Transport

A joint resolution to amend the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, as amended.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976

Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 by changing the phrase "without regard to" to "adjusted to reflect" to describe the process of making adjustments to reflect stock splits and similar transactions that may occur after the time of distribution of securities. Sets forth an adjustment formula for common stock issued pursuant to the Act. Authorizes the Consolidated Rail Corporation to initially issue 35,000,000 series B preferred stock and as many shares of series B preferred and common stock for deposit as the Association shall certify to the Special Court.

A bill to amend the Interstate Commerce Act to provide that no pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil may transport oil through its pipelines if that company has an interest in such oil.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976

Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to prohibit a pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil from transporting any oil through its pipelines if that company has an interest in such oil.

A bill to amend the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to provide for the equitable distribution of rail service continuation assistance in the Region.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976

Revises the distribution of rail service continuation assistance to States under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 by removing the provision entitling each State to not less than three percent of the appropriated funds.

Rail Transportation Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976

Amtrak Improvement Act - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to establish a through route and rate with qualified motor carriers. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1978 to the Secretary of Transportation for the benefit of the Corporation: (1) to meet specified expenses; (2) for capital acquisitions and improvements; and (3) for the payment of the principal amount of obligations of the Corporation.

A bill to require the Civil Aeronautics Board to rescind the authority of any air carrier to provide nonstop service between any two points if such authority is not utilized within a certain period of time; to authorize the provision of new nonstop service by certificated air carriers between such points without hearings.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976

Requires the Civil Aeronautics Board, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, to rescind the authority of any air carrier to provide nonstop service between any two points if such authority is not utilized within any continuous one year period. Authorizes the Board to issue a certificate, or amend an existing certificate on application by any certified air carrier, with or without a hearing, to provide nonstop service between such points.

A bill to prohibit certain civil supersonic aircraft from landing at, or taking off from, Dulles International Airport or Washington National Airport.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976

Prohibits the landing or taking off, except in emergencies, of any supersonic aircraft which generates a noise level in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft from Dulles International Airport or Washington National Airport.

A bill to amend the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, to provide for expedited consideration by the Civil Aeronautics Board of applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976

Directs that applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity for air transportation, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, be decided by the Civil Aeronautics Board within time limits which the Board shall adopt by regulation, unless the Board issues an order finding that the public interest requires the dismissal of the application, or the application request is for authority to engage in foreign air transportation. Requires the Board, if a decision is not reached within the specified period, to issue a certificate as requested, unless the public interest or extraordinary circumstances justify delay. Requires that any proposed rule or regulation regarding such time limitations be submitted to Congress. States that such rule or regulation shall become effective unless either House of Congress adopts a resolution disapproving such proposal.

Cargo Claims Adjustment Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976

Cargo Claims Adjustment Act - Provides, under the Interstate Commerce Act and the Harter Act, that a claim by a shipper for damages to cargo by a carrier may include a claim for the recovery of attorney's fees unless the carrier and shipper agree, in advance, to utilize a final claims-settling procedure created by the Interstate Commerce Commission or operated by the carrier with the approval of the Commission. Sets forth the standards for such claims-settling procedure. Authorizes the Commission to require and regulate surety bonds, insurance policies, or similar devices from regulated carriers to insure that all just claims can be paid.

A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Army to determine that certain waters are not being used for commercial navigation.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976

Amends the Act of March 3, 1899 to provide that the prohibition against the creation of any obstruction to the navigable waters of the United States shall not apply to any waters of the United States which the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, determines are not being used for commerce at the time of such determination and are not likely to be used for such purpose in the foreseeable future.

A bill to amend the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance for purposes of establishing and carrying out rail transportation research, education, and training programs.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976

Directs the Secretary of Transportation, under the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to institutions of higher learning to carry out programs relating to rail transportation. Makes eligible for such assistance, programs which involve research into the theoretical and practical problems of rail transportation in the United States or education and training of individuals: (1) for employment in organizations which plan, construct, operate, or manage rail transportation systems; and (2) to conduct research with respect to rail transportation problems. Gives preference to those institutions which undertake such research, education and training by bringing together various technical disciplines and social managerial sciences which relate to rail transportation problems. Sets forth the requirements for applications by institutions for such assistance. Requires institutions receiving financial assistance under this Act to maintain such records as the Secretary prescribes. Grants the Secretary or Comptroller General of the United States access to such records. Authorizes appropriations of 2,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1980; and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1981 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Makes technical amendments in the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

A bill to amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, to establish a grant program to enable public ports to comply with certain Federal standards, to direct the Secretary of Commerce to undertake a comprehensive study of the present and future needs of public ports in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976

Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide assistance, under the Merchant Marine Act of 1970, to any State, local government, or interstate agency or other public port authority which is required to make improvements to any port operated by it in order to bring such port into compliance with any requirements imposed by Federal law, relating to environmental protection, the public health and safety, or port or cargo security. Specifies that assistance provided pursuant to this Act shall be in the form of grants of money. Limits individual grants to $1,000,000. Directs the Secretary to undertake a study to determine the requirements of public ports in the United States for expansion and to meet such requirements imposed by law for environmental protection and port safety and security. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress the final results of such study, not later than one year after the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and each fiscal year thereafter for the financial grants authorized by this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1975 and 1976 to carry out the study required by this Act.

A bill to amend the Interstate Commerce Act to provide that no pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil may transport oil through its pipeline if that company has an interest in such oil.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976

Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to prohibit a pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil from transporting any oil through its pipelines if that company has an interest in such oil.

A bill to amend the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize additional appropriations.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1976

Authorizes additional appropriations in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 and 1978 to carry out the provisions of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970.

Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1976

Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to carry out the provisions of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970. Specifies the apportionment of such appropriation among the provisions of the Act. Increases penalties for violations of specified Acts relating to railroad safety. Makes it unlawful for any common carrier not to provide its employees with sleeping quarters which provide them with an opportunity for uninterrupted rest in quarters having controlled temperatures and which are located away from a yard where switching or humping operations are performed. Forbids any crew members of wreck or relief trains from working 16 consecutive hours in a 24 hour period. Sets forth required safety procedures for protection against following or oncoming trains, and for employees working on, under or about an engine, car, or train. Requires the rear car of all passenger and freight trains to have a highly visible marker to be lighted during darkness or when weather conditions restrict clear visibility. Divides the Federal Railroad Administration into ten regional offices for the purpose of administering and enforcing all Federal railroad safety laws. States that such offices shall be under the direct control of the Associate Administrator for Safety of the Federal Railroad Administration.

A bill to amend the Interstate Commerce Act by including independent owner-operator truckers as an exempted class under section 203(b) of that act.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976

Includes independent owner-operator truckers as an exempted class to the motor carriers provision under the Interstate Commerce Act. Provides that no such driver shall charge or collect a rate, fare, or charge lower than the lowest rate, fare, or charge specified in tariffs or schedules filed and in effect pursuant to such Act for the same commodities between identical points served. Provides that if no such tariff or schedule is on file, the lowest rate for like commodities between identical or similar points shall determine the lowest rate, fare, or charge.

A bill to amend title 23 of the United States Code relating to highways to provide that all sections of the officially designated National System of Interstate and Defense Highways shall become toll free for public use.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976

Declares it to be the sense of Congress that all portions of the officially designated National System of Interstate and Defense Highways be free from tolls. Provides that each State having any portion of a free or toll highway, bridge or tunnel which is part of the Interstate System shall be entitled to receive additional funds from the Highway Trust Fund for the removal of such toll facilities and the completion of the Interstate System within such State . Directs the Secretary of Transportation to deliver to Congress an estimate of the September 30, 1977, depreciated value of toll and free facilities incorporated into the Interstate System. Specifies criteria for determining such depreciation value. Allows a reimbursement of 90 percent of such depreciated value for States which remove tolls or presently operate free highway facilities. Decreases Federal-aid highway apportionments for States not electing to eliminate tolls from facilities within the Interstate System. (Adds 23 U.S.C. 156)

COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS ON INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT TARIFFS FIFTH REPORT ON MARKET TRENDS IN THE INTERNATIONAL CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY ROAD IN THE COMMUNITY 1974

European Union · European Commission · 5 March 1976

A bill to amend the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to limit under certain circumstances the discretion of the Civil Aeronautics Board in determining the rate of compensation to be paid to an air carrier for the transportation of mail by aircraft.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976

Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Civil Aeronautics Board, in determining the compensation for any local service air carrier for mail for the year 1966, to apply a specified subsidy rate. Exempts from such determination any decrease in the Federal income tax liability of such carrier in such year resulting from any capital loss carry back pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code. Directs the Board, if such decreases in tax liability was taken into account, to redetermine the compensation to be paid to such air carrier and to make payment of any amount owed to such carrier as provided in such redetermination.

Amtrak Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976

Amtrak Improvement Act - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to establish a through route and rate with qualified motor carriers, including the transportation of passengers not using the rail service of the Corporation. Exempts such transportation from specified provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act and any State, regional or local law except as it may relate to safety. Requires, in establishing such through service, the Corporation to first offer in writing to establish such service with authorized motor carrier or carriers. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1978 to the Secretary of Transportation for the benefit of the Corporation: (1) to meet specified expenses; (2) to make capital acquisitions or improvements of the basic system; and (3) for the payment of the principal amount of obligations of the Corporation. Sets forth the maximum amount from such appropriations which shall be available for payment of operating and capital expenses of intercity rail passenger service. Reduces the maximum aggregate unpaid principal limitation under such Act by an amount equal to the total principal amount of such obligations paid by the Corporation from funds available under specified provisions of this Act.

PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL REGULATION ON THE HARMONIZATION OF CERTAIN SOCIAL LEGISLATION RELATING TO ROAD TRANSPORT

European Union · European Commission · 3 March 1976

A bill to amend the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to extend the period provided for certain designations made in the final system plan.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976

Extends the period provided for acceptance of offers for sale made pursuant to the final system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act. Extends the time provided for the delivery and filing of a certified copy of the final system plan to the special court established under such Act.

A bill to amend the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to extend the period provided for certain designations made in the final system plan.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976

Extends the period provided for acceptance of offers for sale made pursuant to the final system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act. Extends the time provided for the delivery and filing of a certified copy of the final system plan to the special court established under such Act.

A bill to prohibit use of Airway and Airport Development Act funds for a public airport at Floyd Bennett Field in the Gateway National Recreation Area.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976

Prohibits the use of funds under the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 for the planning or development of a public airport at Floyd Bennett Field within the Gateway National Recreation Area, New York.

An Act to amend the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 to authorize additional appropriations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976

Independent Safety Board Act Amendments - Directs the Independent Safety Board to prohibit disclosure of information obtained from an aircraft accident or incident investigation conducted by a foreign state, in accordance with the Chicago Convention, unless the state which conducted the investigation authorizes such disclosure. Authorizes appropriations for the Board for fiscal years 1977 and 1978.

United States Air Traffic Services Corporation Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976

United States Air Traffic Services Corporation Act - States the finding of Congress that the Office of the Secretary of Transportation has exercised arbitrary and capricious control over the entire range of Federal Aviation Administration activities and that the proper conduct of the responsibilities associated with civil aviation development and safety requires action by an independent Federal aviation corporation. Establishes the United States Air Traffic Services Corporation as a body corporate with its principal office in the District of Columbia to be managed by a ten member Board of Directors. Sets forth the membership, pay, terms of office, and categories of expertise from which the members of such Board shall be chosen. Authorizes the Board to appoint such corporate officers as necessary to carry out the functions of the Corporation and to contract for the temporary or intermittent services of experts and consultants. Sets forth the powers of the Board of Directors and the Corporation. Allows the Corporation to change the rates of tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code relating to taxes on special fuels, taxes on the transportation of persons and property by air and taxes on the use of civil aircraft. Transfers to the Corporation all the functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Transportation, including those which are exercised by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under specified laws and provisions of law relating to civil aviation. Tranfers the personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, unexpended appropriations, and funds of the Department of Transportation relating to civil aviation to the Corporation. Makes technical amendments in specified laws to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that all orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, contracts, certificates, licenses and privileges currently in effect shall continue in effect until modified or terminated by the Board. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act in an amount equal to 50 percent of the total funding requirement of the Corporation for any fiscal year.

A bill to preserve the public health, safety, and welfare by prohibiting the entrance into and operation within the United States of civil supersonic aircraft that do not meet appropriate noise standards.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976

Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from authorizing, except for emergency purposes, the entrance into or operation within the United States of any civil supersonic aircraft engaged in commercial service which generates noise in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft.

A bill to amend the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to extend the period provided for acceptance of certain offers made pursuant to the final system plan.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976

Extends the period provided for acceptance of offers for sale made pursuant to the final system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act. Extends the period provided for the delivery and filing of a certified copy of the final system plan to the special court established under such Act. Decreases the period of time which such court has to order the conveyance of rail properties to the Consolidated Rail Corporation after the delivery of such final system plan.

A bill to prohibit certain civil supersonic aircraft from landing at, or taking off from, Dulles International Airport or Washington National Airport.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976

Prohibits the landing or taking off, except in emergencies, of any supersonic aircraft which generates a noise level in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft from Dulles International Airport or Washington National Airport.

A bill to amend the Interstate Commerce Act to provide that no pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil may transport oil through its pipelines if that company has an interest in such oil.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976

Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to prohibit a pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil from transporting any oil through its pipelines if that company has an interest in such oil.

A resolution directing the Committee on Public Works and Transportation to investigate the process by which the Secretary of Transportation reached a decision permitting the Concorde to land at the John F. Kennedy and Dulles International Airports.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976

Directs the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation to convene a full scale investigation into the entire process surrounding Secretary of Transportation William Coleman's decision to grant the Anglo-French Concorde landing rights at John F. Kennedy Airport and at Dulles International Airport.

A bill to amend the International Travel Act of 1961, as amended, to authorize the use of travel grants for foreign participants in familiarization tours to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976

Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, under the International Travel Act of 1961, to award travel grants to foreign travel trade representatives and journalists who participate in familiarization tours to the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations governing such awards.

A bill to amend the Interstate Commerce Act to provide that no pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil may transport oil through its pipelines if that company has an interest in such oil.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976

Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to prohibit a pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil from transporting any oil through its pipelines if that company has an interest in such oil.

A bill to amend the Interstate Commerce Act to provide that no pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil may transport oil through its pipelines if that company has an interest in such oil.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976

Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to prohibit a pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil from transporting any oil through its pipelines if that company has an interest in such oil.

A bill to prohibit certain civil supersonic aircraft from landing at or taking off from, Dulles International Airport or Washington National Airport.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976

Prohibits the landing or taking off, except in emergencies, of any supersonic aircraft which generates a noise level in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft from Dulles International Airport or Washington National Airport.

Motor Carrier Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976

Motor Carrier Reform Act - Prohibits the Interstate Commerce Commission from approving any agreement among motor carriers that sets rates for such carriers, seeks to protest or suspend rates, or was reached by permitting participation in deliberations by a carrier not holding itself out to participate in a particular joint line or interline movement affected by such agreement. Terminates specified conferences, bureaus, committees, and other organizations of carriers presently permitted by law. Exempts from the provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act carriers incidental to air transportation who operate within 100 miles of an airport. Requires the Commission to approve all applications for permits to operate as a private or contract carrier as long as it appears from the application that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to properly perform the service. Prohibits the consideration of the effect such permit will have on protesting carriers or the number of persons to be served by the applicant except as is necessary to identify the existence of a need for its services. Requires the Commission to revise commercial zones to conform with present economic realities, add to the efficiency of transport, and reduce unnecessary transport, accident exposure, fuel consumption, air pollution, noise and transport costs. Directs the Commission to develop new procedures for expediting the time required for the Commission's consideration of changes to commercial zone boundaries. Directs that permits be issued to allow continued service by a carrier which has been serving a plant from the time such plant was new until the present if that period is at least two years. Specifies that the Commission must, in considering applications for new carrier service, in its determination of whether the proposed service is or will be required by the present or future public convenience and necessity, accord substantial weight in favor of the application where it finds that such service would be reasonably likely to: (1) lower the applicant's operating costs; or (2) improve the applicant's equipment utilization or fuel efficiency; or (3) improve the applicant's service, by among other things, producing shorter transit time or avoiding interchanges; or (4) meet user or consumer preference for service, rates, or combinations thereof not available from other carriers; or (5) generally improve the competitive climate in the area for which the additional service is proposed. Directs the Commission to issue a permit for such service if it finds that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to perform the service proposed and to conform to provisions and regulations, and the proposed service is reasonably likely to provide sufficient revenues to the applicant to cover the applicant's actual costs of providing the specific transportation without regard to the effect of the applicant's service on its competitors. Requires the Commission to consider all applications submitted 18 months after the enactment of this Act within 90 days after they are submitted. Grants such permits if final action has not been taken on such application by the Commission within 90 days. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Commission and the Attorney General, to study the possibility of the need for new laws to provide greater price flexibility, eaiser entry, broadening the range of service and price options, and in general, in improving the quality of motor carrier transportation. Establishes procedures for testing the lawfulness of rate schedules filed by common carriers. Allows such rates to become effective without a hearing unless a complaint is filed in which case the Commission may suspend such rates until their lawfulness is determined in a hearing as provided by this Act. Lists limitations on the Commission's power to suspend such rates under this Act. States that rates may not be challenged as being too low if they cover the carrier's costs. Directs the Commission to broaden the categories of commodities that may be carried by individual carriers, to permit them to travel the most direct route to their destination, and to report to Congress on its actions pursuant to this requirement. Exempts from existing restrictions the carrying of cargo by a small carrier from such carrier's destination to the proximity of such small carrier's home base (termed a "haul back") if it meets the qualifications of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to consult with the States to develop a more efficient and equitable system of State regulation and make recommendations concerning such a system to the Congrsss within 18 months after the enactment of this Act. Sets forth new penalties for violating motor carrier safety laws. Exempts from the Clayton Act the merger of two or more motor carriers if the anticompetitive effects prescribed in such Act are outweighed by the public interest in such merger and its beneficial effects on the community's transportation needs and convenience.

Airport and Airway Development Act Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976

Airport and Airway Development Act Amendments - Increases the obligational authority for airport development grants, under the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970, for the ten-year period ending September 30, 1980, from $2,500,000,000 to $4,695,000,000. Redefines "airport development," under such Act, to include: (1) construction, alteration, repair, or acquisition of airport passenger terminal buildings or of facilities directly related to the movement of passengers and baggage; (2) security equipment; (3) snow removal equipment; (4) noise suppression hardware and barriers (including land); (5) preparation and establishment of an airport master plan or capital improvement program; (6) planning for adequate ground transportation to and from a public airport; and (7) acquisition of land for and the construction of multimodal terminal buildings. Defines, under such Act, "air carrier airport," "capital improvement program," "general aviation airport" (public airports which are not air carrier airports), and "reliever airport" (general aviation airports designated by the Secretary of Transportation). Redefines "terminal area," to include vehicles and facilities related directly to movement of passengers and baggage. Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a revised national airport system plan by January 1, 1978, which shall be designed to improve the orderly development of a public airport system. Designates fiscal years 1971 through 1975 as the period in which the Secretary may make planning grants for airport system planning and master planning. Authorizes appropriations for developing air carrier and reliever airports and airport system planning as follows: $625,000,000 through September 30, 1976; $535,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $570,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; $605,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; and $640,000,000 for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations for developing general aviation airports as follows: $50,000,000 through September 30, 1976; $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; $55,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes the Secretary to incur obligations to make grants for airport development from such funds. Authorizes the Secretary to incur obligations of $250,000,000 annually through fiscal year 1980 for establishing and improving air navigation facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to incur obligations of $50,000,000 annually through fiscal year 1980 for research, development and demonstration projects, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Limits expenditure of the balance of moneys in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to programs and activities authorized by the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970. Requires that by October 1 of each fiscal year funds made available for such period for grants under such Act for air carrier and reliever airports shall be apportioned by the Secretary according to a dollar-for-passenger formula to carrier airports. Provides that no carrier airport shall receive less than $150,000 nor more than $10,000,000 in any fiscal year. Requires that by such dates the Secretary shall also apportion funds for general aviation airport development according to a population and land area formula to the States, and in part, according to the Secretary's discretion. Permits up to $10,000,000 per fiscal year, of the funds for air carrier and reliever airports, to be made available for airport system planning. Requires project applications, under such Act, to not propose any airport development which is not included in the current revision of the national airport system plan; and requires that after January 1, 1978, no project applications shall propose any airport development which is inconsistent with such plan. States that the Secretary's approval of a capital improvement program for an air carrier airport shall be considered approval of each project identified in such program plan, subject to a specification by such airport of the source of available funds under such Act for each project under the program. Requires projects for terminal area development to certify installation of requisite safety and certification equipment. Permits the Secretary to accept conclusory certifications of fulfilled or expected fulfillment by airport sponsors of the requirements of such Act. Allows the Federal share of project costs under such Act to be 90 percent with respect to airports enplaning less than one-quarter of one percent of the total of enplaned passengers each year, and 90 percent for reliever and general aviation airports, and 75 percent for all other airports. Permits such Federal share to be 50 percent of the development costs for construction, repair, or acquisition of public passenger terminal facilities related directly to passenger or baggage movement; and 75 percent of such costs for multimodal passenger terminal facilities; and 75 percent of the costs of an airport system planning project. Requires airport sponsors to consult with air carriers in deciding to undertake development projects, and not to include Federal costs shares in the establishment of user charges. Directs the Secretary to offer terms and conditions in project approvals which provide for obligation of funds over more than one fiscal year for projects extending more than one fiscal year at carrier airports and reliever airports. Permits the Secretary to make grants, from funds for general aviation airport development projects, to States for the management of a demonstration program for administering grants-in-aid for such airports in such State. Sets forth certifications which the chief executive officer of such a State shall make to the Secretary regarding the State's eligibility and interest in such management. Directs the Secretary to report by March 31, 1978, on the results of any such demonstration programs, of which there shall be no more than three. Empowers the Secretary to exempt specified Alaskan airports from requirements of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 relating to airport security. Permits the Secretary to compensate air carriers for amounts expended for security-screening facilities and procedures attributable to foreign air transportation. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose through fiscal year 1978. Directs the Secretary to attempt to reduce the capital, operating, maintenance, and administrative costs of the national airport and airway system. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to stipulate that the Federal Aviation Administrator may exempt specified smaller airports from regulations relating to fire and rescue ability. Requires the Secretary to study, and report within one year, on the feasibility of land bank planning and development for future and existing airports; and on the establishment of new and major public airports. Provides that required inspection and quarantine services at airports of entry shall be performed during regular Sunday and holiday hours without reimbursement from the airport owners or operators. Makes it a condition precedent to receipt of funds for airport development projects, under the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970, that each civil aeronautics enterprise using an airport applying for such funds be subject to the same rates, fees, rentals, and other charges, and to the same rules, regulations, and conditions as are uniformly applicable to all other civil aeronautic enterprises making the same or similar uses of such airport.

Maritime Education and Training Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976

Maritime Education and Training Act - Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the Secretary of Commerce shall meet prior to the beginning of each fiscal year with representatives of maritime training institutions for the purpose of estimating the projected enrollment at all such institutions during such fiscal year, and the next three fiscal years. Requires the submission of a report to the Congress on the estimation of such enrollments. Requires the apportionment of funds among colleges and academies training individuals for licensing in the maritime service. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress recommendations on the providing of the students of such institutions with access to the resources and programs of the National Maritime Research Center. Directs the compilation of a national roster of all individuals who have not yet reached the age of 65 years and who are or were licensed as officers in the United States Merchant Marine.

A bill to grant the consent of Congress to the construction of certain causeways in connection with highway construction in the State of Louisiana.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976

Grants the consent of Congress for the construction of causeways and similar structures across navigable waters of the United States for the construction of specified highways in Louisiana.

Independent Federal Aviation Agency Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976

Independent Federal Aviation Agency Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that the proper conduct of the responsibilities associated with civil aviation development and safety requires unencumbered action by an independent Federal aviation agency. Establishes the Federal Aviation Agency as an independent agency of the United States. Provides for the appointment of an Administrator and a Deputy Administrator by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets forth the powers of such officers. Transfers to the Administration all functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Transportation and other officers of the Department of Transportation which are exercised by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, under the Federal Aviation Act, the Airport and Airway Development Act, and other specified laws. States that all orders, determinations and rulings which have been issued or allowed to become effective shall continue in effect. Provides that no suit or other proceeding shall be abated by reason of the enactment of this Act.

Hazardous Materials Transportation Act Amendments of 1976

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976

Hazardous Materials Transportation Act Amendments - Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to require shippers of hazardous materials (presently "extremely hazardous") to file registration statements with the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes appropriations of $7,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 to carry out programs relating to the transportation of hazardous materials and for other activities carried out pursuant to the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.

Air Travel Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976

Air Travel Protection Act - Declares that it is the policy of the United States to provide for the protection of the public against financial loss from injury, death or property damage from an aircraft incident, by requiring persons engaged in domestic air transportation to provide financial protection for the indemnification of victims of air incidents. Includes as a condition for a certificate for interstate or overseas air transportation that the air carrier maintain financial protection of such type and in such amounts as the Secretary of Transportation shall require to indemnify victims of aircraft incidents. Directs the Secretary to extend such requirement to persons engaged in intrastate air transportation. States that the amount of financial protection required shall be the amount of liability insurance available from private sources, unless the Secretary establishes a lesser amount based on specified criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the proportion of such insurance to be borne by persons holding type certificates under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 with respect to aircraft, aircraft engines, and propellors or appliances used in the operation of aircraft. Requires compliance with such a determination to claim any benefits provided under this Act. Directs the Secretary to indemnify victims of air incidents if the liability incurred is in excess of the financial protection provided by the air carrier. Authorizes the Secretary to create a fund for such indemnification purposes by directing air carriers to collect as part of a charge for domestic air transportation, and place in such fund, an amount specified by the Secretary. Allows air carriers to include an additional charge to be applied against the financial protection required under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into indemnity agreements and make advance payments thereon whenever such action would facilitate the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to use private facilities and services to the maximum extent possible to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that any such indemnity agreements shall include the provisions that the Secretary shall have final authority regarding the payment of any claims under such agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with other indemnitors to establish coordinated procedures for prompt handling, investigation, and settlement of claims for liability. Authorizes payments to provide immediate assistance following an aircraft incident. States that such payment shall not constitute an admission of liability and shall be applied to any final judgment or settlement. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such rules, regulations, and policies as are deemed proper to carry out the functions of this Act. Requires the Secretary to maintain an integral set of accounts created under this Act which shall be audited annually. Directs the Secretary to include in the annual report to Congress all activities, expenditures, and receipts under this Act. Requires provisions in indemnity agreements and insurance policies with respect to extraordinary aircraft occurrences which waive: (1) any issue or defense based on the conduct or fault of the claimant; (2) any issue or defense of charitable or governmental immunity; and (3) any defense based on the statute of limitations if suit is instituted within two years of the incident. Defines "extraordinary aircraft occurrence" for purposes of this Act. Grants jurisdiction to the United States district court in the district where such extraordinary occurrence takes place with respect to any public liability action arising out of such occurrence. Allows the Secretary or defendant to transfer venue to such court from any other State or district court. Limits recovery from such extraordinary occurrence to allowable expenses, loss of income, replacement service loss, and survivor's loss. Defines such terms for purposes of this Act. Deducts from such recovery for economic detriment, social security benefits, workmen's compensation benefits, or any State required temporary non-occupational disability insurance and other benefits received by an individual, (except the proceeds from life insurance). Disallows, in the event of death, recovery for pain and suffering of the deceased or other noneconomic injury. Disallows recovery of other persons for pain and suffering or noneconomic detriment unless such person has sustained serious and permanent disfigurement or other serious and permanent injury or has a total disability for more than 90 days. Prohibits recovery for exemplary or punitive damages. Allows any person who recovers in an action based on an extraordinary aircraft occurrence to recover as part of such judgment costs and expenses reasonably incurred in the prosecution of such action. Provides that this Act shall have no application to claims under life, accident, or similar insurance policies. Makes technical amendments in the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

A bill to require the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to provide public notice of discontinuance of rail service.

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976

Requires the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to provide public notice of the discontinuation of rail service not less than 30 days prior to such discontinuance. Suspends for 30 days changes in rail passenger service with respect to specified trains for the purpose of providing time for representatives of labor and management to enter into negotiations.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, to define the term "navigable waters" as it applies to the Corps of Engineers' responsibility and authority to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material.

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to further define the term "navigable waters" as it applies to the issuance of permits for dredged or fill material by the Corps of Engineers.

A bill to amend the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to improve prevention of aircraft and airport violence.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976

Requires, under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, the screening of all passengers boarding and any property being placed aboard an aircraft by weapon detecting and explosive detecting procedures or devices. Requires such screening of all property being placed in a storage area of an airport which is accessible to the public. Directs that all property placed aboard an aircraft or placed in such storage at an airport bear identification marks, tags, stickers or other attachments as to positively identify the owner or bearer of such property.

A bill to prohibit commercial flights by supersonic aircraft into and over the United States until certain findings are made by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and by the Secretary of Transportation.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976

Prohibits commercial flights by supersonic aircraft into or over the United States until: (1) the Congress approves findings by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that the operation of such aircraft will not have detrimental physiological or psychological effect on the environment; (2) the Secretary of Transportation has made affirmative findings and submitted a written report to Congress that such aircraft meet all noise, environmental, and safety standards prescribed under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958; and (3) the Congress is satisfied that the Federal Aviation Administration has adopted noise standards for such aircraft equal to the standards for subsonic aircraft.

A bill to amend the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize additional appropriations.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976

Authorizes additional appropriations in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 and 1978 to carry out the provisions of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970.

A bill to require the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report to Congress which analyzes certain data which he shall obtain regarding the landing at and taking off from Dulles International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport of civil supersonic aircraft.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976

Requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report to Congress within six months after the first landing of a civil supersonic aircraft at Dulles International Airport or John F. Kennedy International Airport which evaluates the environmental impact and safety associated with the operation of such aircraft at such airports. States that such report shall include an analysis of test results relating to noise levels and the effect on the ozone layer of the atmosphere of the operation of such supersonic aircraft.

Local Tax Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976

Local Tax Relief Act - Amends the Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize and direct the Secretary of Transportation to pay overdue State and local real estate and personal property taxes incurred by any railroad in reorganization at the request of such State, local government, or railroad in reorganization. Conditions such payments on the assignment from such State or local government to the United States of all liens, preferences or other rights the Secretary deems necessary to protect the interests of the United States. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that this Act shall expire on December 31, 1978.

A bill to amend title 38 of the United States Code to require the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to furnish flags at the burial of certain members or former members of the U.S. Merchant Marine.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976

Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to furnish flags for the burial of deceased United States Merchant Marine members who were killed, wounded or captured by a hostile force or who were interned in a foreign country incidental to their Merchant Marine Service. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 901(e))

Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act of 1976

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976

Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to carry out the provisions of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970. Specifies the apportionment of such appropriation among the provisions of the Act. Increases penalties for violations of specified Acts relating to railroad safety. Makes it unlawful for any common carrier not to provide its employees with sleeping quarters which provide them with an opportunity for uninterrupted rest in quarters having controlled temperatures and which are located away from a yard where switching or humping operations are performed. Forbids any crew members of wreck or relief trains from working 16 consecutive hours in a 24- hour period. Sets forth required safety procedures for protection against following or oncoming trains, and for employees working on, under or about an engine, car, or train. Requires the rear car of all passenger and freight trains to have a highly visible marker to be lighted during darkness or when weather conditions restrict clear visibility. Divides the Federal Railroad Administration into ten regional offices for the purpose of administering and enforcing all Federal railroad safety laws. States that such offices shall be under the direct control of the Associate Administrator for Safety of the Federal Railroad Administration.