HR 6495 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To authorize programs and activities to support transportation and housing options that will assist American families in reducing transportation costs, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

July 15, 2008CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Mr. BLUMENAUER (for himself, Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. INSLEE, Mr. MCNERNEY, and Ms. SOLIS) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To authorize programs and activities to support transportation and housing options that will assist American families in reducing transportation costs, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the ‘Transportation and Housing Choices for Gas Price Relief Act of 2008’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Table of Contents-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 2. Findings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 3. Community transportation choices investment program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 4. Public transportation improvement block grants.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 5. Improving community transit grants.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 6. National consumer awareness program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 7. Credit for teleworking.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 8. Transportation fringe benefit to bicycle commuters.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 9. Increased uniform dollar limitation for all types of transportation fringe benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 10. Clarification of Federal employee benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 11. Eligibility of self-employed individuals to receive transit fringe benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 12. Parking cash-out programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 13. Vanpool credit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 14. Participation of Federal agencies in local transportation management associations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 15. Disclosure of transit accessibility and transportation costs of housing.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 16. Location-efficient mortgage goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 17. Location-efficient mortgages education and outreach campaign.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 18. Grants for purchase or creation of affordable housing near transit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 19. Accessible and efficient schools.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Gas prices have more than tripled since 2001, putting a significant strain on American families and the economy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) On average, transportation costs are now Americans’ second largest expense after housing.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Polls show that Americans believe that gas prices will continue to rise and they are looking to Congress for help.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Eighty-four percent of Americans rely on their own transportation to get to and from work, annually spending on average $2,052 on gas and 264 hours on their commute.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) The cost of congestion, including added freight costs and lost productivity for consumers, reached $78 billion in 2005 and resulted in 4.2 billion lost hours and 2.9 billion gallons of wasted fuel.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) One of the most effective ways to reduce transportation costs and traffic congestion for American families is to offer a broader range of transportation options as well as housing choices that reduce transportation costs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) Transportation options can include public transit, carpooling, biking, walking, and other alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle trips.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) The Consumer Electronics Association recently estimated that 4 to 6 million workers telecommute at least once a week, saving an estimated 840 million gallons of fuel and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 10 to 14 million metric tons per year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) A typical transit rider consumes less than half as much gasoline on average than a person with no access to transit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) Public transportation saves over 4.2 billion gallons of fuel each year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) At $4 per gallon gasoline, American families can save $5.6 billion each year on gasoline costs by using transit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(12) Consumer demand for transit and other transportation options is surging.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(13) Public transportation ridership rose by 3.4 percent in the first quarter of 2008, according to the American Public Transportation Association.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(14) More than 90 percent of public transportation officials report that their ridership is up over the past 3 years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(15) Rising fuel prices have increased costs for public transportation agencies. Public transportation agencies consume more than 760 million gallons of diesel fuel and gasoline each year. For every penny added to the cost of fuel, public transportation agencies around the Nation face $7.6 million in increased annual costs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(16) Bicycle commuters annually save on average $1,825 in auto-related costs, conserve 145 gallons of gasoline, and avoid 50 hours of gridlock traffic.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(17) Bicycles can be a viable option for the more than 50 percent of the working population commutes less than 5 miles to work.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(18) In 1969, approximately 50 percent of children in the United States got to school by walking or bicycling, but in 2001 only 15 percent of students were walking or biking to school .CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(19) Too few Americans live in communities equipped with convenient and reliable access to public transportation or other alternatives to driving a vehicle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(20) A study funded by the Environmental Protection Agency found that residents of compact metropolitan areas drive about 25 percent less than those in sprawling areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(21) Less than 5 percent of Americans live within one-half mile of rail transit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(22) The Federal Government can help American families cope with high gas prices by expanding alternatives and investing in communities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION CHOICES INVESTMENT PROGRAM.

(a) In General- The Secretary of Transportation shall carry out a grant program to support community efforts to invest in transportation alternatives and travel demand management strategies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Award of Grants- The Secretary shall award grants under the program on a competitive basis. The Secretary give priority to proposals that will have the biggest impact on reducing single occupancy vehicle trips.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Eligible Entities- The following entities shall be eligible to receive grants under the program:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) State and local governments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Metropolitan planning organizations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Rural planning organizations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Eligible Activities- Amounts received in grants under the program may be used to plan for, facilitate, and provide initial support for any of the following activities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Transportation demand management programs, including support for transportation management associations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Carpool or telecommuting projects.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Planning, design, acquisition of rights-of-way, construction, improvement, and management of streets, pathways, and public transportation facilities to facilitate expanded bicycle and pedestrian mobility and access.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Intelligent transportation improvements, including traffic management systems that reduce congestion and idling (other than projects to increase roadway capacity).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Participation in market-based programs to reduce travel demand, such as car or bicycle sharing and pay-as-you-drive insurance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Application-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- To receive a grant under the program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form and manner as the Secretary prescribes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONTENTS- An application under this subsection shall contain, at a minimum, information detailing how the project to be funded using the grant funds would provide for a shift in the use of transportation modes by encouraging walking, biking, or using public transportation as an alternative to driving a motor vehicle. The applicant shall also describe the project goals and objectives and the methods by which the impacts and performance of the project will be measured against the project goals and objectives. For activities expected to be ongoing, the applicant shall describe how the project’s operating costs will be financially sustained beyond the end of the grant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Federal Share- The Federal share of the cost of an activity funded under the program may not exceed 80 percent of the cost of the activity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Cooperation- In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall work with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, as necessary, to coordinate the activities under this section with the Smart Growth program of the Environmental Protection Agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Administrative Expenses- Not to exceed 4 percent of the amounts made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year may be used by the Secretary for administrative expenses.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) Maximum Amount- Not more than $500,000 in grants received by a recipient in a fiscal year under this section may be used for a single project.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(j) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011. Such sums shall remain available until expended.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 4. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT BLOCK GRANTS.

(a) Authorizations of Appropriations-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) URBANIZED AREA FORMULA GRANTS- In addition to amounts allocated under section 5338(b)(2)(B) of title 49, United States Code, to carry out section 5307 of such title, there is authorized to be appropriated $725,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to carry out such section 5307. Such funds shall be apportioned, not later than 7 days after the date on which the funds are appropriated, in accordance with section 5336 (other than subsections (i)(1) and (j)) of such title but may not be combined or commingled with any other funds apportioned under such section 5336.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) FORMULA GRANTS FOR OTHER THAN URBANIZED AREAS- In addition to amounts allocated under section 5338(b)(2)(G) of title 49, United States Code, to carry out section 5311 of such title, there is authorized to be appropriated $125,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to carry out such section 5311. Such funds shall be apportioned, not later than 7 days after the date on which the funds are appropriated, in accordance with such section 5311 but may not be combined or commingled with any other funds apportioned under such section 5311.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Use of Funds- Notwithstanding sections 5307 and 5311 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary of Transportation may make grants under such sections from amounts appropriated under subsection (a) only for one or more of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Technology upgrades to make public transportation systems more rider friendly, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) creating and publicizing trip-finder sites online;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) providing access to real time schedule information through digital displays at public transportation facilities and wireless tools;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) synchronizing payment methods amongst different modes of transportation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) providing for online trip planners and interactive service maps and mobile access to these tools.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Fare subsidies or free-ride days to reduce costs to consumers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Technical assistance for accommodating increased ridership.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Maintenance and upgrades to improve service.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Purchasing of fuel to run buses to ensure the maintenance of current levels of service and fare prices or to expand service options.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) Station upgrades that enhance pedestrian and bicycle access or improve rider experience.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) Planning and design for new public transportation projects, extension of existing public transportation projects, and intercity passenger rail projects.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Federal Share- The Federal share of the cost of an activity funded under the program may not exceed 80 percent of the cost of the activity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Period of Availability- Funds appropriated under this section shall remain available for a period of 2 fiscal years.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 5. IMPROVING COMMUNITY TRANSIT GRANTS.

(a) Project Justification- Section 5309(e)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) determine the project effectiveness based on the project’s--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) effectiveness in reducing per capita vehicle miles traveled in the transportation corridor served, including reductions in vehicle miles traveled related to higher density development and improved land use surrounding the project;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) ability to achieve higher density development along the corridor served as a result of the project as compared with the surrounding metropolitan area; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) potential for reducing per capita greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the project and the anticipated changes in land use, density, and economic development within the transportation corridor served.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Project Justification Factors- Section 5309(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (8); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) WEIGHT OF PROJECT JUSTIFICATION FACTORS- For purposes of making the evaluation required under paragraph (4), the Secretary shall give equal weight to each listed factor.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(7) ADDITIONAL PROJECT JUSTIFICATION FACTOR- For purposes of making the evaluation required under paragraph (4), the Secretary shall not consider any factor quantifying travel time savings.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 6. NATIONAL CONSUMER AWARENESS PROGRAM.

(a) In General- The Secretary of Transportation shall carry out a national consumer awareness program (in this section referred to as the ‘program’) to educate the public on the environmental, energy, and economic benefits of transportation alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle, including carpooling, vanpooling, transit, and bicycles.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Grants-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) PURPOSES- In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall make grants to establish, expand, and enhance local marketing and educational campaigns that promote the benefits of alternative transportation and reducing motor vehicle trips.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS- The following entities shall be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) State and city departments of transportation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Metropolitan planning organizations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) Rural planning organizations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) City, county, and State governments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) Universities and school districts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) Public transportation agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(G) Councils of government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES- Grant funds made available under this subsection may be used for the following purposes:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) Public forums to educate and receive feedback.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Ride sharing programs and outreach.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) Print materials.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) Employer programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) Distributing and publicizing information on alternatives to single occupancy vehicle trips.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) Creating, upgrading, and promoting Internet websites that offer online access to services that consumers would otherwise have to drive a motor vehicle to access.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(G) Research and analysis of the effectiveness or benefits of the activities described in this paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011. Such sums shall remain available until expended.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 7. CREDIT FOR TELEWORKING.

(a) In General- Subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to foreign tax credit, etc.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 30D. TELEWORK CREDIT.

‘(a) Allowance of Credit- In the case of an eligible taxpayer, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to the qualified teleworking expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during such year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Maximum Credit-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) PER TELEWORKER LIMITATION- The credit allowed by subsection (a) for a taxable year with respect to qualified teleworking expenses paid or incurred by or on behalf of an individual teleworker shall not exceed $400.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) REDUCTION FOR TELEWORKING LESS THAN FULL YEAR- In the case of an individual who is in a teleworking arrangement for less than a full taxable year, the amount referred to paragraph (1) shall be reduced by an amount which bears the same ratio to $400 as the number of months in which such individual is not in a teleworking arrangement bears to 12. For purposes of the preceding sentence, an individual shall be treated as being in a teleworking arrangement for a month if the individual is subject to such arrangement for any day of such month.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Definitions- For purposes of this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) ELIGIBLE TAXPAYER- The term ‘eligible taxpayer’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) in the case of an individual, an individual who performs services for an employer under a teleworking arrangement, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) in the case of an employer, an employer for whom employees perform services under a teleworking arrangement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) TELEWORKING ARRANGEMENT- The term ‘teleworking arrangement’ means an arrangement under which an employee teleworks for an employer at least 1 day per week.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) QUALIFIED TELEWORKING EXPENSES- The term ‘qualified teleworking expenses’ means expenses paid or incurred under a teleworking arrangement--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) for purchase or installation of any electronic information or telecommunication equipment which is used to enable an individual to telework, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) for any telecommunications service, or Internet access (or related services), relating to the use of such equipment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) TELEWORK- The term ‘telework’ means to perform work functions, using electronic information and communication technologies, thereby reducing or eliminating the physical commute to and from the traditional worksite.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Limitation Based on Amount of Tax-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) LIABILITY FOR TAX- The credit allowable under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed the excess (if any) of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) the regular tax for the taxable year, reduced by the sum of the credits allowable under subpart A and the preceding sections of this subpart, overCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) the tentative minimum tax for the taxable year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) CARRYFORWARD OF UNUSED CREDIT- If the amount of the credit allowable under subsection (a) for any taxable year exceeds the limitation under paragraph (1) for the taxable year, the excess shall be carried to the succeeding taxable year and added to the amount allowable as a credit under subsection (a) for such succeeding taxable year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Special Rules-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) BASIS REDUCTION- For purposes of this subtitle, the basis of any property for which a credit is allowable under subsection (a) shall be reduced by the amount of such credit (determined without regard to subsection (d)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) RECAPTURE- The Secretary shall, by regulations, provide for recapturing the benefit of any credit allowable under subsection (a) with respect to any property which ceases to be property eligible for such credit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) PROPERTY USED OUTSIDE UNITED STATES, ETC., NOT QUALIFIED- No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) with respect to any property referred to in section 50(b) or with respect to the portion of the cost of any property taken into account under section 179.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) ELECTION NOT TO TAKE CREDIT- No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) for any expense if the taxpayer elects to have this section not apply with respect to such expense.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) DENIAL OF DOUBLE BENEFIT- No deduction or credit (other than under this section) shall be allowed under this chapter with respect to any expense which is taken into account in determining the credit under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(f) Reporting Requirement-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- In the case of an eligible taxpayer who is an employer, no credit shall be allowed under this section for qualified teleworking expenses of the employer with respect to such employer’s employees unless the taxpayer submits to the Secretary (in such form and manner as the Secretary may prescribe)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) the survey described in paragraph (2), andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) a detailed description of the teleworking policies of the employer, including a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) which employees of the employer are eligible to telework,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) any employer goals relating to teleworking, and any progress with respect to such goals, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) any materials or resources of the employer intended to promote or enable teleworking.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) CALL FOR TELEWORK DATA SURVEY- The Secretary shall, in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management, establish, make publicly available to taxpayers, and update as appropriate, a survey designed to track teleworking trends among employers allowed credits under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) REPORT TO CONGRESS- Not later than October 15 of each calendar year, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress, and make publicly available on the Internet and at the offices of the Internal Revenue Service, a report, which shall include a summary of the information contained in the submissions under paragraph (1) for taxable years ending in the previous calendar year.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Conforming Amendment- Subsection (a) of section 1016 of such Code is amended by striking ‘and’ at the end of paragraph (36), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (37) and inserting ‘, and’, and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(38) to the extent provided in section 30D(e), in the case of amounts with respect to which a credit has been allowed under section 30B.’CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections for subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 30D. Telework credit.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2008.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 8. TRANSPORTATION FRINGE BENEFIT TO BICYCLE COMMUTERS.

(a) In General- Paragraph (1) of section 132(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) Any qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Limitation on Exclusion- Paragraph (2) of section 132(f) of such Code is amended by striking ‘and’ at the end of subparagraph (A), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (B) and inserting ‘, and’, and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) the applicable annual limitation in the case of any qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Definitions- Paragraph (5) of section 132(f) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(F) DEFINITIONS RELATED TO BICYCLE COMMUTING REIMBURSEMENT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) QUALIFIED BICYCLE COMMUTING REIMBURSEMENT- The term ‘qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement’ means, with respect to any calendar year, any employer reimbursement during the 15-month period beginning with the first day of such calendar year for reasonable expenses incurred by the employee during such calendar year for the purchase of a bicycle and bicycle improvements, repair, and storage, if such bicycle is regularly used for travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) APPLICABLE ANNUAL LIMITATION- The term ‘applicable annual limitation’ means, with respect to any employee for any calendar year, the product of $50 multiplied by the number of qualified bicycle commuting months during such year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) QUALIFIED BICYCLE COMMUTING MONTH- The term ‘qualified bicycle commuting month’ means, with respect to any employee, any month during which such employee--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) regularly uses the bicycle for a substantial portion of the travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) does not receive any benefit described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Constructive Receipt of Benefit- Paragraph (4) of section 132(f) of such Code is amended by inserting ‘(other than a qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement)’ after ‘qualified transportation fringe’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 9. INCREASED UNIFORM DOLLAR LIMITATION FOR ALL TYPES OF TRANSPORTATION FRINGE BENEFITS.

(a) In General- Section 132(f)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to limitation on exclusion) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking ‘$100’ in subparagraph (A) and inserting ‘$200’, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by striking ‘$175’ in subparagraph (B) and inserting ‘$200’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Inflation Adjustment Conforming Amendments- Subparagraph (A) of section 132(f)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to inflation adjustment) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking the last sentence,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by striking ‘1999’ and inserting ‘2009’, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by striking ‘1998’ and inserting ‘2008’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 10. CLARIFICATION OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.

Section 7905 of title 5, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subsection (a)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in paragraph (2)(C) by inserting ‘and’ after the semicolon;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘; and’ and inserting a period; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by striking paragraph (4); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in subsection (b)(2)(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) a qualified transportation fringe as defined in section 132(f)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 11. ELIGIBILITY OF SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS TO RECEIVE TRANSIT FRINGE BENEFITS.

(a) In General- Subparagraph (E) of section 132(f)(5) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking ‘For purposes of this subsection, the term’ and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in clause (ii), the term’, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by adding at the end the following new clause:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE FOR TRANSIT PASS FRINGE BENEFIT- For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), such term includes an individual who is an employee within the meaning of section 401(c)(1).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 12. PARKING CASH-OUT PROGRAMS.

(a) In General- Subparagraph (C) of section 132(f)(5) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking ‘The term’ and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) IN GENERAL- The term’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by adding at the end of clause (i), as amended by paragraph (1), the following: ‘Such term shall not include any parking with respect to any specified employer unless such employer establishes a parking cash-out program.’, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by adding at the end the following new clauses:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) SPECIFIED EMPLOYER- For purposes of this subparagraph, the term ‘specified employer’ means any employer who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) employs on average 50 or more employees during the calendar year,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) leases the parking facilities referred to in clause (i),CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(III) can separately determine the amount paid per parking space leased, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(IV) can reduce the number of parking space leased (on a basis not less frequently than monthly) without penalty.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) PARKING CASH-OUT PROGRAM- For purposes of this subparagraph, the term ‘parking cash-out program’ means a program established by the employer under which--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) the employer offers employees a cash allowance equal to the regular amount paid by the employer for parking for a single employee under clause (i) in lieu of the parking referred to in clause (i), andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) any employee electing the cash allowance shall certify to the employer that the employee will comply with guidelines established by the employer to avoid neighborhood parking problems and violation of such guidelines are enforced by the employer by termination of eligibility of such employee for such cash allowance and employer sponsored parking.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to parking provided during calendar years beginning after December 31, 2008.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 13. VANPOOL CREDIT.

(a) In General- Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 45Q. VANPOOL CREDIT.

‘(a) General Rule- For purposes of section 38, the vanpool credit for any taxable year is an amount equal to 10 percent of the qualified vanpool expenditures of the taxpayer for the taxable year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Qualified Vanpool Expenditures- For purposes of this section, the term ‘qualified vanpool expenditures’ means the aggregate amount paid or incurred by the employer during the taxable year to provide transportation described in section 132(f)(1)(A).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Credit Treated as Part of General Business Credit- Section 38(b) of such Code is amended by striking ‘plus’ at the end of paragraph (32), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (33) and inserting ‘, plus’, and by adding at the end of following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(34) the vanpool credit determined under section 45Q(a).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘Sec. 45Q. Vanpool credit.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2008.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 14. PARTICIPATION OF FEDERAL AGENCIES IN LOCAL TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATIONS.

It is the sense of Congress that Federal agencies should participate in local transportation management associations to encourage more efficient use of transportation and parking resources.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 15. DISCLOSURE OF TRANSIT ACCESSIBILITY AND TRANSPORTATION COSTS OF HOUSING.

(a) Affordability Index- The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall, to the maximum extent practicable and in a manner consistent with current research--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) incorporate transportation costs associated with the location of housing into affordability measures and standards used to allocate low-income housing tax credits in connection with vouchers for rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) or other affordable housing programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) work with States to incorporate transportation into the housing plans for the States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) consult with those associations that use affordability indexes to incorporate transportation costs into the affordability indexes of the association.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Model Transportation Cost Field for Use by Multiple Listing Service-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) DEVELOPMENT- The Secretary shall, through a public process, develop a model transportation cost field that can be used by Multiple Listing Services for real estate listings to measure certain transportation costs associated with the location of a home.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) PARTICIPATION- In developing the model transportation cost field, the Secretary shall work with realtors, homebuilders, smart growth experts, transportation planners, and others.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) FACTORS- The field developed under this section for a property may take into consideration the following factors:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) Bus, transit, and other public transportation options within 1/2 and 1 mile of the property.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) The costs associated with traveling to work, school, shopping, and other facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) If available, the average daily vehicle miles traveled for the community in which the property is located.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) The availability and accessibility of services in the neighborhood, including grocery stores, parks, bike lanes, community centers, restaurants, coffee shops, medical facilities, laundry/cleaners, libraries, schools, plazas/town squares, and day care facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER- Upon development of the field under this section, the Secretary shall make the field available to Multiple Listing Service entities and metropolitan planning organizations to incorporate the field into their Multiple Listing Service programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized $3,000,000 for the purposes of carrying out this section, of which--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) 70 percent shall be available for development of the model transportation cost field; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) 30 percent shall be available for outreach to Multiple Listing Service program to promote the use of the new transportation cost field.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 16. LOCATION-EFFICIENT MORTGAGE GOALS FOR FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC.

(a) Purposes-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) FANNIE MAE- Section 301 of the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act (12 U.S.C. 1716) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘and’ at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘; and’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) promote and facilitate the use of location-efficient mortgages.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) FREDDIE MAC- Subsection (b) of section 301 of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (12 U.S.C. 1451 note) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘and’ at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘; and’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) to promote and facilitate the use of location-efficient mortgages.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Goals for Mortgage Purchases- The Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 is amended by inserting after section 1334 (12 U.S.C. 4564) the following new section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘SEC. 1334A. LOCATION-EFFICIENT MORTGAGES GOALS.

‘(a) In General- The Director shall establish annual goals for the purchase by each enterprise of mortgages, for single-family, owner-occupied housing, of location-efficient mortgages.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Targets- The annual goals under this section for each enterprise for purchase of location-efficient mortgages shall be as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) During the years 2009 through 2013, 5 percent of the mortgages for single-family, owner-occupied homes that are purchased during each such year by the enterprise.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) During the years 2014 through 2018, 10 percent of such mortgages that are purchased during each such year by the enterprise.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) During 2019 and each year thereafter, 15 percent such mortgages that are purchased during each such year by the enterprise.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Plan and Reports- The Director shall require each enterprise--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) not later than 2009, to develop and submit to the Director a plan that provides for the use and purchase of location-efficient mortgages in a manner designed to help achieve a significant reduction in the number of vehicle miles traveled; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) submit a report to the Congress annually that describes the extent of mortgage purchases described in subsection (b) and of compliance with the goal established pursuant to such subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Reports- Not later than December 31 of each year from 2012 through 2018, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall submit to the Congress a report that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) identifies the potential markets for location-efficient mortgages for single-family housing and any existing barriers to wider use of such products; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) identifies any correlations between defaults on mortgages for single-family or multifamily housing and the extent of the location efficiency of such housing.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Definition- For purposes of this section, the term ‘location efficient mortgage’ means a mortgage loan under which the income of the borrower, for purposes of qualification for such loan, is considered to be increased by not less than $1 for each $1 of savings projected to be realized by the borrower because the location of the home for which loan is made results in decreased transportation costs for the household of the borrower.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Reports, Enforcement, and Conforming Amendments- Title XIII of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subsection (b) of section 1324 (12 U.S.C. 4542(b))--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘and 1334’ and inserting ‘1334, and 1334A’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (7) as paragraphs (5) through (8), respectively; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) aggregate and analyze appropriate data to assess the compliance of each enterprise with the location-efficient mortgages goal;’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in subsection (a) of section 1331 (12 U.S.C. 4561(a))--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking ‘and’ before ‘a central cities’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by inserting before the period at the end of the first sentence the following: ‘, and location-efficient mortgages goals pursuant to section 1334A’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) in section 1335 (12 U.S.C. 4565)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in the matter in subsection (a) that precedes paragraph (1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) by striking ‘and’ before ‘the central cities’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) by inserting after ‘section 1334,’ the following: ‘, and the location-efficient mortgages goals pursuant to section 1334A’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in subsection (b), by striking ‘and 1334’ and inserting ‘, 1334, and 1334A’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) in section 1336 (12 U.S.C. 4566)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in paragraph (1) of subsection (a), by striking ‘and 1334’ and inserting ‘, 1334, and 1334A’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by striking ‘or 1334’ each place such term appears and inserting ‘, 1334, or 1334A’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 17. LOCATION-EFFICIENT MORTGAGES EDUCATION AND OUTREACH CAMPAIGN.

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall carry out a public awareness, education, and outreach campaign to inform and educate residential lenders and prospective mortgagors regarding the availability, benefits, advantages, and terms of location-efficient mortgages, including location-efficient mortgages that meet the requirements of section 1334A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, and other mortgages having location-efficiency features and to publicize such availability, benefits, advantages, and terms. Such actions may include entering into a contract with an appropriate entity to publicize and market such mortgages through appropriate media.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 18. GRANTS FOR PURCHASE OR CREATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEAR TRANSIT.

(a) Grant Authority- The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall, to the extent amounts are available for grants under this section, make grants to States for financial assistance in constructing or acquiring housing that is affordable and location-efficient.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Requirements for Housing- For purposes of this section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) AFFORDABILITY- Housing shall be considered affordable only if the housing is affordable, in accordance with requirements that the Secretary shall establish, for rental or purchase by low-income families, as such term is defined in section 3 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) LOCATION EFFICIENCY- Housing shall be considered location-efficient only if the housing is on land located not further than one-half mile from a transit stop.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Applications- To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State, through an appropriate State agency, shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Criteria for Approval- The Secretary may approve an application of a State for a grant under this section only if the Secretary determines that the State will use the funds from the grant to carry out a program that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) provides financial assistance for the construction or preservation of housing that meets the requirements of subsection (b); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) includes such compliance and audit requirements as the Secretary determines are necessary to ensure that the program is operated in a sound and effective manner.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Limitation on Aggregate Grant Amount- The aggregate amount of grants made under this section to any single State may not exceed $2,500,000CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Administrative Expenses- Of any amounts made available for grants under this section for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use not more than 15 percent for administrative expenses of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in carrying out this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Reports-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) TO SECRETARY- Each State that receives a grant under this section shall submit a report to the Secretary, for each year during which amounts from such grant are expended for activities described in subsection (a), describing the State’s program for constructing or preserving location-efficient affordable housing for which the grant was made and the progress of the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) TO CONGRESS- Not later than September 30 of each year that any grants are made under this section, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress describing the total amount of such grants provided under this section to each State during the fiscal year ending on such date and evaluating the effectiveness of the grants made under this section in achieving the purposes of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated to the Fund for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011 such sums as may be necessary for grants under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 19. ACCESSIBLE AND EFFICIENT SCHOOLS.

(a) Inclusion of High Schools in Safe Routes to School Program- Section 1404 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (23 U.S.C. 402 note; 119 Stat. 1228) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking ‘primary and middle schools’ in subsection (a), subsection (c)(1)(A), and subsection (c)(1)(B) and inserting ‘primary, middle, and high schools’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in subsection (k)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in the subsection heading by striking ‘PRIMARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS’ and inserting ‘PRIMARY, MIDDLE, AND HIGH SCHOOLS’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by striking ‘primary and middle schools’ and inserting ‘primary, middle, and high schools’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by striking ‘eighth grade’ and inserting ‘twelfth grade’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Expansion of Safe Routes to School Program- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the safe routes to school program authorized by section 1404 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (23 U.S.C. 402 note; 119 Stat. 1228)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) $400,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) $600,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2013.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink