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Bill· HRH.R. 13180 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1978
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to eliminate the deduction of railroad retirement annuities by amounts payable as social security benefits for persons who had current connections with the railroad industry, had at least five years of service, and had attained the age of 65 as of the effective date of such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 13176 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1978
Interoceanic Canal Study Act - Declares that the purposes of this Act are: (1) the completion of studies necessary to make current the Atlantic-Pacific Interoceanic Canal Study Commission report; (2) to determine the feasibility of a new interoceanic canal; and (3) to implement that portion of the Panama Canal Treaty relating to the study of a sea-level canal in the Republic of Panama. Title I: Interoceanic Canal Study Council - Establishes an Interoceanic Canal Study Council to review and assess routes for the construction and operation of such a canal across America. Requires the Council to submit to the President a document setting forth the results of such review. Requires the President to submit a report to the Congress after reviewing such document. Terminates the Council upon the establishment of the Joint United States-Panama Sea-Level Canal Study Commission or the expiration of six months after its report. Provides that title II of this Act shall only take effect after the President submits the necessary report to Congress. Title II: Joint United States-Panama Sea- Level Canal Study Commission - Establishes the Joint United States-Panama Sea-Level Canal Study Commission, upon the taking effect of this title, to conduct studies as may be related to the canal, including onsite surveys and the preparation, if required, of an environmental report. Requires the Commission to submit, within two years after the initial appointment of all members of the Commission, a report to the Congress and the President on the update of the final report of the Atlantic-Pacific Interoceanic Canal Study Commission. Requires the Commission to prepare an environmental report with respect to the construction of such a canal if the President notifies the Congress that such a canal would be advantageous to the United States. Requires the Council on Environmental Quality, upon the submission to the Congress and the President of the environmental report, to afford interested persons an opportunity to present data and views respecting the environmental impact statement in such report. Provides for the termination of the Commission. Title III: Powers of Council and Commission and Administrative Provisions - Grants the Council and Commission certain powers necessary to carry out their duties under this Act. Directs the Council and Commission to each appoint a Director and other personnel deemed necessary, including the procurement of experts and consultants. Provides that a Federal employee appointed to the Council or Commission shall retain their civil service status. Title IV: Authorizations and Effective Dates - Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 to carry the provisions of Titles I and II, respectively.
Bill· HRH.R. 13081 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1978
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board to establish minimum rates, fares, and charges for air services provided to the Department of Defense by air carriers through contracts of more than 30 days' duration.
Bill· HRH.R. 13095 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1978
Stipulates that upon the withdrawal of approval of any portion of an Interstate Highway, the State involved, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Transportation, shall not be required to refund to the Highway Trust Fund any sums paid to the State for intangible costs. Stipulates that refunds shall not be required if the State applies such funds to an eligible transportation project or to a public conservation or recreation purpose within ten years.
Bill· HRH.R. 12978 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1978
Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to vest jurisdiction in the Federal Maritime Commission over complaints against shippers, consignors, and consignees. Prohibits any shipper, consignor, or consignee (or agent or employee thereof) of a common carrier by water in foreign commerce from receiving or demanding less than the applicable Federal Maritime Commission cargo rates.
Bill· HRH.R. 12976 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1978
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize free or reduced rate air transportation for any person, fifteen years of age or younger, who is traveling to the United States from any place outside thereof for the purpose of being adopted by any resident of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 12959 (95th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1978
Makes owners and lessees of vessels documented under the laws of the United States for the operation in United States foreign or domestic commerce (formerly foreign, Great Lakes, or noncontiguous trade) or fisheries eligible to enter into agreements with the Secretary of Commerce to establish a capital construction fund for replacing, acquiring, or reconstructing vessels. Redefines "qualified vessel" for such purposes.
Law· HRH.R. 12933 (95th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1978
Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriation Act - Title I: Department of Transportation - Appropriates specified sums for fiscal year 1979 for: (1) the Office of the Secretary of Transportation; (2) the Coast Guard; (3) the Federal Aviation Administration; (4) the Federal Highway Administration; (5) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; (6) the Federal Railroad Administration; (7) the Urban Mass Transportation Administration; (8) the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; and (9) the Research and Special Programs Directorate. Title II: Related Agencies - Appropriates specified sums for fiscal year 1979 for: (1) the National Transportation Safety Board; (2) the Civil Aeronautics Board; (3) the Interstate Commerce Commission; (4) the Panama Canal Zone Government and the Panama Canal Company; (5) the Department of the Treasury for the acquisition of fund anticipation notes pursuant to the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976; (6) the United States Railway Association; and (7) the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth limitations on the use of funds made available under this Act including a prohibition on the use of funds for any further construction of the Miami jetport or of any other air facility in Florida lying south of the Okeechobee Waterway and in the drainage basin contributing water to the Everglades National Park until it has been shown by an appropriate study made jointly by the Departments of the Interior and Transportation that such an airport will not have an adverse environmental effect on the ecology of the Everglades. Prohibits the use of funds made available under this Act for the liquidation of contractual obligations under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to support mass transit facilities, equipment or operating expenses unless the applicant for such assistance has given satisfactory assurances to the Secretary of Transportation that the rates charged elderly and handicapped persons during nonpeak hours shall not exceed one-half of the rates applicable to others during peak hours.
Bill· HRH.R. 12918 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1978
Stipulates that upon the withdrawal of approval of any portion of an Interstate Highway, the State involved, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Transportation, shall not be required to refund to the Highway Trust Fund any sums paid to the State for intangible costs. Stipulates that refunds shall not be required if the State applies such funds to an eligible transportation project or to a public conservation or recreation purpose within ten years.
Bill· HRH.R. 12852 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1978
Provides that no highway construction or improvement project which (1) essentially follows an existing street or highway alignment, and (2) does not require the acquisition of any land other than that required for minor alterations in the interest of safety (such as for the revision of grades and the flattening of curves), may be deemed to be a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 relating to the requiring of environmental impact statements.
Bill· HRH.R. 12833 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1978
Community and Airport Development Act - Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to increase authorizations of appropriations for airport development programs for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Authorizes additional appropriations for the purpose of developing general aviation airports for such fiscal years.
Bill· HRH.R. 12822 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1978
Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1974 to repeal the emergency financial assistance provided in such Act for reimbursement for the costs of providing certain mandatory rail passenger service. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to reimburse States and local public bodies and agencies for the cost of modernizing and rehabilitating rolling stock, and publicly owned road bed, and for the costs of supporting or operating electric railways designated as Class I. Repeals the present formula for the apportionment of such reimbursement funds and directs the Secretary to establish a new formula within 90 days after the enactment of the Urban Mass Transportation Act Amendments of 1978. Sets forth the Federal share for the payment of subsidies for operating expenses and for rolling stock or publicly owned road bed modernization or rehabilitation. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts through fiscal year 1982 for such payments.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1199 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1978
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that steps should be taken to insure that more efficient use is made of the existing stock of railroad freight cars and power equipment and to encourage the acquisition of new cars and equipment in order to meet the needs of American agriculture.
Bill· HRH.R. 12816 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1978
Surface Transportation Assistance Act - Title I: Federal Aid Highway Act - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to revise and extend the authorization for appropriations for the Interstate Highway System through fiscal year 1992. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of a portion of such funds for fiscal years 1980 through 1983. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion such amounts in a specified manner for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of railroad-highway crossing demonstration projects under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 shall be 95 percent of the cost of such a project. Establishes a cutoff date for the designation and completion of the Interstate Highway System. Authorizes the Secretary to approve projects for resurfacing, restoring, and rehabilitating lanes on the Interstate System which have been in use for more than five years. Sets forth the Federal share of the costs of such projects. Increases the Federal share for specified highway programs. Authorizes the Secretary to approve a State's request for the retention of certain outdoor advertising where the sign or display was in existence on May 5, 1976. Authorizes the Secretary to approve Federal participation in State projects for replacing unsafe highway bridges which are not on the Federal-aid system. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for traffic control signalization projects designed to conserve motor fuel and decrease traffic congestion. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds made available for pavement marking demonstration programs in a manner deemed by the Secretary most appropriate to expedite the completion of pavement markings on all highways. Increases the amount of appropriations authorized for the construction of bridges across Federal dams which may be expended as an emergency fund to meet additional costs. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to increase the Federal share for construction projects on the Appalachian development highway system and to increase the authorized mileage for such system. Establishes a ceiling on obligations for Federal- aid highways and highway construction projects for fiscal year 1979. Amends the Energency Highway Emergy Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to approve carpool projects in urbanized areas. Authorizes the reapportionment of funds not used by a State for the Interstate System to another State which has obligated all of its apportionment. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out access control demonstration projects designed to demonstrate whether preserving the capacity of existing highways to move traffic safely by acquiring and controlling the right of access to such highways is a cost effective alternative to the construction of additional highways. Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and municipalities for the construction of bikeways in urbanized areas. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Stipulates that upon repayment of a specified sum by the State of Indiana to the Treasurer of the United States, Interstate Route 80/90 shall be free of all restrictions with respect to the imposition and collection of tolls. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project in a metropolitan area of 500,000 or more population to restrict the access of motor vehicles to the central business district during peak traffic hours in order to determine the practicability of this method in reducing motor vehicle congestion. Directs the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project on the Interstate System to place vending machines in rest and recreation areas located on the rights-of-way of such System. Directs the Secretary to designate a portion of State Highway Numbered 17 in Richmond, California as part of the Interstate System. Exempts the facility owned by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority on the right-of-way of interstate route I-81 in New York State from certain restrictions prohibiting commercial establishments on such a right-of-way. Authorizes the Secretary to approve certain construction projects with respect to interstate route I-90 in New York State. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the construction of spur highways to connect the Great River Road with existing bridges across the Mississippi River. Directs the Secretary to reimburse the Federal share of the cost of constructing a new toll bridge across the Ohio River at Huntington, West Virginia. Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds to erect or modify road signs solely using the metric system unless specifically authorized by Congress. Requires each State to annually report to the Secretary regarding State enforcement of its vehicle weight limitations on the Federal-aid system. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to the State of New Hampshire for expenditure on Federal-aid highways (other than Interstate System highways) which serve as alternative routes to the Franconia Notch Parkway. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project permitting a State to sell State lottery tickets at publicly owned rest and recreation areas on the rights-of-way of the Interstate System in such State. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project on the Federal-aid primary system for the construction of a bypass highway around Prairie Creek Redwood State Park in Humbolt County, California. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the feasibility of an additional bridge across the Columbia River between Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Directs the Secretary to carry out a rural highway public transportation demonstration project in the Sherman, Texas - Denison, Texas area. Title II: Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway safety programs. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for projects to eliminate hazards relating to rail-highway crossings. Requires each State to annually certify to the Secretary that it is enforcing the national maximum speed limit. Directs the Secretary to reduce a State's apportionment for Federal-aid highway funds if the percentage of motor vehicles exceeding 55 miles per hour exceeds a specified percentage. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 through 1982 to the Secretary of Transportation for the acquisition, storage, and retrieval of highway accident data and for establishing procedures for reporting accidents on a nationwide basis. Abolishes the National Highway Safety Advisory Committee. Authorizes the Secretary to waive State highway safety program standards for projects to identify highway accident causes and to reduce accidents. Directs the Secretary to carry out six pilot projects designed, through the use of television and radio, to develop and evaluate methods to achieve maximum measurable effectiveness in reducing traffic accidents, injuries, and death. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Title III: Urban Mass Transportation Act Amendments - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act to repeal the provision which allows States or local public bodies to use Federal urban mass transportation assistance for the payment of operating expenses for mass transportation services. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified projects under such Act. Requires that a specified portion of such appropriations be used for grants for intercity bus service. Directs the Secretary to apportion authorizations for the urban mass transit program according to a specified formula for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Removes specified restrictions regarding the availability of fellowships for public transportation training programs. Authorizes general appropriations to carry out the provisions of the Urban Mass Transportation Act through fiscal year 1982. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress monthly regarding the funding of projects under such Act. Revises the Federal operating assistance program for the provision of rail passenger service under such Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for such program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and local bodies to acquire, construct, or alter facilities for use in providing intercity bus service and in coordinating such service with other modes of transportation. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its net cost. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 to carry out such program. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for the liquidation of obligations incurred for public mass transit projects substituted for routes on the Interstate Highway System. Authorizes the Secretary to convert specified mass transportation equipment and facilities loans to grants under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to make a full and complete investigation and study of establishing and operating a mass transportation system which would provide basic services with a minimum of amenities at low costs and to report the results of such study to Congress. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project using high speed jetfoil transportation facilities and operating between the Long Branch, New Jersey area, Sandy Hook State Park, and New York, New York to determine the feasibility of utilizing this technology in providing certain public mass transportation service. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such project. Title IV: Prohibits the awarding of grants of more than $5,000,000 for the acquisition of any steel or rolling stock for fixed rail service unless substantially all the steel to be acquired has been domestically produced. Sets forth exceptions to this requirement. Provides for Congressional review of certain rules and regulations relating to highways or urban mass transportation.
Bill· HRH.R. 12803 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1978
Tanker Safety Improvement Act - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to require that vessels subject to such Act be constructed and operated using the best available pollution prevention technology. Requires that vessels of more than 20,000 deadweight tons which are documented under the laws of the United States and engaged in the carriage of oil in bulk to ports of the United States and for which construction is contracted for or begun after January 1, 1978, be equipped with a segregated ballast capacity.
Bill· HRH.R. 12782 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1978
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the seizure and forfeiture of vessels, vehicles, and aircraft used to illegally transport aliens into the United States. Sets forth exceptions to such authority, including a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft used as a common carrier unless the owner or other person in charge was at the time of the alleged illegal act a consenting party or privy thereto. Provides for such seizure without a warrant if incident to an arrest, or if the Attorney General has probable cause to believe such illegal transport occurred.
Bill· SS. 3093 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1978
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the seizure and forfeiture of vessels, vehicles, and aircraft used to illegally transport aliens into the United States. Sets forth exceptions to such authority, including a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft used as a common carrier unless the owner or other person in charge was at the time of the alleged illegal act a consenting party or privy thereto. Provides for such seizure without a warrant if incident to an arrest, or if the Attorney General has probable cause to believe such illegal transport occurred.
Bill· HRH.R. 12769 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1978
Private General Aviation Airport Act - Provides for Federal guarantees of private loans to certain privately owned, public use general aviation airports for improvements to such airports in order to promote local, feeder, and short haul air transportation. Specifies restrictions on any such guarantees authorized by the Secretary of Transportation.
Law· SS. 3081 (95th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1978
Safety Act Amendments - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to stipulate that a State may bring an action to enforce railroad safety rules, regulations, or orders where the Secretary of Transportation has failed to act within 90 days after being notified of a safety violation by the investigating State agency (previously a State could commence an action where the Secretary had failed to act within 90 days after the violation occurred). Removes the authority of the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate rail accidents. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 to carry out the provisions of such Act. Amends the Hours of Service Act to restrict its application to common carriers by railroad engaging in interstate or foreign commerce. Vests the authority to assess civil penalties for improperly equipped railroad cars with the Secretary of Transportation. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to eliminate the $100,000,000 ceiling on the purchase of trustee certificates of railroads in reorganization by the Secretary of Transportation. Stipulates that the Secretary's authority to make commitments to purchase railroad redeemable preference shares under such Act shall terminate on September 30, 1979.
Bill· SS. 3073 (95th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1978
Federal Aid-Highway Act - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to decrease authorizations for the Interstate Highway System for fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Prohibits the use of interstate construction funds apportioned to a State to expand or clear areas adjacent to Interstate routes designed prior to February, 1967. Specifies the method by which the Secretary of Transportation is to apportion interstate highway funds for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations for various highway programs for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Establishes a minimum apportionment for each of the States at one-half of one percent of the total apportionment for the Interstate System. Authorizes appropriations for the resurfacing of lanes on the Interstate System which have been in use for more than five years. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall not exceed 70 percent of its cost. Increases the Federal matching share for any State transit or highway project which is substituted for an Interstate System project. Prohibits the Secretary from redesignating any State withdrawn mileage from the Interstate System as an Interstate project. Limits the Federal-aid urban highway system to areas having a population of 50,000 or more. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a withdrawal of Interstate mileage and transfer of funds to public transportation or other highway purposes after September 30, 1982. Stipulates that after such date the Secretary may not approve any Interstate project unless the environmental impact statement has been completed. Requires all Interstate projects and substitute projects to be under construction by September 30, 1986, or be removed from Interstate designation. Revises the Interstate System apportionment formula to give added weight to the cost to complete essential gaps in the System. Revises the Interstate System resurfacing apportionment. Revises the population factor in the apportionment formula for secondary highway systems to include areas with a population of between 5,000 and 50,000. Authorizes a State to transfer up to 50 percent of its primary, urban or secondary highway program apportionment from one of these programs to another. Stipulates that urban system funds allocated to areas of 200,000 or more may not be transferred without the approval of local officials. Authorizes States which have obligated all of their present Interstate apportionments to obligate advances against their next annual apportionment. Directs the Secretary in making such advances to give priority to applications involving a completion of essential gaps in the System. Requires the Secretary to insure that the States commit adequate resources to the maintenance of Interstate routes. Requires that such a program contain minimum standards by which the condition of Interstate routes shall be judged and that Interstate routes which are more than five years old be inspected annually. Directs the Secretary to withhold approval of a State's primary system projects if deficiencies were found in an Interstate route and the State had not made adequate commitments to repair such deficiencies within a year. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress by October 1, 1980, regarding such maintenance program. Reduces the time period during which States may use their Interstate apportionments. Stipulates that at the end of such period the Secretary may allocate such sums to States with ready-to-commence Interstate projects. Requires that preference be given in such allocation to projects to complete essential gaps in the System. Authorizes States to use Interstate Funds to pay both principal and interest on bonds issued after the enactment of this Act for Interstate construction under certain circumstances (previously such funds could only be used for the payment of the principal of such bonds). Stipulates that Federal financial assistance for emergency repairs and reconstruction of roads on the Federal-aid system shall be entirely funded from the Highway Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary to undertake a study of the costs of highway construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance attributable to various classes of highway users and to the environment. Directs the Congressional Budget Office to evaluate the distribution of tax burdens among highway users and to report its findings to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress by January 15, 1982, the results of such study and to recommend alternative tax structures which will more equitably allocate highway costs among highway users. Directs the Secretary to investigate the need for uniform maximum truck sizes and weights throughout the country including an evaluation of the economic effects of reducing vehicle weight limits in States with legal limits higher than the national maximum. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the results of such study by January 15, 1981. Authorizes the Secretary to approve the use of Federal-aid highway funds to relocate segments of railways to eliminate hazardous rail-highway crossings where this method is the least expensive way of eliminating the hazard. Authorizes the Secretary to approve the use of secondary highway system funds by a State for public transportation projects. Expands the special bridge replacement program to authorize the use of such funds for highway bridge rehabilitation projects. Authorizes a State to use up to 30 percent of such funds to repair or replace highway bridges which are not on any Federal-aid system. Decreases the Federal share of such projects. Authorizes the Secretary to use Federal-aid highway funds to fund carpool and vanpool demonstration projects. Exempts such projects from specified Interstate Commerce Commission regulations and requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Requires States to allocate Federal urban system funds for urbanized areas of 200,000 or more population according to population unless the State chooses to use an alternative formula approved by approved by the Secretary. Requires States to distribute funds to urbanized areas of less than 200,000 population on a fair and equitable basis. Directs the Secretary to establish a highway safety improvement program for projects on any public road or street in urban or rural areas. Directs each State to develop a highway safety improvement program. Requires States to use at least 30 percent of its highway safety apportionment for projects not on a Federal-aid system. Requires States to submit specified data regarding the percentage of vehicles exceeding the 55 mile per hour national maximum speed limit. Reduces Federal-aid highway funds to States which fail to achieve a specified level of compliance with such limit. Repeals the following categories of highway projects: (1) priority primary routes; (2) access highways to public recreation areas or certain lakes; (3) highways crossing Federal projects; and (4) safer off-system roads. Establishes a grant program for the construction of bikeways, and the improvement of existing roads and transportation systems for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for the design and construction of bicycle projects. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any Federal-aid project which would reduce present bicycle or pedestrian access to a greater extent than automobile access unless a comparable route is provided or already exists. Authorizes the imposition of tolls on urban highways where the tolls are part of a State implementation plan required under the Clean Air Act. Authorizes appropriations for projects to eliminate rail-highway crossing hazards. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations for railroad relocation demonstration projects. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974 to increase the authorization for construction of the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the States of New Mexico and Texas, to carry out a demonstration project to upgrade primary routes between Los Cruces, New Mexico, and Amarillo, Texas, and between Lubbock, Texas, and Interstate Route 10. Authorizes a new bridge program for the construction or replacement of primary system bridges over major bodies of water. Authorizes the State of Maine to repay to the Highway Trust Fund funds received and expended for interchanges along the Maine Turnpike. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress by January 15, 1980, on the desirability of designating Interstate routes in Alaska and Puerto Rico. Prohibits the Secretary from obligating funds authorized by this Act for any project exceeding $1,000,000 unless the materials used in construction are produced in the United States. Specifies exceptions to such requirement. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 for a traffic management demonstration project.
Bill· HRH.R. 12730 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1978
Safe Bridge Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) inventory all bridges which are not located on any of the Federal-aid systems; (2) classify them according to serviceability, safety, and essentiality for public use; and (3) assign each bridge a priority for replacement or rehabilitation based on such classification. Authorizes Federal participation in State projects to repair or replace such bridges. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for bridge replacement or rehabilitation programs through fiscal year 1982. Amends the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 to extend the transfers of specified taxes collected in the general Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund through 1984. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to extend the transfers of specified nonhighway gasoline taxes from such fund to the Treasury through 1984. Postpones specified transportation related excise tax reductions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
Bill· SS. 3064 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1978
Aircraft and Airport Noise Reduction Act - Title I: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a single system of measuring noise and the impact of noise on individuals to be used to measure noise at airports and their surrounding areas and to establish land uses for such areas which are compatible with such noise levels. Allows airport operators to submit noise impact maps to the Secretary setting forth the noncompatible uses in each area of the map, a description of the projected aircraft operations during 1985, and the ways in which such operations will affect such map. Requires the revision of such maps when changes in airports operations would create any new noncompatible use in areas surrounding an airport. Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act to authorize the Secretary to make grants to qualified airports for noise compatibility planning. Defines "noise compatibility planning" as the preparation of noise impact maps and noise compatibility programs under this Act. Sets forth limitation regarding the amounts which may be obligated through such grant program. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1979 and beyond to carry out such grant program. Stipulates that noise compatibility programs filed with the Secretary pursuant to this Act shall include measures proposed by airport operators for the reduction of existing noncompatible uses and the prevention of the introduction of additional noncompatible uses with the area covered by the operator's noise impact map. Sets forth factors which the Secretary is to rely on in approving noise compatibility programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of an approved program shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 to carry out such grant program. Requires the Secretary to prepare noise impact maps and noise compatibility programs for specified airports near the District of Columbia. Places additional legal proof requirements on a person suing for damages as a result of airport noise. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the effectiveness of such airport noise compatibility planning. Title II: Increases specified appropriations authorized for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 under the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970. Increases from 80 to 90 percent the Federal share of approved projects under such Act for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Requires prior approval by any incorporated village located within five miles of any general aviation airport located astride a line separating two counties within a single State before the Secretary may approve any runway construction or extension project for such airport. Title III: Directs the Secretary to publish a list of operators of United States civil subsonic turbojet powered aircraft above a specified weight which do not comply with noise standards prescribed for new subsonic aircraft in regulations issued by the Secretary and in effect on January 1, 1977. Requires such operators to submit to the Secretary a statement that such aircraft will comply with such standards, the methods by which such compliance shall be attained, either by retrofitting or replacement. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee loans to eligible air carriers for the purchase of new replacement aircraft in order to comply with specified noise level requirements. Specifies certain restrictions on such loan guarantees. Stipulates that no such guarantees will be made after January 1, 1990. Prohibits any noncomplying aircraft from operating in the United States after January 1, 1985. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such operation deadline for certain noncomplying aircraft. Sets aside $1,000,000,000 in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund in the United States Treasury to be used for such aircraft loan guarantee program.
Bill· HRH.R. 12674 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Air Service Improvement Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board, in the performance of its duties, to consider reliance on competitive market forces in the airline industry and the encouragement of new air carriers as being in the public interest and in accordance with public convenience and necessity. Stipulates that the Federal government shall have preemptive powers with respect to air carriers holding valid certificates or licenses under such Act or who were granted exemptions in order to provide interstate or overseas air transportation. Stipulates that such preemption shall not take effect with respect to carriers solely engaged in intrastate air service as of August 1, 1977 and which were subsequently granted a license, certificate, or exemption to engage in additional transportation until at least 50 percent of the carrier's revenues for the preceeding year are derived from interstate air transportation. Establishes time limitations during which the Civil Aeronautics Board must dispense with applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity to engage in air transportation. Authorizes the Board to dismiss an application on its merits without a hearing within 90 days of its filing date. Deems such dismissal a final order for purposes of judicial review. Requires the Board to issue certificates to engage in regular interstate or overseas air transportation, temporary air transportation, or supplemental air transportation if certain conditions are met and the proposed service is consistent with public convenience and necessity (previously certificates for such interstate and overseas air transportation could only be granted if public convenience and necessity so required). Stipulates that if an air carrier holding round trip nonstop authority between any two points in interstate air transportation does not exercise such authority to a specified extent the Board shall issue a certificate authorizing such transportation to another carrier applying for such authority. Establishes procedures for the granting of such an application. Establishes procedures by which specified air carriers may engage in nonstop service between additional pairs of points not currently authorized by an existing certificate or license. Stipulates that if two carriers apply for such authority between the same points the Board shall select only one applicant and shall base such decision upon specified objectives including the maximization of competition in air transportation and encouragement of new air carriers. Stipulates that the Board's authority to exercise such discretionary authority shall expire on the last day of the fifth calendar year which begins on or after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Board to issue a certificate to at least one applicant who does not presently hold a certificate to engage in air transportation if specified conditions arise. Creates a rebuttable presumption that regular, temporary, and supplemental interstate or overseas air transportation covered by an application for a certificate to engage in such transportation is consistent with public convenience and necessity. Prohibits the transfer of certificates to engage in air transportation except where necessary to carry out a consolidation or a merger approved under this Act. Allows air carriers to terminate any air transportation required by its certificate upon 90 days notice filed with the Board and served upon each community directly affected by such termination. Authorizes the Board to temporarily suspend such termination in order to allow arrangements to be made for substitute service. Directs the Board to promulgate rules establishing simplified procedures for the disposition of applications for certificates to engage in interstate or overseas air transportation, permits to engage in foreign transportation, and for modifications or transfers of such certificates or permits. Stipulates that the Board may dispense with oral evidentiary hearings with respect to such proceedings. Sets forth procedures and factors to be considered in the disposal of applications for approval of consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control agreements by the Board. Authorizes the Board to dispose of such applications without a hearing under specified circumstances. Prohibits the Board from approving such agreements or pooling agreements which would substantially lessen competition unless certain findings are made. Authorizes the Board to exempt persons from the provisions of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 under specified conditions. Exempts air carriers which provide passenger service solely with aircraft which have a maximum passenger capacity of less than 56 passengers or cargo service with aircraft having a maximum payload capacity of less than 18,000 pounds from the requirement that such a carrier hold a certificate of public convenience and necessity and such other requirements as the Board may promulgate by regulation. Authorizes the Board to increase such passenger or cargo capacity when the public interest so requires. Authorizes the Board to establish rates of compensation to be paid to commuter air carriers when no adequate service would otherwise be provided between two points. Sets forth factors which the Board is to consider in determining the amount of such compensation. Establishes eligibility requirements and procedures regarding applications for a license to engage in all-cargo air service. Establishes restrictions with respect to the authority of the Board to prescribe maximum or minimum rates for air transportation. Sets forth factors which the Board is to consider with respect to ratemaking for the carriage of persons in interstate air commerce or the carriage of persons or property in overseas air transportation. Authorizes the Board to institute, in its own name, a judicial proceeding to enforce the provisions of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 or any of its rules or orders pursuant to such Act, if the Attorney General or a district attorney fails to do so after a request from the Board within a specified period. Increases the maximum time limits during which an aircraft purchase loan may be repaid and increases the value of loans which may be outstanding in order to be eligible for Federal guarantees.
Bill· HRH.R. 12675 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Air Service Improvement Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board, in the performance of its duties, to consider reliance on competitive market forces in the airline industry and the encouragement of new air carriers as being in the public interest and in accordance with public convenience and necessity. Stipulates that the Federal government shall have preemptive powers with respect to air carriers holding valid certificates or licenses under such Act or who were granted exemptions in order to provide interstate or overseas air transportation. Stipulates that such preemption shall not take effect with respect to carriers solely engaged in intrastate air service as of August 1, 1977 and which were subsequently granted a license, certificate, or exemption to engage in additional transportation until at least 25 percent of the carrier's revenues for the preceeding year are derived from interstate air transportation. Establishes time limitations during which the Civil Aeronautics Board must dispense with applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity to engage in air transportation. Authorizes the Board to dismiss an application on its merits without a hearing within 90 days of its filing date. Deems such dismissal a final order for purposes of judicial review. Requires the Board to issue certificates to engage in regular interstate or overseas air transportation, temporary air transportation, or supplemental air transportation if certain conditions are met and the proposed service is consistent with public convenience and necessity (previously certificates for such interstate and overseas air transportation could only be granted if public convenience and necessity so required). Stipulates that if an air carrier holding round trip nonstop authority between any two points in interstate air transportation does not exercise such authority to a specified extent the Board shall issue a certificate authorizing such transportation to another carrier applying for such authority. Establishes procedures for the granting of such an application. Directs the Board to establish a program by which specified air carriers may engage in nonstop service between additional pairs of points not currently authorized by an existing certificate or license. Authorizes air carriers which hold certificates to engage in foreign air transportation, on any scheduled flight in foreign air transportation, to transport persons, property, and mail between points in the United States between which it is authorized to operate during such flight. Creates a rebuttable presumption that regular, temporary, and supplemental interstate or overseas air transportation covered by an application to engage in such transportation is consistent with the public convenience and necessity. Authorizes the Board to issue certificates to engage in air transportation on a temporary basis if the Board determines that a test period is desirable in order to evaluate the proposed new services. Establishes time limitations during which the Board must act upon an air carrier's application for removal or modification of a term, condition, or limitation attached to its certificate. Prohibits the transfer of a certificate except where necessary to carry out a consolidation or a merger approved under this Act. Allows air carriers to terminate or reduce below a specified level any air transportation required by its certificate upon 90 days' notice filed with the Board and served upon each community directly affected thereby. Authorizes the Board to temporarily suspend such proposed action in order to allow arrangements to be made for substitute air transportation. Directs the Board to establish simplified procedures for the disposition of applications for certificates or permits to engage in air transportation and for the alteration, suspension, or transfer of such certificates. Directs the Board, in determining the compensation to be paid for local air mail service, to disregard a carrier's revenues other than the revenue received from the service for which the compensation is being paid until January 1, 1983. Sets forth procedures and factors to be considered in the disposal of applications for approval of consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control agreements by the Board. Authorizes the Board to dispose of such applications without a hearing under specified circumstances. Prohibits the Board from approving such agreements or pooling agreements which would substantially lessen competition unless certain findings are made. Authorizes the Board to exempt persons from the provisions of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 under specified conditions. Exempts air carriers which provide passenger service solely with aircraft which have a maximum passenger capacity of fewer than 56 passengers or cargo service with aircraft having a maximum payload capacity of fewer than 18,000 pounds from the requirement that such a carrier hold a certificate of public convenience and necessity and such other requirements as the Board may promulgate by regulation. Authorizes the Board to increase such passenger or cargo capacity when the public interest so requires. Authorizes the Board to establish rates of compensation to be paid to commuter air carriers when no adequate service would otherwise be provided between two points. Sets forth factors which the Board is to consider in determining the amount of such compensation. Directs the Board by January 1, 1980 to conduct a review of all points which have been deleted from a certificate or to which service has been suspended without a condition that substitute service be provided to determine whether Federal financial assistance should be provided to commuter air carriers to provide essential air transportation. Restricts the President's powers to disapprove actions of the Board with respect to certificates or permits to engage in foreign air transportation. Stipulates that the President may only disapprove such actions solely on the basis of foreign relations or national defense considerations and not upon the basis of economic or carrier selection considerations. Establishes restrictions with respect to the authority of the Board to prescribe minimum or maximum fares in air transportation. Increases the maximum time limits during which an aircraft purchase loan may be repaid and increases the value of loans which may be outstanding in order to be eligible for Federal guarantees of such loans. Establishes sunset provisions with respect to the Board to become effective on Demember 31, 1985. Directs the Board, by January 1, 1983, to submit to Congress a comprehensive review of its implementation of the provisions of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958.
Bill· HRH.R. 12648 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Surface Transportation Assistance Act - Title I: Federal Aid Highway Act - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to revise and extend the authorization for appropriations for the Interstate Highway System through fiscal year 1992. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of a portion of such funds for fiscal years 1980 through 1983. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion such amounts in a specified manner for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of railroad-highway crossing demonstration projects under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 shall be 95 percent of the cost of such a project. Establishes a cutoff date for the designation and completion of the Interstate Highway System. Authorizes the Secretary to approve projects for resurfacing, restoring, and rehabilitating lanes on the Interstate System which have been in use for more than five years. Sets forth the Federal share of the costs of such projects. Increases the Federal share for specified highway programs. Authorizes the Secretary to approve a State's request for the retention of certain outdoor advertising where the sign or display was in existence on May 5, 1976. Authorizes the Secretary to approve Federal participation in State projects for replacing unsafe highway bridges which are not on the Federal-aid system. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for traffic control signalization projects designed to conserve motor fuel and decrease traffic congestion. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds made available for pavement marking demonstration programs in a manner deemed by the Secretary most appropriate to expedite the completion of pavement markings on all highways. Increases the amount of appropriations authorized for the construction of bridges across Federal dams which may be expended as an emergency fund to meet additional costs. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to increase the Federal share for construction projects on the Appalachian development highway system and to increase the authorized mileage for such system. Establishes a ceiling on obligations for Federal- aid highways and highway construction projects for fiscal year 1979. Amends the Energency Highway Emergy Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to approve carpool projects in urbanized areas. Authorizes the reapportionment of funds not used by a State for the Interstate System to another State which has obligated all of its apportionment. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out access control demonstration projects designed to demonstrate whether preserving the capacity of existing highways to move traffic safely by acquiring and controlling the right of access to such highways is a cost effective alternative to the construction of additional highways. Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and municipalities for the construction of bikeways in urbanized areas. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Stipulates that upon repayment of a specified sum by the State of Indiana to the Treasurer of the United States, Interstate Route 80/90 shall be free of all restrictions with respect to the imposition and collection of tolls. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project in a metropolitan area of 500,000 or more population to restrict the access of motor vehicles to the central business district during peak traffic hours in order to determine the practicability of this method in reducing motor vehicle congestion. Directs the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project on the Interstate System to place vending machines in rest and recreation areas located on the rights-of-way of such System. Directs the Secretary to designate a portion of State Highway Numbered 17 in Richmond, California as part of the Interstate System. Exempts the facility owned by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority on the right-of-way of interstate route I-81 in New York State from certain restrictions prohibiting commercial establishments on such a right-of-way. Authorizes the Secretary to approve certain construction projects with respect to interstate route I-90 in New York State. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the construction of spur highways to connect the Great River Road with existing bridges across the Mississippi River. Directs the Secretary to reimburse the Federal share of the cost of constructing a new toll bridge across the Ohio River at Huntington, West Virginia. Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds to erect or modify road signs solely using the metric system unless specifically authorized by Congress. Requires each State to annually report to the Secretary regarding State enforcement of its vehicle weight limitations on the Federal-aid system. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to the State of New Hampshire for expenditure on Federal-aid highways (other than Interstate System highways) which serve as alternative routes to the Franconia Notch Parkway. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project permitting a State to sell State lottery tickets at publicly owned rest and recreation areas on the rights-of-way of the Interstate System in such State. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project on the Federal-aid primary system for the construction of a bypass highway around Prairie Creek Redwood State Park in Humbolt County, California. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the feasibility of an additional bridge across the Columbia River between Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Directs the Secretary to carry out a rural highway public transportation demonstration project in the Sherman, Texas - Denison, Texas area. Title II: Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway safety programs. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for projects to eliminate hazards relating to rail-highway crossings. Requires each State to annually certify to the Secretary that it is enforcing the national maximum speed limit. Directs the Secretary to reduce a State's apportionment for Federal-aid highway funds if the percentage of motor vehicles exceeding 55 miles per hour exceeds a specified percentage. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 through 1982 to the Secretary of Transportation for the acquisition, storage, and retrieval of highway accident data and for establishing procedures for reporting accidents on a nationwide basis. Abolishes the National Highway Safety Advisory Committee. Authorizes the Secretary to waive State highway safety program standards for projects to identify highway accident causes and to reduce accidents. Directs the Secretary to carry out six pilot projects designed, through the use of television and radio, to develop and evaluate methods to achieve maximum measurable effectiveness in reducing traffic accidents, injuries, and death. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Title III: Urban Mass Transportation Act Amendments - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act to repeal the provision which allows States or local public bodies to use Federal urban mass transportation assistance for the payment of operating expenses for mass transportation services. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified projects under such Act. Requires that a specified portion of such appropriations be used for grants for intercity bus service. Directs the Secretary to apportion authorizations for the urban mass transit program according to a specified formula for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Removes specified restrictions regarding the availability of fellowships for public transportation training programs. Authorizes general appropriations to carry out the provisions of the Urban Mass Transportation Act through fiscal year 1982. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress monthly regarding the funding of projects under such Act. Revises the Federal operating assistance program for the provision of rail passenger service under such Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for such program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and local bodies to acquire, construct, or alter facilities for use in providing intercity bus service and in coordinating such service with other modes of transportation. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its net cost. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 to carry out such program. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for the liquidation of obligations incurred for public mass transit projects substituted for routes on the Interstate Highway System. Authorizes the Secretary to convert specified mass transportation equipment and facilities loans to grants under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to make a full and complete investigation and study of establishing and operating a mass transportation system which would provide basic services with a minimum of amenities at low costs and to report the results of such study to Congress. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project using high speed jetfoil transportation facilities and operating between the Long Branch, New Jersey area, Sandy Hook State Park, and New York, New York to determine the feasibility of utilizing this technology in providing certain public mass transportation service. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such project. Title IV: Prohibits the awarding of grants of more than $5,000,000 for the acquisition of any steel or rolling stock for fixed rail service unless substantially all the steel to be acquired has been domestically produced. Sets forth exceptions to this requirement. Provides for Congressional review of certain rules and regulations relating to highways or urban mass transportation.
Bill· HRH.R. 12611 (95th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1978
Air Service Improvement Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board, in the performance of its duties, to assign the highest priority to safety in air transportation, and to place maximum reliance on competitive market forces while encouraging new air carriers and preventing industry concentration. Stipulates that the Federal Government shall have preemptive rights with regard to interstate air carriers. Directs the Board and the Secretary of Transportation to jointly prepare a report to be submitted to the Congress by January 1, 1980, concerning direct and indirect Federal, State, and local governmental subsidization of United States scheduled air transportation. Establishes time limitations during which the Board must dispense with applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity to engage in air transportation. Authorizes the Board to dismiss an application on its merits without a hearing within 90 days of its filing date. Deems such dismissal a final order for purposes of judicial review. Requires the Board to issue certificates to engage in regular interstate or overseas air transportation, temporary air transportation, or supplemental air transportation if certain conditions are met and the proposed service is consistent with public convenience and necessity (previously certificates for such interstate and overseas air transportation could only be granted if public convenience and necessity so required). Stipulates that if certain round trip air carriers in interstate or overseas transportation fail to provide specified flight schedules, the Board is authorized to grant their routes to the first air carrier applicant meeting the requirements of the Board and the Secretary of Transportation. Establishes procedures for such route suspension and reissuance to a new air carrier. Authorizes air carriers which hold certificates to engage in foreign air transportation, on any scheduled flight in foreign air transportation, to transport persons, property, and mail between points in the United States between which it is authorized to operate during such flight. Establishes an experimental entry program for certain air carriers to engage in nonstop service in overseas or interstate transportation on routes currently assigned to another carrier. Directs the Board to conduct a study of the procedure for such program and to report to the Congress by June 30, 1980. Authorizes the Board to issue certificates to engage in air transportation on a temporary basis if the Board determines that a test period is desirable in order to evaluate the proposed new services. Establishes time limitations during which the Board must act upon an air carrier's application for removal or modification of a term, condition, or limitation attached to its certificate. Directs the Board to establish simplified procedures for the disposition of applications for certificates or permits to engage in air transportation and for the alteration, suspension, or transfer of such certificates. Directs the Board, in determining the compensation to be paid for local air mail service, to disregard a carrier's revenues other than the revenue received from the service for which the compensation is being paid until January 1, 1983. Requires certain air carriers that are the only carriers between two points to notify the Board and the community involved 90 days in advance of any proposed suspension or termination of nonstop or single-plane air transportation services. Revises the rate determination elements for airmail transportation compensation for 1964, 1965 and 1966. Sets forth procedures and factors to be considered in the disposal of applications for approval of consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control agreements by the Board. Authorizes the Board to dispose of such applications without a hearing under specified circumstances. Prohibits the Board from approving such agreements or pooling agreements which would substantially lessen competition unless certain findings are made. Authorizes the Board to exempt persons from specified Clayton Act antitrust violations if in the public interest to do so. Revises the proceedings of the Board upon a filing by an air carrier of any pooling contract or agreement, including the requirement that the Board provide to the Secretary of Transportation and the Attorney General written notice and opportunity to comment upon any such filed contract or agreement. Authorizes the Board to exempt persons from the provisions of the Act under specified conditions. Exempts air carriers which provide passenger service solely with aircraft which have a maximum passenger capacity of fewer than 56 passengers or cargo service with aircraft having a maximum payload capacity of fewer than 18,000 pounds from the requirement that such a carrier hold a certificate of public convenience and necessity and such other requirements as the Board may promulgate by regulation. Authorizes the Board to decrease such passenger or cargo capacity when the public interest so requires. Authorizes the Board to establish rates of compensation to be paid to commuter air carriers when no adequate service would otherwise be provided between two points. Sets forth factors which the Board is to consider in determining the amount of such compensation. Directs the Board by January 1, 1980 to conduct a review of all points which have been deleted from a certificate or to which service has been suspended without a condition that substitute service be provided to determine whether Federal financial assistance should be provided to commuter air carriers to provide essential air transportation. Restricts the President's powers to disapprove actions of the Board with respect to certificates or permits to engage in foreign air transportation. Stipulates that the President may only disapprove such actions solely on the basis of foreign relations or national defense considerations and not upon the basis of economic or carrier selection considerations. Establishes restrictions with respect to the authority of the Board to prescribe minimum or maximum fares in air transportation. Provides for the withholding from public disclosure of certain information contained in any application, report, or document filed under the Act. Increases the value of loans which may be outstanding in order to be eligible for Federal guarantees of such loans. Increases the maximum time limits during which an aircraft purchase loan may be repaid. Prohibits any such Federal loan guarantee to be made for the purchase of any new turbojet powered aircraft not in compliance with Federal noise standards. Establishes sunset provisions with respect to the Board to become effective on December 31, 1982. Directs the Board, by December 31, 1981, to submit to Congress a comprehensive review of its implementation of the provisions of the Act. Establishes the Airline Employees' Protective Account in the U.S. Treasury.
Law· SS. 3040 (95th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1978
National Railroad Passenger Corporation Authorization Act - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize appropriations for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for fiscal year 1979. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Corporation, to develop a preliminary recommendation for a route system for the Corporation which will provide an optimal intercity railroad passenger system based on current and future market and population requirements. Specifies considerations which the Secretary is to consider in formulating such recommendations and specifies provisions to be included in such report. Directs the Office of Rail Public Counsel to conduct public hearings on the Secretary's recommendations and to submit its findings to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to thoroughly consider such material in developing a final recommended route system for the Corporation. Directs the Secretary to submit such final recommendations to both Houses, of Congress and to specified committees. Stipulates that such recommendations shall be deemed approved within 60 days unless either the House of Representatives or the Senate adopts a resolution disapproving such recommendations. Directs the Corporation after such approval to complete the implementation of such basic route system within 12 months. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary to develop economical and reliable rolling stock and related equipment designed to be compatible with the track, and operating and marketing characteristics of the Northeast Corridor. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission in determining the compensation to be paid by the Corporation to other railroads or public transportation agencies for track or facility usage to limit such compensation to the avoidable costs of permitting the Corporation to use the railroad's or agency's tracks and facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 12577 (95th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1978
Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for expenses of the Office of Safety, State safety programs, expenses of the Federal Railroad Administration, and for conducting safety research and development programs. Sets forth limitations on the use of such funds. Amends the Hours of Service Act to prescribe maximum on-duty and minimum off-duty hours for signal system employees. Removes the authority of the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate rail accidents.
Bill· HRH.R. 12521 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
Includes within the definition of "air traffic controller" for purposes of statutes pertaining to Federal employee pay, retirement, and employment, persons actively engaged in providing preflight, inflight, or airport advisory service to aircraft operators and the immediate supervisors of such persons.
Bill· HRH.R. 12512 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1978
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to develop and effectuate comprehensive noise abatement plans for airports operated by the Administration. Requires the Administrator to establish and maintain an aircraft noise monitoring program for each such airport.
Bill· HRH.R. 12477 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Surface Transportation Act - Title I: Rail Transportation - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prepare a national survey of the existing rolling stock of all rail freight carriers. Directs the Secretary, based on the results of such survey, to create regional reserves of railroad rolling stock for lease to rail carriers for seasonal, specialized or high volume operations which in and of themselves do not justify the purchase of equipment. Directs the Secretary to establish, in conjunction with the reserve of rolling stock, regional rolling stock repair yards. Directs the Secretary, every six months, to establish efficiency ratings for each participating rail carrier for each of its lines utilizing reserve rolling stock. Stipulates that if a carrier's rating has increased it shall be eligible for reduced leasing rates and that if such rating has decreased a penalty charge shall be assessed on future leases of rolling stock by the railroad. Directs the Secretary to establish a computerized car identification plan to monitor the location, use, and respective load factors of the rolling stock in the regional reserve rolling stock program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to conduct a study of abandoned rail lines or lines subject to abandonment to determine whether the line involved is crucial to intrastate or interstate shipment, the costs of operating such a line, and whether the State should provide for the continued operation of such line. Authorizes the Secretary, upon the completion of such a study, to make a loan to a State to cover 90 percent of the costs of upgrading such a railroad line for operation. Authorizes appropriations out of the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Fund to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Bus Transportation - Establishes the Federal Bus Administration within the Department of Transportation. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to carry out the Department's functions relating to the common carriers of passengers by motor vehicle through the Administration. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to cover 90 percent of developing State bus plans. Requires such plans to determine the primary efficient service routes throughout the State for common carriers of passengers by motor vehicle utilizing Interstate and Federal-aid primary highways and to determine efficient feeder routes to serve such primary routes. Stipulates that after approval by the Secretary of a State's bus plan the State shall enter into contracts to provide common carrier motor vehicle passenger service on the feeder routes in such plan. Stipulates that such contracts shall: (1) be offered first to private carriers holding service authority on such feeder routes; (2) be awarded to the lowest bidder; (3) include provisions for long- term low interest loans to cover vehicle, equipment, or operating costs or the option to participate in an equipment leasing program developed by the Secretary; (4) provide for State established fares including a 40 percent discount to persons over 65 years old and the handicapped; and (5) provide for the use of fuel efficient vehicles meeting the requirements of the Secretary. Establishes within the Treasury a Motor Bus Trust Fund for making expenditures to carry out this title. Directs the Secretary to make grants available for covering up to 80 percent of the costs of planning and renovating or constructing terminals to include waiting stations for common carriers of passengers by motor vehicle. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to develop a national policy for intercity motor bus carriers and to establish a national route plan in conjunction with State bus plans and to streamline primary class 1 carrier routes. Title III: Transportation Public Service Employment - Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Labor to develop policies, procedures, and programs to carry out this Act which will provide employment opportunities for the unemployed. Directs the Secretary to provide public service jobs for construction and renovation of bus terminals, upgrading and rehabilitating rail lines, maintaining and repairing Federal rolling stock held in regional reserves, construction of new repair yards, rehabilitation of existing repair yards, and maintaining and repairing upgraded rail beds. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with business and industry for job training and employment with respect to employment projects generated by this Act.
Bill· SS. 2995 (95th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1978
Union Station Improvement Act - Amends the National Visitor Center Facilities Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior, upon request, to transfer the lease and purchase option of the facilities of Union Station, Washington, D. C. to the Secretary of Transportation. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, after such assignment, to operate that portion of the premises not sublet to the Department of the Interior for operation of the National Visitor Center as a rail passenger terminal. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to acquire any property interest not held by the United States which may be necessary for the completion of Union Station. Directs the Secretary to complete the parking facility at Union Station. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to allow the Washington Terminal Company to cease further construction of the new railroad passenger station in the area beneath and adjacent to the parking facility. Authorizes the Company, at the request of the Secretary, to transfer all of its rights and obligations concerning Union Station to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Law· SS. 2981 (95th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Railroad Amendments Act - Title I: Local Rail Services - Declares that the policy of this Act is to provide Federal assistance in the provision of adequate transportation service to shippers and communities served by light density rail lines. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to stipulate that the rail freight service continuation payments made to States under such Act shall cover the difference between the revenues which are attributable to a line of railroad and the avoidable cost of providing rail freight service on such line, together with a reasonable return on the value of such line. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make rail freight assistance available to States: (1) for the acquisition, by purchase or otherwise, of rail lines or property; (2) for the cost of constructing rail or rail related facilities to improve local rail freight service; and (3) the cost of innovative experimental programs which are designed to improve service on eligible rail lines and which involve cooperative action between State and local communities and railroad industry representatives or shippers. Revises the cost sharing formula for rail freight assistance programs under such Act to stipulate that the Federal share of such a program shall be 80 percent of its cost. Stipulates that the State share of such a project may be made in cash, through the forgiveness of State tax imposed on a railroad or through the provision, by the State or by an individual or entity on behalf of the State, of real or personal tangible property for use in its rail service assistance program. Sets forth a formula for computing the dollar amount of assistance which may be made available to a State for rail freight assistance. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for funding rail service assistance projects. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing criteria for determining the ratio of benefits to costs of proposed projects eligible for specified assistance under such Act. Requires States to use the Federal rail rehabilitation assistance provided under such Act in a specified manner. Directs States to make grants or loans to the owners of rail properties or the operators of rail service related to such a rehabilitation project. Title II: Amendments to the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to prohibit the use of proceeds from the sale of anticipation notes of the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Fund for the payment of interest on such notes. Prohibits the obligation of money in the Fund for any purpose without prior approval thereof in an annual appropriations Act. Revises the factor dealing with a railroad's rate of return on total capital which the Secretary of Transportation is to consider in determining whether to make rehabilitation and improvement financing available under such Act. Removes the total dollar limitation on the use of proceeds from Fund anticipation notes for use by the Secretary of Transportation in purchasing trustee certificates. Stipulates that Fund anticipation notes sold by the Secretary to the Secretary of the Treasury shall be subject to such terms, conditions, and interest rates as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe. Establishes a minimum interest rate for such notes. Stipulates that if the Congress does not enact legislation authorizing the issuance of Fund bonds by September 30, 1979 the Secretary of Transportation shall hold in trust all redeemable preference shares issued by railroads which are held in the Fund, and the Fund shall then terminate. Repeals the authorization for appropriations contained in such Act for Fund notes.
Bill· SS. 2982 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to enter into contracts with any State by which the State may use up to ten percent of certain unobligated allocations for the Federal-aid highway system to repair highways and the surface rails of urban mass transportation systems (other than railroads) which were damaged as a result of the severe weather in the Winter of 1977-1978.
Bill· HRH.R. 12367 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the seizure and forfeiture of vessels, vehicles, and aircraft used to illegally transport aliens into the United States. Sets forth exceptions to such authority, including a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft used as a common carrier unless the owner or other person in charge was at the time of the alleged illegal act a consenting party or privy thereto. Provides for such seizure without a warrant if incident to an arrest, or if the Attorney General has probable cause to believe such illegal transport occurred.
Bill· HRH.R. 12281 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Tanker Safety Improvement Act - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to require that vessels subject to such Act be constructed and operated using the best available pollution prevention technology. Requires that vessels of more than 20,000 deadweight tons which are documented under the laws of the United States and engaged in the carriage of oil in bulk to ports of the United States and for which construction is contracted for or begun after January 1, 1978, be equipped with a segregated ballast capacity.
Bill· HRH.R. 12276 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Rail Freight Improvement Act - Title I: Rail Transportation - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prepare a national survey of the existing rolling stock of all rail freight carriers. Directs the Secretary, based on the results of such survey, to create regional reserves of railroad rolling stock for lease to rail carriers for seasonal, specialized or high volume operations which in and of themselves do not justify the purchase of equipment. Directs the Secretary to establish, in conjunction with the reserve of rolling stock, regional rolling stock repair yards. Directs the Secretary, every six months, to establish efficiency ratings for each participating rail carrier for each of its lines utilizing reserve rolling stock. Stipulates that if a carrier's rating has increased it shall be eligible for reduced leasing rates and that if such rating has decreased a penalty charge shall be assessed on future leases of rolling stock by the railroad. Directs the Secretary to establish a computerized car identification plan to monitor the location, use, and respective load factors of the rolling stock in the regional reserve rolling stock program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to conduct a study of abandoned rail lines or lines subject to abandonment to determine whether the line involved is crucial to intrastate or interstate shipment within such State, the costs of operating such a line, and whether the State should provide for the continued operation of such line. Authorizes the Secretary, upon the completion of such a study, to make a loan to a State to cover 90 percent of the costs of upgrading such a railroad line for operation. Authorizes appropriations out of the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Fund to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Transportation Public Service Employment - Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Labor to develop policies, procedures, and programs to carry out this Act which will provide employment opportunities for the unemployed. Directs the Secretary to provide public service jobs for upgrading and rehabilitating rail lines, maintaining and repairing Federal rolling stock held in regional reserves, construction of new repair yards, rehabilitation of existing repair yards, and maintaining and repairing upgraded rail beds. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with business and industry for job training and employment with respect to employment projects generated by this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 12275 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Older Americans Act Transportation Amendments - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965: (1) to require the National Information and Resource Clearing House for the Aging to prepare and disseminate information related to transportation services for older persons; and (2) to require the Council on Aging to undertake a study of transportation programs for older persons offered by the Federal Government.
Bill· SS. 2953 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Highway and Public Transportation Improvement Act - Title I: Amendments to Title 23, United States Code - Amends Title 23, United States Code (Highways), to revise specified definitions contained in such title. Modifies the definition of "construction" to include highway maintenance (thereby allowing States to use Federal system funds for maintaining projects constructed on a Federal system) and to include construction of public transportation projects within the scope of such title. Eliminates the secondary Federal-aid system. Establishes a "small urban and rural" Federal-aid highway system. Stipulates that funds apportioned to each State for the primary and urban Federal-aid systems may be spent for any project on the urban system or the small urban and rural system to the extent that such apportionment is attributable to urbanized areas, and small urban and rural areas. Expands the urban system to include all transportation projects in urbanized areas except Interstate highway projects. Stipulates that the Secretary of Transportation may withdraw approval of an Interstate highway within a State upon request of the Governor and local governments concerned (previously such requests were to be made by the State highway department). Stipulates that, upon the joint request of the Governor and the local governments concerned, the Secretary may approve substitute projects for Interstate projects for other areas within a State (previously substitute projects were limited to the corridor or area from which the route was withdrawn). Stipulates that the Federal share for such a substitute project shall be 90 percent of its cost. Directs the Secretary, in determining cost estimates for withdrawn Interstate routes, to increase or decrease such cost in accordance with the increase or decrease in construction materials and labor to construct such a substitute project in the local market where the project is located. Requires States to either submit environmental impact statements on all Interstate projects or to withdraw such projects for substitute projects by September 30, 1982. Authorizes Interstate withdrawal after such date if the project is subject to judicial or administrative constraints on or after such date. Requires that all Interstate segments be under construction by September 30, 1986, unless sufficient Interstate funds are unavailable or unless such construction has not commenced due to judicial or administrative restraint. Stipulates that any Interstate segment or substitute project which is not constructed by September 30, 1986, shall become a separate and individual project requiring separate authorizations and appropriations. Ends Interstate apportionments as of such date. Increases the Interstate apportionments which may be set aside by the Secretary for transportation planning. Stipulates that the Governor of a State or the designated planning organization shall submit a single program of proposed projects to the Secretary for funding under either title 23 or the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 as soon as practicable after apportionments have been made for such Acts. Removes the requirement that projects be selected with the concurrence of the State highway department. Stipulates that in approving programs of projects, priority be given to the reconstruction of hazardous highways. Prohibits the Secretary from approving transportation projects unless all reasonable alternatives have been considered and the proposed project minimizes specified adverse environmental, health, and economic effects. Authorizes the use of funds under title 23 for the acquisition of rights-of-way for all Federal-aid systems (previously such funds could be used only to acquire rights-of-way for highway systems). Requires the Secretary to promulgate guidelines to assure that possible adverse economic, social, and environmental effects relating to proposed projects under title 23 or the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 are minimized. Directs the Secretary, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to issue regulations to reduce noise levels at existing Federally funded transportation facilities. Requires an area not meeting such standards to utilize at least five percent of its apportionment under title 23 and five percent of its apportionment under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to retrofit such facilities to meet such standards. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator to issue regulations to assure that all federally funded transportation projects (previously only highways) are consistent with air quality implementation plans under the Clean Air Act in areas violating Clean Air Act standards. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any highway project which would increase the vehicular or weightbearing capacity of any highway unless it conforms with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Requires that new title 23 projects provide for safe and convenient crossing points for pedestrians and bicyclists. Repeals the provision which allows the Secretary to discharge any responsibilities under title 23 to the States. Authorizes any State or designated recipient of title 23 funds to impose tolls on highways for the purpose of managing peak load demand on vehicular traffic. Prohibits the use of funds from such tolls for highway purposes (except for the operation and maintenance of the toll facilities). Sets forth the apportionment formula for small urban and rural transportation assistance under title 23. Requires that States formulate five-year as well as long-range transportation plans to be eligible for Federal funding under title 23. Requires approval by the Secretary of such plans for project eligibility. Sets forth determinations to be made by the Secretary in approving such plans. Sets forth judicial review procedures with respect to final actions of the Secretary regarding transportation projects or plans. Authorizes the Secretary to approve as a project eligible for funding under title 23 or the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, the construction of exclusive or preferential bus lanes, highway traffic control devices, bus passenger loading areas and facilities, and fringe and transportation corridor parking facilities to serve bus and other public transportation passengers. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a bridge safety rehabilitation or replacement project which would result in increased traffic capacity. Stipulates that urban system funds are to be allocated directly to urbanized areas having a population of 50,000 or more. Stipulates that urban system funds attributable to urban areas of more than 5,000 but less than 50,000 population shall be allocated in accordance with a fair and equitable formula developed by the State. Stipulates that funds allocated to an urbanized area may, upon approval of the local elected officials of the area and the Secretary, be transferred to the allocation of another such urbanized area in the State or to the State for use in any urbanized area. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and designated recipients for the construction or improvement of bicycle lanes. Directs the Secretary to establish construction standards for bicycle projects. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for such grant program for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Requires States after October 1, 1980, to have a single State transportation agency to discharge the duties required by title 23 and the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 and which shall have authority for the development of multi-modal transportation programs, planning, and policy in such State. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States and urbanized area planning organizations for projects for the development of transportation plans and programs required under title 23 and the Urban Mass Transportaton Act of 1964. Stipulates that the Federal share of the development of such a plan shall be 80 percent of its cost unless the Secretary determines that the interests of the Federal program would be better served without matching funds. Title II: Termination of Highway Trust Fund - Terminates the Highway Trust Fund as of September 30, 1978. Stipulates that funding for title 23 projects shall be made from the general fund of the Treasury.
Bill· SS. 2940 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for expenses of the Office of Safety, State safety programs, expenses of the Federal Railroad Administration and for conducting safety research and development programs. Sets forth limitations on the use of such funds. Amends the Hours of Service Act to define the term "designated terminal" as the home terminal or the away from home terminal of a railroad employee. Limits to ten hours the maximum amount of time which a railroad employee may continuously work without a ten hour off duty period. Prohibits the operation of any freight train exceeding 4,300 feet, exclusive of caboose. Prohibits discrimination against railroad employees who complain of violations of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 or who refuse to operate defective equipment which the employee reasonably believes to be in violation of such Act or regulations promulgated thereunder or who refuses to work in an area where the employee believes there is present an imminent danger to health or safety. Establishes within the Federal Railroad Administration an Office of Occupational Safety and Health to administer the occupational health and safety functions of the Administration. Authorizes appropriations for the establishment of such Office.
Bill· HRH.R. 12237 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to furnish Federal financial assistance for construction projects to separate rail-highway crossings where the rail facilities have incurred a substantial increase in use as a result of coal transportation activities with the result of substantial delays in highway travel. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal years 1979 through 1981 for such projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 12221 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
National Rail Passenger Corporation Authorization Act - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize appropriations for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for fiscal year 1979. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Corporation, to develop a preliminary recommendation for a route system for the Corporation which will provide an optimal intercity railroad passenger system based on current and future market and population requirements. Specifies considerations which the Secretary is to consider in formulating such recommendations and specifies provisions to be included in such report. Directs the Office of Rail Public Counsel to conduct public hearings on the Secretary's recommendations and to submit its findings to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to thoroughly consider such material in developing a final recommended route system for the Corporation. Directs the Secretary to submit such final recommendations to both Houses of Congress and to specified committees. Stipulates that such recommendations shall be deemed approved within 60 days unless either the House of Representatives or the Senate adopts a resolution disapproving such recommendations. Directs the Corporation after such approval to complete the implementation of such basic route system within 12 months. Exempts such implementation from specified provisions of such Act. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to establish maximum travel times between points in the Northeast Corridor. Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to develop economical and reliable rolling stock and related equipment designed to be compatible with the track, and operating and marketing characteristics of the Northeast Corridor. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission in determining the compensation to be paid by the Corporation to other railroads or public transportation agencies for track or facility usage to limit such compensation to the avoidable costs of permitting the Corporation to use the railroad's or agency's tracks and facilities. Amends the Animal Welfare Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to exempt from the requirements of such Act the transportation of cats and dogs in passenger rail service upon a determination that such an exemption would result in an increase in reliable humane transport service for cats and dogs. Directs the Postal Service to utilize the services of the Corporation in the surface transportation of mail so long as it would not result in a significant deterioration of mail services or increase in costs to the Federal Government.
Bill· HRH.R. 12226 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Surface Transportation Assistance Act - Title I: Federal Aid Highway Act - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to revise and extend the authorization for appropriations for the Interstate Highway System through fiscal year 1992. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of a portion of such funds for fiscal years 1980 through 1983. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion such amounts in a specified manner for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of railroad-highway crossing demonstration projects under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 shall be 95 percent of the cost of such a project. Establishes a cutoff date for the designation and completion of the Interstate Highway System. Authorizes the Secretary to approve projects for resurfacing, restoring, and rehabilitating lanes on the Interstate System which have been in use for more than five years. Sets forth the Federal share of the costs of such projects. Increases the Federal share for specified highway programs. Authorizes the Secretary to approve a State's request for the retention of certain outdoor advertising where the sign or display was in existence on May 5, 1976. Authorizes the Secretary to approve Federal participation in State projects for replacing unsafe highway bridges which are not on the Federal-aid system. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for traffic control signalization projects designed to conserve motor fuel and decrease traffic congestion. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds made available for pavement marking demonstration programs in a manner deemed by the Secretary most appropriate to expedite the completion of pavement markings on all highways. Increases the amount of appropriations authorized for the construction of bridges across Federal dams which may be expended as an emergency fund to meet additional costs. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to increase the Federal share for construction projects on the Appalachian development highway system and to increase the authorized mileage for such system. Establishes a ceiling on obligations for Federal- aid highways and highway construction projects for fiscal year 1979. Amends the Energency Highway Emergy Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to approve carpool projects in urbanized areas. Authorizes the reapportionment of funds not used by a State for the Interstate System to another State which has obligated all of its apportionment. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out access control demonstration projects designed to demonstrate whether preserving the capacity of existing highways to move traffic safely by acquiring and controlling the right of access to such highways is a cost effective alternative to the construction of additional highways. Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and municipalities for the construction of bikeways in urbanized areas. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Stipulates that upon repayment of a specified sum by the State of Indiana to the Treasurer of the United States, Interstate Route 80/90 shall be free of all restrictions with respect to the imposition and collection of tolls. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project in a metropolitan area of 500,000 or more population to restrict the access of motor vehicles to the central business district during peak traffic hours in order to determine the practicability of this method in reducing motor vehicle congestion. Directs the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project on the Interstate System to place vending machines in rest and recreation areas located on the rights-of-way of such System. Directs the Secretary to designate a portion of State Highway Numbered 17 in Richmond, California as part of the Interstate System. Exempts the facility owned by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority on the right-of-way of interstate route I-81 in New York State from certain restrictions prohibiting commercial establishments on such a right-of-way. Authorizes the Secretary to approve certain construction projects with respect to interstate route I-90 in New York State. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the construction of spur highways to connect the Great River Road with existing bridges across the Mississippi River. Directs the Secretary to reimburse the Federal share of the cost of constructing a new toll bridge across the Ohio River at Huntington, West Virginia. Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds to erect or modify road signs solely using the metric system unless specifically authorized by Congress. Requires each State to annually report to the Secretary regarding State enforcement of its vehicle weight limitations on the Federal-aid system. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to the State of New Hampshire for expenditure on Federal-aid highways (other than Interstate System highways) which serve as alternative routes to the Franconia Notch Parkway. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project permitting a State to sell State lottery tickets at publicly owned rest and recreation areas on the rights-of-way of the Interstate System in such State. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project on the Federal-aid primary system for the construction of a bypass highway around Prairie Creek Redwood State Park in Humbolt County, California. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the feasibility of an additional bridge across the Columbia River between Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Directs the Secretary to carry out a rural highway public transportation demonstration project in the Sherman, Texas - Denison, Texas area. Title II: Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway safety programs. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for projects to eliminate hazards relating to rail-highway crossings. Requires each State to annually certify to the Secretary that it is enforcing the national maximum speed limit. Directs the Secretary to reduce a State's apportionment for Federal-aid highway funds if the percentage of motor vehicles exceeding 55 miles per hour exceeds a specified percentage. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 through 1982 to the Secretary of Transportation for the acquisition, storage, and retrieval of highway accident data and for establishing procedures for reporting accidents on a nationwide basis. Abolishes the National Highway Safety Advisory Committee. Authorizes the Secretary to waive State highway safety program standards for projects to identify highway accident causes and to reduce accidents. Directs the Secretary to carry out six pilot projects designed, through the use of television and radio, to develop and evaluate methods to achieve maximum measurable effectiveness in reducing traffic accidents, injuries, and death. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Title III: Urban Mass Transportation Act Amendments - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act to repeal the provision which allows States or local public bodies to use Federal urban mass transportation assistance for the payment of operating expenses for mass transportation services. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified projects under such Act. Requires that a specified portion of such appropriations be used for grants for intercity bus service. Directs the Secretary to apportion authorizations for the urban mass transit program according to a specified formula for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Removes specified restrictions regarding the availability of fellowships for public transportation training programs. Authorizes general appropriations to carry out the provisions of the Urban Mass Transportation Act through fiscal year 1982. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress monthly regarding the funding of projects under such Act. Revises the Federal operating assistance program for the provision of rail passenger service under such Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for such program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and local bodies to acquire, construct, or alter facilities for use in providing intercity bus service and in coordinating such service with other modes of transportation. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its net cost. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 to carry out such program. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for the liquidation of obligations incurred for public mass transit projects substituted for routes on the Interstate Highway System. Authorizes the Secretary to convert specified mass transportation equipment and facilities loans to grants under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to make a full and complete investigation and study of establishing and operating a mass transportation system which would provide basic services with a minimum of amenities at low costs and to report the results of such study to Congress. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project using high speed jetfoil transportation facilities and operating between the Long Branch, New Jersey area, Sandy Hook State Park, and New York, New York to determine the feasibility of utilizing this technology in providing certain public mass transportation service. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such project. Title IV: Prohibits the awarding of grants of more than $5,000,000 for the acquisition of any steel or rolling stock for fixed rail service unless substantially all the steel to be acquired has been domestically produced. Sets forth exceptions to this requirement. Provides for Congressional review of certain rules and regulations relating to highways or urban mass transportation.
Law· HJRESH.J.Res. 859 (95th)open
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Makes supplemental appropriations to the United States Railway Association for administrative expenses for fiscal year 1979.
Bill· HRH.R. 12204 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1978
Maritime Regulatory Reorganization Act - Abolishes the Federal Maritime Commission. Transfers the functions of the Commission to the Office of the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations, the Department of Transportation, and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Establishes within the Office of the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations a Deputy Special Representative for Maritime Affairs who shall be responsible for the regulation of United States foreign waterborne commerce.
Bill· HRH.R. 12192 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1978
Authorizes additional mileage for the Interstate Highway System for the construction of a route along Missouri Route 725 between Interstate Route 270 and Page Avenue in Saint Louis County, Missouri.
Bill· HRH.R. 12161 (95th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1978
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize additional appropriations to the United States Railway Association in order to purchase securities of the Consolidated Rail Corporation.
Bill· HRH.R. 12162 (95th)failed
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1978
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to authorize appropriations for the Office of Rail Public Counsel for fiscal year 1979.
Bill· HRH.R. 12137 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1978
Includes within the definition of "air traffic controller" for purposes of statutes pertaining to Federal employee pay, retirement, and employment, persons actively engaged in providing preflight, inflight, or airport advisory service to aircraft operators and the immediate supervisors of such persons.
Law· HRH.R. 12106 (95th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1978
Independent Safety Board Act Amendments - Amends the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.