Transport

Pipeline Safety Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987

Pipeline Safety Act of 1987 - Amends the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979 to direct the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) to promulgate regulations establishing Federal hazardous liquid pipeline safety standards, including requirements for release detection, prevention, and correction, for the transportation of hazardous liquids and for pipeline facilities. Sets forth the factors which the Secretary may consider when promulgating such regulations. Permits the States to adopt standards or requirements that are more stringent than Federal standards or requirements. Directs the Secretary to provide that the Federal safety regulations include the requirement that: (1) any pipeline facilities operator participate in any public safety program or "one-call system"; and (2) any persons engaged in demolition, excavation, tunneling, or construction near or affecting any pipeline facility shall contact the appropriate public safety program or "one-call system" prior to such activities in order to ascertain the location of underground pipeline facilities. Sets forth notification requirements for pipeline facility operators regarding such facility's location, and prescribes requirements regarding: (1) release detection; (2) shut-off valves; (3) operating pressure; (4) design requirements; (5) pipeline inventory; and (6) financial responsibility. Makes the Federal standards and requirements applicable to both interstate and intrastate pipelines. (Currently such requirements apply only to interstate facilities.) Increases from $1,000 to $25,000 the civil penalty imposed for violations of this Act. Increases from $25,000 to $250,000 the criminal penalty imposed for violations of this Act. Establishes a criminal fine and prison term for the willful defacement, damage, or removal of a federally required pipeline sign or right-of-way marker. Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 to include within its coverage pipelines and pipeline facilities whether or not the liquids in such facilities have been included under such Act's coverage. Directs the Secretary to establish a training and certification program for personnel retained by the States to inspect and audit pipeline facilities, and for persons engaged in construction and design of such facilities. Authorizes the commencement of citizens' civil action suits against the Secretary for failure to perform a duty under this Act. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to increase from $3,000,000 to $40,000,000 the fees assessed against hazardous liquids transported by pipelines. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992.

Airline Consumer Rights Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987

Airline Consumer Rights Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require commercial air carriers engaged in the transportation of passengers in the United States (including foreign air and commuter air carriers) to report to the Secretary on a monthly basis specified information regarding flight delays, cancellations, reroutings, luggage status performance, and "bumped" passengers. Requires the Secretary to make such information available to the public at all public airports in a timely fashion. Directs the Secretary to require that each such air carrier disclose to each passenger at the time of ticket purchase specified information regarding flight cancellations, overbookings, delays, liability for luggage, and food and restroom accommodations on such flight. Directs the Secretary to prohibit air carriers from advertising a fare for any flight at a particular price unless the carrier offers at least one-third of the seats for such flight at the advertised price, or unless the air carrier makes a general disclosure that fewer than one-third of such seats are available at that particular price. Prohibits any air carrier from cancelling a flight for economic reasons unless reasonable efforts are made to notify each passenger and to make similar service available within a reasonable time. Establishes a civil penalty for violations of regulations under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a 24-hour toll-free consumer hotline and to prominently publicize such hotline's availability at airports.

A bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to improve safety on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways by transferring rearward, to other internal axle groups, a part of the load weight carried on the steering axle of a three axle truck-tractor and triaxle semitrailer.

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987

Amends Federal law regarding vehicle weight limitations on the Interstate System to prohibit the apportionment of Federal funds to any State which prohibits vehicles with certain triaxle (tridem) weights from using the national Interstate System within its boundaries. Authorizes such highways to be used by vehicles with two consecutive sets of tandem and triaxles (tridems) carrying a gross load of 70,000 pounds if the distance between such axles meets certain measurements. Exempts a group of three or more consecutive axles from specified tandem axle requirements. Limits the maximum allowable weight on such specific tandem axle group to 32,000 pounds while allowing 70,000 pounds on the tandem-tridem axle combination.

Airline Passenger Equity Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1987

Airline Passenger Equity Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require commercial air carriers engaged in the transportation of passengers in the United States (including foreign air and commuter air carriers) to report to the Secretary on a monthly basis specified information regarding flight delays, cancellations, reroutings, luggage status performance, and "bumped" passengers. Requires the Secretary to make such information available to the public at all public airports in a timely fashion. Directs the Secretary to require that each such air carrier disclose to each passenger at the time of ticket purchase specified information regarding flight cancellations, overbookings, delays, liability for luggage, and food and restroom accommodations on such flight. Directs the Secretary to prohibit air carriers from advertising a fare for any flight at a particular price unless the carrier offers at least one-third of the seats for such flight at the advertised price, or unless the air carrier makes a general disclosure that fewer than one-third of such seats are available at that particular price. Prohibits any air carrier from cancelling a flight for economic reasons unless reasonable efforts are made to notify each passenger and to make similar services available within a reasonable time. Establishes a civil penalty for violations of regulations under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a 24-hour toll-free consumer hotline and to prominently publicize such hotlines availability at airports.

Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1987

Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance of 1987 - Title I: Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1987 - Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) to: (1) apportion for FY 1988 specified sums for expenditure on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, using specified apportionment factors; (2) submit to the Congress at specified dates a revised cost estimate for completing the Interstate System; and (3) use the Federal share of congressionally approved estimates through FY 1993. Sets forth guidelines under which the Secretary is directed to make apportionments if the Congress has not approved cost estimates on October 1, of each of FY 1988 through 1991. Sets forth minimum apportionments for the States for any fiscal year, beginning FY 1988 (including the State of Alaska). Directs the Secretary to apportion for FY 1987 specified sums for expenditure on substitute highway and transit projects, using certain apportionment factors. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1983 through 1991 for highway assistance projects, and sets forth apportionment guidelines for such expenditures. Authorizes appropriations from specified funds provided in the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to liquidate obligations incurred for certain substitute transit projects. Sets forth apportionment guidelines for substitute transit projects for FY 1984 through 1991. Prohibits the Secretary from obligating certain allocations or apportionments to a State unless such State has repaid the Federal funds expended to purchase the right-of-way for any withdrawn portions, or the Secretary has determined that repayment is not required because the right of-way has been applied to the prescribed purposes. Eliminates the deadline for having substitute projects under construction or under contract for construction. Requires the Secretary to include as part of the non-Federal share of the construction cost of a specified highway segment in Washington County, Oregon, all funds expended by private land developers after January 1, 1980, if the State completes construction of such segment. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to authorize additional appropriations for Interstate construction for FY 1988 through 1993. Sets forth obligation ceilings, with specified exceptions, for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1987 through 1991/1992 for: (1) the Interstate 4R (rehabilitation) program; (2) the Federal-Aid Primary System; (3) the Federal-Aid Secondary System; (4) the Federal-Aid Urban System; (5) bridge replacement and rehabilitation; (6) hazard elimination projects; (7) Indian reservation roads; (8) forest highways; (9) public lands highways; (10) parkways and park highways; (11) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highway safety programs; (12) FHWA highway safety research and development; and (13) the elimination of railway-highway crossings on public roads. Authorizes appropriations for the upgrading of certain highways in the vicinity of the Waste Isolation Pilot Project (a nuclear waste storage repository in New Mexico). Requires States to expend a minimum of ten percent of Federal-aid highway contracts with small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Prescribes guidelines for a disadvantaged business enterprise program. Amends the Highway Improvement Act of 1982 to extend the authorization for the Federal-aid primary formula from 1986 to 1991. Amends the statutory definition of: (1) construction to include the elimination of roadside obstacles; and (2) "highway safety improvement project" to include the installation or replacement of emergency motorist-aid call boxes. Outlines conditions under which States are permitted to place certain vending machines in safety, rest, and recreation areas. Authorizes the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to construct a State Police Barracks on certain State-owned property. Authorizes the Secretary to waive competitive bidding on a reconstruction contract in an emergency situation. Mandates that procurement of engineering and design services for Federal-aid highway projects conform to the requirements of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations establishing and requiring a standardized contract clause in all Federal-aid highway contracts. Permits the use of convict labor and convict-produced materials in highway construction on Federal-aid systems: (1) if such convicts are on parole, probation, or supervised release; or (2) if the materials are produced by convicts in a qualified prison facility, but the amount of materials produced in any 12-month period does not exceed the amount previously produced in such facility during the 12-month period ending July 1, 1987. Amends Federal law relating to construction by States in advance of apportionment to authorize the Secretary to pay the Federal share of a State's highway construction costs when a State: (1) has obligated all highway substitute, urban, secondary, or bridge funds apportioned or allocated to it; (2) has used or demonstrated that it will use the obligation authority allocated to it; and (3) proceeds either to construct a highway substitute, urban, secondary, or bridge project without the aid of Federal funds or to construct any project on the Federal-aid primary system, including the Interstate System, without the aid of Federal funds. Limits advance funding for FY 1987 through 1990. Provides that the Federal share of a State's construction costs shall include the interest earned and payable on bonds issued by the State only to the extent that the bond proceeds have been expended in the construction of such projects on the Interstate System. (Currently, such Federal share provision applies to any State highway Federal-aid project.) Prohibits the Secretary from approving applications for the Federal share of construction costs if the amount of approved applications in the category of funds involved exceeds certain apportionments for the applicant State. Extends the use of advance construction to metropolitan planning projects, planning and research projects, hazard elimination projects, and projects for the elimination of hazards at railroad-highway projects crossings. Sets forth apportionment and obligation guidelines for Interstate discretionary funds and projects. Revises the priority projects under the Interstate discretionary program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) set aside specified sums for the Interstate discretionary rehabilitation program; and (2) give priority consideration to projects costing more than $10,000,000 on high-volume urban routes or on high truck-volume rural routes. Authorizes the value of unused right-of-way in the State of Arizona to be credited to the unobligated balance of funds apportioned to such State. States that funds made available to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico may be expended for access and development roads on a Federal-aid system. Revises apportionment guidelines with respect to the Secretary's authority to transfer to the apportionments of a State any amount of funds apportioned for any fiscal year if such amount does not exceed the Federal share of the construction costs of Interstate System segments open to traffic (other than high occupancy vehicle lanes) included in the most recent Interstate system cost estimate. Revises Federal law authorizing the Secretary to approve a project on a toll road pursuant to such apportionment transfers if an agreement has been reached with the affected State highway department (and each public authority with jurisdiction over such toll road) that the road will become free to the public upon the collection of tolls sufficient to liquidate the toll road costs and outstanding bonds (as well as maintenance, operation, and debt service costs during the toll collections period). Authorizes a State, upon certification acceptance, to transfer its excess Interstate rehabilitation apportionments to its Interstate construction apportionments. Declares eligible for 100 percent Federal financing the installation costs of: (1) traffic signs; (2) highway lights; (3) guardrails; and (4) impact attenuators. Declares that the Federal share payable for eligible emergency repairs accomplished within 90 days after the actual occurrence of a disaster shall be 100 percent of such costs. Declares that the Federal share payable for repair or reconstruction of certain park, forest, and Indian reservation roads may amount to 100 percent of such costs. Allows a State to set the Federal match for Federal-aid projects on the Great River Road at a maximum limit of 95 percent and a minimum limit of 75 percent. Authorizes the States to contribute amounts in excess of their normal share on highway programs. Increases by five percent the Federal share of the cost payable in FY 1987 through 1991 for highway or bridge construction projects using coal ash materials in significant amounts. Increases the limit on emergency relief grants for each State for each disaster from $30,000,000 to $100,000,000. Makes such increase retroactive to disasters occurring after December 31, 1985. Exempts from vehicle weight and length limitations, until September 1, 1988, a motor vehicle having any tank trucks, ocean transport containers, or dump trailers. Revises the penalty for violations of vehicle weight limitations on the Interstate System to provide that withheld funds will not lapse if they are subsequently released and obligated within the four-year availability period. Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program permitting Federal participation in toll facilities in seven specified States. Outlines the parameters of such program. Precludes Federal funding for State facilities which have not been certified biennially by State officials as: (1) being adequately maintained; and (2) having an operator able to fund inadequately maintained facilities without the use of Federal-aid highway funds. Provides for toll agreements covering the West Virginia Turnpike, the Fort Henry Tunnel (Maryland), the Kansas Turnpike, and the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge (New York). Permits the collection of tolls on a certain Florida Interstate highway to be used for: (1) repayment of costs incurred by the State; and (2) liquidation of indebtedness incurred to finance costs associated with a project feature recommended by a certain environmental impact statement. Requires each State to survey railway-highway crossings and set a schedule for installing protective devices where necessary. Allocates certain funds for such devices. Authorizes the preferential employment of Indians on construction projects and contracts on Indian reservation roads. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with both Indian tribal governments and the States to implement such policy. Increases the amounts set aside for the discretionary bridge program through FY 1991. Restricts the obligation of funds under such program to certain highway bridge rehabilitation projects. States that from 15 to 35 percent of State apportionments for FY 1987 through 1991 shall be expended for highway bridge rehabilitation projects on public roads other than those on a Federal-aid system. Declares the General Bridge Act inapplicable to bridges over tidal waters used only by recreational boating, fishing, and other small vessels with a length of 21 feet or less. Requires the Secretary to submit a biennial bridge report to the Congress, along with the Highway Conditions and Performance Report. Authorizes the States to use bridge project funds to build any bridge which replaces: (1) any low water crossings; (2) any bridge destroyed before 1965; (3) any ferry in existence on January 1, 1984; or (4) road bridges rendered obsolete by U.S. Corps of Engineers flood control or channelization projects and not rebuilt with Corps funds. Declares that the Federal share of such bridge construction is 80 percent. Establishes an off-system bridge program to permit a State to credit a portion of State-only financed off-system bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects toward the State share of the cost of other Federal-aid bridge projects. Directs the Secretary to require the States to identify historic bridges on the National Bridge Inventory. Requires the Transportation Research Board to review historic bridges and to develop rehabilitation standards for such bridges. Sets forth minimum allocations for each State for transportation planning and research. Directs the Secretary to allocate among the States, for Federal-aid highway programs (with specified exceptions) for 1987 through 1989 and thereafter, amounts sufficient to ensure that a State's percentage of total apportionments shall be at least 85 percent of the percentage of estimated tax payments paid by highway users in such State into the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account). Directs the Secretary to establish national bridge safety inspection standards for all highway bridges. Prescribes guidelines for such standards. Directs the Secretary to establish a training program for bridge inspectors. Requires the States to charge, as a minimum, fair market value for the sale, use, lease, or lease-renewal of right-of-way airspace acquired as a result of a project funded from the Highway Trust Fund. Authorizes the States to use Federal-aid highway funds apportioned or allocated for a highway substitute project for the construction and design of bicycle facilities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a Strategic Highway Research Program; (2) set aside specified funds for FY 1987 through 1991 to implement such program; and (3) submit an annual report to certain congressional committees regarding the program's progress and research findings. Makes certain remedies against the United States applicable in any civil action against the National Academy of Sciences for injury or property loss arising from activities in connection with the Strategic Highway Research Program. Permits the States to use a certain percentage of their Interstate Highway transfer funds for highway planning and research. Mandates that a certain percentage of Federal-aid highway landscaping funds be expended by a State for planting native wildflowers. Decreases from one-half of one percent to one-quarter of one percent the National Highway Institute funds available for expenditure by a State highway department for up to 75 percent of the cost of education and training of State and local highway department employees. Requires the Secretary (who currently is merely authorized) to provide education and training of highway employees (at no cost to State and local governments) for those subject areas which are a Federal program responsibility. Prohibits State documents regarding safety enhancement of potential accident sites, road conditions, or rail-highway crossings, from being admitted as evidence in any action for damages arising from any occurrence at a location addressed in such documents. Sets forth allocation guidelines for forest highways for FY 1987 through 1990. Amends the General Bridge Act of 1906 to repeal Federal regulatory authority over bridge tolls. Requires the Secretary to apply equally to each highway, mass transit, and highway safety program any percentage reduction implemented in accordance with certain sequestration orders issued by the President. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a combined road demonstration program to permit a maximum of five States to participate in a block grant program for Federal-aid secondary, Federal-aid urban, and off-system urban and secondary bridge projects. Declares certain interstate construction projects in Florida, Arkansas, and Missouri, and certain substitute transit projects in California and Oregon eligible for Federal assistance. Declares that the State of New York will have met certain repayment requirements upon repaying to the United States the amount of Federal funds expended to acquire property for a portion of a certain Interstate highway. States that upon repayment of certain Federal-aid highway funds by the State of Georgia, specified sections of a certain Interstate route shall be free from Federal regulations regarding tolls. Exempts a certain Michigan facility from Federal restrictions imposed upon commercial establishments located on rights-of-way on the Interstate system. Provides that the State matching share for a project financed out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) may be credited to the fair market value of land incorporated into the project and donated to the State after enactment of this Act. States that the fair market value of lands donated to the State of California for specified routes shall be credited first towards payment of the non-Federal share of certain relocation and construction costs. Requires the State of Virginia and the District of Columbia to restrict the use of Shirley Highway express lanes to certain vehicles during specified rush hours. Reduces the Federal share for railroad relocation demonstration programs from 95 percent to the applicable Federal share for primary system projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991. Sets forth specified demonstration and priority protects in various States. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 and sets forth minimum allocation guidelines. Makes certain parkway funds available to finance the cost of upgrading from two lanes to four lanes a highway providing access to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in Virginia. Requires the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission to repay to the U.S. any Federal funds expended with respect to the Delaware Water Gap Bridge located on a certain Interstate highway. Requires the Commission, and the States of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, to enter into an agreement with the Secretary if they decide to operate an uncompleted bridge on Interstate 78 as a toll bridge. Grants congressional consent to a supplemental agreement between such States creating the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission to fix and collect certain tolls and charges. Prohibits the obligation of funds for a project to widen any State route through the historic district of the village of Hudson, Ohio, or for the construction of any alternative or bypass route within one mile of such historic district, unless the village council of such village specifically approves the project. Rescinds certain amounts available under the urban high density program. Makes certain funds available out of the Highway Trust Fund for a certain urban high density program designated in the State of Indiana. Requires States which identify non-Federal highway funding sources on highway signs to similarly identify federally-assisted construction projects which are funded out of the Highway Trust Fund. Requires the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to assist in and coordinate the salvaging of the foundation and associated structures of a certain historic house in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and to assist in coordinating the incorporation of such foundation and structures into the reconstruction of City Square at Charlestown, Massachusetts. Releases the State of Maryland from the requirement of accepting title to any road or portion thereof (such as the Baltimore-Washington Parkway) in return for Federal participation in improvements to such Parkway. Authorizes the State of Maryland to transfer up to $100,000,000 of its Interstate construction funds to rehabilitate a certain expressway in Baltimore (rather than exactly $100,000,000 as currently required). Directs the Secretary to make arrangements with the Transportation Research Board (TRB) of the National Academy of Sciences to study specified motor vehicle and trucking issues. Requires the TRB to report the study results to certain congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of national highway-railroad crossing improvement and maintenance needs. Delineates the issues to be addressed by such study. Directs the Secretary to report such study results to certain congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to study and report to certain congressional committees any findings concerning: (1) parking for handicapped persons; and (2) State bridge management programs. Directs the Secretary to enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences regarding the establishment of minimum Federal guidelines for the maintenance of the Federal-aid primary, secondary and urban systems. Requires the Secretary to make a grant to the California Department of Transportation to determine the feasibility of using a highway electrification system as an energy source for highway vehicles. Directs the Secretary to conduct feasibility studies and report to the Congress regarding: (1) the cost-effectiveness of upgrading a certain highway between Pennsylvania and New York State (authorizes appropriations for FY 1987); (2) a proposed highway from Shreveport, Louisiana, to Texarkana, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Carthage and Kansas City, Missouri; (3) construction of a bypass highway around the City of Sebastopol, California (authorizes appropriations for FY 1987); (4) construction of a major highway on an inland route in the vicinity of Buffalo, New York; (5) tunnel construction under the Intracoastal Waterway in the vicinity of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; (6) traffic congestion alternatives in the vicinity of Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands; and (7) the establishment of a public ferryboat service connecting two Federal-aid highways in the vicinity of Niobrara, Nebraska, and Springfield, South Dakota. Requests the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors of the United States Army Corps of Engineers to review specified reports relating to the U.S. Route 13 Relief Route for the purpose of modifying an existing canal project to provide a new structure for the selected alignment of such relief route. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Congress encourages the research and development of alternative chemical de-icers to rock salt (including such research under the Strategic Highway Research Program); and (2) once alternative de-icers are commercially available, the States should consider the full cost of all de-icing materials (including the damage caused thereby) in determining their snow and ice control strategies. Authorizes the Secretary to approve Federal funding for certain State projects in any State which has a maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour on portions of the Interstate System located outside of any urbanized area of 50,000 population or more. Authorizes the imposition of tolls on the Third Harbor Crossing project providing access to Logan Airport (Boston, Massachusetts). Title II: Highway Safety Act of 1987 - Highway Safety Act of 1987 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1987 through 1991 for highway safety programs implemented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Sets forth the minimum amount of authorized funds which must be obligated for enforcement of the national speed limit and safety belt programs. Sets an obligation ceiling for highway safety programs for FY 1987 through 1991. Extends from three to five fiscal years the period for which the States may receive alcohol traffic safety grants. Authorizes the Secretary to test and determine the traffic fatality prevention potential of: (1) specified drug and alcohol testing technology; and (2) certain ignition interlock devices that prohibit the operation of motor vehicles by intoxicated individuals. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such tests. Directs the Secretary to commission the National Academy of Sciences to study the most effective safety measures regarding the transportation of children in school buses. Requires the Academy to report the findings of such report to the Secretary and the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to set aside funds for FY 1989 through 1991 for making grants to States to implement schoolbus safety measures which the Secretary determines are the most effective. Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to direct the Secretary to establish final minimum standards respecting splash and spray suppression devices unless the Secretary finds that there is no available technology which can significantly: (1) reduce splash and spray; and (2) improve driver visibility. Modifies Federal law regarding highway safety programs to require the States to establish programs that are in accordance with Federal guidelines (thus allowing more flexibility to the States which must currently comply with Federal standards). Eliminates the requirement of State driver education training programs as a condition of Federal aid. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the most effective highway safety measures through rulemaking, in consultation with the States. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary to conduct a national highway safety education and information campaign, using specified techniques and practices found to be most effective under certain Federal guidelines. Prohibits the obligation of certain authorized funds for any education or information program conducted in connection with the implementation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208. Directs the Secretary to: (1) arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of problems facing older drivers; (2) request the Academy to report to the Secretary and the Congress regarding such study; (3) develop a pilot program of highway safety improvements to enhance the safety and mobility of older drivers; (4) encourage the States to implement such program with highway safety improvement funds; and (5) evaluate such program and report to the Congress on its effectiveness. Rescinds a specified amount of unobligated contract authority for airport development and planning made available under the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982. Title III: Federal Mass Transportation Act of 1987 - Federal Mass Transportation Act of 1987 - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to prohibit funds for new fixed guideway systems or extensions unless such projects are determined to be: (1) based on results of alternatives analysis and preliminary engineering; (2) cost-effective; and (3) supported by local financial commitment. Requires the Secretary to annually submit to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) a proposal on the total amount of funding needed to finance grants and loans for bus and bus-related activities, rail modernization, and the construction and extension of fixed guideway systems; and (2) a proposal in the allocation of such funds to finance grants and loans for new fixed guideway systems construction and extensions. Sets forth allocation guidelines for grants and loans for FY 1987 through 1991. Sets forth circumstances under which the Secretary is authorized to approve advance construction for certain mass transportation projects. Directs the Secretary to submit a quarterly status report to certain congressional committees regarding the execution of grant contracts and the establishment of reimbursement authority for certain obligated sums. Makes construction project grants available to finance the leasing of mass transportation facilities and equipment. Makes eligible for construction assistance: (1) any bus remanufacturing project which extends the economic life of a bus eight years or more; and (2) any project for the overhaul of rolling stock, whether or not such overhaul increases the useful life of the rolling stock. Lowers the expense threshold for associated capital maintenance items which are eligible for certain mass transportation block grants. Makes the Federal grant for any mass transportation construction project 80 percent of the net project cost. Amend the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to require that the long-range transportation planning process include the development of long-term financial plans for regional urban mass transit improvements and the revenue available to implement such improvements. Permits block grants to be made to implement an urban mass transportation program of projects in whole or in part. Excludes certain advertising and concession revenues from consideration as a revenue source for purposes of the Federal block grant program for urban mass transportation. Requires Federal block grant recipients to submit an annual report to the Secretary regarding revenues derived from the sale of advertising and concessions relating to the operation of a public mass transportation system. Revises the limitations placed upon the use of certain apportioned funds by small urbanized areas for operating assistance. Provides that Mass Transit Account block grants shall be available only for construction projects, including capital maintenance items. States that Mass Transit Account apportionments shall only be available for obligation for a three-year period. Directs the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit institutions of higher learning to establish and operate one regional transportation center in each of the ten Federal regions. Sets forth criteria to be met by grant recipients. Establishes in the Department of Transportation a national advisory council to: (1) coordinate the research and training to be carried out by grant recipients; (2) disseminate the results of such research; (3) act as a clearinghouse between such centers and the transportation industry; and (4) review and evaluate programs carried out by such centers. Authorizes appropriations for such centers for FY 1987 through 1991. Authorizes certain grant recipients under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to contract directly with the original manufacturer or supplier of an associated capital maintenance item to replace it if such recipient certifies that: (1) such manufacturer or supplier is the only source for such item; and (2) the price of the item is no higher than the price paid by like customers. Provides that contracts for engineering and design services under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 shall be awarded in the same manner as contracts for architectural and engineering services under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (or equivalent State qualifications-based requirement). Proscribes the use of funds for new bus acquisitions unless a model of such a new bus has been tested at a specified bus-testing facility established pursuant to this Act. Provides for fee collection for testing at the facility. Authorizes appropriations for such facility for FY 1987 and 1988. Requires the Secretary to: (1) prepare an annual agenda listing all rulemaking activities under this Act for the following 12-month period; (2) publish such proposed agenda in the Federal Register; (3) submit the agenda to specified congressional committees; and (4) issue regulations requiring a preaward and postdelivery audit regarding any grant under this Act for the purchase of buses. States that the Federal share for certain non-required capital improvement projects which enhance the accessibility for elderly and handicapped persons to public transportation services shall be 95 percent of the net cost of such project. Prohibits States which administer an operating assistance program for federally-assisted rural public transportation programs from limiting the level, or extent of use, of the Federal share of such operating expenses beyond the statutory limits. Directs the Secretary to implement a rural transit assistance program and authorizes the Secretary to make grants to implement such program. Authorizes the Secretary to use grant program funds to contract directly for construction management oversight on major capital projects. States that the Federal share of such projects shall be 100 percent. Limits the amount of funds which the Secretary may use to enter into construction management oversight contracts. Conditions such Federal assistance upon approval by the Secretary of a recipient's project management plan which meets specified requirements. Requires the Secretary to promulgate project management oversight regulations and to publish them in the Federal Register. Authorizes the Secretary to make capital grants to public mass transit systems for crime prevention and security. Makes bicycle facilities construction projects near mass transportation facilities eligible for Federal assistance. Declares that the Federal share of such projects shall be 90 percent. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for block grants and for a formula grant program for areas other than urbanized areas. Authorizes appropriations out of the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1987 through 1991 for specified activities, and authorizes appropriations for certain projects for FY 1987 through 1991. Increases the amount of apportioned funds which may be used for operating assistance with respect to urbanized areas in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida, for each fiscal year in which onsite construction is implemented on a certain Interstate route in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, Florida. Restricts such increased operating assistance to commuter rail service provided as a maintenance-of-traffic measure during the construction period. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to the Congress on the results of a comprehensive study of the future of the Bay Area Rapid Transit System undertaken with the cooperation of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission; (2) conduct a feasibility study regarding the use of tactile mobility aids in federally-assisted transportation by visually handicapped persons, and to report to the Congress on the results of such study; (3) make grants to certain eligible public bodies to conduct feasibility studies regarding the development of an electric bus line with electric bus technology being developed for the Santa Barbara transit system (California); (4) report to the Congress on a feasibility study conducted with the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, regarding restoration of abandoned trolley services; and (5) report to the Congress regarding the development of a comprehensive mass transportation plan for the Virgin Islands. Authorizes the Governor of Nevada to transfer a specified amount of unused Federal apportionments for use for urban mass transportation purposes in Santa Clara County, California. Revises a certain agreement entered into between the Urban Mass Transportation Administration and the Southern California Rapid Transit District to specify the maximum Federal share of the construction costs of the Minimum Operable Segment-1 portion of a certain Los Angeles Metro Rail Project. Prescribes guidelines under which the Interstate Commerce Commission shall issue bus carrier certificates to recipients of governmental assistance. Subjects the issuance of intrastate passenger transportation certificates to the condition that any intrastate transportation service be provided only if the carrier provides regularly scheduled interstate transportation service on the route. Title IV: Uniform Relocation Act Amendments of 1987 - Uniform Relocation Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to revise various definitions for purposes of such Act. Permits a Federal agency to discharge its responsibilities by accepting the certification by a State agency that it will implement State law to carry out the Federal relocation assistance program, provided that the lead agency determines that such State law will accomplish the purpose and effect of this Act. Requires the head of such agency, prior to accepting certification, to provide interested parties with an opportunity for public review and comment, and to consult with interested local governments. Directs the head of the lead agency to monitor and report biennially to the Congress on State agency implementation of such certification. Permits an agency to withdraw acceptance of a certification after providing the State government with notice. Permits a Federal agency to withhold approval of any grant, contract, or cooperative agreement with any displacing agency found to have failed to comply with certification or State law. Requires the payment to displaced persons of actual expenses, not exceeding $10,000, necessary to reestablish a displaced small business, nonprofit organization, or displaced farm at its new site. Removes the limitation on the moving expense allowance and the fixed amount of the dislocation allowance that a person displaced from a dwelling may elect to receive in lieu of itemized expenses. Declares that such allowances shall be determined according to a schedule established by the head of a lead agency. Increases the maximum and decreases the minimum limitations on the payment a person displaced from a business or farm operation may elect to receive in lieu of itemized deductions. Declares that such amount shall be determined according to criteria established by the lead agency. (Currently, such amount is based on the annual earnings of the farm or business.) Increases the maximum amount of assistance that a displacing agency may provide to a displaced homeowner for replacement housing. Requires such assistance to include an amount necessary to: (1) meet the reasonable cost of a comparable replacement dwelling as defined in this Act; and (2) compensate the displaced person for any increased financing costs. Authorizes a displacing agency to extend the one-year period, following payment for an acquired home, during which the displaced person must purchase and occupy a replacement dwelling in order to qualify for housing replacement payments, but limits such payments to the costs of relocating such person within that one-year period. Increases the ceiling (currently $4,000) on the amount of rental housing replacement assistance provided to displaced tenants to $6,000. Permits eligible displaced tenants to apply such rental assistance toward the downpayment on a decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwelling. Declares that displaced homeowners who meet the residency requirement for rental housing replacement assistance but not for homeowner's housing replacement assistance may qualify for rental assistance, at the discretion of the lead agency. Requires that all relocation assistance advisory programs: (1) provide information on suitable locations for displaced farming (and business) operations; and (2) assure that no person is required to move before being given a reasonable choice of suitable replacement dwellings. Provides for the designation of a single, cognizant Federal agency to establish procedures to be used by a non-Federal displacing agency to implement related activities funded by two or more Federal agencies. Authorizes advisory services to certain renters in properties acquired by a displacing agency. Directs the lead agency to require that provisions authorizing a displacing agency to use project funds to provide dwellings for displaced persons, if the project would be delayed because suitable replacement housing is not otherwise available, be used to exceed housing replacement assistance ceilings only on a case-by-case basis and for good cause. Provides that any payment a displaced person receives under State law shall replace a housing replacement or real property acquisition payment for substantially the same purpose under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act. Requires the head of the lead agency to: (1) promulgate rules to carry out such Act; (2) coordinate relocation assistance activities with Federal and federally-financed low-income housing programs; (3) monitor the implementation of such Act; and (4) perform such other duties as necessary. Declares low-income housing assistance as income for purposes of determining eligibility for assistance under the Social Security Act or any other Federal law. Requires a State agency to pay the United States all net amounts (currently all amounts) received from the sale of surplus Federal property transferred to the agency for the purpose of providing replacement housing. Repeals the authority of any displacing agency to make loans to various organizations for planning and obtaining federally-insured mortgage financing for housing for displaced persons. Authorizes the lead agency to prescribe a procedure under which Federal agencies may acquire real property without having it appraised. Permits a displaced person to donate the real property being acquired or any of the compensation paid for such property to the acquiring agency. Sets forth effective dates of specified provisions of this Act. Title V: Highway Revenue Act of 1987 - Highway Revenue Act of 1987 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from: (1) 1988 to 1993 certain Highway Fund taxes and related exemptions; (2) December 31, 1992, to September 30, 1993, reduced rates of tax on fuels containing alcohol; and (3) 1988 to 1993, the Highway Trust Fund. States that certain transfers must be borne by the Highway Account and the Mass Transit Account in proportion to the respective revenues transferred to them. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations governing highway use tax payments on any highway motor vehicle operated by a motor carrier domiciled in any contiguous foreign country (or owned or controlled by persons of any contiguous foreign country). States that Revenue Rulings 85-196 and 86-43 shall not apply to any vehicle acquired by a retail dealer before January 1, 1986, continuously held in such dealer's inventory through September 30, 1986, and sold by such dealer after September 30, 1986.

A bill to amend the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, relating to small community air service.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1987

Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to enter into contracts with air carriers for the provision of essential air service to small communities. Prescribes guidelines for such contracts. Authorizes appropriations. States that this Act shall terminate upon the expiration of the ten-year period following the date of its enactment.

Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1987

Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987 - Provides that the United States asserts title to any abandoned shipwreck that is: (1) embedded in submerged lands of a State; (2) embedded in coralline formations protected by a State on its submerged lands; or (3) on submerged lands of a State when such shipwreck is included or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Declares that any title to abandoned shipwrecks asserted under such conditions is transferred to the State in or on whose submerged lands the shipwreck is located. States that any abandoned shipwreck in or on the public lands of the United States (except the Outer Continental Shelf) is the property of the United States. Directs the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to publish, within six months after enactment of this Act, advisory guidelines for the protection of shipwrecks and properties.

Truck and Bus Safety Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1987

Truck and Bus Safety Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) include within the ambit of Federal motor carrier safety regulations motor carriers and drivers operating wholly within a municipality or commercial zone (with specified exceptions); and (2) initiate rulemaking proceedings on the need to adopt specified methods for safety improvement and for braking performance standards for trucks and truck trailers.

Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety and Compensation Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1987

Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety and Compensation Act of 1987 - Title I: Compensation for Temporary Injury on Fishing Industry Vessels - Amends Federal law to limit the liability of an employer for the temporary illness, injury, or disability of a seaman employed on a fishing, fish tender, or fish processing vessel as long as the employer has in effect certain prescribed minimum illness or injury maintenance coverage. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to annually review the dollar figure representing the annual minimum payment for a seaman's illness or disability, and to make certain adjustments to such figure if necessary. Requires a seaman to bring an action to obtain such coverage within two years from the date the cause of action accrued. Title II: Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety - Amends Federal law concerning fishing vessels to prescribe and require the prescription of certain safety standards on all fishing, fish tender, or fish processing vessels. Defines the international equivalent of such required vessel safety standards. Authorizes the appropriate safety official to take action with respect to vessels operating in an unsafe condition or in violation of standards set forth under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt certain vessels from such standards for good cause shown. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee (the Committee) to advise, consult with, report to, and make recommendations to the Secretary concerning various vessel safety matters. Directs the Secretary, at least once a year, to publish a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee. Directs the Secretary to designate a representative to participate as an observor with the Committee. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Committee before taking specified action affecting fishing, fish tender, or fish processing vessels. Terminates such Committee on September 30, 1992. Requires the Committee, two years prior to such termination, to recommend to the Congress whether the Committee should be renewed and continue beyond the termination date. Requires the Secretary to compile statistics concerning marine casualties in connection with fishing, fish tender, or fish processing vessels. Requires a person underwriting insurance for such vessels to periodically submit to the Secretary certain data regarding marine casualties. Provides penalties for those persons failing to provide such data.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Authorization Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1987

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Authorization Act of 1987 - Title I: Authorizations of Appropriations - Amends the following Acts to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989: (1) the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966; and (2) the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act with respect to bumper standards, automobile consumer information, and odometer requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) to derive a specified additional amount from unobligated highway safety program funds to implement a national program encouraging the use of safety belts and passive restraints (airbags) in passenger automobiles. Title II: Side Impact Protection and Crashworthiness Data - Directs the Secretary to reopen certain rulemaking proceedings to implement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish performance criteria for improved occupant protection in side impacts; and (2) issue an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to extend the applicability of such Standard to light trucks, vans, and multipurpose passenger vehicles. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary to enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to study means of establishing a method for calculating a uniform numerical rating enabling consumers to compare meaningful passenger automobile crashworthiness data. Prescribes the contents of such study. Requires that a report of such study be submitted to the Secretary and the Congress within 19 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Prescribes schedules for: (1) obtaining public comment on implementation of National Academy recommendations; (2) determining whether an objectively based system of comparative crashworthiness data can be established; (3) promulgating a rule to establish such a system, if the determination is positive; (4) submitting the proposed rule for review to specified congressional committees; (5) waiting 60 calendar days after such submission, unless both committees notify the Secretary that they have no objection to the rule; and (6) establishing (by rule) procedures requiring auto dealers to make comparative crashworthiness data available to prospective customers. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish a schedule for use in ensuring compliance with each Federal motor vehicle safety standard established under this Act which the Secretary determines is capable of being tested; (2) establish written guidelines and procedures for conducting investigations regarding noncompliance with the regulations issued under this Act; and (3) establish criteria for the determination and imposition of civil penalties for such noncompliance. Amends Federal law regarding State highway safety programs to mandate that each State shall include among its uniform highway safety standards a uniform system for handicapped parking. Defines the elements of such a system. Directs the Secretary to annually evaluate and report to the Congress on State compliance with such mandate. Directs the Secretary to initiate a rulemaking to: (1) revise specified motor vehicle safety standards regarding multipurpose passenger vehicles; (2) review the classification system for vehicles with a gross weight under 10,000 pounds to determine whether certain Federal motor vehicle safety standards would apply; and (3) amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 to provide that lap and shoulder seatbelt protection for outboard rear seat passengers should be installed in passenger automobiles after specified dates. Mandates that a specified percentage of certain authorized appropriations shall be used to disseminate consumer information regarding retrofitting passenger automobiles with lap and shoulder rear seatbelts. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) promulgate regulations establishing passenger motor vehicle bumper system labeling requirements; and (2) arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of specified aspects of the effectiveness of State motor vehicle safety inspection programs for transmittal to certain congressional committees. Amends the the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to direct the manufacturer of a defective motor vehicle or motor vehicle part to send a second notification if the Secretary determines that the first notification sent by such manufacturer has not resulted in an adequate number of vehicles (or items of equipment) being returned for remedy. Requires any lessor who receives notification of a defective motor vehicle part pertaining to any leased motor vehicle to send a copy of such notice to the lessee. Provides that a dealer may only sell or lease a motor vehicle (or motor vehicle item) for which a safety defect notice has been received only if: (1) the defect or failure to comply has been remedied before delivery under sale or lease; or (2) an enforcement order has been set aside or restrained. Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct a study of the use of darkened windshields and window glass in passenger automobiles, and to submit the results of such study to certain congressional committees. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to prohibit any State from issuing a motor vehicle registration card unless the application for such card contains specified odometer information. Requires the Secretary to promulgate rules regarding falsification and unauthorized alteration of title and mileage information. Prohibits the Secretary from approving State alternate motor vehicle mileage disclosure requirements unless the Secretary determines that such alternate method is consistent with the purposes of such Act.

Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act of 1988

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1987

Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety and Compensation Act of 1987 - Title I: Compensation for Temporary Injury on Fishing Industry Vessels - Amends Federal law to limit the liability of an employer for the temporary illness, injury, or disability of a seaman employed on a fishing, fish tender, or fish processing vessel as long as the employer has in effect certain prescribed minimum illness or injury maintenance coverage. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to annually review the dollar figure representing the annual minimum payment for a seaman's illness or disability, and to make certain adjustments to such figure if necessary. Requires a seaman to bring an action to obtain such coverage within two years from the date the cause of action accrued. Title II: Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety - Amends Federal law concerning fishing vessels to prescribe and require the prescription of certain safety standards on all fishing, fish tender, or fish processing vessels. Defines the international equivalent of such required vessel safety standards. Authorizes the appropriate safety official to take action with respect to vessels operating in an unsafe condition or in violation of standards set forth under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt certain vessels from such standards for good cause shown. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee (the Committee) to advise, consult with, report to, and make recommendations to the Secretary concerning various vessel safety matters. Directs the Secretary, at least once a year, to publish a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee. Directs the Secretary to designate a representative to participate as an observor with the Committee. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Committee before taking specified action affecting fishing, fish tender, or fish processing vessels. Terminates such Committee on September 30, 1992. Requires the Committee, two years prior to such termination, to recommend to the Congress whether the Committee should be renewed and continue beyond the termination date. Requires the Secretary to compile statistics concerning marine casualties in connection with fishing, fish tender, or fish processing vessels. Requires a person underwriting insurance for such vessels to periodically submit to the Secretary certain data regarding marine casualties. Provides penalties for those persons failing to provide such data.

Fishing Vessel Safety Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1987

Fishing Vessel Safety Act of 1987 - Title I: Fishing Vessel Safety - Amends Federal law to add fishing vessels to the list of vessels subject to inspection and certification by the Coast Guard. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (the Secretary) to prescribe specified safety regulations for fishing, fish processing, and fish tender vessels which are not required to be inspected under the revised list and for documented fishing, fish processing, and fish tender vessels which are operating beyond the Boundary Line. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for minimum safety standards for fishing, fish processing, and fish tender vessels and associated equipment. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the operating stability of certain documented fishing, fish processing, and fish tender vessels. Makes exceptions to specified safety provisions in this Act for certain fish processing vessels. Prohibits operation of a vessel in violation of this Act or in the absence of emergency assignments and periodic emergency drills in compliance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Provides for termination of unsafe operations of fishing, fish processing, and fish tender vessels. Empowers the Secretary to exempt a vessel from the requirements of this Act. Exempts automatically certain small fishing, fish processing, and fish tender vessels not operating on the high seas. Establishes civil fines, in rem penalties, and criminal penalties for violations of this Act or its regulations. Sets crew requirements regarding safety training and safety training certification for fishing, fish processing, and fish tender vessels. Requires operators of such vessels to be licensed under regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Requires regulations prescribed by the Secretary regarding casualty reports to be uniform for all vessels engaged in commercial service. Requires the Secretary to: (1) compile statistics concerning marine casualties from insurers of fishing, fish processing, and fish tender vessels; and (2) prescribe regulations to gather a statistical base for analyzing vessel risks. Imposes a civil fine for failure by insurers to comply with collection requirements for marine casualty statistics. Establishes a Fishing Vessel Safety Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on fishing vessel navigation safety, marine insurance, vessel design and operation, personnel training, and other matters. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Committee before taking significant actions. Title II: Fishery Management Safety - Amends the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to include safety factors in the required contents of fishery management plans.

Amendments to the Merchant Marine Act, 1920

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987

Amendments to the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 to authorize and direct the Federal Maritime Commission to make rules and regulations regarding intermodal movements, terminal operations, and other activities integral to shipping. Authorizes the Commission, in furtherance of the purposes of such Act, to initiate rules and regulations on its own motion or pursuant to a petition by any person. Requires the Commission to determine whether a rule or regulation is necessary whenever either the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the House of Representatives or the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate so requests. Authorizes the Commission to require any person to file information with the Commission. Makes any person who fails to file such required information liable for civil fines. Empowers the Commission to issue rules and regulations regarding depositions, written interrogatories, and discovery procedures in conformity, to the extent practicable, with those of the U.S. district courts. Grants the Commission subpoena power. Entitles witnesses to the same fees and mileage as in U.S. courts. Authorizes the Commission, for failure to supply information ordered or subpoenaed, to: (1) suspend tariffs of a common carrier or suspend that carrier's right to use tariffs of conferences of which it is a member; or (2) assess a civil fine. Authorizes the Commission to seek enforcement of such information order or subpoena in U.S. district court. Authorizes the Commission, upon its finding of any condition unfavorable to shipping in the foreign trade of the United States to: (1) limit sailings; (2) suspend tariffs; (3) suspend a common carrier's right to operate under any agreement filed with the Commission; or (4) take any other action the Commission finds necessary and appropriate. Requires the collector of customs, upon request by the Commission, to refuse clearance to any vessel of a country named in a rule or regulation issued by the Commission. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, with regard to any vessel of a country so named by the Commission, to: (1) deny entry into the United States; or (2) detain from leaving any place in the United States for any other place in the United States. Makes any common carrier which accepts or handles cargo under a tariff which has been suspended as provided in this Act or after its right to use any other tariff has been so suspended subject to a civil fine.

A bill to amend the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to repeal the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to reduce passenger automobile fuel economy standards below the level set by such Act.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1987

Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to repeal the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to amend the average fuel economy standard. Declares certain regulations pertaining to such standards ineffective as of 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

A bill entitled: The Coast Guard User Fee and Free Ride Termination Act of 1987.

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1987

Amends Federal law concerning vessels and seamen to direct the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish and collect user fees for the provision of Coast Guard services. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations by October 1, 1988, for the enforcement of such fee collection. Outlines the services for which the Secretary is authorized to collect such fees, including vessel inspection, vessel documentation, and licensing of personnel. Places a per-fiscal year ceiling on the amount of fees that can be collected. Establishes for each recreational vessel a fee of $20 per year to be collected by the Secretary. Defines "recreational vessel." Outlines administrative provisions concerning the establishment and collection of all fees authorized under this Act, together with penalties for those required to pay such fees who fail to do so. Provides for the deposit of fees collected under this Act to the operating expenses account of the Coast Guard. Authorizes expenditure of the recreational vessel fee funds only for navigational aids and search and rescue operations.

Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1987

Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989. Confers jurisdiction upon the district courts to issue orders requiring immediate compliance with a subpoena, order, or directive issued by the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary). Precludes specified documents from being admitted into evidence or used for any purpose in lawsuits for damages arising out of railroad accidents or incidents. Declares it is unlawful for individuals who perform certain safety-sensitive railroad functions to fail to comply with rules or standards prescribed by the Secretary. Increases from $2,500 to $10,000 the maximum civil penalty for railroad safety violations (including a maximum civil penalty of $25,000 for violations that have created an especially egregious safety hazard). Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit a person from serving in a safety-sensitive capacity in the rail industry if such person's violation of a safety regulation is shown to make that person unfit for safety sensitive functions. Defines the term "railroad" to include all forms of nonhighway ground transportation that run on rails or electromagnetic guideways, except for rapid transit operations within an urban area that are not connected to the general railroad system of transportation. Repeals specified railroad safety laws. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary is required to establish a fee schedule for railroads, and to assess and collect such fees for each fiscal year for the purpose of approximating the costs of administering Federal laws regarding railroad safety and railroad noise control.

A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, relating to the construction, acquisition, or operation of rail carriers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1987

Amends Federal law regarding railroad lines operation and construction to direct the Interstate Commerce Commission to send a copy of a rail carrier's construction, acquisition, or operations applications (including all relevant agreements between the parties concerned) to the chief executive officer of each State (including the regulatory agencies designated by such officer) affected by such application. Grants such State officer (or designated agency) a specified time within which to submit a written protest regarding the application. Directs the Commission, upon receipt of a protest, to review the proposed transaction within a specified period to determine whether an exemption from statutory review is appropriate. Requires the Commission to determine whether the public convenience and necessity require or permit the proposed transaction if the Commission finds that such transaction does not fall under the review exemption.

Infrastructure Fairness Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1987

Infrastructure Fairness Act of 1987 - Prohibits the receipts and disbursements of the Highway Trust Fund and the Airport and Airway Trust Fund which are allocable to the transportation-related operations of such Fund from being included in either the Federal budget as submitted by the President, or in the congressional budget. Exempts such Trust Funds from any general statutory budget limitation.

A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1988 for certain maritime programs of the Department of Transportation and the Federal Maritime Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 for the Maritime Administration and the Federal Maritime Commission. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to revise the guidelines for student incentive payment agreements. Applies such revised guidelines to individuals who commence attendance after calendar year 1986 at a State maritime academy.

Infrastructure Fairness Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987

Infrastructure Fairness Act of 1987 - Prohibits the receipts and disbursements of the Highway Trust Fund and the Airport and Airway Trust Fund which are allocable to the transportation-related operations of such Fund from being included in either the Federal budget as submitted by the President, or in the congressional budget. Exempts such Trust Funds from any general statutory budget limitation.

A bill to amend title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1987

A bill granting the consent of Congress to the Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey Rail Improvements Compact.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987

Expresses the sense of the Congress that after the date of enactment of this Act: (1) the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) shall continue as the operational authority in the Northeast Corridor; and (2) the role of the Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey Rail Improvements Compact Commission shall be solely to provide funding for high speed capital improvements. Interstate Compact - Grants congressional consent to the Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey Rail Improvements Compact.

A bill to deny funds for projects using products or services of foreign countries that deny fair market opportunities.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987

Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to deny the use of funds provided under such Act for projects using products or services of foreign countries which are listed by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as not offering reciprocal opportunities for American firms. Requires the USTR to: (1) determine whether each foreign country denies fair and equitable market opportunities for U.S. products and suppliers in procurement, or fair and equitable market opportunities for United States bidders, for construction projects that cost more than $500,000 and are funded by the government of such foreign country; and (2) maintain and publish annually a list of countries for which an affirmative determination is made. Allows an exception to such a denial of funds if the Secretary of Transportation determines: (1) the denial of funds would not be in the public interest; (2) products of the same class or kind are not produced or offered in the United States or in any foreign country not listed by the USTR in sufficient and reasonably available quantities and of a satisfactory quality; or (3) exclusion of such product or service from the project would increase the cost of the overall project contract by more than 20 percent.

Panama Canal Interest Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987

Panama Canal Interest Act of 1987 - Amends the Panama Canal Act of 1979 to increase the U.S. investment in the Panama Canal by the amount of interest on such investment that is deposited in the Panama Canal Commission Fund as of December 31, 1985.

A bill to amend the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit certain airline scheduling practices that result in passenger delays and inconveniences, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987

Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit an air carrier from scheduling a flight at a particular time from a particular airport if such carrier has reason to know that it is unlikely to depart at that time because of the number of flights scheduled to depart from the airport at that time. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) immediately investigate the scheduling practices of air carriers at major hub airports in order to determine whether such practices make it likely that one or more flights will not depart as scheduled because of the number of flights scheduled at any one time; (2) request air carriers to discuss and agree on schedules if an investigation reveals that scheduling practices make it unlikely for flights to depart as scheduled; and (3) prescribe schedules to ensure that flights are liley to depart as scheduled if the carriers cannot agree upon such schedules among themselves. Requires any air carrier that cancels a flight for reasons other than weather or aviation safety to provide free transportation on the next available flight to the same destination.

Railroad Safety Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987

Railroad Safety Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations requiring that all: (1) railroad employees responsible for safety-sensitive functions be subject to random-based testing for the use of alcohol or a controlled substance; and (2) locomotives operating on specified passenger trackage or feeder lines be equipped with certain automatic speed control devices. Directs the Federal Railroad Administration to establish certain grade crossing demonstration projects, and to report to the Congress on the results of such projects. Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to make it unlawful for any person (including railroad personnel) to fail to comply with any rules prescribed by the Secretary. Increases the maximum civil penalty for such violations from $2,500 to $10,000 (and $25,000 for specified violations). Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit an individual from performing safety-sensitive functions if such individual's violation of a rule, regulation, order, or standard is shown to make that individual unfit for such functions.

Reciprocal Motor Vehicle Safety Certification Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987

Reciprocal Motor Vehicle Safety Certification Act of 1987 - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to detail the information necessary from foreign motor vehicle manufacturers seeking certification that their vehicles conform with Federal safety standards. States that such certification must be accompanied by a manufacturer's declaration that the vehicle's country of orgin accepts U.S. certification for imported American vehicles that the vehicles conform to corresponding safety standards, without further testing, inspection, or reporting requirements; and that no greater regulatory burden is imposed than under Federal law. Allows the Secretary of Transportation, absent such a declaration, to verify safety standard conformance and recover costs of such determinations through fees. Applies such requirements only to vehicles manufactured or assembled outside of the United States in a country for which the Secretary determines there were 350,000 or more new motor vehicles produced and introduced for sale in interstate commerce during calendar year 1984. States that verification by the Secretary shall not be required if the Secretary finds that the burdens of such verification requirement upon the United States and U.S. manufacturers outweigh the benefits of access to the motor vehicle market of the other country by U.S. manufacturers. Makes the safety certification requirement inapplicable in any model year to foreign motor vehicles if the Secretary finds that the potential U.S. market for such model will not be substantial.

A bill to require the establishment of certain grade crossing demonstration projects to improve the safety of rail transportation in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1987

Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to mandate that the Federal Railroad Administration establish demonstration projects to evaluate: (1) whether reflective markers at grade crossings would reduce train accidents; and (2) whether stop or yield signs would reduce such accidents. Directs the Administration to report the results of such projects to certain congressional committees within two years after enactment of this Act.

Air Carrier On-Time Reporting Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1987

Air Carrier On-Time Reporting Act of 1987 - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to require by regulation that each commercial air carrier engaged in the transportation of passengers report, at least four times a year, to the Secretary its on-time performance record. Requires such reports to be route-specific, and to be made available to the public by the reporting air carrier.

Highway Research and Development Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1987

Highway Research and Development Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to implement: (1) a study of asphaltic materials to determine their relationship to the durability and effectiveness of pavement surfaces; (2) a study to determine the long-term performance of various pavement surfaces under various load and environmental conditions; (3) a research project to develop improved procedures for administering and controlling highway maintenance programs; (4) a research project to determine new methods to reduce deterioration of existing chloride-contaminated bridge decks; (5) a research project to determine methods of improving the quality and durability of concrete; (6) a research project to determine methods of reducing the use of salt in snow and ice control on highways; and (7) the use of specified advanced materials in highway structural applications. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on such studies and research. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990.

A bill to establish a motor carrier administration in the Department of Transportation, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1987

Establishes the Motor Carrier Administration in the Department of Transportation, to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President who shall report directly to the Secretary of Transportation. Creates the position of Deputy Administrator, to be appointed by the Secretary. Confers upon the Administrator duties and powers related to motor carriers and motor carrier safety under specified law. States that a decision of the Administrator implementing duties involving notice and hearing requirements is administratively final. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding a review of those Interstate Commerce Commission activities affecting motor carrier transportation which could be more efficiently performed by the Motor Carrier Administration.

A bill to amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, regarding vessels eligible for an operating-differential subsidy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1987

Amends provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to prohibit certain operating differential subsidy contracts, including contract amendments and permissions, from being made for vessels operated with full, partial, or no operating differential subsidy in an essential service served by U.S. citizens, absent certain determinations of inadequate or competitive existing service. Amends provisions forbidding operating differential subsidies to foreign trade contractors engaging in coastwise or intercoastal trade without written permission of the Secretary of Transportation to require that applications for such written permission disclose the nature and scope of proposed domestic service. Requires the Secretary to disapprove any application which would likely adversely affect existing exclusively domestic service.

A bill to amend title V of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to allow adjustments in a manufacturer's fleet average fuel economy for automobiles made by the manufacturer which utilize non-petroleum-based fuels.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1987

Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to permit any automobile manufacturer to elect to have any of its alternative-fuel-powered vehicles included in the average fuel economy calculated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires such average fuel economy calculation to take into account the petroleum conservation resulting from the use of the alternative-fuel-powered vehicles involved. Defines "alternative fuel" as methanol, ethanol, methane, or other suitable motor fuel not derived from petroleum. Sets guidelines to determine the amount of fuel economy adjustment. Applies such adjustment to model years beginning after December 31, 1985. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations regarding the fuel economy calculation adjustment.

Airline Merger Transfer Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987

Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to repeal the small community essential air service subsidy program. States that commuter air carriers providing service to certain eligible points shall not be exempt from specified air carrier economic regulations unless the Secretary of Transportation determines carriers to be fit, willing, and able to perform such service. Repeals the notice requirement before termination, reduction, or suspension of service by certificated air carriers. Terminates, effective upon enactment of this Act, the Department of Transportation's regulatory authority over air carrier mergers, acquisitions, and interlocking relationships. (Present law terminates such authority on January 1, 1989.)

Airport and Airway Improvement Act Amendments of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987

Airport and Airway Improvement Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to take into account tall structures which reduce safety or airport capacity when reviewing the national plan of integrated airport systems. Requires the Secretary to make a reasonable effort to address air cargo operations needs, STOL/VSTOL, and certain rotary wing aircraft operations. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, when reviewing and revising the national airways system plan, to include therein: (1) a ten-year planning horizon in addition to the current statutory ten-year period; and (2) a 20-year airspace needs component that addresses the airspace requirements for all aircraft (including military). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for airport development and planning by project grants. Specifies the amount which shall be available for such grants for FY 1988 through 1992. Extends from 1987 to 1992 the Secretary's obligational authority to make grants for the airway improvement program. Declares that authorized funds not appropriated for facilities and equipment shall be considered additional authorization under the airport improvement program in the following fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1992. Decreases from 50 percent to 45 percent of the amount authorized to be obligated for a fiscal year the total amount of all apportionments. Decreases by five percent the total amount of all apportionments for any fiscal year for primary airports. Extends from FY 1986 to 1991 the period in which apportionments shall be made to the States. Decreases the apportionment formula for the States for airports other than primary airports. Permits the States to use such funds for reliever airports. Directs the Secretary, when making discretionary fund grants, to consider airports operating at (or projected to reach) critical capacity in the near future and to give priority to those programs which address the critical capacity issues. Mandates that a certain percentage of certain apportioned and discretionary funds be credited to the Airport Expansion Land Acquisition Account (established by this Act.) Revises project eligibility to include specific pavement preservation projects clearly intended to preserve existing airport facilities and ground access improvement projects. Extends from FY 1986 to 1991 the authorization of appropriations for explosive detection K-9 teams. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to: (1) jointly conduct a national review of the need and utilization of special use airspace (in order to determine its impact upon civil aviation operations); and (2) report such review results to the Congress within 18 months after enactment of this Act. Sets forth procedural guidelines under which the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Communications Commission shall coordinate their actions regarding broadcast tower license applications and obstruction evaluations. Sets forth guidelines for: (1) the Federal share of airport construction costs upon application of the project sponsor; and (2) land acquisition in anticipation of future airport construction or expansion. Establishes the Airport Expansion Land Acquisition Account in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations from such account for FY 1988 through 1992. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from 1987 to 1993: (1) the imposition of certain aviation-related excise taxes; and (2) certain appropriations and expenditures regarding the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.

A bill to amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to exempt shipment of all agricultural commodities and products thereof from cargo preference requirements.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987

Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to exempt the export of any agricultural commodities or products thereof from the cargo preference provisions of such Act.

Merchant Marine Support and Equity Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1987

Merchant Marine Support and Equity Act of 1987 - Requires at least 50 percent of the tonnage of all agricultural commodities imported into the United States, for which an adequate production capacity exists within the United States, be shipped in private U.S. vessels. Waives such requirement whenever the President or the Congress declares that an emergency exists that justifies such waiver. Limits such waiver to no longer than six months. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to annually determine and publish in the Federal Register a list of the commodities and products to be shipped under the provisions of this Act.

Aircraft Collision Avoidance Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987

Aircraft Collision Avoidance Act of 1987 - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require that civil aircraft with a maximum passenger capacity of more than 30 seats be equipped with a collision avoidance system developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (TCAS-II). Mandates that an altitude-encoding transponder be installed on each civil aircraft operating in a high traffic density area if such aircraft is not required to be equipped with the TCAS-II. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to complete, as soon as possible, the research, development, and certification of the collision avoidance system known as TCAS-III. Authorizes appropriations.

National Traffic Safety and Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Authorization Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987

National Traffic Safety and Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Authorization Act of 1987 - Title I: Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989. Title II: Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989.

National Traffic Safety and Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Authorization Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1987

National Traffic Safety and Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Authorization Act of 1987 - Title I: Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety - Amends the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to direct the manufacturer of a defective motor vehicle or motor vehicle part to send a second notification if the Secretary determines that the first notification sent by such manufacturer has not resulted in an adequate number of vehicles (or items of equipment) being returned for remedy. Requires any lessor who receives notification of a defective motor vehicle part pertaining to any leased motor vehicle to send a copy of such notice to the lessee. Provides that a dealer may sell or lease a motor vehicle (or motor vehicle item) for which a defect notice has been received only if: (1) the defect or failure to comply has been remedied before delivery under sale or lease; or (2) an enforcement order has been set aside or restrained.

Consumer Rail Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1987

Consumer Rail Equity Act - Reaffirms the intent of the Congress that the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 and the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 be implemented in a manner which provides both greater competitive alternatives and adequate railroad revenues. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission, when determining the existence or absence of effective competition, to consider only transportation competition for movement of the same commodity from the same point of origin to the same destination. States that a presumption of overall effective competition is not established by the fact that a railroad faces effective competition with respect to either a point of destination or a point of origin. Shifts the burden of proof regarding transportation rate reasonableness from the shipper to the rail carrier establishing the challenged rate. Declares that it is Federal policy to encourage and promote competitive transportation rates for domestically produced coal and other commodities in order to increase their competitive position in domestic and export markets. Directs the Commission to establish a rail cost adjustment factor which includes changes in railroad productivity, volume, and output mix. Directs the Commission to recompute and republish the Rail Cost Adjustment Factor according to prescribed guidelines. Provides that certain rail carrier rates shall be reduced to the extent of any subsequent decreases in rail cost adjustment factors. Confirms the Commission's authority to promulgate rates set forth in a specified adjudication. Includes within the standards used to determine railroad revenue adequacy: (1) identification of revenues, expenses, and investment base reasonably related to rail transportation service; (2) straight-line depreciation of assets reasonably related to rail transportation service, minus deferred tax reserves resulting from accelerated depreciation; and (3) actual cost of debt capital and reasonable estimates of the current cost of equity capital. Requires the Commission, when making revenue adequacy determinations, to consider specified indicators of a rail carrier's financial status. Requires the Commission to determine, on an annual basis, which rail carriers are earning adequate or inadequate revenues and to determine for each rail carrier the revenues required to achieve or maintain revenue adequacy. Allows (current law requires) the Commission to exempt persons from application of this Act when: (1) such application is not necessary to implement Federal transportation policy; and (2) the Commission finds there is no market dominance involved in the affected transaction. Mandates that the rates and practices applicable to such exempt persons shall not be considered a matter subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission. Requires any rail carrier providing service under certain line rates to participate in competitive joint rail rates through practicable interchange connections (or publish a competitive proportional rate) if requested to do so by a rail carrier (or shipper or receiver) who has an actual or practicable interchange connection. Directs the Commission, upon petition of any interested party, to require certain terminal facilities owned by a rail carrier in interstate or foreign commerce to be used by another rail carrier if the Commission finds: (1) it is in the public interest to do so; and (2) that the owner of such terminal facility will not suffer substantial impairment of its own business interests. Directs the Commission to require, upon petition by an interested party, that rail carriers enter into reciprocal switching agreements if such an agreement is in the public interest or necessary to provide alternative competitive rail service. Directs the Commission to establish reciprocal switching compensation at a level not to exceed the current percentage of the actual variable costs for such service (unless the carrier demonstrates that a higher level is reasonable and necessary). Revises railroad line abandonment procedures to provide that a rail carrier must wait one year before resubmitting a previously denied abandonment application, unless a substantial change in circumstances can be shown. Requires the Commission to hold hearings in communities affected by a proposed railroad line abandonment if requested to do so by community protestants. Requires the Commission to base its abandonment determination upon financial data regarding the facility proposed to be abandoned rather than upon financial data regarding industry-wide averages. Directs the Commission, when considering any application for a certificate of abandonment or discontinuance, to disregard the impact on traffic volume of any surcharge imposed under specified parts of this Act (unless the surcharge improves the financial performance of the line). Subjects to Commission review any State decision regarding intrastate rates, rules, and practices if a party to such State proceedings petitions for Commission review. Requires the Commission to take action on such petition within 120 days of its receipt. Authorizes the Commission to vacate a State decision found inconsistent with this Act.

Aviation Safety and Improvement Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1987

Aviation Safety and Improvement Act of 1987 - Mandates that the Federal Aviation Administration hire a minimum of 500 air traffic controllers (in addition to a specified total air traffic controller work force level) by September 30, 1988. Precludes such additional controllers from including air traffic assistants. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a final rule within nine months after the date of enactment of this Act providing that each individual inquiring about making a reservation for scheduled airline service shall, at the time of such inquiry, receive specified verbal information about delays and cancellations. Requires the Secretary, in promulgating such rule to: (1) ensure that each air carrier makes such information available in written form; and (2) develop procedures for use by airlines in notifying passengers who have purchased tickets for scheduled airline service of the cancellation of such service. Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to specify the aggregate amounts available to the Secretary for FY 1988 through 1992 for grants regarding airport planning and development, airport noise compatibility, and capacity improvements. Extends from 1987 to FY 1992 the Secretary's obligational authority to make grants under the airport improvement program. Authorizes appropriations out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for FY 1988 through FY 1992 for: (1) air navigation facilities improvement under the Federal Aviation Act; (2) facilities, engineering and development, and research; (3) other expenses; and (4) weather services. Extends from 1987 to 1992 the apportionment formula to be used for primary airports. Directs the Secretary to distribute apportioned funds within 30 days after the beginning of each fiscal year to primary airport sponsors which have certified compliance with all sponsor obligations and requirements. Amends the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 to authorize the Secretary to incur obligations to make grants from specified funds for activities regarding airport noise compatibility.

Traffic Safety for Handicapped Individuals Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987

Traffic Safety for Handicapped Individuals Act of 1987 - Amends Federal law to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) from approving certain highway safety programs that do not provide for a uniform system for handicapped parking to promote safety. Directs the Secretary to promulgate uniform standards applicable to such a system. Details the criteria for such a system. Directs the Secretary to undertake an annual evaluation of State compliance with this Act and to report the results to the Congress.

A bill to provide that certain regulations issued by the Department of Transportation which exempt commercial motor vehicles operating in commercial zones from Federal motor carrier safety regulation shall have no effect.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987

Brings within the scope of Federal motor carrier safety regulation certain commercial motor vehicles operating in a municipality or its commercial zone. Declares certain Department of Transportation regulations exempting such vehicles from Federal safety regulation to be without effect.

A bill imposing certain restrictions on the sale of main transcontinental rail lines.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1987

Prohibits any sale of certain main transcontinental rail lines which separates ownership of portions of rail lines from ownership of lands granted in association with such portions if: (1) such rail lines were constructed on lands granted by the United States specifically for rail line construction; and (2) a mortgage bond is outstanding which is secured by both the lands on which the rail line is constructed and other lands granted by the United States in association with such lands.

Consumer Rail Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1987

Consumer Rail Equity Act - Reaffirms the intent of the Congress that the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 and the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 be implemented in a manner which provides both greater competitive alternatives and adequate railroad revenues. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission, when determining the existence or absence of effective competition, to consider only transportation competition for movement of the same commodity from the same point of origin to the same destination. States that a presumption of overall effective competition is not established by the fact that a railroad faces effective competition with respect to either a point of destination or a point of origin. Shifts the burden of proof regarding transportation rate reasonableness from the shipper to the rail carrier establishing the challenged rate. Declares that it is Federal policy to encourage and promote competitive transportation rates for domestically produced coal and other commodities in order to increase their competitive position in domestic and export markets. Directs the Commission to establish a rail cost adjustment factor which includes changes in railroad productivity, volume, and output mix. Directs the Commission to recompute and republish the Rail Cost Adjustment Factor according to prescribed guidelines. Provides that certain rail carrier rates shall be reduced to the extent of any subsequent decreases in rail cost adjustment factors. Confirms the Commission's authority to promulgate rates set forth in a specified adjudication. Includes within the standards used to determine railroad revenue adequacy: (1) identification of revenues, expenses, and investment base reasonably related to rail transportation service; (2) straight-line depreciation of assets reasonably related to rail transportation service, minus deferred tax reserves resulting from accelerated depreciation; and (3) actual cost of debt capital and reasonable estimates of the current cost of equity capital. Requires the Commission, when making revenue adequacy determinations, to consider specified indicators of a rail carrier's financial status. Requires the Commission to determine, on an annual basis, which rail carriers are earning adequate or inadequate revenues and to determine for each rail carrier the revenues required to achieve or maintain revenue adequacy. Allows (current law requires) the Commission to exempt persons from application of this Act when: (1) such application is not necessary to implement Federal transportation policy; and (2) the Commission finds there is no market dominance involved in the affected transaction. Mandates that the rates and practices application to such exempt persons shall not be considered a matter subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission. Requires any rail carrier providing service under certain line rates to participate in competitive joint rail rates through practicable interchange connections (or publish a competitive proportional rate) if requested to do so by a rail carrier (or shipper or receiver) who has an actual or practicable interchange connection. Directs the Commission, upon petition of any interested party, to require certain terminal facilities owned by a rail carrier in interstate or foreign commerce to be used by another rail carrier if the Commission finds: (1) it is in the public interest to do so; and (2) that the owner of such terminal facility will not suffer substantial impairment of its own business interests. Directs the Commission to require, upon petition by an interested party, that rail carriers enter into reciprocal switching agreements if such an agreement is in the public interest or necessary to provide alternative competitive rail service. Directs the Commission to establish reciprocal switching compensation at a level not to exceed the current percentage of the actual variable costs for such service (unless the carrier demonstrates that a higher level is reasonable and necessary). Revises railroad line abandonment procedures to provide that a rail carrier must wait one year before resubmitting a previously denied abandonment application, unless a substantial change in circumstances can be shown. Requires the Commission to hold hearings in communities affected by a proposed railroad line abandonment if requested to do so by community protestants. Requires the Commission to base its abandonment determination upon financial data regarding the facility proposed to be abandoned rather than upon financial data regarding industry-wide averages. Directs the Commission, when considering any application for a certificate of abandonment or discontinuance, to disregard the impact on traffic volume of any surcharge imposed under specified parts of this Act (unless the surcharge improves the financial performance of the line). Subjects to Commission review any State decision regarding intrastate rates, rules, and practices if a party to such State proceedings petitions for Commission review. Requires the Commission to take action on such petition within 120 days of its receipt. Authorizes the Commission to vacate a State decision found inconsistent with this Act.

Independent Safety Board Act Amendments of 1988

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1987

Independent Safety Board Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 to repeal the requirement that the National Transportation Safety Board (Board) publish notice of the issuance and availability of its accident reports in the Federal Register. Authorizes the Board to require payment from governmental entities for the reasonable cost of goods and services supplied, and to apply the funds received to the Board's appropriations. Empowers the Board to conduct schools for the training of Board employees, and to authorize attendance at such schools by U.S. and foreign government personnel as well as transportation industry personnel. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1990. Authorizes appropriations for the establishment of an emergency fund for use by the Board for accident investigations. Requires the Board to notify the appropriate congressional committees whenever it decides to spend any sums in the emergency fund, together with a justification for such expenditure.

Railroad Unemployment Insurance Solvency and Benefit Increase Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1987

Railroad Unemployment Insurance Solvency and Benefit Increase Act of 1987 - Title I: Financing Provisions - Amends the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to redefine compensation to provide that in computing the compensation paid to any employee, no part of any month's compensation in excess of the monthly compensation base shall be recognized. Establishes a formula for such monthly compensation base. Directs the Railroad Retirement Board (the Board) to: (1) compute the monthly compensation base according to certain guidelines; (2) compute the maximum daily benefit rate applicable to days of unemployment and sickness; and (3) publish notice of such computation in the Federal Register. Revises the guidelines for employers' contributions. Requires the Board to maintain an individual employer record for each employer, and the records necessary to determine pooled charges and pooled credits, as well as unallocated balances for the system. Provides for the combining of joint individual employer records upon the employers' request in the event of a merger, consolidation, unification, or reorganization. Establishes a 12 percent employer contribution limit, or nine percent when a surtax is in effect. Revises the guidelines for employee representatives' contributions to require that such a representative pay a contribution relating to so much of the compensation paid for representation services as is not in excess of a specified monthly compensation base. Extends certain remedies to an employer or employee representative who contests the contribution rate made applicable to him or her by the Board. Establishes deadlines by which the Board shall proclaim certain account balances, pooled ratios, and surcharge rates. Requires the Board to publish notice of such proclamations in the Federal Register. Increases from 0.5 to 0.65 the percentage of employer and employee contributions which must be credited to the railroad unemployment insurance administration fund. Requires the Board to: (1) notify the base year employer when an employee files a claim for benefits; (2) afford such employer opportunity to respond before making an initial determination on such claim; and (3) notify such employer when the Board initially makes a determination to make benefit payments under a claim. Prescribes guidelines for administrative and judicial review of Board determinations to make payments under a claim. Title II: Benefit and Other Adjustments - Increases the waiting period for unemployment and sickness benefits from four to nine days during the first registration period within a benefit year in which the employee has more than four days of unemployment and for each day of unemployment in excess of four during any other benefit period in the same benefit year. Excludes nine days of sickness in the first registration period during a benefit year and four days of sickness in any other registration period when computing sickness benefits. Amends the daily unemployment or sickness benefit rates to prohibit daily benefits from exceeding: (1) $25.00 until July 1, 1987; and (2) $30.00 for registration periods beginning after June 30, 1987, but before July 1, 1988. Requires the Board to compute a maximum daily rate that shall be a minimum of $30.00. Redefines "qualified employee" to mean an employee who received compensation with respect to each of not less than six months in the base year, if such compensation will not have been less than five times the monthly compensation base. Increases from $10.00 to $15.00 the maximum permitted subsidiary remuneration. Title III: Retirement Act Amendments - Declares that, for purposes of computing years of service to determine individual annuity benefits, severance or separation payments received between January 1, 1985, and January 1, 1988, shall not cause an individual to be deemed unemployed under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974. Eliminates as a disqualifier for annuity benefits any compensated service rendered after receipt of annuity benefits to the annuitant's last employer. Repeals the requirement that an annuitant relinquish all rights to return to the service of the person by whom the annuitant was last employed in order to qualify for annuity benefits. Increases the earnings limit for disability annuitants from $200 a month to $400 a month (and from $2,400 a year to $4,800 a year). Redefines "war service period" to provide that the period June 15, 1948, to December 15, 1950, shall be deemed a war service period with respect to persons who returned to railroad employment without an intervening employment following military service.

Boats and Saddles Tour Study Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1987

Equitable Automobile Transportation Act of 1987 - Directs a person shipping foreign vehicles from Japan or South Korea into the United States to transport an equal number of such vehicles on U.S. vehicle carriers that the person ships on foreign vessels. Requires shippers to file a bill of lading with the Secretary of Transportation for every shipment of foreign vehicles brought into the United States. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to enforce this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce such required equal percentage for a temporary period, under certain conditions. Provides penalties for the violation of this Act.

Small Community Air Service Improvement Act of 1987

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1987

Small Community Air Service Improvement Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to enter into contracts with air carriers to assure that air service will be provided to certain small communities for which a determination of essential air transportation has been made under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Prescribes guidelines for such contracts. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to repeal the requirement that the Civil Aeronautics Board establish, by rulemaking, objective criteria for designating eligible points for air transportation to small communities. Extends from ten years to 12 years the duration of the small community air service program. Declares that this Act ceases to be in effect ten years after the date of enactment.