zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2007 - Establishes: (1) the National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States to ensure that U.S. infrastructure meets current and future demand and facilitates economic growth; and (2) an advisory group, which shall include specified Cabinet level officials, to provide assistance and advice to the Commission.Requires the Commission to study the state of U.S. infrastructure, including such matters as: (1) the capacity of infrastructure improvements to sustain economic development and competitiveness and to support a sustained and expanding economy; (2) the age and condition of public infrastructure; (3) the methods used to finance the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and maintenance of public works improvements; (4) investment requirements needed to maintain and to improve facilities and the projected share of investment requirements and expenditures on infrastructure facility improvements by federal, state, and local governments; and (5) estimates of the return to the economy from public works investment. Directs the Commission to develop recommendations regarding: (1) a federal infrastructure plan that will detail national infrastructure program priorities; (2) public works improvements and methods of delivering and providing for public works facilities; (3) analysis or criteria and procedures that may be used by federal agencies and state and local governments in inventorying existing and needed public works improvements, assessing the condition of improvements, and developing uniform criteria and procedures; and (4) proposed guidelines for the uniform reporting by federal agencies of data regarding infrastructure improvements.

Date: 2007-09-14
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
National Infrastructure Development Act of 2007 - Establishes the National Infrastructure Development Corporation and the National Infrastructure Insurance Corporation as wholly owned Government corporations that shall conduct their respective businesses as self-supporting entities. Empowers the National Infrastructure Development Corporation to: (1) make senior and subordinated loans and purchase senior and subordinated debt securities and equity securities; (2) enter into commitments to make any such loan or security purchases, on such terms as the Corporation may (in its discretion) determine to be appropriate, the proceeds of which are to be used to finance or refinance development of infrastructure facilities; and (3) provide preconstruction phase assistance. Empowers the National Infrastructure Insurance Corporation to insure and reinsure bonds, debentures, notes, debt instruments, loans, and any interest thereon, the proceeds of which are to be used to finance or refinance development of infrastructure facilities. Declares that: (1) obligations of either Corporation, and obligations insured by any such corporation shall not be obligations of, or guaranteed as to principal or interest by, the United States or any federal agency; and (2) assistance from the NIC shall not be treated as a direct or indirect guarantee of any payment by the United States of principal or interest on any security. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe guidelines for the tax treatment of distributions from qualified retirement plans investing in public benefit bonds (defined as any obligation issued after the date of the enactment of this Act if: (1) 95% or more of the net proceeds of such obligation are used in connection with the financing or refinancing of infrastructure facilities; (2) such obligation has received a published rating, and (3) development of such infrastructure facilities is undertaken by a governmental entity or public-private partnership).

Date: 2007-10-18
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to suspend the use of private debt collection companies to collect unpaid taxes and prohibits the use of any IRS funds for tax collection contracts with private companies.

Date: 2007-01-18
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Taxation
National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2007 - Establishes an independent National Infrastructure Bank to: (1) designate qualified transit, public housing, water, highway, bridge, or road infrastructure projects for loans, loan guarantees, and other financial assistance; and (2) issue general purpose and project-based infrastructure bonds exempt from state and local taxation.

Date: 2007-08-01
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Northern Virginia Metrorail Extension Act of 2009 - Authorizes alternatives analysis and preliminary engineering for specified Metrorail new fixed guideway capital projects in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

Date: 2009-03-19
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability in Transportation Projects Through Public Inspection Act of 2009 - Requires public employees to perform construction inspections on all surface transportation projects receiving federal funding.

Date: 2009-04-27
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
National Infrastructure Development Bank Act of 2009 - Establishes the National Infrastructure Development Bank as a wholly owned government corporation. Makes the Bank's Board of Directors responsible for monitoring and overseeing energy, environmental, telecommunications, and transportation infrastructure projects. Authorizes the Board to: (1) issue public benefit bonds and provide direct subsidies to infrastructure projects; (2) borrow on the global capital market and lend to entities and commercial banks for funding infrastructure projects; and (3) purchase, pool, and sell infrastructure-related loans and securities on such market. Requires the Board to establish criteria for determining project eligibility for financial assistance under this Act. Sets forth the duties of the Bank's executive committee and audit committee. Requires the Bank to establish a risk management committee, which shall: (1) create financial, credit, and operational risk management guidelines for the Bank; (2) set standards to ensure diversification of lending activities by both region and infrastructure project type; and (3) create conforming standards for infrastructure finance securities. Exempts all notes, debentures, bonds or other such obligations issued by the Bank, and the interest on or credits with respect to such bonds or other obligations, from state or local government taxation. Terminates the Bank after 15 years.

Date: 2009-05-20
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Government operations and politics
National Centers of Excellence for Regional Smart Growth Planning Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) designate not fewer than three national centers of excellence for regional smart growth planning, selected from metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) that have demonstrated regional planning excellence; (2) develop guidelines for the designation and operation of the Centers; and (3) allocate specified funds to each Center to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities for: (1) improving the collection of data and the development of models for smart growth planning; (2) implementing comprehensive regional smart growth planning programs; (3) applying planning outcomes in regional transportation plans; and (4) working with local governments to coordinate land use, transportation, and air quality planning. Directs the Centers to: (1) collect and distribute to MPOs information and best practices about regional smart growth planning; (2) make research and development recommendations to EPA and other entities to improve the quality and ease of smart growth analysis; (3) work with institutions of higher education and state and federal agencies to improve smart growth analysis; and (4) provide technical assistance to grant recipients.

Date: 2009-06-02
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Housing and community development
21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps Act - Authorizes the President, in order to relieve widespread unemployment, restore depleted natural resources in the United States, and advance public works programs, to establish a Civilian Conservation Corps to employ unemployed or underemployed U.S. citizens in the construction, maintenance, and carrying on of works of a public nature, such as forestation of U.S. and state lands, prevention of forest fires, floods, and soil erosion, and construction and repair of National Park System paths and trails. Authorizes the President to extend Corps activities to state- and private- owned lands to prevent and control forest fires and floods and attacks of forest tree pests and diseases. Authorizes the President to provide housing and transportation for Corps employees. Prohibits discrimination in the hiring of Corps employees.

Date: 2009-12-15
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Labor and employment
Public Transportation Preservation Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make emergency grants to states and designated recipients (urbanized areas) for the operating costs of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation projects. Prescribes a formula for the apportionment of grant funds. Requires amounts apportioned to a state or urbanized area, with a specified exception, to be used for operating expenses necessary to restore or prevent a reduction in public transportation service and related workforce reductions, or to rescind all or a portion of a fare increase, that: (1) occurs between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2011; and (2) is due to decreased state or local funding or farebox revenue. Authorizes a recipient which certifies that it has not had a major reduction in public transportation service, or a fare increase as a result of decreased state or local operating funding, and will be able to avoid such reductions or increases through FY2011 without the funds made available by this Act, to use such funds to replace, rehabilitate, or repair existing transit capital assets used in public transportation. Sets the amount of a grant, at the option of the recipient, at up to 100% of the net cost of a project.

Date: 2010-05-26
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
End the Stimulus Advertisement Act - Prohibits the use of funds appropriated or otherwise made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) for physical signage indicating that a project is funded by such Act. States that under appropriations Acts providing funds for each of FY2011-FY2012 the total amount available for obligation for administrative expenses of an affected agency shall be the amount that would otherwise be available, reduced by 50% of the amount reported to have been expended before the enactment of this Act. Requires the head of each affected agency to report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a determination of the amount of funds expended before the enactment of this Act, if any, by the agency, or any grantee or other recipient of assistance from the agency, for physical signage indicating that a project was funded by the ARRA. Requires OMB to determine, and report to Congress on, the allocation of such reduction among the accounts, and programs, projects, and activities within the accounts of each affected agency. Requires the head of each affected agency to deposit each amount of the reduction in the general fund of the Treasury for purposes of deficit reduction.

Date: 2010-07-01
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Building and Upgrading Infrastructure for Long-term Development Act of 2010 or BUILD Act of 2010 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2010 to: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for state and tribal assistance grants; and (2) the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for highway infrastructure investment activities, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for transit capital assistance grants, and the Office of the Secretary of Transportation for capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure. Subjects all funds made available under this Act to the Buy American Act. Rescinds a certain amount of unobligated discretionary appropriations made available by division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 as a required offset to appropriations made under this Act.

Date: 2010-07-29
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Economics and public finance
American Infrastructure Investment Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend until January 1, 2013, the period for issuing Build America Bonds and for credits allowable to issuers of such bonds. Allows funding through such bonds for capital expenditures for levees and flood control projects. Exempts private activity bonds for sewage and water supply facilities from the state volume caps applicable to such bonds. Allows Indian tribal governments to issue tax-exempt private activity bonds to provide water or sewage facilities. Extends through 2011 the exemption from alternative minimum tax (AMT) treatment of interest on certain tax-exempt bonds. Extends through 2011 the period for issuing recovery zone economic development bonds and recovery zone facility bonds. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate 2010 national limitations on recovery bonds based upon state unemployment statistics. Allows a full offset against the AMT for new market tax credit amounts. Extends through 2011: (1) the tax exemption allowed for interest on bonds guaranteed by a federal home loan bank; and (2) small issuer rules for the allocation of tax-exempt interest expense by financial institutions.

Date: 2010-09-22
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Taxation
Rural Opportunity and Development Act or the ROAD Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a rural opportunity and development (ROAD) program to promote opportunity and economic development in rural states through projects for the preservation and improvement of highways.

Date: 2009-01-22
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Bridge Life Extension Act of 2009 - Requires a state, as a condition of receiving federal-aid highway funding, to develop and implement a highway bridge management system that meets certain requirements. Requires a state, in developing and implementing such a system, to: (1) identify corrosion mitigation and prevention methods to preserve its highway bridges; (2) establish a project maintenance program to extend the life of such bridges; and (3) ensure that maintenance individuals are qualified and all highway bridge engineers and inspectors implementing the system are trained, and certified by the state, in corrosion mitigation and prevention techniques. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a minimum federal standard for corrosion mitigation and prevention training and certification for such individuals.

Date: 2009-09-23
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Public Transportation Preservation Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make emergency grants to states and designated recipients (urbanized areas) for the operating costs of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation projects. Prescribes a formula for the apportionment of grant funds. Requires amounts apportioned to a state or urbanized area, with a specified exception, to be used for operating expenses necessary to restore or prevent a reduction in public transportation service and related workforce reductions, or to rescind all or a portion of a fare increase, that: (1) occurs between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2011; and (2) is due to decreased state or local funding or farebox revenue. Authorizes a recipient which certifies that it has not had a major reduction in public transportation service, or a fare increase as a result of decreased state or local operating funding, and will be able to avoid such reductions or increases through FY2011 without the funds made available by this Act, to use such funds to replace, rehabilitate, or repair existing transit capital assets used in public transportation. Sets the amount of a grant, at the option of the recipient, at up to 100% of the net cost of a project.

Date: 2010-05-25
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
National Infrastructure Development Bank Act of 2011 - Establishes the National Infrastructure Development Bank as a wholly owned government corporation. Makes the Bank's Board of Directors responsible for monitoring and overseeing energy, environmental, telecommunications, and transportation infrastructure projects. Authorizes the Board to: (1) issue public benefit bonds and provide financing to infrastructure projects; and (2) borrow on the global capital market and lend to entities and commercial banks for funding infrastructure projects. Requires the Board to establish criteria for determining project eligibility for financial assistance under this Act. Sets forth the duties of the Bank's executive committee and audit committee.Requires the Bank to establish a risk management committee, which shall: (1) create financial, credit, and operational risk management guidelines for the Bank; (2) set standards to ensure diversification of lending activities by both region and infrastructure project type; and (3) create conforming standards for infrastructure finance securities. Exempts all notes, debentures, bonds or other such obligations issued by the Bank, and the interest on or credits with respect to such bonds or other obligations, from state or local government taxation.Terminates the Bank after 15 years.

Date: 2011-01-24
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Our Nation's Trade, Infrastructure, Mobility, and Efficiency Act or ON TIME Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to: (1) address major transportation investment needs in national trade gateway corridors, (2) reduce freight congestion along current and future trade corridors along surface transportation routes that are or will be congested as a result of current or future growth in international trade, and (3) develop corridors that will increase freight transportation system reliability. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to assess and collect through FY2022 a national trade gateway corridor fee on each article imported into, and exported from, the United States. Requires collected fees to be deposited in the National Trade Gateway Corridor Fund for projects in the transportation trade corridors for the Customs port of unloading of imported, or loading of exported, articles. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) the allocation of Fund amounts in the form of grants to state departments of transportation to carry out eligible projects in the corridors for the Customs ports of entry, and (2) project selection and eligibility. Requires the Secretary to establish a transportation trade corridor for each Customs port of entry where fees are collected.

Date: 2011-02-08
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Building American Jobs Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the Build America Bond program, to: (1) extend until December 31, 2012, the authority to issue such bonds and the authority for payments to issuers of such bonds; (2) reduce the percentage rate of payments to issuers in 2011 and 2012; (3) allow refundings of currently issued bonds; and (4) allow the use of Build America bonds to fund capital expenditures for levees and flood control projects. Extends through 2011 the authority to issue recovery zone economic development bonds. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate 2011 national limitations on such bonds based upon state unemployment statistics. Exempts private activity bonds for sewage and water supply facilities from the state volume caps applicable to such bonds. Allows Indian tribal governments to issue tax-exempt private activity bonds to provide water or sewage facilities. Extends through 2011: (1) the exemption from alternative minimum tax (AMT) treatment of interest on certain tax-exempt bonds, (2) the tax exemption allowed for interest on bonds guaranteed by a federal home loan bank, and (3) small issuer rules for the allocation of tax-exempt interest expense by financial institutions. Allows a full offset against the AMT for new market tax credit amounts. Allows taxpayers to elect payments in lieu of low-income housing tax credits in 2011 for low-income buildings financed by tax-exempt bonds.

Date: 2011-03-10
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Taxation
TIFIA Expansion Act of 2011 - Revises Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program requirements to make eligible for TIFIA funding any projects that: (1) are for the design, acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of one or more transportation projects that reduce emissions of greenhouse gases or have a positive impact on traffic congestion; and (2) receive not more than 30% of their funding for capital costs from federal public transportation grant funds. Defines "master credit agreement" as one entered into between the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) and an obligor for such projects that: (1) makes contingent commitments of one or more secured loans or other federal credit instruments at future dates, (2) establishes the amounts and general terms and conditions of such loans or other instruments as well as identifies dedicated revenue sources that will secure their repayment, and (3) provides for the obligation of funds for the loans or other instruments after certain federal requirements have been met. Requires such projects to meet certain planning and programming requirements (as under current law) at the time that loan proceeds are disbursed or other credit assistance is provided pursuant to the master credit agreement. Makes projects with eligible costs reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $1 billion (mega transportation projects) eligible for federal transportation infrastructure funding. Revises terms of secured loans and lines of credit used to finance certain transportation infrastructure projects to increase the maximum loan amount for such projects from the lesser of 33% to the lesser of 49% of the reasonably anticipated eligible project costs or (as under current law), if the loan does not receive an investment grade rating, the amount of the senior project obligations. Authorizes the Secretary to allow a 1% reduction in the interest rate for such loans if the ordinary interest rate has increased by more than 1% between the time the Secretary signs the master credit agreement and the time at which the secured loan is made with respect to a project that is the subject of the master credit agreement. Allows a 1.5% reduction in the interest rate for a secured loan with respect to a project only using clean construction equipment. Defines "clean construction equipment" as nonroad construction vehicles or equipment powered by diesel engines that: (1) are certified to meet Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Tier 4 nonroad engine fine particulate emission standards, or (2) achieve through other means a particulate matter emission reduction of 85% or more from uncontrolled engine emission levels. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the prohibition against subordination of secured loans to the claims of a holder of project obligations in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or liquidation of the obligor, but only if the loan amount does not exceed 33% of the reasonably anticipated eligible project costs and the loan is secured by tax revenue.

Date: 2011-03-16
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Protecting Taxpayers in Transportation Asset Transfers Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program for: (1) the attachment of federal liens to public transportation assets (federal-aid highways, highway or mass transit projects, air navigation facilities, or federally-assisted train or multimodal stations); and (2) release of such liens in connection with concession agreements between state or local governments and private individuals or entities. Limits the meaning of public transportation asset to a transportation facility constructed, maintained, or upgraded before, on, or after enactment of this Act using federal funds: (1) whose fair market value is more than $500 million, and which has received any federal funding; (2) whose fair market value is less than $500 million, and which has received $25 million or more in federal funding; or (3) in which a significant national public interest (such as interstate commerce, homeland security, public health, or the environment) is at stake. Prohibits any asset transaction (entry into a concession agreement for, or contract for the sale or lease of, a public transportation asset) for an asset attached with a federal lien unless: (1) the lien is released, and (2) the state or local government and the private individual or entity seeking the asset transaction enter into agreements with the Secretary. Defines "concession agreement" as one entered into by a private individual or entity and a state or local government with jurisdiction over a public transportation asset to convey to the private individual or entity the right to manage, operate, and maintain the asset for a specific period of time in exchange for the authorization to impose and collect a toll or other user fee from a person for each use of the asset during that period. Prohibits the release of a federal lien on a public transportation asset unless: (1) the state or local government or other public sponsor seeking the asset transaction pays the Secretary an amount determined according to a specified formula, and (2) the Secretary certifies that the required concession agreements have been signed and their terms incorporated into the asset transaction terms. Permits a private individual or entity to enter into an asset transaction covering National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) facilities and equipment provided certain conditions are met.

Date: 2011-06-24
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Makes final, and not subject to judicial review, federal agency decisions to: (1) issue a permit, license, or approval for a highway or public transportation capital project; and (2) prepare supplemental environmental impact statements for projects in cases where the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) considers new information received after the close the comment period.

Date: 2011-07-06
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Fiscal Accountability and Transparency in Infrastructure Spending Act of 2011 - Requires each executive agency to obtain a life-cycle cost analysis for each major infrastructure project prior to obligating funds. Defines "life-cycle cost analysis" as a process for evaluating the total economic worth of an infrastructure project by analyzing specified costs over a minimum 50-year period. Authorizes the use of alternate infrastructure type bidding procedures for awarding contracts for projects on the National Highway System and for major infrastructure projects. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to require states to utilize the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (developed under the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project I-37A) for the initial design phase of all authorized highway projects.

Date: 2011-07-20
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Enhancing Livability for All Americans Act of 2011 - Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) an Office of Livability. Requires the Office Director to establish a program to award competitive grants to eligible entities to assist: (1) capital investments in surface transportation projects with a significant impact on enhancing the livability in a region, metropolitan area, community, or neighborhood; and (2) communities in developing strategic growth plans that provide a vision and goals for development over a minimum 20-year period and integrate long-term innovative transportation and land use planning. Requires priority be given to: (1) investment projects that increase the number of transportation options, improve access to housing, jobs, and services, and reduce greenhouse gas; and (2) innovative planning applicants who have proposed strategic growth plans for communities with transportation systems characterized by poor access to job centers and schools, limited transportation options for residents, and significant traffic congestion. Requires the Director to: (1) develop statistical and analytical capabilities to ascertain specified transportation data; and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies to carry out activities that promote the development of livable communities, increase transportation choices, and improve the environment, public health, and quality of life.

Date: 2011-07-21
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Breaking Down Barriers Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to include as part of a federal-aid highway project any activities carried out by a state before approval of its application for federal funding if such activities meet applicable project requirements. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to accelerate project delivery, to issue a letter of no prejudice for a project at the time the project is included in the state transportation improvement program or as soon as practicable. Revises and makes permanent the surface transportation project delivery pilot program. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring a state, as a condition of participation in the program, to forego project delivery methods otherwise permissible for highway projects. Authorizes a state to assume highway project responsibilities administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), but not the responsibilities of any other modal administration within the Department of Transportation (DOT). Repeals the limitation to Alaska, California, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas of state participation in the program. Allows program participation by all states. Prescribes a special rule to permit a state participating in the program on September 30, 2009, to continue in the program and not be required to submit an application. Directs the Comptroller General to study methods to consolidate and streamline the environmental impact statement process with respect to federal-aid highway and highway safety construction projects and public transportation projects, with particular focus on the feasibility of modernizing current procedures for environmental impact statements to include new media and other communication techniques. Directs the Secretary to develop recommendations for expanding the list of activities categorically excluded from requirements for environmental assessments or environmental impact statements pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Council on Environmental Quality. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement to permit a state to assume all of the Secretary's responsibilities for federal-aid highway and public transportation projects if the state certifies that: (1) the project will be carried out in accordance with applicable requirements, and (2) at least two-thirds of the total projects costs will be derived from state funds. Directs the Secretary to extend the highway prompt payment program to other DOT transportation construction projects. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to establish deadlines for federal approval actions with respect to federal-aid highway and public transportation projects. Authorizes the Secretary to approve a request by a state to provide state public transportation and federal-aid highway project funds to federal agencies (including the DOT), state agencies, and Indian tribes participating in the environmental review process for such projects, or in an approved state process, to support activities that extend beyond environmental work to other aspects and modes of program and project delivery.

Date: 2011-08-01
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Putting America Back to Work Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax deduction for dividends received from a controlled foreign corporation that are reinvested in the United States. Establishes in the Treasury the Jobs Trust Fund to fund infrastructure projects and improvements in the United States.

Date: 2011-09-07
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Taxation
Lincoln Legacy Infrastructure Development Act - Prohibits the Secretary from imposing a federal surcharge on a state that has allowed the placement of blind vending facilities in rest and recreation areas, and in safety rest areas, located on Interstate System (IS) rights-of-way. Revises state high occupancy vehicle (HOV) facility requirements to increase from a minimum of two to a minimum of three the number of occupants per vehicle for use of an HOV facility in cases of congestion meeting certain criteria. Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to remove limits on the number of state or local governments or public authorities with which the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements to establish value pricing pilot programs (in effect, allowing extension of the programs to all such authorities). Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) to increase from 3 to 10 the number of IS highways, bridges, or tunnels where a state may collect tolls for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of IS highway corridors. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to eliminate restrictions on: (1) the number of projects under the express lanes demonstration program (currently 15), and (2) the number of IS facilities on which the Secretary may collect IS construction tolls (currently 3). Eliminates the nonsubordination of secured loans and lines of credit used to finance surface transportation project costs to the claims of any holder of project obligations in the event of the obligor's bankruptcy, insolvency, or liquidation. (Thus allows subordination of secured loans and lines of credit to such claims.) Makes eligible for railroad rehabilitation and improvement direct loans and loan guarantees: (1) projects and activities that benefit high-speed rail, and (2) development phase activities. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to establish a six-year public-private partnership experimental program to encourage recipients of certain federal assistance to carry out tests and experimentation in the public transportation project development process designed to: (1) attract private investment in such projects (including high occupancy/toll [HOT] lane facilities); and (2) increase project management flexibility and innovation, improve efficiency, allow for timely project implementation, and create new revenue streams. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the cap on the aggregate allowable amount of tax-exempt bonds to finance qualified highway or surface freight transfer facilities. Revises a specified formula in order to reduce annual adjustments to pay schedules for federal employees for FY2013-FY2021.

Date: 2011-09-20
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Modernizing Public Transit Act of 2011 - Revises project justification criteria the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) must use in approving capital investment grants for new fixed-guideway capital projects under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) New Starts and Small Starts programs. Adds to the criteria that must be considered: (1) the costs and impacts of urban sprawl; (2) population density, land use, proposed land use, and local development goals along the project corridor and along transit corridors connecting with the project, including bus, bus rapid transit, and rail; and (3) estimated reductions in transit times for passengers of the existing transit system as the result of the project.

Date: 2011-09-22
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Emergency Transportation Safety Fund Act - Eliminates the transportation enhancement program. Establishes the Emergency Transportation Safety Fund. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to compile a prioritized list of emergency transportation projects, which will guide the allocation of Fund amounts to the states.

Date: 2011-10-04
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2011 - Establishes an independent National Infrastructure Bank to: (1) designate qualified transit, public housing, water, highway, bridge, aviation, freight, passenger rail, or road infrastructure projects for loans, loan guarantees, and other financial assistance; and (2) issue general purpose and project-based infrastructure bonds exempt from state and local taxation.

Date: 2011-10-25
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Small Business Energy Improvements Financing Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make economic adjustment grants to support innovative, utility-administered energy efficiency programs for small business concerns.

Date: 2011-11-01
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Energy
Exempts from environmental review under named federal environmental laws the reconstruction process of any road, highway, or bridge that has been damaged by a natural disaster (including flood) and reconstructed in the same location.

Date: 2011-11-03
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Environmental protection
Bridge to Jobs Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to provide grants to states to repair or replace bridges the Federal Highway Administration has found to be structurally deficient. Allows states to use the grants to cover costs directly or indirectly related to the repair or replacement of such bridges, including administrative expenses and job training costs.

Date: 2012-01-27
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Flood Protection Public Safety Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to implement any flood risk management project for which the Secretary has transmitted to Congress, before the date of enactment of this Act, a letter that includes: (1) a description of the project as recommended in a report by the Chief of Engineers that concludes that the project is technically sound, environmentally acceptable, and economically justified; and (2) notification that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has concluded that the report's recommendations are consistent with the President's policy and programs.

Date: 2012-04-16
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Water resources development
Fiscal Responsibility in Federal Contracting Act - Suspends through FY2023 the Davis-Bacon Act (which requires that the locally prevailing wage rate be paid to various classes of laborers and mechanics working under federally-financed or federally-assisted contracts for construction, alteration, and repair of public buildings or public works). Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress each fiscal year through FY2023 on the savings to the federal government that resulted from such suspension since its beginning.

Date: 2012-04-19
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to enter into agreements with persons for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to provide customs and immigration services at a land border port of entry, subject to payment of a fee to reimburse the CBP for providing such services. Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish procedures for evaluating proposals submitted by persons to: (1) enter into cost-sharing or reimbursement agreements with the General Services Administration (GSA) for the construction or maintenance of infrastructure at a land border port of entry, and (2) provide GSA an unconditional gift of property for use in the construction or maintenance of such infrastructure. Prescribes minimum requirements for such procedures.

Date: 2012-06-19
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Supporting Entrepreneurial Economic Development Act of 2012 or the SEED Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to prohibit a recipient of an economic adjustment grant from making, but permits a venture development organization to make, a grant, equity investment, or convertible loan to a private for-profit entity. Requires such an organization that assists a private for-profit entity with funds made available from an economic adjustment grant and that receives funds from such entity at any time as a result of such assistance to use such funds only to assist other private for-profit entities. Defines a "venture development organization" as a public entity or private, nonprofit entity that provides to an early-stage technology business, to promote the growth of that business: (1) financial investment or assistance acquiring financial investment, (2) expert mentoring, and (3) assistance to speed the commercialization of technology.

Date: 2012-07-11
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Fiscal Accountability and Transparency in Infrastructure Spending Act of 2011 - Requires each executive agency to obtain a life-cycle cost analysis for each major infrastructure project prior to obligating funds. Defines "life-cycle cost analysis" as a process for evaluating the total economic worth of an infrastructure project by analyzing specified costs over a minimum 50-year period. Authorizes the use of alternate infrastructure type bidding procedures for awarding contracts for projects on the National Highway System and for major infrastructure projects. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to require states to utilize the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (developed under the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project I-37A) for the initial design phase of all authorized highway projects.

Date: 2011-03-17
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Government operations and politics
American Infrastructure Investment Fund Act of 2011 - Establishes the American Infrastructure Investment Fund in the Department of Transportation (DOT) to: (1) invest in infrastructure projects that increase or otherwise improve U.S. economic output, productivity, or competitive commercial advantage; (2) provide funding for projects that face significant funding barriers because of the need to combine resources across multiple jurisdictions or modes of transportation; and (3) improve the efficiency or throughput, the safety, and the environmental sustainability of a national or regional transportation network. Requires the Fund to publish: (1) a detailed description of its strategy in an Investment Prospectus, and (2) its Operating Guidance for the Fund's management. Requires the President to appoint the Fund's Executive Director, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, as well as a Fund Advisory Committee. Authorizes the Fund to provide direct loans and loan guarantees to eligible recipients for activities related to the planning, preparation, or design of an eligible project proposal. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish: (1) a competitive national infrastructure investment grant program, and (2) an oversight program to monitor the effective and efficient use of funds authorized under this Act. Sets forth the federal share of net project costs at 80%.

Date: 2011-05-10
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Transportation Infrastructure Grants and Economic Reinvestment Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a national infrastructure investment program to provide competitive grants (of $10-$500 million), secured loans, and loan guarantees to a state, local government, or transit agency for eligible transportation projects (including highway or bridge, public transportation, passenger or freight rail transportation, and port infrastructure projects) that would have a significant beneficial impact on a state, metropolitan area, region, or the United States. Requires the Secretary to give grant priority to eligible projects that require a contribution of federal funds to complete an overall financing package for such projects. Sets aside at least 20% of funds for grants for eligible projects located in rural areas.

Date: 2011-05-10
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Protecting Taxpayers in Transportation Asset Transfers Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program for: (1) the attachment of federal liens to public transportation assets (federal-aid highways, highway or mass transit projects, air navigation facilities, or federally-assisted train or multimodal stations); and (2) release of such liens in connection with concession agreements between state or local governments and private individuals or entities. Limits the meaning of public transportation asset to a transportation facility constructed, maintained, or upgraded before, on, or after enactment of this Act using federal funds: (1) whose fair market value is more than $500 million, and which has received any federal funding; (2) whose fair market value is less than $500 million, and which has received $25 million or more in federal funding; or (3) in which a significant national public interest (such as interstate commerce, homeland security, public health, or the environment) is at stake. Prohibits any asset transaction (entry into a concession agreement for, or contract for the sale or lease of, a public transportation asset) for an asset attached with a federal lien unless: (1) the lien is released, and (2) the state or local government and the private individual or entity seeking the asset transaction enter into agreements with the Secretary. Defines "concession agreement" as one entered into by a private individual or entity and a state or local government with jurisdiction over a public transportation asset to convey to the private individual or entity the right to manage, operate, and maintain the asset for a specific period of time in exchange for the authorization to impose and collect a toll or other user fee from a person for each use of the asset during that period. Prohibits the release of a federal lien on a public transportation asset unless: (1) the state or local government or other public sponsor seeking the asset transaction pays the Secretary an amount determined according to a specified formula, and (2) the Secretary certifies that the required concession agreements have been signed and their terms incorporated into the asset transaction terms. Permits a private individual or entity to enter into an asset transaction covering National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) facilities and equipment provided certain conditions are met.

Date: 2011-06-16
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Transportation and public works
National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2011 - Establishes an independent National Infrastructure Bank to: (1) designate qualified transit, public housing, water, highway, bridge, aviation, freight, passenger rail, or road infrastructure projects for loans, loan guarantees, and other financial assistance; and (2) issue general purpose and project-based infrastructure bonds exempt from state and local taxation.

Date: 2011-09-13
Topic: Transportation (Infrastructure)
Subject: Economics and public finance