance that leverages and encourages non-Federal contributions from sponsors and stakeholders involved in the planning, design, and construction of eligible projects. (c) Grant authority (1) In general In carrying out the program, the Secretary may award grants, on a competitive basis, in accordance with this section. (2) Grant amounts Except as otherwise provided, a grant under the program shall be— (A) in the case of a large project, in an amount that is— (i) adequate to fully fund the project (in combination with other financial resources identified in the application); and (ii) not less than $50,000,000; and (B) in the case of any other eligible project, in an amount that is— (i) adequate to fully fund the project (in combination with other financial resources identified in the application); and (ii) not less than $2,500,000. (3) Maximum amount Except as otherwise provided, for an eligible project receiving assistance under the program, the amount of assistance provided by the Secretary under this section, as a share of eligible project costs, shall be— (A) in the case of a large project, not more than 50 percent; and (B) in the case of any other eligible project, not more than 80 percent. (4) Federal share (A) Maximum Federal involvement Federal assistance other than a grant under the program may be used to satisfy the non-Federal share of the cost of a project for which a grant is made, except that the total Federal assistance provided for a project receiving a grant under the program may not exceed the Federal share for the project under section 120. (B) Off-system bridges In the case of an eligible project for an off-system bridge (as defined in section 133(f)(1))— (i) Federal assistance other than a grant under the program may be used to satisfy the non-Federal share of the cost of a project; and (ii) notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the total Federal assistance provided for the project shall not exceed 90 percent of the total eligible project costs. (C) Federal land management agencies and Tribal governments Notwithstanding any other provision of law, Federal funds other than Federal funds made available under this section may be used to pay the remaining share of the cost of a project under the program by a Federal land management agency or a Tribal government or consortium of Tribal governments. (5) Considerations (A) In general In awarding grants under the program, the Secretary shall consider— (i) in the case of a large project, the ratings assigned under subsection (g)(5)(A); (ii) in the case of an eligible project other than a large project, the quality rating assigned under subsection (f)(3)(A)(ii); (iii) the average daily person and freight throughput supported by the eligible project; (iv) the number and percentage of bridges within the same State as the eligible project that are in poor condition; (v) the extent to which the eligible project demonstrates cost savings by bundling multiple bridge projects; (vi) in the case of an eligible project of a Federal land management agency, the extent to which the grant would reduce a Federal liability or Federal infrastructure maintenance backlog; (vii) geographic diversity among grant recipients, including the need for a balance between the needs of rural and urban communities; and (viii) the extent to which a bridge that would be assisted with a grant— (I) is, without that assistance— (aa) at risk of falling into or remaining in poor condition; or (bb) in fair condition and at risk of falling into poor condition within the next 3 years; (II) does not meet current geometric design standards based on— (aa) the current use of the bridge; or (bb) load and traffic requirements typical of the regional corridor or local network in which the bridge is located; or (III) does not meet current seismic design standards. (B) Requirement The Secretary shall— (i) give priority to an application for an eligible project that is located within a State for which— (I) 2 or more applications for eligible projects within the State were submitted for the current fiscal year and an average of 2 or more applications for eligible projects within the State were submitted in prior fiscal years of the program; and (II) fewer than 2 grants have been awarded for eligible projects within the State under the program; (ii) during the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, for each State described in clause (i), select— (I) not fewer than 1 large project that the Secretary determines is justified under the evaluation under subsection (g)(4); or (II) 2 eligible projects that are not large projects that the Secretary determines are justified under the evaluation under subsection (f)(3); and (iii) not be required to award a grant for an eligible project that the Secretary does not determine is justified under an evaluation under subsection (f)(3) or (g)(4). (6) Culvert limitation Not more than 5 percent of the amounts made available for each fiscal year for grants under the program may be used for eligible projects that consist solely of culvert replacement or rehabilitation. (d) Eligible entity The Secretary may make a grant under the program to any of the following: (1) A State or a group of States. (2) A metropolitan planning organization that serves an urbanized area (as designated by the Bureau of the Census) with a population of over 200,000. (3) A unit of local government or a group of local governments. (4) A political subdivision of a State or local government. (5) A special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function. (6) A Federal land management agency. (7) A Tribal government or a consortium of Tribal governments. (8) A multistate or multijurisdictional group of entities described in paragraphs (1) through (7). (e) Eligible project requirements The Secretary may make a grant under the program only to an eligible entity for an eligible project that— (1) in the case of a large project, the Secretary recommends for funding in the annual report on funding recommendations under subsection (g)(6), except as provided in subsection (g)(1)(B); (2) is reasonably expected to begin construction not later than 18 months after the date on which funds are obligated for the project; and (3) is based on the results of preliminary engineering. (f) Competitive process and evaluation of eligible projects other than large projects (1) Competitive process (A) In general The Secretary shall— (i) for the first fiscal year for which funds are made available for obligation under the program, not later than 60 days after the date on which the template under subparagraph (B)(i) is developed, and in subsequent fiscal years, not later than 60 days after the date on which amounts are made available for obligation under the program, solicit grant applications for eligible projects other than large projects; and (ii) not later than 120 days after the date on which the solicitation under clause (i) expires, conduct evaluations under paragraph (3). (B) Requirements In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall— (i) develop a template for applicants to use to summarize project needs and benefits, including benefits described in paragraph (3)(B)(i); and (ii) enable applicants to use data from the National Bridge Inventory under section 144(b) to populate templates described in clause (i), as applicable. (2) Applications An eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (3) Evaluation (A) In general Prior to providing a grant under this subsection, the Secretary shall— (i) conduct an evaluation of each eligible project for which an application is received under this subsection; and (ii) assign a quality rating to the eligible project on the basis of the evaluation under clause (i). (B) Requirements In carrying out an evaluation under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall— (i) consider information on project benefits submitted by the applicant using the template developed under paragraph (1)(B)(i), including whether the project will generate, as determined by the Secretary— (I) costs avoided by the prevention of closure or reduced use of the bridge to be improved by the project; (II) in the case of a bundle of projects, benefits from executing the projects as a bundle compared to as individual projects; (III) safety benefits, including the reduction of accidents and related costs; (IV) person and freight mobility benefits, including congestion reduction and reliability improvements; (V) national or regional economic benefits; (VI) benefits from long-term resiliency to extreme weather events, flooding, or other natural disasters; (VII) benefits from protection (as described in section 133(b)(10)), including improving seismic or scour protection; (VIII) environmental benefits, including wildlife connectivity; (IX) benefits to nonvehicular and public transportation users; (X) benefits of using— (aa) innovative design and construction techniques; or (bb) innovative technologies; or (XI) reductions in maintenance costs, including, in the case of a federally-owned bridge, cost savings to the Federal budget; and (ii) consider whether and the extent to which the benefits, including the benefits described in clause (i), are more likely than not to outweigh the total project costs. (g) Competitive process, evaluation, and annual report for large projects (1) In general (A) Applications The Secretary shall establish an annual date by which an eligible entity submitting an application for a large project shall submit to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require, including information described in paragraph (2), in order for a large project to be considered for a recommendation by the Secretary for funding in the next annual report under paragraph (6). (B) First fiscal year Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), for the first fiscal year for which funds are made available for obligation for grants under the program, the Secretary may establish a date by which an eligible entity submitting an application for a large project shall submit to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require, including information described in paragraph (2), in order for a large project to be considered for immediate execution of a grant agreement. (2) Information required The information referred to in paragraph (1) includes— (A) all necessary information required for the Secretary to evaluate the large project; and (B) information sufficient for the Secretary to determine that— (i) the large project meets the applicable requirements under this section; and (ii) there is a reasonable likelihood that the large project will continue to meet the requirements under this section. (3) Determination; notice On making a determination that information submitted to the Secretary under paragraph (1) is sufficient, the Secretary shall provide a written notice of that determination to— (A) the eligible entity that submitted the application; (B) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate; and (C) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. (4) Evaluation The Secretary may recommend a large project for funding in the annual report under paragraph (6), or, in the case of the first fiscal year for which funds are made available for obligation for grants under the program, immediately execute a grant agreement for a large project, only if the Secretary evaluates the proposed project and determines that the project is justified because the project— (A) addresses a need to improve the condition of the bridge, as determined by the Secretary, consistent with the goals of the program under subsection (b)(2); (B) will generate, as determined by the Secretary— (i) costs avoided by the prevention of closure or reduced use of the bridge to be improved by the project; (ii) in the case of a bundle of projects, benefits from executing the projects as a bundle compared to as individual projects; (iii) safety benefits, including the reduction of accidents and related costs; (iv) person and freight mobility benefits, including congestion reduction and reliability improvements; (v) national or regional economic benefits; (vi) benefits from long-term resiliency to extreme weather events, flooding, or other natural disasters; (vii) benefits from protection (as described in section 133(b)(10)), including improving seismic or scour protection; (viii) environmental benefits, including wildlife connectivity; (ix) benefits to nonvehicular and public transportation users; (x) benefits of using— (I) innovative design and construction techniques; or (II) innovative technologies; or (xi) reductions in maintenance costs, including, in the case of a federally-owned bridge, cost savings to the Federal budget; (C) is cost effective based on an analysis of whether the benefits and avoided costs described in subparagraph (B) are expected to outweigh the project costs; (D) is supported by other Federal or non-Federal financial commitments or revenues adequate to fund ongoing maintenance and preservation; and (E) is consistent with the objectives of an applicable asset management plan of the project sponsor, including a State asset management plan under section 119(e) in the case of a project on the National Highway System that is sponsored by a State. (5) Ratings (A) In general The Secretary shall develop a methodology to evaluate and rate a large project on a 5-point scale (the points of which include high , medium-high , medium , medium-low , and low ) for each of— (i) paragraph (4)(B); (ii) paragraph (4)(C); and (iii) paragraph (4)(D). (B) Requirement To be considered justified and receive a recommendation for funding in the annual report under paragraph (6), a project shall receive a rating of not less than medium for each rating required under subparagraph (A). (C) Interim methodology In the first fiscal year for which funds are made available for obligation for grants under the program, the Secretary may establish an interim methodology to evaluate and rate a large project for each of— (i) paragraph (4)(B); (ii) paragraph (4)(C); and (iii) paragraph (4)(D). (6) Annual report on funding recommendations for large projects (A) In general Not later than the first Monday in February of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Environment and Public Works and Appropriations of the Senate a report that includes— (i) a list of large projects that have requested a recommendation for funding under a new grant agreement from funds anticipated to be available to carry out this subsection in the next fiscal year; (ii) the evaluation under paragraph (4) and ratings under paragraph (5) for each project referred to in clause (i); (iii) the grant amounts that the Secretary recommends providing to large projects in the next fiscal year, including— (I) scheduled payments under previously signed multiyear grant agreements under subsection (j); (II) payments for new grant agreements, including single-year grant agreements and multiyear grant agreements; and (III) a description of how amounts anticipated to be available for the program from the Highway Trust Fund for that fiscal year will be distributed; and (iv) for each project for which the Secretary recommends a new multiyear grant agreement under subsection (j), the proposed payout schedule for the project. (B) Limitations (i) In general The Secretary shall not recommend in an annual report under this paragraph a new multiyear grant agreement provided from funds from the Highway Trust Fund unless the Secretary determines that the project can be completed using funds that are anticipated to be available from the Highway Trust Fund in future fiscal years. (ii) General fund projects The Secretary— (I) may recommend for funding in an annual report under this paragraph a large project using funds from the general fund of the Treasury; but (II) shall not execute a grant agreement for that project unless— (aa) funds other than from the Highway Trust Fund have been made available for the project; and (bb) the Secretary determines that the project can be completed using funds other than from the Highway Trust Fund that are anticipated to be available in future fiscal years. (C) Considerations In selecting projects to recommend for funding in the annual report under this paragraph, or, in the case of the first fiscal year for which funds are made available for obligation for grants under the program, projects for immediate execution of a grant agreement, the Secretary shall— (i) consider the amount of funds available in future fiscal years for multiyear grant agreements as described in subparagraph (B); and (ii) assume the availability of funds in future fiscal years for multiyear grant agreements that extend beyond the period of authorization based on the amount made available for large projects under the program in the last fiscal year of the period of authorization. (D) Project diversity In selecting projects to recommend for funding in the annual report under this paragraph, the Secretary shall ensure diversity among projects recommended based on— (i) the amount of the grant requested; and (ii) grants for an eligible project for 1 bridge compared to an eligible project that is a bundle of projects. (h) Eligible project costs A grant received for an eligible project under the program may be used for— (1) development phase activities, including planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, environmental review, preliminary engineering and design work, and other preconstruction activities; (2) construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, acquisition of real property (including land related to the project and improvements to the land), environmental mitigation, construction contingencies, acquisition of equipment, and operational improvements directly related to improving system performance; and (3) expenses related to the protection (as described in section 133(b)(10)) of a bridge, including seismic or scour protection. (i) TIFIA program On the request of an eligible entity carrying out an eligible project, the Secretary may use amounts awarded to the entity to pay subsidy and administrative costs necessary to provide to the entity Federal credit assistance under chapter 6 with respect to the eligible project for which the grant was awarded. (j) Multiyear grant agreements for large projects (1) In general A large project that receives a grant under the program in an amount of not less than $100,000,000 may be carried out through a multiyear grant agreement in accordance with this subsection. (2) Requirements A multiyear grant agreement for a large project described in paragraph (1) shall— (A) establish the terms of participation by the Federal Government in the project; (B) establish the maximum amount of Federal financial assistance for the project in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (c); (C) establish a payout schedule for the project that provides for disbursement of the full grant amount by not later than 4 fiscal years after the fiscal year in which the initial amount is provided; (D) determine the period of time for completing the project, even if that period extends beyond the period of an authorization; and (E) attempt to improve timely and efficient management of the project, consistent with all applicable Federal laws (including regulations). (3) Special financial rules (A) In general A multiyear grant agreement under this subsection— (i) shall obligate an amount of available budget authority specified in law; and (ii) may include a commitment, contingent on amounts to be specified in law in advance for commitments under this paragraph, to obligate an additional amount from future available budget authority specified in law. (B) Statement of contingent commitment The agreement shall state that the contingent commitment is not an obligation of the Federal Government. (C) Interest and other financing costs (i) In general Interest and other financing costs of carrying out a part of the project within a reasonable time shall be considered a cost of carrying out the project under a multiyear grant agreement, except that eligible costs may not be more than the cost of the most favorable financing terms reasonably available for the project at the time of borrowing. (ii) Certification The applicant shall certify to the Secretary that the applicant has shown reasonable diligence in seeking the most favorable financing terms. (4) Advance payment Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an eligible entity carrying out a large project under a multiyear grant agreement— (A) may use funds made available to the eligible entity under this title for eligible project costs of the large project until the amount specified in the multiyear grant agreement for the project for that fiscal year becomes available for obligation; and (B) if the eligible entity uses funds as described in subparagraph (A), the funds used shall be reimbursed from the amount made available under the multiyear grant agreement for the project. (k) Undertaking parts of projects in advance under letters of no prejudice (1) In general The Secretary may pay to an applicant all eligible project costs under the program, including costs for an activity for an eligible project incurred prior to the date on which the project receives funding under the program if— (A) before the applicant carries out the activity, the Secretary approves through a letter to the applicant the activity in the same manner as the Secretary approves other activities as eligible under the program; (B) a record of decision, a finding of no significant impact, or a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) has been issued for the eligible project; and (C) the activity is carried out without Federal assistance and in accordance with all applicable procedures and requirements. (2) Interest and other financing costs (A) In general For purposes of paragraph (1), the cost of carrying out an activity for an eligible project includes the amount of interest and other financing costs, including any interest earned and payable on bonds, to the extent interest and other financing costs are expended in carrying out the activity for the eligible project, except that interest and other financing costs may not be more than the cost of the most favorable financing terms reasonably available for the eligible project at the time of borrowing. (B) Certification The applicant shall certify to the Secretary that the applicant has shown reasonable diligence in seeking the most favorable financing terms under subparagraph (A). (3) No obligation or influence on recommendations An approval by the Secretary under paragraph (1)(A) shall not— (A) constitute an obligation of the Federal Government; or (B) alter or influence any evaluation under subsection (f)(3)(A)(i) or (g)(4) or any recommendation by the Secretary for funding under the program. (l) Federally-owned bridges (1) Divestiture consideration In the case of a bridge owned by a Federal land management agency for which that agency applies for a grant under the program, the agency— (A) shall consider options to divest the bridge to a State or local entity after completion of the project; and (B) may apply jointly with the State or local entity to which the bridge may be divested. (2) Treatment Notwithstanding any other provision of law, section 129 shall apply to a bridge that was previously owned by a Federal land management agency and has been transferred to a non-Federal entity under paragraph (1) in the same manner as if the bridge was never federally owned. (m) Congressional notification Not later than 30 days before making a grant for an eligible project under the program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a written notification of the proposed grant that includes— (1) an evaluation and justification for the eligible project; and (2) the amount of the proposed grant. (n) Reports (1) Annual report Not later than August 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall make available on the website of the Department of Transportation an annual report that lists each eligible project for which a grant has been provided under the program during the fiscal year. (2) GAO assessment and report Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , the Comptroller General of the United States shall— (A) conduct an assessment of the administrative establishment, solicitation, selection, and justification process with respect to the funding of grants under the program; and (B) submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that describes— (i) the adequacy and fairness of the process under which each eligible project that received a grant under the program was selected; and (ii) the justification and criteria used for the selection of each eligible project. (o) Limitation (1) Large projects Of the amounts made available out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, not less than 50 percent, in aggregate, shall be used for large projects. (2) Unutilized amounts If, in fiscal year 2026, the Secretary determines that grants under the program will not allow for the requirement under paragraph (1) to be met, the Secretary shall use the unutilized amounts to make other grants under the program during that fiscal year. (p) Tribal transportation facility bridge set aside (1) In general Of the amounts made available from the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for a fiscal year to carry out this section, the Secretary shall use, to carry out section 202(d)— (A) $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (B) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (C) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (D) $22,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (E) $24,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. (2) Treatment For purposes of section 201, funds made available for section 202(d) under paragraph (1) shall be considered to be part of the tribal transportation program. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 123 the following: 124. Bridge investment program. . 1119. Safe routes to school (a) In general Chapter 2 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 207 the following: 208. Safe routes to school (a) Definitions In this section: (1) In the vicinity of schools The term in the vicinity of schools , with respect to a school, means the approximately 2-mile area within bicycling and walking distance of the school. (2) Primary, middle, and high schools The term primary, middle, and high schools means schools providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. (b) Establishment Subject to the requirements of this section, the Secretary shall establish and carry out a safe routes to school program for the benefit of children in primary, middle, and high schools. (c) Purposes The purposes of the program established under subsection (b) shall be— (1) to enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school; (2) to make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age; and (3) to facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of schools. (d) Apportionment of funds (1) In general Subject to paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), amounts made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year shall be apportioned among the States so that each State receives the amount equal to the proportion that— (A) the total student enrollment in primary, middle, and high schools in each State; bears to (B) the total student enrollment in primary, middle, and high schools in all States. (2) Minimum apportionment No State shall receive an apportionment under this section for a fiscal year of less than $1,000,000. (3) Set-aside for administrative expenses Before apportioning under this subsection amounts made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall set aside not more than $3,000,000 of those amounts for the administrative expenses of the Secretary in carrying out this section. (4) Determination of student enrollments Determinations under this subsection relating to student enrollments shall be made by the Secretary. (e) Administration of amounts Amounts apportioned to a State under this section shall be administered by the State department of transportation. (f) Eligible recipients Amounts apportioned to a State under this section shall be used by the State to provide financial assistance to State, local, Tribal, and regional agencies, including nonprofit organizations, that demonstrate an ability to meet the requirements of this section. (g) Eligible projects and activities (1) Infrastructure-related projects (A) In general Amounts apportioned to a State under this section may be used for the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure-related projects that will substantially improve the ability of students to walk and bicycle to school, including sidewalk improvements, traffic calming and speed reduction improvements, pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements, on-street bicycle facilities, off-street bicycle and pedestrian facilities, secure bicycle parking facilities, and traffic diversion improvements in the vicinity of schools. (B) Location of projects Infrastructure-related projects under subparagraph (A) may be carried out on any public road or any bicycle or pedestrian pathway or trail in the vicinity of schools. (2) Noninfrastructure-related activities (A) In general In addition to projects described in paragraph (1), amounts apportioned to a State under this section may be used for noninfrastructure-related activities to encourage walking and bicycling to school, including public awareness campaigns and outreach to press and community leaders, traffic education and enforcement in the vicinity of schools, student sessions on bicycle and pedestrian safety, health, and environment, and funding for training, volunteers, and managers of safe routes to school programs. (B) Allocation Not less than 10 percent and not more than 30 percent of the amount apportioned to a State under this section for a fiscal year shall be used for noninfrastructure-related activities under this paragraph. (3) Safe routes to school coordinator Each State shall use a sufficient amount of the apportionment of the State for each fiscal year to fund a full-time position of coordinator of the safe routes to school program of the State. (h) Clearinghouse (1) In general The Secretary shall make grants to a national nonprofit organization engaged in promoting safe routes to schools— (A) to operate a national safe routes to school clearinghouse; (B) to develop information and educational programs on safe routes to school; and (C) to provide technical assistance and disseminate techniques and strategies used for successful safe routes to school programs. (2) Funding The Secretary shall carry out this subsection using amounts set aside for administrative expenses under subsection (d)(3). (i) Treatment of projects Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a project assisted under this section shall be treated as a project on a Federal-aid highway under chapter 1. . (b) Conforming amendments (1) The analysis for chapter 2 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 207 the following: 208. Safe routes to school. . (2) Section 1404 of SAFETEA–LU ( 23 U.S.C. 402 note; Public Law 109–59 ) is repealed. (3) The table of contents in section 1(b) of SAFETEA–LU ( Public Law 109–59 ; 119 Stat. 1144) is amended by striking the item relating to section 1404. 1120. Highway use tax evasion projects Section 143(b)(2)(A) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and inserting fiscal years 2022 through 2026 . 1121. Construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities Section 147 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following: (h) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out this section— (1) $110,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (2) $112,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (3) $114,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (4) $116,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (5) $118,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. . 1122. Vulnerable road user research (a) Definitions In this subsection: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. (2) Vulnerable road user The term vulnerable road user has the meaning given the term in section 148(a) of title 23, United States Code. (b) Establishment of research plan The Administrator shall establish a research plan to prioritize research on roadway designs, the development of safety countermeasures to minimize fatalities and serious injuries to vulnerable road users, and the promotion of bicycling and walking, including research relating to— (1) roadway safety improvements, including traffic calming techniques and vulnerable road user accommodations appropriate in a suburban arterial context; (2) the impacts of traffic speeds, and access to low-traffic stress corridors, on safety and rates of bicycling and walking; (3) tools to evaluate the impact of transportation improvements on projected rates and safety of bicycling and walking; and (4) other research areas to be determined by the Administrator. (c) Vulnerable road user assessments The Administrator shall— (1) review each vulnerable road user safety assessment submitted by a State under section 148(l) of title 23, United States Code, and other relevant sources of data to determine what, if any, standard definitions and methods should be developed through guidance to enable a State to collect pedestrian injury and fatality data; and (2) in the first progress update under subsection (d)(2), provide— (A) the results of the determination described in paragraph (1); and (B) the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to the collection and reporting of data on the safety of vulnerable road users. (d) Submission; publication (1) Submission of plan Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives the research plan described in subsection (b). (2) Progress updates Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and biannually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the Committees described in paragraph (1)— (A) updates on the progress and findings of the research conducted pursuant to the plan described in subsection (b); and (B) in the first submission under this paragraph, the results and recommendations described in subsection (c)(2). 1123. Wildlife crossing safety (a) Declaration of policy Section 101(b)(3)(D) of title 23, United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting resilient, after efficient, . (b) Wildlife crossings pilot program (1) In general Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 171. Wildlife crossings pilot program (a) Finding Congress finds that greater adoption of wildlife-vehicle collision safety countermeasures is in the public interest because— (1) according to the report of the Federal Highway Administration entitled Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Reduction Study , there are more than 1,000,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions every year; (2) wildlife-vehicle collisions— (A) present a danger to— (i) human safety; and (ii) wildlife survival; and (B) represent a persistent concern that results in tens of thousands of serious injuries and hundreds of fatalities on the roadways of the United States; and (3) the total annual cost associated with wildlife-vehicle collisions has been estimated to be $8,388,000,000; and (4) wildlife-vehicle collisions are a major threat to the survival of species, including birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians. (b) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a competitive wildlife crossings pilot program (referred to in this section as the pilot program ) to provide grants for projects that seek to achieve— (1) a reduction in the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions; and (2) in carrying out the purpose described in paragraph (1), improved habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. (c) Eligible entities An entity eligible to apply for a grant under the pilot program is— (1) a State highway agency, or an equivalent of that agency; (2) a metropolitan planning organization (as defined in section 134(b)); (3) a unit of local government; (4) a regional transportation authority; (5) a special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function, including a port authority; (6) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 207(m)(1)), including a Native village and a Native Corporation (as those terms are defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1602 )); (7) a Federal land management agency; or (8) a group of any of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (7). (d) Applications (1) In general To be eligible to receive a grant under the pilot program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (2) Requirement If an application under paragraph (1) is submitted by an eligible entity other than an eligible entity described in paragraph (1) or (7) of subsection (c), the application shall include documentation that the State highway agency, or an equivalent of that agency, of the State in which the eligible entity is located was consulted during the development of the application. (3) Guidance To enhance consideration of current and reliable data, eligible entities may obtain guidance from an agency in the State with jurisdiction over fish and wildlife. (e) Considerations In selecting grant recipients under the pilot program, the Secretary shall take into consideration the following: (1) Primarily, the extent to which the proposed project of an eligible entity is likely to protect motorists and wildlife by reducing the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. (2) Secondarily, the extent to which the proposed project of an eligible entity is likely to accomplish the following: (A) Leveraging Federal investment by encouraging non-Federal contributions to the project, including projects from public-private partnerships. (B) Supporting local economic development and improvement of visitation opportunities. (C) Incorporation of innovative technologies, including advanced design techniques and other strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. (D) Provision of educational and outreach opportunities. (E) Monitoring and research to evaluate, compare effectiveness of, and identify best practices in, selected projects. (F) Any other criteria relevant to reducing the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, subject to the condition that the implementation of the pilot program shall not be delayed in the absence of action by the Secretary to identify additional criteria under this subparagraph. (f) Use of funds (1) In general The Secretary shall ensure that a grant received under the pilot program is used for a project to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. (2) Grant administration (A) In general A grant received under the pilot program shall be administered by— (i) in the case of a grant to a Federal land management agency or an Indian tribe (as defined in section 207(m)(1), including a Native village and a Native Corporation (as those terms are defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1602 ))), the Federal Highway Administration, through an agreement; and (ii) in the case of a grant to an eligible entity other than an eligible entity described in clause (i), the State highway agency, or an equivalent of that agency, for the State in which the project is to be carried out. (B) Partnerships (i) In general A grant received under the pilot program may be used to provide funds to eligible partners of the project for which the grant was received described in clause (ii), in accordance with the terms of the project agreement. (ii) Eligible partners described The eligible partners referred to in clause (i) include— (I) a metropolitan planning organization (as defined in section 134(b)); (II) a unit of local government; (III) a regional transportation authority; (IV) a special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function, including a port authority; (V) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 207(m)(1)), including a Native village and a Native Corporation (as those terms are defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1602 )); (VI) a Federal land management agency; (VII) a foundation, nongovernmental organization, or institution of higher education; (VIII) a Federal, Tribal, regional, or State government entity; and (IX) a group of any of the entities described in subclauses (I) through (VIII). (3) Compliance An eligible entity that receives a grant under the pilot program and enters into a partnership described in paragraph (2) shall establish measures to verify that an eligible partner that receives funds from the grant complies with the conditions of the pilot program in using those funds. (g) Requirement The Secretary shall ensure that not less than 60 percent of the amounts made available for grants under the pilot program each fiscal year are for projects located in rural areas. (h) Annual report to Congress (1) In general Not later than December 31 of each calendar year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress, and make publicly available, a report describing the activities under the pilot program for the fiscal year that ends during that calendar year. (2) Contents The report under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a detailed description of the activities carried out under the pilot program; (B) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the pilot program in meeting the purposes described in subsection (b); and (C) policy recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the pilot program. . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 170 the following: 171. Wildlife crossings pilot program. . (c) Wildlife vehicle collision reduction and habitat connectivity improvement (1) In general Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by subsection (b)(1)), is amended by adding at the end the following: 172. Wildlife-vehicle collision reduction and habitat connectivity improvement (a) Study (1) In general The Secretary shall conduct a study (referred to in this subsection as the study ) of the state, as of the date of the study, of the practice of methods to reduce collisions between motorists and wildlife (referred to in this section as wildlife-vehicle collisions ). (2) Contents (A) Areas of study The study shall— (i) update and expand on, as appropriate— (I) the report entitled Wildlife Vehicle Collision Reduction Study: 2008 Report to Congress ; and (II) the document entitled Wildlife Vehicle Collision Reduction Study: Best Practices Manual and dated October 2008; and (ii) include— (I) an assessment, as of the date of the study, of— (aa) the causes of wildlife-vehicle collisions; (bb) the impact of wildlife-vehicle collisions on motorists and wildlife; and (cc) the impacts of roads and traffic on habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species; and (II) solutions and best practices for— (aa) reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions; and (bb) improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. (B) Methods In carrying out the study, the Secretary shall— (i) conduct a thorough review of research and data relating to— (I) wildlife-vehicle collisions; and (II) habitat fragmentation that results from transportation infrastructure; (ii) survey current practices of the Department of Transportation and State departments of transportation to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions; and (iii) consult with— (I) appropriate experts in the field of wildlife-vehicle collisions; and (II) appropriate experts on the effects of roads and traffic on habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. (3) Report (A) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the study. (B) Contents The report under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i) a description of— (I) the causes of wildlife-vehicle collisions; (II) the impacts of wildlife-vehicle collisions; and (III) the impacts of roads and traffic on— (aa) species listed as threatened species or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); (bb) species identified by States as species of greatest conservation need; (cc) species identified in State wildlife plans; and (dd) medium and small terrestrial and aquatic species; (ii) an economic evaluation of the costs and benefits of installing highway infrastructure and other measures to mitigate damage to terrestrial and aquatic species, including the effect on jobs, property values, and economic growth to society, adjacent communities, and landowners; (iii) recommendations for preventing wildlife-vehicle collisions, including recommended best practices, funding resources, or other recommendations for addressing wildlife-vehicle collisions; and (iv) guidance, developed in consultation with Federal land management agencies and State departments of transportation, State fish and wildlife agencies, and Tribal governments that agree to participate, for developing, for each State that agrees to participate, a voluntary joint statewide transportation and wildlife action plan— (I) to address wildlife-vehicle collisions; and (II) to improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. (b) Workforce development and technical training (1) In general Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , the Secretary shall, based on the study conducted under subsection (a), develop a series of in-person and online workforce development and technical training courses— (A) to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions; and (B) to improve habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species. (2) Availability The Secretary shall— (A) make the series of courses developed under paragraph (1) available for transportation and fish and wildlife professionals; and (B) update the series of courses not less frequently than once every 2 years. (c) Standardization of wildlife collision and carcass data (1) Standardized methodology (A) In general The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (referred to in this subsection as the Secretary ), shall develop a quality standardized methodology for collecting and reporting spatially accurate wildlife collision and carcass data for the National Highway System, considering the practicability of the methodology with respect to technology and cost. (B) Methodology In developing the standardized methodology under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall— (i) survey existing methodologies and sources of data collection, including the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, the General Estimates System of the National Automotive Sampling System, and the Highway Safety Information System; and (ii) to the extent practicable, identify and correct limitations of those existing methodologies and sources of data collection. (C) Consultation In developing the standardized methodology under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consult with— (i) the Secretary of the Interior; (ii) the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service; (iii) Tribal, State, and local transportation and wildlife authorities; (iv) metropolitan planning organizations (as defined in section 134(b)); (v) members of the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials; (vi) members of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies; (vii) experts in the field of wildlife-vehicle collisions; (viii) nongovernmental organizations; and (ix) other interested stakeholders, as appropriate. (2) Standardized national data system with voluntary template implementation The Secretary shall— (A) develop a template for State implementation of a standardized national wildlife collision and carcass data system for the National Highway System that is based on the standardized methodology developed under paragraph (1); and (B) encourage the voluntary implementation of the template developed under subparagraph (A). (3) Reports (A) Methodology The Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing the standardized methodology developed under paragraph (1) not later than the later of— (i) the date that is 18 months after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 ; and (ii) the date that is 180 days after the date on which the Secretary completes the development of the standardized methodology. (B) Implementation Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing— (i) the status of the voluntary implementation of the standardized methodology developed under paragraph (1) and the template developed under paragraph (2)(A); (ii) whether the implementation of the standardized methodology developed under paragraph (1) and the template developed under paragraph (2)(A) has impacted efforts by States, units of local government, and other entities— (I) to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions; and (II) to improve habitat connectivity; (iii) the degree of the impact described in clause (ii); and (iv) the recommendations of the Secretary, including recommendations for further study aimed at reducing motorist collisions involving wildlife and improving habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species on the National Highway System, if any. (d) National threshold guidance The Secretary shall— (1) establish guidance, to be carried out by States on a voluntary basis, that contains a threshold for determining whether a highway shall be evaluated for potential mitigation measures to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and increase habitat connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic species, taking into consideration— (A) the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions on the highway that pose a human safety risk; (B) highway-related mortality and the effects of traffic on the highway on— (i) species listed as endangered species or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); (ii) species identified by a State as species of greatest conservation need; (iii) species identified in State wildlife plans; and (iv) medium and small terrestrial and aquatic species; and (C) habitat connectivity values for terrestrial and aquatic species and the barrier effect of the highway on the movements and migrations of those species. . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by subsection (b)(2)) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 171 the following: 172. Wildlife-vehicle collision reduction and habitat connectivity improvement. . (d) Wildlife crossings standards Section 109(c)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking and at the end; (2) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G); and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following: (F) the publication of the Federal Highway Administration entitled Wildlife Crossing Structure Handbook: Design and Evaluation in North America and dated March 2011; and . (e) Wildlife habitat connectivity and national bridge and tunnel inventory and inspection standards Section 144 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by inserting , resilience, after safety ; (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end; (C) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (F) to ensure adequate passage of aquatic and terrestrial species, where appropriate. ; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (4), by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (6) determine if the replacement or rehabilitation of bridges and tunnels should include measures to enable safe and unimpeded movement for terrestrial and aquatic species. ; and (3) in subsection (i), by adding at the end the following: (3) Requirement The first revision under paragraph (2) after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 shall include techniques to assess passage of aquatic and terrestrial species and habitat restoration potential. . 1124. Consolidation of programs Section 1519(a) of MAP–21 ( Public Law 112–141 ; 126 Stat. 574; 129 Stat. 1423) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and inserting fiscal years 2022 through 2026 . 1125. State freight advisory committees Section 70201 of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking representatives of ports, freight railroads, and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: representatives of— (1) ports, if applicable; (2) freight railroads, if applicable; (3) shippers; (4) carriers; (5) freight-related associations; (6) third-party logistics providers; (7) the freight industry workforce; (8) the transportation department of the State; (9) metropolitan planning organizations; (10) local governments; (11) the environmental protection department of the State, if applicable; (12) the air resources board of the State, if applicable; and (13) economic development agencies of the State. ; (2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking 70202. and inserting 70202, including by providing advice regarding the development of the freight investment plan. ; (3) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and (4) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: (b) Qualifications Each member of a freight advisory committee established under subsection (a) shall have qualifications sufficient to serve on a freight advisory committee, including, as applicable— (1) general business and financial experience; (2) experience or qualifications in the areas of freight transportation and logistics; (3) experience in transportation planning; (4) experience representing employees of the freight industry; or (5) experience representing a State, local government, or metropolitan planning organization. . 1126. Territorial and Puerto Rico highway program Section 165 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following: (1) for the Puerto Rico highway program under subsection (b)— (A) $173,010,000 shall be for fiscal year 2022; (B) $176,960,000 shall be for fiscal year 2023; (C) $180,120,000 shall be for fiscal year 2024; (D) $183,675,000 shall be for fiscal year 2025; and (E) $187,230,000 shall be for fiscal year 2026; and (2) for the territorial highway program under subsection (c)— (A) $45,990,000 shall be for fiscal year 2022; (B) $47,040,000 shall be for fiscal year 2023; (C) $47,880,000 shall be for fiscal year 2024; (D) $48,825,000 shall be for fiscal year 2025; and (E) $49,770,000 shall be for fiscal year 2026. ; (2) in subsection (b)(2)(C)(iii), by inserting and preventative maintenance on the National Highway System after chapter 1 ; and (3) in subsection (c)(7), by striking paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 133(c) and section 133(b)(12) and inserting paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (5) of section 133(c) and section 133(b)(13) . 1127. Nationally significant Federal lands and Tribal projects program Section 1123 of the FAST Act ( 23 U.S.C. 201 note; Public Law 114–94 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (c)(3), by striking $25,000,000 and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting $12,500,000. ; (2) in subsection (g)— (A) by striking the subsection designation and heading and all that follows through The Federal in paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (g) Cost share (1) Federal share (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Federal ; (B) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following: (B) Tribal projects In the case of a project on a tribal transportation facility (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code), the Federal share of the cost of the project shall be 100 percent. ; and (C) in paragraph (2), by striking other than those made available under title 23 or title 49, United States Code, ; and (3) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following: (h) Use of funds (1) In general For each fiscal year, of the amounts made available to carry out this section— (A) 50 percent shall be used for eligible projects on Federal lands transportation facilities and Federal lands access transportation facilities (as those terms are defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code); and (B) 50 percent shall be used for eligible projects on tribal transportation facilities (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code). (2) Requirement Not less than 1 eligible project carried out using the amount described in paragraph (1)(A) shall be in a unit of the National Park System with not less than 3,000,000 annual visitors. (3) Availability Amounts made available to carry out this section shall remain available for a period of 3 fiscal years following the fiscal year for which the amounts are appropriated. . 1128. Tribal high priority projects program Section 1123(h) of MAP–21 ( 23 U.S.C. 202 note; Public Law 112–141 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); (2) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting paragraphs (1) and (2) ; and (3) by striking the subsection designation and heading and all that follows through the period at the end of paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (h) Funding (1) Set-aside For each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, of the amounts made available to carry out the tribal transportation program under section 202 of title 23, United States Code, for that fiscal year, the Secretary shall use $9,000,000 to carry out the program. (2) Authorization of appropriations In addition to amounts made available under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated $30,000,000 out of the general fund of the Treasury to carry out the program for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. . 1129. Standards Section 109 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (d)— (A) by striking (d) On any and inserting the following: (d) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (1) In general On any ; (B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking promote the safe and inserting promote the safety, inclusion, and mobility of all users ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (2) Updates Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 and not less frequently than every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary shall update the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. ; (2) in subsection (o)— (A) by striking Projects and inserting: (A) In general Projects ; and (B) by inserting at the end the following: (B) Local jurisdictions Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a local jurisdiction may use a roadway design guide recognized by the Federal Highway Administration and adopted by the local jurisdiction that is different from the roadway design guide used by the State in which the local jurisdiction is located for the design of projects on all roadways under the ownership of the local jurisdiction (other than a highway on the National Highway System) for which the local jurisdiction is the project sponsor, provided that the design complies with all other applicable Federal laws. ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (s) Electric vehicle charging stations (1) Standards Electric vehicle charging infrastructure installed using funds provided under this title shall provide, at a minimum— (A) non-proprietary charging connectors that meet applicable industry safety standards; and (B) open access to payment methods that are available to all members of the public to ensure secure, convenient, and equal access to the electric vehicle charging infrastructure that shall not be limited by membership to a particular payment provider. (2) Treatment of projects Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a project to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure using funds provided under this title shall be treated as if the project is located on a Federal-aid highway. . 1130. Public transportation (a) In general Section 142(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Bus corridors In addition to the projects described in paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary may approve payment from sums apportioned under paragraph (2) or (7) of section 104(b) for carrying out a capital project for the construction of a bus rapid transit corridor or dedicated bus lanes, including the construction or installation of— (A) traffic signaling and prioritization systems; (B) redesigned intersections that are necessary for the establishment of a bus rapid transit corridor; (C) on-street stations; (D) fare collection systems; (E) information and wayfinding systems; and (F) depots. . (b) Technical correction Section 142 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (i). 1131. Rural opportunities to use transportation for economic success council (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Council The term Council means the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success Council, or the ROUTES Council, established under subsection (b). (2) Disadvantaged rural community The term disadvantaged rural community means a community— (A) in a rural area; and (B) the annual median household income of which is less than 80 percent of the annual median household income of the State in which the community is located. (3) Discretionary funding and financing programs The term discretionary funding and financing programs means— (A) the programs described in section 116(d)(1) of title 49, United States Code; and (B) any other program of the Department, as determined by the Secretary. (4) Indian Tribe The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (5) Rural area The term rural area means an area that is outside an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000. (b) Establishment The Secretary shall establish in the Department a council, to be known as the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success Council , or the ROUTES Council , to coordinate with— (1) modal administrations and offices of the Department; and (2) other Federal agencies, as appropriate— (A) to ensure that the unique transportation needs and attributes of rural areas, Indian Tribes, and disadvantaged rural communities are fully addressed during the development and implementation of programs, policies, and activities of the Department; (B) to increase coordination of programs, policies, and activities of the Department in a manner that improves and expands transportation infrastructure in order to further economic development in, and the qualify of life of, rural areas, Indian Tribes, and disadvantaged rural communities; and (C) to provide rural areas, Indian Tribes, and disadvantaged rural communities with proactive outreach— (i) to improve access to discretionary funding and financing programs; and (ii) to facilitate timely resolution on environmental reviews for complex or high-priority projects. (c) Membership; chairperson The Council shall be composed of— (1) the Deputy Secretary of Transportation, who shall serve as the chairperson of the Council; (2) the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy; (3) the General Counsel of the Department; (4) the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs; (5) the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology; (6) the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy; (7) the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs; (8) the Administrator of each of— (A) the Federal Highway Administration; (B) the Federal Railroad Administration; and (C) the Federal Transit Administration; and (9) such other individuals, who shall serve as at-large members, as the Secretary may designate. (d) Duties The Council shall— (1) educate and provide technical assistance to rural areas, Indian Tribes, and disadvantaged rural communities with respect to discretionary funding and financing programs; (2) carry out research and utilize innovative approaches to resolve the transportation challenges faced by rural areas, Indian Tribes, and disadvantaged rural communities; (3) gather input from knowledgeable entities and the public relating to— (A) the benefits of transportation projects to rural areas, Indian Tribes, and disadvantaged rural communities; and (B) the barriers to advancing those projects; and (4) perform such other duties, as determined by the Secretary. (e) Additional staffing The Secretary shall ensure the Council has adequate staff support to carry out the duties of the Council under subsection (d). (f) Report The Council shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives an annual report that describes the activities carried out by the Council under subsection (d). 1132. Reservation of certain funds (a) Open container requirements Section 154(c)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2012 and inserting 2022 ; (2) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) Reservation of funds (i) In general On October 1, 2021, and each October 1 thereafter, in the case of a State described in clause (ii), the Secretary shall reserve an amount equal to 2.5 percent of the funds to be apportioned to the State on that date under each of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 104(b) until the State certifies to the Secretary the means by which the State will use those reserved funds in accordance with subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), and paragraph (3). (ii) States described A State referred to in clause (i) is a State— (I) that has not enacted or is not enforcing an open container law described in subsection (b); and (II) for which the Secretary determined for the prior fiscal year that the State had not enacted or was not enforcing an open container law described in subsection (b). ; and (3) in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting subparagraph (A)(i) . (b) Repeat intoxicated driver laws Section 164(b)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking 2012 and inserting 2022 ; (2) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) Reservation of funds (i) In general On October 1, 2021, and each October 1 thereafter, in the case of a State described in clause (ii), the Secretary shall reserve an amount equal to 2.5 percent of the funds to be apportioned to the State on that date under each of paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 104(b) until the State certifies to the Secretary the means by which the State will use those reserved funds in accordance with subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), and paragraph (3). (ii) States described A State referred to in clause (i) is a State— (I) that has not enacted or is not enforcing a repeat intoxicated driver law; and (II) for which the Secretary determined for the prior fiscal year that the State had not enacted or was not enforcing a repeat intoxicated driver law. ; and (3) in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting subparagraph (A)(i) . 1133. Rural surface transportation grant program (a) In general Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1123(c)(1)), is amended by adding at the end the following: 173. Rural surface transportation grant program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Program The term program means the program established under subsection (b)(1). (2) Rural area The term rural area means an area that is outside an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000. (b) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a rural surface transportation grant program to provide grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas. (2) Goals The goals of the program shall be— (A) to increase connectivity; (B) to improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight; and (C) to generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life. (3) Grant administration The Secretary may— (A) retain not more than a total of 2 percent of the funds made available to carry out the program and to review applications for grants under the program; and (B) transfer portions of the funds retained under subparagraph (A) to the relevant Administrators to fund the award and oversight of grants provided under the program. (c) Eligible entities The Secretary may make a grant under the program to— (1) a State; (2) a regional transportation planning organization; (3) a unit of local government; (4) a Tribal government or a consortium of Tribal governments; and (5) a multijurisdictional group of entities described in paragraphs (1) through (4). (d) Applications To be eligible to receive a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (e) Eligible projects (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary may make a grant under the program only for a project that is— (A) a highway, bridge, or tunnel project eligible under section 119(d); (B) a highway, bridge, or tunnel project eligible under section 133(b); (C) a project eligible under section 202(a); (D) a highway freight project eligible under section 167(h)(5); (E) a highway safety improvement project, including a project to improve a high risk rural road (as those terms are defined in section 148(a)); (F) a project on a publicly-owned highway or bridge that provides or increases access to an agricultural, commercial, energy, or intermodal facility that supports the economy of a rural area; or (G) a project to develop, establish, or maintain an integrated mobility management system, a transportation demand management system, or on-demand mobility services. (2) Bundling of eligible projects (A) In general An eligible entity may bundle 2 or more similar eligible projects under the program that are— (i) included as a bundled project in a statewide transportation improvement program under section 135; and (ii) awarded to a single contractor or consultant pursuant to a contract for engineering and design or construction between the contractor and the eligible entity. (B) Itemization Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including regulations), a bundling of eligible projects under this paragraph may be considered to be a single project, including for purposes of section 135. (f) Eligible project costs An eligible entity may use funds from a grant under the program for— (1) development phase activities, including planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, environmental review, preliminary engineering and design work, and other preconstruction activities; and (2) construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, acquisition of real property (including land related to the project and improvements to the land), environmental mitigation, construction contingencies, acquisition of equipment, and operational improvements. (g) Project requirements The Secretary may provide a grant under the program to an eligible project only if the Secretary determines that the project— (1) will generate regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits; (2) will be cost effective; (3) will contribute to the accomplishment of 1 or more of the national goals under section 150; (4) is based on the results of preliminary engineering; and (5) is reasonably expected to begin construction not later than 18 months after the date of obligation of funds for the project. (h) Additional considerations In providing grants under the program, the Secretary shall consider the extent to which an eligible project will— (1) improve the state of good repair of existing highway, bridge, and tunnel facilities; (2) increase the capacity or connectivity of the surface transportation system and improve mobility for residents of rural areas; (3) address economic development and job creation challenges, including energy sector job losses in energy communities as identified in the report released in April 2021 by the interagency working group established by section 218 of Executive Order 14008 (86 Fed. Reg. 7628 (February 1, 2021)); (4) enhance recreational and tourism opportunities by providing access to Federal land, national parks, national forests, national recreation areas, national wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, or State parks; (5) contribute to geographic diversity among grant recipients; (6) utilize innovative project delivery approaches or incorporate transportation technologies; (7) coordinate with projects to address broadband infrastructure needs; or (8) improve access to emergency care, essential services, healthcare providers, or drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation resources. (i) Grant amount Except as provided in subsection (k)(1), a grant under the program shall be in an amount that is not less than $25,000,000. (j) Federal share (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out with a grant under the program may not exceed 80 percent. (2) Federal share for certain projects The Federal share of the cost of an eligible project that furthers the completion of a designated segment of the Appalachian Development Highway System under section 14501 of title 40, or addresses a surface transportation infrastructure need identified for the Denali access system program under section 309 of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 ( 42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105–277 ) shall be up to 100 percent, as determined by the State. (3) Use of other Federal assistance Federal assistance other than a grant under the program may be used to satisfy the non-Federal share of the cost of a project carried out with a grant under the program. (k) Set asides (1) Small projects The Secretary shall use not more than 10 percent of the amounts made available for the program for each fiscal year to provide grants for eligible projects in an amount that is less than $25,000,000. (2) Appalachian development highway system The Secretary shall reserve 25 percent of the amounts made available for the program for each fiscal year for eligible projects that further the completion of designated routes of the Appalachian Development Highway System under section 14501 of title 40. (3) Rural roadway lane departures The Secretary shall reserve 15 percent of the amounts made available for the program for each fiscal year to provide grants for eligible projects located in States that have rural roadway fatalities as a result of lane departures that are greater than the average of rural roadway fatalities as a result of lane departures in the United States, based on the latest available data from the Secretary. (4) Excess funding In any fiscal year in which qualified applications for grants under this subsection do not allow for the amounts reserved under paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) to be fully utilized, the Secretary shall use the unutilized amounts to make other grants under the program. (l) Congressional review (1) Notification Not less than 60 days before providing a grant under the program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives— (A) a list of all applications determined to be eligible for a grant by the Secretary; (B) each application proposed to be selected for a grant, including a justification for the selection; and (C) proposed grant amounts. (2) Committee review Before the last day of the 60-day period described in paragraph (1), each Committee described in paragraph (1) shall review the list of proposed projects submitted by the Secretary. (3) Congressional disapproval The Secretary may not make a grant or any other obligation or commitment to fund a project under the program if a joint resolution is enacted disapproving funding for the project before the last day of the 60-day period described in paragraph (1). (m) Transparency (1) In general Not later than 30 days after providing a grant for a project under the program, the Secretary shall provide to all applicants, and publish on the website of the Department of Transportation, the information described in subsection (l)(1). (2) Briefing The Secretary shall provide, on the request of an eligible entity, the opportunity to receive a briefing to explain any reasons the eligible entity was not selected to receive a grant under the program. (n) Reports (1) Annual report The Secretary shall make available on the website of the Department of Transportation at the end of each fiscal year an annual report that lists each project for which a grant has been provided under the program during that fiscal year. (2) Comptroller general (A) Assessment The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an assessment of the administrative establishment, solicitation, selection, and justification process with respect to the awarding of grants under the program for each fiscal year. (B) Report Each fiscal year, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that describes, for the fiscal year— (i) the adequacy and fairness of the process by which each project was selected, if applicable; and (ii) the justification and criteria used for the selection of each project, if applicable. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section (1123(c)(2)), is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 172 the following: 173. Rural surface transportation grant program. . 1134. Bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways Section 217 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking pedestrian walkways and bicycle and inserting pedestrian walkways and bicycle and shared micromobility ; and (B) by striking safe bicycle use and inserting safe access for bicyclists and pedestrians ; (2) in subsection (d), by striking a position and inserting up to 2 positions ; (3) in subsection (e), by striking bicycles each place it appears and inserting pedestrians or bicyclists ; (4) in subsection (f), by striking and a bicycle and inserting or a bicycle or shared micromobility ; and (5) in subsection (j), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Electric bicycle (A) In general The term electric bicycle means a bicycle— (i) equipped with fully operable pedals, a saddle or seat for the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts; (ii) that can safely share a bicycle transportation facility with other users of such facility; and (iii) that is a class 1 electric bicycle, class 2 electric bicycle, or class 3 electric bicycle. (B) Classes of electric bicycles (i) Class 1 electric bicycle For purposes of subparagraph (A)(iii), the term class 1 electric bicycle means an electric bicycle, other than a class 3 electric bicycle, equipped with a motor that— (I) provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling; and (II) ceases to provide assistance when the speed of the bicycle reaches or exceeds 20 miles per hour. (ii) Class 2 electric bicycle For purposes of subparagraph (A)(iii), the term class 2 electric bicycle means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that— (I) may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle; and (II) is not capable of providing assistance when the speed of the bicycle reaches or exceeds 20 miles per hour. (iii) Class 3 electric bicycle For purposes of subparagraph (A)(iii), the term class 3 electric bicycle means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that— (I) provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling; and (II) ceases to provide assistance when the speed of the bicycle reaches or exceeds 28 miles per hour. . 1135. Recreational trails program Section 206 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (j) Use of other apportioned funds Funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b) that are obligated for a recreational trail or a related project shall be administered as if the funds were made available to carry out this section. . 1136. Updates to Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices In carrying out the first update to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices under section 109(d)(2) of title 23, United States Code, to the greatest extent practicable, the Secretary shall include updates necessary to provide for— (1) the protection of vulnerable road users (as defined in section 148(a) of title 23, United States Code); (2) supporting the safe testing of automated vehicle technology and any preparation necessary for the safe integration of automated vehicles onto public streets; (3) appropriate use of variable message signs to enhance public safety; (4) the minimum retroreflectivity of traffic control devices and pavement markings; and (5) any additional recommendations made by the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices that have not been incorporated into the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. B Planning and performance management 1201. Transportation planning (a) Metropolitan transportation planning Section 134 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following: (D) Considerations In designating officials or representatives under paragraph (2) for the first time, subject to the bylaws or enabling statute of the metropolitan planning organization, the metropolitan planning organization shall consider the equitable and proportional representation of the population of the metropolitan planning area. ; and (B) in paragraph (7)— (i) by striking an existing metropolitan planning area and inserting an existing urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census) ; and (ii) by striking the existing metropolitan planning area and inserting the area ; (2) in subsection (g)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking a metropolitan area and inserting an urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census) ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (4) Coordination between MPO s If more than 1 metropolitan planning organization is designated within an urbanized area (as defined by the Bureau of the Census) under subsection (d)(7), the metropolitan planning organizations designated within the area shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, the consistency of any data used in the planning process, including information used in forecasting travel demand. (5) Savings clause Nothing in this subsection requires metropolitan planning organizations designated within a single urbanized area to jointly develop planning documents, including a unified long-range transportation plan or unified TIP. ; (3) in subsection (i)(6), by adding at the end the following: (D) Use of technology A metropolitan planning organization may use social media and other web-based tools— (i) to further encourage public participation; and (ii) to solicit public feedback during the transportation planning process. ; and (4) in subsection (p), by striking paragraphs (5)(D) and (6) of section 104(b) of this title and inserting section 104(b)(6) . (b) Statewide and nonmetropolitan transportation planning Section 135(f)(3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (C) Use of technology A State may use social media and other web-based tools— (i) to further encourage public participation; and (ii) to solicit public feedback during the transportation planning process. . (c) Conforming amendment Section 135(i) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (5)(D) and (6) of section 104(b) of this title and inserting section 104(b)(6) . 1202. Fiscal constraint on long-range transportation plans Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall amend section 450.324(f)(11)(v) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, to ensure that the outer years of a metropolitan transportation plan are defined as beyond the first 4 years . 1203. State human capital plans (a) In general Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1133(a)), is amended by adding at the end the following: 174. State human capital plans (a) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall encourage each State to develop a voluntary plan, to be known as a human capital plan , that provides for the immediate and long-term personnel and workforce needs of the State with respect to the capacity of the State to deliver transportation and public infrastructure eligible under this title. (b) Plan contents (1) In general A human capital plan developed by a State under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, take into consideration— (A) significant transportation workforce trends, needs, issues, and challenges with respect to the State; (B) the human capital policies, strategies, and performance measures that will guide the transportation-related workforce investment decisions of the State; (C) coordination with educational institutions, industry, organized labor, workforce boards, and other agencies or organizations to address the human capital transportation needs of the State; (D) a workforce planning strategy that identifies current and future human capital needs, including the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to recruit and retain skilled workers in the transportation industry; (E) a human capital management strategy that is aligned with the transportation mission, goals, and organizational objectives of the State; (F) an implementation system for workforce goals focused on addressing continuity of leadership and knowledge sharing across the State; (G) an implementation system that addresses workforce competency gaps, particularly in mission-critical occupations; (H) in the case of public-private partnerships or other alternative project delivery methods to carry out the transportation program of the State, a description of workforce needs— (i) to ensure that the transportation mission, goals, and organizational objectives of the State are fully carried out; and (ii) to ensure that procurement methods provide the best public value; (I) a system for analyzing and evaluating the performance of the State department of transportation with respect to all aspects of human capital management policies, programs, and activities; and (J) the manner in which the plan will improve the ability of the State to meet the national policy in support of performance management established under section 150. (2) Planning period If a State develops a human capital plan under subsection (a), the plan shall address a 5-year forecast period. (c) Plan updates If a State develops a human capital plan under subsection (a), the State shall update the plan not less frequently than once every 5 years. (d) Relationship to long-range plan (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), a human capital plan developed by a State under subsection (a) may be developed separately from, or incorporated into, the long-range statewide transportation plan required under section 135. (2) Effect of section Nothing in this section requires a State, or authorizes the Secretary to require a State, to incorporate a human capital plan into the long-range statewide transportation plan required under section 135. (e) Public availability Each State that develops a human capital plan under subsection (a) shall make a copy of the plan available to the public in a user-friendly format on the website of the State department of transportation. (f) Savings provision Nothing in this section prevents a State from carrying out transportation workforce planning— (1) not described in this section; or (2) not in accordance with this section. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1133(b)), is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 173 the following: 174. State human capital plans. . 1204. Prioritization process pilot program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means any of the following: (A) A metropolitan planning organization that serves an area with a population of over 200,000. (B) A State. (2) Metropolitan planning organization The term metropolitan planning organization has the meaning given the term in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code. (3) Prioritization process pilot program The term prioritization process pilot program means the pilot program established under subsection (b)(1). (b) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary shall establish and solicit applications for a prioritization process pilot program. (2) Purpose The purpose of the prioritization process pilot program shall be to support data-driven approaches to planning that, on completion, can be evaluated for public benefit. (c) Pilot program administration (1) In general An eligible entity participating in the prioritization process pilot program shall— (A) use priority objectives that are developed— (i) in the case of an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000, by the metropolitan planning organization that serves the area, in consultation with the State; (ii) in the case of an urbanized area with a population of 200,000 or fewer, by the State in consultation with all metropolitan planning organizations in the State; and (iii) through a public process that provides an opportunity for public input; (B) assess and score projects and strategies on the basis of— (i) the contribution and benefits of the project or strategy to each priority objective developed under subparagraph (A); (ii) the cost of the project or strategy relative to the contribution and benefits assessed and scored under clause (i); and (iii) public support; (C) use the scores assigned under subparagraph (B) to guide project selection in the development of the transportation plan and transportation improvement program; and (D) ensure that the public— (i) has opportunities to provide public comment on projects before decisions are made on the transportation plan and the transportation improvement program; and (ii) has access to clear reasons why each project or strategy was selected or not selected. (2) Requirements An eligible entity that receives a grant under the prioritization process pilot program shall use the funds as described in each of the following, as applicable: (A) Metropolitan transportation planning In the case of a metropolitan planning organization that serves an area with a population of over 200,000, the entity shall— (i) develop and implement a publicly accessible, transparent prioritization process for the selection of projects for inclusion on the transportation plan for the metropolitan planning area under section 134(i) of title 23, United States Code, and section 5303(i) of title 49, United States Code, which shall— (I) include criteria identified by the metropolitan planning organization, which may be weighted to reflect the priority objectives developed under paragraph (1)(A), that the metropolitan planning organization has determined support— (aa) factors described in section 134(h) of title 23, United States Code, and section 5303(h) of title 49, United States Code; (bb) targets for national performance measures under section 150(b) of title 23, United States Code; (cc) applicable transportation goals in the metropolitan planning area or State set by the applicable transportation agency; and (dd) priority objectives developed under paragraph (1)(A); (II) evaluate the outcomes for each proposed project on the basis of the benefits of the proposed project with respect to each of the criteria described in subclause (I) relative to the cost of the proposed project; and (III) use the evaluation under subclause (II) to create a ranked list of proposed projects; and (ii) with respect to the priority list under section 134(j)(2)(A) of title 23 and section 5303(j)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, include projects according to the rank of the project under clause (i)(III), except as provided in subparagraph (D). (B) Statewide transportation planning In the case of a State, the State shall— (i) develop and implement a publicly accessible, transparent process for the selection of projects for inclusion on the long-range statewide transportation plan under section 135(f) of title 23, United States Code, which shall— (I) include criteria identified by the State, which may be weighted to reflect statewide priorities, that the State has determined support— (aa) factors described in section 135(d) of title 23, United States Code, and section 5304(d) of title 49, United States Code; (bb) national transportation goals under section 150(b) of title 23, United States Code; (cc) applicable transportation goals in the State; and (dd) the priority objectives developed under paragraph (1)(A); (II) evaluate the outcomes for each proposed project on the basis of the benefits of the proposed project with respect to each of the criteria described in subclause (I) relative to the cost of the proposed project; and (III) use the evaluation under subclause (II) to create a ranked list of proposed projects; and (ii) with respect to the statewide transportation improvement program under section 135(g) of title 23, United States Code, and section 5304(g) of title 49, United States Code, include projects according to the rank of the project under clause (i)(III), except as provided in subparagraph (D). (C) Additional transportation planning If the eligible entity has implemented, and has in effect, the requirements under subparagraph (A) or (B), as applicable, the eligible entity may use any remaining funds from a grant provided under the pilot program for any transportation planning purpose. (D) Exceptions to priority ranking In the case of any project that the eligible entity chooses to include or not include in the transportation improvement program under section 134(j) of title 23, United States Code, or the statewide transportation improvement program under section 135(g) of title 23, United States Code, as applicable, in a manner that is contrary to the priority ranking for that project established under subparagraph (A)(i)(III) or (B)(i)(III), the eligible entity shall make publicly available an explanation for the decision, including— (i) a review of public comments regarding the project; (ii) an evaluation of public support for the project; (iii) an assessment of geographic balance of projects of the eligible entity; and (iv) the number of projects of the eligible entity in economically distressed areas. (3) Maximum amount The maximum amount of a grant under the prioritization process pilot program is $2,000,000. (d) Applications To be eligible to participate in the prioritization process pilot program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. 1205. Travel demand data and modeling (a) Definition of metropolitan planning organization In this section, the term metropolitan planning organization has the meaning given the term in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code. (b) Study (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall carry out a study that— (A) gathers travel data and travel demand forecasts from a representative sample of States and metropolitan planning organizations; (B) uses the data and forecasts gathered under subparagraph (A) to compare travel demand forecasts with the observed data, including— (i) traffic counts; (ii) travel mode share and public transit ridership; and (iii) vehicle occupancy measures; and (C) uses the information described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)— (i) to develop best practices or guidance for States and metropolitan planning organizations to use in forecasting travel demand for future investments in transportation improvements; (ii) to evaluate the impact of transportation investments, including new roadway capacity, on travel behavior and travel demand, including public transportation ridership, induced highway travel, and congestion; (iii) to support more accurate travel demand forecasting by States and metropolitan planning organizations; and (iv) to enhance the capacity of States and metropolitan planning organizations— (I) to forecast travel demand; and (II) to track observed travel behavior responses, including induced travel, to changes in transportation capacity, pricing, and land use patterns. (2) Secretarial support The Secretary shall seek opportunities to support the transportation planning processes under sections 134 and 135 of title 23, United States Code, through the provision of data to States and metropolitan planning organizations to improve the quality of plans, models, and forecasts described in this subsection. (3) Evaluation tool The Secretary shall develop a publicly available multimodal web-based tool for the purpose of enabling States and metropolitan planning organizations to evaluate the effect of investments in highway and public transportation projects on the use and conditions of all transportation assets within the State or area served by the metropolitan planning organization, as applicable. 1206. Increasing safe and accessible transportation options (a) Definition of Complete Streets standards or policies In this section, the term Complete Streets standards or policies means standards or policies that ensure the safe and adequate accommodation of all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, children, older individuals, individuals with disabilities, motorists, and freight vehicles. (b) Funding requirement Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each State and metropolitan planning organization shall use to carry out 1 or more activities described in subsection (c)— (1) in the case of a State, not less than 2.5 percent of the amounts made available to the State to carry out section 505 of title 23, United States Code; and (2) in the case of a metropolitan planning organization, not less than 2.5 percent of the amounts made available to the metropolitan planning organization under section 104(d) of title 23, United States Code. (c) Activities described An activity referred to in subsection (b) is an activity to increase safe and accessible options for multiple travel modes for people of all ages and abilities, which, if permissible under applicable State and local laws, may include— (1) adoption of Complete Streets standards or policies; (2) development of a Complete Streets prioritization plan that identifies a specific list of Complete Streets projects to improve the safety, mobility, or accessibility of a street; (3) development of transportation plans— (A) to create a network of active transportation facilities, including sidewalks, bikeways, or pedestrian and bicycle trails, to connect neighborhoods with destinations such as workplaces, schools, residences, businesses, recreation areas, healthcare and child care services, or other community activity centers; (B) to integrate active transportation facilities with public transportation service or improve access to public transportation; (C) to create multiuse active transportation infrastructure facilities, including bikeways or pedestrian and bicycle trails, that make connections within or between communities; (D) to increase public transportation ridership; and (E) to improve the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians; (4) regional and megaregional planning to address travel demand and capacity constraints through alternatives to new highway capacity, including through intercity passenger rail; and (5) development of transportation plans and policies that support transit-oriented development. (d) Federal share The Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out under this section shall be 80 percent, unless the Secretary determines that the interests of the Federal-aid highway program would be best served by decreasing or eliminating the non-Federal share. (e) State flexibility A State or metropolitan planning organization, with the approval of the Secretary, may opt out of the requirements of this section if the State or metropolitan planning organization demonstrates to the Secretary, by not later than 30 days before the Secretary apportions funds for a fiscal year under section 104, that the State or metropolitan planning organization— (1) has Complete Streets standards and policies in place; and (2) has developed an up-to-date Complete Streets prioritization plan as described in subsection (c)(2). C Project delivery and process improvement 1301. Codification of One Federal Decision (a) In general Section 139 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the section heading, by striking decisionmaking and inserting decisionmaking and One Federal Decision ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (8) as paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (8), (9), (10), and (11), respectively; (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) Authorization The term authorization means any environmental license, permit, approval, finding, or other administrative decision related to the environmental review process that is required under Federal law to site, construct, or reconstruct a project. (3) Environmental document The term environmental document includes an environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact, notice of intent, environmental impact statement, or record of decision under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). ; (C) in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking process for and completion of any environmental permit and inserting process and schedule, including a timetable for and completion of any environmental permit ; and (D) by inserting after paragraph (6) (as so redesignated) the following: (7) Major project (A) In general The term major project means a project for which— (i) multiple permits, approvals, reviews, or studies are required under a Federal law other than the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); (ii) the project sponsor has identified the reasonable availability of funds sufficient to complete the project; (iii) the project is not a covered project (as defined in section 41001 of the FAST Act ( 42 U.S.C. 4370m )); and (iv) (I) the head of the lead agency has determined that an environmental impact statement is required; or (II) the head of the lead agency has determined that an environmental assessment is required, and the project sponsor requests that the project be treated as a major project. (B) Clarification In this section, the term major project does not have the same meaning as the term major project as described in section 106(h). ; (3) in subsection (b)(1)— (A) by inserting , including major projects, after all projects ; and (B) by inserting as requested by a project sponsor and after applied, ; (4) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (6)— (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (D) to calculate annually the average time taken by the lead agency to complete all environmental documents for each project during the previous fiscal year. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (7) Process improvements for projects (A) In general The Secretary shall review— (i) existing practices, procedures, rules, regulations, and applicable laws to identify impediments to meeting the requirements applicable to projects under this section; and (ii) best practices, programmatic agreements, and potential changes to internal departmental procedures that would facilitate an efficient environmental review process for projects. (B) Consultation In conducting the review under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consult, as appropriate, with the heads of other Federal agencies that participate in the environmental review process. (C) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that includes— (i) the results of the review under subparagraph (A); and (ii) an analysis of whether additional funding would help the Secretary meet the requirements applicable to projects under this section. ; (5) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (8)— (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking NEPA and inserting environmental ; (ii) in subparagraph (A)— (I) by inserting and except as provided in subparagraph (D) after paragraph (7) ; (II) by striking permits and inserting authorizations ; and (III) by striking single environment document and inserting single environmental document for each kind of environmental document ; (iii) in subparagraph (B)(i)— (I) by striking an environmental document and inserting environmental documents ; and (II) by striking permits issued and inserting authorizations ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: (D) Exceptions The lead agency may waive the application of subparagraph (A) with respect to a project if— (i) the project sponsor requests that agencies issue separate environmental documents; (ii) the obligations of a cooperating agency or participating agency under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) have already been satisfied with respect to the project; or (iii) the lead agency determines that reliance on a single environmental document (as described in subparagraph (A)) would not facilitate timely completion of the environmental review process for the project. ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (10) Timely authorizations for major projects (A) Deadline Except as provided in subparagraph (C), all authorization decisions necessary for the construction of a major project shall be completed by not later than 90 days after the date of the issuance of a record of decision for the major project. (B) Detail The final environmental impact statement for a major project shall include an adequate level of detail to inform decisions necessary for the role of the participating agencies and cooperating agencies in the environmental review process. (C) Extension of deadline The head of the lead agency may extend the deadline under subparagraph (A) if— (i) Federal law prohibits the lead agency or another agency from issuing an approval or permit within the period described in that subparagraph; (ii) the project sponsor requests that the permit or approval follow a different timeline; or (iii) an extension would facilitate completion of the environmental review and authorization process of the major project. ; (6) in subsection (g)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (B)— (i) in clause (ii)(IV), by striking schedule for and cost of and inserting time required by an agency to conduct an environmental review and make decisions under applicable Federal law relating to a project (including the issuance or denial of a permit or license) and the cost of ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: (iii) Major project schedule To the maximum extent practicable and consistent with applicable Federal law, in the case of a major project, the lead agency shall develop, in concurrence with the project sponsor, a schedule for the major project that is consistent with an agency average of not more than 2 years for the completion of the environmental review process for major projects, as measured from, as applicable— (I) the date of publication of a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement to the record of decision; or (II) the date on which the head of the lead agency determines that an environmental assessment is required to a finding of no significant impact. ; (B) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following: (D) Modification (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the lead agency may lengthen or shorten a schedule established under subparagraph (B) for good cause. (ii) Exceptions (I) Major projects In the case of a major project, the lead agency may lengthen a schedule under clause (i) for a cooperating Federal agency by not more than 1 year after the latest deadline established for the major project by the lead agency. (II) Shortened schedules The lead agency may not shorten a schedule under clause (i) if doing so would impair the ability of a cooperating Federal agency to conduct necessary analyses or otherwise carry out relevant obligations of the Federal agency for the project. ; (C) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F); and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following: (E) Failure to meet deadline If a cooperating Federal agency fails to meet a deadline established under subparagraph (D)(ii)(I)— (i) the cooperating Federal agency shall submit to the Secretary a report that describes the reasons why the deadline was not met; and (ii) the Secretary shall— (I) transmit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a copy of the report under clause (i); and (II) make the report under clause (i) publicly available on the internet. ; (7) in subsection (n), by adding at the end the following: (3) Length of environmental document (A) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in subparagraph (B), to the maximum extent practicable, the text of the items described in paragraphs (4) through (6) of section 1502.10(a) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), of an environmental impact statement for a project shall be 200 pages or fewer. (B) Exemption An environmental impact statement for a project may exceed 200 pages, if the lead agency establishes a new page limit for the environmental impact statement for that project. ; and (8) by adding at the end the following: (p) Accountability and reporting for major projects (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a performance accountability system to track each major project. (2) Requirements The performance accountability system under paragraph (1) shall, for each major project, track, at a minimum— (A) the environmental review process for the major project, including the project schedule; (B) whether the lead agency, cooperating agencies, and participating agencies are meeting the schedule established for the environmental review process; and (C) the time taken to complete the environmental review process. (q) Development of categorical exclusions (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary shall— (A) in consultation with the agencies described in paragraph (2), identify the categorical exclusions described in section 771.117 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), that would accelerate delivery of a project if those categorical exclusions were available to those agencies; (B) collect existing documentation and substantiating information on the categorical exclusions described in subparagraph (A); and (C) provide to each agency described in paragraph (2)— (i) a list of the categorical exclusions identified under subparagraph (A); and (ii) the documentation and substantiating information under subparagraph (B). (2) Agencies described The agencies referred to in paragraph (1) are— (A) the Department of the Interior; (B) the Department of the Army; (C) the Department of Commerce; (D) the Department of Agriculture; (E) the Department of Energy; (F) the Department of Defense; and (G) any other Federal agency that has participated in an environmental review process for a project, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Adoption of categorical exclusions (A) In general Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary provides a list under paragraph (1)(C), an agency described in paragraph (2) shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to propose any categorical exclusions from the list applicable to the agency, subject to the condition that the categorical exclusion identified under paragraph (1)(A) meets the criteria for a categorical exclusion under section 1508.1 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). (B) Public comment In a notice of proposed rulemaking under subparagraph (A), the applicable agency may solicit comments on whether any of the proposed new categorical exclusions meet the criteria for a categorical exclusion under section 1508.1 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 139 and inserting the following: 139. Efficient environmental reviews for project decisionmaking and One Federal Decision. . 1302. Work zone process reviews The Secretary shall amend section 630.1008(e) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, to ensure that the work zone process review under that subsection is required not more frequently than once every 5 years. 1303. Transportation management plans (a) In general The Secretary shall amend section 630.1010(c) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, to ensure that only a project described in that subsection with a lane closure for 3 or more consecutive days shall be considered to be a significant project for purposes of that section. (b) Non-Interstate projects Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a State shall not be required to develop or implement a transportation management plan (as described in section 630.1012 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)) for a highway project not on the Interstate System if the project requires not more than 3 consecutive days of lane closures. 1304. Intelligent transportation systems (a) In general The Secretary shall develop guidance for using existing flexibilities with respect to the systems engineering analysis described in part 940 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). (b) Implementation The Secretary shall ensure that any guidance developed under subsection (a)— (1) clearly identifies criteria for low-risk and exempt intelligent transportation systems projects, with a goal of minimizing unnecessary delay or paperwork burden; (2) is consistently implemented by the Department nationwide; and (3) is disseminated to Federal-aid recipients. (c) Savings provision Nothing in this section prevents the Secretary from amending part 940 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), to reduce State administrative burdens. 1305. Alternative contracting methods (a) Alternative contracting methods for federal land management agencies and tribal governments Section 201 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Alternative contracting methods (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including the Federal Acquisition Regulation), a contracting method available to a State under this title may be used by the Secretary, on behalf of— (A) a Federal land management agency, in using any funds pursuant to section 203, 204, or 308; (B) a Federal land management agency, in using any funds pursuant to section 1535 of title 31 for any of the eligible uses described in sections 203(a)(1) and 204(a)(1) and paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 308(a); or (C) a Tribal government, in using funds pursuant to section 202(b)(7)(D). (2) Methods described The contracting methods referred to in paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum— (A) project bundling; (B) bridge bundling; (C) design-build contracting; (D) 2-phase contracting; (E) long-term concession agreements; and (F) any method tested, or that could be tested, under an experimental program relating to contracting methods carried out by the Secretary. (3) Effect Nothing in this subsection— (A) affects the application of the Federal share for the project carried out with a contracting method under this subsection; or (B) modifies the point of obligation of Federal salaries and expenses. . (b) Cooperation with federal and state agencies and foreign countries Section 308(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (4) Alternative contracting methods (A) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including the Federal Acquisition Regulation), in performing services under paragraph (1), the Secretary may use any contracting method available to a State under this title. (B) Methods described The contracting methods referred to in subparagraph (A) shall include, at a minimum— (i) project bundling; (ii) bridge bundling; (iii) design-build contracting; (iv) 2-phase contracting; (v) long-term concession agreements; and (vi) any method tested, or that could be tested, under an experimental program relating to contracting methods carried out by the Secretary. . (c) Use of alternative contracting methods In carrying out an alternative contracting method under section 201(f) or 308(a)(4) of title 23, United States Code, the Secretary shall— (1) in consultation with the applicable Federal land management agencies, establish clear procedures that are— (A) applicable to the alternative contracting method; and (B) to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with the requirements applicable to Federal procurement transactions; (2) solicit input on the use of the alternative contracting method from the affected industry prior to using the method; and (3) analyze and prepare an evaluation of the use of the alternative contracting method. 1306. Flexibility for projects Section 1420 of the FAST Act ( 23 U.S.C. 101 note; Public Law 114–94 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking and on request by a State, the Secretary may in the matter preceding paragraph (1) and all that follows through the period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting the following: “, on request by a State, and if in the public interest (as determined by the Secretary), the Secretary shall exercise all existing flexibilities under— (1) the requirements of title 23, United States Code; and (2) other requirements administered by the Secretary, in whole or in part. ; and (2) in subsection (b)(2)(A), by inserting (including regulations) after environmental law . 1307. Improved Federal-State stewardship and oversight agreements (a) Definition of template In this section, the term template means a template created by the Secretary for Federal-State stewardship and oversight agreements that— (1) includes all standard terms found in stewardship and oversight agreements, including any terms in an attachment to the agreement; (2) is developed in accordance with section 106 of title 23, United States Code, or any other applicable authority; and (3) may be developed with consideration of relevant regulations, guidance, or policies. (b) Request for comment (1) In general Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register the template and a notice requesting public comment on ways to improve the template. (2) Comment period The Secretary shall provide a period of not less than 60 days for public comment on the notice under paragraph (1). (3) Certain issues The notice under paragraph (1) shall allow comment on any aspect of the template and shall specifically request public comment on— (A) whether the template should be revised to delete standard terms requiring approval by the Secretary of the policies, procedures, processes, or manuals of the States, or other State actions, if Federal law (including regulations) does not specifically require an approval; (B) opportunities to modify the template to allow adjustments to the review schedules for State practices or actions, including through risk-based approaches, program reviews, process reviews, or other means; and (C) any other matters that the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (c) Notice of action; updates (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, after considering the comments received in response to the Federal Register notice under subsection (b), the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a notice that— (A) describes any proposed changes to be made, and any alternatives to such changes, to the template; (B) addresses comments in response to which changes were not made to the template; and (C) prescribes a schedule and a plan to execute a process for implementing the changes referred to in subparagraph (A). (2) Approval requirements In addressing comments under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall include an explanation of the basis for retaining any requirement for approval of State policies, procedures, processes, or manuals, or other State actions, if Federal law (including regulations) does not specifically require the approval. (3) Implementation (A) In general Not later than 60 days after the date on which the notice under paragraph (1) is published, the Secretary shall make changes to the template in accordance with— (i) the changes described in the notice under paragraph (1)(A); and (ii) the schedule and plan described in the notice under paragraph (1)(C). (B) Updates Not later than 1 year after the date on which the revised template under subparagraph (A) is published, the Secretary shall update existing agreements with States according to the template updated under subparagraph (A). (d) Inclusion of non-standard terms Nothing in this section precludes the inclusion in a Federal-State stewardship and oversight agreement of non-standard terms to address a State-specific matter, including risk-based stewardship and Department oversight involvement in individual projects of division interest. (e) Compliance with non-statutory terms (1) In general The Secretary shall not enforce or otherwise require a State to comply with approval requirements that are not required by Federal law (including regulations) in a Federal-State stewardship and oversight agreement. (2) Approval authority Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not assert approval authority over any matter in a Federal-State stewardship and oversight agreement reserved to States. (f) Frequency of reviews Section 106(g)(3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking annual ; (2) by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (A) In general The Secretary ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (B) Frequency (i) In general Except as provided in clauses (ii) and (iii), the Secretary shall carry out a review under subparagraph (A) not less frequently than once every 2 years. (ii) Consultation with State The Secretary, after consultation with a State, may make a determination to carry out a review under subparagraph (A) for that State less frequently than provided under clause (i). (iii) Cause If the Secretary determines that there is a specific reason to require a review more frequently than provided under clause (i) with respect to a State, the Secretary may carry out a review more frequently than provided under that clause. . 1308. Geomatic data (a) In general The Secretary shall develop guidance for the acceptance and use of information obtained from a non-Federal entity through geomatic techniques, including remote sensing and land surveying, cartography, geographic information systems, global navigation satellite systems, photogrammetry, or other remote means. (b) Considerations In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall ensure that acceptance or use of information described in subsection (a) meets the data quality and operational requirements of the Secretary. (c) Public comment Before issuing any final guidance under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide to the public— (1) notice of the proposed guidance; and (2) an opportunity to comment on the proposed guidance. (d) Savings clause Nothing in this section— (1) requires the Secretary to accept or use information that the Secretary determines does not meet the guidance developed under this section; or (2) changes the current statutory or regulatory requirements of the Department. 1309. Evaluation of projects within an operational right-of-way (a) In general Chapter 3 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 331. Evaluation of projects within an operational right-of-way (a) Definitions (1) Eligible project or activity (A) In general In this section, the term eligible project or activity means a project or activity within an existing operational right-of-way (as defined in section 771.117(c)(22) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations))— (i) (I) eligible for assistance under this title; or (II) administered as if made available under this title; (ii) that is— (I) a preventive maintenance, preservation, or highway safety improvement project (as defined in section 148(a)); or (II) a new turn lane that the State advises in writing to the Secretary would assist public safety; and (iii) that— (I) is classified as a categorical exclusion under section 771.117 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); or (II) if the project or activity does not receive assistance described in clause (i) would be considered a categorical exclusion if the project or activity received assistance described in clause (i). (B) Exclusion The term eligible project or activity does not include a project to create a new travel lane. (2) Preliminary evaluation The term preliminary evaluation , with respect to an application described in subsection (b)(1), means an evaluation that is customary or practicable for the relevant agency to complete within a 45-day period for similar applications. (3) Relevant agency The term relevant agency means a Federal agency, other than the Federal Highway Administration, with responsibility for review of an application from a State for a permit, approval, or jurisdictional determination for an eligible project or activity. (b) Action required (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), not later than 45 days after the date of receipt of an application by a State for a permit, approval, or jurisdictional determination for an eligible project or activity, the head of the relevant agency shall— (A) make at least a preliminary evaluation of the application; and (B) notify the State of the results of the preliminary evaluation under subparagraph (A). (2) Extension The head of the relevant agency may extend the review period under paragraph (1) by not more than 30 days if the head of the relevant agency provides to the State written notice that includes an explanation of the need for the extension. (3) Failure to act If the head of the relevant agency fails to meet a deadline under paragraph (1) or (2), as applicable, the head of the relevant agency shall— (A) not later than 30 days after the date of the missed deadline, submit to the State, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that describes why the deadline was missed; and (B) not later than 14 days after the date on which a report is submitted under subparagraph (A), make publicly available, including on the internet, a copy of that report. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 3 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 331. Evaluation of projects within an operational right-of-way. . 1310. Preliminary engineering (a) In general Section 102 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking subsection (b); and (2) in subsection (a), in the second sentence, by striking Nothing in this subsection and inserting the following: (b) Savings provision Nothing in this section . (b) Conforming amendment Section 144(j) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (6). 1311. Efficient implementation of NEPA for Federal land management projects Section 203 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (e) Efficient implementation of NEPA (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Environmental document The term environmental document means an environmental impact statement, environmental assessment, categorical exclusion, or other document prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). (B) Project The term project means a highway project, public transportation capital project, or multimodal project that— (i) receives funds under this title; and (ii) is authorized under this section or section 204. (C) Project sponsor The term project sponsor means the Federal land management agency that seeks or receives funds under this title for a project. (2) Environmental review to be completed by Federal Highway Administration The Federal Highway Administration may prepare an environmental document pursuant to the implementing procedures of the Federal Highway Administration to comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) if— (A) requested by a project sponsor; and (B) all areas of analysis required by the project sponsor can be addressed. (3) Federal land management agencies adoption of existing environmental review documents (A) In general To the maximum extent practicable, if the Federal Highway Administration prepares an environmental document pursuant to paragraph (2), that environmental document shall address all areas of analysis required by a Federal land management agency. (B) Independent evaluation Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a Federal land management agency shall not be required to conduct an independent evaluation to determine the adequacy of an environmental document prepared by the Federal Highway Administration pursuant to paragraph (2). (C) Use of same document In authorizing or implementing a project, a Federal land management agency may use an environmental document previously prepared by the Federal Highway Administration for a project addressing the same or substantially the same action to the same extent that the Federal land management agency could adopt or use a document previously prepared by another Federal agency. (4) Application by Federal land management agencies of categorical exclusions established by Federal Highway Administration In carrying out requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) for a project, the project sponsor may use categorical exclusions designated under that Act in the implementing regulations of the Federal Highway Administration, subject to the conditions that— (A) the project sponsor makes a determination, in consultation with the Federal Highway Administration, that the categorical exclusion applies to the project; (B) the project satisfies the conditions for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and (C) the use of the categorical exclusion does not otherwise conflict with the implementing regulations of the project sponsor, except any list of the project sponsor that designates categorical exclusions. (5) Mitigation commitments The Secretary shall assist the Federal land management agency with all design and mitigation commitments made jointly by the Secretary and the project sponsor in any environmental document prepared by the Secretary in accordance with this subsection. . 1312. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 reporting program (a) In general Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 156 the following: 157. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 reporting program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Categorical exclusion The term categorical exclusion has the meaning given the term in section 771.117(c) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (2) Documented categorical exclusion The term documented categorical exclusion has the meaning given the term in section 771.117(d) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (3) Environmental assessment The term environmental assessment has the meaning given the term in section 1508.1 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (4) Environmental impact statement The term environmental impact statement means a detailed statement required under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C) ). (5) Federal agency The term Federal agency includes a State that has assumed responsibility under section 327. (6) NEPA process The term NEPA process means the entirety of the development and documentation of the analysis required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), including the assessment and analysis of any impacts, alternatives, and mitigation of a proposed action, and any interagency participation and public involvement required to be carried out before the Secretary undertakes a proposed action. (7) Proposed action The term proposed action means an action (within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)) under this title that the Secretary proposes to carry out. (8) Reporting period The term reporting period means the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year in which a report is issued under subsection (b). (9) Secretary The term Secretary includes the governor or head of an applicable State agency of a State that has assumed responsibility under section 327. (b) Report on NEPA data (1) In general The Secretary shall carry out a process to track, and annually submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report containing, the information described in paragraph (3). (2) Time to complete For purposes of paragraph (3), the NEPA process— (A) for an environmental impact statement— (i) begins on the date on which the Notice of Intent is published in the Federal Register; and (ii) ends on the date on which the Secretary issues a record of decision, including, if necessary, a revised record of decision; and (B) for an environmental assessment— (i) begins on the date on which the Secretary makes a determination to prepare an environmental assessment; and (ii) ends on the date on which the Secretary issues a finding of no significant impact or determines that preparation of an environmental impact statement is necessary. (3) Information described The information referred to in paragraph (1) is, with respect to the Department of Transportation— (A) the number of proposed actions for which a categorical exclusion was issued during the reporting period; (B) the number of proposed actions for which a documented categorical exclusion was issued by the Department of Transportation during the reporting period; (C) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on which the report is submitted for which the issuance of a documented categorical exclusion by the Department of Transportation is pending; (D) the number of proposed actions for which an environmental assessment was issued by the Department of Transportation during the reporting period; (E) the length of time the Department of Transportation took to complete each environmental assessment described in subparagraph (D); (F) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on which the report is submitted for which an environmental assessment is being drafted by the Department of Transportation; (G) the number of proposed actions for which an environmental impact statement was completed by the Department of Transportation during the reporting period; (H) the length of time that the Department of Transportation took to complete each environmental impact statement described in subparagraph (G); (I) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on which the report is submitted for which an environmental impact statement is being drafted; and (J) for the proposed actions reported under subparagraphs (F) and (I), the percentage of those proposed actions for which— (i) funding has been identified; and (ii) all other Federal, State, and local activities that are required to allow the proposed action to proceed are completed. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 156 the following: 157. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 reporting program. . 1313. Surface transportation project delivery program written agreements Section 327 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2)(G), by inserting , including the payment of fees awarded under section 2412 of title 28 before the period at the end; (2) in subsection (c)— (A) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following: (5) except as provided under paragraph (7), have a term of not more than 5 years; ; (B) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (7) for any State that has participated in a program under this section (or under a predecessor program) for at least 10 years, have a term of 10 years. ; (3) in subsection (g)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking annual ; (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: (C) in the case of an agreement period of greater than 5 years pursuant to subsection (c)(7), conduct an audit covering the first 5 years of the agreement period; and ; and (4) by adding at the end the following: (m) Agency deemed to be Federal agency A State agency that is assigned a responsibility under an agreement under this section shall be deemed to be an agency for the purposes of section 2412 of title 28. . 1314. State assumption of responsibility for categorical exclusions Section 326(c)(3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) except as provided under subparagraph (C), shall have a term of not more than 3 years; ; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (C) shall have a term of 5 years, in the case of a State that has assumed the responsibility for categorical exclusions under this section for not fewer than 10 years. . 1315. Early utility relocation prior to transportation project environmental review Section 123 of title 23, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 123. Relocation of utility facilities (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Cost of relocation The term cost of relocation includes the entire amount paid by a utility properly attributable to the relocation of a utility facility, minus any increase in the value of the new facility and any salvage value derived from the old facility. (2) Early utility relocation project The term early utility relocation project means utility relocation activities identified by the State for performance before completion of the environmental review process for the transportation project. (3) Environmental review process The term environmental review process has the meaning given the term in section 139(a). (4) Transportation project The term transportation project means a project. (5) Utility facility The term utility facility means any privately, publicly, or cooperatively owned line, facility, or system for producing, transmitting, or distributing communications, power, electricity, light, heat, gas, oil, crude products, water, steam, waste, stormwater not connected with highway drainage, or any other similar commodity, including any fire or police signal system or street lighting system, that directly or indirectly serves the public. (6) Utility relocation activity The term utility relocation activity means an activity necessary for the relocation of a utility facility, including preliminary and final design, surveys, real property acquisition, materials acquisition, and construction. (b) Reimbursement to States (1) In general If a State pays for the cost of relocation of a utility facility necessitated by the construction of a transportation project, Federal funds may be used to reimburse the State for the cost of relocation in the same proportion as Federal funds are expended on the transportation project. (2) Limitation Federal funds shall not be used to reimburse a State under this section if the payment to the utility— (A) violates the law of the State; or (B) violates a legal contract between the utility and the State. (3) Requirement A reimbursement under paragraph (1) shall be made only if the State demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the State paid the cost of the utility relocation activity from funds of the State with respect to transportation projects for which Federal funds are obligated subsequent to April 16, 1958, for work, including utility relocation activities. (4) Reimbursement eligibility for early relocation prior to transportation project environmental review process (A) In general In addition to the requirements under paragraphs (1) through (3), a State may carry out, at the expense of the State, an early utility relocation project for a transportation project before completion of the environmental review process for the transportation project. (B) Requirements for reimbursement Funds apportioned to a State under this title may be used to pay the costs incurred by the State for an early utility relocation project only if the State demonstrates to the Secretary, and the Secretary finds that— (i) the early utility relocation project is necessary to accommodate a transportation project; (ii) the State provides adequate documentation to the Secretary of eligible costs incurred by the State for the early utility relocation project; (iii) before the commencement of the utility relocation activities, an environmental review process was completed for the early utility relocation project that resulted in a finding that the early utility relocation project— (I) would not result in significant adverse environmental impacts; and (II) would comply with other applicable Federal environmental requirements; (iv) the early utility relocation project did not influence— (I) the environmental review process for the transportation project; (II) the decision relating to the need to construct the transportation project; or (III) the selection of the transportation project design or location; (v) the early utility relocation project complies with all applicable provisions of law, including regulations issued pursuant to this title; (vi) the early utility relocation project follows applicable financial procedures and requirements, including documentation of eligible costs and the requirements under section 109(l), but not including requirements applicable to authorization and obligation of Federal funds; (vii) the transportation project for which the early utility relocation project was necessitated was included in the applicable transportation improvement program under section 134 or 135; (viii) before the cost incurred by a State is approved for Federal participation, environmental compliance pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) has been completed for the transportation project for which the early utility relocation project was necessitated; and (ix) the transportation project that necessitated the utility relocation activity is approved for construction. (C) Savings provision Nothing in this paragraph affects other eligibility requirements or authorities for Federal participation in payment of costs incurred for utility relocation activities. (c) Applicability of other provisions Nothing in this section affects the applicability of other requirements that would otherwise apply to an early utility relocation project, including any applicable requirements under— (1) section 138; (2) the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 ( 42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.), including regulations under part 24 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); (3) title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.); or (4) an environmental review process. . 1316. Streamlining of section 4(f) reviews Section 138(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the fourth sentence, by striking In carrying out and inserting the following: (4) Studies In carrying out ; (2) in the third sentence— (A) by striking such land, and (2) such program and inserting the following: “the land; and (B) the program ; (B) by striking unless (1) there is and inserting the following: “unless— (A) there is ; and (C) by striking After the and inserting the following: (3) Requirement After the ; (3) in the second sentence— (A) by striking The Secretary of Transportation and inserting the following: (2) Cooperation and consultation (A) In general The Secretary ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (B) Timeline for approvals (i) In general The Secretary shall— (I) provide an evaluation under this section to the Secretaries described in subparagraph (A); and (II) provide a period of 30 days for receipt of comments. (ii) Assumed acceptance If the Secretary does not receive comments by 15 days after the deadline under clause (i)(II), the Secretary shall assume a lack of objection and proceed with the action. (C) Effect Nothing in subparagraph (B) affects— (i) the requirements under— (I) subsections (b) through (f); or (II) the consultation process under section 306108 of title 54; or (ii) programmatic section 4(f) evaluations, as described in regulations issued by the Secretary. ; and (4) in the first sentence, by striking It is declared to be and inserting the following: (1) In general It is . 1317. Categorical exclusion for projects of limited Federal assistance Section 1317(1) of MAP–21 ( 23 U.S.C. 109 note; Public Law 112–141 ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking $5,000,000 and inserting $6,000,000 ; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking $30,000,000 and inserting $35,000,000 . 1318. Certain gathering lines located on Federal land and Indian land (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Federal land (A) In general The term Federal land means land the title to which is held by the United States. (B) Exclusions The term Federal land does not include— (i) a unit of the National Park System; (ii) a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System; (iii) a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (iv) a wilderness study area within the National Forest System; or (v) Indian land. (2) Gathering line and associated field compression or pumping unit (A) In general The term gathering line and associated field compression or pumping unit means— (i) a pipeline that is installed to transport oil, natural gas and related constituents, or produced water from 1 or more wells drilled and completed to produce oil or gas; and (ii) if necessary, 1 or more compressors or pumps to raise the pressure of the transported oil, natural gas and related constituents, or produced water to higher pressures necessary to enable the oil, natural gas and related constituents, or produced water to flow into pipelines and other facilities. (B) Inclusions The term gathering line and associated field compression or pumping unit includes a pipeline or associated compression or pumping unit that is installed to transport oil or natural gas from a processing plant to a common carrier pipeline or facility. (C) Exclusions The term gathering line and associated field compression or pumping unit does not include a common carrier pipeline. (3) Indian land The term Indian land means land the title to which is held by— (A) the United States in trust for an Indian Tribe or an individual Indian; or (B) an Indian Tribe or an individual Indian subject to a restriction by the United States against alienation. (4) Produced water The term produced water means water produced from an oil or gas well bore that is not a fluid prepared at, or transported to, the well site to resolve a specific oil or gas well bore or reservoir condition. (5) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior. (b) Certain gathering lines (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the issuance of a sundry notice or right-of-way for a gathering line and associated field compression or pumping unit that is located on Federal land or Indian land and that services any oil or gas well may be considered by the Secretary to be an action that is categorically excluded (as defined in section 1508.1 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act)) for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) if the gathering line and associated field compression or pumping unit— (A) are within a field or unit for which an approved land use plan or an environmental document prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) analyzed transportation of oil, natural gas, or produced water from 1 or more oil or gas wells in the field or unit as a reasonably foreseeable activity; (B) are located adjacent to or within— (i) any existing disturbed area; or (ii) an existing corridor for a right-of-way; and (C) would reduce— (i) in the case of a gathering line and associated field compression or pumping unit transporting methane, the total quantity of methane that would otherwise be vented, flared, or unintentionally emitted from the field or unit; or (ii) in the case of a gathering line and associated field compression or pumping unit not transporting methane, the vehicular traffic that would otherwise service the field or unit. (2) Applicability Paragraph (1) shall apply to Indian land, or a portion of Indian land— (A) to which the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) applies; and (B) for which the Indian Tribe with jurisdiction over the Indian land submits to the Secretary a written request that paragraph (1) apply to that Indian land (or portion of Indian land). (c) Effect on other law Nothing in this section— (1) affects or alters any requirement— (A) relating to prior consent under— (i) section 2 of the Act of February 5, 1948 (62 Stat. 18, chapter 45; 25 U.S.C. 324 ); or (ii) section 16(e) of the Act of June 18, 1934 (48 Stat. 987, chapter 576; 102 Stat. 2939; 114 Stat. 47; 25 U.S.C. 5123(e) ) (commonly known as the Indian Reorganization Act ); (B) under section 306108 of title 54, United States Code; or (C) under any other Federal law (including regulations) relating to Tribal consent for rights-of-way across Indian land; or (2) makes the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) applicable to land to which that Act otherwise would not apply. 1319. Annual report (a) Definition of covered project In this section, the term covered project means a project or activity carried out with funds provided by the Department, including a project carried out under title 23 or 49, United States Code— (1) that is more than 5 years behind schedule; or (2) for which the total amount spent on the project or activity is not less than $1,000,000,000 more than the original cost estimate for the project or activity. (b) Requirement Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on covered projects of the Department, which shall include, for each covered project— (1) a brief description of the covered project, including— (A) the purpose of the covered project; (B) each location in which the covered project is carried out; (C) the contract or award number of the covered project, if applicable; (D) the year in which the covered project was initiated; (E) the Federal share of the total cost of the covered project; and (F) each primary contractor, subcontractor, grant recipient, and subgrantee recipient of the covered project; (2) an explanation of any change to the original scope of the covered project, including by the addition or narrowing of the initial requirements of the covered project; (3) the original expected date for completion of the covered project; (4) the current expected date for completion of the covered project; (5) the original cost estimate for the covered project, as adjusted to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (6) the current cost estimate for the covered project, as adjusted to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (7) an explanation for a delay in completion or an increase in the original cost estimate for the covered project, including, where applicable, any impact of insufficient or delayed appropriations; and (8) the amount of and rationale for any award, incentive fee, or other type of bonus, if any, awarded for the covered project. D Climate change 1401. Grants for charging and fueling infrastructure (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to establish a grant program to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors or in certain other locations that will be accessible to all drivers of electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, propane vehicles, and natural gas vehicles. (b) Grant program Section 151 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the FAST Act, the Secretary shall and inserting The Secretary shall periodically ; and (B) by striking to improve the mobility and inserting to support changes in the transportation sector that help achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and improve the mobility ; (2) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting previously designated by the Federal Highway Administration or before designated by ; (3) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: (d) Redesignation (1) Initial redesignation Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , the Secretary shall update and redesignate the corridors under subsection (a). (2) Subsequent redesignation The Secretary shall establish a recurring process to regularly update and redesignate the corridors under subsection (a). ; (4) in subsection (e)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) by striking establishes an aspirational goal of achieving and inserting describes efforts, including through funds awarded through the grant program under subsection (f), that will aid efforts to achieve ; and (ii) by striking by the end of fiscal year 2020. and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (3) summarizes best practices and provides guidance, developed through consultation with the Secretary of Energy, for project development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure and natural gas fueling infrastructure at the State, Tribal, and local level to allow for the predictable deployment of that infrastructure. ; and (5) by adding at the end the following: (f) Grant program (1) Definition of private entity In this subsection, the term private entity means a corporation, partnership, company, or nonprofit organization. (2) Establishment Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , the Secretary shall establish a grant program to award grants to eligible entities to carry out the activities described in paragraph (6). (3) Eligible entities An entity eligible to receive a grant under this subsection is— (A) a State or political subdivision of a State; (B) a metropolitan planning organization; (C) a unit of local government; (D) a special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function, including a port authority; (E) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 )); (F) a territory of the United States; (G) an authority, agency, or instrumentality of, or an entity owned by, 1 or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (F); or (H) a group of entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (G). (4) Applications To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary shall require, including— (A) a description of how the eligible entity has considered— (i) public accessibility of charging or fueling infrastructure proposed to be funded with a grant under this subsection, including— (I) charging or fueling connector types and publicly available information on real-time availability; and (II) payment methods to ensure secure, convenient, fair, and equal access; (ii) collaborative engagement with stakeholders (including automobile manufacturers, utilities, infrastructure providers, technology providers, electric charging, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fuel providers, metropolitan planning organizations, States, Indian tribes, and units of local governments, fleet owners, fleet managers, fuel station owners and operators, labor organizations, infrastructure construction and component parts suppliers, and multi-State and regional entities)— (I) to foster enhanced, coordinated, public-private or private investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure; (II) to expand deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure; (III) to protect personal privacy and ensure cybersecurity; and (IV) to ensure that a properly trained workforce is available to construct and install electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure; (iii) the location of the station or fueling site, such as consideration of— (I) the availability of onsite amenities for vehicle operators, such as restrooms or food facilities; (II) access in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.); (III) height and fueling capacity requirements for facilities that charge or refuel large vehicles, such as semi-trailer trucks; and (IV) appropriate distribution to avoid redundancy and fill charging or fueling gaps; (iv) infrastructure installation that can be responsive to technology advancements, such as accommodating autonomous vehicles, vehicle-to-grid technology, and future charging methods; and (v) the long-term operation and maintenance of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure, to avoid stranded assets and protect the investment of public funds in that infrastructure; and (B) an assessment of the estimated emissions that will be reduced through the use of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure, which shall be conducted using the Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) tool developed by Argonne National Laboratory (or a successor tool). (5) Considerations In selecting eligible entities to receive a grant under this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) consider the extent to which the application of the eligible entity would— (i) improve alternative fueling corridor networks by— (I) converting corridor-pending corridors to corridor-ready corridors; or (II) in the case of corridor-ready corridors, providing redundancy— (aa) to meet excess demand for charging or fueling infrastructure; or (bb) to reduce congestion at existing charging or fueling infrastructure in high-traffic locations; (ii) meet current or anticipated market demands for charging or fueling infrastructure; (iii) enable or accelerate the construction of charging or fueling infrastructure that would be unlikely to be completed without Federal assistance; (iv) support a long-term competitive market for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure that does not significantly impair existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure providers; (v) provide access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure in areas with a current or forecasted need; and (vi) deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (including along the National Highway Freight Network established under section 167(c)) and in proximity to intermodal transfer stations; (B) ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, geographic diversity among grant recipients to ensure that electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure is available throughout the United States; (C) consider whether the private entity that the eligible entity contracts with under paragraph (6)— (i) submits to the Secretary the most recent year of audited financial statements; and (ii) has experience in installing and operating electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure; and (D) consider whether, to the maximum extent practicable, the eligible entity and the private entity that the eligible entity contracts with under paragraph (6) enter into an agreement— (i) to operate and maintain publicly available electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas infrastructure; and (ii) that provides a remedy and an opportunity to cure if the requirements described in clause (i) are not met. (6) Use of funds (A) In general An eligible entity receiving a grant under this subsection shall only use the funds in accordance with this paragraph to contract with a private entity for acquisition and installation of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure that is directly related to the charging or fueling of a vehicle. (B) Location of infrastructure Any publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure acquired and installed with a grant under this subsection shall be located along an alternative fuel corridor designated under this section, on the condition that any affected Indian tribes are consulted before the designation. (C) Operating assistance (i) In general Subject to clauses (ii) and (iii), an eligible entity that receives a grant under this subsection may use a portion of the funds to provide to a private entity operating assistance for the first 5 years of operations after the installation of publicly available electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure while the facility transitions to independent system operations. (ii) Inclusions Operating assistance under this subparagraph shall be limited to costs allocable to operating and maintaining the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure and service. (iii) Limitation Operating assistance under this subparagraph may not exceed the amount of a contract under subparagraph (A) to acquire and install publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure. (D) Traffic control devices (i) In general Subject to this paragraph, an eligible entity that receives a grant under this subsection may use a portion of the funds to acquire and install traffic control devices located in the right-of-way to provide directional information to publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure acquired, installed, or operated with the grant. (ii) Applicability Clause (i) shall apply only to an eligible entity that— (I) receives a grant under this subsection; and (II) is using that grant for the acquisition and installation of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure. (iii) Limitation on amount The amount of funds used to acquire and install traffic control devices under clause (i) may not exceed the amount of a contract under subparagraph (A) to acquire and install publicly accessible charging or fueling infrastructure. (iv) No new authority created Nothing in this subparagraph authorizes an eligible entity that receives a grant under this subsection to acquire and install traffic control devices if the entity is not otherwise authorized to do so. (E) Revenue (i) In general An eligible entity receiving a grant under this subsection and a private entity referred to in subparagraph (A) may enter into a cost-sharing agreement under which the private entity submits to the eligible entity a portion of the revenue from the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure. (ii) Uses of revenue An eligible entity that receives revenue from a cost-sharing agreement under clause (i) may only use that revenue for a project that is eligible under this title. (7) Certain fuels The use of grants for propane fueling infrastructure under this subsection shall be limited to infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. (8) Community grants (A) In general Notwithstanding paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), the Secretary shall reserve 50 percent of the amounts made available each fiscal year to carry out this section to provide grants to eligible entities in accordance with this paragraph. (B) Applications To be eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (C) Eligible entities An entity eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph is— (i) an entity described in paragraph (3); and (ii) a State or local authority with ownership of publicly accessible transportation facilities. (D) Eligible projects The Secretary may provide a grant under this paragraph for a project that is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to expand or fill gaps in access to publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure, including— (i) development phase activities, including planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, environmental review, preliminary engineering and design work, and other preconstruction activities; and (ii) the acquisition and installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure that is directly related to the charging or fueling of a vehicle, including any related construction or reconstruction and the acquisition of real property directly related to the project, such as locations described in subparagraph (E), to expand access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure. (E) Project locations A project receiving a grant under this paragraph may be located on any public road or in other publicly accessible locations, such as parking facilities at public buildings, public schools, and public parks, or in publicly accessible parking facilities owned or managed by a private entity. (F) Priority In providing grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that expand access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure within— (i) rural areas; (ii) low- and moderate-income neighborhoods; and (iii) communities with a low ratio of private parking spaces to households or a high ratio of multiunit dwellings to single family homes, as determined by the Secretary. (G) Additional considerations In providing grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider the extent to which the project— (i) contributes to geographic diversity among eligible entities, including achieving a balance between urban and rural communities; and (ii) meets current or anticipated market demands for charging or fueling infrastructure, including faster charging speeds with high-powered capabilities necessary to minimize the time to charge or refuel current and anticipated vehicles. (H) Partnering with private entities An eligible entity that receives a grant under this paragraph may use the grant funds to contract with a private entity for the acquisition, construction, installation, maintenance, or operation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure that is directly related to the charging or fueling of a vehicle. (I) Maximum grant amount The amount of a grant under this paragraph shall not be more than $15,000,000. (J) Technical assistance Of the amounts reserved under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may use not more than 1 percent to provide technical assistance to eligible entities. (K) Additional activities The recipient of a grant under this paragraph may use not more than 5 percent of the grant funds on educational and community engagement activities to develop and implement education programs through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and vehicle dealerships to support the use of zero-emission vehicles and associated infrastructure. (9) Requirements (A) Project treatment Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any project funded by a grant under this subsection shall be treated as a project on a Federal-aid highway under this chapter. (B) Signs Any traffic control device or on-premises sign acquired, installed, or operated with a grant under this subsection shall comply with— (i) the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, if located in the right-of-way; and (ii) other provisions of Federal, State, and local law, as applicable. (10) Federal share (A) In general The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out with a grant under this subsection shall not exceed 80 percent of the total project cost. (B) Responsibility of private entity As a condition of contracting with an eligible entity under paragraph (6) or (8), a private entity shall agree to pay the share of the cost of a project carried out with a grant under this subsection that is not paid by the Federal Government under subparagraph (A). (11) Report Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and make publicly available a report on the progress and implementation of this subsection. . 1402. Reduction of truck emissions at port facilities (a) Establishment of program (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a program to reduce idling at port facilities, under which the Secretary shall— (A) study how ports and intermodal port transfer facilities would benefit from increased opportunities to reduce emissions at ports, including through the electrification of port operations; (B) study emerging technologies and strategies that may help reduce port-related emissions from idling trucks; and (C) coordinate and provide funding to test, evaluate, and deploy projects that reduce port-related emissions from idling trucks, including through the advancement of port electrification and improvements in efficiency, focusing on port operations, including heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and other related projects. (2) Consultation In carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary may consult with the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (b) Grants (1) In general In carrying out subsection (a)(1)(C), the Secretary shall award grants to fund projects that reduce emissions at ports, including through the advancement of port electrification. (2) Cost share A grant awarded under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 80 percent of the total cost of the project funded by the grant. (3) Coordination In carrying out the grant program under this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) to the maximum extent practicable, leverage existing resources and programs of the Department and other relevant Federal agencies; and (B) coordinate with other Federal agencies, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (4) Application; selection (A) Application The Secretary shall solicit applications for grants under paragraph (1) at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary determines to be necessary. (B) Selection The Secretary shall make grants under paragraph (1) by not later than April 1 of each fiscal year for which funding is made available. (5) Requirement Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any project funded by a grant under this subsection shall be treated as a project on a Federal-aid highway under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date on which all of the projects funded with a grant under subsection (b) are completed, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes— (1) the findings of the studies described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(1); (2) the results of the projects that received a grant under subsection (b); (3) any recommendations for workforce development and training opportunities with respect to port electrification; and (4) any policy recommendations based on the findings and results described in paragraphs (1) and (2). 1403. Carbon reduction program (a) In general Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1203(a)), is amended by adding at the end the following: 175. Carbon reduction program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Metropolitan planning organization; urbanized area The terms metropolitan planning organization and urbanized area have the meaning given those terms in section 134(b). (2) Transportation emissions The term transportation emissions means carbon dioxide emissions from on-road highway sources of those emissions within a State. (3) Transportation management area The term transportation management area means a transportation management area identified or designated by the Secretary under section 134(k)(1). (b) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a carbon reduction program to reduce transportation emissions. (c) Eligible projects (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(7) may be obligated for projects to support the reduction of transportation emissions, including— (A) a project described in section 149(b)(4) to establish or operate a traffic monitoring, management, and control facility or program, including advanced truck stop electrification systems; (B) a public transportation project that is eligible for assistance under section 142; (C) a project described in section 101(a)(29) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the FAST Act ( Public Law 114–94 ; 129 Stat. 1312)), including the construction, planning, and design of on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorized forms of transportation; (D) a project described in section 503(c)(4)(E) for advanced transportation and congestion management technologies; (E) a project for the deployment of infrastructure-based intelligent transportation systems capital improvements and the installation of vehicle-to-infrastructure communications equipment, including retrofitting dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) technology deployed as part of an existing pilot program to cellular vehicle-to-everything (C–V2X) technology; (F) a project to replace street lighting and traffic control devices with energy-efficient alternatives; (G) the development of a carbon reduction strategy in accordance with subsection (d); (H) a project or strategy that is designed to support congestion pricing, shifting transportation demand to nonpeak hours or other transportation modes, increasing vehicle occupancy rates, or otherwise reducing demand for roads, including electronic toll collection, and travel demand management strategies and programs; (I) efforts to reduce the environmental and community impacts of freight movement; (J) a project to support deployment of alternative fuel vehicles, including— (i) the acquisition, installation, or operation of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure or hydrogen, natural gas, or propane vehicle fueling infrastructure; and (ii) the purchase or lease of zero-emission construction equipment and vehicles, including the acquisition, construction, or leasing of required supporting facilities; (K) a project described in section 149(b)(8) for a diesel engine retrofit; (L) a project described in section 149(b)(5) that does not result in the construction of new capacity; and (M) a project that reduces transportation emissions at port facilities, including through the advancement of port electrification. (2) Flexibility In addition to the eligible projects under paragraph (1), a State may use funds apportioned under section 104(b)(7) for a project eligible under section 133(b) if the Secretary certifies that the State has demonstrated a reduction in transportation emissions— (A) as estimated on a per capita basis; and (B) as estimated on a per unit of economic output basis. (d) Carbon reduction strategy (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , a State, in consultation with any metropolitan planning organization designated within the State, shall develop a carbon reduction strategy in accordance with this subsection. (2) Requirements The carbon reduction strategy of a State developed under paragraph (1) shall— (A) support efforts to reduce transportation emissions; (B) identify projects and strategies to reduce transportation emissions, which may include projects and strategies for safe, reliable, and cost-effective options— (i) to reduce traffic congestion by facilitating the use of alternatives to single-occupant vehicle trips, including public transportation facilities, pedestrian facilities, bicycle facilities, and shared or pooled vehicle trips within the State or an area served by the applicable metropolitan planning organization, if any; (ii) to facilitate the use of vehicles or modes of travel that result in lower transportation emissions per person-mile traveled as compared to existing vehicles and modes; and (iii) to facilitate approaches to the construction of transportation assets that result in lower transportation emissions as compared to existing approaches; (C) support the reduction of transportation emissions of the State; (D) at the discretion of the State, quantify the total carbon emissions from the production, transport, and use of materials used in the construction of transportation facilities within the State; and (E) be appropriate to the population density and context of the State, including any metropolitan planning organization designated within the State. (3) Updates The carbon reduction strategy of a State developed under paragraph (1) shall be updated not less frequently than once every 4 years. (4) Review Not later than 90 days after the date on which a State submits a request for the approval of a carbon reduction strategy developed by the State under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) review the process used to develop the carbon reduction strategy; and (B) (i) certify that the carbon reduction strategy meets the requirements of paragraph (2); or (ii) deny certification of the carbon reduction strategy and specify the actions necessary for the State to take to correct the deficiencies in the process of the State in developing the carbon reduction strategy. (5) Technical assistance At the request of a State, the Secretary shall provide technical assistance in the development of the carbon reduction strategy under paragraph (1). (e) Suballocation (1) In general For each fiscal year, of the funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(7)— (A) 65 percent shall be obligated, in proportion to their relative shares of the population of the State— (i) in urbanized areas of the State with an urbanized area population of more than 200,000; (ii) in urbanized areas of the State with an urbanized population of not less than 50,000 and not more than 200,000; (iii) in urban areas of the State with a population of not less than 5,000 and not more than 49,999; and (iv) in other areas of the State with a population of less than 5,000; and (B) the remainder may be obligated in any area of the State. (2) Metropolitan areas Funds attributed to an urbanized area under paragraph (1)(A)(i) may be obligated in the metropolitan area established under section 134 that encompasses the urbanized area. (3) Distribution among urbanized areas of over 50,000 population (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amounts that a State is required to obligate under clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) shall be obligated in urbanized areas described in those clauses based on the relative population of the areas. (B) Other factors The State may obligate the funds described in subparagraph (A) based on other factors if— (i) the State and the relevant metropolitan planning organizations jointly apply to the Secretary for the permission to base the obligation on other factors; and (ii) the Secretary grants the request. (4) Coordination in urbanized areas Before obligating funds for an eligible project under subsection (c) in an urbanized area that is not a transportation management area, a State shall coordinate with any metropolitan planning organization that represents the urbanized area prior to determining which activities should be carried out under the project. (5) Consultation in rural areas Before obligating funds for an eligible project under subsection (c) in a rural area, a State shall consult with any regional transportation planning organization or metropolitan planning organization that represents the rural area prior to determining which activities should be carried out under the project. (6) Obligation authority (A) In general A State that is required to obligate in an urbanized area with an urbanized area population of 50,000 or more under this subsection funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(7) shall make available during the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 an amount of obligation authority distributed to the State for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for use in the area that is equal to the amount obtained by multiplying— (i) the aggregate amount of funds that the State is required to obligate in the area under this subsection during the period; and (ii) the ratio that— (I) the aggregate amount of obligation authority distributed to the State for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs during the period; bears to (II) the total of the sums apportioned to the State for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs (excluding sums not subject to an obligation limitation) during the period. (B) Joint responsibility Each State, each affected metropolitan planning organization, and the Secretary shall jointly ensure compliance with subparagraph (A). (f) Federal share The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(7) shall be determined in accordance with section 120. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1203(b)) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 174 the following: 175. Carbon reduction program. . 1404. Congestion relief program (a) In general Section 129 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Congestion relief program (1) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means any of the following: (i) A State, for the purpose of carrying out a project in an urbanized area with a population of more than 1,000,000. (ii) A metropolitan planning organization, city, or municipality, for the purpose of carrying out a project in an urbanized area with a population of more than 1,000,000. (B) Integrated congestion management system The term integrated congestion management system means a system for the integration of management and operations of a regional transportation system that includes, at a minimum, traffic incident management, work zone management, traffic signal timing, managed lanes, real-time traveler information, and active traffic management, in order to maximize the capacity of all facilities and modes across the applicable region. (C) Program The term program means the congestion relief program established under paragraph (2). (2) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a congestion relief program to provide discretionary grants to eligible entities to advance innovative, integrated, and multimodal solutions to congestion relief in the most congested metropolitan areas of the United States. (3) Program goals The goals of the program are to reduce highway congestion, reduce economic and environmental costs associated with that congestion, including transportation emissions, and optimize existing highway capacity and usage of highway and transit systems through— (A) improving intermodal integration with highways, highway operations, and highway performance; (B) reducing or shifting highway users to off-peak travel times or to nonhighway travel modes during peak travel times; and (C) pricing of, or based on, as applicable— (i) parking; (ii) use of roadways, including in designated geographic zones; or (iii) congestion. (4) Eligible projects Funds from a grant under the program may be used for a project or an integrated collection of projects, including planning, design, implementation, and construction activities, to achieve the program goals under paragraph (3), including— (A) deployment and operation of an integrated congestion management system; (B) deployment and operation of a system that implements or enforces high occupancy vehicle toll lanes, cordon pricing, parking pricing, or congestion pricing; (C) deployment and operation of mobility services, including establishing account-based financial systems, commuter buses, commuter vans, express operations, paratransit, and on-demand microtransit; and (D) incentive programs that encourage travelers to carpool, use nonhighway travel modes during peak period, or travel during nonpeak periods. (5) Application; selection (A) Application To be eligible to receive a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (B) Priority In providing grants under the program, the Secretary shall give priority to projects in urbanized areas that are experiencing a high degree of recurrent congestion. (C) Federal share The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out with a grant under the program shall not exceed 80 percent of the total project cost. (D) Minimum award A grant provided under the program shall be not less than $10,000,000. (6) Use of tolling (A) In general Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1) and section 301 and subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), the Secretary shall allow the use of tolls on the Interstate System as part of a project carried out with a grant under the program. (B) Requirements The Secretary may only approve the use of tolls under subparagraph (A) if— (i) the eligible entity has authority under State, and if applicable, local, law to assess the applicable toll; (ii) the maximum toll rate for any vehicle class is not greater than the product obtained by multiplying— (I) the toll rate for any other vehicle class; and (II) 5; (iii) the toll rates are not charged or varied on the basis of State residency; (iv) the Secretary determines that the use of tolls will enable the eligible entity to achieve the program goals under paragraph (3) without a significant impact to safety or mobility within the urbanized area in which the project is located; and (v) the use of toll revenues complies with subsection (a)(3). (C) Limitation The Secretary may not approve the use of tolls on the Interstate System under the program in more than 10 urbanized areas. (7) Financial effects on low-income drivers A project under the program— (A) shall include, if appropriate, an analysis of the potential effects of the project on low-income drivers; and (B) may include mitigation measures to deal with any potential adverse financial effects on low-income drivers. . (b) High occupancy vehicle use of certain toll facilities Section 129(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (11); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following: (10) High occupancy vehicle use of certain toll facilities Notwithstanding section 102(a), in the case of a toll facility that is on the Interstate System and that is constructed or converted after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , the public authority with jurisdiction over the toll facility shall allow high occupancy vehicles, transit, and paratransit vehicles to use the facility at a discount rate or without charge, unless the public authority, in consultation with the Secretary, determines that the number of those vehicles using the facility reduces the travel time reliability of the facility. . 1405. Freight plans (a) National and State freight plans (1) National freight strategic plan Section 70102(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (A) in paragraph (10), by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (11), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (12) possible strategies to increase the resilience of the freight system, including the ability to anticipate, prepare for, or adapt to conditions, or withstand, respond to, or recover rapidly from disruptions, including extreme weather and natural disasters; (13) strategies to promote United States economic growth and international competitiveness; and (14) strategies to reduce local air pollution from freight movement, stormwater runoff, and wildlife habitat loss resulting from freight facilities, freight vehicles, or freight activity. . (2) State freight plans Section 70202 of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (A) in subsection (b)— (i) in paragraph (9), by striking and at the end; (ii) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (12); and (iii) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following: (10) the most recent commercial motor vehicle parking facilities assessment conducted under subsection (f); (11) strategies and goals to decrease— (A) the severity of impacts of extreme weather and natural disasters on freight mobility; (B) the impacts of freight movement on local air pollution; (C) the impacts of freight movement on flooding and stormwater runoff; and (D) the impacts of freight movement on wildlife habitat loss; and ; (B) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (h); and (C) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: (e) Priority Each State freight plan under this section shall include a requirement that the State, in carrying out activities under the State freight plan— (1) enhance reliability or redundancy of freight transportation; or (2) incorporate the ability to rapidly restore access and reliability of freight transportation. (f) Commercial motor vehicle parking facilities assessments As part of the development or updating, as applicable, of the State freight plan under this section, each State that receives funding under section 167 of title 23, in consultation with relevant State motor carrier safety personnel, shall conduct an assessment of— (1) the capability of the State, together with the private sector in the State, to provide adequate parking facilities and rest facilities for commercial motor vehicles engaged in interstate transportation; (2) the volume of commercial motor vehicle traffic in the State; and (3) whether there are any areas within the State that have a shortage of adequate commercial motor vehicle parking facilities, including an analysis (economic or otherwise, as the State determines to be appropriate) of the underlying causes of any such shortages. (g) Approval (1) In general The Secretary of Transportation shall approve a State freight plan described in subsection (a) if the plan achieves compliance with the requirements of this section. (2) Savings provision Nothing in this subsection establishes new procedural requirements for the approval of a State freight plan described in subsection (a). . (b) Studies For the purpose of facilitating the integration of intelligent transportation systems into the freight transportation network powered by electricity, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, shall conduct a study relating to— (1) preparing to supply power to applicable electrical freight infrastructure; and (2) safely integrating freight into intelligent transportation systems. 1406. Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) program (a) In general Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1403(a)), is amended by adding at the end the following: 176. Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Emergency event The term emergency event means a natural disaster or catastrophic failure resulting in— (A) an emergency declared by the Governor of the State in which the disaster or failure occurred; or (B) an emergency or disaster declared by the President. (2) Evacuation route The term evacuation route means a transportation route or system that— (A) is owned, operated, or maintained by a Federal, State, Tribal, or local government; (B) is used— (i) to transport the public away from emergency events; or (ii) to transport emergency responders and recovery resources; and (C) is designated by the eligible entity with jurisdiction over the area in which the route is located for the purposes described in subparagraph (B). (3) Program The term program means the program established under subsection (b)(1). (4) Resilience improvement The term resilience improvement means the use of materials or structural or nonstructural techniques, including natural infrastructure— (A) that allow a project— (i) to better anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions and to withstand and respond to disruptions; and (ii) to be better able to continue to serve the primary function of the project during and after weather events and natural disasters for the expected life of the project; or (B) that— (i) reduce the magnitude and duration of impacts of current and future weather events and natural disasters to a project; or (ii) have the absorptive capacity, adaptive capacity, and recoverability to decrease project vulnerability to current and future weather events or natural disasters. (b) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a program, to be known as the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation program or the PROTECT program . (2) Purpose The purpose of the program is to provide grants for resilience improvements through— (A) formula funding distributed to States to carry out subsection (c); (B) competitive planning grants to enable communities to assess vulnerabilities to current and future weather events and natural disasters and changing conditions, including sea level rise, and plan transportation improvements and emergency response strategies to address those vulnerabilities; and (C) competitive resilience improvement grants to protect— (i) surface transportation assets by making the assets more resilient to current and future weather events and natural disasters, such as severe storms, flooding, drought, levee and dam failures, wildfire, rockslides, mudslides, sea level rise, extreme weather, including extreme temperature, and earthquakes; (ii) communities through resilience improvements and strategies that allow for the continued operation or rapid recovery of surface transportation systems that— (I) serve critical local, regional, and national needs, including evacuation routes; and (II) provide access or service to hospitals and other medical or emergency service facilities, major employers, critical manufacturing centers, ports and intermodal facilities, utilities, and Federal facilities; (iii) coastal infrastructure, such as a tide gate to protect highways, that is at long-term risk to sea level rise; and (iv) natural infrastructure that protects and enhances surface transportation assets while improving ecosystem conditions, including culverts that ensure adequate flows in rivers and estuarine systems. (c) Eligible activities for apportioned funding (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(8) shall be obligated for activities eligible under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of subsection (d)(4). (2) Planning set-aside Of the funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(8) for each fiscal year, not less than 2 percent shall be for activities described in subsection (d)(3). (3) Requirements (A) Projects in certain areas If a project under this subsection is carried out, in whole or in part, within a base floodplain, the State shall— (i) identify the base floodplain in which the project is to be located and disclose that information to the Secretary; and (ii) indicate to the Secretary whether the State plans to implement 1 or more components of the risk mitigation plan under section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5165 ) with respect to the area. (B) Eligibilities A State shall use funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(8) for— (i) a highway project eligible for assistance under this title; (ii) a public transportation facility or service eligible for assistance under chapter 53 of title 49; or (iii) a port facility, including a facility that— (I) connects a port to other modes of transportation; (II) improves the efficiency of evacuations and disaster relief; or (III) aids transportation. (C) System resilience A project carried out by a State with funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(8) may include the use of natural infrastructure or the construction or modification of storm surge, flood protection, or aquatic ecosystem restoration elements that are functionally connected to a transportation improvement, such as— (i) increasing marsh health and total area adjacent to a highway right-of-way to promote additional flood storage; (ii) upgrades to and installation of culverts designed to withstand 100-year flood events; (iii) upgrades to and installation of tide gates to protect highways; (iv) upgrades to and installation of flood gates to protect tunnel entrances; and (v) improving functionality and resiliency of stormwater controls, including inventory inspections, upgrades to, and preservation of best management practices to protect surface transportation infrastructure. (D) Federal cost share (i) In general Except as provided in subsection (e)(1), the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(8) shall not exceed 80 percent of the total project cost. (ii) Non-federal share A State may use Federal funds other than Federal funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(8) to meet the non-Federal cost share requirement for a project under this subsection. (E) Eligible project costs (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), eligible project costs for activities carried out by a State with funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(8) may include the costs of— (I) development phase activities, including planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, environmental review, preliminary engineering and design work, and other preconstruction activities; and (II) construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and acquisition of real property (including land related to the project and improvements to land), environmental mitigation, construction contingencies, acquisition of equipment directly related to improving system performance, and operational improvements. (ii) Eligible planning costs In the case of a planning activity described in subsection (d)(3) that is carried out by a State with funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(8), eligible costs may include development phase activities, including planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, environmental review, preliminary engineering and design work, other preconstruction activities, and other activities consistent with carrying out the purposes of subsection (d)(3). (F) Limitations A State— (i) may use not more than 40 percent of the amounts apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(8) for the construction of new capacity; and (ii) may use not more than 10 percent of the amounts apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(8) for activities described in subparagraph (E)(i)(I). (d) Competitive awards (1) In general In addition to funds apportioned to States under section 104(b)(8) to carry out activities under subsection (c), the Secretary shall provide grants on a competitive basis under this subsection to eligible entities described in paragraph (2). (2) Eligible entities Except as provided in paragraph (4)(C), the Secretary may make a grant under this subsection to any of the following: (A) A State or political subdivision of a State. (B) A metropolitan planning organization. (C) A unit of local government. (D) A special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function, including a port authority. (E) An Indian tribe (as defined in section 207(m)(1)). (F) A Federal land management agency that applies jointly with a State or group of States. (G) A multi-State or multijurisdictional group of entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (F). (3) Planning grants Using funds made available under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide planning grants to eligible entities for the purpose of— (A) in the case of a State or metropolitan planning organization, developing a resilience improvement plan under subsection (e)(2); (B) resilience planning, predesign, design, or the development of data tools to simulate transportation disruption scenarios, including vulnerability assessments; (C) technical capacity building by the eligible entity to facilitate the ability of the eligible entity to assess the vulnerabilities of the surface transportation assets and community response strategies of the eligible entity under current conditions and a range of potential future conditions; or (D) evacuation planning and preparation. (4) Resilience grants (A) Resilience improvement grants (i) In general Using funds made available under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide resilience improvement grants to eligible entities to carry out 1 or more eligible activities under clause (ii). (ii) Eligible activities (I) In general An eligible entity may use a resilience improvement grant under this subparagraph for 1 or more construction activities to improve the ability of an existing surface transportation asset to withstand 1 or more elements of a weather event or natural disaster, or to increase the resilience of surface transportation infrastructure from the impacts of changing conditions, such as sea level rise, flooding, wildfires, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. (II) Inclusions An activity eligible to be carried out under this subparagraph includes— (aa) resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, replacement, improvement, or realignment of an existing surface transportation facility eligible for assistance under this title; (bb) the incorporation of natural infrastructure; (cc) the upgrade of an existing surface transportation facility to meet or exceed a design standard adopted by the Federal Highway Administration; (dd) the installation of mitigation measures that prevent the intrusion of floodwaters into surface transportation systems; (ee) strengthening systems that remove rainwater from surface transportation facilities; (ff) upgrades to and installation of structural stormwater controls; (gg) a resilience project that addresses identified vulnerabilities described in the resilience improvement plan of the eligible entity, if applicable; (hh) relocating roadways in a base floodplain to higher ground above projected flood elevation levels, or away from slide prone areas; (ii) stabilizing slide areas or slopes; (jj) installing riprap; (kk) lengthening or raising bridges to increase waterway openings, including to respond to extreme weather; (ll) increasing the size or number of drainage structures; (mm) installing seismic retrofits on bridges; (nn) adding scour protection at bridges; (oo) adding scour, stream stability, coastal, and other hydraulic countermeasures, including spur dikes; (pp) vegetation management practices in transportation rights-of-way to improve roadway safety, prevent against invasive species, facilitate wildfire control, and provide erosion control; and (qq) any other protective features, including natural infrastructure, as determined by the Secretary. (iii) Priority The Secretary shall prioritize a resilience improvement grant to an eligible entity if— (I) the Secretary determines— (aa) the benefits of the eligible activity proposed to be carried out by the eligible entity exceed the costs of the activity; and (bb) there is a need to address the vulnerabilities of surface transportation assets of the eligible entity with a high risk of, and impacts associated with, failure due to the impacts of weather events, natural disasters, or changing conditions, such as sea level rise, wildfires, and increased flood risk; or (II) the eligible activity proposed to be carried out by the eligible entity is included in the applicable resilience improvement plan under subsection (e)(2). (B) Community resilience and evacuation route grants (i) In general Using funds made available under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide community resilience and evacuation route grants to eligible entities to carry out 1 or more eligible activities under clause (ii). (ii) Eligible activities An eligible entity may use a community resilience and evacuation route grant under this subparagraph for 1 or more projects that strengthen and protect evacuation routes that are essential for providing and supporting evacuations caused by emergency events, including a project that— (I) is an eligible activity under subparagraph (A)(ii), if that eligible activity will improve an evacuation route; (II) ensures the ability of the evacuation route to provide safe passage during an evacuation and reduces the risk of damage to evacuation routes as a result of future emergency events, including restoring or replacing existing evacuation routes that are in poor condition or not designed to meet the anticipated demand during an emergency event, and including steps to protect routes from mud, rock, or other debris slides; (III) if the eligible entity notifies the Secretary that existing evacuation routes are not sufficient to adequately facilitate evacuations, including the transportation of emergency responders and recovery resources, expands the capacity of evacuation routes to swiftly and safely accommodate evacuations, including installation of— (aa) communications and intelligent transportation system equipment and infrastructure; (bb) counterflow measures; or (cc) shoulders; (IV) is for the construction of new or redundant evacuation routes, if the eligible entity notifies the Secretary that existing evacuation routes are not sufficient to adequately facilitate evacuations, including the transportation of emergency responders and recovery resources; (V) is for the acquisition of evacuation route or traffic incident management equipment or signage; or (VI) will ensure access or service to critical destinations, including hospitals and other medical or emergency service facilities, major employers, critical manufacturing centers, ports and intermodal facilities, utilities, and Federal facilities. (iii) Priority The Secretary shall prioritize community resilience and evacuation route grants under this subparagraph for eligible activities that are cost-effective, as determined by the Secretary, taking into account— (I) current and future vulnerabilities to an evacuation route due to future occurrence or recurrence of emergency events that are likely to occur in the geographic area in which the evacuation route is located; and (II) projected changes in development patterns, demographics, and extreme weather events based on the best available evidence and analysis. (iv) Consultation In providing grants for community resilience and evacuation routes under this subparagraph, the Secretary may consult with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, who may provide technical assistance to the Secretary and to eligible entities. (C) At-risk coastal infrastructure grants (i) Definition of eligible entity In this subparagraph, the term eligible entity means any of the following: (I) A State (including the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) in, or bordering on, the Atlantic, Pacific, or Arctic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, Long Island Sound, or 1 or more of the Great Lakes. (II) A political subdivision of a State described in subclause (I). (III) A metropolitan planning organization in a State described in subclause (I). (IV) A unit of local government in a State described in subclause (I). (V) A special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function, including a port authority, in a State described in subclause (I). (VI) An Indian tribe in a State described in subclause (I). (VII) A Federal land management agency that applies jointly with a State or group of States described in subclause (I). (VIII) A multi-State or multijurisdictional group of entities described in subclauses (I) through (VII). (ii) Grants Using funds made available under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide at-risk coastal infrastructure grants to eligible entities to carry out 1 or more eligible activities under clause (iii). (iii) Eligible activities An eligible entity may use an at-risk coastal infrastructure grant under this subparagraph for strengthening, stabilizing, hardening, elevating, relocating, or otherwise enhancing the resilience of highway and non-rail infrastructure, including bridges, roads, pedestrian walkways, and bicycle lanes, and associated infrastructure, such as culverts and tide gates to protect highways, that are subject to, or face increased long-term future risks of, a weather event, a natural disaster, or changing conditions, including coastal flooding, coastal erosion, wave action, storm surge, or sea level rise, in order to improve transportation and public safety and to reduce costs by avoiding larger future maintenance or rebuilding costs. (iv) Criteria The Secretary shall provide at-risk coastal infrastructure grants under this subparagraph for a project— (I) that addresses the risks from a current or future weather event or natural disaster, including coastal flooding, coastal erosion, wave action, storm surge, or sea level change; and (II) that reduces long-term infrastructure costs by avoiding larger future maintenance or rebuilding costs. (v) Coastal benefits In addition to the criteria under clause (iv), for the purpose of providing at-risk coastal infrastructure grants under this subparagraph, the Secretary shall evaluate the extent to which a project will provide— (I) access to coastal homes, businesses, communities, and other critical infrastructure, including access by first responders and other emergency personnel; or (II) access to a designated evacuation route. (5) Grant requirements (A) Solicitations for grants In providing grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall conduct a transparent and competitive national solicitation process to select eligible projects to receive grants under paragraph (3) and subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (4). (B) Applications (i) In general To be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph (3) or subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (4), an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Secretary determines to be necessary. (ii) Projects in certain areas If a project is proposed to be carried out by the eligible entity, in whole or in part, within a base floodplain, the eligible entity shall— (I) as part of the application, identify the floodplain in which the project is to be located and disclose that information to the Secretary; and (II) indicate in the application whether, if selected, the eligible entity will implement 1 or more components of the risk mitigation plan under section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5165 ) with respect to the area. (C) Eligibilities The Secretary may make a grant under paragraph (3) or subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (4) only for— (i) a highway project eligible for assistance under this title; (ii) a public transportation facility or service eligible for assistance under chapter 53 of title 49; (iii) a facility or service for intercity rail passenger transportation (as defined in section 24102 of title 49); or (iv) a port facility, including a facility that— (I) connects a port to other modes of transportation; (II) improves the efficiency of evacuations and disaster relief; or (III) aids transportation. (D) System resilience A project for which a grant is provided under paragraph (3) or subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (4) may include the use of natural infrastructure or the construction or modification of storm surge, flood protection, or aquatic ecosystem restoration elements that the Secretary determines are functionally connected to a transportation improvement, such as— (i) increasing marsh health and total area adjacent to a highway right-of-way to promote additional flood storage; (ii) upgrades to and installing of culverts designed to withstand 100-year flood events; (iii) upgrades to and installation of tide gates to protect highways; and (iv) upgrades to and installation of flood gates to protect tunnel entrances. (E) Federal cost share (i) Planning grant The Federal share of the cost of a planning activity carried out using a planning grant under paragraph (3) shall be 100 percent. (ii) Resilience grants (I) In general Except as provided in subclause (II) and subsection (e)(1), the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (4) shall not exceed 80 percent of the total project cost. (II) Tribal projects On the determination of the Secretary, the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a grant under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (4) by an Indian tribe (as defined in section 207(m)(1)) may be up to 100 percent. (iii) Non-federal share The eligible entity may use Federal funds other than Federal funds provided under this subsection to meet the non-Federal cost share requirement for a project carried out with a grant under this subsection. (F) Eligible project costs (i) Resilience grant projects Eligible project costs for activities funded with a grant under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (4) may include the costs of— (I) development phase activities, including planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, environmental review, preliminary engineering and design work, and other preconstruction activities; and (II) construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and acquisition of real property (including land related to the project and improvements to land), environmental mitigation, construction contingencies, acquisition of equipment directly related to improving system performance, and operational improvements. (ii) Planning grants Eligible project costs for activities funded with a grant under paragraph (3) may include the costs of development phase activities, including planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, environmental review, preliminary engineering and design work, other preconstruction activities, and other activities consistent with carrying out the purposes of that paragraph. (G) Limitations (i) In general An eligible entity that receives a grant under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (4)— (I) may use not more than 40 percent of the amount of the grant for the construction of new capacity; and (II) may use not more than 10 percent of the amount of the grant for activities described in subparagraph (F)(i)(I). (ii) Limit on certain activities For each fiscal year, not more than 25 percent of the total amount provided under this subsection may be used for projects described in subparagraph (C)(iii). (H) Distribution of grants (i) In general Subject to the availability of funds, an eligible entity may request and the Secretary may distribute funds for a grant under this subsection on a multiyear basis, as the Secretary determines to be necessary. (ii) Rural set-aside Of the amounts made available to carry out this subsection for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not less than 25 percent for grants for projects located in areas that are outside an urbanized area with a population of over 200,000. (iii) Tribal set-aside Of the amounts made available to carry out this subsection for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not less than 2 percent for grants to Indian tribes (as defined in section 207(m)(1)). (iv) Reallocation For any fiscal year, if the Secretary determines that the amount described in clause (ii) or (iii) will not be fully utilized for the grant described in that clause, the Secretary may reallocate the unutilized funds to provide grants to other eligible entities under this subsection. (6) Consultation In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall— (A) consult with the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Commerce; and (B) solicit technical support from the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (7) Grant administration The Secretary may— (A) retain not more than a total of 5 percent of the funds made available to carry out this subsection and to review applications for grants under this subsection; and (B) transfer portions of the funds retained under subparagraph (A) to the relevant Administrators to fund the award and oversight of grants provided under this subsection. (e) Resilience improvement plan and lower non-Federal share (1) Federal share reductions (A) In general A State that receives funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(8) or an eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (d) shall have the non-Federal share of a project carried out with the funds or grant, as applicable, reduced by an amount described in subparagraph (B) if the State or eligible entity meets the applicable requirements under that subparagraph. (B) Amount of reductions (i) Resilience improvement plan Subject to clause (iii), the amount of the non-Federal share of the costs of a project carried out with funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(8) or a grant under subsection (d) shall be reduced by 7 percentage points if— (I) in the case of a State or an eligible entity that is a State or a metropolitan planning organization, the State or eligible entity has— (aa) developed a resilience improvement plan in accordance with this subsection; and (bb) prioritized the project on that resilience improvement plan; and (II) in the case of an eligible entity not described in subclause (I), the eligible entity is located in a State or an area served by a metropolitan planning organization that has— (aa) developed a resilience improvement plan in accordance with this subsection; and (bb) prioritized the project on that resilience improvement plan. (ii) Incorporation of resilience improvement plan in other planning Subject to clause (iii), the amount of the non-Federal share of the cost of a project carried out with funds under subsection (c) or a grant under subsection (d) shall be reduced by 3 percentage points if— (I) in the case of a State or an eligible entity that is a State or a metropolitan planning organization, the resilience improvement plan developed in accordance with this subsection has been incorporated into the metropolitan transportation plan under section 134 or the long-range statewide transportation plan under section 135, as applicable; and (II) in the case of an eligible entity not described in subclause (I), the eligible entity is located in a State or an area served by a metropolitan planning organization that incorporated a resilience improvement plan into the metropolitan transportation plan under section 134 or the long-range statewide transportation plan under section 135, as applicable. (iii) Limitations (I) Maximum reduction A State or eligible entity may not receive a reduction under this paragraph of more than 10 percentage points for any single project carried out with funds under subsection (c) or a grant under subsection (d). (II) No negative non-Federal share A reduction under this paragraph shall not reduce the non-Federal share of the costs of a project carried out with funds under subsection (c) or a grant under subsection (d) to an amount that is less than zero. (2) Plan contents A resilience improvement plan referred to in paragraph (1)— (A) shall be for the immediate and long-range planning activities and investments of the State or metropolitan planning organization with respect to resilience of the surface transportation system within the boundaries of the State or metropolitan planning organization, as applicable; (B) shall demonstrate a systemic approach to surface transportation system resilience and be consistent with and complementary of the State and local mitigation plans required under section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5165 ); (C) shall include a risk-based assessment of vulnerabilities of transportation assets and systems to current and future weather events and natural disasters, such as severe storms, flooding, drought, levee and dam failures, wildfire, rockslides, mudslides, sea level rise, extreme weather, including extreme temperatures, and earthquakes; (D) may— (i) designate evacuation routes and strategies, including multimodal facilities, designated with consideration for individuals without access to personal vehicles; (ii) plan for response to anticipated emergencies, including plans for the mobility of— (I) emergency response personnel and equipment; and (II) access to emergency services, including for vulnerable or disadvantaged populations; (iii) describe the resilience improvement policies, including strategies, land-use and zoning changes, investments in natural infrastructure, or performance measures that will inform the transportation investment decisions of the State or metropolitan planning organization with the goal of increasing resilience; (iv) include an investment plan that— (I) includes a list of priority projects; and (II) describes how funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b)(8) or provided by a grant under the program would be invested and matched, which shall not be subject to fiscal constraint requirements; and (v) use science and data and indicate the source of data and methodologies; and (E) shall, as appropriate— (i) include a description of how the plan will improve the ability of the State or metropolitan planning organization— (I) to respond promptly to the impacts of weather events and natural disasters; and (II) to be prepared for changing conditions, such as sea level rise and increased flood risk; (ii) describe the codes, standards, and regulatory framework, if any, adopted and enforced to ensure resilience improvements within the impacted area of proposed projects included in the resilience improvement plan; (iii) consider the benefits of combining hard surface transportation assets, and natural infrastructure, through coordinated efforts by the Federal Government and the States; (iv) assess the resilience of other community assets, including buildings and housing, emergency management assets, and energy, water, and communication infrastructure; (v) use a long-term planning period; and (vi) include such other information as the State or metropolitan planning organization considers appropriate. (3) No new planning requirements Nothing in this section requires a metropolitan planning organization or a State to develop a resilience improvement plan or to include a resilience improvement plan under the metropolitan transportation plan under section 134 or the long-range statewide transportation plan under section 135, as applicable, of the metropolitan planning organization or State. (f) Monitoring (1) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall— (A) establish, for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness and impacts of projects carried out with a grant under subsection (d)— (i) subject to paragraph (2), transportation and any other metrics as the Secretary determines to be necessary; and (ii) procedures for monitoring and evaluating projects based on those metrics; and (B) select a representative sample of projects to evaluate based on the metrics and procedures established under subparagraph (A). (2) Notice Before adopting any metrics described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) publish the proposed metrics in the Federal Register; and (B) provide to the public an opportunity for comment on the proposed metrics. (g) Reports (1) Reports from eligible entities Not later than 1 year after the date on which a project carried out with a grant under subsection (d) is completed, the eligible entity that carried out the project shall submit to the Secretary a report on the results of the project and the use of the funds awarded. (2) Reports to Congress (A) Annual reports The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and publish on the website of the Department of Transportation, an annual report that describes the implementation of the program during the preceding calendar year, including— (i) each project for which a grant was provided under subsection (d); (ii) information relating to project applications received; (iii) the manner in which the consultation requirements were implemented under subsection (d); (iv) recommendations to improve the administration of subsection (d), including whether assistance from additional or fewer agencies to carry out the program is appropriate; (v) the period required to disburse grant funds to eligible entities based on applicable Federal coordination requirements; and (vi) a list of facilities that repeatedly require repair or reconstruction due to emergency events. (B) Final report Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes the results of the reports submitted under subparagraph (A). . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1403(b)), is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 175 the following: 176. Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) program. . 1407. Healthy Streets program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Community of color The term community of color means, in a State, a census block group for which the aggregate percentage of residents who identify as Black, African-American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Latino, other nonwhite race, or linguistically isolated is— (A) not less than 50 percent; or (B) significantly higher, as determined by the Secretary, than the State average. (2) Cool pavement The term cool pavement means a pavement with reflective surfaces with higher albedo to decrease the surface temperature of that pavement. (3) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) a State; (B) a metropolitan planning organization; (C) a unit of local government; (D) a Tribal government; and (E) a nonprofit organization working in coordination with an entity described in subparagraphs (A) through (D). (4) Low-income community The term low-income community means a census block group in which not less than 30 percent of the population lives below the poverty line (as defined in section 673 of the Community Services Block Grant Act ( 42 U.S.C. 9902 )). (5) Porous pavement The term porous pavement means a paved surface with a higher than normal percentage of air voids to allow water to pass through the surface and infiltrate into the subsoil. (6) Program The term program means the Healthy Streets program established under subsection (b). (7) State The term State has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code. (8) Tribal government The term Tribal government means the recognized governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community, component band, or component reservation, individually identified (including parenthetically) in the list published most recently as of the date of enactment of this Act pursuant to section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 ( 25 U.S.C. 5131 ). (b) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a discretionary grant program, to be known as the Healthy Streets program , to provide grants to eligible entities— (1) to deploy cool pavements and porous pavements; and (2) to expand tree cover. (c) Goals The goals of the program are— (1) to mitigate urban heat islands; (2) to improve air quality; and (3) to reduce— (A) the extent of impervious surfaces; (B) stormwater runoff and flood risks; and (C) heat impacts to infrastructure and road users. (d) Application (1) In general To be eligible to receive a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (2) Requirements The application submitted by an eligible entity under paragraph (1) shall include a description of— (A) how the eligible entity would use the grant funds; and (B) the contribution that the projects intended to be carried out with grant funds would make to improving the safety, health outcomes, natural environment, and quality of life in low-income communities and communities of color. (e) Use of funds An eligible entity that receives a grant under the program may use the grant funds for 1 or more of the following activities: (1) Conducting an assessment of urban heat islands to identify hot spot areas of extreme heat or elevated air pollution. (2) Conducting a comprehensive tree canopy assessment, which shall assess the current tree locations and canopy, including— (A) an inventory of the location, species, condition, and health of existing tree canopies and trees on public facilities; and (B) an identification of— (i) the locations where trees need to be replaced; (ii) empty tree boxes or other locations where trees could be added; and (iii) flood-prone locations where trees or other natural infrastructure could mitigate flooding. (3) Conducting an equity assessment by mapping tree canopy gaps, flood-prone locations, and urban heat island hot spots as compared to— (A) pedestrian walkways and public transportation stop locations; (B) low-income communities; and (C) communities of color. (4) Planning activities, including developing an investment plan based on the results of the assessments carried out under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3). (5) Purchasing and deploying cool pavements to mitigate urban heat island hot spots. (6) Purchasing and deploying porous pavement to mitigate flooding and stormwater runoff in— (A) pedestrian-only areas; and (B) areas of low-volume, low-speed vehicular use. (7) Purchasing of trees, site preparation, planting of trees, ongoing maintenance and monitoring of trees, and repairing of storm damage to trees, with priority given to— (A) to the extent practicable, the planting of native species; and (B) projects located in a neighborhood with lower tree cover or higher maximum daytime summer temperatures compared to surrounding neighborhoods. (8) Assessing underground infrastructure and coordinating with local transportation and utility providers. (9) Hiring staff to conduct any of the activities described in paragraphs (1) through (8). (f) Priority In awarding grants to eligible entities under the program, the Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity— (1) proposing to carry out an activity or project in a low-income community or a community of color; (2) that has entered into a community benefits agreement with representatives of the community; or (3) that is partnering with a qualified youth or conservation corps (as defined in section 203 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1722 )). (g) Distribution requirement Of the amounts made available to carry out the program for each fiscal year, not less than 80 percent shall be provided for projects in urbanized areas (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code). (h) Federal share (1) In general Except as provided under paragraph (2), the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out under the program shall be 80 percent. (2) Waiver The Secretary may increase the Federal share requirement under paragraph (1) to 100 percent for projects carried out by an eligible entity that demonstrates economic hardship, as determined by the Secretary. (i) Maximum grant amount An individual grant under this section shall not exceed $15,000,000. E Miscellaneous 1501. Additional deposits into Highway Trust Fund (a) In general Section 105 of title 23, United States Code, is repealed. (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 105. 1502. Stopping threats on pedestrians (a) Definition of bollard installation project In this section, the term bollard installation project means a project to install raised concrete or metal posts on a sidewalk adjacent to a roadway that are designed to slow or stop a motor vehicle. (b) Establishment Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish and carry out a competitive grant pilot program to provide assistance to State departments of transportation and local government entities for bollard installation projects designed to prevent pedestrian injuries and acts of terrorism in areas used by large numbers of pedestrians. (c) Application To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State department of transportation or local government entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, which shall include, at a minimum— (1) a description of the proposed bollard installation project to be carried out; (2) a description of the pedestrian injury or terrorism risks with respect to the proposed installation area; and (3) an analysis of how the proposed bollard installation project will mitigate those risks. (d) Use of funds A recipient of a grant under this section may only use the grant funds for a bollard installation project. (e) Federal share The Federal share of the costs of a bollard installation project carried out with a grant under this section may be up to 100 percent. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. 1503. Transfer and sale of toll credits (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Originating state The term originating State means a State that— (A) is eligible to use a credit under section 120(i) of title 23, United States Code; and (B) has been selected by the Secretary under subsection (d)(2). (2) Pilot program The term pilot program means the pilot program established under subsection (b). (3) Recipient state The term recipient State means a State that receives a credit by transfer or by sale under this section from an originating State. (4) State The term State has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code. (b) Establishment of pilot program The Secretary shall establish and implement a toll credit exchange pilot program in accordance with this section. (c) Purposes The purposes of the pilot program are— (1) to identify the extent of the demand to purchase toll credits; (2) to identify the cash price of toll credits through bilateral transactions between States; (3) to analyze the impact of the purchase or sale of toll credits on transportation expenditures; (4) to test the feasibility of expanding the pilot program to allow all States to participate on a permanent basis; and (5) to identify any other repercussions of the toll credit exchange. (d) Selection of originating States (1) Application In order to participate in the pilot program as an originating State, a State shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including, at a minimum, such information as is required for the Secretary to verify— (A) the amount of unused toll credits for which the State has submitted certification to the Secretary that are available to be sold or transferred under the pilot program, including— (i) toll revenue generated and the sources of that revenue; (ii) toll revenue used by public, quasi-public, and private agencies to build, improve, or maintain highways, bridges, or tunnels that serve the public purpose of interstate commerce; and (iii) an accounting of any Federal funds used by the public, quasi-public, or private agency to build, improve, or maintain the toll facility, to validate that the credit has been reduced by a percentage equal to the percentage of the total cost of building, improving, or maintaining the facility that was derived from Federal funds; (B) the documentation of maintenance of effort for toll credits earned by the originating State; and (C) the accuracy of the accounting system of the State to earn and track toll credits. (2) Selection Of the States that submit an application under paragraph (1), the Secretary may select not more than 10 States to be designated as an originating State. (3) Limitation on sales At any time, the Secretary may limit the amount of unused toll credits that may be offered for sale under the pilot program. (e) Transfer or sale of credits (1) In general In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall provide that an originating State may transfer or sell to a recipient State a credit not previously used by the originating State under section 120(i) of title 23, United States Code. (2) Website support The Secretary shall make available a publicly accessible website on which originating States shall post the amount of toll credits, verified under subsection (d)(1)(A), that are available for sale or transfer to a recipient State. (3) Bilateral transactions An originating State and a recipient State may enter into a bilateral transaction to sell or transfer verified toll credits. (4) Notification Not later than 30 days after the date on which a credit is transferred or sold, the originating State and the recipient State shall jointly submit to the Secretary a written notification of the transfer or sale, including details on— (A) the amount of toll credits that have been sold or transferred; (B) the price paid or other value transferred in exchange for the toll credits; (C) the intended use by the recipient State of the toll credits, if known; (D) the intended use by the originating State of the cash or other value transferred; (E) an update on the toll credit balance of the originating State and the recipient State; and (F) any other information about the transaction that the Secretary may require. (5) Use of credits by transferee or purchaser A recipient State may use a credit received under paragraph (1) toward the non-Federal share requirement for any funds made available to carry out title 23 or chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, in accordance with section 120(i) of title 23, United States Code. (6) Use of proceeds from sale of credits An originating State shall use the proceeds from the sale of a credit under paragraph (1) for the construction costs of any project in the originating State that is eligible under title 23, United States Code. (f) Reporting requirements (1) Initial report Not later than 1 year after the date on which the pilot program is established, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the progress of the pilot program. (2) Final report Not later than 3 years after the date on which the pilot program is established, the Secretary shall— (A) submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that— (i) determines whether a toll credit marketplace is viable and cost-effective; (ii) describes the buying and selling activities under the pilot program; (iii) describes the average sale price of toll credits; (iv) determines whether the pilot program could be expanded to more States or all States or to non-State operators of toll facilities; (v) provides updated information on the toll credit balance accumulated by each State; and (vi) describes the list of projects that were assisted by the pilot program; and (B) make the report under subparagraph (A) publicly available on the website of the Department. (g) Termination (1) In general The Secretary may terminate the pilot program or the participation of any State in the pilot program if the Secretary determines that— (A) the pilot program is not serving a public benefit; or (B) it is not cost effective to carry out the pilot program. (2) Procedures The termination of the pilot program or the participation of a State in the pilot program shall be carried out consistent with Federal requirements for project closeout, adjustment, and continuing responsibilities. 1504. Study of impacts on roads from self-driving vehicles (a) In general Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a study on the existing and future impacts of self-driving vehicles to transportation infrastructure, mobility, the environment, and safety, including impacts on— (1) the Interstate System (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code); (2) urban roads; (3) rural roads; (4) corridors with heavy traffic congestion; (5) transportation systems optimization; and (6) any other areas or issues relevant to operations of the Federal Highway Administration that the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (b) Contents of study The study under subsection (a) shall include specific recommendations for both rural and urban communities regarding the impacts of self-driving vehicles on existing transportation system capacity. (c) Considerations In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) consider the need for and recommend any policy changes to be undertaken by the Federal Highway Administration on the impacts of self-driving vehicles as identified under paragraph (2); and (2) for both rural and urban communities, include a discussion of— (A) the impacts that self-driving vehicles will have on existing transportation infrastructure, such as signage and markings, traffic lights, and highway capacity and design; (B) the impact on commercial and private traffic flows; (C) infrastructure improvement needs that may be necessary for transportation infrastructure to accommodate self-driving vehicles; (D) the impact of self-driving vehicles on the environment, congestion, and vehicle miles traveled; and (E) the impact of self-driving vehicles on mobility. (d) Coordination In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider and incorporate relevant current and ongoing research of the Department. (e) Consultation In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall convene and consult with a panel of national experts in both rural and urban transportation, including— (1) operators and users of the Interstate System (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code), including private sector stakeholders; (2) States and State departments of transportation; (3) metropolitan planning organizations; (4) the motor carrier industry; (5) representatives of public transportation agencies or organizations; (6) highway safety and academic groups; (7) nonprofit entities with experience in transportation policy; (8) National Laboratories (as defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 15801 )); (9) environmental stakeholders; and (10) self-driving vehicle producers, manufacturers, and technology developers. (f) Report Not later than 1 year after the date on which the study under subsection (a) is initiated, the Secretary shall submit a report on the results of the study to— (1) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate; and (2) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. 1505. Disaster relief mobilization study (a) Definition of local community In this section, the term local community means— (1) a unit of local government; (2) a political subdivision of a State or local government; (3) a metropolitan planning organization (as defined in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code); (4) a rural planning organization; or (5) a Tribal government. (b) Study (1) In general The Secretary shall carry out a study to determine the utility of incorporating the use of bicycles into the disaster preparedness and disaster response plans of local communities. (2) Requirements The study carried out under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a vulnerability assessment of the infrastructure in local communities as of the date of enactment of this Act that supports active transportation, including bicycling, walking, and personal mobility devices, with a particular focus on areas in local communities that— (i) have low levels of vehicle ownership; and (ii) lack sufficient active transportation infrastructure routes to public transportation; (B) an evaluation of whether disaster preparedness and disaster response plans should include the use of bicycles by first responders, emergency workers, and community organization representatives— (i) during a mandatory or voluntary evacuation ordered by a Federal, State, Tribal, or local government entity— (I) to notify residents of the need to evacuate; (II) to evacuate individuals and goods; and (III) to reach individuals who are in need of first aid and medical assistance; and (ii) after a disaster or emergency declared by a Federal, State, Tribal, or local government entity— (I) to participate in search and rescue activities; (II) to carry commodities to be used for life-saving or life-sustaining purposes, including— (aa) water; (bb) food; (cc) first aid and other medical supplies; and (dd) power sources and electric supplies, such as cell phones, radios, lights, and batteries; (III) to reach individuals who are in need of the commodities described in subclause (II); and (IV) to assist with other disaster relief tasks, as appropriate; and (C) a review of training programs for first responders, emergency workers, and community organization representatives relating to— (i) competent bicycle skills, including the use of cargo bicycles and electric bicycles, as applicable; (ii) basic bicycle maintenance; (iii) compliance with relevant traffic safety laws; (iv) methods to use bicycles to carry out the activities described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (2)(B); and (v) exercises conducted for the purpose of— (I) exercising the skills described in clause (i); and (II) maintaining bicycles and related equipment. (c) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that— (1) describes the results of the study carried out under subsection (b); and (2) provides recommendations, if any, relating to— (A) the methods by which to incorporate bicycles into disaster preparedness and disaster response plans of local communities; and (B) improvements to training programs described in subsection (b)(2)(C). 1506. Appalachian Regional Commission (a) Definitions Section 14102(a)(1) of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (G)— (A) by inserting Catawba, after Caldwell, ; and (B) by inserting Cleveland, after Clay, ; (2) in subparagraph (J), by striking and Spartanburg and inserting Spartanburg, and Union ; and (3) in subparagraph (M), by inserting , of which the counties of Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, and Ohio shall be considered to be located in the North Central subregion after West Virginia . (b) Functions Section 14303(a) of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (9), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (10), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (11) support broadband access in the Appalachian region. . (c) Congressional notification (1) In general Subchapter II of chapter 143 of subtitle IV of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 14323. Congressional notification (a) In general In the case of a project described in subsection (b), the Appalachian Regional Commission shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate notice of the award of a grant or other financial assistance not less than 3 full business days before awarding the grant or other financial assistance. (b) Projects described A project referred to in subsection (a) is a project that the Appalachian Regional Commission has selected to receive a grant or other financial assistance under this subtitle in an amount not less than $50,000. . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for subchapter II of chapter 143 of subtitle IV of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 14323. Congressional notification. . (d) High-speed broadband deployment initiative Section 14509 of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following: (a) In general The Appalachian Regional Commission may provide technical assistance, make grants, enter into contracts, or otherwise provide amounts to individuals or entities in the Appalachian region for projects and activities to increase affordable access to broadband networks throughout the Appalachian region. ; (2) by redesignating subsections (b) through (d) as subsections (c) through (e), respectively; (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: (b) Eligible projects and activities A project or activity eligible to be carried out under this section is a project or activity— (1) to conduct research, analysis, and training to increase broadband adoption efforts in the Appalachian region; or (2) for the construction and deployment of broadband service-related infrastructure in the Appalachian region. ; (4) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking subsection (b) and inserting subsection (c) ; and (5) by adding at the end the following: (f) Request for data Before making a grant for a project or activity described in subsection (b)(2), the Appalachian Regional Commission shall request from the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Economic Development Administration, and the Department of Agriculture data on— (1) the level and extent of broadband service that exists in the area proposed to be served by the broadband service-related infrastructure; and (2) the level and extent of broadband service that will be deployed in the area proposed to be served by the broadband service-related infrastructure pursuant to another Federal program. (g) Requirement For each fiscal year, not less than 65 percent of the amounts made available to carry out this section shall be used for grants for projects and activities described in subsection (b)(2). . (e) Appalachian regional energy hub initiative (1) In general Subchapter I of chapter 145 of subtitle IV of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 14511. Appalachian regional energy hub initiative (a) In general The Appalachian Regional Commission may provide technical assistance to, make grants to, enter into contracts with, or otherwise provide amounts to individuals or entities in the Appalachian region for projects and activities— (1) to conduct research and analysis regarding the economic impact of an ethane storage hub in the Appalachian region that supports a more-effective energy market performance due to the scale of the project, such as a project with the capacity to store and distribute more than 100,000 barrels per day of hydrocarbon feedstock with a minimum gross heating value of 1,700 Btu per standard cubic foot; (2) with the potential to significantly contribute to the economic resilience of the area in which the project is located; and (3) that will help establish a regional energy hub in the Appalachian region for natural gas and natural gas liquids, including hydrogen produced from the steam methane reforming of natural gas feedstocks. (b) Limitation on available amounts Of the cost of any project or activity eligible for a grant under this section— (1) except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), not more than 50 percent may be provided from amounts made available to carry out this section; (2) in the case of a project or activity to be carried out in a county for which a distressed county designation is in effect under section 14526, not more than 80 percent may be provided from amounts made available to carry out this section; and (3) in the case of a project or activity to be carried out in a county for which an at-risk county designation is in effect under section 14526, not more than 70 percent may be provided from amounts made available to carry out this section. (c) Sources of assistance Subject to subsection (b), a grant provided under this section may be provided from amounts made available to carry out this section, in combination with amounts made available— (1) under any other Federal program; or (2) from any other source. (d) Federal share Notwithstanding any provision of law limiting the Federal share under any other Federal program, amounts made available to carry out this section may be used to increase that Federal share, as the Appalachian Regional Commission determines to be appropriate. . (2) Clerical amendment The analysis for subchapter I of chapter 145 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 14511. Appalachian regional energy hub initiative. . (f) Authorization of appropriations Section 14703 of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (4), by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (6) $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. ; (2) in subsection (c), by striking $10,000,000 may be used to carry out section 14509 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2021 and inserting $20,000,000 may be used to carry out section 14509 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 ; (3) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (e) and (f), respectively; and (4) by inserting after subsection (c) the following: (d) Appalachian regional energy hub initiative Of the amounts made available under subsection (a), $5,000,000 shall be used to carry out section 14511 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. . (g) Termination Section 14704 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking 2021 and inserting 2026 . 1507. Denali Commission (a) Denali access system program Notwithstanding subsection (j) of section 309 of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 ( 42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105–277 ), there is authorized to be appropriated $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to carry out that section. (b) Transfers of funds Section 311(c) of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 ( 42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105–277 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (3) notwithstanding any other provision of law, shall— (A) be treated as if directly appropriated to the Commission and subject to applicable provisions of this Act; and (B) not be subject to any requirements that applied to the funds before the transfer, including a requirement in an appropriations Act or a requirement or regulation of the Federal agency from which the funds are transferred. . 1508. Requirements for transportation projects carried out through public-private partnerships (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Project The term project means a project (as defined in section 101 of title 23, United States Code) that— (A) is carried out, in whole or in part, using Federal financial assistance; and (B) has an estimated total cost of $100,000,000 or more. (2) Public-private partnership The term public-private partnership means an agreement between a public agency and a private entity to finance, build, and maintain or operate a project. (b) Requirements for projects carried out through public-private partnerships With respect to a public-private partnership, as a condition of receiving Federal financial assistance for a project, the Secretary shall require the public partner, not later than 3 years after the date of opening of the project to traffic— (1) to conduct a review of the project, including a review of the compliance of the private partner with the terms of the public-private partnership agreement; (2) (A) to certify to the Secretary that the private partner of the public-private partnership is meeting the terms of the public-private partnership agreement for the project; or (B) to notify the Secretary that the private partner of the public-private partnership has not met 1 or more of the terms of the public-private partnership agreement for the project, including a brief description of each violation of the public-private partnership agreement; and (3) to make publicly available the certification or notification, as applicable, under paragraph (2) in a form that does not disclose any proprietary or confidential business information. (c) Notification If the Secretary provides Federal financial assistance to a project carried out through a public-private partnership, not later than 30 days after the date on which the Federal financial assistance is first obligated, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a notification of the Federal financial assistance made available for the project. (d) Value for money analysis (1) Project approval and oversight Section 106(h)(3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end; (B) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: (D) for a project in which the project sponsor intends to carry out the project through a public-private partnership agreement, shall include a detailed value for money analysis or similar comparative analysis for the project; and . (2) Surface transportation block grant program Paragraph (21) of section 133(b) of title 23, United States Code (as redesignated by section 1109(a)(1)(C)), is amended by inserting , including conducting value for money analyses or similar comparative analyses, after oversight . (3) TIFIA Section 602(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (11) Public-private partnerships In the case of a project to be carried out through a public-private partnership, the public partner shall have— (A) conducted a value for money analysis or similar comparative analysis; and (B) determined the appropriateness of the public-private partnership agreement. . (e) Applicability This section and the amendments made by this section shall only apply to a public-private partnership agreement entered into on or after the date of enactment of this Act. 1509. Reconnecting communities pilot program (a) Definition of eligible facility (1) In general In this section, the term eligible facility means a highway or other transportation facility that creates a barrier to community connectivity, including barriers to mobility, access, or economic development, due to high speeds, grade separations, or other design factors. (2) Inclusions In this section, the term eligible facility may include— (A) a limited access highway; (B) a viaduct; and (C) any other principal arterial facility. (b) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a pilot program through which an eligible entity may apply for funding, in order to restore community connectivity— (1) to study the feasibility and impacts of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating an existing eligible facility; (2) to conduct planning activities necessary to design a project to remove, retrofit, or mitigate an existing eligible facility; and (3) to conduct construction activities necessary to carry out a project to remove, retrofit, or mitigate an existing eligible facility. (c) Planning grants (1) Eligible entities The Secretary may award a grant (referred to in this section as a planning grant ) to carry out planning activities described in paragraph (2) to— (A) a State; (B) a unit of local government; (C) a Tribal government; (D) a metropolitan planning organization; and (E) a nonprofit organization. (2) Eligible activities described The planning activities referred to in paragraph (1) are— (A) planning studies to evaluate the feasibility of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating an existing eligible facility to restore community connectivity, including evaluations of— (i) current traffic patterns on the eligible facility proposed for removal, retrofit, or mitigation and the surrounding street network; (ii) the capacity of existing transportation networks to maintain mobility needs; (iii) an analysis of alternative roadway designs or other uses for the right-of-way of the eligible facility, including an analysis of whether the available right-of-way would suffice to create an alternative roadway design; (iv) the effect of the removal, retrofit, or mitigation of the eligible facility on the mobility of freight and people; (v) the effect of the removal, retrofit, or mitigation of the eligible facility on the safety of the traveling public; (vi) the cost to remove, retrofit, or mitigate the eligible facility— (I) to restore community connectivity; and (II) to convert the eligible facility to a different roadway design or use, compared to any expected costs for necessary maintenance or reconstruction of the eligible facility; (vii) the anticipated economic impact of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating and converting the eligible facility and any economic development opportunities that would be created by removing, retrofitting, or mitigating and converting the eligible facility; and (viii) the environmental impacts of retaining or reconstructing the eligible facility and the anticipated effect of the proposed alternative use or roadway design; (B) public engagement activities to provide opportunities for public input into a plan to remove and convert an eligible facility; and (C) other transportation planning activities required in advance of a project to remove, retrofit, or mitigate an existing eligible facility to restore community connectivity, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Technical assistance program (A) In general The Secretary may provide technical assistance described in subparagraph (B) to an eligible entity. (B) Technical assistance described The technical assistance referred to in subparagraph (A) is technical assistance in building organizational or community capacity— (i) to engage in transportation planning; and (ii) to identify innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges, including reconnecting communities that— (I) are bifurcated by eligible facilities; or (II) lack safe, reliable, and affordable transportation choices. (C) Priorities In selecting recipients of technical assistance under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give priority to an application from a community that is economically disadvantaged. (4) Selection The Secretary shall— (A) solicit applications for— (i) planning grants; and (ii) technical assistance under paragraph (3); and (B) evaluate applications for a planning grant on the basis of the demonstration by the applicant that— (i) the eligible facility is aged and is likely to need replacement or significant reconstruction within the 20-year period beginning on the date of the submission of the application; (ii) the eligible facility— (I) creates barriers to mobility, access, or economic development; or (II) is not justified by current and forecast future travel demand; and (iii) on the basis of preliminary investigations into the feasibility of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating the eligible facility to restore community connectivity, further investigation is necessary and likely to be productive. (5) Award amounts A planning grant may not exceed $2,000,000 per recipient. (6) Federal share The total Federal share of the cost of a planning activity for which a planning grant is used shall not exceed 80 percent. (d) Capital construction grants (1) Eligible entities The Secretary may award a grant (referred to in this section as a capital construction grant ) to the owner of an eligible facility to carry out an eligible project described in paragraph (3) for which all necessary feasibility studies and other planning activities have been completed. (2) Partnerships An owner of an eligible facility may, for the purposes of submitting an application for a capital construction grant, if applicable, partner with— (A) a State; (B) a unit of local government; (C) a Tribal government; (D) a metropolitan planning organization; or (E) a nonprofit organization. (3) Eligible projects A project eligible to be carried out with a capital construction grant includes— (A) the removal, retrofit, or mitigation of an eligible facility; and (B) the replacement of an eligible facility with a new facility that— (i) restores community connectivity; and (ii) is— (I) sensitive to the context of the surrounding community; and (II) otherwise eligible for funding under title 23, United States Code. (4) Selection The Secretary shall— (A) solicit applications for capital construction grants; and (B) evaluate applications on the basis of— (i) the degree to which the project will improve mobility and access through the removal of barriers; (ii) the appropriateness of removing, retrofitting, or mitigating the eligible facility, based on current traffic patterns and the ability of the replacement facility and the regional transportation network to absorb transportation demand and provide safe mobility and access; (iii) the impact of the project on freight movement; (iv) the results of a cost-benefit analysis of the project; (v) the opportunities for inclusive economic development; (vi) the degree to which the eligible facility is out of context with the current or planned land use; (vii) the results of any feasibility study completed for the project; and (viii) the plan of the applicant for— (I) employing residents in the area impacted by the project through targeted hiring programs, in partnership with registered apprenticeship programs, if applicable; and (II) contracting and subcontracting with disadvantaged business enterprises. (5) Minimum award amounts A capital construction grant shall be in an amount not less than $5,000,000 per recipient. (6) Federal share (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), a capital construction grant may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the project for which the grant is awarded. (B) Maximum Federal involvement Federal assistance other than a capital construction grant may be used to satisfy the non-Federal share of the cost of a project for which the grant is awarded, except that the total Federal assistance provided for a project for which the grant is awarded may not exceed 80 percent of the total cost of the project. (7) Community advisory board (A) In general To help achieve inclusive economic development benefits with respect to the project for which a grant is awarded, a grant recipient may form a community advisory board, which shall— (i) facilitate community engagement with respect to the project; and (ii) track progress with respect to commitments of the grant recipient to inclusive employment, contracting, and economic development under the project. (B) Membership If a grant recipient forms a community advisory board under subparagraph (A), the community advisory board shall be composed of representatives of— (i) the community; (ii) owners of businesses that serve the community; (iii) labor organizations that represent workers that serve the community; and (iv) State and local government. (e) Reports (1) USDOT report on program Not later than January 1, 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that evaluates the program under this section, including— (A) information about the level of applicant interest in planning grants, technical assistance under subsection (c)(3), and capital construction grants, including the extent to which overall demand exceeded available funds; and (B) for recipients of capital construction grants, the outcomes and impacts of the highway removal project, including— (i) any changes in the overall level of mobility, congestion, access, and safety in the project area; and (ii) environmental impacts and economic development opportunities in the project area. (2) GAO report on highway removals Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall issue a report that— (A) identifies examples of projects to remove highways using Federal highway funds; (B) evaluates the effect of highway removal projects on the surrounding area, including impacts to the local economy, congestion effects, safety outcomes, and impacts on the movement of freight and people; (C) evaluates the existing Federal-aid program eligibility under title 23, United States Code, for highway removal projects; (D) analyzes the costs and benefits of and barriers to removing underutilized highways that are nearing the end of their useful life compared to replacing or reconstructing the highway; and (E) provides recommendations for integrating those assessments into transportation planning and decision-making processes. (f) Technical assistance Of the funds made available to carry out this section for planning grants, the Secretary may use not more than $15,000,000 during the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to provide technical assistance under subsection (c)(3). 1510. Cybersecurity tool; cyber coordinator (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. (2) Cyber incident The term cyber incident has the meaning given the term significant cyber incident in Presidential Policy Directive–41 (July 26, 2016, relating to cyber incident coordination). (3) Transportation authority The term transportation authority means— (A) a public authority (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code); (B) an owner or operator of a highway (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code); (C) a manufacturer that manufactures a product related to transportation; and (D) a division office of the Federal Highway Administration. (b) Cybersecurity tool (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a tool to assist transportation authorities in identifying, detecting, protecting against, responding to, and recovering from cyber incidents. (2) Requirements In developing the tool under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall— (A) use the cybersecurity framework established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and required by Executive Order 13636 of February 12, 2013 (78 Fed. Reg. 11739; relating to improving critical infrastructure cybersecurity); (B) establish a structured cybersecurity assessment and development program; (C) consult with appropriate transportation authorities, operating agencies, industry stakeholders, and cybersecurity experts; and (D) provide for a period of public comment and review on the tool. (c) Designation of cyber coordinator (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall designate an office as a cyber coordinator , which shall be responsible for monitoring, alerting, and advising transportation authorities of cyber incidents. (2) Requirements The office designated under paragraph (1) shall— (A) provide to transportation authorities a secure method of notifying a single Federal entity of cyber incidents; (B) monitor cyber incidents that affect transportation authorities; (C) alert transportation authorities to cyber incidents that affect those transportation authorities; (D) investigate unaddressed cyber incidents that affect transportation authorities; and (E) provide to transportation authorities educational resources, outreach, and awareness on fundamental principles and best practices in cybersecurity for transportation systems. 1511. Report on emerging alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Emerging alternative fuel vehicle The term emerging alternative fuel vehicle means a vehicle fueled by hydrogen, natural gas, or propane. (2) Emerging alternative fueling infrastructure The term emerging alternative fueling infrastructure means infrastructure for fueling an emerging alternative fuel vehicle. (b) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, to help guide future investments for emerging alternative fueling infrastructure, the Secretary shall submit to Congress and make publicly available a report that— (1) includes an evaluation of emerging alternative fuel vehicles and projections for potential locations of emerging alternative fuel vehicle owners during the 5-year period beginning on the date of submission of the report; (2) identifies areas where emerging alternative fueling infrastructure will be needed to meet the current and future needs of drivers during the 5-year period beginning on the date of submission of the report; (3) identifies specific areas, such as a lack of pipeline infrastructure, that may impede deployment and adoption of emerging alternative fuel vehicles; (4) includes a map that identifies concentrations of emerging alternative fuel vehicles to meet the needs of current and future emerging alternative fueling infrastructure; (5) estimates the future need for emerging alternative fueling infrastructure to support the adoption and use of emerging alternative fuel vehicles; and (6) includes a tool to allow States to compare and evaluate different adoption and use scenarios for emerging alternative fuel vehicles, with the ability to adjust factors to account for regionally specific characteristics. 1512. Nonhighway recreational fuel study (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Highway Trust Fund The term Highway Trust Fund means the Highway Trust Fund established by section 9503(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (2) Nonhighway recreational fuel taxes The term nonhighway recreational fuel taxes means taxes under section 4041 and 4081 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to fuel used in vehicles on recreational trails or back country terrain (including vehicles registered for highway use when used on recreational trails, trail access roads not eligible for funding under title 23, United States Code, or back country terrain). (3) Recreational trails program The term recreational trails program means the recreational trails program under section 206 of title 23, United States Code. (b) Assessment; report (1) Assessment Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary shall carry out an assessment of the best available estimate of the total amount of nonhighway recreational fuel taxes received by the Secretary of the Treasury and transferred to the Highway Trust Fund for the period covered by the assessment. (2) Report After carrying out each assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Finance and Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committees on Ways and Means and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that includes— (A) to assist Congress in determining an appropriate funding level for the recreational trails program— (i) a description of the results of the assessment; and (ii) an evaluation of whether the current recreational trails program funding level reflects the amount of nonhighway recreational fuel taxes collected and transferred to the Highway Trust Fund; and (B) in the case of the first report submitted under this paragraph, an estimate of the frequency with which the Secretary anticipates carrying out the assessment under paragraph (1), subject to the condition that such an assessment shall be carried out not less frequently than once every 5 years. (c) Consultation In carrying out an assessment under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary may consult with, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate— (1) the heads of— (A) State agencies designated by Governors pursuant to section 206(c)(1) of title 23, United States Code, to administer the recreational trails program; and (B) division offices of the Department; (2) the Secretary of the Treasury; (3) the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration; and (4) groups representing recreational activities and interests, including hiking, biking and mountain biking, horseback riding, water trails, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-highway motorcycling, all-terrain vehicles and other offroad motorized vehicle activities, and recreational trail advocates. 1513. Buy America Section 313 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and (2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following: (g) Waivers (1) In general Not less than 15 days before issuing a waiver under this section, the Secretary shall provide to the public— (A) notice of the proposed waiver; (B) an opportunity for comment on the proposed waiver; and (C) the reasons for the proposed waiver. (2) Report Not less frequently than annually, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the waivers provided under this section. . 1514. High priority corridors on the National Highway System (a) High priority corridors Section 1105(c) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 ( Public Law 102–240 ; 105 Stat. 2032; 133 Stat. 3018) is amended by adding at the end the following: (92) United States Route 421 from the interchange with Interstate Route 85 in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the interchange with Interstate Route 95 in Dunn, North Carolina. (93) The South Mississippi Corridor from the Louisiana and Mississippi border near Natchez, Mississippi, to Gulfport, Mississippi, shall generally follow— (A) United States Route 84 from the Louisiana border at the Mississippi River passing in the vicinity of Natchez, Brookhaven, Monticello, Prentiss, and Collins, Mississippi, to the logical terminus with Interstate Route 59 in the vicinity of Laurel, Mississippi, and continuing on Interstate Route 59 south to the vicinity of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; and (B) United States Route 49 from the vicinity of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, south to Interstate Route 10 in the vicinity of Gulfport, Mississippi, following Mississippi Route 601 south and terminating near the Mississippi State Port at Gulfport. (94) The Kosciusko to Gulf Coast corridor commencing at the logical terminus of Interstate Route 55 near Vaiden, Mississippi, running south and passing east of the vicinity of the Jackson Urbanized Area, connecting to United States Route 49 north of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and generally following United States Route 49 to a logical connection with Interstate Route 10 in the vicinity of Gulfport, Mississippi. (95) The Interstate Route 22 spur from the vicinity of Tupelo, Mississippi, running south generally along United States Route 45 to the vicinity of Shannon, Mississippi. (96) The route that generally follows United States Route 412 from its intersection with Interstate Route 35 in Noble County, Oklahoma, passing through Tulsa, Oklahoma, to its intersection with Interstate Route 49 in Springdale, Arkansas. (97) The Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Expressway from the interchange with Interstate Route 65 in Barren County, Kentucky, east to the interchange with United States Highway 27 in Somerset, Kentucky. (98) The route that generally follows State Route 7 from Grenada, Mississippi, to Holly Springs, Mississippi, passing in the vicinity of Coffeeville, Water Valley, Oxford, and Abbeville, Mississippi, to its logical connection with Interstate Route 22 in the vicinity of Holly Springs, Mississippi. . (b) Designation as future Interstates Section 1105(e)(5)(A) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 ( Public Law 102–240 ; 109 Stat. 597; 133 Stat. 3018) is amended in the first sentence by striking and subsection (c)(91) and inserting subsection (c)(91), subsection (c)(92), subsection (c)(93)(A), subsection (c)(94), subsection (c)(95), subsection (c)(96), and subsection (c)(97) . (c) Numbering of parkway Section 1105(e)(5)(C)(i) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 ( Public Law 102–240 ; 109 Stat. 598; 133 Stat. 3018) is amended by adding at the end the following: The route referred to in subsection (c)(97) is designated as Interstate Route I–365. . (d) GAO report on designation of segments as part of Interstate System (1) Definition of applicable segment In this subsection, the term applicable segment means the route described in paragraph (92) of section 1105(c) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 ( Public Law 102–240 ; 105 Stat. 2032). (2) Report (A) In general Not later than 2 years after the date on which the applicable segment is open for operations as part of the Interstate System, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on the impact, if any, during that 2-year period of allowing the continuation of weight limits that applied before the designation of the applicable segment as a route on the Interstate System. (B) Requirements The report under subparagraph (A) shall— (i) be informed by the views and documentation provided by the State highway agency (or equivalent agency) in the State in which the applicable segment is located; (ii) describe any impacts on safety and infrastructure on the applicable segment; (iii) describe any view of the State highway agency (or equivalent agency) in the State in which the applicable segment is located on the impact of the applicable segment; and (iv) focus only on the applicable segment. 1515. Interstate weight limits Section 127 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (l)(3)(A)— (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), in the first sentence, by striking clauses (i) through (iv) of this subparagraph and inserting clauses (i) through (v) ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (v) The Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Expressway (to be designated as a spur of Interstate Route 65) from the interchange with Interstate Route 65 in Barren County, Kentucky, east to the interchange with United States Highway 27 in Somerset, Kentucky. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (v) Operation of vehicles on certain North Carolina highways If any segment in the State of North Carolina of United States Route 17, United States Route 29, United States Route 52, United States Route 64, United States Route 70, United States Route 74, United States Route 117, United States Route 220, United States Route 264, or United States Route 421 is designated as a route on the Interstate System, a vehicle that could operate legally on that segment before the date of such designation may continue to operate on that segment, without regard to any requirement under subsection (a). (w) Operation of vehicles on certain Oklahoma highways If any segment of the highway referred to in paragraph (96) of section 1105(c) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 ( Public Law 102–240 ; 105 Stat. 2032) is designated as a route on the Interstate System, a vehicle that could operate legally on that segment before the date of such designation may continue to operate on that segment, without any regard to any requirement under this section. . 1516. Report on air quality improvements (a) In general Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report that evaluates the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under section 149 of title 23, United States Code (referred to in this section as the program ), to— (1) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate; and (2) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. (b) Contents The evaluation under subsection (a) shall include an evaluation of— (1) the reductions of ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter that result from projects under the program; (2) the cost-effectiveness of the reductions described in paragraph (1); (3) the result of investments of funding under the program in minority and low-income communities that are disproportionately affected by ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter; (4) the effectiveness, with respect to the attainment or maintenance of national ambient air quality standards under section 109 of the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7409 ) for ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, of performance measures established under section 150(c)(5) of title 23, United States Code, and performance targets established under subsection (d) of that section for traffic congestion and on-road mobile source emissions; (5) the extent to which there are any types of projects that are not eligible funding under the program that would be likely to contribute to the attainment or maintenance of the national ambient air quality standards described in paragraph (4); and (6) the extent to which projects under the program reduce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. 1517. Roadside highway safety hardware (a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall implement, to the maximum extent practicable, the following recommendations from the report of the Government Accountability Office entitled Highway Safety: More Robust DOT Oversight of Guardrails and Other Roadside Hardware Could Further Enhance Safety published in June 2016 and numbered GAO–16–575: (1) Develop a process for third party verification of full-scale crash testing results from crash test labs to include a process for— (A) formally verifying the testing outcomes; and (B) providing for an independent pass/fail determination. (2) Establish a process to enhance the independence of crash test labs by ensuring that those labs have a clear separation between device development and testing in cases in which lab employees test devices that were developed within the parent organization of the employee. (b) Continued issuance of eligibility letters Until the implementation of the recommendations described in subsection (a) is complete, the Secretary shall ensure that the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration continues to issue Federal-aid reimbursement eligibility letters as a service to States. 1518. Permeable pavements study (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall carry out a study— (1) to gather existing information on the effects of permeable pavements on flood control in different contexts, including in urban areas, and over the lifetime of the permeable pavement; (2) to perform research to fill gaps in the existing information gathered under paragraph (1); and (3) to develop— (A) models for the performance of permeable pavements in flood control; and (B) best practices for designing permeable pavement to meet flood control requirements. (b) Data survey In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall develop— (1) a summary, based on available literature and models, of localized flood control capabilities of permeable pavement that considers long-term performance and cost information; and (2) best practices for the design of localized flood control using permeable pavement that considers long-term performance and cost information. (c) Publication The Secretary shall make a report describing the results of the study under subsection (a) publicly available. 1519. Emergency relief projects (a) Definition of emergency relief project In this section, the term emergency relief project means a project carried out under the emergency relief program under section 125 of title 23, United States Code. (b) Improving the emergency relief program Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall— (1) revise the emergency relief manual of the Federal Highway Administration— (A) to include and reflect the definition of the term resilience (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code); (B) to identify procedures that States may use to incorporate resilience into emergency relief projects; and (C) to encourage the use of Complete Streets design principles and consideration of access for moderate- and low-income families impacted by a declared disaster; (2) develop best practices for improving the use of resilience in— (A) the emergency relief program under section 125 of title 23, United States Code; and (B) emergency relief efforts; (3) provide to division offices of the Federal Highway Administration and State departments of transportation information on the best practices developed under paragraph (2); and (4) develop and implement a process to track— (A) the consideration of resilience as part of the emergency relief program under section 125 of title 23, United States Code; and (B) the costs of emergency relief projects. 1520. Study on stormwater best management practices (a) Study Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environment Protection Agency shall offer to enter into an agreement with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study— (1) to estimate pollutant loads from stormwater runoff from highways and pedestrian facilities eligible for assistance under title 23, United States Code, to inform the development of appropriate total maximum daily load (as defined in section 130.2 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)) requirements; (2) to provide recommendations regarding the evaluation and selection by State departments of transportation of potential stormwater management and total maximum daily load compliance strategies within a watershed, including environmental restoration and pollution abatement carried out under section 328 of title 23, United States Code (including any revisions to law (including regulations) that the Transportation Research Board determines to be appropriate); and (3) to examine the potential for the Secretary to assist State departments of transportation in carrying out and communicating stormwater management practices for highways and pedestrian facilities that are eligible for assistance under title 23, United States Code, through information-sharing agreements, database assistance, or an administrative platform to provide the information described in paragraphs (1) and (2) to entities issued permits under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.). (b) Requirements If the Transportation Research Board enters into an agreement under subsection (a), in conducting the study under that subsection, the Transportation Research Board shall— (1) review and supplement, as appropriate, the methodologies examined and recommended in the report of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine entitled Approaches for Determining and Complying with TMDL Requirements Related to Roadway Stormwater Runoff and dated 2019; (2) consult with— (A) the Secretary; (B) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; (C) the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers; and (D) State departments of transportation; and (3) solicit input from— (A) stakeholders with experience in implementing stormwater management practices for projects; and (B) educational and technical stormwater management groups. (c) Report If the Transportation Research Board enters into an agreement under subsection (a), not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Transportation Research Board shall submit to the Secretary, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report describing the results of the study. 1521. Stormwater best management practices reports (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. (2) Best management practices report The term best management practices report means— (A) the 2014 report sponsored by the Administrator entitled Determining the State of the Practice in Data Collection and Performance Measurement of Stormwater Best Management Practices ; and (B) the 1997 report sponsored by the Administrator entitled Stormwater Best Management Practices in an Ultra-Urban Setting: Selection and Monitoring . (b) Reissuance Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall update and reissue each best management practices report to reflect new information and advancements in stormwater management. (c) Updates Not less frequently than once every 5 years after the date on which the Administrator reissues a best management practices report described in subsection (b), the Administrator shall update and reissue the best management practices report until the earlier of the date on which— (1) the best management practices report is withdrawn; or (2) the contents of the best management practices report are incorporated (including by reference) into applicable regulations of the Administrator. 1522. Invasive plant elimination program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Invasive plant The term invasive plant means a nonnative plant, tree, grass, or weed species, including, at a minimum, cheatgrass, Ventenata dubia, medusahead, bulbous bluegrass, Japanese brome, rattail fescue, Japanese honeysuckle, phragmites, autumn olive, Bradford pear, wild parsnip, sericea lespedeza, spotted knapweed, garlic mustard, and palmer amaranth. (2) Program The term program means the grant program established under subsection (b). (3) Transportation corridor The term transportation corridor means a road, highway, railroad, or other surface transportation route. (b) Establishment The Secretary shall carry out a program to provide grants to States to eliminate or control existing invasive plants or prevent introduction of or encroachment by new invasive plants along and in areas adjacent to transportation corridor rights-of-way. (c) Application To be eligible to receive a grant under the program, a State shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (d) Eligible activities (1) In general Subject to this subsection, a State that receives a grant under the program may use the grant funds to carry out activities to eliminate or control existing invasive plants or prevent introduction of or encroachment by new invasive plants along and in areas adjacent to transportation corridor rights-of-way. (2) Prioritization of projects In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that utilize revegetation with native plants and wildflowers, including those that are pollinator-friendly. (3) Prohibition on certain uses of funds Amounts provided to a State under the program may not be used for costs relating to mowing a transportation corridor right-of-way or the adjacent area unless— (A) mowing is identified as the best means of treatment according to best management practices; or (B) mowing is used in conjunction with another treatment. (4) Limitation Not more than 10 percent of the amounts provided to a State under the program may be used for the purchase of equipment. (5) Administrative and indirect costs Not more than 5 percent of the amounts provided to a State under the program may be used for the administrative and other indirect costs (such as full time employee salaries, rent, insurance, subscriptions, utilities, and office supplies) of carrying out eligible activities. (e) Requirements (1) Coordination In carrying out eligible activities with a grant under the program, a State shall coordinate with— (A) units of local government, political subdivisions of the State, and Tribal authorities that are carrying out eligible activities in the areas to be treated; (B) local regulatory authorities, in the case of a treatment along or adjacent to a railroad right-of-way; and (C) with respect to the most effective roadside control methods, State and Federal land management agencies and any relevant Tribal authorities. (2) Annual report Not later than 1 year after the date on which a State receives a grant under the program, and annually thereafter, that State shall provide to the Secretary an annual report on the treatments carried out using funds from the grant. (f) Federal share (1) In general The Federal share of the cost of an eligible activity carried out using funds from a grant under the program shall be— (A) in the case of a project that utilizes revegetation with native plants and wildflowers, including those that are pollinator-friendly, 75 percent; and (B) in the case of any other project not described in subparagraph (A), 50 percent. (2) Certain funds counted toward non-Federal share A State may include amounts expended by the State or a unit of local government in the State to address current invasive plant populations and prevent future infestation along or in areas adjacent to transportation corridor rights-of-way in calculating the non-Federal share required under the program. (g) Funding There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. 1523. Over-the-road bus tolling equity Section 129(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)(B)(i), by inserting , together with the results of the audit under paragraph (9)(C), after the audits ; and (2) in paragraph (9)— (A) by striking An over-the-road and inserting the following: (A) In general An over-the-road ; (B) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking public transportation buses and inserting public transportation vehicles ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (B) Reports (i) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, a public authority that operates a toll facility shall report to the Secretary any rates, terms, or conditions for access to the toll facility by public transportation vehicles that differ from the rates, terms, or conditions applicable to over-the-road buses. (ii) Updates A public authority that operates a toll facility shall report to the Secretary any change to the rates, terms, or conditions for access to the toll facility by public transportation vehicles that differ from the rates, terms, or conditions applicable to over-the-road buses by not later than 30 days after the date on which the change takes effect. (iii) Publication The Secretary shall publish information reported to the Secretary under clauses (i) and (ii) on a publicly accessible internet website. (C) Annual audit (i) In general A public authority (as defined in section 101(a)) with jurisdiction over a toll facility shall— (I) conduct or have an independent auditor conduct an annual audit of toll facility records to verify compliance with this paragraph; and (II) report the results of the audit, together with the results of the audit under paragraph (3)(B), to the Secretary. (ii) Records After providing reasonable notice, a public authority described in clause (i) shall make all records of the public authority pertaining to the toll facility available for audit by the Secretary. (iii) Noncompliance If the Secretary determines that a public authority described in clause (i) has not complied with this paragraph, the Secretary may require the public authority to discontinue collecting tolls until an agreement with the Secretary is reached to achieve compliance. . 1524. Bridge terminology (a) Condition of NHS bridges Section 119(f)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking structurally deficient each place it appears and inserting in poor condition . (b) National Bridge and Tunnel inventories Section 144(b)(5) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking structurally deficient bridge and inserting bridge classified as in poor condition . (c) Tribal transportation facility bridges Section 202(d) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking deficient bridges eligible for the tribal transportation program and inserting bridges eligible for the tribal transportation program classified as in poor condition, having low load capacity, or needing geometric improvements ; and (2) in paragraph (3)(C), by striking structurally deficient or functionally obsolete and inserting classified as in poor condition, having a low load capacity, or needing geometric improvements . 1525. Technical corrections (a) Section 101(b)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting Highways after and Defense . (b) Section 104(f)(3) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking federal highway administration and inserting an operating administration of the Department of Transportation ; and (2) in subparagraph (A), by striking the Federal Highway Administration and inserting an operating administration of the Department of Transportation . (c) Section 108(c)(3)(F) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) by inserting of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) after Policy Act ; and (2) by striking this Act and inserting this title . (d) Section 112(b)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking (F) (F) Subparagraphs and inserting the following: (F) Exclusion Subparagraphs . (e) Section 115(c) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking section 135(f) and inserting section 135(g) . (f) Section 130(g) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the third sentence— (A) by striking and Transportation, and inserting and Transportation ; and (B) by striking thereafter,, and inserting thereafter, ; and (2) in the fifth sentence, by striking railroad highway and inserting railway-highway . (g) Section 135(g) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (3), by striking operators),, and inserting operators), ; and (2) in paragraph (6)(B), by striking 5310, 5311, 5316, and 5317 and inserting 5310 and 5311 . (h) Section 139 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1301), is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) after of 1969 ; (2) in subsection (c), by inserting ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) after of 1969 each place it appears; and (3) in subsection (k)(2), by inserting ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) after of 1969 . (i) Section 140(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended, in the third sentence, by inserting a comma after Secretary . (j) Section 148(i)(2)(D) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking safety safety and inserting safety . (k) Section 166(a)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the paragraph designation and heading and all that follows through A public authority and inserting the following: (1) Authority of public authorities A public authority . (l) Section 201(c)(6)(A)(ii) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) . (m) Section 202 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.) each place it appears and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) ; (2) in subsection (a)(10)(B), by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 450e(b) ) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5307(b) ) ; and (3) in subsection (b)(5), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting the after agreement under . (n) Section 206(d)(2)(G) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking use of recreational trails and inserting uses of recreational trails . (o) Section 207 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (g)— (A) by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 450j–1 ) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5325 ) ; and (B) by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 450j–1(f) ) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5325(f) ) ; (2) in subsection (l)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 458aaa–5 ) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5386 ) ; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 458aaa–6 ) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5387 ) ; (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 458aaa–7 ) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5388 ) ; (D) in paragraph (4), by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 458aaa–9 ) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5390 ) ; (E) in paragraph (5), by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 458aaa–10 ) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5391 ) ; (F) in paragraph (6), by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 458aaa–11 ) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5392 ) ; (G) in paragraph (7), by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 458aaa–14 ) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5395 ) ; (H) in paragraph (8), by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 458aaa–15 ) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5396 ) ; and (I) in paragraph (9), by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 458aaa–17 ) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5398 ) ; and (3) in subsection (m)(2)— (A) by striking 505 and inserting 501 ; and (B) by striking ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ; 458aaa) and inserting ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ; 5381) . (p) Section 217(d) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking 104(b)(3) and inserting 104(b)(4) . (q) Section 323(d) of title 23, United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by inserting ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) after of 1969 . (r) Section 325 of title 23, United States Code, is repealed. (s) Section 504(g)(6) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking make grants or to and inserting make grants to . (t) The analysis for chapter 3 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 325. 1526. Working group on covered resources (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered resource The term covered resource means a common variety material used in transportation infrastructure construction and maintenance, including stone, sand, and gravel. (2) State The term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and each territory or possession of the United States. (3) Working Group The term Working Group means the working group established under subsection (b). (b) Establishment Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a working group to conduct a study on access to covered resources for infrastructure projects. (c) Membership (1) Appointment The Secretary shall appoint to the Working Group individuals with knowledge and expertise in the production and transportation of covered resources. (2) Representation The Working Group shall include not less than 1 representative of each of the following: (A) State departments of transportation. (B) State agencies associated with covered resources protection. (C) State planning and geologic survey and mapping agencies. (D) Commercial motor vehicle operators, including small business operators and operators who transport covered resources. (E) Covered resources producers. (F) Construction contractors. (G) Labor organizations. (H) Metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning organizations. (I) Indian Tribes, including Tribal elected leadership or Tribal transportation officials. (J) Any other stakeholders that the Secretary determines appropriate. (3) Termination The Working Group shall terminate 180 days after the date on which the Secretary receives the report under subsection (f)(1). (d) Duties In carrying out the study required under subsection (b), the Working Group shall analyze— (1) the use of covered resources in transportation projects funded with Federal dollars; (2) how the proximity of covered resources to such projects affects the cost and environmental impact of those projects; (3) whether and how State, Tribal, and local transportation and planning agencies consider covered resources when developing transportation projects; and (4) any challenges for transportation project sponsors regarding access and proximity to covered resources. (e) Consultation In carrying out the study required under subsection (b), the Working Group shall consult with, as appropriate— (1) chief executive officers of States; (2) State, Tribal, and local transportation and planning agencies; (3) other relevant State, Tribal, and local agencies, including State agencies associated with covered resources protection; (4) members of the public with industry experience with respect to covered resources; (5) other Federal entities that provide funding for transportation projects; and (6) any other stakeholder the Working Group determines appropriate. (f) Reports (1) Working group report Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Working Group is established, the Working Group shall submit to the Secretary a report that includes— (A) the findings of the study required under subsection (b), including a summary of comments received during the consultation process under subsection (e); and (B) any recommendations to preserve access to and reduce the costs and environmental impacts of covered resources for infrastructure projects. (2) Departmental report Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary receives the report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a summary of the findings under the report and any recommendations, as appropriate. 1527. Blood transport vehicles Section 166(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (6) Blood transport vehicles The public authority may allow blood transport vehicles that are transporting blood between a collection point and a hospital or storage center to use the HOV facility if the public authority establishes requirements for clearly identifying such vehicles. . 1528. Pollinator-friendly practices on roadsides and highway rights-of-way (a) In general Chapter 3 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1309(a)), is amended by adding at the end the following: 332. Pollinator-friendly practices on roadsides and highway rights-of-way (a) In general The Secretary shall establish a program to provide grants to eligible entities to carry out activities to benefit pollinators on roadsides and highway rights-of-way, including the planting and seeding of native, locally-appropriate grasses and wildflowers, including milkweed. (b) Eligible entities An entity eligible to receive a grant under this section is— (1) a State department of transportation; (2) an Indian tribe; or (3) a Federal land management agency. (c) Application To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a pollinator-friendly practices plan described in subsection (d). (d) Pollinator-friendly practices plan (1) In general An eligible entity shall include in the application under subsection (c) a plan that describes the pollinator-friendly practices that the eligible entity has implemented or plans to implement, including— (A) practices relating to mowing strategies that promote early successional vegetation and limit disturbance during periods of highest use by target pollinator species on roadsides and highway rights-of-way, such as— (i) reducing the mowing swath outside of the State-designated safety zone; (ii) increasing the mowing height; (iii) reducing the mowing frequency; (iv) refraining from mowing monarch and other pollinator habitat during periods in which monarchs or other pollinators are present; (v) use of a flushing bar and cutting at reduced speeds to reduce pollinator deaths due to mowing; or (vi) reducing raking along roadsides and highway rights-of-way; (B) implementation of an integrated vegetation management plan that includes approaches such as mechanical tree and brush removal, targeted and judicious use of herbicides, and mowing, to address weed issues on roadsides and highway rights-of-way; (C) planting or seeding of native, locally-appropriate grasses and wildflowers, including milkweed, on roadsides and highway rights-of-way to enhance pollinator habitat, including larval host plants; (D) removing nonnative grasses from planting and seeding mixes, except for use as nurse or cover crops; (E) obtaining expert training or assistance on pollinator-friendly practices, including— (i) native plant identification; (ii) establishment and management of locally-appropriate native plants that benefit pollinators; (iii) land management practices that benefit pollinators; and (iv) pollinator-focused integrated vegetation management; or (F) any other pollinator-friendly practices the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (2) Coordination In developing a plan under paragraph (1), an eligible entity that is a State department of transportation or a Federal land management agency shall coordinate with applicable State agencies, including State agencies with jurisdiction over agriculture and fish and wildlife. (3) Consultation In developing a plan under paragraph (1)— (A) an eligible entity that is a State department of transportation or a Federal land management agency shall consult with affected or interested Indian tribes; and (B) any eligible entity may consult with nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, metropolitan planning organizations, and any other relevant entities. (e) Award of grants (1) In general The Secretary shall provide a grant to each eligible entity that submits an application under subsection (c), including a plan under subsection (d), that the Secretary determines to be satisfactory. (2) Amount of grants The amount of a grant under this section— (A) shall be based on the number of pollinator-friendly practices the eligible entity has implemented or plans to implement; and (B) shall not exceed $150,000. (f) Use of funds An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the funds for the implementation, improvement, or further development of the plan under subsection (d). (g) Federal share The Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out with a grant under this section shall be 100 percent. (h) Best practices The Secretary shall develop and make available to eligible entities best practices for, and a priority ranking of, pollinator-friendly practices on roadsides and highway rights-of-way. (i) Technical assistance On request of an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section, the Secretary shall provide technical assistance with the implementation, improvement, or further development of a plan under subsection (d). (j) Administrative costs For each fiscal year, the Secretary may use not more than 2 percent of the amounts made available to carry out this section for the administrative costs of carrying out this section. (k) Report Not later than 1 year after the date on which the first grant is provided under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of the program under this section. (l) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (2) Availability Amounts made available under this section shall remain available for a period of 3 years after the last day of the fiscal year for which the funds are authorized. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 3 of title 23, United States Code (as amended by section 1309(b)), is amended by adding at the end the following: 332. Pollinator-friendly practices on roadsides and highway rights-of-way. . 1529. Active transportation infrastructure investment program (a) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall carry out an active transportation infrastructure investment program to make grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible organizations to construct eligible projects to provide safe and connected active transportation facilities in an active transportation network or active transportation spine. (b) Application (1) In general To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an eligible organization shall submit to the Secretary an application in such manner and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (2) Eligible projects partially on Federal land With respect to an application for an eligible project that is located in part on Federal land, an eligible organization shall enter into a cooperative agreement with the appropriate Federal agency with jurisdiction over such land to submit an application described in paragraph (1). (c) Application considerations In making a grant for construction of an active transportation network or active transportation spine under this section, the Secretary shall consider the following: (1) Whether the eligible organization submitted a plan for an eligible project for the development of walking and bicycling infrastructure that is likely to provide substantial additional opportunities for walking and bicycling, including effective plans— (A) to create an active transportation network connecting destinations within or between communities, including schools, workplaces, residences, businesses, recreation areas, and other community areas, or create an active transportation spine connecting two or more communities, metropolitan regions, or States; and (B) to integrate active transportation facilities with transit services, where available, to improve access to public transportation. (2) Whether the eligible organization demonstrates broad community support through— (A) the use of public input in the development of transportation plans; and (B) the commitment of community leaders to the success and timely implementation of an eligible project. (3) Whether the eligible organization provides evidence of commitment to traffic safety, regulations, financial incentives, or community design policies that facilitate significant increases in walking and bicycling. (4) The extent to which the eligible organization demonstrates commitment of State, local, or eligible Federal matching funds, and land or in-kind contributions, in addition to the local match required under subsection (f)(1), unless the applicant qualifies for an exception under subsection (f)(2). (5) The extent to which the eligible organization demonstrates that the grant will address existing disparities in bicyclist and pedestrian fatality rates based on race or income level or provide access to jobs and services for low-income communities and communities of color. (6) Whether the eligible organization demonstrates how investment in active transportation will advance safety for pedestrians and cyclists, accessibility to jobs and key destinations, economic competitiveness, environmental protection, and quality of life. (d) Use of funds (1) In general Of the amounts made available to carry out this section and subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the Secretary shall obligate— (A) not less than 30 percent to eligible projects that construct active transportation networks that connect people with public transportation, businesses, workplaces, schools, residences, recreation areas, and other community activity centers; and (B) not less than 30 percent to eligible projects that construct active transportation spines. (2) Planning and design grants Each fiscal year, the Secretary shall set aside not less than $3,000,000 of the funds made available to carry out this section to provide planning grants for eligible organizations to develop plans for active transportation networks and active transportation spines. (3) Administrative costs Each fiscal year, the Secretary shall set aside not more than $2,000,000 of the funds made available to carry out this section to cover the costs of administration, research, technical assistance, communications, and training activities under the program. (4) Limitation on statutory construction Nothing in this subsection prohibits an eligible organization from receiving research or other funds under title 23 or 49, United States Code. (e) Grant timing (1) Request for application Not later than 30 days after funds are made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a request for applications for grants under this section for that fiscal year. (2) Selection of grant recipients Not later than 150 days after funds are made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall select grant recipients of grants under this section for that fiscal year. (f) Federal share (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal share of the cost of an eligible project carried out using a grant under this section shall not exceed 80 percent of the total project cost. (2) Exception for disadvantaged communities For eligible projects serving communities with a poverty rate of over 40 percent based on the majority of census tracts served by the eligible project, the Secretary may increase the Federal share of the cost of the eligible project up to 100 percent of the total project cost. (g) Assistance to Indian tribes In carrying out this section, the Secretary may enter into grant agreements, self-determination contracts, and self-governance compacts under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) with Indian tribes that are eligible organizations, and such agreements, contracts, and compacts shall be administered in accordance with that Act. (h) Reports (1) Interim report Not later than September 30, 2024, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing the information described in paragraph (3). (2) Final report Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing the information described in paragraph (3). (3) Report information A report submitted under this subsection shall contain the following, with respect to the period covered by the applicable report: (A) A list of grants made under this section. (B) Best practices of eligible organizations that receive grants under this section in implementing eligible projects. (C) Impediments experienced by eligible organizations that receive grants under this section in developing and shifting to active transportation. (i) Rule required Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule that encourages the use of the programmatic categorical exclusion, expedited procurement techniques, and other best practices to facilitate productive and timely expenditures for eligible projects that are small, low-impact, and constructed within an existing built environment. (j) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (2) Availability The amounts made available to carry out this section shall remain available until expended. (k) Definitions In this section: (1) Active transportation The term active transportation means mobility options powered primarily by human energy, including bicycling and walking. (2) Active transportation network The term active transportation network means facilities built for active transportation, including sidewalks, bikeways, and pedestrian and bicycle trails, that connect between destinations within a community or metropolitan region. (3) Active transportation spine The term active transportation spine means facilities built for active transportation, including sidewalks, bikeways, and pedestrian and bicycle trails that connect between communities, metropolitan regions, or States. (4) Community The term community means a geographic area that is socioeconomically interdependent and may include rural, suburban, and urban jurisdictions. (5) Eligible organization The term eligible organization means— (A) a local or regional governmental organization, including a metropolitan planning organization or regional planning organization or council; (B) a multicounty special district; (C) a State; (D) a multistate group of governments; or (E) an Indian tribe. (6) Eligible project The term eligible project means an active transportation project or group of projects— (A) within or between a community or group of communities, at least one of which falls within the jurisdiction of an eligible organization, which has submitted an application under this section; and (B) that has— (i) a total cost of not less than $15,000,000; or (ii) with respect to planning and design grants, planning and design costs of not less than $100,000. (7) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (8) Total project cost The term total project cost means the sum total of all costs incurred in the development of an eligible project that are approved by the Secretary as reasonable and necessary, including— (A) the cost of acquiring real property; (B) the cost of site preparation, demolition, and development; (C) expenses related to the issuance of bonds or notes; (D) fees in connection with the planning, execution, and financing of the eligible project; (E) the cost of studies, surveys, plans, permits, insurance, interest, financing, tax, and assessments; (F) the cost of construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and equipping the eligible project; (G) the cost of land improvements; (H) contractor fees; (I) the cost of training and education related to the safety of users of any bicycle or pedestrian network or spine constructed as part of an eligible project; and (J) any other cost that the Secretary determines is necessary and reasonable. II Transportation infrastructure finance and innovation 2001. Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1998 amendments (a) Definitions Section 601(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (E) of paragraph (10), by striking 3 years and inserting 5 years ; and (2) in paragraph (12)— (A) by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the following: (E) a project to improve or construct public infrastructure— (i) that— (I) is located within walking distance of, and accessible to, a fixed guideway transit facility, passenger rail station, intercity bus station, or intermodal facility, including a transportation, public utility, or capital project described in section 5302(3)(G)(v) of title 49, and related infrastructure; or (II) is a project for economic development, including commercial and residential development, and related infrastructure and activities— (aa) that incorporates private investment; (bb) that is physically or functionally related to a passenger rail station or multimodal station that includes rail service; (cc) for which the project sponsor has a high probability of commencing the contracting process for construction by not later than 90 days after the date on which credit assistance under the TIFIA program is provided for the project; and (dd) that has a high probability of reducing the need for financial assistance under any other Federal program for the relevant passenger rail station or service by increasing ridership, tenant lease payments, or other activities that generate revenue exceeding costs; and (ii) for which, by not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary has— (I) received a letter of interest; and (II) determined that the project is eligible for assistance; ; (B) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (G) an eligible airport-related project (as defined in section 40117(a) of title 49) for which, not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary has— (i) received a letter of interest; and (ii) determined that the project is eligible for assistance; and (H) a project for the acquisition of plant and wildlife habitat pursuant to a conservation plan that— (i) has been approved by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to section 10 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1539 ); and (ii) in the judgment of the Secretary, would mitigate the environmental impacts of transportation infrastructure projects otherwise eligible for assistance under this title. . (b) Eligibility Section 602(a)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A)(iv)— (A) by striking a rating and inserting an investment-grade rating ; and (B) by striking $75,000,000 and inserting $150,000,000 ; and (2) in subparagraph (B)— (A) by striking the senior debt and inserting senior debt ; and (B) by striking credit instrument is for an amount less than $75,000,000 and inserting total amount of other senior debt and the Federal credit instrument is less than $150,000,000 . (c) Federal requirements Section 602(c)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking and the requirements of section 5333(a) of title 49 for rail projects, and inserting the requirements of section 5333(a) of title 49 for rail projects, and the requirements of sections 47112(b) and 50101 of title 49 for airport-related projects, . (d) Processing timelines Section 602(d) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; (2) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting paragraph (2) ; and (3) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) the following: (1) Processing timelines Except in the case of an application described in subsection (a)(8) and to the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall provide an applicant with a specific estimate of the timeline for the approval or disapproval of the application of the applicant, which, to the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall endeavor to complete by not later than 150 days after the date on which the applicant submits a letter of interest to the Secretary. . (e) Maturity date of certain secured loans Section 603(b)(5) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting subparagraphs (B) and (C) ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (C) Long lived assets In the case of a capital asset with an estimated life of more than 50 years, the final maturity date of the secured loan shall be the lesser of— (i) 75 years after the date of substantial completion of the project; or (ii) 75 percent of the estimated useful life of the capital asset. . (f) Secured loans Section 603(c)(4)(A) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking Any excess and inserting the following: (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), any excess ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (ii) Certain applicants In the case of a secured loan or other secured Federal credit instrument provided after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , if the obligor is a governmental entity, agency, or instrumentality, the obligor shall not be required to prepay the secured loan or other secured Federal credit instrument with any excess revenues described in clause (i) if the obligor enters into an agreement to use those excess revenues only for purposes authorized under this title or title 49. . (g) Technical amendment Section 602(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking section 601(a)(1)(A) and inserting section 601(a)(2)(A) . (h) Streamlined application process Section 603(f) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Additional terms for expedited decisions (A) In general Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall implement an expedited decision timeline for public agency borrowers seeking secured loans that meet— (i) the terms under paragraph (2); and (ii) the additional criteria described in subparagraph (B). (B) Additional criteria The additional criteria referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii) are the following: (i) The secured loan is made on terms and conditions that substantially conform to the conventional terms and conditions established by the National Surface Transportation Innovative Finance Bureau. (ii) The secured loan is rated in the A category or higher. (iii) The TIFIA program share of eligible project costs is 33 percent or less. (iv) The applicant demonstrates a reasonable expectation that the contracting process for the project can commence by not later than 90 days after the date on which a Federal credit instrument is obligated for the project under the TIFIA program. (v) The project has received a categorical exclusion, a finding of no significant impact, or a record of decision under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). (C) Written notice The Secretary shall provide to an applicant seeking a secured loan under the expedited decision process under this paragraph a written notice informing the applicant whether the Secretary has approved or disapproved the application by not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to the applicant a letter indicating that the National Surface Transportation Innovative Finance Bureau has commenced the creditworthiness review of the project. . (i) Funding (1) In general Section 608(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; (B) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: (4) Limitation for certain projects (A) Transit-oriented development projects For each fiscal year, the Secretary may use to carry out projects described in section 601(a)(12)(E) not more than 15 percent of the amounts made available to carry out the TIFIA program for that fiscal year. (B) Airport-related projects The Secretary may use to carry out projects described in section 601(a)(12)(G)— (i) for each fiscal year, not more than 15 percent of the amounts made available to carry out the TIFIA program under the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 for that fiscal year; and (ii) for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, not more than 15 percent of the unobligated carryover balances (as of October 1, 2021). ; and (C) by striking paragraph (6) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following: (6) Administrative costs Of the amounts made available to carry out the TIFIA program, the Secretary may use not more than $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 for the administration of the TIFIA program. . (2) Conforming amendment Section 605(f)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking section 608(a)(5) and inserting section 608(a)(6) . (j) Status reports Section 609 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Status reports (1) In general The Secretary shall publish on the website for the TIFIA program— (A) on a monthly basis, a current status report on all submitted letters of interest and applications received for assistance under the TIFIA program; and (B) on a quarterly basis, a current status report on all approved applications for assistance under the TIFIA program. (2) Inclusions Each monthly and quarterly status report under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, with respect to each project included in the status report— (A) the name of the party submitting the letter of interest or application; (B) the name of the project; (C) the date on which the letter of interest or application was received; (D) the estimated project eligible costs; (E) the type of credit assistance sought; and (F) the anticipated fiscal year and quarter for closing of the credit assistance. . (k) State infrastructure bank program Section 610 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and inserting fiscal years 2022 through 2026 ; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and inserting fiscal years 2022 through 2026 ; and (C) in paragraph (3), by striking fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and inserting fiscal years 2022 through 2026 ; and (2) in subsection (k), by striking fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and inserting fiscal years 2022 through 2026 . (l) Report Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the impact of the amendment relating to airport-related projects under subsection (a)(2)(C) and subsection (i)(1)(B), including— (1) information on the use of TIFIA program (as defined in section 601(a) of title 23, United States Code) funds for eligible airport-related projects (as defined in section 40117(a) of title 49, United States Code); and (2) recommendations for modifications to the TIFIA program. III Research, technology, and education 3001. Strategic innovation for revenue collection (a) In general The Secretary shall establish a program to test the feasibility of a road usage fee and other user-based alternative revenue mechanisms (referred to in this section as user-based alternative revenue mechanisms ) to help maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund, through pilot projects at the State, local, and regional level. (b) Grants (1) In general The Secretary shall provide grants to eligible entities to carry out pilot projects under this section. (2) Applications To be eligible for a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (3) Objectives The Secretary shall ensure that, in the aggregate, the pilot projects carried out using funds provided under this section meet the following objectives: (A) To test the design, acceptance, equity, and implementation of user-based alternative revenue mechanisms, including among— (i) differing income groups; and (ii) rural and urban drivers, as applicable. (B) To provide recommendations regarding adoption and implementation of user-based alternative revenue mechanisms. (C) To quantify and minimize the administrative costs of any potential user-based alternative revenue mechanisms. (D) To test a variety of solutions, including the use of independent and private third-party vendors, for the collection of data and fees from user-based alternative revenue mechanisms, including the reliability and security of those solutions and vendors. (E) To test solutions to ensure the privacy and security of data collected for the purpose of implementing a user-based alternative revenue mechanism. (F) To conduct public education and outreach to increase public awareness regarding the need for user-based alternative revenue mechanisms for surface transportation programs. (G) To evaluate the ease of compliance and enforcement of a variety of implementation approaches for different users of the surface transportation system. (H) To ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, the use of innovation. (I) To consider, to the greatest extent practicable, the potential for revenue collection along a network of alternative fueling stations. (J) To evaluate the impacts of the imposition of a user-based alternative revenue mechanism on— (i) transportation revenues; (ii) personal mobility, driving patterns, congestion, and transportation costs; and (iii) freight movement and costs. (K) To evaluate options for the integration of a user-based alternative revenue mechanism with— (i) nationwide transportation revenue collections and regulations; (ii) toll revenue collection platforms; (iii) transportation network company fees; and (iv) any other relevant transportation revenue mechanisms. (4) Eligible entity An entity eligible to apply for a grant under this section is— (A) a State or a group of States; (B) a local government or a group of local governments; or (C) a metropolitan planning organization (as defined in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code) or a group of metropolitan planning organizations. (5) Use of funds An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant to carry out a pilot project to address 1 or more of the objectives described in paragraph (3). (6) Consideration The Secretary shall consider geographic diversity in awarding grants under this subsection. (7) Federal share The Federal share of the cost of a pilot project carried out under this section may not exceed— (A) 80 percent of the total cost of a project carried out by an eligible entity that has not otherwise received a grant under this section; and (B) 70 percent of the total cost of a project carried out by an eligible entity that has received at least 1 grant under this section. (c) Limitation on revenue collected Any revenue collected through a user-based alternative revenue mechanism established using funds provided under this section shall not be considered a toll under section 301 of title 23, United States Code. (d) Recommendations and report Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Federal System Funding Alternative Advisory Board established under section 3002(g)(1), shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that— (1) summarizes the results of the pilot projects under this section and the national pilot program under section 3002; and (2) provides recommendations, if applicable, to enable potential implementation of a nationwide user-based alternative revenue mechanism. (e) Funding (1) In general Of the funds made available to carry out section 503(b) of title 23, United States Code, for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 $15,000,000 shall be used for pilot projects under this section. (2) Flexibility If, by August 1 of each fiscal year, the Secretary determines that there are not enough grant applications to meet the requirements of this section for that fiscal year, the Secretary shall transfer to the national pilot program under section 3002 or to the highway research and development program under section 503(b) of title 23, United States Code— (A) any funds reserved for a fiscal year under paragraph (1) that the Secretary has not yet awarded under this section; and (B) an amount of obligation limitation equal to the amount of funds that the Secretary transfers under subparagraph (A). (f) Repeal (1) In general Section 6020 of the FAST Act ( 23 U.S.C. 503 note; Public Law 114–94 ) is repealed. (2) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1(b) of the FAST Act ( Public Law 114–94 ; 129 Stat. 1312) is amended by striking the item relating to section 6020. 3002. National motor vehicle per-mile user fee pilot (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Advisory board The term advisory board means the Federal System Funding Alternative Advisory Board established under subsection (g)(1). (2) Commercial vehicle The term commercial vehicle has the meaning given the term commercial motor vehicle in section 31101 of title 49, United States Code. (3) Highway Trust Fund The term Highway Trust Fund means the Highway Trust Fund established under section 9503 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (4) Light truck The term light truck has the meaning given the term in section 523.2 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). (5) Medium- and heavy-duty truck The term medium- and heavy-duty truck has the meaning given the term commercial medium- and heavy-duty on-highway vehicle in section 32901(a) of title 49, United States Code. (6) Passenger motor vehicle The term passenger motor vehicle has the meaning given the term in section 32101 of title 49, United States Code. (7) Per-mile user fee The term per-mile user fee means a revenue mechanism that— (A) is applied to road users operating motor vehicles on the surface transportation system; and (B) is based on the number of vehicle miles traveled by an individual road user. (8) Pilot program The term pilot program means the pilot program established under subsection (b)(1). (9) Volunteer participant The term volunteer participant means— (A) an owner or lessee of a private, personal motor vehicle who volunteers to participate in the pilot program; (B) a commercial vehicle operator who volunteers to participate in the pilot program; or (C) an owner of a motor vehicle fleet who volunteers to participate in the pilot program. (b) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, and consistent with the recommendations of the advisory board, shall establish a pilot program to demonstrate a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee— (A) to restore and maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund; and (B) to improve and maintain the surface transportation system. (2) Objectives The objectives of the pilot program are— (A) to test the design, acceptance, implementation, and financial sustainability of a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee; (B) to address the need for additional revenue for surface transportation infrastructure and a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee; and (C) to provide recommendations relating to the adoption and implementation of a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee. (c) Parameters In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall— (1) provide different methods that volunteer participants can choose from to track motor vehicle miles traveled; (2) solicit volunteer participants from all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; (3) ensure an equitable geographic distribution by population among volunteer participants; (4) include commercial vehicles and passenger motor vehicles; and (5) use components of and, where appropriate, coordinate with— (A) the States that received a grant under section 6020 of the FAST Act ( 23 U.S.C. 503 note; Public Law 114–94 ) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act); and (B) eligible entities that received a grant under section 3001. (d) Methods (1) Tools In selecting the methods described in subsection (c)(1), the Secretary shall coordinate with entities that voluntarily provide to the Secretary for use under the pilot program any of the following vehicle-miles-traveled collection tools: (A) Third-party on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) devices. (B) Smart phone applications. (C) Telemetric data collected by automakers. (D) Motor vehicle data obtained by car insurance companies. (E) Data from the States that received a grant under section 6020 of the FAST Act ( 23 U.S.C. 503 note; Public Law 114–94 ) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act). (F) Motor vehicle data obtained from fueling stations. (G) Any other method that the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Coordination (A) Selection The Secretary shall determine which collection tools under paragraph (1) are selected for the pilot program. (B) Volunteer participants In a manner that the Secretary considers appropriate, the Secretary shall enable each volunteer participant to choose 1 of the selected collection tools under paragraph (1). (e) Motor vehicle per-mile user fees For the purposes of the pilot program, the Secretary of the Treasury shall establish, on an annual basis, per-mile user fees for passenger motor vehicles, light trucks, and medium- and heavy-duty trucks, which amount may vary between vehicle types and weight classes to reflect estimated impacts on infrastructure, safety, congestion, the environment, or other related social impacts. (f) Volunteer participants The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall— (1) (A) ensure, to the extent practicable, that the greatest number of volunteer participants participate in the pilot program; and (B) ensure that such volunteer participants represent geographically diverse regions of the United States, including from urban and rural areas; and (2) issue policies relating to the protection of volunteer participants, including policies that— (A) protect the privacy of volunteer participants; and (B) secure the data provided by volunteer participants. (g) Federal system funding alternative advisory board (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an advisory board, to be known as the Federal System Funding Alternative Advisory Board , to assist with— (A) providing the Secretary with recommendations related to the structure, scope, and methodology for developing and implementing the pilot program; (B) carrying out the public awareness campaign under subsection (h); and (C) developing the report under subsection (n). (2) Membership The advisory board shall include, at a minimum, the following representatives and entities, to be appointed by the Secretary: (A) State departments of transportation. (B) Any public or nonprofit entity that led a surface transportation system funding alternatives pilot project under section 6020 of the FAST Act ( 23 U.S.C. 503 note; Public Law 114–94 ) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act). (C) Representatives of the trucking industry, including owner-operator independent drivers. (D) Data security experts with expertise in personal privacy. (E) Academic experts on surface transportation systems. (F) Consumer advocates, including privacy experts. (G) Advocacy groups focused on equity. (H) Owners of motor vehicle fleets. (I) Owners and operators of toll facilities. (J) Tribal groups or representatives. (K) Any other representatives or entities, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (3) Recommendations Not later than 1 year after the date on which the advisory board is established under paragraph (1), the advisory board shall provide the Secretary with the recommendations described in subparagraph (A) of that paragraph, which the Secretary shall use in implementing the pilot program. (h) Public awareness campaign (1) In general The Secretary, with guidance from the advisory board, may carry out a public awareness campaign to increase public awareness regarding a national motor vehicle per-mile user fee, including distributing information— (A) related to the pilot program; (B) from the State surface transportation system funding alternatives pilot program under section 6020 of the FAST Act ( 23 U.S.C. 503 note; Public Law 114–94 ) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act); and (C) related to consumer privacy. (2) Considerations In carrying out the public awareness campaign under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider issues unique to each State. (i) Revenue collection The Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with the Secretary, shall establish a mechanism to collect motor vehicle per-mile user fees established under subsection (e) from volunteer participants, which— (1) may be adjusted as needed to address technical challenges; and (2) may allow independent and private third-party vendors to collect the motor vehicle per-mile user fees and forward such fees to the Treasury. (j) Agreement The Secretary may enter into an agreement with a volunteer participant containing such terms and conditions as the Secretary considers necessary for participation in the pilot program. (k) Limitation Any revenue collected through the mechanism established under subsection (i) shall not be considered a toll under section 301 of title 23, United States Code. (l) Highway trust fund The Secretary of the Treasury shall ensure that any revenue collected under subsection (i) is deposited into the Highway Trust Fund. (m) Refund Not more than 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter in which a volunteer participant has participated in the pilot program, the Secretary of the Treasury shall calculate and issue an equivalent refund to such volunteer participant for applicable Federal motor fuel taxes under section 4041 and section 4081 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (n) Report to Congress Not later than 1 year after the date on which volunteer participants begin participating in the pilot program, and each year thereafter for the duration of the pilot program, the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that includes an analysis of— (1) whether the objectives described in subsection (b)(2) were achieved; (2) how volunteer participant protections in subsection (f)(2) were complied with; (3) whether motor vehicle per-mile user fees can maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund and improve and maintain the surface transportation system, which shall include estimates of administrative costs related to collecting such motor vehicle per mile user fees; (4) how the privacy of volunteers was maintained; and (5) equity impacts of the pilot program, including the impacts of the pilot program on low-income commuters. (o) Funding (1) In general Of the funds made available to carry out section 503(b) of title 23, United States Code, for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 $10,000,000 shall be used to carry out the pilot program under this section. (2) Excess funds Any excess funds remaining after carrying out the pilot program under this section shall be available to make grants for pilot projects under section 3001. 3003. Performance management data support program Section 6028(c) of the FAST Act ( 23 U.S.C. 150 note; Public Law 114–94 ) is amended by striking fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and inserting fiscal years 2022 through 2026 . 3004. Data integration pilot program (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a pilot program— (1) to provide research and develop models that integrate, in near-real-time, data from multiple sources, including geolocated— (A) weather conditions; (B) roadway conditions; (C) incidents, work zones, and other nonrecurring events related to emergency planning; and (D) information from emergency responders; and (2) to facilitate data integration between the Department, the National Weather Service, and other sources of data that provide real-time data with respect to roadway conditions during or as a result of severe weather events, including, at a minimum— (A) winter weather; (B) heavy rainfall; and (C) tropical weather events. (b) Requirements In carrying out subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall— (1) address the safety, resiliency, and vulnerability of the transportation system to disasters; and (2) develop tools for decisionmakers and other end-users who could use or benefit from the integrated data described in that subsection to improve public safety and mobility. (c) Treatment Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Secretary shall carry out activities under the pilot program under this section as if— (1) those activities were authorized under chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code; and (2) the funds made available to carry out the pilot program were made available under that chapter. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended. 3005. Emerging technology research pilot program (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a pilot program to conduct emerging technology research in accordance with this section. (b) Activities The pilot program under this section shall include— (1) research and development activities relating to leveraging advanced and additive manufacturing technologies to increase the structural integrity and cost-effectiveness of surface transportation infrastructure; and (2) research and development activities (including laboratory and test track supported accelerated pavement testing research regarding the impacts of connected, autonomous, and platooned vehicles on pavement and infrastructure performance)— (A) to reduce the impact of automated and connected driving systems and advanced driver-assistance systems on pavement and infrastructure performance; and (B) to improve transportation infrastructure design in anticipation of increased usage of automated driving systems and advanced driver-assistance systems. (c) Treatment Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Secretary shall carry out activities under the pilot program under this section as if— (1) those activities were authorized under chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code; and (2) the funds made available to carry out the pilot program were made available under that chapter. (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended. 3006. Research and technology development and deployment (a) In general Section 503 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking section 508 and inserting section 6503 of title 49 ; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (E) engage with public and private entities to spur advancement of emerging transformative innovations through accelerated market readiness; and (F) consult frequently with public and private entities on new transportation technologies. ; (B) in paragraph (2)(C)— (i) by redesignating clauses (x) through (xv) as clauses (xi) through (xvi), respectively; and (ii) by inserting after clause (ix) the following: (x) safety measures to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions; ; (C) in paragraph (3)— (i) in subparagraph (B)(viii), by inserting weather after extreme ; and (ii) in subparagraph (C)— (I) in clause (xv), by inserting extreme weather events and after withstand ; (II) in clause (xviii), by striking and at the end; (III) in clause (xix), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (IV) by adding at the end the following: (xx) studies on the deployment and revenue potential of the deployment of energy and broadband infrastructure in highway rights-of-way, including potential adverse impacts of the use or nonuse of those rights-of-way. ; (D) in paragraph (6)— (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (C) to support research on non-market-ready technologies in consultation with public and private entities. ; (E) in paragraph (7)(B)— (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting innovations by leading after support ; (ii) in clause (iii), by striking and at the end; (iii) in clause (iv), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: (v) the evaluation of information from accelerated market readiness efforts, including non-market-ready technologies, in consultation with other offices of the Federal Highway Administration and key partners. ; (F) in paragraph (8)(A), by striking future highway and all that follows through needs. and inserting the following: “current conditions and future needs of highways, bridges, and tunnels of the United States, including— (i) the conditions and performance of the highway network for freight movement; (ii) intelligent transportation systems; (iii) resilience needs; and (iv) the backlog of current highway, bridge, and tunnel needs. ; and (G) by adding at the end the following: (9) Analysis tools The Secretary may develop interactive modeling tools and databases that— (A) track the full condition of highway assets, including interchanges, and the reconstruction history of those assets; (B) can be used to assess transportation options; (C) allow for the monitoring and modeling of network-level traffic flows on highways; and (D) further Federal and State understanding of the importance of national and regional connectivity and the need for long-distance and interregional passenger and freight travel by highway and other surface transportation modes. ; and (3) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting use of rights-of-way permissible under applicable law, after structures, ; (ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: (F) disseminating and evaluating information from accelerated market readiness efforts, including non-market-ready technologies, to public and private entities. ; (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by striking improved tools and methods to accelerate the adoption and inserting and deploy improved tools and methods to accelerate the adoption of early-stage and proven innovative practices and technologies and, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, support continued implementation ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: (D) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subparagraph and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and make publicly available on an internet website a report that describes— (i) the activities the Secretary has undertaken to carry out the program established under paragraph (1); and (ii) how and to what extent the Secretary has worked to disseminate non-market-ready technologies to public and private entities. ; (C) in paragraph (3)— (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively; (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: (C) High-friction surface treatment application study (i) Definition of institution In this subparagraph, the term institution means a private sector entity, public agency, research university or other research institution, or organization representing transportation and technology leaders or other transportation stakeholders that, as determined by the Secretary, is capable of working with State highway agencies, the Federal Highway Administration, and the highway construction industry to develop and evaluate new products, design technologies, and construction methods that quickly lead to pavement improvements. (ii) Study The Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with an institution to carry out a study on the use of natural and synthetic calcined bauxite as a high-friction surface treatment application on pavement. (iii) Report Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , the Secretary shall submit a report on the results of the study under clause (ii) to— (I) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate; (II) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; (III) the Federal Highway Administration; and (IV) the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. ; (iii) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated), by striking fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and inserting fiscal years 2022 through 2026 ; and (iv) in subparagraph (E) (as so redesignated)— (I) in clause (i), by striking annually and inserting once every 3 years ; and (II) in clause (ii)— (aa) in subclause (III), by striking and at the end; (bb) in subclause (IV), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (cc) by adding at the end the following: (V) pavement monitoring and data collection practices; (VI) pavement durability and resilience; (VII) stormwater management; (VIII) impacts on vehicle efficiency; (IX) the energy efficiency of the production of paving materials and the ability of paving materials to enhance the environment and promote sustainability; and (X) integration of renewable energy in pavement designs. ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (5) Accelerated implementation and deployment of advanced digital construction management systems (A) In general The Secretary shall establish and implement a program under the technology and innovation deployment program established under paragraph (1) to promote, implement, deploy, demonstrate, showcase, support, and document the application of advanced digital construction management systems, practices, performance, and benefits. (B) Goals The goals of the accelerated implementation and deployment of advanced digital construction management systems program established under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i) accelerated State adoption of advanced digital construction management systems applied throughout the construction lifecycle (including through the design and engineering, construction, and operations phases) that— (I) maximize interoperability with other systems, products, tools, or applications; (II) boost productivity; (III) manage complexity; (IV) reduce project delays and cost overruns; and (V) enhance safety and quality; (ii) more timely and productive information-sharing among stakeholders through reduced reliance on paper to manage construction processes and deliverables such as blueprints, design drawings, procurement and supply-chain orders, equipment logs, daily progress reports, and punch lists; (iii) deployment of digital management systems that enable and leverage the use of digital technologies on construction sites by contractors, such as state-of-the-art automated and connected machinery and optimized routing software that allows construction workers to perform tasks faster, safer, more accurately, and with minimal supervision; (iv) the development and deployment of best practices for use in digital construction management; (v) increased technology adoption and deployment by States and units of local government that enables project sponsors— (I) to integrate the adoption of digital management systems and technologies in contracts; and (II) to weigh the cost of digitization and technology in setting project budgets; (vi) technology training and workforce development to build the capabilities of project managers and sponsors that enables States and units of local government— (I) to better manage projects using advanced construction management technologies; and (II) to properly measure and reward technology adoption across projects of the State or unit of local government; (vii) development of guidance to assist States in updating regulations of the State to allow project sponsors and contractors— (I) to report data relating to the project in digital formats; and (II) to fully capture the efficiencies and benefits of advanced digital construction management systems and related technologies; (viii) reduction in the environmental footprint of construction projects using advanced digital construction management systems resulting from elimination of congestion through more efficient projects; and (ix) enhanced worker and pedestrian safety resulting from increased transparency. (C) Funding For each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, the Secretary shall obligate from funds made available to carry out this subsection $20,000,000 to accelerate the deployment and implementation of advanced digital construction management systems. (D) Publication (i) In general Not less frequently than annually, the Secretary shall issue and make available to the public on a website a report on— (I) progress made in the implementation of advanced digital management systems by States; and (II) the costs and benefits of the deployment of new technology and innovations that substantially and directly resulted from the program established under this paragraph. (ii) Inclusions The report under clause (i) may include an analysis of— (I) Federal, State, and local cost savings; (II) project delivery time improvements; (III) congestion impacts; and (IV) safety improvements for roadway users and construction workers. . (b) Advanced transportation technologies and innovative mobility deployment Section 503(c)(4) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the heading, by inserting and innovative mobility before deployment ; (2) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) In general The Secretary shall provide grants to eligible entities to deploy, install, and operate advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, mobility, efficiency, system performance, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure return on investment. ; (3) in subparagraph (B)— (A) in clause (i), by striking the enhanced use and inserting optimization ; (B) in clause (v)— (i) by striking transit, and inserting work zone, weather, transit, paratransit, ; and (ii) by striking and accessible transportation and inserting , accessible, and integrated transportation and transportation services ; (C) by redesignating clauses (vi) through (viii) as clauses (vii), (viii), and (x), respectively; (D) by inserting after clause (v) the following: (vi) facilitate account-based payments for transportation access and services and integrate payment systems across modes; ; (E) in clause (viii) (as so redesignated), by striking or at the end; and (F) by inserting after clause (viii) (as so redesignated) the following: (ix) incentivize travelers— (I) to share trips during periods in which travel demand exceeds system capacity; or (II) to shift trips to periods in which travel demand does not exceed system capacity; or ; (4) in subparagraph (C)— (A) in clause (i), by striking Not later and all that follows through thereafter and inserting Each fiscal year for which funding is made available for activities under this paragraph ; and (B) in clause (ii)— (i) in subclause (I), by inserting mobility, after safety, ; and (ii) in subclause (II)— (I) in item (bb), by striking and at the end; (II) in item (cc), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (III) by adding at the end the following: (dd) facilitating payment for transportation services. ; (5) in subparagraph (D)— (A) in clause (i), by striking Not later and all that follows through thereafter and inserting Each fiscal year for which funding is made available for activities under this paragraph ; and (B) in clause (ii)— (i) by striking In awarding and inserting the following: (I) In general Subject to subclause (II), in awarding ; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: (II) Rural set-aside Not less than 20 percent of the amounts made available to carry out this paragraph shall be reserved for projects serving rural areas. ; (6) in subparagraph (E)— (A) by redesignating clauses (iii) through (ix) as clauses (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii), (xi), and (xiv), respectively; (B) by inserting after clause (ii) the following: (iii) advanced transportation technologies to improve emergency evacuation and response by Federal, State, and local authorities; ; (C) by inserting after clause (viii) (as so redesignated) the following: (ix) integrated corridor management systems; (x) advanced parking reservation or variable pricing systems; ; (D) in clause (xi) (as so redesignated)— (i) by inserting , toll collection, after pricing ; and (ii) by striking or at the end; (E) by inserting after clause (xi) (as so redesignated) the following: (xii) technology that enhances high occupancy vehicle toll lanes, cordon pricing, or congestion pricing; (xiii) integration of transportation service payment systems; ; (F) in clause (xiv) (as so redesignated)— (i) by striking and access and inserting , access, and on-demand transportation service ; (ii) by inserting and other shared-use mobility applications after ridesharing ; and (iii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (G) by adding at the end the following: (xv) retrofitting dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) technology deployed as part of an existing pilot program to cellular vehicle-to-everything (C–V2X) technology. ; (7) in subparagraph (F)(ii)(IV), by striking efficiency and multimodal system performance and inserting mobility, efficiency, multimodal system performance, and payment system performance ; (8) in subparagraph (G)— (A) by redesignating clauses (vi) through (viii) as clauses (vii) through (ix), respectively; and (B) by inserting after clause (v) the following: (vi) improved integration of payment systems; ; (9) in subparagraph (I)(i), by striking fiscal years 2016 through 2020 and inserting fiscal years 2022 through 2026 ; (10) by striking subparagraph (J) and inserting the following: (J) Federal share (i) In general Except as provided in clause (ii), the Federal share of the cost of a project for which a grant is awarded under this subsection shall not exceed 50 percent. (ii) Certain projects The Federal share of the cost of a project for which a grant is awarded under this subsection for activities described in subparagraph (E)(xv) shall not exceed 80 percent. ; and (11) in subparagraph (N)— (A) in clause (i), by striking representing a population of over 200,000 ; and (B) in clause (iii), in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking a any and inserting any . (c) Center of Excellence on new mobility and automated vehicles Section 503(c) of title 23, United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)(3)(D)), is amended by adding at the end the following: (6) Center of Excellence (A) Definitions In this paragraph: (i) Automated vehicle The term automated vehicle means a motor vehicle that— (I) has a taxable gross weight (as defined in section 41.4482(b)–1 of title 26, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)) of 10,000 pounds or less; and (II) is capable of performing the entire task of driving (including steering, accelerating and decelerating, and reacting to external stimulus) without human intervention. (ii) New mobility The term new mobility includes shared services such as— (I) docked and dockless bicycles; (II) docked and dockless electric scooters; and (III) transportation network companies. (B) Establishment Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 , the Secretary shall establish a Center of Excellence to collect, conduct, and fund research on the impacts of new mobility and automated vehicles on land use, urban design, transportation, real estate, equity, and municipal budgets. (C) Partnerships In establishing the Center of Excellence under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall enter into appropriate partnerships with any institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )) or public or private research entity. . (d) Accelerated implementation and deployment of advanced digital construction management systems Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that includes— (1) a description of— (A) the current status of the use of advanced digital construction management systems in each State; and (B) the progress of each State toward accelerating the adoption of advanced digital construction management systems; and (2) an analysis of the savings in project delivery time and project costs that can be achieved through the use of advanced digital construction management systems. (e) Open challenge and research proposal pilot program (1) In general The Secretary shall establish an open challenge and research proposal pilot program under which eligible entities may propose open highway challenges and research proposals that are linked to identified or potential research needs. (2) Requirements A research proposal submitted to the Secretary by an eligible entity shall address— (A) a research need identified by the Secretary or the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration; or (B) an issue or challenge that the Secretary determines to be important. (3) Eligible entities An entity eligible to submit a research proposal under the pilot program under paragraph (1) is— (A) a State; (B) a unit of local government; (C) a university transportation center under section 5505 of title 49, United States Code; (D) a private nonprofit organization; (E) a private sector organization working in collaboration with an entity described in subparagraphs (A) through (D); and (F) any other individual or entity that the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (4) Project review The Secretary shall— (A) review each research proposal submitted under the pilot program under paragraph (1); and (B) provide to the eligible entity a written notice that— (i) if the research proposal is not selected— (I) notifies the eligible entity that the research proposal has not been selected for funding; (II) provides an explanation as to why the research proposal was not selected, including if the research proposal does not cover an area of need; and (III) if applicable, recommend that the research proposal be submitted to another research program and provide guidance and direction to the eligible entity and the proposed research program office; and (ii) if the research proposal is selected, notifies the eligible entity that the research proposal has been selected for funding. (5) Federal share (A) In general The Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out under this subsection shall not exceed 80 percent. (B) Non-federal share All costs directly incurred by the non-Federal partners, including personnel, travel, facility, and hardware development costs, shall be credited toward the non-Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out under this subsection. (f) Conforming amendment Section 167 of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking subsection (h); and (2) by redesignating subsections (i) through (l) as subsections (h) through (k), respectively. 3007. Workforce development, training, and education (a) Surface transportation workforce development, training, and education Section 504(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (G) as subparagraphs (E), (F), (H), and (I), respectively; (B) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: (D) pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and career opportunities for on-the-job training; ; (C) in subparagraph (E) (as so redesignated), by striking or community college and inserting , college, community college, or vocational school ; and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (F) (as so redesignated) the following: (G) activities associated with workforce training and employment services, such as targeted outreach and partnerships with industry, economic development organizations, workforce development boards, and labor organizations; ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking paragraph (1)(G) and inserting paragraph (1)(I) ; and (3) in paragraph (3)— (A) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; (B) by striking including activities and inserting the following: “including— (A) activities ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (B) activities that address current workforce gaps, such as work on construction projects, of State and local transportation agencies; (C) activities to develop a robust surface transportation workforce with new skills resulting from emerging transportation technologies; and (D) activities to attract new sources of job-creating investment. . (b) Transportation education and training development and deployment program Section 504(f) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by striking Development and inserting and Training Development and Deployment ; (2) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a program to make grants to educational institutions or State departments of transportation, in partnership with industry and relevant Federal departments and agencies— (A) to develop, test, and review new curricula and education programs to train individuals at all levels of the transportation workforce; or (B) to implement the new curricula and education programs to provide for hands-on career opportunities to meet current and future needs. ; (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking shall and inserting may ; (B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting current or future after specific ; and (C) in subparagraph (E)— (i) by striking in nontraditional departments ; (ii) by inserting construction, after such as ; and (iii) by inserting or emerging after industrial ; (4) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and (5) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3) Reporting The Secretary shall establish minimum reporting requirements for grant recipients under this subsection, which may include, with respect to a program carried out with a grant under this subsection— (A) the percentage or number of program participants that are employed during the second quarter after exiting the program; (B) the percentage or number of program participants that are employed during the fourth quarter after exiting the program; (C) the median earnings of program participants that are employed during the second quarter after exiting the program; (D) the percentage or number of program participants that obtain a recognized postsecondary credential or a secondary school diploma (or a recognized equivalent) during participation in the program or by not later than 1 year after exiting the program; and (E) the percentage or number of program participants that, during a program year— (i) are in an education or training program that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential or employment; and (ii) are achieving measurable skill gains toward such a credential or employment. . (c) Use of funds Section 504 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (i) Use of funds The Secretary may use funds made available to carry out this section to carry out activities related to workforce development and technical assistance and training if— (1) the activities are authorized by another provision of this title; and (2) the activities are for entities other than employees of the Secretary, such as States, units of local government, Federal land management agencies, and Tribal governments. . 3008. Wildlife-vehicle collision research (a) General authorities and requirements regarding wildlife and habitat Section 515(h)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (K), by striking and at the end; (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), (I), (J), (K), and (L) as subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), (H), (I), (K), (L), (M), and (O), respectively; (3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: (D) a representative from a State, local, or regional wildlife, land use, or resource management agency; ; (4) by inserting after subparagraph (I) (as so redesignated) the following: (J) an academic researcher who is a biological or ecological scientist with expertise in transportation issues; ; and (5) by inserting after subparagraph (M) (as so redesignated) the following: (N) a representative from a public interest group concerned with the impact of the transportation system on terrestrial and aquatic species and the habitat of those species; and . (b) Animal detection systems research and development Section 516(b)(6) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting , including animal detection systems to reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions after systems . 3009. Transportation Resilience and Adaptation Centers of Excellence (a) In general Chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 520. Transportation Resilience and Adaptation Centers of Excellence (a) Definition of Center of Excellence In this section, the term Center of Excellence means a Center of Excellence for Resilience and Adaptation designated under subsection (b). (b) Designation The Secretary shall designate 10 regional Centers of Excellence for Resilience and Adaptation and 1 national Center of Excellence for Resilience and Adaptation, which shall serve as a coordinator for the regional Centers, to receive grants to advance research and development that improves the resilience of regions of the United States to natural disasters and extreme weather by promoting the resilience of surface transportation infrastructure and infrastructure dependent on surface transportation. (c) Eligibility An entity eligible to be designated as a Center of Excellence is— (1) an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1002 )); or (2) a consortium of nonprofit organizations led by an institution of higher education. (d) Application To be eligible to be designated as a Center of Excellence, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a proposal that includes a description of the activities to be carried out with a grant under this section. (e) Selection (1) Regional Centers of Excellence The Secretary shall designate 1 regional Center of Excellence in each of the 10 Federal regions that comprise the Standard Federal Regions established by the Office of Management and Budget in the document entitled Standard Federal Regions and dated April 1974 (circular A–105). (2) National Center of Excellence The Secretary shall designate 1 national Center of Excellence to coordinate the activities of all 10 regional Centers of Excellence to minimize duplication and promote coordination and dissemination of research among the Centers. (3) Criteria In selecting eligible entities to designate as a Center of Excellence, the Secretary shall consider— (A) the past experience and performance of the eligible entity in carrying out activities described in subsection (g); (B) the merits of the proposal of an eligible entity and the extent to which the proposal would— (i) advance the state of practice in resilience planning and identify innovative resilience solutions for transportation assets and systems; (ii) support activities carried out under the PROTECT program under section 176; (iii) support and build on work being carried out by another Federal agency relating to resilience; (iv) inform transportation decisionmaking at all levels of government; (v) engage local, regional, Tribal, State, and national stakeholders, including, if applicable, stakeholders representing transportation, transit, urban, and land use planning, natural resources, environmental protection, hazard mitigation, and emergency management; and (vi) engage community groups and other stakeholders that will be affected by transportation decisions, including underserved, economically disadvantaged, rural, and predominantly minority communities; and (C) the local, regional, Tribal, State, and national impacts of the proposal of the eligible entity. (f) Grants Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall provide to each Center of Excellence a grant of not less than $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2031 to carry out the activities described in subsection (g). (g) Activities In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall ensure that a Center of Excellence uses the funds from a grant under subsection (f) to promote resilient transportation infrastructure, including through— (1) supporting climate vulnerability assessments informed by climate change science, including national climate assessments produced by the United States Global Change Research Program under section 106 of the Global Change Research Act of 1990 ( 15 U.S.C. 2936 ), relevant feasibility analyses of resilient transportation improvements, and transportation resilience planning; (2) development of new design, operations, and maintenance standards for transportation infrastructure that can inform Federal and State decisionmaking; (3) research and development of new materials and technologies that could be integrated into existing and new transportation infrastructure; (4) development, refinement, and piloting of new and emerging resilience improvements and strategies, including natural infrastructure approaches and relocation; (5) development of and investment in new approaches for facilitating meaningful engagement in transportation decisionmaking by local, Tribal, regional, or national stakeholders and communities; (6) technical capacity building to facilitate the ability of local, regional, Tribal, State, and national stakeholders— (A) to assess the vulnerability of transportation infrastructure assets and systems; (B) to develop community response strategies; (C) to meaningfully engage with community stakeholders; and (D) to develop strategies and improvements for enhancing transportation infrastructure resilience under current conditions and a range of potential future conditions; (7) workforce development and training; (8) development and dissemination of data, tools, techniques, assessments, and information that informs Federal, State, Tribal, and local government decisionmaking, policies, planning, and investments; (9) education and outreach regarding transportation infrastructure resilience; and (10) technology transfer and commercialization. (h) Federal share The Federal share of the cost of an activity under this section, including the costs of establishing and operating a Center of Excellence, shall be 50 percent. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 520. Transportation Resilience and Adaptation Centers of Excellence. . 3010. Transportation access pilot program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Metropolitan planning organization The term metropolitan planning organization has the meaning given the term in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code. (2) State The term State has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code. (3) Surface transportation modes The term surface transportation modes means— (A) driving; (B) public transportation; (C) walking; (D) cycling; and (E) a combination of any of the modes of transportation described in subparagraphs (A) through (D). (4) Pilot program The term pilot program means the transportation pilot program established under subsection (b). (5) Regional transportation planning organization The term regional transportation planning organization has the meaning given the term in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code. (b) Establishment Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a transportation pilot program. (c) Purpose The purpose of the pilot program is to develop or procure an accessibility data set and make that data set available to each eligible entity selected to participate in the pilot program— (1) to improve the transportation planning of those eligible entities by— (A) measuring the level of access by surface transportation modes to important destinations, which may include— (i) jobs; (ii) health care facilities; (iii) child care services; (iv) educational and workforce training facilities; (v) housing; (vi) food sources; (vii) points within the supply chain for freight commodities; (viii) domestic or international markets; and (ix) connections between surface transportation modes; and (B) disaggregating the level of access by surface transportation modes by a variety of— (i) population categories, which may include— (I) low-income populations; (II) minority populations; (III) age; (IV) disability; and (V) geographical location; or (ii) freight commodities, which may include— (I) agricultural commodities; (II) raw materials; (III) finished products; and (IV) energy commodities; and (2) to assess the change in accessibility that would result from new transportation investments. (d) Eligible entities An entity eligible to participate in the pilot program is— (1) a State; (2) a metropolitan planning organization; or (3) a regional transportation planning organization. (e) Application To be eligible to participate in the pilot program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including information relating to— (1) previous experience of the eligible entity measuring transportation access or other performance management experience, if applicable; (2) the types of important destinations to which the eligible entity intends to measure access; (3) the types of data disaggregation the eligible entity intends to pursue; (4) a general description of the methodology the eligible entity intends to apply; and (5) if the applicant does not intend the pilot program to apply to the full area under the jurisdiction of the applicant, a description of the geographic area in which the applicant intends the pilot program to apply. (f) Selection (1) In general The Secretary shall seek to achieve diversity of participants in the pilot program by selecting a range of eligible entities that shall include— (A) States; (B) metropolitan planning organizations that serve an area with a population of 200,000 people or fewer; (C) metropolitan planning organizations that serve an area with a population of over 200,000 people; and (D) regional transportation planning organizations. (2) Inclusions The Secretary shall seek to ensure that, among the eligible entities selected under paragraph (1), there is— (A) a range of capacity and previous experience with measuring transportation access; and (B) a variety of proposed methodologies and focus areas for measuring level of access. (g) Duties For each eligible entity participating in the pilot program, the Secretary shall— (1) develop or acquire an accessibility data set described in subsection (c); and (2) submit the data set to the eligible entity. (h) Methodology In calculating the measures for the data set under the pilot program, the Secretary shall ensure that methodology is open source. (i) Availability The Secretary shall make an accessibility data set under the pilot program available to— (1) units of local government within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity participating in the pilot program; and (2) researchers. (j) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the pilot program, including the feasibility of developing and providing periodic accessibility data sets for all States, regions, and localities. (k) Transportation system access (1) In general The Secretary shall establish consistent measures that States, metropolitan planning organizations, and regional transportation planning organizations may choose to adopt to assess the level of safe and convenient access by surface transportation modes to important destinations as described in subsection (c)(1)(A). (2) Savings provision Nothing in this section provides the Secretary the authority— (A) to establish a performance measure or require States or metropolitan planning organizations to set a performance target for access as described in paragraph (1); or (B) to establish any other Federal requirement. (l) Funding The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program using amounts made available to the Secretary for administrative expenses to carry out programs under the authority of the Secretary. (m) Sunset The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is 8 years after the date on which the pilot program is implemented. IV Indian Affairs 4001. Definition of Secretary In this title, the term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior. 4002. Environmental reviews for certain tribal transportation facilities (a) Definition of tribal transportation safety project (1) In general In this section, the term tribal transportation safety project means a project described in paragraph (2) that is eligible for funding under section 202 of title 23, United States Code. (2) Project described A project described in this paragraph is a project that corrects or improves a hazardous road location or feature or addresses a highway safety problem through 1 or more of the activities described in any of the clauses under section 148(a)(4)(B) of title 23, United States Code. (b) Reviews of tribal transportation safety projects (1) In general The Secretary or the Secretary of Transportation, as applicable, or the head of another Federal agency responsible for a decision related to a tribal transportation safety project shall complete any approval or decision for the review of the tribal transportation safety project required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or any other applicable Federal law on an expeditious basis using the shortest existing applicable process. (2) Review of applications Not later than 45 days after the date of receipt of a complete application by an Indian tribe for approval of a tribal transportation safety project, the Secretary or the Secretary of Transportation, as applicable, shall— (A) take final action on the application; or (B) provide the Indian tribe a schedule for completion of the review described in paragraph (1), including the identification of any other Federal agency that has jurisdiction with respect to the project. (3) Decisions under other Federal laws In any case in which a decision under any other Federal law relating to a tribal transportation safety project (including the issuance or denial of a permit or license) is required, not later than 45 days after the Secretary or the Secretary of Transportation, as applicable, has made all decisions of the lead agency under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to the project, the head of the Federal agency responsible for the decision shall— (A) make the applicable decision; or (B) provide the Indian tribe a schedule for making the decision. (4) Extensions The Secretary or the Secretary of Transportation, as applicable, or the head of the Federal agency may extend the period under paragraph (2) or (3), as applicable, by an additional 30 days by providing the Indian tribe notice of the extension, including a statement of the need for the extension. (5) Notification and explanation In any case in which a required action is not completed by the deadline under paragraph (2), (3), or (4), as applicable, the Secretary, the Secretary of Transportation, or the head of a Federal agency, as applicable, shall— (A) notify the Committees on Indian Affairs and Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives of the failure to comply with the deadline; and (B) provide to the Committees described in subparagraph (A) a detailed explanation of the reasons for the failure to comply with the deadline. 4003. Programmatic agreements for tribal categorical exclusions (a) In general The Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation shall enter into programmatic agreements with Indian tribes that establish efficient administrative procedures for carrying out environmental reviews for projects eligible for assistance under section 202 of title 23, United States Code. (b) Inclusions A programmatic agreement under subsection (a)— (1) may include an agreement that allows an Indian tribe to determine, on behalf of the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation, whether a project is categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); and (2) shall— (A) require that the Indian tribe maintain adequate capability in terms of personnel and other resources to carry out applicable agency responsibilities pursuant to section 1507.2 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); (B) set forth the responsibilities of the Indian tribe for making categorical exclusion determinations, documenting the determinations, and achieving acceptable quality control and quality assurance; (C) allow— (i) the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation to monitor compliance of the Indian tribe with the terms of the agreement; and (ii) the Indian tribe to execute any needed corrective action; (D) contain stipulations for amendments, termination, and public availability of the agreement once the agreement has been executed; and (E) have a term of not more than 5 years, with an option for renewal based on a review by the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation of the performance of the Indian tribe. 4004. Use of certain tribal transportation funds Section 202(d) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Use of funds Funds made available to carry out this subsection shall be used— (A) to carry out any planning, design, engineering, preconstruction, construction, and inspection of new or replacement tribal transportation facility bridges; (B) to replace, rehabilitate, seismically retrofit, paint, apply calcium magnesium acetate, sodium acetate/formate, or other environmentally acceptable, minimally corrosive anti-icing and deicing composition; or (C) to implement any countermeasure for tribal transportation facility bridges classified as in poor condition, having a low load capacity, or needing geometric improvements, including multiple-pipe culverts. . 4005. Bureau of Indian Affairs road maintenance program There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to carry out the road maintenance program of the Bureau— (1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; (2) $52,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; (3) $54,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (4) $56,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (5) $58,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. 4006. Study of road maintenance on Indian land (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Indian land The term Indian land has the meaning given the term Indian lands in section 3 of the Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000 ( 25 U.S.C. 4302 ). (2) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (3) Road The term road means a road managed in whole or in part by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. (b) Study Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall carry out a study to evaluate— (1) the long-term viability and useful life of existing roads on Indian land; (2) any steps necessary to achieve the goal of addressing the deferred maintenance backlog of existing roads on Indian land; (3) programmatic reforms and performance enhancements necessary to achieve the goal of restructuring and streamlining road maintenance programs on existing or future roads located on Indian land; and (4) recommendations on how to implement efforts to coordinate with States, counties, municipalities, and other units of local government to maintain roads on Indian land. (c) Tribal consultation and input Before beginning the study under subsection (b), the Secretary shall— (1) consult with any Indian tribes that have jurisdiction over roads eligible for funding under the road maintenance program of the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and (2) solicit and consider the input, comments, and recommendations of the Indian tribes described in paragraph (1). (d) Report On completion of the study under subsection (b), the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall submit to the Committees on Indian Affairs and Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committees on Natural Resources and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results and findings of the study. (e) Status report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall submit to the Committees on Indian Affairs and Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committees on Natural Resources and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that includes a description of— (1) the progress made toward addressing the deferred maintenance needs of the roads on Indian land, including a list of projects funded during the fiscal period covered by the report; (2) the outstanding needs of the roads that have been provided funding to address the deferred maintenance needs; (3) the remaining needs of any of the projects referred to in paragraph (1); (4) how the goals described in subsection (b) have been met, including— (A) an identification and assessment of any deficiencies or shortfalls in meeting the goals; and (B) a plan to address the deficiencies or shortfalls in meeting the goals; and (5) any other issues or recommendations provided by an Indian tribe under the consultation and input process under subsection (c) that the Secretary determines to be appropriate. 4007. Maintenance of certain Indian reservation roads The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection may transfer funds to the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to maintain, repair, or reconstruct roads under the jurisdiction of the Director, subject to the condition that the Commissioner and the Director shall mutually agree that the primary user of the subject road is U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 4008. Tribal transportation safety needs (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Alaska Native The term Alaska Native has the meaning given the term Native in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1602 ). (2) Alaska Native village The term Alaska Native village has the meaning given the term Native village in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1602 ). (3) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (b) Best practices, standardized crash report form (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary, Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, and State departments of transportation shall develop— (A) best practices for the compiling, analysis, and sharing of motor vehicle crash data for crashes occurring on Indian reservations and in Alaska Native communities; and (B) a standardized form for use by Indian tribes and Alaska Native communities to carry out those best practices. (2) Purpose The purpose of the best practices and standardized form developed under paragraph (1) shall be to improve the quality and quantity of crash data available to and used by the Federal Highway Administration, State departments of transportation, Indian tribes, and Alaska Native villages. (3) Report On completion of the development of the best practices and standardized form under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Committees on Indian Affairs and Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committees on Natural Resources and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report describing the best practices and standardized form. (c) Use of IMARS The Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs shall require all law enforcement offices of the Bureau, for the purpose of reporting motor vehicle crash data for crashes occurring on Indian reservations and in Alaska Native communities— (1) to use the crash report form of the applicable State; and (2) to upload the information on that form to the Incident Management Analysis and Reporting System (IMARS) of the Department of the Interior. (d) Tribal Transportation Program safety funding Section 202(e)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking 2 percent and inserting 4 percent . 4009. Office of Tribal Government Affairs Section 102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (e)(1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 6 Assistant and inserting 7 Assistant ; (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking and after the semicolon; (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: (D) an Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs, who shall be appointed by the President; and ; and (2) in subsection (f), by striking the subsection designation and heading and all that follows through the end of paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (f) Office of Tribal Government Affairs (1) Establishment There is established in the Department an Office of Tribal Government Affairs, under the Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs— (A) to oversee the tribal self-governance program under section 207 of title 23; (B) to plan, coordinate, and implement policies and programs serving Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations; (C) to coordinate Tribal transportation programs and activities in all offices and administrations of the Department; and (D) to be a participant in any negotiated rulemakings relating to, or having an impact on, projects, programs, or funding associated with the Tribal transportation program under section 202 of title 23. .

May 27, 2021 Read twice and placed on the calendar