Transport

4 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if the Government have given any consideration, or approval, to the prospect of selling any shareholding in Aer Lingus to another international airline to consolidate the future strategic position of the national airline.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

4 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if the Government have given any consideration, or approval, to the prospect of selling any shareholding in Aer Lingus to another international airline to consolidate the future strategic position of the national airline.

9 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the likely implications for the tourist industry of the substantial increase in the value of the Irish pound against sterling, particularly if the current exchange rate is maintained into the tourist season for 1993; the plans, if any, she has for specific measures to assist the industry in view of these difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

9 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the likely implications for the tourist industry of the substantial increase in the value of the Irish pound against sterling, particularly if the current exchange rate is maintained into the tourist season for 1993; the plans, if any, she has for specific measures to assist the industry in view of these difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

44 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications when an announcement will be made about the future of Shannon Airport, particularly having regard to the comments made on 19 September 1992; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

44 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications when an announcement will be made about the future of Shannon Airport, particularly having regard to the comments made on 19 September 1992; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

35 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications her views on the future of the compulsory stopover at Shannon Airport, County Clare, for transatlantic flights; if the Government has set any deadline for making a decision on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

35 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications her views on the future of the compulsory stopover at Shannon Airport, County Clare, for transatlantic flights; if the Government has set any deadline for making a decision on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

23 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she will elaborate on the comments on 19 September 1992, in regard to the future of Shannon Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

23 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she will elaborate on the comments on 19 September 1992, in regard to the future of Shannon Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

14 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she has yet concluded studies of proposals put to her on the Shannon stop-over, which she informed Dáil Éireann on 1 July 1992 she was then considering; if, in view of the uncertainty, she will indicate when she will make a final policy statement about the future of the airport having regard to the uncertainty; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

14 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she has yet concluded studies of proposals put to her on the Shannon stop-over, which she informed Dáil Éireann on 1 July 1992 she was then considering; if, in view of the uncertainty, she will indicate when she will make a final policy statement about the future of the airport having regard to the uncertainty; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

7 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications her views in relation to the future of the compulsory stopover at Shannon Airport, County Clare, for transatlantic flight; if any time frame for a final consideration of this matter has been set; and if she will make a statement setting out policy in this regard.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

7 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications her views in relation to the future of the compulsory stopover at Shannon Airport, County Clare, for transatlantic flight; if any time frame for a final consideration of this matter has been set; and if she will make a statement setting out policy in this regard.

6 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the reason it was felt necessary to invoke special powers under the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960, to allow for a special radio and television broadcast by the Taoiseach two days before the Maastricht referendum; and the reason such action was not taken during the referendum on the Single European Act.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

6 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the reason it was felt necessary to invoke special powers under the Broadcasting Authority Act, 1960, to allow for a special radio and television broadcast by the Taoiseach two days before the Maastricht referendum; and the reason such action was not taken during the referendum on the Single European Act.

78 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications her views on whether the proposed abolition of the regional tourism boards is a retrograde step; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

78 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications her views on whether the proposed abolition of the regional tourism boards is a retrograde step; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

39 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications whether she foresees any role for county councils and corporations and other local authorities in the development of tourism.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

39 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications whether she foresees any role for county councils and corporations and other local authorities in the development of tourism.

37 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she will give details of the tourism role of the county enterprise schemes in view of the recent abolition of the regional tourism organisations in the State.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

37 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she will give details of the tourism role of the county enterprise schemes in view of the recent abolition of the regional tourism organisations in the State.

26 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there was no prior no consultation with the Councils of the Regional Tourism Organisations regarding the announcement by her of the setting up of the new Enterprise Partnership Boards; her views on whether wasteful duplication must be avoided and the wide experience and expertise of regional tourism organisations must be used to the maximum; if tourism is to be more effective at local level and play its rightful role in job creation the steps, if any, she proposes to take to rectify this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

26 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there was no prior no consultation with the Councils of the Regional Tourism Organisations regarding the announcement by her of the setting up of the new Enterprise Partnership Boards; her views on whether wasteful duplication must be avoided and the wide experience and expertise of regional tourism organisations must be used to the maximum; if tourism is to be more effective at local level and play its rightful role in job creation the steps, if any, she proposes to take to rectify this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

8 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications her views on whether a centralised approach to Government tourism policy fails to recognise regional diversity that exists in Ireland; and the steps, if any, she proposes to take to address this problem.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

8 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications her views on whether a centralised approach to Government tourism policy fails to recognise regional diversity that exists in Ireland; and the steps, if any, she proposes to take to address this problem.

5 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the proposals, if any, she has in respect of tourism in the recently announced county enterprise partnership boards.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

5 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the proposals, if any, she has in respect of tourism in the recently announced county enterprise partnership boards.

3 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she has satisfied herself that the abolition of the six regional tourism organisations is in the best interest of Irish tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

3 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she has satisfied herself that the abolition of the six regional tourism organisations is in the best interest of Irish tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

2 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if her attention has been drawn to the fact that recent international currency changes have intensified the competitive pressure on Irish exporters; and that, in this situation, Irish industry and business is being impeded by the cost of international telephone calls; the action, if any, she is taking to remove this burden, which is resulting in loss of jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

2 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if her attention has been drawn to the fact that recent international currency changes have intensified the competitive pressure on Irish exporters; and that, in this situation, Irish industry and business is being impeded by the cost of international telephone calls; the action, if any, she is taking to remove this burden, which is resulting in loss of jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

1 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she has satisfied herself that enough is being done to combat the growing number of obscene and malicious telephone calls, particularly to women; the response, if any, of Telecom Éireann to the suggested provision of a 24 hour freephone help line; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 October 1992

1 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she has satisfied herself that enough is being done to combat the growing number of obscene and malicious telephone calls, particularly to women; the response, if any, of Telecom Éireann to the suggested provision of a 24 hour freephone help line; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

15 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence whether he has made any approach to the United Nations in view of the fact that Irish troops going to and from the Lebanon are no longer carried by Aer Lingus; whether he has satisfied himself with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 October 1992

15 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence whether he has made any approach to the United Nations in view of the fact that Irish troops going to and from the Lebanon are no longer carried by Aer Lingus; whether he has satisfied himself with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

19 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for education if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a handicapped person (details supplied) in County Donegal has not attended school for more than a year because of the inadequate level of school transport services; and if he will have immediate arrangements made to provide a proper and adequate standard of transport.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 October 1992

19 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for education if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a handicapped person (details supplied) in County Donegal has not attended school for more than a year because of the inadequate level of school transport services; and if he will have immediate arrangements made to provide a proper and adequate standard of transport.

13 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education whether he has any proposals to improve the school bus service.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 October 1992

13 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education whether he has any proposals to improve the school bus service.

5 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education the reason the Deloitte and Touche report and recommendations on the operation of the school transport scheme has not been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 October 1992

5 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education the reason the Deloitte and Touche report and recommendations on the operation of the school transport scheme has not been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Communication from the Commission to the Council - AIR TRANSPORT RELATIONS WITH THIRD COUNTRIES

European Union · European Commission · 21 October 1992

Vorschlag für eine Entscheidung des Rates zur Errichtung eines Netzes für den kombinierten Verkehr in der Gemeinschaft (Ratsdok. 8066/92; KOM (92) 230 endg.) (G-SIG: 12900578)

Germany · German Bundestag · 13 October 1992

Entscheidung Nr. 93/628/EWG

Dritter Bericht zur Gewährung von Finanzhilfen für den kombinierten Verkehr gemäß der Verordnung (EWG) Nr. 1107/70 zuletzt geändert durch die Verordnung (EWG) Nr. 1100/89 (Ratsdok. 8066/92; KOM (92) 230 endg.; (EWG) Nr. 1107/70) (G-SIG: 12900580)

Germany · German Bundestag · 13 October 1992

To eliminate foreign shipbuilding subsidy practices and to enhance the competitiveness of the United States merchant marine.

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1992

Title I: Fair Trade for the Commercial Shipbuilding and Repair Industry - Subtitle A: Subsidized Shipyard List and Required Vessel Entry Documentation Regarding Construction and Repair Subsidies - Shipbuilding Trade Reform Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to maintain a list of all foreign shipyards that receive or benefit from, directly or indirectly, a subsidy for the construction or repair of vessels. Requires a vessel master to deposit with appropriate customs officers a construction subsidy certification for the vessel at the time of making formal entry under the Tariff Act of 1930. Requires the master at, or before, the time of formal entry, to deposit with such customs officer a subsidy declaration for repairs made to such vessel since the last time it entered the United States. Subtitle B: Treatment of Vessels Under the Countervailing and Antidumping Duty Laws - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to establish special rules in applying countervailing and antidumping laws to foreign-made vessels. Title II: Contingency Retainer Fleet Program - Maritime Reform Act of 1992 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to encourage the establishment of a fleet of active, militarily useful, vessels to meet Department of Defense and other security requirements, while also maintaining an American presence in international commercial shipping, to be known as the Contingency Retainer Fleet, to consist of privately owned, U.S.-flag vessels for which there are in effect operating agreements. Sets forth requirements for the operating agreement and restrictions on noncontiguous trade. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits new operating-differential subsidy contracts. Allows the trade-in of obsolete vessels. Limits construction loan guarantees to vessels built in the United States or vessels built in a foreign shipyard that is not included on the subsidized foreign shipyard list. Sets forth reemployment rights for merchant seamen who are members of the Armed Forces Reserves and ordered to active duty. Eliminates certain mortgage restrictions on vessel financing. Amends the Shipping Act to provide for the placement of vessels under foreign registry. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the impact of this Act on U.S. international competitiveness in the maritime industry. Title III: Amendments Related to Capital Construction Fund; Phaseout of Duty on Equipment and Repairs of Vessels in Foreign Countries - Subtitle A: Amendments Related to Capital Construction Funds - Amends the Merchant Marine Act to remove the requirement that vessels be built in the United States in order to establish a capital construction fund. Provides for the taxation of earnings on fund investments. Allows the withdrawal of such funds to make certain payments on leased vessels. Authorizes deposits in such fund in excess of limitations for prior years based on an audit adjustment. Provides for the treatment of long-term capital gains and losses and the computation of interest on nonqualified withdrawals in such fund. Subtitle B: Phaseout of Duty on Equipment and Repairs of Vessels in Foreign Countries - Reduces the required duty for repairs made in a foreign country by vessels documented in the United States.

Shipbuilding Trade Reform Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1992

Shipbuilding Trade Reform Act of 1992 - Mandates establishment, maintenance, and publication of a list of foreign countries that provide vessel construction or repair subsidies. Provides for penalties with regard to subsidized vessels, including limiting sailing, imposing voyage fees, refusing customs clearance, or denying vessel or cargo entry.

Amtrak Wastebuster and Reform Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1992

Amtrak Wastebuster and Reform Act of 1992 - Declares that Federal subsidies to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) shall be reduced by not less than $2.5 billion over the next five years. Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to require Amtrak to discontinue rail service on unprofitable routes.

Action Now Health Care Reform Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1992

Action Now Health Care Reform Act of 1992 - Title I: Improved Access to Affordable Health Care Coverage - Subtitle A: Increased Affordability and Availability for Employees - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the NAIC) to develop model regulations requiring each carrier that makes available in a State any small employer health benefit plan to make available to each small employer in the State a MedAccess basic plan and a MedAccess standard. Directs the Secretary to develop such regulations, if the NAIC does not. Defines MedAccess plan as a health benefits plan that: (1) provides benefits typical of the benefits offered in the small employer health coverage market or provides only benefits for essential preventive and medical services and has an average actuarial value not exceeding 60 percent of the average actuarial value of the typical benefits offered in the small employer health coverage market; (2) accepts every small employer in the State applying for coverage and accepts for enrollment every eligible individual (defined as an individual who is a full-time employee and, if family coverage is offered, covers the employee's spouse and dependents under age 19 or under age 25 for students); and (3) meets consumer protection standards established by this Act relating to limitation of pre-existing condition clauses, continuity of coverage, renewability, and premium limitations. Prohibits the imposition, by a carrier, of a limitation of benefits based on the fact a condition pre-existed the effectiveness of the policy if: (1) the condition relates to a condition not diagnosed within three months before coverage under the plan; (2) the limitation extends beyond six months after coverage under the plan; (3) the limitation applies to an individual who, as of date of birth, was covered under the plan; and (4) the limitation relates to pregnancy. Requires continuous coverage. Prohibits cancellation of a plan or denial of coverage unless there is: (1) nonpayment of premiums; (2) fraud; (3) noncompliance with plan provisions; (4) failure to maintain the required number of enrollees; (5) misuse of a provider network provision; or (6) a cessation by the carrier of the provision of any plan in a State. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax which shall be paid by the carrier on the failure of a carrier or an employer health benefit plan to comply with the provisions of the Act. Directs the Secretary to request the NAIC to develop models for reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms for individuals and small employers who are enrolled under a small employer health benefit plan that meets the consumer protection standards and for whom a carrier is at risk of incurring high costs under the plan. Requires each State to establish and fund one or more reinsurance or allocation or allocation of risk mechanisms that are consistent with a model. Directs the Secretary to develop models, if the NAIC does not. Permits a State, in order to insure the financial solvency of the mechanism, to impose charges on any entity, including a self-insured entity, providing employee-related health benefits, so long as such charges do not discriminate with respect to entities that would not be subject to such charges. Directs the Secretary to establish a reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanism, if a State does not. Imposes an excise tax which shall be paid by the carrier on the providing of any health benefit plan which covers any employee in a Federal reinsurance State. Permits either a State or the Secretary (in a Federal reinsurance State) to require each employer health benefit plan to: (1) be registered; and (2) provide such information as is necessary for the reinsurance or allocation of risk mechanisms. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an Office of Private Health Coverage to be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary; and (2) provide for the appointment of an advisory committee to advise the Director. Permits the Director to research the impact of this subtitle and conduct related demonstration projects. Requires the Director to develop: (1) methods of measuring, in terms of the expected costs of providing benefits under small employer health benefit plans and, in particular, MedAccess plans, the relative health risks of eligible individuals; and (2) a model for equitably distributing health risks among carriers in the small employer health care coverage market. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this paragraph. Subtitle B: Improved Small Employer Purchasing Power of Affordable Health Insurance - Preempts from insurance mandates a qualified small employer purchasing group, if the group consists of employers with not more than 100 employees, the group consists of not fewer than 100 employers, and the health benefit plans with respect to the employer members are in compliance with applicable State laws relating to health benefit plans. Subtitle C: Health Deduction Fairness - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent and, in phases, increase from 25 to 100 percent the health insurance tax deduction for the self-employed. Subtitle D: Improved Access to Community Health Services - Directs the Secretary to provide for a program of grants to migrant and community health centers receiving grants or contracts under provisions of the Public Health Service Act in order to promote the provision of primary health care services for underserved individuals. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem as an employee of the Public Health Service, for purposes of civil actions against commissioned officers or employees, any officer, employee, or contractor who is a physician or other licensed health care practitioner while performing functions for an entity receiving Federal funds under provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to migrant or community health centers, health services for the homeless, or health services for residents of public housing. Requires an entity, in order to receive a grant under such provisions, to implement certain policies to assure against malpractice. Requires: (1) the Attorney General to estimate, for specified fiscal years, the amount of all claims expected, during each year, to arise against such an entity from acts of officers or employees; (2) the Secretary to withhold from grants to such entities the amount estimated; and (3) the withheld amount to be transferred to the Treasury to pay judgments against the United States arising from such claims. Directs the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities to carry out demonstration projects for the purpose of increasing access to outpatient primary health services in geographic areas with a: (1) population of not more than 500,000 individuals; (2) shortage of personal health services; and (3) significant number of low-income or underinsured individuals. Sets forth requirements for receiving such grants. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Improved Access to Rural Health Services - Retitles title XII of the Public Health Service Act "Emergency Medical Services" (formerly, "Trauma Care") and directs the Secretary to establish the Office of Emergency Medical Services which shall, with respect to emergency medical services (including trauma care): (1) conduct research; (2) sponsor workshops; (3) assist States; and (4) coordinate activities. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for the purposes of improving the availability and quality of emergency medical services through the operation of State offices of emergency medical services. Sets forth matching fund requirements. Provides for demonstration projects to establish telecommunications between rural medical facilities and other medical facilities that have equipment that can be utilized through telecommunications. Authorizes appropriations for purposes of the programs of this paragraph. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas access to treatments for the injuries or other conditions arising from such emergencies. Sets forth requirements for grant applications. Authorizes appropriations. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend for one year special treatment rules for Medicare-dependent small rural hospitals. Title II: Health Care Cost Containment and Quality Enhancement - Subtitle A: Medical Malpractice Liability Reform - Prohibits bringing a medical malpractice claim: (1) more than two years after the alleged injury should reasonably have been discovered and in no event more than four years after the alleged injury occurred; and (2) in any State court unless there has been an initial resolution through a certified alternative dispute resolution system (ADR). Directs the Attorney General to establish an ADR for the resolution of Federal medical malpractice claims, to be used after completion of the administrative process under specified provisions. Requires a pre-trial settlement conference in any medical malpractice liability action. Sets limits on: (1) noneconomic damages; (2) punitive damages; and (3) attorney's fees. Requires offsets for damages paid by a collateral source. Requires liability in a medical malpractice action to be several and not joint. Provides a complete defense to any allegation of negligence in a medical malpractice liability action to any defendant who followed the appropriate practice guideline. Prohibits finding a defendant guilty in a medical malpractice liability action relating to services provided during labor or delivery of a baby if the defendant did not previously treat the plaintiff during the pregnancy, unless the malpractice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. Establishes requirements for and provides for annual certification of State ADRs. Directs the Secretary to establish an alternative Federal ADR for claims in States without certified ADRs. Amends title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to earmark funds for sanctioning practice guidelines for purposes of an affirmative defense in medical malpractice liability actions. Permits a State agency responsible for the conduct of disciplinary actions for a type of health care practitioner to enter into agreements with State or county professional societies for such type of health care practitioner to permit such societies to participate in the licensing of such health care practitioner and to review health care malpractice allegations. Requires each State to require each health care professional and provider to participate in a risk management program to prevent and provide early warning of practices which may result in injuries to patients or which otherwise endanger patient safety. Directs the Secretary to make grants for the conduct of basic research in the prevention of and compensation for injuries resulting from health care professional or health care provider malpractice, and research of the outcomes of health care procedures. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to study the factors discouraging physicians from volunteering to provide health care services in medically underserved areas. Subtitle B: Administrative Cost Savings - Directs the Secretary to adopt standards relating to each of the following: (1) data elements for use in claims processing under health benefits plans; (2) uniform claim forms; and (3) uniform electronic transmission of the data elements. Authorizes the Secretary to require providers to submit claims to health benefit plans in accordance with such standards. Provides for periodic review of the standards. States that the term "health benefit plan," in this subtitle, includes the Medicare and Medicaid programs (titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act) programs and Medicare supplemental health insurance. Requires the Secretary to promulgate standards for hospitals concerning electronic medical data. Permits the Secretary to promulgate standards concerning electronic medical data for providers that are not hospitals. Requires hospitals, in order to participate in Medicare, to: (1) maintain clinical data in a set of comprehensive data elements in electronic form on all patients; and (2) upon the Secretary's request, transmit electronically the data set and any data from such set. Provides for electronic transmission to Federal agencies. Prohibits a health benefit plan, if standards with respect to data elements are promulgated with respect to a class of provider, from requiring for the purpose of utilization review or as a condition of providing benefits under the plan that a provider in the class: (1) provide any data element not in the set of comprehensive data elements; or (2) transmit or present any such data element in a manner inconsistent with applicable standards. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory commission of hospital executive and data base managers, physicians, health services researchers, and technical experts in the collection and use of data and operation of data systems. Authorizes appropriations for such commission. Requires the Secretary, in order to assure the availability of comparative value information to purchasers of health care in each State, to determine whether each State is developing and implementing a health care value information program that meets stated criteria. Permits grants to a State for the development of its health care value information program. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Requires the head of each Federal agency with responsibility for the provision of health insurance or health care services to individuals to promptly develop health care value information relating to each program that such head administers. Directs the Secretary to develop model systems to facilitate: (1) the gathering of data on health care cost, quality, and outcome; and (2) analyzing such data to permit the valid comparison of such data. Authorizes appropriations for the development of such model systems. Directs the Secretary to adopt standards relating to the design and use of magnetized Medicare identification cards for the purpose of assisting health care providers in determining eligibility and billing. Authorizes appropriations. Nullifies any State law requiring that medical or health insurance records be maintained in written rather than electronic form. Requires each health benefit plan: (1) for each of its beneficiaries that has a social security number, to use that number as an identification number for claims processing; and (2) for each provider that has a unique identifier for Medicare purposes, to use that identifier for claims processing. Requires the Secretary to determine whether problems relating to the rules for determining liability when benefits are payable under two or more plans or the availability of information among such plans causes significant administrative problems, and if so, directs the Secretary to promulgate standards concerning liability and the transfer of information among plans. Directs the Secretary to provide grants to qualified entities to demonstrate the application of comprehensive information systems in continuously monitoring patient care and in improving patient care. Authorizes appropriations from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. Subtitle C: Medical Savings Accounts (Medisave) - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee any amount contributed by the employer to a medical savings account pursuant to a qualified medical savings account plan. Sets contribution limits. Defines a "medical savings account" as a trust created exclusively for purpose of paying an individual's medical expenses. Permits expenses from such account only to the extent such amounts are not compensated for by insurance. Imposes a penalty on distributions not used for that individual's medical expenses. Subjects the employee to taxation as owner of the account. Subtitle D: Medicaid Program Flexibility - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to modify Medicaid contracting requirements for coordinated care services. Subtitle E: Limitations on Physician Self-Referrals - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend physician self-referral limitations to all payors as well as to certain additional services. Revises exceptions. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study in order to estimate the changes in aggregate costs for designated health services, under the Medicare program and other health plans, which will result from the implementation of the amendments made by this subtitle. Subtitle F: Removing Restrictions on Managed Care - Preempts managed care restrictions under State law. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the benefits and cost effectiveness of the use of managed care in the delivery of health services. Subtitle G: Medicare Payment Changes - Amends the Medicare program to make revisions in the methodology for determining updates to Medicare hospital payments. Provides for a reduction in Medicare payment for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. Subtitle H: Limitation of Antitrust Recovery for Certain Hospital Joint Ventures - Limits antitrust recovery to actual damages if the requirements of this subtitle are met, including the filing and publication of certain information regarding hospital joint ventures. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Competition, Antitrust Policy, and Health Care to make recommendations to the Congress regarding antitrust and health care. Subtitle I: Encouraging Enforcement Activities of Medical Self-Regulatory Entities - Prohibits damages, interest on damages, costs, or attorney's fees from being recovered (except for actual damages, interest on damages, costs, or attorney's fees for injury sustained) under the Clayton Act or any similar State law from any medical self-regulatory entity as a result of engaging in standard setting or enforcement activities designed to promote the quality of health care provided to patients and not conducted for financial gain.

State Care Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1992

State Care Act of 1992 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXI, State Comprehensive Health Coverage And Cost Containment Demonstration Projects, establishing a program under which the Commission on State-Based Comprehensive Health Care (established below) is required to select States to participate in health coverage and cost containment demonstration projects (State Care projects). Establishes the Commission on State-Based Comprehensive Health Care (the Commission) to review, approve, and oversee State Care projects. Authorizes appropriations. Requires States desiring to have State Care projects approved to establish a State Care Plan Development Board through which to develop such projects. Exempts from this requirement States that have enacted comprehensive health care plans (State Care plans) within 12 months of enactment of this Act. Establishes Federal standards for approval of applications for grants for demonstrations in up to ten States. Specifies State Care plan requirements, including those for a standard benefit package, cost-control mechanisms, and quality control procedures. Details the various items and services which constitute such package. Sets limits on the amount, scope, and duration of certain benefits under such package. Details cost-sharing and provides for limits on out-of-pocket package expenses. Authorizes the Commission to award grants to States receiving approval of a State Care project application for: (1) establishment of a data base infrastructure necessary to measure and evaluate State Care plan success in achieving cost containment and access goals; and (2) consolidation of health care budgeting, regulating, financing, and delivery responsibilities of the State. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth provisions regarding the payment of expenditures for individuals eligible for Medicaid (SSA title XIX). Sets forth provisions governing the application of Medicare (SSA title XVIII) and ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) with respect to any approved State Care project. Requires periodic reports by the Commission to the Congress on the reforms undertaken in States participating in State Care projects, along with recommendations for increased Federal funding for reform initiatives. Requires additional Commission reports on continued financing of State Care plans and, if no national, comprehensive health care system has been established, on establishing such a system that utilizes the experiences of State Care projects.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1993

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1992

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1993 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes FY 1993 appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for: (1) research and development; (2) space flight, control, and data communications; (3) construction of facilities; (4) research and program management; and (5) the Inspector General. Requires the Administrator of NASA (Administrator) to: (1) report to the Congress on a New Launch System and expendable launch vehicles; and (2) carry out an Earth Observing System program. Title II: General Provisions - Permits the use of appropriations for research and development and space flight, control, and data communications for certain items of a capital nature (other than land acquisition) required for the performance of research and development contracts and for grants to nonprofit educational and research organizations for construction or purchase of additional research facilities. Prohibits the use of these funds for the construction of any major facility whose estimated cost exceeds a specified amount, unless the Administrator of NASA notifies specified congressional committees. Authorizes the use of certain funds, subject to limitations, for: (1) facilities construction, repair, or modification; (2) unforeseen programmatic facility project needs; (3) repair or modification of facilities controlled by the General Services Administration; and (4) scientific consultations or extraordinary expenses. Authorizes reprogramming of certain funds for: (1) transatmospheric research and technology; and (2) construction of facilities. Permits upward variances of funds for facilities construction under circumstances outlined in this Act. Makes available specified funds for the construction and modification of facilities. Requires the Administrator to notify specified congressional committees of the nature, cost, and reasons for such construction before expending the funds in question. Prohibits, until 30 days following congressional receipt of the Administrator's full explanation, the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act for any program that: (1) has been deleted by the Congress; (2) is in excess of the amount actually authorized for the particular program by specified provisions; or (3) has not been presented to either of specified congressional committees. Limits obligation of unauthorized appropriations and requiures related reports to the Congress and the Comptroller General. Requires NASA to submit to the Congress a five-year budget and an estimate of the lifecycle costs associated with each program. Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to authorize FY 1993 appropriations. Prohibits user fees unless specifically authorized by the Act. Authorizes FY 1993 appropriations: (1) to carry out activities of the National Space Council; and (2) to the Secretary of Commerce for the Office of Space Commerce. Requires: (1) the Administrator to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the single stage rocket technology flight test program; and (2) the National Space Council to report to such committees on a national aerospace transportation technology plan. Declares the sense of the Congress with regard to multilateral scientific cooperation and the Space Agency Forum on International Space Year, including activities by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Repeals provisions of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1991 authorizing appropriations for the Comet Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby/Cassini mission. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to authorize the National Science Foundation to foster the development and use of computer networks in support of research and education. Directs the President to report to the Congress on various opportunities for increased space-related trade and cooperation with the independent states of the former Soviet Union. Authorizes the Office of Space Commerce of the Department of Commerce to conduct trade missions for the purpose of familiarizing U.S. aerospace industry representatives with space-related business opportunities in the independent states. Requires agencies conducting procurement to comply with specified provisions of the Buy American Act. Requires investigation, in meeting NASA's needs for additional facilities, of abandoned and underused buildings, grounds, and facilities in depressed communities. Mandates a study and report to the Congress regarding the extent to which information developed by NASA is brought to market by foreign aerospace firms more quickly than by U.S. companies. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to: (1) establish an Institute for Aviation Weather Prediction, which shall expand upon the activities of the aviation unit currently at the National Severe Storms Center in Kansas City, Missouri; and (2) provide an opportunity for Center employees to assume comparable Institute duties. Title III: Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research on Space and Aeronautics - Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research on Space and Aeronautics Act - Directs the Administrator to establish an Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research on Space and Aeronautics among eligible States. Obligates funds for program grants. Title IV: High Risk Research and Development Contract Administration - Mandates an assessment of the allocation of risk between the Government and its contractors for future research and development contracts regarding increasing the contractor's risk to conform to contract requirements. Requires development of regulations for the administration of research and development contracts regarding: (1) the use of performance-based contracts; (2) clauses obligating the Government to pay for correction of defects; and (3) cost recovery for defective work. Title V: Commercial Space Competitiveness - Amends the Commercial Space Launch Act to extend through January 1, 2000, the deadline for Government payment of certain launch-related third party claims. Directs the Administrator to establish a commercial space launch voucher demonstration program, which shall expire after September 30, 1995. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make space transportation infrastructure grants. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, to inventory and identify all U.S.-owned launch support facilities. Authorizes: (1) the Administrator or the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to enter into multiyear anchor tenancy contracts under specified conditions; and (2) use of Government space facilities on a reimbursable basis by non-Federal entities under specified conditions. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act to authorize the Administrator to protect from dissemination information developed under Space Act agreements with non-Federal parties for up to five years. Establishes a Commercial Space Achievement Award. Sets forth Award criteria. Title VI: Biomedical Research in Space - Directs the Administrator and the Director of the National Institutes of Health to jointly establish: (1) a biomedical research joint working group; (2) a biomedical research grant program; (3) a biomedical research fellowship program; and (4) a plan to conduct joint biomedical research activities by the republics of the former Soviet Union and the United States. Directs the Administrator to establish a national electronic data archive for biomedical research data obtained from space-based experiments. Directs the Administrator, with the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Director of the Office of Foreign Disaster, and the Surgeon General of the United States, to jointly establish an international telemedicine satellite consultation capability to support disaster area emergency medical services. Authorizes appropriations.

Airport and Airway Safety, Capacity, Noise Improvement, and Intermodal Transportation Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1992

Airport and Airway Safety, Capacity, and Intermodal Transportation Act of 1992 - Title I: Airport and Airway Improvement Act Amendments - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to declare that it is a goal of the United States to develop a national intermodal transportation system. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for airport development and planning projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for: (1) air navigation facilities; (2) weather reporting services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (3) FAA operations; and (4) expenses incurred in joint financing of air navigation services and in maintaining air navigation facilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1994 to augment the Airway Capital Investment Plan, if the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) determines it is necessary (including a determination with respect to the establishment of more than 23 area control facilities). Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to revise the minimum Federal appropriation levels which permit imposition of local airport passenger facility fees on airline passengers. Earmarks a minimum amount of airport development and planning project fnds for FY 1993 and 1994 for site selection and installation of one FAA long-range air route surveillance radar system for the portion of northern Maine currently served by approach control at Loring Air Force Base. Reduces from 49.5 percent to 44 percent the ceiling on the total amount of all such apportionments in the event any Act of Congress has the effect of limiting or reducing the obligational ceiling for the airway improvement program. Extends the special apportionment treatment of Alaskan airports to those public airports in Alaska that received scheduled service as of September 3, 1982, but were not apportioned funds in FY 1980 because they were not under State or local public agency control. Requires not less than 2.25 percent of airport development and planning funds for FY 1993 through FY 1995 be set-aside for development of current and former military airports. Requires the Secretary to designate such airports for participation in such set-aside program. (Currently, the Secretary is required to designate not less than eight the airway improvement program funds available are less than specified amounts. Authorizes the Secretary, in cases where a commercial service airport annually has .05 percent or less of the total enplanements in the United States, to approve, as allowable project costs of an airport development project at such airport, any terminal development in revenue-producing areas and construction, reconstruction, repair, and improvement of nonrevenue-producing parking lots if the sponsor certifies that no project for needed airport development affecting safety, security, or capacity will be deferred by such approval. Sets the Federal share of allowable costs for terminal development at such an airport at 85 percent. Prohibits letters of intent issued by the Secretary from conditioning the obligation of funds for airport development projects on the imposition of a passenger facility charge. Includes as an "airport development" activity the: (1) acquisition or installation at or by a public -use airport of aircraft deicing equipment and structures (other than aircraft deicing fluids and storage facilities for such equipment and fluids) or interactive training systems; (2) relocation of an air traffic control tower and any navigational aid (including radar) if such relocation is necessary to carry out an approved project; (3) construction, reconstruction, repair, or improvement of an airport (or any purchase of capital equipment for an airport), if funded by a grant under the Act, which is necessary for compliance with specified Federal laws, other than construction or purchase of capital equipment which would benefit a revenue-producing area of the airport used by a nonaeronautical business; and (4) acquisition of land for, or work necessary to construct, a pad for deicing aircraft before takeoff at a commercial service airport, including construction or reconstruction of paved areas, drainage collection structures, treatment and discharge systems, appropriate lighting, and paved access for deicing vehicles and aircraft (but excluding acquisition of aircraft deicing equipment and fluids and construction and reconstruction of storage facilities for such equipment and fluids). Requires as a condition precedent to approval of an airport development project: (1) public availability of any report of the airport budget; and (2) specified kinds of public participation in the project. Repeals the requirement for an annual report to the Congress on the national airways system. Includes Alaskan and Hawaiian airports in the coverage of the Act with respeect to passengers enplaned on international flights. Extends the State block grant pilot program for airports through FY 1996. Authorizes the Secretary to designate up to seven (currently, three) qualified States (including Illinois, Missouri, and North Carolina) for participation in such program. Requires airport owners or operators as a condition precedent to approval of a grant for airport development projects to take necessary action to ensure that at least ten percent of businesses at the airport which provide ground transportation, baggage carts, automobile rentals, or other consumer services are small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (disadvantaged business enterprises, or DBE's). Authorizes the Secretary to allow an airport owner or operator to meet the ten percent goal by including: (1) businesses operated through management contracts or subcontracts; or (2) the purchase from DBE's goods or services used in a business conducted on the airport provided the airport owner or operator as well as such businesses make good faith efforts to explore all available options to achieve compliance with the DBE goal through direct ownership arrangements, including joint ventures and partnerships. Allows an airport owner or operator, in complying with the DBE goal to: (1) include the revenues of car rental firms on the airport in the base from which the overall percentage goal is calculated; and (2) require a care rental firm to meet goal requirements through the purchase of goods or services from DBE's, including purchases or leaves of vehicles from DBE vendors. Excludes air carriers that provide passenger or freight-carrying services and other business that provide aeronautical activities at an airport from the ten percent goal. Revises the definition of an eligible "disadvantaged business enterprise" to raise the maximum average annual gross receipts permissible from $14,000,000 to $16,015,000. (2) a three-year projection of the number of air traffic controllers needed to operate such system to meet such standards; and (3) a detailed plan for employing such controllers, including projected budget requests. Directs the Administratorr of the FAA to develop and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the cirteria used to determine the required number of aviation safety inspectors; and (2) a three-year project of the number of inspectors needed, plans for training them, and the support staff needed for the inspector workforce. Prohibits the FAA from entering into any contract on or before September 30, 1994, with a private person for the operation of an airport control tower at any airport which in FY 1990 had 5,500 or more air carrier operations and 40,000 or more air taxi operations unless the airport owner or operator first agrees to the FAA Administrator's entering into such contract. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the social, economic, and health effects or airport noise on opulations within 65, 60, and 55 LDN noise areas to determine the actual level at which noise creates an adverse impact on populations; and (2) the effect of single event noise on populations. Directs the Administrator the FAA require, by regulation, procedures to improve safety of aircraft operations during winter conditions. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the FAA to update and arrange for publication of clearly defined routes for navigating under visual flight rules through a complex terminal airspace area, and to and from an airport located within such an area. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on: (1) whether the safety benefits derived from the reflectorization of runways and taxiways of all military airfields under Federal Specification TT-B-1325B should be extended to runways and taxiways of public use airports; (2) the purchase of land for development over five years after purchase (landbanking) and of options to purchase land for airport development, and whether such projects should be funded under the Airport Improvement Program; (3) the current Federal program for monitoring the installation and operation of lighting systems for aircraft obstructions and airport runways; (4) the economic benefits of carrying out airport development projects in "redevelopment areas" under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965; and (5) the ability of airports which annually enplane .05 percent or less of total enplanements in the United States to finance the maintenance of runways, aprons, and taxiways constructed under the Airport Improvement Program. Amends the Airport and Airway Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1987 to revise conditions with respect to a release from certain terms and restrictions contained in a certain instrument conveying land on which Laredo International Airport is located to the city of Laredo, Texas. Allows Laredo to grant leases of up to 40 years (currently, 20 years) at below fair market value at the airport. Directs the Administrator of te FAA to study and report: (1) to specified congressional committees on the current and projected need for air traffic control and related services in the airspace around Tucson, Arizona; and (2) to the Congress on increased air traffic over Grand Canyon National Park. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a Civil Tiltrotor Development Advisory Committee to evaluate the technical feasibility and economic viability of developing civil tiltrotor aircraft and a national system of infrastructure to support the incorporation of tiltrotor aircraft technology into the natinal transportation system. Amends the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 to make technical amendments relating to: (1) exemptions from certain conditions on agreements dealing with airport noise reduction and access restrictions on the operation of Stage 3 aircraft; and (2) purchase contract requirements for the operation of certain imported civil subsonic turbojet aircraft with a maximum weight of over 75,000 pounds. Requires as a condition precedent to approval of an airport development project: (1) public availability of any report of the airport budget; and (2) specified kinds of public participation in the project . traffic capacity at public-use airports. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to the Congress on whether a municipal solid waste facility located within a file-mile radius of the end of a runway may have the potential for attracting or sustaining bird movements (from feeding, watering, or roosting) that may pose a hazard across the runways or approach and departure patterns of aircraft. Establishes the National Commission to Ensure a Strong Competitive Airline Industry to investigate the financial condition of the airline industry, the adequacy of competition in it, and legal impediment to a financially strong and competitive airline industry. Requires the Commission to submit a specified report to the Congress. Requires the head of each Federal agency conducting procurements to Repeals the requirement for an annual report to the Congress on the national airways system. Includes Alaskan and Hawaiian airports in the coverage of the Act with respect to passengers enplaned on international flights. Amends the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 to extend the prohibition against the fraudulent use of "Made in America" labels on products sold in or shipped to the United States, and against discrimination by foreign governments against U.S. products, to the award of Federal contracts or grants under a specified section of Federal transportation law or the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982. Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to make grants to up to four vocational technical institutions for acquisition or construction of facilities for the advanced training of maintenance technicians for air carrier aircraft. Sets forth grant eligibility requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to develop and submit annually to specified congressional committees a report on: (1) the staffing standards used to determine the number of air traffic controllers needed to operate the air traffic control system of the United States; traffic controllers so as to make the controller work force not less than 18,128 on September 30, 1993. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the social, economic, and health effects of airport noise on populations within 65, 60, and 55 LDN noise areas to determine the actual level at which noise creates an adverse impact on populations; and (2) the effect of single event noise on populations. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to: (1) increase the employment of aviation safety inspectors to a specified level by the end of FY 1995; (2) require, by regulation, procedures to improve safety of aircraft operations during winter conditions. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the FAA to update and arrange for publication of clearly defined routes for navigating under visual flight rules through a complex terminal airspace area, and to and from an airport located within such an area. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants under the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 for projects to soundproof residential buildings if specified conditions are met. (currently, 20 years) at below fair market value at the airport. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to study and report: (1) to specified congressional committees on the current and projected need for air traffic control and related services in the airspace around Tucson, Arizona; and (2) to the Congress on increased air traffic over Grand Canyon National Park. Title II: Federal Aviation Act Amendments - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the FAA to enter into a contract, on a sole source basis, with a State or political subdivision to permit it to operate a level I visual flight rules airport traffic control tower if the Administrator determines that such State or political subdivision can comply with certain safety and subcontracting requirements. Authorizes, at the discretion of the Administrator of the FAA, the reimbursement of travel, transportation, and subsistence expenses for the security training of non-Federal domestic and foreign security personnel who contribute to civil aviation security. Requires all persons to give adequate public notice of the establishment or expansion, or the proposed establishment or expansion, of any structure or sanitary landfill where such notice will promote safety in air commerce and preserve the navigable airspace and airport Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to the Congress on whether a municipal solid waste facility located within a five-mile radius of the end of a runaway may have the potential for attracting or sustaining bird movements (from feeding, water, or roosting) that may pose a hazard across the runways or approach and departure patterns of aircraft. Title III: Research, Engineering, and Development - Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, and Development Authorization Act of 1992 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to authorize FY 1993 and 1994 appropriations for specified areas of airway improvement research, engineering and development, and demonstrations. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the feasibility of requiring commercial airports and/or commercial airlines to employ portable equipment to deice commercial aircraft before takeoff by placing such equipment close to the departure end of the active runway. Requires the Secretary to research to develop new techniques and more efficient fluids and technologies for deicing. Requires the Administrators of the FAA and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to jointly conduct a research program to develop new technologies for quieter subsonic jet aircraft engines and airframes by the year 2000. Prohibits a person from affixing "Made in America" labels to products that are not domestic products of the United States. Makes any person that violates such prohibition ineligible for the award of a Federal contract. comply with the requirements of the Buy American Act. Title IV: Aviation Insurance - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 958 to authorize Federal agencies to purchase aviation insurance covering any aircraft engaged in intrastate, interstate, or overseas air commerce for any risk (including war risk) if the aircraft operation is in the performance of an agency contract or is for the transportation of military forces or material on behalf of the United States under an agreement between the United States and a foreign government. Extends the aviation insurance program from FY 1992 through FY 1997. Directs the Comptroller General to review and report to the Congress on the administration of the aviation insurance program during the Persian Gulf conflict in order to determine methods of improving efficiency by reducing the paperwork and time period required for providing such insurance. Title V: Extension of Airport and Airway Trust Fund - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund through October 1, 1995. Declares that, in the case of certain taxes imposed before January 1, 1993, the amounts to be appropriated to the Fund shall be determined without regard to any increase in a rate of tax enacted by the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 and 1994 for: (1) airport development and planning projects; (2) air navigation facilities; (3) weather reporting services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and (4) FAA operations. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1994 to augment, if the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) determines it is necessary, the Airway Capital Investment Plan, including a determination with respect to the establishment of more than 23 area control facilities. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to revise the minimum Federal appropriation levels which permit imposition of local airport passenger facility fees on airline passengers. Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to increase the apportionment of airports which are served by aircraft providing only air cargo (including mail) transportation; and (2) primary airports. Reduces from 49.5 percent to 44 percent the ceiling on thetotal amount of all such apportionments in the event any Act of Congress has the effect of limiting or reducing the obligational ceiling for the airway improvement program. Extends the special apportionment treatment of Alaskan airports to those public airports in Alaska that received scheduled service as of September 3, 1982, but were not apportioned funds in FY 1980 because they were not under State or local public agency control. Requires not less than 2.25 percent of airport development and planning funds for FY 1993 through FY 1995 be set-aside for development of current and former military airports. Increases from eight to 12 the number of current or former military airports the Secretary must set-aside for development grants to improve the national air transportation system. Authorizes a specified amount of discretionary airport development and planning funds for FY 1993 through FY 1995 for construction, improvement, or repair of airport surface parking lots, fuel farms, and utilities at such airports. Requires the Administrator of the FAA, within 30 days after the Secretary of Defense recommends a list of military bases for closure or realignment, to report to the Congress on the effects of any recommendations involving military airbases on local civilian airports and airways, costs of conversion of civilian use, and air traffice control and radar coverage. Raises from 10 percent to 12.5 percent the minimum obligation of apportioned and discretionary funds for airport noise compatibility planning. Authorizes the maximum obligation of the United States for airport development and planning projects for FY 1993 to be increased for an airport (other than a primary airport) by a specified amount. Requires the Secretary to designate such airports for participation in such set-aside program. (Currently, the Secretary is required to designate not less than eight current or former military airports.) Authorizes a specified amount of discretionary airport development and planning funds for FY 1993 and 1994 for construction, improvement, or repair of airport surface parking lots, fuel farms, and utilities at such airports. Requires the Secretary to set-aside not less than an additional 2.5 percent of airport development and planning funds to primary airports for noise compatibility planning if the Secretary finds that one or more units of local government in the areas surrounding such airports have adopted noise control measures likely to ensure land use compatible with such airports. Authorizes the maximum obligation of the United States for airport development and planning projects for FY 1993 to be increased for an airport (other than a primary airport) by a specified amount. Revises the definition of an eligible "disadvantaged business enterprise" to raise the maximum average annual gross receipts permissible from $14,000,000 to $16,015,000. Authorizes the Secretary, in cases where a commercial service airport annually has .05 percent or less of the total enplanements in the United States, to approve, as allowable project costs of an airport development project at such airport, any terminal development in revenue-producing areas and construction, reconstruction, repair, and improvement of nonrevenue-producing parking lots if the Secretary finds that no project for needed airport development affecting safety, security, or capacity will be deferred by such approval. Includes as an "airport development" activity the: (1) relocation of an air traffic control tower if such relocation is necessary to carry out an approved project; and (2) construction, reconstruction, repair, or improvement of an airport (or any purchase of capital equipment for an airport) which is necessary for compliance with specified Federal laws, other than construction or purchase of capital equipment which would benefit a revenue producing area of the airport used by a nonaeronautical business. Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to make grants to up to four vocational technical institutions for acquisition or construction of facilities for the advanced training of maintenance technicians for air carrier aircraft. Sets forth grant eligibility requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to develop and submit annually to specified congressional committees a report on: (1) the staffing standards used to determine the number of air traffic control system of the United States; (2) a three-year projection of the number of air traffic controllers needed to operate such system to meet such standards; and (3) a detailed plan for employing such controllers, including projected budget requests. requires the Administrator of the FAA to hire additional air traffic controllers so as to make the controller work force not less than 18,128 on September 30, 1993. Title II: Federal Aviation Act Amendments - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the FAA to enter into a contract, on a sole source basis, with a State or political subdivision to permit it to operate a level I visual flight rules airport traffic control tower if the Administrator determine that such State or political subdivision can comply with certain safety and subcontracting requirements. Authorizes, at the discretion of the Administrator of the FAA, the reimbursement of travel, transportation, and subsistence expenses for security training personnel who contribute to civil aviation security. Requires all persons to give adequate public notice of the establishment or expansion, of any structure or sanitary landfill where such notice will promote safety in air commerce and preserve the navigable airspace and airport traffic capacity at public-use airports. Airport and Airway Safety, Capacity, Noise Improvement and Intermodal Transportation Act of 1992 - Title I: Airport and Airway Improvement Act Amendments - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to declare that it is a goal of the United States to develop a national intermodal transportation system.

Water Resources Development Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1992

Water Resources Development Act of 1992 - Title I: Water Resources Projects - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army (the Secretary) to carry out public works projects in the following locations for improvements to navigation, flood control, ecosystem restoration, and beach erosion control and hurricane protection: (1) Southeast Alaska Harbors of Refuge, Alaska; (2) Whiteman's Creek, Arkansas; (3) Morro Bay Harbor, California; (4) Sacramento Metro Area, California; (5) Rio Grande Alamosa, Colorado; (6) Delaware River Mainstem and Channel Deepening, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; (7) Canaveral Harbor, Florida; (8) Kissimmee River, Florida; (9) Port Everglades Harbor, Florida; (10) Savannah Harbor, Georgia and South Carolina; (11) Amite River and Tributaries, Louisiana; (12) Saugus River and Tributaries, Massachusetts; (13) Las Vegas Wash and Tributaries, Nevada; (14) Morehead City Harbor, North Carolina; (15) West Onslow and New River Inlet, North Carolina; (16) Lackawanna River at Olyphant and at Scranton, Pennsylvania; (17) Locks and Dams 2 and 3, Monongahela River, Pennsylvania; (18) Rio Grande De Loiza, Puerto Rico; (19) Sargent Beach, Texas; (20) Shoal Creek, Austin, Texas; and (21) Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Modifies projects at the following locations with respect to wildlife mitigation, flood control, beach erosion control and hurricane protection, navigation, and other improvements: (1) Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Alabama and Mississippi; (2) Goleta and vicinity, California; (3) Oceanside Harbor, California; (4) San Leandro Marina, California; (5) O'Hare system of the Chicagoland underflow plan, Illinois; (6) Illinois River, Illinois; (7) South Frankfort, Kentucky; (8) Locks and Dam 26, Mississippi River, Alton, Illinois and Missouri; (9) Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana; (10) Parish Creek, Shady Side, Maryland; (11) Buffomville Lake, Massachusetts; (12) South Fork Zumbro River, Minnesota; (13) New Madrid Harbor, Missouri; (14) Papillion Creek and Tributaries Lakes, Nebraska; (15) Passaic River Main Stem, New Jersey and New York; (16) Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay, New Jersey; (17) Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet, New Jersey; (18) Rio Grande Floodway, New Mexico; (19) Jones Inlet, New York; (20) Westhampton Beach, New York; (21) Broken Bow Lake, Red River Basin, Oklahoma; (22) Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania; (23) Chetco River, Oregon; (24) Port Orford, Oregon; (25) Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island; (26) Ray Roberts Lake, Elm Fork of the Trinity River, Texas; (27) Sims Bayou, Texas; (28) Virginia Beach, Virginia; (29) Lower Granite Lock and Dam, Washington; (30) Beech Fork Lake, West Virginia; (31) Bluestone Lake, Ohio River Basin, West Virginia; and (32) La Crosse and Shelby, Wisconsin. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to authorize and direct the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a contract with the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Southwest Florida Water Management District of the State of Florida for the continued operation and maintenance by the Secretary of portions of the Cross Florida barge canal project, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary (subject to specified requirements) to: (1) construct visitor centers at Melvin Price Lock and Dam, Alton, Illinois, and at Mt. Morris Dam, New York, and a Northeastern New Jersey Regional Flood Operations-Response, Engineering, and Visitor Center, and at the John Hammerschmidt Lake, Arkansas River, Arkansas; and (2) establish and operate the Lower Mississippi River Museum and Riverfront Interpretive Site, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in the planning and design of the museum and site and with the Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the National Park Service in the planning, design, and implementation of interpretive programs. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies and carry out small navigation projects at: (1) Calcasieu River, Louisiana; (2) Provincetown Harbor, Massachusetts; (3) Aunt Lydia's Cove, Chatham, Massachusetts; (4) Grand Marais, Minnesota; (5) Grand Portage, Minnesota; (6) Silver Bay, Minnesota; (7) Seaway Pier, Buffalo, New York; and (8) Tangier Island, Virginia. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct studies and, if the Secretary determines such projects to be feasible, to carry out small flood control projects at: (1) Blue River and Brock Creek, Salem, Indiana; (2) White River, Elnora, Indiana; (3) White River, Gibson County, Indiana; (4) White River, Petersburg, Indiana; (5) Wabash River, Knox County, Indiana; (6) Red River at Grand Marais Outlet, Minnesota; (7) Sullivan Run Creek, Butler, Pennsylvania; (8) Little Fossil Creek, Texas; and (9) Turpentine Run, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Modifies the project with respect to the maximum allotment and cost-sharing at St. Peters, St. Charles County, Missouri. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out a Sonoma Baylands wetland demonstration project in the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary, California. Sets forth project purposes and requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth limitations on amounts transferred and obligated pursuant to the Upper Mississippi River Management Program. Specifies that the costs of operation and maintenance of projects located on Federal lands or lands owned or operated by a State or local government shall be borne by the Federal, State, or local agency that is responsible for management activities for fish and wildlife on such lands. Directs the Secretary to construct a research and quarantine facility in Broward County, Florida, to be used in connection with efforts to control Melaleuca and other exotic plant species that threaten native ecosystems in Florida. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to maintain navigation access to, and berthing areas at, all currently operating public and private commercial dock facilities associated with or having access to the Federal navigation project on the Columbia, Snake, and Clearwater Rivers from Bonneville Dam to and incuding Lewiston, Idaho, at a depth commensurate with the Federal navigation project. Exempts the Federal Government from liability resulting from such project. Authorizes the Secretary to construct such bulkheads along the Outer Harbor, Buffalo, New York, as may be necessary to protect the shoreline and reduce the flow of pollutants into Lake Erie. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study for a streambank and shoreline protection project for Walnut Canyon Creek, Anaheim, California, subject to specified requirements; and (2) proceed expeditiously with design, land acquisition, and construction of the Montgomery Point Lock and Dam on the White River, Arkansas. Sets forth provisions with respect to the costs of major rehabilitation from specified projects. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study for the purpose of determining whether there is contaminated ground water flowing downstream from the San Gabriel Valley Ground Water Basin to the Central Ground Water Basin in California through existing Federal facilities at Whittier Narrows Dam, Los Angeles County, California. Directs the Secretary: (1) to complete the general reevaluation study for the flood control project at Santa Paula Creek, California, and transmit to the Congress a report on the results of such study; (2) to complete and transmit to the Congress a feasibility study for enlargement of the flood control project for the Success Reservoir, Tule River, California; and (3) as part of the ongoing review of the Anacostia River Watershed in the District of Columbia and Maryland, to carry out a comprehensive assessment of adverse impacts to such watershed from Federal facilities, review current plans for reducing such adverse impacts, and carry out a feasibility study to identify and recommend measures for implementation to eliminate such adverse impacts. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) expeditiously complete the general design memorandum for the sand transfer portion of the navigation project for Canaveral Harbor, Florida; (2) expeditiously complete that portion of the navigation study for Tampa Harbor, Alafia River and Big Bend, Florida, relating to the Alafia River; (3) complete the feasibility study for Cedar River and tributaries, Blackhawk, Iowa; (4) complete the study for Federal maintenance of the Port Fourchon Navigation Channel, Louisiana; (5) conduct a study of and report to the Congress on, the water supply, distribution, and transmission needs of Brockton, Massachusetts; the feasibility of providing additional water supply for Brockton and vicinity; and the water quality and quantity and related land resources of the Taunton River; (6) conduct a study on proposed uses of the seawall located in Haverhill, Massachusetts (7) conduct an economic reevaluation of proposed improvements at Grand Marais Harbor, Michigan; (8) conduct a review and evaluation of the recreational master plan for Yazoo Basin, Mississippi; (9) conduct a study of the project for flood control, Ramapo River, Oakland, New Jersey; (10) complete the feasibility study for Little River, Niagara Falls, New York; (11) complete the feasibility study of shoreline protection for Strawberry Island, New York (and take such interim emergency measures as necessary); (12) complete a study of the flood control project for Wister Lake, Oklahoma; (13) conduct independent studies to determine the Federal interest and feasibility of providing improvements to the Chesapeake Bay shoreline in Hampton and Poquoson, Virginia, for environmental protection and enhancement and protection against high tides and wave action; (14) conduct a study of the project for navigation, Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Texas to determine the feasibility of modifying the project to include maintenance of the Jewel Fulton Canal at a depth of 17 feet as a Federal responsibility; and (15) conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing a Tug Valley Greenway, West Virginia, for the purpose of utilizing the river environment for public recreation opportunities. Sets forth reporting requirements. Sets the Federal share (100 percent) of the cost of completion of the study for mitigation of shoreline damage attributable to the Federal navigation project at Salmon Harbor, Oregon. Continues the authorization for projects and studies (for flood control and other purposes) at the following locations: (1) Green Bay Levee District, Iowa; (2) Lake Pontchartrain, North Shore, Louisiana; (3) St. Johns Bayou and New Madrid Floodway, Missouri; (4) Deal Lake, Monmouth County, New Jersey; (5) Tyrone, Pennsylvania; and (6) Big Pine Lake, Texas. Sets forth limitations with respect to such projects and studies. Deauthorizes navigation projects at the following locations: (1) Boothbay Harbor, Maine; (2) Boston Inner Harbor Channel, Massachusetts; (3) Newburyport, Massachusetts; (4) Greilickville, Michigan; (5) South Haven Harbor, Michigan; and (6) Sag Harbor, New York. Deauthorizes a portion of the Canaveral Harbor project, Florida. Designates: (1) lock and dam 3, Arkansas River, Arkansas, as the "Joe Hardin Lock and Dam"; (2) the Greers Ferry Lake Visitors Center, Arkansas, as the "William Carl Garner Visitors Center"; (3) the reservoir created by the James W. Trimble Lock and Dam on the Arkansas River, Arkansas, as the "John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake"; (4) lock 5 on the Red River Waterway, Louisiana, as the "Joe D. Waggonner, Jr. Lock"; (5) the area for which environmental and other streambank restoration measures are authorized relating to the project for flood control, Passaic River Mainstem, New Jersey and New York, as the "Joseph G. Minish Passaic River Waterfront Park and Historic Area"; (6) the project for flood control, Buena Vista, Virginia, as the "James R. Olin Flood Control Project"; (7) the Gallipolis Locks and Dam, Ohio River, Ohio and West Virginia, as the "Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam"; and (8) the Mill Creek Reservoir, Washington, as the "Virgil B. Bennington Lake." Title II: Generally Applicable Provisions - Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to modify requirements concerning the ability of non-Federal interests to pay under cost-sharing agreements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review regulations on ability to pay in light of locally prevailing conditions such as those associated with specified projects; and (2) amend the regulations to the extent that the Secretary determines necessary to more appropriately take into account locally prevailing conditions which would limit the ability of local interests to participate as non-Federal project sponsors in accordance with established cost-sharing formulas. Prohibits project modifications for improvements of the environment without specific congressional authorization if the estimated cost exceeds $5 million. Authorizes appropriation of not to exceed $25 million (currently, $15 million) annually to carry out provisions related to such modifications. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) accept contributions for environmental and recreation projects, with funds received to be deposited into a specified account in the Treasury; and (2) carry out projects for the protection, restoration, and creation of aquatic and ecologically related habitats in connection with dredging of an authorized navigation project. Sets forth provisions, in connection with the latter, regarding cooperative agreements, determination of construction costs, and authorization of appropriations. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the definition of rehabilitation for inland waterway projects; (2) construction of shoreline protection projects by non-Federal interests; (3) cost-sharing for disposal of dredged material on beaches; and (4) fees for development of State water plans. Extends specified State safety and training, research, and dam inventory programs. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to non-Federal interests for the repair, reconstruction, or other modification to Mussers Dam, Middle Creek, Snyder County, Pennsylvania, subject to specified limitations. Sets forth the Federal share. Authorizes appropriations. Specifies that all costs incurred in carrying out the project to correct seepage problems at Beaver Lake, Arkansas, shall be treated as costs incurred for a dam safety project, subject to cost-sharing requirements of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986. Authorizes the Secretary to procure materials necessary to promote the Corps safety program, for distribution to Corps employees, and to recognize outstanding safety performance by such employees. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary: (1) to the maximum extent practicable, to make use of private sector resources in carrying out surveying and mapping activities in the Corps' Civil Works Program; (2) to ensure that procurement with funds appropriated to carry out this Act are conducted in compliance with the "Buy American Act," with exceptions; (3) to report to specified congressional committees with specific recommendations on improving the equitable distribution of water resources development projects in rural areas; and (4) to conduct a comparative analysis with respect to the compensation of Corps and other similarly-situated Federal employees. Sets forth additional reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the need for changes in Federal law and policy with respect to dredged material disposal areas for the construction and maintenance of harbors and inland harbors by the Secretary. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to non-Federal interests for carrying out specified projects for the beneficial reuse of waste water, including: (1) a Southern California Comprehensive Water reuse system; (2) San Diego area water reuse demonstration facilities; (3) Santa Rosa water reuse projects; and (4) a project to reduce salt water intrusion into aquifers in the vicinity of Castroville, California, improve the water quality of Monterey Bay and enhance the long-term water supply in the area. Sets forth certain restrictions regarding procurement of assistance from non-private sources. Sets the non-Federal share of the cost of projects for which assistance is provided at not less than 25 percent, with exceptions. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to provide design and construction assistance to the Santa Clara Valley Water District and to the city of San Jose, California to demonstrate and field test for public use innovative processes which advance the technology of waste water reuse and treatment and which promote the use of treated waste water for critical water supply purposes and for the protection of fish and wildlife in the San Francisco Bay. Sets the Federal share for specified grants at 75 percent. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to non-Federal interests to carry out water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects relating to wastewater treatment and for other purposes at the following locations: (1) Washington, D.C. and Maryland; (2) Atlanta, Georgia; (3) Hazard, Kentucky; (4) Rouge River, Michigan; (5) Jackson County, Mississippi; (6) Epping, Manchester, and Rochester, New Hampshire; (7) Paterson and Passaic County, New Jersey; (8) State of New Jersey (including New Jersey Wastewater Treatment Trust); (9) Erie County, New York; (10) Otsego and Chenango Counties, New York; (11) Greensboro and Glassworks, Pennsylvania; (12) Lynchburg and Richmond, Virginia; and (13) along the U.S.-Mexican border. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to provide design and construction assistance to: (1) appropriate non-Federal interests for a water transmission line from the northern part of Beaver Lake, Arkansas, into Benton and Washington Counties, Arkansas; (2) the Buffalo Sewer Authority, Buffalo, New York, for the development and implementation of best management practices to reduce pollution from the combined sewer system in the city; (3) the town of Amherst, New York, for a storm water control project; and (4) the city of Lewiston, New York, for construction of a storm water control project. Sets forth cost and cost-sharing provisions. Provides for the termination of the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors. Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement a program to share the cost of managing recreation facilities and natural resources at water resource development projects under the Secretary's jurisdiction. Requires the Secretary to debar persons convicted of intentionally affixing a label bearing a "Made in America" inscription to any product sold in or shipped to the United States which is not made in the United States and which is used in a civil works project of the Secretary from contracting with the Federal Government for a period of from three to five years. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Extends the jurisdiction of the Mississippi River Commission. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a prevention monitoring program for zebra mussels throughout the New York City water supply system; (2) develop appropriate zebra mussel prevention and removal technologies for such system; and (3) provide technical assistance to the State and city of New York on alternative design and maintenance practices for such system in the event of zebra mussel infestation. Sets forth cost-sharing provisions. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species in the Great Lakes through ballast water carried on vessels that, after operating on the waters beyond the exclusive economic zone, enter a U.S. port on the Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Earth Conservancy to develop, and carry out along the Susquehanna River between Wilkes-Barre and Sunbury, Pennsylvania, a wetlands demonstration project for the purposes of: (1) enhancing municipal waste water treatment in the region; (2) restoring and maintaining the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the Susquehanna River and its tributaries as well as nearby lands; and (3) developing cleanup technologies which can be utilized for various environmental restoration initiatives. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement with non-Federal interests to develop and carry out along the Juniata River and its tributaries, Pennsylvania, a watershed reclamation and protection and wetlands creation and restoration project. Sets the Federal share at 75 percent. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes: (1) the construction of boat ramps and docks at Clarks Hill Reservoir, Georgia, subject to specified requirements; and (2) the Secretary to construct trailhead facilities at specified projects in West Virginia. Authorizes the Secretary to design and construct projects to address water quality problems associated with: (1) storm water discharges from large storm events for the New Orleans, Louisiana, area; and (2) watershed areas of Onondaga County and Syracuse, New York; of the Penobscot River near Bangor, Maine, and the Casco Bay near Portland, Maine; and of Narragansett Bay near the Providence, Rhode Island Metropolitan area. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) project design; and (2) cost-sharing. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies of Baltimore Harbor, Maryland, for the purpose of developing analytical procedures and criteria for contaminated dredged material in order to distinguish those materials which should be placed in containment sites from those which could be used in beneficial projects or placed in open waters without being chemically altered, and of determining the feasibility and necessity of decontaminating dredged materials and of dewatering and recycling such materials for use as marketable products. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to review the report of the Chief of Engineers on the Ohio River and Tributaries and other pertinent reports to determine whether modifications of the report's recommendations are advisable at the present time. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of the economic benefits of Federal and significant non-Federal shore protection activities in the Mid-Atlantic region from New York to Virginia. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Agriculture for the purpose of studying problems associated with flooding in Harrison County, Mississippi, under which the Secretaries will jointly conduct a reconnaissance study of such County and of specified bodies of water and associated watersheds; and (2) conduct a study on the need for navigation improvements in Reynolds Channel and the connecting State Boat Channel between Captree Island and Oak Beach. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) review the reports of the Chief of Engineers and other pertinent documents pertaining to Orchard Beach, Bronx, New York, and to make appropriate recommendations concerning storm damage prevention, recreation, environmental restoration, and other purposes; and (2) conduct a study on the need for erosion protection along the East River, New York, in the vicinity of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, with a view toward mitigating the deleterious effects of drift removal on protecting the adjacent shoreline from erosion. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a reconnaisance and feasibility study: (1) of remediation of contaminated sediments in Lake Champlain and the Narrows of Lake Champlain, Vermont; (2) of providing additional boat access points on Lake Champlain, Vermont; and (2) on providing additional flood protection for Montpelier, Vermont. Sets forth funding provisions. Directs the Secretary, in studying the feasibility of Federal improvements to the St. John's River Channel, Florida, to examine the commercial and military uses of the channel in those areas traversed by both military and commercial vessels, and coordinate the Secretary's efforts with the Secretary of the Navy to utilize available studies and resources which project future military dredging needs in the St. John's River Channel. Requires the Chief of Engineers to review the report of the Chief of Engineers on central and southern Florida, and other pertinent reports, with a view to determining whether modifications to the existing project are advisable at the present time due to significantly changed physical, biological, demographic, or economic conditions. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study on whether or not to relieve the State of Illinois of the requirement to make annual payments for unused water supply storage in Rend Lake on the Big Muddy River, Illinois; and (2) report to the Congress. Requires such State, until six months after the date on which the Secretary transmits such report to the Congress, to make any payments under its contract with the United States for use of storage space for water supply in Rend Lake on such River. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1988 to authorize the Secretary to pay tuition expenses of suitable, English-taught primary and secondary education in Puerto Rico for the children of Federal employees who are employed (currently, temporarily residing and employed) in Puerto Rico for the construction of the Portuguese and Bucana Rivers, subject to specified requirements. Directs the Secretary to undertake such measures as necessary to compensate for damages caused to public and private property by the drawdown undertaken in March 1992 by the Corps at the Little Goose and Lower Granite projects in Washington. Specifies that the costs of such measures shall be considered project costs and shall be allocated in accordance with existing cost allocations for such projects. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to establish a pilot program for providing environmental restoration infrastructure and resource protection development projects to non-Federal interests in south central Pennsylvania, subject to specified (including reporting) requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to make capital improvements to the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Directs the Secretary to enter into such arrangements as necessary to rehabilitate, renovate, preserve, and maintain the Illinois and Michigan Canal and its related facilities. Sets the Federal share of such improvements at 50 percent. Directs the Secretary to study the feasibility of establishing a transfer facility at the Leonard Ranch property adjacent to Port Sonoma-Marin, California, for the drying and rehandling of dredged material from San Francisco Bay for transport to an upland site for beneficial uses. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a plan for modifying the channel bypass element of the Levisa Fork, Kentucky, project for water quality improvement in and restoration of Pikeville Lake, Kentucky (and authorizes appropriations); and (2) undertake a revision of the master plan for the Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania, project and submit to the Congress for approval any proposed changes that significantly change uses of the Lake, surrounding land resources, or any facilities located thereon. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) study the feasibility of developing and preserving seasonal wetlands on the Santa Rosa plain, California, and provide technical assistance to the Sonoma County Vernal Pool Task Force in developing a plan for the development and preservation of such wetlands; and (2) participate in the study and construction of a water resources project in the vicinity of Phoenix, Arizona, for the purpose of providing flood control and improving water quality in the Tres Rios wetlands, Arizona, at a total cost of $6.5 million. Directs the Secretary to: (1) determine whether a design deficiency exists at the Klamath Glen levee, California (and, if so, correct the deficiency); and (2) cooperate with State and local officials in reviewing the water supply needs of the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District, Ohio. Redesignates a parcel of land to be conveyed by the Secretary to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and the building located thereon, for use as a clubhouse for the local American Legion Post of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. Authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission of the State of New Jersey for the development of the Phase I Environmental Improvement Program of the Special Area Management Plan for the Hackensack Meadowlands area, New Jersey. Sets forth cost-sharing provisions. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to initiate a program to exchange certain lands at Allatoona Lake, Georgia. Requires the Secretary to: (1) study a hydro-environmental monitoring and information system in the New York Bight and Harbor, subject to specified requirements; and (2) conduct a national study on information that is currently available on contaminated sediments, and compile information obtained in such study for the purpose of identifying the location and nature of contaminated sediments in the nation. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to cooperate with non-Federal interests in the completion of a study on contaminated sediments in Milwaukee Harbor, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas. Authorizes appropriations. Directs: (1) the Secretary to complete planning, design, and construction of a project for navigation, Arthur Kill, New York and New Jersey after entering into appropriate agreements with non-Federal interests for completion of such planning and design; and (2) the President to transmit to specified congressional committees a report on expenditures from and deposits into the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) conduct investigations and surveys of the watersheds of the rivers in the Conemaugh River Basin, Pennsylvania; and (2) develop and implement restoration projects for abatement and mitigation of water quality degradation caused by abandoned mines and mining activity in such basin. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer to the State of Wisconsin the locks and appurtenant features of the navigation portion of the Fox River System, Wisconsin. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to include costs of lands, easements, rights-of-way, and relocations among specified costs to be allocated to mitigate damages to fish and wildlife. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study on environmentally beneficial ways to expand or supplement existing placement options and sites serving channel dredging operations of the Port of Baltimore. Specifies that such study shall enhance an ongoing long-term management study for the Chesapeake Bay area being conducted by the State of Maryland and the Secretary. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Declares portions of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, to be non-navigable waters of the United States, subject to specified limitations. Directs the Secretary to carry out an exchange rate demonstration project at the Eastern Channel of the Lockwoods Folly River, Brunswick County, North Carolina. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to review the construction performed by non-Federal interests at the project for navigation, Port Everglades, Florida. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse such interests, subject to specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) use available resources to support the logistical and minor construction needs of the local organizing committee of the 1993 World University Games in western New York; and (2) undertake a program to control nuisance aquatic vegetation for the purpose of preserving the recreational uses of the waters of Lake Gaston, Virginia and North Carolina (and authorizes appropriations). Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program for providing water-related environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in southern West Virginia, subject to specified (including reporting) requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to establish the Tennessee River Heritage Museum and Education Facility to encourage science and technology as it relates to developing, managing, and preserving rivers as a nationally significant resource. Directs TVA to cooperate with the Tennessee Valley Exhibit Commission of Alabama to establish an exhibit in Florence, Alabama, on research and development in the area of inland navigation, tributary development, and related activities. Authorizes TVA to accept contributions from private sources in carrying out such provision. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study to review the operation of the project for flood control, Red Rock Dam and Lake, Iowa, authorized by the Flood Control Act of June 28, 1938. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out modifications (under the Water Resources Development Act of 1986) in the structures and operations of the project for flood control, Sacramento River, California, for the purpose of improving the quality of the environment in the public interest, to: (1) credit the value of all lands, easements, and rights-of-way provided by non-Federal interests for such modifications to the non-Federal share of the cost of such modifications; (2) include the one-time construction of the operation and maintenance facilities as part of project costs for cost-sharing purposes; and (3) in addition to the plan contained in the Yolo Basin Wetlands Project Modification Report dated April 1992, plan, design, and construct as part of such modifications historical wetlands at an alternative site located contiguous to the Yolo Bypass. Requires the Secretary to complete a project modification report by September 30, 1993. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study on bank stabilization and marsh creation by construction of a system of retaining dikes and by beneficial use of dredged material along the Calcasieu River Ship Canal, Louisiana, at critical locations. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Secretary, subject to the cost-sharing provisions of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, to investigate and carry out saltmarsh restoration projects along the coastline of the State of Connecticut. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to the towns of Winfield, Buffalo, and Eleanor, West Virginia, to assist residents in analyzing and understanding the remedial options available for dealing with substances posing a risk to the environment at the Corps lock and dam construction site in the vicinity of Winfield, West Virginia. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) convey to the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas, all right, title, and interest of the United States (with exceptions) in and to a tract of real property located adjacent to the city, subject to specified requirements; and (2) conduct a study on flooding problems along the Rahway River, New Jersey, and implement such measures as the Secretary determines feasible. Authorizes the Secretary to participate as an active Federal member in the Memorandum of Understanding for the Interagency Ecological Study Program for implementation of the monitoring requirements in the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary, California. Amends the Water Resource Development Act of 1988 to authorize the Secretary to design and implement a comprehensive flood warning and response system to serve communities and flood prone areas along the Juniata River and its tributaries in Pennsylvania (as under current law) at full Federal expense (currently, consistent with the cost sharing policies of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986). Deletes provisions of specified Acts authorizing and directing the Secretary to use funds for activities authorized by the Follow Through Act to develop, at full Federal expense, detailed plans and specifications and to construct measures in Tarrant County, Texas, to eliminate flood damage in the historical stockyards area along Tony's Creek and Marine Creek. Authorizes and directs the Tennessee Valley Authority to grant a release from the restriction and covenant which requires that certain property located in Decatur, Alabama, be used solely for the purpose of erecting docks and buildings for shipbuilding purposes or for the manufacture or storage of products for the purpose of trading or shipping in transportation. Authorizes the Secretary to construct, establish, equip, maintain, and operate (or assist in doing so) an interagency child care facility at Fort Point, Galveston, Texas, to provide child care services for children of Federal employees. Sets forth provisions regarding the establishment of fees for such services, transfers of funds from Federal agencies in connection with such facility, and the Secretary's authority to accept donations. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to offer technical assistance to the National Park Service (NPS) on infrastructure repairs and improvements at the Presidio of San Francisco, California, during the transition period from Army to NPS management and after its inclusion into the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Requires the Secretary to assist the NPS in identifying opportunities at the Presidio for demonstration and education programs of environmentally suitable and innovative technologies, and make available a liaison from its Construction Engineering Research Laboratory for such purpose. Directs the Secretary to develop a comprehensive five- and 20-year sediment management strategy for the Maumee River, Toledo Harbor, which may include a combination of several sediment disposal alternatives and shall emphasize innovative, environmentally benign alternatives, including reuse and recycling for wetland restoration. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct the engineering and construction activities necessary to implement the five-year sediment management strategy. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1990 to repeal an authorization of appropriations for the relocation of the Southeast Light on Block Island, Rhode Island. Sets forth cost-sharing provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to reconstruct the Allendale Dam in North Providence, Rhode Island, subject to specified cost, cost-sharing, and other requirements. Directs the Secretary to execute a water supply contract with the Ouachita River Water District for withdrawals from Lake DeGray, Arkansas, as provided in the agreement forwarded by the Vicksburg District Corps of Engineers dated March 1992. Authorizes the Secretary (subject to specified requirements) to: (1) remove a sunken barge from waters off the shore of the Narragansett Town Beach in Narragansett, Rhode Island; (2) construct two elevated water storage towers at Quonset Point-Davisville, Rhode Island, and to relocate 6,000 linear feet of sewer lines to West Davisville, Rhode Island; and (3) undertake the repair and reconstruction of a flood wall system at Stillwater, Minnesota, including an extension of such system to prevent the continuous eroding of the riverfront. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that: (1) prior to October 1, 1994 (currently, 1992) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency or the State shall not require a permit for stormwater discharges; and (2) not later than October 1, 1993 (currently, 1992) the Administrator shall issue regulations which designate certain stormwater discharges to be regulated to protect water quality and establish a comprehensive program to regulate such designated sources. Title IV: Infrastructure Technology, Research and Development - Authorizes the Secretary to engage in activities to inform the U.S. maritime industry and port authorities of technological innovations abroad that could significantly improve waterborne transportation in the United States. Sets forth funding provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct such studies as necessary to provide a report to the Congress on the dredging needs of the national ports and harbors of the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Deauthorizes the responsibility of the Federal Government to maintain and operate a 1,400-foot eathen dike constructed by local interests in lieu of a 1,400-foot steel sheetpile breakwater authorized as part of the Flushing Bay and Creek, New York, project by the River and Harbor Act of 1962. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to develop a data collection and monitoring program of coastal processes for the Atlantic Coast of New York, from Coney Island to Montauk Point, with a view toward providing information necessary to develop a program for addressing post-storm actions and long-term shoreline erosion control. Directs the Secretary to provide an initial plan for data collection and monitoring to specified congressional committees within 12 months. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary: (1) within a year, based upon a review of decontamination technologies identified pursuant to the Water Resources Development Act of 1990, to jointly select removal, pretreatment, post-treatment, and decontamination technologies for contaminated marine sediments for a decontamination project in the New York/New Jersey Harbor; and (2) upon selection of technologies, to jointly recommend a program of selected technologies to assess their effectiveness in rendering sediments acceptable for unrestricted ocean disposal or beneficial reuse, or both. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Contaminated Sediment and Ocean Dumping - National Contaminated Sediment Assessment and Management Act - Establishes a National Contaminated Sediment Task Force. Sets forth provisions regarding the duties and compensation of the Task Force. Sets forth reporting requirements. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a comprehensive national survey of data regarding aquatic sediment quality in the United States; and (2) compile all existing information on the quantity, chemical and physical composition, and geographic location of pollutants in aquatic sediment, including the probable source of such pollutants and identification of contaminated sediments. Sets forth reporting requirements. Requires the Administrator to conduct a comprehensive and continuing program to assess aquatic sediment quality. Sets forth reporting requirements. Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to revise provisions regarding: (1) ocean dumping requirements (including the addition of a requirement that the Secretary, prior to issuing a permit, obtain the concurrence by the Administrator and the establishment of related procedures); (2) restrictions on States' rights to adopt or enforce requirements respecting ocean dumping (eases such restrictions under specified circumstances); (3) the designation of sites for dumping; (4) permit conditions; and (5) ocean dumping penalties. Extends the authorization of appropriations under such Act through 1997. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for the Task Force and for sediment survey and monitoring. Requires the annual ocean dumping reports required to be submitted to the Congress under such Act to include: (1) a description of the number of permits issued (including the number of permits issued by the Secretary with the concurrence of the Administrator); (2) any actions taken involving waiver of requirements under the dumping permit program for dredged material; and (3) for each permit, the site receiving the material, the volume and characteristics of material dumped (including the extent and nature of pollutants in such material), and the management practices implemented in connection with each disposal activity.

Airport and Airway Safety, Capacity, Noise Improvement, and Intermodal Transportation Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1992

Airport and Airway Safety, Capacity, Noise Improvement and Intermodal Transportation Act of 1992 - Title I: Airport and Airway Improvement Act Amendments - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to declare that it is a goal of the United States to develop a national intermodal transportation system. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for: (1) airport development and planning projects; (2) air navigation facilities; (3) weather reporting services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (4) FAA operations; and (5) expenses incurred in joint financing of air navigation services and in maintaining air navigation facilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1994 to augment the Airway Capital Investment Plan, if the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) determines it is necessary (including a determination with respect to the establishment of more than 23 area control facilities). Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to revise the minimum Federal appropriation levels which permit imposition of local airport passenger facility fees on airline passengers. Amends the Airport and Airport Improvement Act of 1982 to increase the apportionment of airport development and planning funds for: (1) airports which are served by aircraft providing only air cargo (including mail) transportation; and (2) primary airports. Reduces from 49.5 percent to 44 percent the ceiling on the total amount of all such apportionments in the event any Act of Congress has the effect of limiting or reducing the obligational ceiling for the airway improvement program. Extends the special apportionment treatment of Alaskan airports to those public airports in Alaska that received scheduled service as of September 3, 1982, but were not apportioned funds in FY 1980 because they were not under State or local public agency control. Requires not less than 2.25 percent of airport development and planning funds for FY 1993 through FY 1995 be set-aside for development of current and former military airports. Requires the Secretary to designate such airports for participation in such set-aside program. (Currently, the Secretary is required to designate not less than eight current or former military airports.) Authorizes a specified amount of discretionary airport development and planning funds for FY 1993 through FY 1995 for construction, improvement, or repair of airport surface parking lots, fuel farms, and utilities at such airports. Raises from 10 percent to 15 percent the minimum obligation of apportioned and discretionary funds for airport noise compatibility planning, but reduces it to 12.5 percent in FY 1994 and 1995 if the airway improvement program funds available are less than specified amounts. Authorizes the maximum obligation of the United States for airport development and planning projects for FY 1993 to be increased for an airport (other than a primary airport) by a specified amount. Authorizes the Secretary, in cases where a commercial service airport annually has .05 percent or less of the total enplanements in the United States, to approve, as allowable project costs of an airport development project at such airport, any terminal development in revenue-producing areas and construction, reconstruction, repair, and improvement of nonrevenue-producing parking lots if the sponsor certifies that no project for needed airport development affecting safety, security, or capacity will be deferred by such approval. Sets the Federal share of allowable costs for terminal development at such an airport at 85 percent. Prohibits letters of intent issued by the Secretary from conditioning the obligation of funds for airport development projects on the imposition of a passenger facility charge. Includes as an "airport development" activity the: (1) acquisition or installation at or by a public -use airport of aircraft deicing equipment and structures (other than aircraft deicing fluids and storage facilities for such equipment and fluids); (2) relocation of an air traffic control tower and any navigational aid (including radar) if such relocation is necessary to carry out an approved project; (3) construction, reconstruction, repair, or improvement of an airport (or any purchase of capital equipment for an airport) which is necessary for compliance with specified Federal laws, other than construction or purchase of capital equipment which would benefit a revenue-producing area of the airport used by a nonaeronautical business; and (4) acquisition of land for, or work necessary to construct, a pad for deicing aircraft before takeoff at a commercial service airport, including construction or reconstruction of paved areas, drainage collection structures, treatment and discharge systems, appropriate lighting, and paved access for deicing vehicles and aircraft (but excluding acquisition of aircraft deicing equipment and fluids and construction and reconstruction of storage facilities for such equipment and fluids). Requires as a condition precedent to approval of an airport development project: (1) public availability of any report of the airport budget; and (2) specified kinds of public participation in the project. Repeals the requirement for an annual report to the Congress on the national airways system. Includes Alaskan and Hawaiian airports in the coverage of the Act with respect to passengers enplaned on international flights. Extends the State block grant pilot program for airports through FY 1996. Authorizes the Secretary to designate up to seven (currently, three) qualified States (including Illinois, Missouri, and North Carolina) for participation in such program. Amends the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 to extend the prohibition against the fraudulent use of "Made in America" labels on products sold in or shipped to the United States, and against discrimination by foreign governments against U.S. products, to the award of Federal contracts or grants under a specified section of Federal transportation law or the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982. Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to make grants to up to four vocational technical institutions for acquisition or construction of facilities for the advanced training of maintenance technicians for air carrier aircraft. Sets forth grant eligibility requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to develop and submit annually to specified congressional committees a report on: (1) the staffing standards used to determine the number of air traffic controllers needed to operate the air traffic control system of the United States; (2) a three-year projection of the number of air traffic controllers needed to operate such system to meet such standards; and (3) a detailed plan for employing such controllers, including projected budget requests. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to hire additional air traffic controllers so as to make the controller work force not less than 18,128 on September 30, 1993. Prohibits the FAA from entering into any contract on or before September 30, 1994, with a private person for the operation of an airport control tower at any airport which in FY 1990 had 5,500 or more air carrier operations and 40,000 or more air taxi operations unless the airport owner or operator first agrees to the FAA Administrator's entering into such contract. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to study and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the social, economic, and health effects of airport noise on populations within 65, 60, and 55 LDN noise areas to determine the actual level at which noise creates an adverse impact on populations; and (2) the effect of single event noise on populations. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to: (1) increase the employment of aviation safety inspectors to a specified level by the end of FY 1995; and (2) require, by regulation, procedures to improve safety of aircraft operations during winter conditions. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the FAA to update and arrange for publication of clearly defined routes for navigating under visual flight rules through a complex terminal airspace area, and to and from an airport located within such an area. Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on: (1) whether the safety benefits derived from the reflectorization of runways and taxiways of all military airfields under Federal Specification TT-B-1325B should be extended to runways and taxiways of public use airports; (2) the purchase of land for development over five years after purchase (landbanking) and of options to purchase land for airport development, and whether such projects should be funded under the Airport Improvement Program; (3) the current Federal program for monitoring the installation and operation of lighting systems for aircraft obstructions and airport runways; (4) the economic benefits of carrying out airport development projects in "redevelopment areas" under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965; and (5) the ability of airports which annually enplane .05 percent or less of total enplanements in the United States to finance the maintenance of runways, aprons, and taxiways constructed under the Airport Improvement Program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants under the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 for projects to soundproof residential buildings if specified conditions are met. Amends the Airport and Airway Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1987 to revise conditions with respect to a release from certain terms and restrictions contained in a certain instrument conveying land on which Laredo International Airport is located to the city of Laredo, Texas. Allows Laredo to grant leases of up to 40 years (currently, 20 years) at below fair market value at the airport. Directs the Administrator of the FAA to study and report: (1) to specified congressional committees on the current and projected need for air traffic control and related services in the airspace around Tucson, Arizona; and (2) to the Congress on increased air traffic over Grand Canyon National Park. Title II: Federal Aviation Act Amendments - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the FAA to enter into a contract, on a sole source basis, with a State or political subdivision to permit it to operate a level I visual flight rules airport traffic control tower if the Administrator determines that such State or political subdivision can comply with certain safety and subcontracting requirements. Authorizes, at the discretion of the Administrator of the FAA, the reimbursement of travel, transportation, and subsistence expenses for the security training of non-Federal domestic and foreign security personnel who contribute to civil aviation security. Requires all persons to give adequate public notice of the establishment or expansion, or the proposed establishment or expansion, of any structure or sanitary landfill where such notice will promote safety in air commerce and preserve the navigable airspace and airport traffic capacity at public-use airports. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to the Congress on whether a municipal solid waste facility located within a five-mile radius of the end of a runaway may have the potential for attracting or sustaining bird movements (from feeding, water, or roosting) that may pose a hazard across the runways or approach and departure patterns of aircraft. Establishes the National Commission to Ensure a Strong Competitive Airline Industry to investigate the financial condition of the airline industry, the adequacy of competition in it, and legal impediment to a financially strong and competitive airline industry. Requires the Commission to submit a specified report to the Congress. Title III: Research, Engineering, and Development - Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, and Development Authorization Act of 1992 - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to authorize FY 1993 and 1994 appropriations for specified areas of airway improvement research, engineering and development, and demonstrations. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on the feasibility of requiring commercial airports and/or commercial airlines to employ portable equipment to deice commercial aircraft before takeoff by placing such equipment close to the departure end of the active runway. Requires the Secretary to research to develop new techniques and more efficient fluids and technologies for deicing. Requires the Administrators of the FAA and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to jointly conduct a research program to develop new technologies for quieter subsonic jet aircraft engines and airframes by the year 2000. Prohibits a person from affixing "Made in America" labels to products that are not domestic products of the United States. Makes any person that violates such prohibition ineligible for the award of a Federal contract. Requires the head of each Federal agency conducting procurements to comply with the requirements of the Buy American Act. Title IV: Aviation Insurance - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 958 to authorize Federal agencies to purchase aviation insurance covering any aircraft engaged in intrastate, interstate, or overseas air commerce for any risk (including war risk) if the aircraft operation is in the performance of an agency contract or is for the transportation of military forces or material on behalf of the United States under an agreement between the United States and a foreign government. Extends the aviation insurance program from FY 1992 through FY 1997. Directs the Comptroller General to review and report to the Congress on the administration of the aviation insurance program during the Persian Gulf conflict in order to determine methods of improving efficiency by reducing the paperwork and time period required for providing such insurance. Title V: Extension of Airport and Airway Trust Fund - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund through October 1, 1995. Declares that, in the case of certain taxes imposed before January 1, 1993, the amounts to be appropriated to the Fund shall be determined without regard to any increase in a rate of tax enacted by the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990.

Transportation Fair Share Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1992

Transportation Fair Share Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Transit Act, the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, and other Federal transportation law to base the apportionment of Federal transportation funds for certain highway and mass transit and airport and airway improvement programs on census estimates prepared by the Department of Commerce. (Currently, the apportionment is based only on the latest available Federal census.)

Teilnahme von Vertretern des Bundesministeriums für Verkehr bzw. nachgeordneter Behörden an der Festlegung von Normen für elektrotechnische Navigationsinstrumente und andere technische Einrichtungen (G-SIG: 12053582)

Germany · German Bundestag · 2 October 1992

Intermodal Safe Container Transportation Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1992

Intermodal Safe Container Transportation Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to require any person at or before tendering to an initial carrier any container or trailer for intermodal transportation with a projected gross cargo weight (including packing material and pallets) of more than 10,000 pounds, to certify to the carrier in writing the actual gross cargo weight and a reasonable description of the container's or trailer's contents. Requires prior notification to the carrier of projected gross cargo weight and the contents description. Makes it unlawful for a carrier or its agent, a customs broker, freight forwarder, warehouseman, or terminal operator to fail to forward such a certification to a subsequent carrier transporting the container or trailer in intermodal transportation. Makes it unlawful for any person: (1) to coerce or attempt to coerce a person providing such transportation to transport such loaded container or trailer before receiving the required certification; or (2) knowing that such weight limits are exceeded, to coerce or attempt to coerce any carrier to transport the container or trailer, or to operate the tractor-trailer combination in violation of such limits. Makes it unlawful for a motor carrier to transport such container or trailer before receiving such certification. Provides for State enforcement and for liens for posted bonds, fines, penalties, costs, and expenses. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to assess and report to specified congressional committees on: (1) existing data and data collection needs (along with any recommendations for improving data collection) with respect to the movement in intermodal transportation of loaded containers and trailers (including those containing perishable agricultural commodities) in violation of this Act and State highway motor vehicle weight laws; and (2) the legal and practical impediments to such data collection.

A bill to provide aircraft noise abatement loan guarantees, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1992

Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to guarantee lenders against loss on aircraft modification loans made to air carriers, charter air carriers, or interstate air carriers to modify aircraft to reduce aircraft noise. Sets forth certain conditions with respect to such guarantees. Authorizes the Secretary to make use of the advice and services of Federal agencies in providing such guarantees. Requires the Secretary to make loan guaranty program information available to the Comptroller General.

United States-Mexico Border Environmental Zone Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1992

United States-Mexico Border Environmental Zone Protection Act - Establishes the United States-Mexico Border Environmental Zone Protection Fund to be used by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate and respond to conditions which present a threat to the land, air, or water resources of the United States-Mexico border region (Border Environmental Zone). Authorizes the Administrator, whenever conditions exist which present a substantial threat to the land, air, or water resources in such region, to declare an environmental emergency. Permits the Governors of the States of Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas or the governing body of a federally recognized Indian tribe to petition for the declaration of an environmental emergency in such region. Prohibits the Administrator from declaring an emergency if the condition is within the sole jurisdiction of the International Boundary and Water Commission. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a system for information sharing and for early warning to the United States and affected States, political subdivisions, and Indian tribes of environmental problems affecting the Border Environmental Zone. Requires the Administrator to establish a United States-Mexico Border Environmental Zone Protection Advisory Committee to: (1) monitor and study environmental conditions within the Border Environmental Zone; and (2) make recommendations for ongoing environmental protection in such zone. Directs the Secretary of State, acting through the United States Commissioner, International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, to conclude agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Mexico for: (1) the correction of border sanitation problems in international streams forming or crossing the boundary between the United States and Mexico; and (2) a joint response through the construction of works, repair of existing infrastructure, and other measures to correct border sanitation emergencies in such streams. Defines such emergencies as situations in which untreated or inadequately treated sewage is discharged into surface waters or streams that form or cross the U.S.--Mexican boundary. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, to correct border sanitation emergencies in such streams in the United States. Permits the Secretary to enter into agreements with Mexico to establish a binational advisory committee to: (1) assist EPA and the Mexican environmental agency (SEDUE) in the monitoring and study of environmental conditions within the Zone; (2) make recommendations for ongoing environmental protection within the Zone; and (3) carry out other functions prescribed by EPA and SEDUE. Prohibits the expenditure of U.S. funds for emergency investigation or remediation in Mexico without a cost-sharing agreement unless the Secretary can demonstrate that the expenditure of such funds would be cost-effective and in the U.S. interest. Establishes the United States International Boundary and Water Commission Fund to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

To amend the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to impose conditions relating to employment on certain transfers of air carrier certificates of public convenience and necessity.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1992

Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require air carriers that have acquired certificates of convenience and necessity transferring air route authority to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean from another air carrier to hire from the latter, on the basis of seniority, approximately 6,500 employees required to operate such routes. Requires disputes over implementation of such transfers to be resolved by arbitration under the provisions of the Tiger International Seaboard Acquisition Case, CAB Docket 33712.

To permit States to waive application of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 with respect to certain farm vehicles operated more than 150 miles from a person's farm.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1992

Eliminates the requirement in the Code of Federal Regulations that a farm vehicle be used within 150 miles of its operator's farm with respect to a State's authority to exempt such vehicles from the commercial driver's license requirements of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986.

Proposal for a COUNCIL DIRECTIVE amending Directive 77/388/EEC as regards the value added tax arrangements applicable to passenger transport

European Union · European Commission · 30 September 1992

Amendment to the proposal for a COUNCIL DIRECTIVE on the charging of transport infrastructure costs to heavy goods vehicles

European Union · European Commission · 30 September 1992

Fair Speed Limit Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1992

Fair Speed Limit Act of 1992 - Provides that no speed limit shall be set: (1) to exceed, to the nearest five mile per hour (mph) increment, the speed at or below which 85 percent of free flowing vehicles are flowing, or the upper limit of the ten mph band of travel speeds containing the largest number of observed vehicles; and (2) below the speed at or below which 67 percent of the free flowing vehicles are flowing. Repeals provisions of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1988 and the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, with respect to the establishment of a national maximum speed limit.

National Health Safety Net Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1992

National Health Safety Net Infrastructure Act - Title I: Capital Financing Assistance for Safety Net Hospitals Providing Indigent Care - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new title XXI, Capital Financing Assistance for Safety Net Hospitals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make payments for capital financing assistance to eligible hospitals with approved applications. Sets forth general eligibility requirements for such assistance, including requirements that hospitals receive disproportionate share adjustments under Medicare (SSA title XVIII) and be owned or operated by a State or local government in order to be eligible for such assistance. Details application requirements and criteria for application approval. Imposes certain public service responsibilities on hospitals accepting capital financing assistance. Creates in the Treasury the Health Safety Net Infrastructure Trust Fund (Fund). Establishes a loan guarantee program under which the Trust Fund will provide a Federal guarantee of loan repayment to non-Federal lenders making loans to qualified hospitals for hospital replacement, modernization, and renovation projects. Sets forth eligibility criteria hospitals must meet in order to qualify for loan guarantees. Gives a preference for loan guarantees to certain projects in which State or local government entities participate. Sets forth special rules with respect to loan guarantees, including rules: (1) requiring at least 20 percent of the dollar value of loan guarantees to be allocated to eligible rural hospitals; (2) requiring at least $200 million of the annual dollar value of loan guarantees to be reserved for loans of under $50 million, if there are a sufficient number of applicants for loans of that size; and (3) allowing loan guarantees to be allocated for refinancing loans. Provides that hospitals will be charged a reasonable loan insurance premium. Sets forth procedures to be followed in the event of a loan default. Establishes an interest rate subsidy program that provides a partial Federal subsidy of debt service payment where State or local entities demonstrate a significant commitment to financing hospital replacement, modernization, and renovation projects by undertaking the issuance of bonds. Requires a hospital to receive assistance from non-Federal sources at least equal to the assistance received under such program in order to obtain an interest rate subsidy. Sets forth special rules with respect to interest rate subsidies, including rules: (1) reserving for rural hospitals at least 20 percent of the total value of all interest subsidies awarded in any given year; and (2) limiting the aggregate value of interest subsidies made to hospitals in any State in a given year. Requires the Secretary to provide direct matching loans to qualified hospitals unable otherwise to obtain essential financing. Sets forth special rules with respect to direct matching loans, including rules concerning the use of loans for refinancing. Requires the Secretary to make direct grants to qualified hospitals with urgent capital needs. Provides that direct grants shall be available to eligible hospitals for three types of projects: (1) emergency certification and licensure grants would be available to eligible hospitals that are threatened with closure or loss of accreditation or certification of a facility or of essential services as a result of life or safety code violations or similar facility or equipment failures; (2) emergency grants would be available for capital renovation, expansion, or replacement necessary to the maintenance or expansion of essential safety and health services; and (3) planning grants would be available to qualified hospitals which require pre-approval assistance to meet regulatory requirements related to management and finance in order to apply for loans, loan guarantees, and interest subsidies under this Act. Gives priority for direct grants to financially distressed hospitals. Sets forth special rules with respect to grants for capital expenditures and planning grants. Provides for adjustments to payments for capital-related costs under Medicare to take into account the extent to which capital-related costs incurred by a hospital are costs with respect to which the hospital received financial assistance under SSA title XXI. Title II: Amendment of the Tariff Act of 1930 - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require unobligated amounts remaining in the Customs Forfeiture Fund to be deposited in the Health Safety Net Infrastructure Trust Fund.

Comprehensive Health Care and Cost Containment Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1992

Comprehensive Health Care and Cost Containment Act of 1992 - Title I: Federal and State Administration - Subtitle A: Federal Administration - Subtitle A: Federal Administration - Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services a Federal Health Board. Requires the Board to: (1) determine national per capita spending rates for covered district health care services and for health care practitioner services; (2) establish a single national insurance premium for enrollment catgories; (3) make Federal payments to States and insurers; (4) certify State compliance with this Act; (5) enter into reciprocity agreements with foreign countries; and (6) report to the Congress on duplicative Federal health care programs. Requires an annual report to the Congress on the status of the health care system in the United States. Establishes within the Department of Education a Federal Health Education Commission to manage the Federal grant program to States for consumer education programs and for primary care practitioners. Subtitle B: State Administration - Requires each State to provide for a State Health Board to establish health districts to appoint district health care boards, set global budgets for each health care district, establish fee schedules for practitioner groups, and develop long-range plans for future health care infrastructure. Requires each State Health Board to establish a State Health Care Education Commission to be responsible for specified activities. Title II: Health Care Services - Subtitle A: National Health Insurance Program - Sets forth national standards for health insurance for district health care services or health care practitioner services, including enrollment requirements. Authorizes reduced premiums for low-income individuals. Subtitle B: Payment Amounts for Health Care Practitioner Services and for Covered District Health Care Services - Requires each State to provide for the chartering of practitioner associations with respect to fee schedules and medical malpractice insurance. Provides for the establishment of annual per capita rates for district health care costs and the development of State and district budgets for health care services. Requires the Board to disseminate Federal payments to States for such services. Title III: Malpractice Insurance Reform - Sets forth requirements for States with respect to physician medical malpractice liability in order to be eligible for Federal payments. Title IV: Provisions Relating to ERISA and Federal and State Antitrust Laws - Declares that provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act are superseded to the extent inconsistent with the requirements of this Act. Provides that the antitrust laws do not apply to health service entities covered under this Act. Title V: Health Care Education Trust Fund - Establishes the Health Care Education Trust Fund to be administered by the Federal Health Care Commission in making grants for health care consumer education. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the tax on cigarettes and distilled spirits. Title VI: Tax Treatment of Health Insurance Premiums - Allows a tax deduction for health insurance expenses, whether or not the taxpayer itemizes deductions. Title VII: Private Options - States that individuals are not precluded from obtaining insurance for services that are covered health care services. Title VIII: Pharmaceuticals and Other Health Care Devices - Limits manufacturers and marketers of pharmaceuticals and other health devices to prices charged in Canada by the Patented Medicine Review Board. Title IX: Termination of Programs - Amends the Social Security Act to repeal certain Federal health care programs.

Airport Privatization Demonstration Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1992

Airport Privatization Demonstration Act - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to undertake a demonstration program under which the ownership of up to five airports which have received Federal assistance may be transferred to a non-public entity. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on progress in privatizing such airports.

Passenger Motor Vehicle Content Information Disclosure Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1992

Passenger Motor Vehicle Content Information Disclosure Act - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require new passenger motor vehicle manufacturers to establish for each model year and cause to be prominently affixed, and each dealer to cause to be maintained, on each such vehicle manufactured after October 1, 1994, one or more labels indicating: (1) the percentage (by value) of passenger motor vehicle equipment installed on such vehicles within a carline which originated in the United States and Canada; (2) the final assembly point by city, State, and country of such vehicle; (3) in the case of any country (other than the United States and Canada) in which 15 percent or more (by value) of equipment installed on such vehicle within a carline originated, the names of at least the two countries in which the greatest amount (by value) of such equipment originated and the percentage (by value) of the equipment originating in each such country; and (4) the country of origin of the engine and the transmission of such vehicle. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations establishing a procedure to verify such labeling information. Sets forth penalties for violations committed under this Act.

To prohibit the expenditure of Federal funds for constructing or modifying highway signs that are expressed only in metric system measurements.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1992

Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds: (1) for constructing, erecting, or modifying highway signs expressed only in metric system measurements; and (2) to promulgate regulations requiring the States to construct, erect, or modify highway signs using such measurements.

Abandoned Barge Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1992

Abandoned Barge Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to prohibit an owner or operator of a barge from abandoning it on U.S. navigable waters. Deems a barge not to to be abandoned if: (1) it is located at a federally- or State-approved mooring area; (2) it is on private property with the property owner's permission; or (3) the owner or operator notifies the Secretary of Transportation of the barge's location. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) assess a civil penalty for violations of this Act; and (2) remove a barge that has been abandoned. Declares that the United States shall not be liable for damages resulting from such removal. Makes the owner or operator of an abandoned barge liable for expenses incurred by the United States in removing it. Declares that barge removal contractors and subcontractors are not liable for damages resulting from such removal, except in certain circumstances. Requires undocumented barges weighing 100 gross tons operating on U.S. navigable waters to be numbered.

To amend the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to establish a maximum amount an air carrier may charge for changing the departure time or date or the arrival time or date for a prepaid airline ticket.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1992

Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to establish a maximum fee (the lesser of $5 or ten percent of the amount of a prepaid airline ticket) an air carrier may charge for changing the departure time or date or the arrival time or date for such ticket.