HR 4287 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To establish an Office of Livability in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

December 11, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Mr. COHEN introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To establish an Office of Livability in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, 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.

This Act may be cited as the ‘Enhancing Livability for All Americans Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Since the creation of the Interstate System, United States surface transportation has been defined by the use of personal motor vehicles.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The focus on automobiles has afforded the people of the United States increased mobility and interconnectivity, but has also resulted in increased congestion, higher greenhouse gas emissions, and a reduced focus on other modes of surface transportation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Between 1955 and 2005, vehicle miles traveled in the United States increased fivefold, bringing with it an escalation in traffic congestion.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Each year, Americans spend 4,200,000,000 hours in traffic congestion, burning 2,900,000,000 gallons of fuel.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Wasted time and fuel result in a $78,000,000,000 annual congestion tax, creating a financial drain on individuals and the economy as a whole.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) The transportation sector accounts for 22 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted annually in the United States, with 60 percent of the emissions coming from personal motor vehicle use.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) Transportation costs account for approximately 18 percent of an average household’s expenditures.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) Over reliance on automobiles can have adverse impacts on public health, both through lessened physical activity and from increased pollutants.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) In order to reduce the financial, environmental, and quality of life impacts of traffic congestion and to create modal choice for all users, the United States transportation system must include alternate modes of transportation to complement personal motor vehicle travel, including public transit, walking, and bicycling.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) Public transit, walking, and bicycling are sustainable modes of transportation that result in 5,600,000,000 gallons of fuel savings and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 49,000,000 metric tons each year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(11) Sustainable modes of transportation can provide affordable transportation choices and have the ability to reduce the transportation cost burden.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(12) Bicyclists and pedestrians are intended users of the surface transportation system, except where prohibited by law, and it is the policy of the Federal Government to encourage maximum accessibility and safety with respect to the surface transportation system for bicyclists and pedestrians as intended users when designing and constructing surface transportation facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(13) In order to provide access to sustainable modes of transportation, land use and planning decisions must include consideration of transportation options.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(14) A modally balanced surface transportation system will benefit all users through improved accessibility, mobility, and quality of life.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(15) Increasing the availability and use of sustainable modes of transportation and the development of livable communities are priorities of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. OFFICE OF LIVABILITY.

(a) In General- Chapter 3 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

‘Sec. 330. Office of Livability

‘(a) Establishment- The Secretary shall establish within the Office of the Secretary an office to be known as the ‘Office of Livability’ (in this section referred to as the ‘Office’) to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) provide funding, leadership, and support for transportation projects, planning, and policies at all levels of government that enhance livability; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) work to create and maintain a safe, reliable, integrated, and accessible transportation network that improves the economic and social well-being of the people of the United States by enhancing choices for transportation users that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) provide easy access to employment opportunities and other destinations; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) promote positive effects on the surrounding community and environment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(b) Director-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- The Office shall be headed by a director who shall be known as the ‘Director of the Office of Livability’ (in this section referred to as the ‘Director’) and who shall be appointed by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) DUTIES- The duties of the Director shall be to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) manage the programs of the Office;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) provide leadership within the Department of Transportation and throughout the United States with respect to Federal livability transportation policies; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) work collaboratively to ensure the expeditious and successful implementation of the projects and programs of other offices within the Department of Transportation relating to livability.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(c) Grant Programs- The Director shall establish and carry out the grant programs established under this section by--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) developing applications and criteria for the programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) issuing regulations with respect to the programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) selecting the recipients of grants under the programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) creating performance measures for recipients of grants under the programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) monitoring and evaluating the performance of recipients of grants under the programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) developing technical assistance and other guidance to assist potential applicants, applicants, and recipients of grants under the programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(7) carrying out other activities with respect to the programs determined necessary by the Director.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(d) Grant Program for Projects-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT- The Director shall establish and carry out a grant program (in this subsection referred to as the ‘program’) to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities specified in paragraph (2) to assist capital investments in surface transportation projects that have a significant impact on a region, metropolitan area, community, or neighborhood.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES- For purposes of paragraph (1), the following are eligible entities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) A State government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) A local government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) The government of a territory of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) The government of an Indian tribe.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) A transit agency.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(F) A port authority.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(G) A metropolitan planning organization.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(H) Any other political subdivision of a State or local government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) A multimodal or multi-State entity composed of entities specified in subparagraphs (A) through (H).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) ELIGIBILITY AND PRIORITY OF PROJECTS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) ELIGIBILITY- A grant under the program shall be used for a transportation project that enhances livability. To be eligible for a grant under the program, an applicant must demonstrate the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) The proposed project of the applicant will take place in a community with a transportation system characterized by, in the determination of the Director, a majority of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) Poor accessibility with respect to job centers, schools, and other urban areas in the region.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(II) Limited transportation options for residents, particularly for individuals living in high-poverty areas, the elderly, and individuals with a disability.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(III) Limited access and safety with respect to all transportation modes, including bicycling and walking, and an overall record of poor transportation safety.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(IV) Limited connectivity among existing transportation modes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(V) Significant congestion.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(VI) Significant urban sprawl characterized by low population density.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(VII) Poor air and water quality.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(VIII) Limited green space and greenways.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(IX) An excessive average vehicle miles traveled per resident.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) The applicant has established performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed project.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) The applicant will utilize context sensitive solutions and public involvement in project development to ensure that the project reflects community and environmental values.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) There is a commitment to implementation of the proposed project on the part of key local political leadership and stakeholder groups, including metropolitan planning organizations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) The proposed project is able to begin implementation not later than one year after the date on which grant amounts are received.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) PRIORITIES- The Director shall give priority in awarding grants under the program to transportation projects that include at least two or more of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) Provision of an increased number of transportation options, including bicycling and walking, to improve access to housing, jobs, businesses, services, and social activities, particularly for low-income individuals and populations without access to a motor vehicle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) Design of streets and transit and rail stations to enable safe and equitable access for all users.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) Improvement of the safety of a transportation system, facility, or network.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) Reduction of greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emissions, enhancement of wildlife habitat, or an increase in green spaces.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) Reduction of exposure to criteria pollutants and other public health risks, particularly for low-income and at-risk communities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vi) Use of innovative land use strategies to better coordinate transportation, housing, and development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vii) Strong collaboration among a broad range of participants or the integration of transportation projects with other public service efforts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(viii) Revitalization of main streets and downtowns by making transportation improvements that encourage greater use of such areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ix) Support for community in-fill, transit-oriented development, or neighborhood revitalization activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(x) Support for goals or projects included in a long range transportation plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) SIZE DIVERSITY- In awarding grants under the program, the Director shall award--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) at least 25 percent of the amount available for grants under the program to projects located in communities with a population of not more than 200,000 individuals (which may include amounts awarded pursuant to subparagraph (B)); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) at least 10 percent of the amount available for grants under the program to projects located in communities with a population of not more than 50,000 individuals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) AVAILABILITY OF AMOUNTS- Amounts made available to a recipient of a grant under the program shall remain available for the 3 fiscal years beginning after the fiscal year in which amounts are provided. Amounts unobligated by the recipient at the end of such period shall be redistributed by the Director to other eligible entities under the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) ANNUAL REPORT- As a condition of receiving a grant under the program, the recipient of the grant shall submit to the Director, each fiscal year in which the grant amounts are received, a report that, at a minimum--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) lists and describes the projects and activities carried out by the recipient during the fiscal year; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) describes and analyzes the impact of the projects and activities with respect to the objectives of programs and activities under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(e) Grant Program for Innovative Planning-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT- The Director shall establish and carry out a grant program (in this subsection referred to as the ‘program’) to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities specified in paragraph (2) to assist communities in developing strategic growth plans that provide a vision and goals for development with respect to at least a 20-year period and that integrate long-term transportation and land use planning.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES- For purposes of paragraph (1), the following are eligible entities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) A State government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) A regional planning organization.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) A metropolitan planning organization.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) A local government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) PRIORITY FOR GRANTS- The Director shall give priority in awarding grants under the program to applicants that demonstrate the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) The proposed strategic growth plan of the applicant is for a community with a transportation system characterized by, in the determination of the Director, a majority of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) Poor accessibility with respect to job centers, schools, and other urban areas in the region.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) Limited transportation options for residents, particularly for individuals living in high-poverty areas, the elderly, and individuals with a disability.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) Limited access and safety with respect to all transportation modes, including bicycling and walking, and an overall record of poor transportation safety.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iv) Limited connectivity among existing transportation modes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(v) Significant congestion.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vi) Significant urban sprawl characterized by low population density.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(vii) Poor air and water quality.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(viii) Limited green space and greenways.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ix) An excessive average vehicle miles traveled per resident.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) Multijurisdictional partnerships and engagement with local jurisdictions, transit agencies and service providers, and housing and land use entities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) The ability to complete a strategic growth plan in an effective and timely manner.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) The ability to incorporate the strategic growth plan into a long range transportation plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) REQUIREMENTS ON STRATEGIC GROWTH PLANS- A strategic growth plan for which a grant is awarded under the program shall develop a vision and goals for enhancing livability. The recipient of a grant under the program shall coordinate with local jurisdictions, transit agencies and service providers, and housing and land use entities and shall develop a strategic growth plan that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) furthers the creation of livable communities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) incorporates the development of feasible steps for implementing the plan, including interjurisdictional agreements that provide for cooperative and coordinated approaches to achieving plan goals;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) assesses projected regional population growth or loss and other demographic changes, including by creating 2 to 4 alternative growth scenarios;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) assesses how regional population growth or loss and other demographic changes may impact the need for housing, community development, and transportation, including public transportation, in the region;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) assesses existing transportation corridors and includes strategies for maintaining the corridors and for enhancing development along the corridors;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(F) assesses the accessibility of job centers in the region with respect to public transportation facilities and housing, including affordable and public housing;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(G) assesses transportation options in the region, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) public transportation options, including intercity and high-speed rail;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(ii) options for individuals with low incomes, individuals living in high-poverty areas, the elderly, and individuals with a disability; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(iii) any obstacles to providing access to locations that offer employment opportunities, including those in other urban areas in the region;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(H) assesses the daily vehicle miles traveled in the region and the opportunities for reducing growth in daily vehicle miles traveled and traffic congestion in the region;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(I) assesses the environmental and public health needs of the region and incorporates strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air and water quality, and remediating brownfield sites;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(J) includes strategies for adding new capacity for public transportation and increasing ridership on public transportation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(K) includes strategies for supporting the development of location-efficient and transit-oriented development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(L) includes strategies for revitalizing communities, neighborhoods, and commercial centers by supporting existing infrastructure;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(M) includes strategies for coordinating the provision of transportation services to individuals with low incomes, the elderly, and individuals with a disability;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(N) includes strategies for reducing the costs of housing and transportation, particularly for low-income households; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(O) assesses public lands and waters and includes strategies for maintaining or enhancing the amount of public lands and waters.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) SIZE DIVERSITY- In awarding grants under the program, the Director shall award--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) at least 25 percent of the amount available for grants under the program to plans for communities with a population of not more than 200,000 individuals (which may include amounts awarded pursuant to subparagraph (B)); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) at least 10 percent of the amount available for grants under the program to plans for communities with a population of not more than 50,000 individuals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(6) AVAILABILITY OF AMOUNTS- Amounts made available to a recipient of a grant under the program shall remain available for the 3 fiscal years beginning after the fiscal year in which amounts are provided. Amounts unobligated by the recipient at the end of such period shall be redistributed by the Director to other eligible entities under the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(7) MAXIMUM GRANT AMOUNTS- The Director shall establish the maximum amount of a grant under the program for each of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) Recipients developing a strategic growth plan for a community with a population of not more than 50,000 individuals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) Recipients developing a strategic growth plan for a community with a population of more than 50,000 individuals and not more than 200,000 individuals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) Recipients developing a strategic growth plan for a community with a population of more than 200,000 individuals and not more than 1,000,000 individuals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) Recipients developing a strategic growth plan for a community with a population of more than 1,000,000 individuals and not more than 3,000,000 individuals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) Recipients developing a strategic growth plan for a community with a population of more than 3,000,000 individuals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(8) ANNUAL REPORT- As a condition of receiving a grant under the program, the recipient of the grant shall submit to the Director, each fiscal year in which the grant amounts are received, a report that, at a minimum--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) lists and describes the projects and activities carried out by the recipient during the fiscal year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) describes and analyzes the impact of the projects and activities with respect to the objectives of programs and activities under this section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) includes a set of performance measures to evaluate the strategic growth plan of the recipient, including measures with respect to the evaluation of economic development, quality of life, transportation costs, public health and safety, equitable access to transportation options, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emission reductions and other environmental impacts, and transportation system conditions and connectivity; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) describes innovative planning and public participation methods developed and implemented, including for engaging regional employers, public health and housing providers, and transportation users, including individuals with low incomes, the elderly, and individuals with a disability;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(f) Development of Statistical and Analytical Capabilities- The Director shall develop statistical and analytical capabilities, in conjunction, when appropriate, with other entities in the executive branch (including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development) and with other entities within the Department of Transportation (including other offices within the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics) to ascertain, and shall determine, the following using the best available research methodologies:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) The percentage of trips taken throughout the United States each year using each of the following modes of transportation:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) Motor vehicle travel.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) Public transit, including ferries.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) Walking.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) Bicycling.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) Intercity rail and bus travel.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) The economic, public health, and environmental benefits derived due to the percentage of trips taken annually using sustainable modes of transportation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) Benefits that may be achieved with an increase in the percentage of trips taken annually using sustainable modes of transportation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(4) An affordability index that illustrates the transportation and housing costs associated with living in specific locations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(5) Any other information relating to the status and expansion of sustainable modes of transportation and livable communities that the Director determines is necessary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(g) Executive Branch Coordination- The Director shall work collaboratively with other executive branch agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Health and Human Services, to exchange information, carry out joint planning and research, and conduct other activities that promote the development of livable communities, increase transportation choices, and improve the environment, public health, and quality of life.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(h) Collaboration-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- The Director shall work collaboratively to ensure the expeditious and successful implementation of projects and programs that pertain to livability in offices of the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and all other operating administrations within the Department of Transportation. Projects and programs that pertain to livability include the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) The nonmotorized transportation pilot program under section 1807 of SAFETEA-LU (23 U.S.C. 217 note; 119 Stat. 1460).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) Transportation enhancements under section 133.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) The recreational trails program under section 206.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) The national scenic byways program under section 162.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) Other programs of the Department of Transportation identified by the Secretary as contributing significantly to improved livability.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) EFFECT ON LOCATION OF PROGRAMS- Programs specified under paragraph (1) shall remain in the modal location in effect before the date of enactment of this section. A program relating to livability established after the date of enactment of this section may be situated in any modal location in the Department of Transportation, at the discretion of the Secretary, unless otherwise mandated by Act of Congress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(i) Development and Dissemination of Best Practices-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- The Office shall act as a leadership resource to develop and disseminate information on best practices and provide technical assistance or other training to States, regional and local governmental entities, and Indian tribes relating to, at a minimum, the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(A) Promotion of the integration of land use planning and transit-oriented development to support the creation of livable communities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(B) Fostering multimodal transportation systems and effective multimodal connections.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(C) The expeditious delivery of nonmotorized transportation projects.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(D) Innovative design of nonmotorized transportation facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(E) Adoption and implementation of comprehensive street design policies and principles and practical design standards.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(F) Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and other criteria pollutants.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(G) Projects, programs, and activities that support the achievement of the national mode share targets developed under paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) MODE SHARE TARGETS- The Director shall develop quantifiable national mode share targets for sustainable modes of transportation, develop a timeline for achievement of the targets, and support projects, programs, and activities within the Department of Transportation and throughout the United States in support of the targets.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(j) Comprehensive Street Design Policies and Principles and Practical Design Standards- The Director shall encourage the adoption and implementation by States, regional and local governmental entities, and Indian tribes of comprehensive street design policies and principles and practical design standards through--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) the development and dissemination of information on best practices under subsection (i);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) the provision of technical assistance or other training under subsection (i); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(3) the creation or compilation of model comprehensive street design policies and principles and practical design standards and the dissemination of information relating to such models to States, metropolitan planning organizations, and other appropriate governmental entities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(k) Livability, Sustainability, and Planning- The Director shall compile information and provide technical assistance, training, and information concerning best practices to States and metropolitan planning organizations to assist such entities in achieving compliance with livability and sustainability requirements and performance targets.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(l) Funding-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(1) IN GENERAL- There is authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out this section $750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘(2) CONTRACT AUTHORITY- Funds made available to carry out this section shall be available for obligation and administered in the same manner as if the funds were apportioned under chapter 1.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Clerical Amendment- The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





‘330. Office of Livability.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink