HR 4722 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out an active transportation investment program to encourage a mode shift to active transportation within selected communities by providing safe and convenient options to bicycle and walk for routine travel, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

March 2, 2010CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Mr. BLUMENAUER (for himself, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. CARNAHAN, Mr. COHEN, Mr. FILNER, Mr. LIPINSKI, and Mr. MORAN of Virginia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out an active transportation investment program to encourage a mode shift to active transportation within selected communities by providing safe and convenient options to bicycle and walk for routine travel, 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 ‘Active Community Transportation Act of 2010’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Nearly half of the trips taken in the United States are within a 20-minute bicycle ride, and a quarter of such trips are within a 20-minute walk.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Approximately 90 percent of public transportation trips are accessed by walking or bicycling.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) More than 100 communities across the Nation have adopted complete streets policies, thereby proving the commitment of these communities to creating streets that are safe and convenient for users of all ages and abilities, including those who are walking, bicycling, taking public transportation, or driving.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Communities that invest in active transportation infrastructure experience significant increases in bicycling and walking rates over time, and such investments are in strong demand because they enhance the livability of communities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) The communities that perform best in encouraging active transportation create interconnected systems that make it convenient and safe to travel on foot or by bicycle to destinations on a routine basis.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) Achieving a mode shift to active transportation within a community requires intensive, concentrated funding of active transportation systems rather than discrete, piecemeal projects.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) Increased use of active transportation leads to reductions in traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles traveled, oil dependence, air pollution, and obesity and diseases associated with physical inactivity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) Given the contribution that active transportation makes to these national policy goals, and the opportunity active transportation provides to accommodate short trips at the least cost to the public and individuals, funding of active transportation is one of the most strategic and cost effective Federal transportation investments available.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act, the following definitions apply:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION- The term ‘active transportation’ means mobility options powered solely by human energy, such as bicycling and walking.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) INDIAN TRIBE- The term ‘Indian tribe’ has the meaning given that term in section 4(e) of Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(e)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) PROGRAM- The term ‘program’ means the active transportation investment program established under section 4.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 4. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PROGRAM.

(a) In General- The Secretary of Transportation shall carry out an active transportation investment program in accordance with the requirements of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Purpose- The purpose of the program shall be to encourage a mode shift to active transportation within selected communities by providing safe and convenient opportunities to bicycle and walk for routine travel.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Selection of Communities-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) APPLICATIONS- A community seeking to participate in the program shall submit to the Secretary an application that is in such form and contains such information as the Secretary may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) INITIAL AND ADDITIONAL SELECTIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) INITIAL SELECTIONS- The Secretary shall select initial communities to participate in the program. Such communities shall participate in the program in each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) ADDITIONAL SELECTIONS- Following the initial selections under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall select additional communities to participate in the program. Such communities shall participate in the program in each of fiscal years 2013 through 2015.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) CRITERIA-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- In selecting communities to participate in the program, the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum, the extent to which a community--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) provides a plan for development of walking and bicycling infrastructure that is likely to contribute to a significant transportation mode shift to walking and bicycling;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) demonstrates broad community support that will facilitate successful and expeditious implementation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) demonstrates a cohesive plan in which noninfrastructure elements, where proposed, reinforce achievement of the purpose of the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) provides evidence of regulatory or financial incentives or community design policies that facilitate significant increases in bicycling or walking; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(v) commits State, local, or eligible Federal matching funds, in addition to Federal funds made available under this section, to projects eligible for assistance under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) STRATEGIC PRIORITIES THAT FACILITATE SUCCESS- For purposes of subparagraph (A)(i), strategic priorities that facilitate success in increasing walking and bicycling include effective plans--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) to create a network of active transportation facilities connecting neighborhoods with destinations such as workplaces, schools, residences, businesses, recreation areas, and other community activity centers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) to integrate active transportation facilities with transit services, where available, to improve access to public transportation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) to deliver safe, convenient, cost-effective mobility via walking and bicycling.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) INDICATORS OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT- For purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii), indicators of community support include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the use of public input in the development of transportation plans; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the commitment of community leaders to the success and timely implementation of projects eligible for assistance under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Grants-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall make grants to each community selected to participate in the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) RECIPIENTS- A recipient of a grant representing a community under the program shall be a local or regional governmental organization, multi-county special district, or Indian tribe that the Secretary determines is suitably equipped and organized to carry out the objectives and requirements of this section. Such organizations include metropolitan planning organizations and other regional planning organizations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) SUBRECIPIENTS- A recipient of a grant under the program may suballocate funds from the grant to a nonprofit organization to carry out the purposes of the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) INCLUSION OF CERTAIN COMMUNITIES- To fulfill the Nation’s need to achieve and document mode shift to bicycling and walking over time, the 4 communities that received pilot funding under section 1807 of SAFETEA-LU (119 Stat. 1460) may be among the communities selected by the Secretary under subsection (c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) GRANTS AMOUNTS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary may make a grant as low as $5,000,000 and as high as $15,000,000 per fiscal year for a community participating in the program. The Secretary shall ensure that grant awards under the program are sufficiently high to enable a mode shift to active transportation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) JUSTIFICATION FOR LARGER GRANTS- Subject to the $15,000,000 per fiscal year limit set forth in subparagraph (A), the Secretary may justify a grant in a higher amount for a community under the program based on the population served, greater opportunities to shift trips to bicycling and walking, or use of innovative design features.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Eligible Projects- Grants made to communities under this section shall be used for one or more of the following purposes:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) To carry out projects to construct networks of active transportation infrastructure facilities, including sidewalks, bikeways, and pedestrian and bicycle trails, that connect people with public transportation, workplaces, schools, residences, businesses, recreation areas, and other community activity centers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) To carry out projects to provide for bicycle boxes, cycle tracks, bicycle boulevards, dual traffic signals, and bicycle sharing stations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) To carry out projects to restore and upgrade current active transportation infrastructure facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) To carry out projects to support educational activities, safety-oriented activities, and technical assistance to further the purpose of the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Program Measures- In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall develop statistical information on changes in motor vehicle, active transportation, and public transportation usage in communities participating in the program and assess how the changes impact congestion and energy usage, impact the frequency of bicycling and walking, and impact health, safety, and the environment. In addition, the Secretary shall develop interim measures of progress, which may include indicators of public engagement, educational outcomes, and project advancement into planning and development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Deadlines-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS- Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a request for applications pursuant to subsection (c)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) SELECTION OF INITIAL COMMUNITIES- Not later than 180 days after such date of enactment, the Secretary shall select initial communities to participate in the program under subsection (c)(2)(A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) SELECTION OF ADDITIONAL COMMUNITIES- Not later than September 30, 2012, the Secretary shall select additional communities to participate in the program under subsection (c)(2)(B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) GRANTS- The Secretary shall make grants to selected to participate in the program under subsection (c)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) for fiscal year 2011, not later than the later of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the 60th day after the date of the selection of communities under subsection (c)(2)(A); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the 30th day of the fiscal year; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015, not later than 30th day of the fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Reports-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall submit to Congress--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) an interim report on progress made under the program not later than September 30, 2014; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a final report on progress made under the program not later than September 30, 2016.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONTENTS- Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the Secretary’s findings concerning the best practices of communities participating in the program and the impediments experienced by such communities relating to program development and achieving a mode shift to active transportation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) Funding-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) $466,666,666 for fiscal year 2013;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) $466,666,666 for fiscal year 2014; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) $466,666,668 for fiscal year 2015.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONTRACT AUTHORITY- Funds authorized to be appropriated by this section shall be available for obligation and administered in the same manner as if the funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, except that the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using the funds shall be 100 percent, and the funds shall remain available until expended and shall not be transferable.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) SET ASIDE- Each fiscal year, the Secretary shall set aside not more than 1.5 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section to cover the costs of administrative, research, technical assistance, communications, and training activities under the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) CONTRACTS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS- The Secretary may enter into contracts with for-profit organizations, or contracts, partnerships, or cooperative agreements with other government agencies, institutions of higher learning, or nonprofit organizations, to perform activities with amounts set aside under subparagraph (A). The Federal share of the cost of such activities may be up to 100 percent.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) LIMITATION ON STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prohibit a community from receiving research or other funds under title 23 or 49, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(j) Treatment of Projects-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) NONINFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS- Noninfrastructure projects and infrastructure projects that do not involve or lead directly to construction assisted under this subsection shall not be treated as projects on a Federal-aid system under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS- Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop regulations or guidance (or both) for Federal-aid projects under this section that encourages the use of the programmatic categorical exclusion, expedited procurement techniques, and other best practices to facilitate productive and timely expenditure for projects that are small, low impact, and constructed within an existing built environment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) STATE PROCESSES- The Secretary shall work with State departments of transportation to ensure that any guidance or regulation developed under paragraph (2) is being implemented by States and the Federal Highway Administration consistently to avoid unnecessary delays in implementing projects and to ensure the effective use of Federal dollars.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(k) Assistance to Indian Tribes- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may enter into grants agreements, self-determination contracts, and self-governance compacts under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.) with eligible Indian tribes to carry out the purposes of this Act, and such grant agreements, self-determination contracts, and self-governance compacts shall be administered in accordance with that Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink