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251 records in US in 1979
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Federal Railroad Safety Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to grant States concurrent authority together with the Secretary of Transportation to enforce the provisions of such Act or the Federal regulations promulgated pursuant to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Federal Highway Beautification Assistance Act of 1979 - Amends the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, to assist states in the control of outdoor advertising in areas adjacent to the Interstate System and the primary system. Permits each State to establish its own statewide system to control outdoor advertising. Eliminates the ten percent reduction in Federal highway funds to be appropriated to such State for failure to provide for such effective control. Increases from 75 to 80 percent the Federal share of acquisition costs incurred by the State in compensating the owner of previously lawful signs, displays, or devices. Increases from 75 to 80 percent the Federal share of acquisition costs incurred by the State in compensating the owner of real property on which such signs, displays, or devices are located.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to undertake the phase I design memorandum stage of advanced engineering and design for the channel deepening project for Gulfport Harbor, Mississippi.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 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 is 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 · 10 April 1979
Taxpayer Relief Amendments to Panama Treaty Legislation - Specifies that all expenses incurred implementing the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 shall be treated as an expense of the Panama Canal Commission. Prohibits payments to Panama out of U.S. Treasury revenues. Requires the Panama Canal Company to pay its cash assets to the U.S. Treasury to be applied against its debt. Directs the Commission to continue repaying its debt to the United States. Amends the Panama Canal Code to require the Commission to pay: (1) all canal operating revenues to the U.S. Treasury; and (2) the payments required under the Treaty to Panama only with express congressional authorization. Directs the General Accounting Office to monitor all costs incurred by the Commission and report annually to Congress on the differences in costs to the U.S. taxpayer. Prohibits unless expressly authorized by Congress: (1) the use of U.S. funds to implement the Treaty; (2) the transfer of U.S. property in the Canal Zone to Panama; and (3) the cessation of the Panama Canal Company and the Canal Zone Government.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Federal Aviation Regulatory Review Act of 1979 - Establishes within the Federal Aviation Administration the Federal Aviation Regulatory Review Commission. Stipulates that the Commission shall review and comment in any final rule, regulation, or order relating to aviation issued by the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, or the Chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Board. Stipulates that any such rule, regulation, or order may only take effect upon the approval of at least four members of the Commission. Directs the Commission, in determining whether to approve such proposed action, to consider whether the procedures followed in formulating the rule, regulation, or order allowed adequate representation of interested persons and whether such interests were considered by the Federal entity involved. Sets forth the membership, terms of office, and pay for the Commission. Grants the Commission subpoena power in carrying out its functions. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to cooperate with State and local officials in the development of transportation plans and programs which are formulated on the basis of transportation needs with due consideration to comprehensive long-range land use plans, overall social, economic, environmental, and system performance, and with due consideration to their probable effect on the future development of the area. Stipulates that such planning shall include an analysis of alternative transportation system management and investment strategies to make more efficient use of existing transportation facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public agencies for airport system planning and airport master planning to carry out such policies. Stipulates that the total sum of such grants shall not exceed $250,000,000 and that the amount obligated in any single fiscal year may not exceed $25,000,000. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to develop jointly procedures designed to prevent duplication of their respective planning assistance activities and to insure that such activities are effectively coordinated. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from approving any project application for a project involving airport location, a major runway extension, or runway location unless the Secretary finds that it is consistent with any water quality management plans certified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and any State Implementation Plan approved by the Administrator under the Clean Air Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends existing Federal law to change the date for celebrating "National Safe Boating Week" to the week beginning June 1 (presently the week which includes July 4).
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Stipulates that a finding by the Interstate Commerce Commission that rail properties subject to abandonment are suitable for other public purposes shall be based on public testimony and evidence received through a public hearing process following the publication of such proposed abandonment in the Federal Register.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to enter into an agreement with the State highway department of the State of Pennsylvania for the construction of a second acoustical barrier along a specified portion of Route 95 of the Interstate System in Philadelphia. Stipulates that the Federal share of such project shall be 100 percent of its cost.
United States · United States Congress · 5 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 · 5 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 · 5 April 1979
Makes air traffic controllers who are eligible for immediate retirement ineligible for full time training on the basis of their inability to continue their work as controllers for physical or other specified reasons. Entitles any employee who is engaged in providing preflight, in-flight, or airport advisory service to aircraft operators and any immediate supervisor of such an employee to a civil service pension upon separation from service after completing 25 years of service or after becoming 50 years of age and completing 20 years of service.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to stipulate that 85 percent of the funds available for construction or operating grants under such Act for the urban mass transit program shall be made to areas with a population over 1,000,000 (previously such allocation went to areas with a population over 750,000).
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Defines an "air traffic controller" as a Department of Transportation employee who actively engages in the separation and control of air traffic. Restricts the controllers who are entitled to training after being judged as unfit for duty to only such controllers who: (1) are not eligible for civil service retirement benefits; (2) have completed five years of service in a position classified at grade GS-10 or above; and (3) are certified by a physician as suited for such training. Establishes within the Department a Training Program Board of Review to review each controller's training program to ensure that it meets reasonable standards for providing successful training and job placement. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to pay for only those programs which are approved by such Board.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to limit the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to designating positive control airspace and terminal control areas.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Requires each State to submit data to the Secretary of Transportation regarding the percentage of motor vehicles exceeding the 55 mile per hour speed limit on either rural or urban public highways in such State. Directs the Secretary to reduce a State's Federal-aid highway apportionment based on the percentage of vehicles exceeding such limit on either rural or urban highways. Prohibits the Secretary from making incentive grants to States for speed limit compliance if the percentage of vehicles exceeding the 55 mile per hour limit on either urban or rural highways is above a certain amount.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Terminates the authorization for further construction of the Cross-Florida Barge Canal. Extends the boundaries of the Ocala National Forest, Florida, to include land owned by the United States as part of the Cross-Florida Barge Canal project. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire lands owned by the State of Florida within the extended boundaries of the Forest.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979
Arms Transportation Security Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Treasury, to conduct a study of: (1) the prevalent causes of losses of firearms, ammunition, and explosives (including the components thereof) being transported in interstate commerce by private persons or government agencies; (2) the standards of security necessary to provide adequate protection from losses of such items; and (3) the appropriate measures necessary to achieve such standards. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress within one year regarding the results of such study.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives with respect to the Secretary of Transportation's recommendations designating the basic route system of Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, as submitted to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Emergency Highway Repair Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to enter into a contract with any State to allow such State to use a portion of its unobligated Federal-aid highway apportionments for fiscal year 1979 to repair Federal-aid highways in such State which were damaged as a result of the severe weather in the winter of 1978-1979.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require air carriers to file tariffs with the Civil Aeronautics Board stating their liability and claim rules, regulations, and charges regarding cargo losses. Requires air carriers to notify the Board in advance of any changes in such a tariff. Authorizes the Board, upon complaint or on its own initiative, to conduct a hearing regarding the lawfulness of such a tariff. Authorizes the Board to temporarily suspend such a tariff pending such a hearing. Directs the Board to require air carriers to maintain cargo liability insurance in such minimum amounts as the Board determines to be reasonably necessary to protect the shipping public. Requires air carriers to submit quarterly reports to the Board regarding claims received, paid in full or part, declined, and pending.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Rural Rail Cooperative Act of 1979 - Establishes a Rural Area Transportation Office within the Department of Transportation. Authorizes the Director of such Office to make loan guarantees for the purpose of establishing independently owned and operated class A or B branchline railroads. Establishes within the Treasury a Rural Transportation Development Fund for the purpose of carrying out and administering this Act. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make additional financial contributions to the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority to partially finance the cost of construction of the Adopted Regional System. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1985 for such assistance. Directs the Transit Authority to establish a sinking fund for the accumulation of assets for payment of the principal on bonds issued by the Authority. Sets forth the percentage of contributions to be made by the Secretary and the local participating governments to such fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Federal share of the operating expenses of the rapid rail system of the Authority for fiscal years 1980 through 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to authorize the Federal Maritime Commission to appoint representatives of United States flag line carriers to the delegation of the United States to any international conference or meeting affecting liner ocean shipping.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Experienced Pilots Act of 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 pilots solely by reason of the age of such person, if such pilot is less than 65 years of age. Stipulates that a pilot over the age of 60 shall be required to pass physical examinations at least every three months in order to maintain an airman certificate.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives with respect to the Secretary of Transportation's recommendations designating the basic route system for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation as submitted to the Congress on January 31, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a plan for the completion, within five years, of the Natchez Trace Parkway from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. Authorizes appropriations of up to $180,000,000 to complete such parkway.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, through the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, to construct and maintain a sand dredging system on the Trinity River, California, and a debris dam and associated facilities on Grass Valley Creek, California. Requires California to provide matching funds for such sand dredging system. Authorizes appropriations for such construction, operation, and maintenance. Requires the Trinity County, California, Board of Supervisors to adopt adequate standards to protect the Grass Valley Creek watershed.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Deauthorization Act of 1979 - Repeals the authorization for the Tennessee- Tombigbee Waterway project, Alabama and Mississippi. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers: (1) to maintain the existing facilities; and (2) to compensate the States for nonrecoverable sums that have been spent on such project.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Amtrak Cost Allocation Act of 1979 - Amends the Rail Service Passenger Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a uniform cost allocation for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation including: (1) the avoidable cost by route; (2) the revenue by route; (3) the fully allocated cost by route; (4) the number of passengers carried by route; (5) the avoidable profit or loss by route; (6) the fully allocated profit or loss by route; (7) the profit or loss per passenger by route; and (8) the profit or loss by revenue passenger mile. Requires the Corporation to submit quarterly reports of such cost accounting to specified congressional committees. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports to specified congressional committees containing: (1) a profit and loss table by route for the upcoming fiscal year, assuming a 50 percent Government reimbursement of the fully allocated losses experienced by each such route; and (2) the average ticket subsidy required to show a systemwide social profit (above and beyond such Government reimbursement) for the upcoming fiscal year. Requires the Corporation to include in such reports five year financial plans for such routes. Directs the Secretary to pay a subsidy to the Corporation for each eligible ticket for passenger transportation sold by the Corporation during each fiscal year. Stipulates that the amount of such subsidy shall be determined by the Secretary for each fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts to the Secretary for the benefit of the Corporation for operating assistance for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Railroad Deregulation Act of 1979 - Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission, in matters pertaining to railroads, to consider the following as being in the public interest: (1) maximum reliance on competitive market forces; (2) avoidance of undue concentrations of market power; (3) reductions of regulatory barriers for entry to, or exit from, the industry; (4) maintenance of fair wages and working conditions; and (5) the development of a transportation system which is responsive to the needs of the public and in which decisions are reached fairly and expeditiously. Removes rail carriers from the general ratemaking provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act. Establishes new rail rate regulations under which rail carriers may set their own rates and services subject to specified conditions contained in this Act. Authorizes rail carriers to enter into contracts with purchasers of rail services regarding rates and services which are not subject to maximum or minimum rate regulations. Stipulates that between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1984, rail carriers may raise their rates by seven percent annually, in constant 1980 dollars, without interference by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Authorizes the Commission to order rate reductions where rate increases exceed such ceiling only after an investigation initiated on petition of a complaining purchase of transportation service or an organization representing a complaining purchaser. Requires a complaining purchaser to show that it will be competitively damaged by such rate increase and that it is likely to prevail on the merits of any investigation before the Commission may institute such an investigation. Stipulates that in such an investigation a complaining purchaser must show, by clear and convincing evidence, that it has no reasonable alternative to the transportation by the carrier proposing the increase. Sets forth factors for the Commission to consider in determining whether such a reasonable transportation alternative exists. Stipulates that if the Commission determines that no reasonable transportation alternative exists then the rail carrier shall have the burden of showing, by clear and convincing evidence, that the increase is reasonable. Authorizes the Commission to order a rate reduction for the complaining purchaser upon a finding that no reasonable transportation alternative exists and that the rate at issue is not reasonable. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such rate reduction. Stipulates that any rates so reduced may not be raised for at least 12 months. Stipulates that rail carriers may not, with the intent to eliminate a competitor, set a rate below a level that contributes to the carrier's going concern value. Authorizes the Commission to order rate increases for rates in violation of this provision. Authorizes rail carriers to establish tariffs which contain minimum and maximum rates and which provide for fluctuations within such limits in response to either expected or actual fluctuations in demand for rail service. Stipulates that rates under such a tariff during the transition period (January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1984) shall be subject to minimum or maximum rate regulation only with respect to the average rate actually charged over a six-month period unless a given rate within the tariff range stays in effect for more than 120 days in a 150 day period. Repeals the requirement that the Commission consider rate relationships among commodities, parts, or other particular descriptions of traffic and the competitive damage a proposed rate will have on complaining purchasers in determining whether a proposed rate is lawful. Repeals the Commission's power to order an investigation into railroad affairs on its own initiative. Stipulates that investigations shall only be started by complaint and that no investigation may be ordered with respect to any rate increase which becomes effective after December 31, 1984. Requires all rail rate investigations to be completed and a final report issued within four months after a complaint is filed. Stipulates that if a decision is not made within such time, the rate protested shall be conclusively lawful. Stipulates that if a rate is found to be unlawful, the carrier shall refund to the complaining purchaser any portion of such increased rate found to be unlawful plus interest, and at the Commission's discretion, the complainant's costs and attorneys' fees. Eliminates the Commission's power to set joint-line rates involving rail carriers or to suspend or investigate a cancellation of a joint-line rate. Stipulates that in the event that any carrier which is a party to a joint-line rate unilaterally increases or decreases its rate for its part of the movement, the joint-line rate shall be automatically increased or decreased by such amount. Allows a participating carrier to cancel the joint-line rate under such circumstances. Establishes division of revenue arrangements for Commission-prescribed through routes where the carriers involved cannot agree on such a division. Stipulates that in order for a rail carrier to participate in discussion and voting on a joint-line rate, the carrier must have actually carried traffic under the joint-line rate during the preceding 12 months if the proposal is to change an existing rate or it must hold itself out to carry traffic under the rate at issue if the proposal is for a new joint rate. Requires that all rate bureau meetings (where groups of carriers vote on proposed rate and routing changes) be open to the public and recorded or transcribed unless the meeting deals solely with personnel or purely internal administrative matters. Removes a rate bureau's authority to discuss single-line rates. Removes, after a two year period, the Commission's authority to grant antitrust immunity to rate bureau agreements that provide for general rate increases or decreases. Authorizes rail carriers, without Commission approval, to enter into agreements providing solely for the compilation, publication, and distribution of rates. Exempts such agreements from the antitrust laws. Prohibits rail carriers from discriminating in price between purchasers of like and contemporaneous transportation service under similar transportation conditions unless (1) the cost of the service differs as between purchasers and the charges only reflect the difference or (2) the degree of competition to provide the purchasers with transportation services differs as between the purchasers. Sets forth procedural and proof requirements for purchasers complaining of rate discrimination. Entitles a successful complainant to the difference between the rate charged the complainant and that charged the favored shipper plus interest. Authorizes the Commission to award attorneys' fees and costs against a carrier for a willful violation and against the complainant for a complaint which was initiated or continued in bad faith. Requires rail carriers to file with the Commission the essential terms of contracts entered into with purchasers of rail services. Directs the Commission, to the maximum extent possible, to not require publication of the name or other identifying characteristics of purchasers. Authorizes the Commission to prescribe the information to be included in rail carrier tariffs but prohibits the Commission from prescribing the format for such tariffs. Establishes a three year phased-in decreasing notice period for railroad rate changes. Stipulates that at the end of such period rates may become effective upon publication. Repeals the provision of law which allows United States Government traffic to travel at reduced rail rates. Removes the Commission's authority to establish rules for demand-sensitive rates and distinct service pricing. Stipulates that any rate which became effective prior to January 1, 1980, shall remain in effect for no longer than five years from its effective date unless the parties agree otherwise. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, at the end of the second year after the effective date of this Act, to submit to Congress a preliminary study of competition in the provision of transportation services. Directs the Secretary to submit a final report regarding freight transportation competition two years later. Authorizes any rail carrier or other entity except a non-rail regulated carrier to construct or acquire railroad lines including an extension of an existing rail line or to construct lines which cross over another line under specified circumstances. Sets forth the conditions under which the Commission shall find that the public convenience and necessity requires or permits the abandonment of discontinuance of rail services. Requires the Commission to approve such an abandonment if no objection is filed by a shipper or user of the rail service in question within 30 days after the application for abandonment is filed. Establishes time limitations during which the Commission must act on abandonment applications. Stipulates that if such an investigation is not completed within such time frame, the certificate approving the abandonment or discontinuance must be issued. Stipulates that once an abandonment or discontinuance has been approved, any financially responsible person may offer, within ten days, to pay the carrier a subsidy to continue such rail service. Provides for binding arbitration by the Commission if the amount of the subsidy cannot be agreed upon by the offeror and the rail carrier. Establishes procedures for the purchase of rail lines where rail service abandonment or discontinuance has been approved. Provides for binding arbitration by the Commission if the purchase price cannot be agreed upon. Prohibits purchasers who acquire rail lines in such a manner from transferring such line or discontinuing such service for two years after the purchase was consummated, and prohibits the purchaser for the following three years from transferring the line to anyone except back to the carrier which sold the property. Stipulates that subsidies for approved abandonments or discontinuances may be discontinued on 60 days' notice. Sets forth considerations which the Commission is to take into account in approving pooling and other similar arrangements among carriers. Establishes time limitations during which the Commission must act on such proposed transactions. Exempts rail mergers and acquisition of control agreements or agreements where substantially all the assets of one rail carrier are acquired by another from the requirement that such transactions be approved by the Commission. Subjects such transactions to the antitrust laws. Requires that before such a transaction may take place, the Commission shall certify that specified employee protection arrangements have been made. Stipulates that such arrangements must provide employees with as much protection as was in effect before February 5, 1976. Repeals the Commission's authority to approve various types of rail carrier securities and repeals the Commission's authority to monitor and approve a change in the financial structure of rail carriers. Authorizes rail carriers to set standard per diem and demurrage charges for the use of the rolling stock or other equipment of another rail carrier. Stipulates that such agreements shall be submitted for approval to the Commission and that if approved such an arrangement shall not be subject to the antitrust laws. Requires that any discussions, agreements, or voting of rail carriers relating to the collective establishment of such rules, practices, or rates, be open to the public and that they shall be recorded or transcribed. Transfers the authority to issue orders relating to priority in transportation in times of war or threatened war from the Commission to the Secretary of Transportation. Directs the Commission, within four years, to revise all its reporting requirements affecting rail carriers to require only the minimum amount of information necessary to enable the Commission to properly perform its duties. Requires the Commission, within one year, to establish a Uniform Cost Accounting and Reporting System for rail carriers. Sets forth procedures for establishing arbitration panels within the Commission and establishes procedures for conducting such arbitration. Prohibits States or political subdivisions from imposing any type of economic regulation upon the interstate activity of railroads. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall be construed to empower any court to grant injunctive relief with respect to any of the regulatory matters dealt with in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Natchez Trace Parkway Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a plan for the completion, within five years, of the Natchez Trace Parkway from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. Authorizes appropriations of up to $180,000,000 to complete such parkway.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Act of 1979 - Amends the Act establishing the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation to require such Corporation to pay excess revenues into the general fund of the Treasury. Stipulates that the Corporation shall establish tolls so that the rate of return on the United States investment in the Saint Lawrence Seaway will be equal to the rate of return on the Canadian investment in the Seaway. Terminates the balance owed by the Corporation from bonds issued to the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives with respect to the Secretary of Transportation's recommendations designating the basic route system for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation as submitted to the Congress on January 31, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1979
Elderly and Handicapped Individuals Transportation Act of 1979 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to direct the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to establish a reduced rail rate program to individuals who are 65 years of age or older or who are physically or mentally handicapped. Stipulates that such program shall provide for rates which do not exceed 75 percent of the regular fare. Directs the Corporation to report to the Congress within one year regarding the social and economic impacts of such program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a plan for the completion, within five years, of the Natchez Trace Parkway from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. Authorizes appropriations of up to $180,000,000 to complete such parkway.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from approving, at the end of a two year period, any Federal aid highway program in a State unless the State has: (1) established a form of identification to designate parking spaces reserved for physically handicapped individuals and which distinguishes motor vehicles used by such individuals; and (2) enacted legislation setting forth penalties for the use of such spaces by non-handicapped persons.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Experienced Pilots Act of 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 pilots solely by reason of the age of such person, if such pilot is less than 65 years of age. Stipulates that a pilot over the age of 60 shall be required to pass physical examinations at least every three months in order to maintain an airman certificate.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Winter Emergency Highway and Transportation Repair Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to enter into a contract with each State for the payment of 90 percent of the costs of repairing weather related damage to: (1) highways in such State; and (2) the surface rails of urban mass transportation systems in such State (other than railroads). Stipulates that such damage must be attributable to the weather during the winter during which this Act is enacted or the first winter which begins after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to determine that a State is capable of paying its share of such costs before such a contract may be entered into. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such repair program.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Amtrak Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to empower the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to hire railroad police (previously the Corporation could hire only security guards). Stipulates that the Corporation shall not be deemed a common carrier by railroad under the Interstate Commerce Act with respect to the issuance of securities or the assumption of any obligation or liability in respect of the securities of others. Authorizes the Corporation to establish through routes and joint fares with any domestic or international motor, air, or water carrier (previously the Corporation could only establish such routes or fares with motor carriers). Stipulates that the Corporation shall not be subject to any State or local law regarding pay periods or dates for payment to employees. Stipulates that the Corporation shall be deemed to be qualified to do business in each State in which it performs any authorized activity and that the Corporation shall accept service of process at its principal office in Washington, D.C. Stipulates that after October 1, 1979, all intercity rail passenger route additions and discontinuances of the Corporation shall be in accordance with specified criteria. Sets forth the method by which railroads shall reimburse the Corporation for its provision of free or reduced fare transportation for railroad employees if the Corporation and the railroad involved fail to agree on compensation. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal years 1980 through 1982 for: (1) operating expenses of the basic intercity rail system; (2) payment of the costs of capital acquisition or improvements of the basic system; and (3) the payment of the principal amount of obligations of the Corporation. Directs the Corporation, beginning with 1979, to supply the Secretary of Transportation with such information as is required by the Secretary to comply with the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921. Repeals the requirement that the Interstate Commerce Commission promulgate regulations to provide adequate service, equipment, tracks and facilities for quality intercity rail passenger service.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for various expenses of the Coast Guard for fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Sets forth the authorized end strength for Coast Guard personnel for fiscal year 1980. Sets forth the average military student training loads for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1980. Increases the number of commissioned officers in the Coast Guard, excluding warrant officers, which may be on active duty from 5,000 to 6,000. Authorizes the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to prescribe reasonable fees for inspections of merchant vessels not covered by the Port and Tanker Safety Act of 1978 where such inspections are conducted outside the geographic limits of the United States. Increases the basic compensation payable to civilian keepers of lighthouses and civilians employed on lightships and other Coast Guard vessels from $7,500 per annum to $15,000 per annum. Authorizes the issuance of retroactive pay to civilian lighthouse keepers in an amount equal to the difference between what the keeper actually received and what he or she would have received under the General Schedule salary rates had there not been a $7,500 limitation on the individual's salary.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Motor Carrier Ratemaking Reform Act of 1979 - Stipulates that the antitrust laws shall not apply to pipeline or water carriers that are parties to a rate agreement approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Applies antitrust laws, relating to unlawful restraints and monopolies, to parties to a rate agreement where one of the parties to such an agreement is a motor carrier or freight forwarder. Declares to be reasonable a rate decrease or increase proposed by a motor carrier or freight forwarder which is no greater than seven percent above, or 20 percent below, the rate in effect on January 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for the purpose of reducing the noise associated with rail mass transportation systems in urbanized areas which were operational before 1950. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for each of the fiscal years 1980 through 1984 to carry out such grant program. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for each of the fiscal years 1980 through 1984 for research, development, and demonstration projects to reduce the noise associated with urban mass transportation systems.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1979
Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to stipulate that where the National Railroad Passenger Corporation and a State, regional, or local authority reach an agreement for providing rail passenger service outside of Amtrak's basic route system, the Corporation's share of the costs of such service shall be 80 percent and the State, local, or regional share shall be 20 percent. Stipulates that such service may be performed by the Corporation or by the State, regional, or local agency involved. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out such service for fiscal years 1980 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1979
Shipping Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to increase the fine for engaging in rebating and rate discrimination. Increases the fine for tariff violations. Requires the chief executive officer of every common carrier by water in foreign commerce to file periodically a written certification, under oath, with the Federal Maritime Commission, attesting to a policy prohibiting illegal rebating and efforts made to enforce such policy. Authorizes the Commission to require such certification by any other person subject to this Act. Empowers the Commission to institute adjudicatory investigations into possible violations of rebating prohibitions. Increases the Commission's authority to include orders for the payment of money for specified shipping violations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 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 · 15 March 1979
Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to add a new "Title II: Port Safety Planning and Improvement", to authorize the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to make grants to municipalities and public agencies for the development and implementation of port safety plans to protect deep-draft ports from fires, explosions, or other damage. Prescribes the minimum requirements for each such plan. Limits the total funds obligated for such grants and the amount of obligated funds available in any one fiscal year. Provides that no grant may exceed two-thirds of the cost of development of each such plan and 50 percent of the cost of implementing each such plan. Stipulates that no more than ten percent or less than one percent of such funds be allocated for a single port, with certain exceptions. States that no municipality is eligible to receive more than three grants. Declares that no grants may be made for development of a plan after September 30, 1982, and no grant may be made for implementation of a plan after September 30, 1985. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress or whether the cost of providing port safety services could be paid for through the collection of user fees. Requires each municipality or public agency to keep records on the amount and disposition of such grants. Permits the Secretary and Comptroller General of the United States to have access to such records for the purposes of audit and examination. Authorizes appropriations through 1985 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the administration of such program within six months after the end of each fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Marginal Railroad Main Line Service Assurance Act of 1979 - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide assistance to railroads for the purpose of maintaining marginal main line railroad operations which would not be otherwise included by a bankrupt railroad as part of a plan for reorganization. Stipulates that such assistance may not exceed 70 percent of the costs of maintaining operations on a marginal main line. Stipulates that in order to be eligible for such assistance: (1) the line must be presently run by a rail carrier under bankruptcy reorganization and the line is not likely to survive the reorganization or be saleable; (2) the region served by such a line is without reasonable rail alternatives; (3) the line is unlikely to be approved for abandonment by the Interstate Commerce Commission under present abandonment criteria; (4) continuation of service over such line is essential; (5) the line may be potentially viable; and (6) the loss of such line would result in more than a 15 percent increase in Federal-State highway expenditures annually. Stipulates that the Secretary must make an annual determination regarding a line's eligibility to receive assistance. Sets forth procedures for the repayment of such assistance in the event the line returns profits in any year. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal years 1980 through 1982 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to take whatever steps are necessary, including research and development, to promulgate standards for an airborne collision avoidance system for all United States aircraft, both civil and military, to improve aviation safety. Requires the Secretary to promulgate such regulations within one year. Sets forth certain requirements with respect to such system which the Secretary shall include in such regulations.