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201 records in US in 1979
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1979
Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1965 to stipulate that any person who presents a Medicare card when boarding or paying mass transit fares shall receive the reduced rates for the elderly or handicapped as provided in such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to continue to designate certain highways on the Federal-aid primary system as mileage on part of the Interstate Highway System. Stipulates that, in the event that approval of a route on the Interstate System was withdrawn before November 6, 1978, the State involved shall not be required to refund to the Highway Trust Fund any sums paid to the State for intangible costs. Stipulates that in the case of interstate projects which are withdrawn on or after such date the State shall not be required to reimburse such Fund for the costs of construction items, materials, or rights-of-way if: (1) such items, materials, and rights-of-way were acquired before November 6, 1978; (2) by the withdrawal of approval date the Secretary of Transportation has not approved the project's environmental impact statement; and (3) such items, materials, or rights-of-way will be applied to an eligible transportation project, to a public conservation or recreation purpose, or to any other public purpose determined by the Secretary to be in the public interest under specified conditions. Includes as an eligible cost of construction any interest earned and payable on State or local government bonds which were issued for projects on January 1, 1978, on the Interstate Systems and which were converted to regularly funded projects after such date. Stipulates that any State's apportionment for Interstate System resurfacing, restoring, or rehabilitation projects shall continue to be available for expenditure in that State for a period of two years after the fiscal year for which such sums were apportioned. Allows the Secretary to use funds previously earmarked for bridge replacement or repair programs costing over $10,000,000 for projects which cost less under specified circumstances. Increases the Federal share of the cost of training State and local highway department employees under the auspices of the National Highway Institute. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1978 to make the provision in such Act which prohibits highway signs solely using the metric system inapplicable to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the extent of outstanding bonded indebtedness for each State for the construction of roads prior to June 29, 1956, which have been incorporated into the Interstate System. Directs the Secretary to determine a method of allocating bonded indebtedness between those portions on the System which are toll free and those which are not. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to make technical corrections in such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1979
Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - States the findings and purposes of the Act. Title II: Improved Security for Motor Vehicles and Their Parts - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish standards for motor vehicle safety which include standards to reduce motor vehicle theft by taking into account: (1) the costs and benefits of implementing such standards; (2) the effect of such implementation on automobile insurance costs; (3) savings in terms of time and convenience; and (4) safety considerations. Title III: Antifencing Measures - Establishes penalties for anyone who knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters any identification number for any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required under Department of Transportation regulations. Requires the forfeiture of such motor vehicle or motor vehicle part to the United States, but provides for mitigation of forfeiture whenever an interested person makes an appropriate petition. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title IV: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or part knowing it to have been stolen, or any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used motor vehicle to present to the appropriate customs officer the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Authorizes customs officers to carry firearms, execute and serve search and arrest warrants, serve subpoenas and summonses, and make arrests. Title V: Reporting Requirements - Directs the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Transportation, and the Treasury, to report to Congress on developments in vehicle identification of off-road motor vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Terminates the authorization for the design memorandum stage of navigational improvements on the Siuslaw River and Bar, Oregon. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to construct such navigational improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit Federal officers or employees from refusing to issue or renew airman certificates or from requiring air carriers to terminate the employment of, or refuse to employ, airline pilots solely by the reason of the age of such person, if such person is less than 70 years of age. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, upon a determination that it is in the interests of safety, to require airline pilots over the age of 60 to pass more frequent or more comprehensive medical exams than pilots who are less than 60 years of age. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Health, in consultation with the Secretaries of Transportation and Labor, to review available medical data to determine whether an age limitation for aircraft pilots is medically warranted. Requires the Director to submit a report regarding such study to Congress by January 1, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to require public notice by manufacturers of tire defects should the Secretary determine that it is necessary in the interest of motor vehicle safety.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Authorizes bank protection activities along the Rio Grande River in Starr County, Texas, in accordance with: (1) specifications established by the U.S.-Mexico International Boundary and Water Commission; and (2) conditions generally applicable to the Rio Grande bank protection project.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Requires the Chicago, Milwaukee, Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad Company to continue specified freight service for a period of 45 days unless: (1) any discontinuance or abandonment is authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission; and (2) no affected State (or local or regional or transportation authority) opposes such action. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, pursuant to the Emergency Rail Services Act of 1970, to guarantee trustee certificates of such railroad.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, in consultation with State officials, and acting through the Chief of Engineers, to relocate Nebraska Highway Numbered 12, with the necessary connections to Nebraska Highway Numbered 14, through the relocated town of Niobrara, Nebraska.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - States the findings and purposes of the Act. Title II: Improved Security for Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Parts - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish standards for motor vehicle safety which include standards to reduce motor vehicle theft by taking into account: (1) the costs and benefits of implementing such standards; (2) the effect of such implementation on automobile insurance costs; (3) savings in terms of time and convenience; and (4) safety considerations. Directs the Secretary to consult with specified individuals and groups interested in the problem of automobile theft when establishing such standards. Requires the Secretary, within 12 months of the enactment of this Act, to issue notices of rulemaking governing the unauthorized starting of a motor vehicle and the identification of major automobile components. Stipulates that proposed rules shall consider current technological developments in such areas. Directs the Secretary to issue final rules within 24 months after the enactment of this Act. Requires that a final rule shall become effective within two calendar years or before the introduction of two model years after such rule is issued. States that a Federal automobile security standard supercedes any State or local standard. Title III: Antifencing Measures - Establishes penalties for anyone who knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters any identification number for any motor vehicles or motor vehicle part required by regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or vehicle part which has had such number removed unless: (1) the vehicle or part is owned by an innocent purchaser; or (2) the number is replaced according to applicable law. States that all provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels, vehicles, merchandise, and baggage shall apply to seizures and forfeitures of motor vehicles and vehicle parts. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title IV: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any self-propelled vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or part knowing it to have been stolen, or any self-propelled vehicle or vehicle part knowing that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used self-propelled vehicle to present to the appropriate customs officer the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Authorizes customs officers to carry firearms, execute and serve search and arrest warrants, serve subpoenas and summonses, and make arrests. Title V: Reporting Requirements - Directs the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Transportation, and the Treasury, to report to Congress on: (1) developments in the area of identification of off-highway vehicles and parts thereof; and (2) other specified measures to help prevent the theft of such vehicles and parts.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - States the findings and purposes of the Act. Title II: Improved Security for Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Parts - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish standards for motor vehicle safety which include standards to reduce motor vehicle theft by taking into account: (1) the costs and benefits of implementing such standards; (2) the effect of such implementation on automobile insurance costs; (3) savings in terms of time and convenience; and (4) safety considerations. Directs the Secretary to consult with specified individuals and groups interested in the problem of automobile theft when establishing such standards. Requires the Secretary, within 12 months of the enactment of this Act, to issue notices of rulemaking covering the unauthorized starting of a motor vehicle and the identification of major automobile components. Stipulates that proposed rules shall consider current technological developments in such areas. Directs the Secretary to issue final rules within 24 months after the enactment of this Act. Requires that a final rule shall become effective within two calendar years or before the introduction of two model years after such rule is issued. States that a Federal automobile security standard supercedes any State or local standard. Title III: Antifencing Measures - Establishes penalties for anyone who knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters any identification number for any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part required by regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Requires the forfeiture of any vehicle or vehicle part which has had such number removed unless: (1) the vehicle or part is owned by an innocent purchaser; or (2) the number is replaced according to applicable law. States that all provisions of law relating to the seizure and forfeiture of vessels, vehicles, merchandise, and baggage shall apply to seizures and forfeitures of motor vehicles and vehicle parts. Establishes penalties for anyone who buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle part knowing that such identification number has been removed or altered. Designates as nonmailable matter any manipulative type device which is designed or adapted to operate, circumvent, remove, or render inoperative the ignition switch or lock, or door or trunk lock of two or more motor vehicles, or any advertisement for the sale of such device. Title IV: Importation and Exportation Measures - Establishes criminal and civil penalties for anyone who imports, exports, or attempts to import or export any self-propelled vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or part knowing it to have been stolen, or any self-propelled vehicle or vehicle part knowing that its identification number has been altered. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require persons who export or attempt to export a used self-propelled vehicle to present to the appropriate customs officer the vehicle and a document describing that vehicle. Authorizes customs officers to carry firearms, execute and serve search and arrest warrants, serve subpoenas and summonses, and make arrests. Title V: Reporting and Requirements - Directs the Attorney General, after consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Transportation, and the Treasury, to report to Congress on: (1) developments in the area of identification of off-highway vehicles and parts thereof; and (2) other specified measures to help prevent the theft of such vehicles and parts.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit an air carrier which is the sole certificated carrier to an eligible point to reduce its level of service to such point below the level of essential air transportation until January 1, 1982. Allows the Civil Aeronautics Board to require air carriers which have terminated or reduced their service below such level between January 1, 1979, and the enactment of this Act, to provide essential air transportation services to such a point until January 1, 1982. Requires the Board to compensate any air carrier for losses incurred in complying with this Act. Directs the Board by March 1, 1982, to prepare and submit to Congress a report setting forth data on the number of persons and the type and weight of property transported by certificated air carriers providing service pursuant to this Act and to any large air traffic hub.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide for the public display of the United States ship Nautilus as a memorial vessel at Groton, Connecticut.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1979
Requires the Chicago, Milwaukee, Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad Company to continue specified freight service for a period of 45 days unless any discontinuance or abandonment: (1) is authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission; and (2) no affected State (or local or regional or transportation authority) opposes such action. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to maintain the existing level of service by such railroad.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to authorize appropriations in specified amounts to carry out the provisions of such Act for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1982 for: (1) bumper standards; (2) automobile consumer information studies; and (3) odometer requirements. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit to the President for transmittal to Congress, as a separate part of the annual comprehensive report required by the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, a report on the progress made in carrying out automobile bumper standards including the cost savings realized on account of such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt from odometer standards those classes of vehicles for which the Secretary finds that odometer readings have no meaningful relation to value or performance. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring dealers or distributors of tires to compile lists of purchasers to notify them of subsequently discovered tire defects but directs the Secretary to require such dealers or distributors to furnish the first purchaser of a tire with a form which the purchaser may fill out and return to the tire manufacturer.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Federal Railroad Employees Safety and Health Act - Title I: Transfer of Certain Railroad Safety Functions - Transfers from the Secretary of Transportation to the Secretary of Labor all of the functions under the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 and other specified laws relating to railroad safety. Title II: Amendments to the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 and to the Hours of Service Laws - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to prohibit discrimination against railroad employees who: (1) complain of alleged railroad safety violations; (2) participate in any investigatory proceeding with regard to alleged safety violations; or (3) refuse to operate defective equipment, or work in an area, under conditions which the employee reasonably believes present an imminent danger to his health or safety. Sets forth administrative procedures for investigating such allegations of discrimination. Stipulates that employees who are adversely affected by a final order prohibiting the use of a railroad facility or equipment for a violation of a safety rule or regulation shall continue to receive compensation at not less than the regular rate of pay prior to the issuance of such an order. Entitles a railroad employee or a representative of such an employee to obtain an immediate special inspection where the individual reasonably believes that a safety rule has been violated or that an imminent danger exists. Amends the Hours of Service Act to require rail carriers to provide transportation for an employee, who has been given an interim period of release at a designated terminal, to an available lodging facility so that the employee will arrive there within 30 minutes. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Provides for the transfer of personnel, funds, and property of the Department of Transportation to the Department of Labor to carry out the provisions of this Act. Establishes within the Department of Labor a Federal Railroad Safety and Health Administration to be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1979
Directs the Mayor of the District of Columbia to take such action as may be necessary to insure that motor vehicle stickers issued by any State to provide special parking rights for the handicapped shall be honored in the District of Columbia in the same manner as any such sticker issued by the District.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Rail Restructuring Assistance Act of 1979 - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance through repayable credits constituting a debt or equity financing to any class I railroad (except ConRail) or subsidiary thereof to pay any share of the cost of restructuring its facilities and acquiring securities pursuant to such a restructuring. Stipulates that such assistance shall only be made available if: (1) it will result in significant restructuring and such restructuring could not be achieved without such assistance; and (2) the railroad has agreed to a restructuring plan in accordance with the provisions of this Act or the assistance will be used with respect to activities relating to a unification or coordination of operations and facilities of two or more railroads under the Department of Transportation Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to any class I railroad (other than ConRail) to cover up to 100 percent of the railroad's payments to any employee or former employee to whom the railroad is obligated to make payments under a labor-management agreement which results in a significant change in railroad operating practices and work rules and which the Secretary determines will significantly improve manpower effectiveness. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1980 through 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to sell the obsolete vessels, Private George Peters and Resolute, to Coast Line Company for conversion and operation in the domestic commerce of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1979
Designates the United States ship Nautilus as a national monument to be located at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to maintain such ship and to construct a dredged mooring slip and suitable shoreside facilities for such vessel. Authorizes necessary appropriations to prepare such vessel for public display and to construct such facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Federal Automobile Mileage Reduction Act of 1979 - Directs the President to reduce the aggregate miles traveled by automobiles owned or leased for more than six months by Federal agencies according to a timetable which phases in a 20 percent reduction from the total miles traveled in fiscal year 1978 by fiscal year 1994. Requires the President to estimate what would have been the total miles traveled in fiscal year 1978 by an agency not in existence at that time in order to implement such reductions. Freezes the reimbursement for use of employee-owned vehicles by Federal agencies at the levels of fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the President to provide exemptions from such reductions: (1) for any executive agency during a national emergency or disaster; (2) for the United States Postal Service; or (3) for any executive agency for a single year, provided the total mileage traveled by such agency does not exceed the mileage traveled during the previous year. Requires the President to submit a written report to the Congress if such an exemption is made. Directs the President to promote the use of gasohol by executive agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to extend Federal rehabilitation and improvement financing under such Act. Authorizes the use of financing under such Act for the rail transportation of coal to meet the needs of powerplants and other industrial fuel users.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of October 7 through October 13, 1979, as "National Schoolbus Safety Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Title I: Amtrak Reorganization - Amtrak Reorganization Act of 1979 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to direct the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to issue preferred stock to the Federal Financing Bank to cover the purchase of capital equipment and facilities for which the Corporation is currently obligated against previously authorized guaranteed loan authority. Directs the Bank to accept such stock in full settlement of all the guaranteed loans which it made to the Corporation and which are outstanding. Directs the Bank to transfer such stock to the Secretary of the Treasury in full settlement of all obligations of the Bank to the Secretary in connection with the Bank's loans to the Corporation. Directs the Secretary, in return for additional preferred stock to provide additional resources to the Corporation, as required for payment to vendors to liquidate obligations of the Corporation for capital equipment and facilities. Repeals the present program under which the Secretary guarantees loans of the Corporation. Directs the Corporation, by January 1, 1981, to develop and submit to the President and the Congress, a comprehensive plan for the improvement of all intercity rail passenger service in the basic system. Stipulates that such plan shall include: (1) a zero-based assessment of all operating practices and implementation of changes to achieve the minimum use of employees consistent with safe operation and adequate service; (2) a systematic program for optimizing the ratio of train size to passenger demand; (3) a systematic program for trip time reductions; (4) the establishment of training programs to achieve on-time departures and priorities for passenger trains over freight trains en route; (5) an adjustment of food and beverage pricing and purchasing to increase profitability; and (6) cooperative marketing campaigns between the Corporation and governmental entities having intercity rail passenger service as well as campaigns with specified Federal agencies. Directs the Corporation, by January 1, 1980, to establish a Regional Maintenance Plan to provide systematic preventive maintenance, a systemwide inventory of spare parts, and a method for the periodic evaluation of maintenance costs, time lags, and parts shortages. Directs the Corporation to establish a Performance Evaluation Center to conduct an ongoing review of railroad operations and to make recommendations for improving such operations. Grants the President of the Corporation the power to direct the conductor of any Amtrak train to report to the Center regarding any inadequacy of train operation. Repeals the Interstate Commerce Commission's authority to promulgate adequacy of service regulations for Amtrak trains. Exempts the Corporation from the provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act with respect to the issuance of securities or the assumption of obligations or liabilities with respect to the securities of others. Authorizes the Commission to establish through routes and joint fares with any domestic or international motor, air, or water carrier (previously the Commission could only establish such routes or fares with motor carriers). Stipulates that the Corporation shall not be subject to any State or local law relating to pay periods or dates for payment of employees. Directs the Corporation to enter into a contract with rail carriers on an industrywide basis to establish rights for the operation of special or charter trains between specific routes and points anywhere in the Nation. Stipulates that a facility or service agreement between the Corporation and another railroad may include terms which provide an incentive for the achievement of a certain level of on-time performance by reducing the railroad's payments for failure to meet such level of performance. Stipulates that an application of a State or local agency for subsidized rail passenger service outside the basic system must be accompanied by a statement that the State or local share of the costs of such service shall be 20 percent of the solely related costs during the first year, 35 percent during the second, and 50 percent for each year thereafter. Requires that such an application include a statement that the State or local share of associated capital costs and maintenance costs shall be 20 percent. Requires the convening of Technical Assistance Panels to review such applications by the Corporation. Establishes the composition of such panels. Stipulates that such rail services may be operated by the Corporation or the applicant. Directs the Corporation to continue to operate rail passenger service over any long distance route which is recommended for discontinuance by the Secretary if the short term avoidable loss per passenger is below a certain level and the passenger mile per train mile ratio is above a specified level. Sets forth the level of reimbursement to the Corporation by other railroads for the free or reduced rate transportation for railroad employees if the Corporation and the railroad involved cannot agree on another basis of compensation. Prohibits the downgrading or disposal of railroad facilities utilized by the Corporation as of February 1, 1979, without the approval of the Secretary. Stipulates that if the Corporation does not object to such an action the Secretary shall approve the application for downgrading or disposal. Stipulates that in the event the Corporation does object the Secretary shall approve of the proposed action unless the Corporation agrees to pay the costs which the railroad could avoid if it was not required to maintain the facility in the condition requested by the Corporation. Sets forth considerations which the Corporation is to take into account in determining whether to pay such avoidable costs. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for specified costs of the Corporation for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. Directs the Secretary to establish an Employee Compensation and Incentive Commission to evaluate the salary paid officers of Amtrak and to develop a program for improving Amtrak employee incentive and morale. Requires the Commission, by March 1, 1980, to submit its recommendations to the board of directors of the Corporation. Directs the board to report to the Congress within 90 days any action it plans to take to implement such recommendations. Directs the Commission to establish an Employee Incentive Program to provide recognition awards to individuals, labor organizations, or carriers in recognition of outstanding achievement in meeting the performance standards established by this Act or by the board. Directs the Commission to issue a new class of common stock to qualified employees in accordance with a specified schedule. Directs the Corporation to develop a Job Placement Program for employees who will be affected by the reduction in work force caused by the Secretary's recommendations for the restructuring of routes. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Carrier Coordination Committee to review and evaluate ways for improving cooperation between the Corporation and other carriers in achieving improvement in intercity rail passenger service. Requires the Committee to submit annual reports to the Congress regarding its activities. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the payment of taxes by the Corporation to State and local governments and to make recommendations to Congress by January 1, 1980, regarding the advisability of relieving the Corporation of its obligation to make such payments. Amends the Amtrak Improvement Act of 1978 to authorize the Corporation to defer the Secretary's recommendations for the restructuring of certain routes. Amends the Department of Transportation Act to remove the time limitation during which railroad terminals must be converted into intermodal transportation terminals in order to receive Federal financial assistance for such a project and grants the Secretary the power to establish the time period during which such a conversion must be completed. Title II: Amendments to the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to the United States Railway Association for fiscal year 1980 to carry out its administrative expenses under such Act. Requires the Association to submit quarterly reports to Congress regarding the proceedings before the special court to determine the valuation of the rail properties conveyed to the Consolidated Rail Corporation (ConRail) pursuant to such Act. Requires the Comptroller General to submit annual reports to Congress regarding the use of Federal funds in connection with such litigation. Directs the Association and the Attorney General to develop and submit to Congress a plan for the transfer of such litigation functions of the Association to an appropriate Federal agency by March 1, 1980. Directs the Association together with the Department of Transportation to develop and submit to Congress a plan to transfer the other functions of the Association to an appropriate Federal agency by such date. Sets forth procedures for the monitoring of contractors employed by the Association. Directs the special court established pursuant to such Act to include in its order a requirement that ConRail maintain medical and life insurance coverage for employees of railroads in reorganization. Stipulates that the Association shall have a direct claim, as a current expense of administering the estate of a railroad in reorganization, for loans forgiven by the Association pursuant to such Act. Title III: Office of Rail Public Counsel - Authorizes appropriations to the Office of Rail Public Counsel for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Expresses the concern of Congress with respect to the proposed embargo of service by the Chicago, Milwaukee, Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad Company and its effect on coal transportation. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct an assessment of the present and potential railroad coal hauling needs in the area served by such railroad and to report his findings to Congress within 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Rail Service Assistance Act of 1979 - Amends the Department of Transportation Act to require the Secretary of Transportation, upon application by a State or by a railroad in corporate reorganization pursuant to bankruptcy, to provide loans or loan guarantees to continue the operations of such a railroad which serves agricultural, forestry, and energy producing and marketing activities in the northern tier of States and which has proposed to embargo freight operations on a substantial part of its line. Sets forth criteria which the Secretary is to consider in determining whether the line of railroad subject to the application should receive such financial assistance. Prohibits the discontinuance of service or abandonment of any line receiving such assistance unless: (1) such action is authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission; and (2) no affected State or local, regional, or transportation authority opposes such action. Specifies a formula for Federal payments to railroads in reorganization which are required to continue service under this Act, upon application of such a railroad to the reorganization court. Requires the Secretary to establish a corrective action Task Force to develop and stimulate programs to encourage joint self-help efforts at the State and local levels to improve the economic health of light density rail lines. Directs the Task Force to establish standards and procedures for the development of experimental programs for joint corrective action to increase rail productivity and service and to eliminate revenue deficiencies. Limits the number and length of such corrective action programs. Requires the Task Force to file annual activity reports to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to enable the Task Force to carry out its functions under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1979
National Capital Transportation Amendments of 1979 - Amends the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make additional contributions to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to partially finance the cost of construction of the Adopted, Regional System. Imposes limitations and conditions upon the use of such contributions. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Eliminates the authorizations ceiling for both Federal and District of Columbia contributions to the System. Requires the Transit Authority to establish a sinking fund for the accumulation of assets for payment of principal and interest on bonds issued by the Transit Authority. Establishes the percentage of contributions to be made by the Secretary and the local participating governments to this fund. Authorizes additional appropriations for use by the Secretary to make additional contributions to meet the operating and maintenance costs of the rapid rail system of the Transit Authority. Prohibits the Secretary from making contributions for construction, operation, or maintenance of such system unless the local participating governments have provided for a dedicated source of revenue sufficient to meet that part of the system's operation and maintenance costs that it in excess of the revenues received from the operation of such system together with any amount contributed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit Federal officers or employees from refusing to issue or renew airman certificates or from requiring air carriers to terminate the employment of, or refuse to employ, airline pilots solely by the reason of the age of such person, if such person is less than 70 years of age. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, upon a determination that it is in the interests of safety, to require airline pilots over the age of 60 to pass more frequent or more comprehensive medical exams than pilots who are less than 60 years of age. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Health, in consultation with the Secretaries of Transportation and Labor, to review available medical data to determine whether an age limitation for aircraft pilots is medically warranted. Requires the Director to submit a report regarding such study to Congress by January 1, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1979
Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to require public notice by manufacturers of tire defects should the Secretary determine that it is necessary in the interest of motor vehicle safety.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Amends the National Visitor Center Facilities Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to sublet a portion of the Union Station Concourse to the Secretary of Transportation for operation as a rail passenger terminal. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to construct a parking structure for buses and 1400 cars. Directs the Washington Terminal Company to cease construction of the new railroad passenger facility beneath the parking structure. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to use funds received from operating the National Visitor Center to pay the costs of such Center. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation: (1) to use funds received through operation of the sublet space to pay the costs of such space; and (2) to spend appropriated funds for rail passenger operations without regard to the matching funds requirement of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976. Stipulates that every contract for the facility to be bid competitively on a fixed-price basis. Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of the Interior to furnish steam from the Capitol Powerplant to Union Station. Authorizes the Secretary to construct connections to such Powerplant. Increases the authorization of appropriation for adequate visitor facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Amends the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 to remove the ceiling on the amount of appropriations that may be authorized for the District of Columbia share of the cost of the rapid transit system (METRO) of the National Capital Region.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Food Transportation Act of 1979 - Exempts from the regulation of the Interstate Commerce Commission the transportation of all food products for human consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Requires the Chicago, Milwaukee, Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad Company to continue specified freight service for a period of 90 days unless any discontinuance or abandonment: is authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission; and (2) no State (or local or regional or transportation authority) opposes such action. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide such financial assistance as may be required to maintain the existing level of service by such railroad.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Expresses the disapproval of the Senate with respect to the final recommendations designating the basic route system for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation submitted to the Congress by the Secretary of Transportation on January 31, 1979. Sets forth considerations which the Secretary is to include in the revised report which is to be submitted to Congress within 45 days of disapproval of the original plan.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to allow air carriers to offer free or reduced or reduced-rate air transportation for any individual, 15 years of age or under, who is traveling to the United States from a foreign country for the purpose of being adopted by a resident of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1979
Requires the Chicago, Milwaukee, Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad Company to continue specified freight service for a period of 90 days unless: (1) any discontinuance or abandonment is authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission; and (2) no affected State (or local or regional or transportation authority) opposes such action. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide such financial assistance as may be required to maintain the existing level of service by such railroad.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to grant State concurrent authority together with the Secretary of Transportation to enforce the provisions of such Art or the Federal regulations promulgated pursuant to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Codifies recent laws concerning the Interstate Commerce Act under subtitle IV of title 49 of the United States Code. Makes technical changes to provisions of such subtitle. Requires the Interstate Commerce Commission to stay or postpone an initial nonrail decision if an application for rehearing, reargument, or reconsideration is made before the decision becomes an action of the Commission. Authorizes the Commission to issue orders supplemental to an order made in a proceeding concerning the combination of services or the consolidation of common carriers. Declares that the provisions of this Act may not be construed as making substantive changes in Federal law. Prohibits an inference of legislative construction by reason of the location in the U.S. Code of a provision enacted by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1979
Increases the Federal share of the costs of substitute transportation projects where such a project is financed in lieu of the construction of a highway on the Interstate System.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Amtrak Reorganization Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Goals, and Definitions - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to set forth goals for Amtrak with respect to: (1) improved on-time performance; (2) coverage of operating costs from revenue; and (3) improvement of State-subsidized service. Defines terms as used in this Act. Title II: Amtrak Management Improvement - Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to submit to the Congress and the President, by January 1, 1981, a comprehensive plan for the improvement of all intercity rail passenger service provided in the basic system. Specifies assessments to be included in such plan. Directs the Corporation to establish an Employee Incentive Program to provide recognition awards to individuals, labor organizations, or carriers for outstanding achievements in meeting performance goals. Directs the Commission to establish an employee stock ownership plan. Directs the Corporation to establish a Regional Maintenance Plan by January 1, 1980, which shall include: (1) a systemwide inventory of spare parts; (2) the establishment of the necessary number of maintenance employees; (3) the establishment of a systematic preventive maintenance program; and (4) a method for the periodic evaluation of maintenance costs, time lags, and parts shortages with appropriate corrective actions. Directs the Corporation to establish a Performance Evaluation Center to conduct an ongoing review of Amtrak operations. Requires the Center to submit a report of its activities and recommendations every six months to the appropriate authorizing committees of both houses of Congress and to the Secretary of Transporation. Authorizes the President of the Corporation to require the conductor of any Amtrak train to report any inadequacy of train operation to the Center. Repeals the adequacy of service provisions of the Rail Passenger Service Act. Directs the Corporation, by July 1, 1979, to implement a Job Placement Program for employees who will be affected by the reduction in work force caused by the implementation of the Secretary's Route Restructuring Plan. Directs the Corporation, by January 1, 1980, to institute a Model Rehabilitation Program for employees sustaining major injuries within the scope of the Federal Employers' Liability Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a Compensation Assessment Commission to evaluate the salary and wages paid to officers and employees of Amtrak and to recommend means to carry out the employee stock ownership plan required by this Act. Requires the Commissioner to submit its report to the Secretary and the Congress by July 1, 1980. Title III: Contract Carrier Incentives and Coordination - Directs the Corporation to enter into a contract with railroad carriers on an industrywide basis to establish rights for the operation of special or charter trains between specific points upon the provision of reasonable notice, not to exceed seven days, to the carriers involved in the operation of any special or charter trains. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Carrier Coordination Committee to review and evaluate ways for improving cooperation between the Corporation and carriers having a contract for regularly scheduled service with the Corporation to improve intercity rail passenger service. Directs the Committee to submit annual reports to Congress on its activities. Directs the Corporation, by January 1, 1980, to institute a reduced fare schedule, on a space available basis, for: (1) persons 65 years of age or older; (2) government employees traveling on official business; and (3) railroad employees, retired railroad employees, and other persons eligible for reduced or free transportation prior to the enactment of this Act. Stipulates that agreements between the Corporation and a railroad may include terms for an incentive for the achievement of a certain level of on-time performance. Reduces such payments for failure to achieve on-time performance. Title IV: State Subsidy Programs - Directs the Secretary to convene a technical assistance panel to determine measures for reducing avoidable costs for rail service outside the basic system which is requested by a State or a group of States. Stipulates that if such service is approved the Corporation shall be reimbursed for 100 percent of the avoidable costs of providing such service together with a reasonable return on the value of Amtrak properties used for such service. Stipulates that 50 percent of such amount shall be provided by the requesting States and 50 percent shall be provided by such States from Federal financial assistance provided under this Act. Repeals the provision of the Rail Passenger Service Act which requires the Corporation to initiate at least one experimental route each year. Title V: Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to entitle rail carriers which make improvements in their railroad tracks used by the Corporation to a tax credit. Entitles rail carriers to an additional ten percent tax credit for railroad energy property as defined in this Act. Title VI: Authorization for Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for the benefit of the Corporation for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. Title VII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Corporation to hire railroad police. Excludes the Corporation from the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission with respect to the issuance of securities or the assumption of any obligation or liability in respect to the securities of others. Authorizes the Corporation to establish through rates and joint fares with any domestic or international motor, air, or water carrier (previously such arrangements could only be made with motor carriers). Stipulates that after October 1, 1979, all route additions or discontinuances to the basic system shall be made in accordance with the Route and Service Criteria. Authorizes any State, regional, or local agency to request the Secretary to convene a Regional Rail Utilization Panel to consider the commuter rail service needs of a particular State, region, or locality. Requires the Secretary to convene such a panel upon request. Directs the panel to make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to such service including recommendations with respect to the appropriate party to provide such service.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Prohibits the transport in any vehicle of any funds, securities, or other things of value, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, or the National Credit Union Administration, unless the windows and body of such vehicle are bulletproof and there is a bulletproof partition behind the driver's seat of such vehicle.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to suspend the duty on freight cars until June 30, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Sets a three-year statute of limitations in actions for recovery of damages for personal injury or death arising out of a maritime tort.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Title I: Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to review and revise the existing national airport system plan to provide for the development of public-use airports in the United States. Stipulates that such plan shall include the type and estimated cost of eligible airport development considered by the Secretary to be necessary to provide a safe and efficient system of public-use airports to anticipate and meet the needs of civil aeronautics, to meet requirements in support of the national defense, and to meet the needs of the postal service. Directs the Department of Defense to make military airports and airport facilities available for civil use to the extent feasible. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to establish a single method for measuring airport generated noise. Makes airport noise assessment plans and noise impact abatement plans eligible for funding as airport planning projects under this title. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for airport development and planning in the form of project-grants or block- grants. Sets forth the aggregate funding level for such grants for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Authorizes appropriations out of such fund for fiscal years 1981 through 1985 for: (1) the establishment of air navigation facilities; (2) airport research engineering and development, and demonstration projects; (3) training State and local government employees to carry out the purposes of this Act; (4) costs of services provided under international agreements relating to the joint financing of air navigation services; (5) costs incurred by the Secretary in administering this title; and (6) costs incurred in operating and maintaining the national airspace system in a safe and efficient condition. Sets forth the method for apportioning the funds made available under this title. Sets forth conditions which must be met to be eligible to receive funding under this Act. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with State and local officials in the development of airport plans and programs which are formulated on the basis of overall transportation needs and coordinated with other transportation planning with due consideration to comprehensive long-range land-use and access plans and overall social, economic, environmental, system performance, and energy conservation goals and objectives. Sets forth procedures for the submission of project-grant and block grant airport development applications and requirements which must be satisfied to approve such applications. Requires a sponsor of an airport project to hold public hearings where the project-grant application involves the location of an airport, and airport runway, or a major runway extension. Stipulates that such a grant shall not be made unless the Governor of the State in which the project is to be located certifies in writing to the Secretary that there is a reasonable assurance that the project will be located, designed, constructed, and operated so as to comply with applicable air and water quality implementation plans. Subjects block-grant airport development project applications for States to the same conditions and requirements as those for project-grant applications. Authorizes the Secretary to approve standards (other than standards for safety of approaches) established by a State for airport development at public-use airports which are not primary airports. Authorizes the Secretary, in connection with any project under this Act, to require the project sponsor to certify that all of the statutory and administrative requirements imposed by this Act will be complied with. Stipulates that the United States share of allowable project costs for a project approved under this Act shall not exceed 80 percent of its cost. Establishes lower percentages for such projects under specified circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to approve, as allowable costs of an airport development project, terminal development in nonrevenue producing public-use areas which are directly related to the movement of passengers and baggage. Stipulates that construction work on projects funded under this Act shall be subject to inspection and approval by the Secretary and shall be in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Stipulates that contracts in excess of $2,000 for such construction projects shall include provisions establishing minimum rates of wages to be predetermined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Requires that construction contracts for airport development projects grant employment preferences to Vietnam and disabled veterans. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in the event that a public airport project will require the use of Federal lands, to request the head of the Federal agency or department controlling such lands to transfer the necessary property interests to the public agency sponsoring the project or which owns or controls the airport involved. Requires the head of such an agency or department to notify the Secretary within four months of its decision with respect to such a request. Exempts from such requests lands under the administration of the National Park Service, units of the National Wildlife Refuge System or similar areas under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, or within any national forest or Indian reservation. Sets forth criminal penalties for fraudulent acts committed with respect to projects under this Act. Sets forth recordkeeping and auditing requirements with respect to projects under this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for failure to comply with the provisions of this Act or regulations thereunder. Directs the Secretary to take affirmative action to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex, be excluded from participating in any activity conducted with funds received from any grant made under this title. Repeals the provisions of the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 pertaining to airport development projects and funding. Title II: Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a tax of six percent on the sale of new aircraft, new aircraft parts, and new avionics for use in noncommercial aviation. Stipulates that a lease of such an article shall be considered a sale for purposes of such tax. Exempts from such tax any article for export or for shipment to a possession of the United States. Terminates such tax on October 1, 1990. Imposes a tax of ten percent of the retail sale price of fuel used in noncommercial aviation (previously such tax rate was seven cents on each gallon of such fuel). Terminates such tax on October 1, 1990. Postpones the reduction of the tax on the transportation of persons and property by air which is scheduled to go into effect on June 30, 1980 until September 30, 1990. Sets forth the tax on the use of civil aircraft for the period from July 1, 1990, to September 30, 1990. Amends the Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1970 to stipulate that funds received from the tax on noncommercial aircraft and avionics established by this Act shall be placed in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Title III: Miscellaneous - Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to set forth restrictions on obligations incurred by the Secretary of Transportation for airport development grants after September 30, 1980. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to stipulate that any landing area or navigation facility which has received Federal funds shall be available for public use on fair and reasonable terms and without discrimination. Sets forth administrative adjudicatory procedures with respect to complaints alleging such discrimination. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a system for limiting the number of aircraft operations reservations at any airport to insure the safety of aircraft, the efficient utilization of navigable airspace, or the control of congestion in the airspace in the vicinity of the airport.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit Federal officers or employees from refusing to issue or renew airman certificates or from requiring air carriers to terminate the employment of, or refuse to employ, airline pilots solely by the reason of the age of such person, if such person is less than 70 years of age. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, upon a determination that it is in the interests of safety, to require airline pilots over the age of 60 to pass more frequent or more comprehensive medical exams than pilots who are less than 60 years of age. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Health, in consultation with the Secretaries of Transportation and Labor, to review available medical data to determine whether an age limitation for aircraft pilots is medically warranted. Requires the Director to submit a report regarding such study to Congress by January 1, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Electric Vehicle Act of 1979 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to establish a formula for calculating the corporate average fuel economy standards for motor vehicle manufacturers which include electric vehicles in their fleets.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from issuing any rule, regulation, or order relating to specified aspects of the control of navigable airspace.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Authorizes the Department of Transportation to proceed with a project to widen United States Route 1 in Lee County, Florida, without regard to specified provisions of law.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Stipulates that civilian air traffic controllers of the Department of Defense shall be treated the same as air traffic controllers of the Department of Transportation for purposes of retirement. Permits the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense to jointly prescribe regulations and make determinations relating to the definition, training, involuntary separation for retirement, and mandatory separation of air traffic controllers employed by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Exempts from the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission transportation by motor vehicle by or for maritime carriers in terminal areas where such maritime carriers are engaged in foreign commerce.