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101 records in US in 1975
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Expresses the House of Representatives disapproval of the Final System Plan prepared by the United States Railway Association and submitted to the House of Representatives on July 26, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Cargo Security Act - Establishes a program of coordinated Federal regulation designed to assure maximum security and safety of property moving in interstate and foreign commerce. Title I: Cargo Security For Property Being Transported in Interstate and Foreign Commerce - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish such regulations as he deems necessary to assure the security and safety of property under the control of any carrier while being transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Sets forth a maximum civil penalty of $10,000 for each violation of this title. Directs that any order of the Secretary assessing a civil penalty shall be subject to review by the United States Courts of Appeals. Provides that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of or to enforce regulations established under this Act. Requires the Secretary to annually submit to Congress reports recommending legislation as the Secretary deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Title II: - Customs Port Security - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue by regulation such security and safety measures as he deems necessary to protect and safeguard cargo at specified terminals. Establishes a maximum civil penalty of $10,000 for each violation of this title. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress recommending legislation the Secretary deems necessary to carry out this title. Reduces the criminal penalty for affixing or defacing a customs seal and for maliciously entering a bonded warehouse from a fine of no more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than two years to a fine of no more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than one year. Provides that the penalty for unlawfully removing goods from a bonded warehouse or knowingly receiving such goods shall be a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than ten years if the value of such goods is $250 or more, or $1,000 or one year if the value is less than $250. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 549) Title III: Office of Cargo Security - Establishes within the Department of Transportation the Office of Cargo Security. Transfers to the Director of the Office the powers and duties of the Office of Transportation Security. Specifies other responsibilities delegated to the Director. Title IV: Interagency Council on Cargo Security - Establishes an Interagency Council on Cargo Security which shall identify and coordinate Federal department and agency responsibility.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Empowers States to carry out specified functions of the Secretary of the Army, and the Chief of Engineers with respect to intrastate navigable waterways including the regulation of: (1) building of bridges, dams and dikes; (2) deposit of refuse; (3) removal of sunken vessels; and (4) landfill. Requires a State which desires to carry out such functions to submit to the Secretary the program it proposes to establish and administer under State law. Directs the Secretary to approve such a State plan unless he determines that adequate authority does not exist: (1) to insure compliance with the applicable requirements of such functions, including but not limited to the establishment of necessary civil and criminal penalties and other means of enforcement; or (2) in the case of permits which may be issued by the State in carrying out such functions, to provide for their issuance, modification, and termination, including public notice of each such permit application and opportunities for public hearings. Authorizes the Secretary to withdraw approval of a State program if he determines that it fails to conform to Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Provides that the States may submit to the Secretary of Commerce a program for the completion of the Interstate System, including a proposal for the issuance of bonds or other obligations of such State. Authorizes the Secretary to approve such programs and to enter into a contractual arrangement on behalf of the United States to pay, over a twenty-year period, the principal and interest on such bonds or other obligations. Directs that no State shall receive less than one-half of one percent of the aggregate payments to all States for the liquidation of obligations incurred as a result of the completion. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to Congress with respect to all activities pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such amounts as are necessary to make payments on financial obligations assumed by the United States pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Maritime Education and Training Act - Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the Secretary of Commerce shall meet prior to the beginning of each fiscal year with representatives of maritime training institutions for the purpose of estimating the projected enrollment at all such institutions during such fiscal year, and the next three fiscal years. Requires the submission of a report to the Congress on the estimation of such enrollments. Requires the apportionment of funds among colleges and academies training individuals for licensing in the maritime service. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress recommendations on the providing of the students of such institutions with access to the resources and programs of the National Maritime Research Center. Directs the compilation of a national roster of all individuals who have not yet reached the age of sixty-five years and who are or were licensed as officers in the United States Merchant Marine.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Local Freight and Passenger Services Amendments - Redefines "interim light density lines" for purposes of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act as meaning all rail properties used or useful in providing local rail service in the region, except rail properties (1) designated in the final system plan as profitable lines to be operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation or profitable railroads pursuant to this Act; (2) approved for abandonment prior to the effective date of the final system plan; or (3) which are out of service as of the effective date of the final system plan. Directs the Corporation to determine and publish criteria to assist States and local and regional transportation authorities in making determinations whether to provide rail service continuation subsidies to maintain in operation particular rail properties, and provide legal and technical assistance to such authorities. States that the Corporation must issue regulations containing standards for the computation of subsidies for rail passenger services. Permits discontinuance of freight service on any interim light density line if such line is not subject to an offer of or an agreement for purchase or subsidy, and notice of intent to discontinue freight service is sent to the Governor and local governments of the affected States. Authorizes discontinuance of rail passenger service after specified conditions have been met. Prohibits discontinuance or abandonment if a shipper, a State, the United States, a local or regional transportation authority, or any other responsible person offers (1) a rail service continuation subsidy which covers the difference between the revenue attributable to such rail properties and the avoidable costs of providing service on such rail properties plus a reasonable return on the value of such rail properties; or (2) to purchase such rail properties in order to operate rail service over such properties. Sets forth procedures governing the rehabilitation of out-of-service and interim light density lines. Directs the U.S. Railway Association to issue a supplement to the final system plan which shall (1) provide for the transfer of all interim light density lines to the Corporation; and (2) designate the value of all interim light density lines and the value of the securities and other benefits to be received for rail properties transferred to the Corporation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States to help such States meet the cost of establishing and implementing State rail plans. Stipulates that State plans are not suitable unless such plan provides for prompt determination and evaluation of (1) the amount of rail service continuation subsidies required for each interim light density line; (2) the total direct and indirect costs of abandonment of interim light density lines; and (3) the total direct and indirect costs of maintaining interim light density lines. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make supplementary grants to State, local, or regional transportation authorities for the purpose of assisting such entities in paying for additional costs of passenger service resulting from the implementation of the regulations promulgated by the Office pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Provides, under the Bankruptcy Act, that political subdivisions which are creditors of railroads with respect to overdue taxes on which a lien has attached may seize property owned by the railroad and within the taxing jurisdiction of the subdivision if such property is not in current use or has not been conveyed to the Consolidated Rail Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
Provides that every State will be apportioned at least 80 percent of its tax contribution of the preceding fiscal year to the Highway Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
Declares it to be the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Government of the United States should maintain and protect its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the canal and zone, and should in no way cede, dilute, forfeit, negotiate, or transfer any of these sovereign rights, power, authority, jurisdiction, territory, or property that are indispensably necessary for the protection and security of the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere; (2) that there be no relinquishment or surrender of any presently vested United States sovereign right, power, or authority or property, tangible or intangible, except by treaty authorized by the Congress and duly ratified by the United States; and (3) that there be no recession to Panama, or other divestiture of any United States-owned property, tangible or intangible, without prior authorization by the Congress (House and Senate), as provided in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
National Energy Mobilization Act - Title I: National Energy Mobilization Board - Establishes in the executive branch an independent agency to be known as the National Energy Mobilization Board. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts to acquire and dispose of property and to take such other measures as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title II: Authorized Energy Programs - Directs the Board to estimate energy needs of the United States and to establish domestic energy production and conservation targets. Provides that the Board shall identify actions necessary to achieve the established targets and monitor the activities of governmental and private entities toward such goals. Authorizes the Board to require the allocation of or the performance under contracts relating to essential supplies of materials and equipment necessary to maximize domestic energy supplies. Directs the Board to prepare and carry out a Federal energy resource assessment program providing an assessment of the nation's energy resources. Requires the Board to study the feasibility and material needs of one or more oil and natural gas pipeline routes from the Naval Petroleum Reserve Number Four in Alaska. Directs the Board to submit periodic reports to Congress on the progress of such report. Authorizes the Board to prepare a Federal Facilities Energy Program. Provides for the utilization of idle or surplus resources of the Federal Government which could be used to augment the private sector's capacity for the production of materials and goods essential for accelerated domestic energy resource programs of exploration, conservation, and stockpiling. Title III: Programs Requiring Express Legislative Authorization - Directs the Board to prepare a Federal Coal Production Program consisting of a legislative recommendation for the accelerated exploration and production of coal in the United States. Requires the Board to prepare a Federal Energy Transportation System Improvement Program consisting of legislative recommendations for programs to assure the development of energy transportation systems. Authorizes the Board to prepare an Energy Capital Investment Program, designed to make adequate capital available for private investment in the production, development and transportation of conventional energy supplies. Provides that no program under this title shall be carried out until a report describing the program has been transmitted to the Congress. Title IV: Advisory Committees and Interagency Coordination - Authorizes the Board to establish advisory committees to consult with the Board during the development of any program established pursuant to this Act. Directs all agencies of the Federal Government to develop techniques to conserve energy resources. Title V: General Provisions - Requires the Board to develop an affirmative action plan to assure that no person shall be excluded from participating in any program initiated by the Board on the grounds of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Aviation Act - Provides that an applicationn with respect to air transportation under the Federal Aviation Act shall be set for hearing within 60 days from the date the application is filed with the Civil Aeronautics Board, and provides for the expedition of the hearing procedure. Authorizes the Board to issue a certificate for interstate air transportation between any two cities not receiving nonstop scheduled air transportation by an air carrier holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity to an applicant if it finds the applicant is fit, willing, and able to perform such transportation properly. States that any air carrier that engages in interstate air transportation solely with aircraft having a capacity of less than fifty-six passengers or sixteen thousand pounds of property shall not be required to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity if that carrier conforms to such financial responsibility requirements as the Board may by regulation impose. States that the Board shall not impose close-door, single plane service, mandatory stop, long-haul restrictions, or similar restrictions, on any new certificate or amendment to any existing certificate and that by January 1, 1981, the Board shall reissue all certificates for interstate air transportation in the form of an unduplicated list of city pairs that each certificated air carrier is authorized to serve. Requires, by January 1, 1978, the Board to prepare an unduplicated list of city pairs that each interstate certificated air carrier will be authorized to serve on January 1, 1981. Provides that on or after January 1, 1981, each air carrier engaged in interstate scheduled air transportation may engage in nonstop scheduled air transportation without regard to any certificate limitations or other restrictions between any points in the United States named in its certificate or certificates on January 1, 1975. Prohibits consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control with respect to air carriers if such action would result in: (1) monopoly or be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize; or (2) the possibility of substantial lessening of competition or other restraint of trade. Provides that no air transportation rate above direct costs may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the basis that it is too low, and the Board may not require an air carrier to charge, demand, collect, or receive compensation in excess of that air carrier's direct costs for the service at issue. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to undertake a study of the local service air carrier subsidy program and make recommendations to Congress for any necessary changes in the subsidy system within one year of the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Requires the special court to make partial distribution of the securities, obligations, and compensation deposited with such court to railroads in reorganization pending completion of distribution proceedings by such court under title III (Consolidated Rail Corporation) of the Regional Reorganization Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to transport the body of any former member of the Armed Forces who dies in an Armed Forces hospital to the place of burial. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 903)
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Terminates the powers and duties of the Interstate Commerce Commission under the Bankruptcy Act with respect to a railroad in reorganization which conveys rail properties to the Corporation or to a profitable railroad pursuant to the final system plan established under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1975
Aviation Act - Provides that an applicationn with respect to air transportation under the Federal Aviation Act shall be set for hearing within 60 days from the date the application is filed with the Civil Aeronautics Board, and provides for the expedition of the hearing procedure. Authorizes the Board to issue a certificate for interstate air transportation between any two cities not receiving nonstop scheduled air transportation by an air carrier holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity to an applicant if it finds the applicant is fit, willing, and able to perform such transportation properly. States that any air carrier that engages in interstate air transportation solely with aircraft having a capacity of less than fifty-six passengers or sixteen thousand pounds of property shall not be required to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity if that carrier conforms to such financial responsibility requirements as the Board may by regulation impose. States that the Board shall not impose close-door, single plane service, mandatory stop, long-haul restrictions, or similar restrictions, on any new certificate or amendment to any existing certificate and that by January 1, 1981, the Board shall reissue all certificates for interstate air transportation in the form of an unduplicated list of city pairs that each certificated air carrier is authorized to serve. Requires, by January 1, 1978, the Board to prepare an unduplicated list of city pairs that each interstate certificated air carrier will be authorized to serve on January 1, 1981. Provides that on or after January 1, 1981, each air carrier engaged in interstate scheduled air transportation may engage in nonstop scheduled air transportation without regard to any certificate limitations or other restrictions between any points in the United States named in its certificate or certificates on January 1, 1975. Prohibits consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control with respect to air carriers if such action would result in (1) monopoly or be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize; or (2) the possibility of substantial lessening of competition or other restraint of trade. Provides that no air transportation rate above direct costs may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the basis that it is too low, and the Board may not require an air carrier to charge, demand, collect, or receive compensation in excess of that air carrier's direct costs for the service at issue. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to undertake a study of the local service air carrier subsidy program and make recommendations to Congress for any necessary changes in the subsidy system within one year of the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1975
Establishes weight restrictions for vehicles on the Interstate System. Provides that no funds authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year under the Federal-Aid Highway Act shall be apportioned to any State within the boundaries of which the Interstate System may lawfully be used by vehicles in excess of the established weight limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Requires, under the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, that the Secretary of Transportation apply different vessel design and construction standards to vessels operating exclusively on rivers, lakes, and harbors than those established by international convention.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to carry out a demonstration project in Metairie, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, for the relocation of rail lines in order to eliminate specified ground level railroad highway crossings.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Local Freight and Passenger Services Amendments - Redefines "interim light density lines" for purposes of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act as meaning all rail properties used or useful in providing local rail service in the region, except rail properties (1) designated in the final system plan as profitable lines to be operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation or profitable railroads pursuant to this Act; (2) approved for abandonment prior to the effective date of the final system plan; or (3) which are out of service as of the effective date of the final system plan. Directs the Corporation to determine and publish criteria to assist States and local and regional transportation authorities in making determinations whether to provide rail service continuation subsidies to maintain in operation particular rail properties, and provide legal and technical assistance to such authorities. States that the Corporation must issue regulations containing standards for the computation of subsidies for rail passenger services. Permits discontinuance of freight service on any interim light density line if such line is not subject to an offer of or an agreement for purchase or subsidy, and notice of intent to discontinue freight service is sent to the Governor and local governments of the affected States. Authorizes discontinuance of rail passenger service after specified conditions have been met. Prohibits discontinuance or abandonment if a shipper, a State, the United States, a local or regional transportation authority, or any other responsible person offers (1) a rail service continuation subsidy which covers the difference between the revenue attributable to such rail properties and the avoidable costs of providing service on such rail properties plus a reasonable return on the value of such rail properties; or (2) to purchase such rail properties in order to operate rail service over such properties. Sets forth procedures governing the rehabilitation of out-of-service and interim light density lines. Directs the U.S. Railway Association to issue a supplement to the final system plan which shall (1) provide for the transfer of all interim light density lines to the Corporation; and (2) designate the value of all interim light density lines and the value of the securities and other benefits to be received for rail properties transferred to the Corporation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States to help such States meet the cost of establishing and implementing State rail plans. Stipulates that State plans are not suitable unless such plan provides for prompt determination and evaluation of (1) the amount of rail service continuation subsidies required for each interim light density line; (2) the total direct and indirect costs of abandonment of interim light density lines; and (3) the total direct and indirect costs of maintaining interim light density lines. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make supplementary grants to State, local, or regional transportation authorities for the purpose of assisting such entities in paying for additional costs of passenger service resulting from the implementation of the regulations promulgated by the Office pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Federal Government should accelerate its development of commercial sailing ships. States that the budget of specified departments should include funds to prove the commercial viability of sailing ships.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Government should accelerate its investigation, development and research on lighter than air aircraft. Provides that the budgets of specified agencies and departments should include adequate funds to prove the commercial ability of a lighter than air system.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Revises the Regional Rail Reorganization Act to authorize the U.S. Railway Association to acquire, hold, and vote the proposed ConRail securities to be issued to it. Reduces the Association's authority to issue Government-guaranteed obligations from $1,500,000,000 to $500,000,000. Provides the mechanism for purchase of ConRail securities by the Association. Authorizes acquisition of up to $1,000,000,000 principal amount of debentures and up to $1,500,000,000 of series A preferred stock. Provides that the debentures and preferred stock may be purchased by the Association as needed by ConRail for modernization and rehabilitation of its properties, for the acquisition of equipment and other capital needs, for refinancing obligations, and for working capital. Requires that if the Association decides to terminate ConRail funding, it must obtain the Interstate Commerce Commission's approval, which shall be deemed to have been given if it has not acted within 90 days. Authorizes appropriation to the Association of the $2,500,000,000 for purchase of ConRail debentures and series A preferred stock, and directs that any sums received by the Association on account of the holding or disposition of the securities be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury. Authorizes ConRail's initial capitalization consisting of debentures, series A preferred stock, series B preferred stock, and common stock, with the latter two classes going to the debtor estates. Provides that no deficiency judgment shall be entered by the special court which shall be entered by the special court which would have the effect of impairing ConRail's financial self-sufficiency, credit, or solvency. Authorizes the Association to make designations of additional rail properties to be transferred to or from the Corporation if this would serve better to meet the goals of the Act. Provides for the Association to initiate proposals for transfer, either on its own initiative or upon petition. Provides that the executive Committee of the Association shall serve as ConRail's Board of Directors only until at least five members of the 9-member Board shall have been selected. Provides that any traffic protective condition imposed by the Commission, in the course of any previous rail merger or other proceeding involving the present owner of a line to be transferred to ConRail or another railroad under the final system plan shall remain in full force and effect and apply to the operations performed by the new owners, unless and until such conditions are modified by the Commission. Directs the Commission, in the event that implementation of the final system plan results in any disruption of rail service, to take any action now authorized under the Interstate Commerce Act to assure the continuation of transportation services. Increases the authorization of appropriations of the Rail Services Planning Office by $1,000,000 to a total of $6,000,000
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Local Rail Service Amendments - Revises the Regional Rail Reorganization Act by reducing from $1,500,000,000 to $25,000,000 the amount of United States Railway Association obligations which may be outstanding at any one time. Removes from the Association the authority to make loans to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to assist in implementing the final system plan for the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make modernization and acquisition loans directly rather than through the Association. Authorizes to the Secretary the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to meet the administrative expenses associated with his responsibility under this Act. Prohibits the trustees of railroads in reorganization from making any previously deferred interline payments when the railroad has received or is likely to need emergency assistance within 90 days before or after the proposed payment. Enables the Secretary to use up to $25,000,000 of any emergency assistance not spent by the time the final system plan becomes effective for improvements to the Northeast Corridor for high speed rail passenger service. Provides that an equipment obligee may not reject payment under an agreement made by the Association for the acquisition, maintenance, or improvement of railroad facilities and equipment, and at the same time repossess the equipment unless it can prove that to agree to the Association purchase would cause it a significant economic detriment in its capacity as an equipment obligee. Establishes procedures for the discontinuance, by railroads in the region, of service operated on rail properties, the abandonment of which is specified by the final system plan as part of the arrangement for joint use or operation of rail properties. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to assist in the aquisition or modernization of rail properties necessary to accomodate the transportation of freight previously moved by rail service not designated to be continued in the final system plan. Authorizes a $25,000,000 appropriation to the fund for acquisition and modernization loans.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Directs the Rail Services Planning Office, under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, to require the Consolidated Rail Corporation and any railroad subsidized under that Act to submit to the Office information sufficient to permit an accurate determination by the Office of the revenues, costs and operations of local rail lines as economic units. Increases from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the appropriations authorized to the Interstate Commerce Commission for the use of the Rail Services Planning Office. Provides for the operation of rail service on light density lines not scheduled to be included in the final system plan established pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act. Stipulates that such light density lines as are profitable will be operated by the Consolidated Rail Corporation or a profitable railroad in the area. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $38,000,000 to subsidize the operation of such lines. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an audit to determine the soundness of the accounting procedures used by the Corporation in assessing the profitability of a light density line. Provides for the inclusion of additional local rail service lines within the final system plan. Sets forth a new schedule of Federal-State shares of the rail service continuation subsidy. States that the Federal share shall be 100 percent for the first two years of this Act and shall be reduced by ten percent each year thereafter until the Federal and State shares shall each be 50 percent. Revises the formula by which rail service continuation funds are allocated to the States to provide for distribution to the States on the basis of the discontinued rail mileage in each State. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to assist the States in developing and implementing the State plan for rail rehabilitation which is a prerequisite to the granting of rail service continuation subsidies. Provides for the granting of rail service continuation subsidies to rail freight services on those additional light density lines included in the final system plan under this Act. Deletes the provision of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act which limits any rail service continuation subsidy to two years. Revises the authorization of appropriations for the rail service continuation subsidies. Makes it possible for States to receive both rail service continuation subsidies and loans to purchase rail properties of a railroad which were originally scheduled for abandonment. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to conduct a study of each railroad line which is not designated to be included in the final system plan and which is: (1) receiving rail service continuation subsidies; or (2) potentially eligible for such subsidies; or (3) a light density line operated by the Corporation or a profitable railroad. States that such study shall be conducted to determine the overall economic viability of such line including the prospects for such line becoming more economically viable at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable period of time. Directs the Office to designate those lines which such study has determined to be economically viable for transfer to the Corporation or to a profitable railroad operating in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Local Rail Service Amendments - Revises the Regional Rail Reorganization Act by reducing from $1,500,000,000 to $25,000,000 the amount of United States Railway Association obligations which may be outstanding at any one time. Removes from the Association the authority to make loans to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to assist in implementing the final system plan for the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make modernization and acquisition loans directly rather than through the Association. Authorizes to the Secretary the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to meet the administrative expenses associated with his responsibility under this Act. Prohibits the trustees of railroads in reorganization from making any previously deferred interline payments when the railroad has received or is likely to need emergency assistance within 90 days before or after the proposed payment. Enables the Secretary to use up to $25,000,000 of any emergency assistance not spent by the time the final system plan becomes effective for improvements to the Northeast Corridor for high speed rail passenger service. Provides that an equipment obligee may not reject payment under an agreement made by the Association for the acquisition, maintenance, or improvement of railroad facilities and equipment, and at the same time repossess the equipment unless it can prove that to agree to the Association purchase would cause it a significant economic detriment in its capacity as an equipment obligee. Establishes procedures for the discontinuance, by railroads in the region, of service operated on rail properties, the abandonment of which is specified by the final system plan as part of the arrangement for joint use or operation of rail properties. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to assist in the acquisition or modernization of rail properties necessary to accomodate the transportation of freigh previously moved by rail service not designated to be continued in the final system plan. Authorizes a $25,000,000 appropriation to fund for acquisition and modernization loans.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, to enter into agreements for purposes of repairing the Poughkeepsie Bridge, New York, to a satisfactory condition for use by rail traffic.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Local Freight and Passenger Services Amendments - Redefines "interim light density lines" for purposes of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act as meaning all rail properties used or useful in providing local rail service in the region, except rail properties (1) designated in the final system plan as profitable lines to be operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation or profitable railroads pursuant to this Act; (2) approved for abandonment prior to the effective date of the final system plan; or (3) which are out of service as of the effective date of the final system plan. Directs the Corporation to determine and publish criteria to assist States and local and regional transportation authorities in making determinations whether to provide rail service continuation subsidies to maintain in operation particular rail properties, and provide legal and technical assistance to such authorities. States that the Corporation must issue regulations containing standards for the computation of subsidies for rail passenger services. Permits discontinuance of freight service on any interim light density line if such line is not subject to an offer of or an agreement for purchase or subsidy, and notice of intent to discontinue freight service is sent to the Governor and local governments of the affected States. Authorizes discontinuance of rail passenger service after specified conditions have been met. Prohibits discontinuance or abandonment if a shipper, a State, the United States, a local or regional transportation authority, or any other responsible person offers (1) a rail service continuation subsidy which covers the difference between the revenue attributable to such rail properties and the avoidable costs of providing service on such rail properties plus a reasonable return on the value of such rail properties; or (2) to purchase such rail properties in order to operate rail service over such properties. Sets forth procedures governing the rehabilitation of out-of-service and interim light density lines. Directs the U.S. Railway Association to issue a supplement to the final system plan which shall (1) provide for the transfer of all interim light density lines to the Corporation; and (2) designate the value of all interim light density lines and the value of the securities and other benefits to be received for rail properties transferred to the Corporation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States to help such States meet the cost of establishing and implementing State rail plans. Stipulates that State plans are not suitable unless such plan provides for prompt determination and evaluation of (1) the amount of rail service continuation subsidies required for each interim light density line; (2) the total direct and indirect costs of abandonment of interim light density lines; and (3) the total direct and indirect costs of maintaining interim light density lines. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make supplementary grants to State, local, or regional transportation authorities for the purpose of assisting such entities in paying for additional costs of passenger service resulting from the implementation of the regulations promulgated by the Office pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Rail Rehabilitation Act - Title I: Findings, Purpose, and Definitions - States that the purposes of this Act are to designate an Interstate Railroad System; to organize an Administration of the Department of Transportation to acquire, rehabilitate, maintain, modernize, and to restructure the rail lines included within such System; to transfer to the States responsibility for maintenance of rail lines not included within such System; to require minimum standards of maintenance for rail lines; to establish rights of access by rail carriers to rail lines they do not own; and to provide Federal funding to the Administration and to States for rehabilitation of rail lines. Defines terms used in the Act. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires each rail carrier to provide the Secretary of Transportation with specified data describing the current condition of the railroad, and with a verified statement identifying all railroad lines of the carrier. Designates the Initial Interstate Railroad System, and rail lines which shall be excluded from such system. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to hold hearings and recommend additions to and deletions from such system. Requires the Secretary, after giving full consideration to such recommendations, to prepare and release a concise descriptive study of an Intermediate Interstate Railroad System, including future maintenance standards of each rail line in the system. States that after hearings and recommendations by the Office, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Congress a final Interstate Railroad System Plan designed to promote and enhance the ability of rail carriers to provide modern, efficient, and economical interstate rail freight and passenger service responsive to present and future needs and demands. Requires the Secretary to determine and publish a rehabilitation, capital improvement, and maintenance program for the resporation of all rail lines in the system to the future maintenance standards set forth in the Final System. Stipulates that rail properties acquired by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation shall be part of the final system. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Rail Property Administration to revise the future maintenance standards so long as such revision reflects changes in the anticipated use of the individual lines. Title III: Federal Rail Property Administration - Establishes in the Department of Transportation the Federal Rail Property Administration. Grants the Administration power to acquire rail lines and property and to enter into leases with a railroad company which deeds rail lines to the Administration. Sets forth conditions governing such leases. Permits railroads to offer to transfer all facilities which are included in the System to the Administration, whereupon the Administration shall enter into a lease and accept title to the facilities so offered. Requires the Secretary to develop programs of rehabilitation and capital improvements for rail properties owned by the Administration. States that such programs shall be incorporated into and be made terms of the lease of such property. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the President and to Congress on the extent and condition of all properties owned by the Administration, and on the condition of all other rail properties in the Nation. Title IV: Funding - Authorizes appropriations for each year beginning with the year in which this Act is enacted and continuing for a period of ten years such sums as are necessary for (1) rehabilitation of lines as required under this Act, and (2) to provide the materials used in maintenance as required under this Act. Imposes a Rail User Charge on all railroads operating on facilities of the Administration. Authorizes additional sums of money for reports, expenses, and maintenance materials. Title V: State and Local Rail Service Discontinuance and Abandonment - Permits abandonment of rail service on properties not designated part of the final system. Sets forth conditions governing discontinuation of service. Title VI: Labor Contracts - States that all contracts between rail carries and labor organizations for maintenance of properties transferred to the Association shall remain in full force, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Title VII: Northeast Corridor - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to operate high speed rail passenger service in the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes appropriations for improvement of the Northeast Corridor.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Local Rail Services Amendments - Requires, within 90 days of the effective date of the final system plan developed pursuant to the Railroad Reorganization Act, the collection and publication of information sufficient to permit an accurate determination of the revenues, costs, and operation of local rail lines as operating and economic units. Increases to $10,000,000 the amount authorized to be appropriated to the Interstate Commerce Commission for the use of the Rail Service Planning Office. Provides for the inclusion within the final system plan of local service railways previously excluded from the plan. Promulgates a five-year schedule of the Federal and State portions of the rail service continuation subsidies. Increases the Federal share to 100 percent for the first two years after the effective date of the final system plan. Provides for the allocation to States of rail service continuation subsidies in proportion to State rail mileage to be excluded under the final system plan. Authorizes States to use subsidy funds for the acquisition and rehabilitation of rail lines, for the preservation of rail lines for future use, and for providing alternatives to the termination of rail service which are less costly than the continuation of such service. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide funds to States to meet the cost of establishing and implementing the State rail plan required by the Railroad Reorganization Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out the purposes of this Act through fiscal year 1980. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to analyze those lines of a railroad in reorganization which are designated to be excluded from the final system plan in order to determine the economic feasibility of continuing such lines in service. Requires such determinations to be made within 630 days after the effective date of the final system plan.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Local Freight and Passenger Services Amendments - Redefines "interim light density lines" for purposes of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act as meaning all rail properties used or useful in providing local rail service in the region, except rail properties (1) designated in the final system plan as profitable lines to be operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation or profitable railroads pursuant to this Act; (2) approved for abandonment prior to the effective date of the final system plan; or (3) which are out of service as of the effective date of the final system plan. Directs the Corporation to determine and publish criteria to assist States and local and regional transportation authorities in making determinations whether to provide rail service continuation subsidies to maintain in operation particular rail properties, and provide legal and technical assistance to such authorities. States that the Corporation must issue regulations containing standards for the computation of subsidies for rail passenger services. Permits discontinuance of freight service on any interim light density line if such line is not subject to an offer of or an agreement for purchase or subsidy, and notice of intent to discontinue freight service is sent to the Governor and local governments of the affected States. Authorizes discontinuance of rail passenger service after specified conditions have been met. Prohibits discontinuance or abandonment if a shipper, a State, the United States, a local or regional transportation authority, or any other responsible person offers (1) a rail service continuation subsidy which covers the difference between the revenue attributable to such rail properties and the avoidable costs of providing service on such rail properties plus a reasonable return on the value of such rail properties; or (2) to purchase such rail properties in order to operate rail service over such properties. Sets forth procedures governing the rehabilitation of out-of-service and interim light density lines. Directs the U.S. Railway Association to issue a supplement to the final system plan which shall (1) provide for the transfer of all interim light density lines to the Corporation; and (2) designate the value of all interim light density lines and the value of the securities and other benefits to be received for rail properties transferred to the Corporation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States to help such States meet the cost of establishing and implementing State rail plans. Stipulates that State plans are not suitable unless such plan provides for prompt determination and evaluation of (1) the amount of rail service continuation subsidies required for each interim light density line; (2) the total direct and indirect costs of abandonment of interim light density lines; and (3) the total direct and indirect costs of maintaining interim light density lines. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make supplementary grants to State, local, or regional transportation authorities for the purpose of assisting such entities in paying for additional costs of passenger service resulting from the implementation of the regulations promulgated by the Office pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Local Rail Services Amendments - Requires, within 90 days of the effective date of the final system plan developed pursuant to the Railroad Reorganization Act, the collection and publication of information sufficient to permit an accurate determination of the revenues, costs, and operation of local rail lines as operating and economic units. Increase to $10,000,000 the amount authorized to be appropriated to the Interstate Commerce Commission for the use of the Rail Services Planning Office. Provides for the representation by the United States of any profitable railroad to which rail properties are conveyed under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act in the special court proceedings required by that Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as may be necessary to cover the cost of such hearings. Provides for the inclusion within the final system plan of local service railways previously excluded from the plan. Promulgates a five-year schedule of the Federal and State portions of the rail service continuation subsidies. Increases the Federal share to 100 percent for the first two years after the effective date of the final system plan. Provides for the allocation to States of rail service continuation subsidies in proportion to State rail mileage to be excluded under the final system plan. Authorizes States to use subsidy funds for the acquisition and rehabilitation of rail lines, for the preservation of rail lines for future use, and for providing alternatives to the termination of rail service which are less costly than the continuation of such service. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide funds to States to meet the cost of establishing and implementing the State rail plan required by the Railroad Reorganization Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out the purposes of this Act through fiscal year 1980. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to analyze those lines of a railroad in reorganization which are designated to be excluded from the final system plan in order to determine the economic feasibility of continuing such lines in service. Requires such determinations to be made within 630 days after the effective date of the final system plan.
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Provides that air traffic specialists employed by the Department of Transportation be considered as air traffic controllers for retirement and other purposes under Federal law.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1975
Local Tax Relief Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to pay overdue State and local real estate and personal property taxes by any railroad in reorganization. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that this Act shall expire on December 31, 1978 without prejudice to the rights of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Authorizes and directs the Consolidated Rail Corporation, pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, to establish and clearly define branch line management functions, explicitly providing for the operation and marketing of rail branch line services for branch lines acquired and operated by the Corporation. Increases the Federal share of rail service assistance funds authorized for any project pursuant to this Act to 100 percent of the cost during the first year; 90 percent during the second and third years; 80 percent during the fourth year; and 70 percent during the fifth year. Expands the provisions for eligibility for rail service assistance funds (formerly "rail service continuation subsidies"). States that rail freight services shall be eligible for such funds if they are: (1) rail services which are not to be continued under the final system plan; or (2) rail services which have been substantially aided or operated by a State agency or other public body; or (3) specified abandoned rail services. Provides funds to States for railroad planning purposes. Requires recipients of funds under this Act to maintain records to provide an accounting of such funds. Authorizes the Secretary and the Comptroller General to audit such records. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out the purposes of this section for each of the five fiscal years including and following the effective date of the final system plan. Directs the Consolidated Rail Corporation, or the most appropriate railroad to acquire and operate rail lines which had been operated under rail service continuation subsidies; and which have revenues equal to or in excess of avoidable costs plus return on investment for two sequential years.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Authorizes the Interstate Commerce Commission to take such preventive action as it determines is in the public interest without regard to any rules, regulations, or usual practices when a rail car service emergency is imminent.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Exempts street, suburban, or interurban electric railways, none of which is controlled by or under common control with any carrier which is operated as part of a general steam railroad system of transportation, from Interstate Commerce Commission approval for specified motor carrier transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Makes it lawful, under the Interstate Commerce Act, for any person who is not a carrier, or two such persons acting jointly, with the approval of the Interstate Commerce Commission, to acquire control through ownership of its stock or otherwise of any class I railroad or motor carrier or class A water carrier or freight forwarder. Requires the approval of the Commission before any class I railroad or motor carrier or class A water carrier or freight forwarder may participate in monetary transfers or other financial transactions with other carriers. States that the Commission shall disapprove any such transaction where it finds that it may result in impairment of the operations of the carrier or its ability to respond to the needs of the public. Stipulates that persons owning more than one percent of any class I railroad or five percent of any class I motor carrier or class A water carrier on freight forwarder must submit periodically to the Commission a description of such ownership and the amount thereof. Authorizes the Commission to require submission of reports describing the affairs of the carrier, persons controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such carrier, lessor, or association in such form and details as may be prescribed by the Commission. States that the Commission may prescribe a uniform system of accounts applicable to particular carrier classes. Grants the Commission authority to prescribe the forms of any and all accounts, records, and memorandums to be kept by carriers, persons controlling, controlled by or under common control with such carriers, and their lessors, including the accounts, records, and memorandums of the movement of a traffic, as well as the receipts and expenditures of moneys. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve construction of a section on Interstate Route 70 as a parkway in the State of Colorado.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
States that approval of State highway safety programs by the Secretary of Transportation shall not be contingent upon any requirement that a State adopt a law or regulation requiring any motorcycle operator 18 years of age or older or passenger 18 years of age or older to wear a safety helmet when operating or riding a motorcycle. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 402)
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Provides, under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, that the effective date of the Final System Plan shall be at the end of the first period of 90 calendar days of continuous session of Congress after the Final System Plan is submitted to the Congress, unless Congress disapproves such Plan.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Local Rail Service Amendments - Revises the Regional Rail Reorganization Act in order to provide procedures for reviewing decisions with respect to local service lines not presently designated as part of the Consolidated Rail Corporation. Provides for branch line decisions which will be based on costs and operating characteristics of the Corporation rather than those of a bankrupt carrier. Makes branch line decisions reflect service frequency levels negotiated by users and carriers. Requires the Consolidated Rail Corporation to establish branch-specific cost accounts for all lines, permitting more accurate cost estimates to be anticipated on lines for which subsidies will be offered. Permits determination of revenue received by the Consolidated Rail Corporation rather than by a bankrupt carrier for traffic generated on each line. Provides specified States in the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern region with financial assistance and additional time in which to perform the comprehensive analyses required to develop State rail plans.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Provides for the reduction by 50 percent of the amounts of Federal-aid highway funds apportioned after January 1, 1976, to any State which has not made provision for free access to emergency vehicles on any toll road, tunnel, or the approaches thereto within the jurisdiction of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1975
Provides for the updating of cost estimates of specified routes on the Interstate Highway System based on changes in construction costs of such highway routes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1975
Directs the Rail Services Planning Office, under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, to require the Consolidated Rail Corporation and any railroad subsidized under that Act to submit to the Office information sufficient to permit an accurate determination by the Office of the revenues, costs and operations of local rail lines as economic units. Increases from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the appropriations authorized to the Interstate Commerce Commission for the use of the Rail Services Planning Office. Provides for the operation of rail service on light density lines not scheduled to be included in the final system plan established pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act. Stipulates that such light density lines as are profitable will be operated by the Consolidated Rail Corporation or a profitable railroad in the area. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $38,000,000 to subsidize the operation of such lines. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an audit to determine the soundness of the accounting procedures used by the Corporation in assessing the profitability of a light density line. Provides for the inclusion of additional local rail service lines within the final system plan. Sets forth a new schedule of Federal-State shares of the rail service continuation subsidy. States that the Federal share shall be 100 percent for the first two years of this Act and shall be reduced by ten percent each year thereafter until the Federal and State shares shall each be 50 percent. Revises the formula by which rail service continuation funds are allocated to the States to provide for distribution to the States on the basis of the discontinued rail mileage in each State. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to assist the States in developing and implementing the State plan for rail rehabilitation which is a prerequisite to the granting of rail service continuation subsidies. Provides for the granting of rail service continuation subsidies to rail freight services on those additional light density lines included in the final system plan under this Act. Deletes the provision of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act which limits any rail service continuation subsidy to two years. Revises the authorization of appropriations for the rail service continuation subsidies. Makes it possible for States to receive both rail service continuation subsidies and loans to purchase rail properties of a railroad which were originally scheduled for abandonment. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to conduct a study of each railroad line which is not designated to be included in the final system plan and which is: (1) receiving rail service continuation subsidies; or (2) potentially eligible for such subsidies; or (3) a light density line operated by the Corporation or a profitable railroad. States that such study shall be conducted to determine the overall economic viability of such line including the prospects for such line becoming more economically viable at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable period of time. Directs the Office to designate those lines which such study has determined to be economically viable for transfer to the Corporation or to a profitable railroad operating in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1975
Directs the Rail Services Planning Office, under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act, to require the Consolidated Rail Corporation and any railroad subsidized under that Act to submit to the Office information sufficient to permit an accurate determination by the Office of the revenues, costs and operations of local rail lines as economic units. Increases from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 the appropriations authorized to the Interstate Commerce Commission for the use of the Rail Services Planning Office. Provides for the operation of rail service on light density lines not scheduled to be included in the final system plan established pursuant to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act. Stipulates that such light density lines as are profitable will be operated by the Consolidated Rail Corporation or a profitable railroad in the area. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $38,000,000 to subsidize the operation of such lines. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an audit to determine the soundness of the accounting procedures used by the Corporation in assessing the profitability of a light density line. Provides for the inclusion of additional local rail service lines within the final system plan. Sets forth a new schedule of Federal-State shares of the rail service continuation subsidy. States that the Federal share shall be 100 percent for the first two years of this Act and shall be reduced by ten percent each year thereafter until the Federal and State shares shall each be 50 percent. Revises the formula by which rail service continuation funds are allocated to the States to provide for distribution to the States on the basis of the discontinued rail mileage in each State. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to assist the States in developing and implementing the State plan for rail rehabilitation which is a prerequisite to the granting of rail service continuation subsidies. Provides for the granting of rail service continuation subsidies to rail freight services on those additional light density lines included in the final system plan under this Act. Deletes the provision of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act which limits any rail service continuation subsidy to two years. Revises the authorization of appropriations for the rail service continuation subsidies. Makes it possible for States to receive both rail service continuation subsidies and loans to purchase rail properties of a railroad which were originally scheduled for abandonment. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to conduct a study of each railroad line which is not designated to be included in the final system plan and which is: (1) receiving rail service continuation subsidies; or (2) potentially eligible for such subsidies; or (3) a light density line operated by the Corporation or a profitable railroad. States that such study shall be conducted to determine the overall economic viability of such line including the prospects for such line becoming more economically viable at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable period of time. Directs the Office to designate those lines which such study has determined to be economically viable for transfer to the Corporation or to a profitable railroad operating in the region.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, in determining the cost of specified additional mileage of the Interstate Highway System, to reflect changes in construction costs which occurred between the date of the original estimate and the date generally applicable to the most recent cost estimates prepared for other interstate routes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1975
Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the coastwise laws shall extend to the Virgin Islands with respect to the transportation of crude oil, residual fuel oil, and refined petroleum products.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1975
Local Freight and Passenger Services Amendments - Redefines "interim light density lines" for purposes of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act as meaning all rail properties used or useful in providing local rail service in the region, except rail properties (1) designated in the final system plan as profitable lines to be operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation or profitable railroads pursuant to this Act; (2) approved for abandonment prior to the effective date of the final system plan; or (3) which are out of service as of the effective date of the final system plan. Directs the Corporation to determine and publish criteria to assist States and local and regional transportation authorities in making determinations whether to provide rail service continuation subsidies to maintain in operation particular rail properties, and provide legal and technical assistance to such authorities. States that the Corporation must issue regulations containing standards for the computation of subsidies for rail passenger services. Permits discontinuance of freight service on any interim light density line if such line is not subject to an offer of or an agreement for purchase or subsidy, and notice of intent to discontinue freight service is sent to the Governor and local governments of the affected States. Authorizes discontinuance of rail passenger service after specified conditions have been met. Prohibits discontinuance or abandonment if a shipper, a State, the United States, a local or regional transportation authority, or any other responsible person offers (1) a rail service continuation subsidy which covers the difference between the revenue attributable to such rail properties and the avoidable costs of providing service on such rail properties plus a reasonable return on the value of such rail properties; or (2) to purchase such rail properties in order to operate rail service over such properties. Sets forth procedures governing the rehabilitation of out-of-service and interim light density lines. Directs the U.S. Railway Association to issue a supplement to the final system plan which shall (1) provide for the transfer of all interim light density lines to the Corporation; and (2) designate the value of all interim light density lines and the value of the securities and other benefits to be received for rail properties transferred to the Corporation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to States to help such States meet the cost of establishing and implementing State rail plans. Stipulates that State plans are not suitable unless such plan provides for prompt determination and evaluation of (1) the amount of rail service continuation subsidies required for each interim light density line; (2) the total direct and indirect costs of abandonment of interim light density lines; and (3) the total direct and indirect costs of maintaining interim light density lines. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make supplementary grants to State, local, or regional transportation authorities for the purpose of assisting such entities in paying for additional costs of passenger service resulting from the implementation of the regulations promulgated by the Office pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1975
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to carry out a demonstration project in Metairie, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, for the relocation of rail lines in order to eliminate specified ground level railroad highway crossings.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1975
Second Regional Rail Reorganization Act Amendments - States that the Board of Directors of the U.S. Railway Association shall have a Government Investment Committee, vested with the exclusive power to: (1) exercise or decline to exercise, as provided in the final system plan, the rights of the Association as holder of any securities of the Consolidated Rail Corporation issued to the Association; (2) make the affirmative findings and exercise any exclusive powers, as expressly provided in this Act; and (3) exercise the authority expressly conferred on it under this Act. Reduces by $1,000,000,000 the aggregate amount of the obligations of the Association which may be outstanding at any one time. Directs the Association to purchase debentures and series A preferred stock of the Corporation, at such times and in such amounts as may be requested by the Corporation to provide for the modernization, rehabitation, and maintenance of rail properties; for the acquisition of equipment; for the refinancing of indebtedness; or to provide working capital as contemplated by the final system plan. Sets forth terms and conditions governing such purchases. Authorizes appropriations to the Association of $2,100,000,000 to be used for the purchase of securities of the Corporation in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the Corporation to issue debentures, series A preferred stock, series B preferred stock, common stock, and other securities. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance in the form of grants or loans to, or by the acquisition of securities of (1) the Corporation or other railroads, any State or local or regional transportation authority, or any other responsible person, for the purpose of facilitating the implementation of a supplementary transaction, and (2) the Corporation for the purpose of supplementary assistance. Enumerates the terms, conditions, and prerequisites for such assistance. States the policy of Congress that such terms must furnish reasonable assurance that any borrower will be able to repay the loans within the time fixed. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of $400,000,000 to provide such assistance. Permits discretionary representation by the United States on behalf of profitable railroads in instances where it appears that a judgment against such profitable railroad might be reached. Authorizes implementation of supplementary agreements and transactions when it is determined that they would promote the establishment and retention of a financially self-sustaining rail service system in the region adequate to meet the region's needs. Directs the Association to analyze each proposed supplementary transaction to determine whether it is in the public interest and is fair and equitable. States that if the opinions of the Secretary and the Association are not in agreement as to whether a proposal is fair and equitable, the Secretary may petition for a hearing before a special court. Sets forth procedures governing such hearings. States that all injunctive, declaratory, or enforcement actions under this Act shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the special court. Authorizes appropriations of up to $40,000,000 to meet the costs of the administrative functions of the Association.