Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987

Summary

Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 - Title I: Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1987 - Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) apportion for FY 1987 and 1988 the sums authorized to be appropriated for such year for expenditure on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways; (2) transmit to the Congress within ten days after January 2, 1989, a revised cost estimate for completing the Interstate System; (3) use the Federal share of congressionally approved estimates in making apportionments for FY 1991; and (4) apportion for FY 1987 certain sums for substitute highway and urban mass transit projects. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 through 1991. States that 25 percent of substitute highway project funds for FY 1984 through 1991 shall be distributed at the Secretary's discretion. Directs the Secretary to use the Federal share of certain congressionally approved substitute highway cost estimates in making apportionments for FY 1984 through 1991. Sets distribution guidelines for the apportionment of substitute transit funds for FY 1984 through 1991. Authorizes additional amounts for substitute mass transit projects beginning FY 1987. States that if the State of Oregon completes a certain highway segment in Washington County (Oregon), the non-Federal share of such segment's construction costs shall include all funds expended by private land developers after January 1, 1980. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to authorize appropriations for the Interstate System through FY 1993. Sets a ceiling, with specified exceptions, for the total of all obligations for Federal-Aid Highways and highway safety construction programs for FY 1988 through 1991. Sets guidelines for redistribution by the Secretary of unused obligational authority among the States. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1987 through 1991 for: (1) the Interstate rehabilitation program; (2) the Federal-aid primary system in rural areas; (3) the Federal-aid secondary system in rural areas; (4) the Federal-aid urban system; (5) Indian reservation roads; (6) forest highways; (7) public lands highways; and (8) parkways and park highways. Requires that a minimum of ten percent of the authorized appropriations be expended with small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Revises the apportionment ratios for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing the Interstate System. Extends the authorization formula for Federal-aid primary systems from FY 1986 to 1991. Revises the definition of "construction" to include the elimination of roadside obstacles. States that engineering and design services contracts shall be awarded under the same criteria as are contracts for architectural and engineering services under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. Authorizes a State or local governmental body that receives Federal funds to impose limitations upon contracts awarded to contractors doing business in South Africa. Requires contracts relating to State highway department construction projects upon the Federal-aid system to include a standard clause concerning site conditions which differ from those specified in the contract. Permits the use of convict labor and convict-produced materials in highway construction on Federal-aid systems: (1) if such convicts are on supervised release; or (2) if the materials are produced by convicts in a qualified prison facility, but the amount of materials produced in any 12-month period does not exceed the amount previously produced in such facility during the 12-month period ending July 1, 1985. Requires States which identify non-Federal highway funding sources on highway signs to similarly identify federally-assisted construction projects which are funded out of the Highway Trust Fund. Sets limitation guidelines upon the aggregate amount of funds authorized to a State for highway substitute projects, Federal-aid system projects, or bridge projects. Provides that apportioned funds not obligated within the authorized fiscal year for the Interstate System within a State shall be made available by the Secretary according to certain priorities (including high cost projects for construction of high occupancy vehicle lanes and other lanes on any highway in Los Angeles County, California, designated as part of the Interstate System). Authorizes the Secretary to make discretionary funds available to California for construction of high occupancy vehicle lanes, even if such State does not meet certain eligibility criteria. Requires the Secretary to set aside specified sums from the Interstate 4R program (reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, and restoration) for discretionary projects. Directs the Secretary to give priority consideration to projects costing more than $10,000,000 on high-volume urban routes or high-truck volume rural routes. Outlines the factors which the Secretary should consider when selecting State recipients of such discretionary funding. Authorizes the value of certain unused right-of-way in the State of Arizona to be credited to the unobligated balance of certain funds apportioned to the State. Makes funds available to Puerto Rico for construction of access and development roads on a Federal-aid system. Requires that Federal funds used for projects on State toll roads be repaid to the Treasury if such toll roads do not become free to the public upon collection of sufficient tolls to liquidate their costs or any outstanding bonds (as well as the costs of maintenance, operation, and debt service during the toll collection period). Permits States to transfer unconditionally 20 percent of their Interstate 4R each year to primary projects. Permits such funds to be used at the same 90 percent Federal matching share as for Interstate projects, except where law provides for a higher matching share. Makes eligible for full Federal financing the costs of certain highway safety construction projects, including traffic signs, highway lights, guardrails, and impact attenuators. States that the Federal share payable for the Great River Road projects, at State request, may be less than 95 percent, but not less than 75 percent. Increases by five percent (up to a maximum of 95 percent) the Federal share payable for highway or bridge construction projects in which significant amounts of coal ash are used. Increases from $30,000,000 to $50,000,000 the limits on emergency relief grants for each State for each disaster. Increases such limit to $55,000,000 for each State for each disaster occurring in calendar year 1985, and to $100,000,000 for each disaster in calendar year 1986. Makes the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands eligible for emergency relief funding. Makes eligible for Federal assistance a project to repair any portion of an interstate route in the vicinity of Salt Lake City, Utah, damaged by the flooding of the Great Salt Lake in 1983. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse the State of Utah for any work carried out on such project. Exempts tank trucks and ocean transport containers, and any motor vehicle hauling any dump trailer from vehicle weight and length limitations until September 1, 1988. Allows Federal participation in a State toll road which is part of the Interstate System even though the State highway department and the toll road authority have incurred an indebtedness to finance certain ineligible construction expenses for a feature recommended by a final environmental impact statement. Permits the State to use toll receipts to defray such costs, for which Federal funds may not be used. Reduces by a minimum of five percent (but not more than ten percent) certain Federal-aid highway funds apportioned to any State which the Secretary of Transportation has determined has not made provisions for effective control of outdoor advertising along the Interstate System and the Federal-aid primary system. Requires States to maintain an annual inventory of outdoor advertising subject to this Act. Prescribes guidelines for the effective control of outdoor advertising. Prohibits the States from establishing, after July 1, 1987, any area as unzoned commercial or industrial (for outdoor advertising purposes) if it had not been designated as such prior to that date. Sets just compensation guidelines for the removal of outdoor advertising prohibited by this Act. Increases the amounts set aside for the discretionary bridge program through FY 1991. Restricts the obligation of funds under such program to certain highway bridge rehabilitation projects. States that from 15 percent to 35 percent of the amount of State apportionments for FY 1987 through FY 1991 shall be expended for highway bridge rehabilitation projects on public roads other than those on a Federal-aid system. Declares the General Bridge Act inapplicable to bridges over waters used by recreational boating, fishing, and other small vessels with a length of 21 feet or less. Requires the Secretary to submit a bridge report to the Congress biennially along with the Highway Conditions and Performance Report. Authorizes the Secretary to approve, upon application by Arkansas, Federal assistance for construction of a highway bridge to replace ferryboat service. Limits the Federal share of such construction cost to 80 percent. Limits the amount of certain Interstate highway funds which the States may expend for purposes of transportation planning. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for Federal-aid highway purposes for 1984 and after. Directs the Secretary to establish national bridge safety inspection standards for all highway bridges. Prescribes guidelines for such standards. Directs the Secretary to establish a training program for bridge inspectors. Provides that the net income received by a State as of FY 1988 from airspace rights-of-way acquired using Federal assistance from the Highway Trust Fund shall be used for Federal-aid highway projects. Directs the Secretary to: (1) implement a strategic highway research program; and (2) set aside specified funds for FY 1987 through 1991 to implement such program. Requires that at least one quarter of one percent of the funds expended under landscaping contracts in any State in any fiscal year be used for planting native wildflower seeds and seedlings. Authorizes the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to construct a State Police Barracks on certain State-owned property. Changes Buy American provisions to increase from 50 percent to 85 percent the domestic content requirements for certain manufacturers of buses and other rolling stock. Makes such requirements inapplicable to contracts entered into before January 6, 1987. Increases the bid price differential for foreign manufacturers from 10 percent to 25 percent. Requires the Secretary to apply equally to each highway, mass transit and highway safety program any percentage reduction which is implemented in accordance with certain sequestration orders issued by the President. Makes eligible for Federal-aid highway funds the construction costs of the alternative for any Interstate route recommended in any final environmental impact statement submitted by the State of Massachusetts in September 1983 and approved by the Secretary. Sets apportionment guidelines for such project. Declares eligible for Interstate construction funds park and ride facilities, and direct access connectors between such facilities in the vicinity of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and high occupancy vehicle lanes connecting Miami and Jacksonville, Florida. Authorizes Arkansas to use apportioned funds for the planning, design, and construction of a specified highway. Makes certain interstate lane construction projects eligible for certain Federal-aid highway funds. Authorizes the Secretary to approve (upon the joint request of the Governor of California and the local governments concerned) a substitute transit construction project for a fixed-guideway system in lieu of eligible interstate lane construction if the substitute project is in or adjacent to the proposed right-of-way for such lanes. Directs the Secretary to approve certain transfer concept plan modifications requested by the Governors of Maryland, Massachusetts, and Connecticut which include substitute highway and mass transit projects. Prescribes criteria for such approval. Declares that upon repayment by the State of New York of the amount of Federal funds expended to acquire property for the portion of I-478 which was withdrawn from the Interstate System, such State will be deemed to have met its repayment requirements. Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds for highway construction, planning, and design in the vicinity of Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding a review of existing studies relating to traffic congestion in such vicinity. Exempts a certain privately-owned facility located on specified Interstate routes in Michigan from Federal prohibitions against commercial establishments on commercial rights-of-way of the Interstate System. Declares that the fair market value of any lands donated to California for the right-of-way for relocation and construction of a certain highway in Orange County shall be credited to the non-Federal share of such project costs. Requires the State of Virginia and the District of Columbia to restrict the use of the Shirley Highway express lanes during rush hours to high occupancy vehicles, emergency vehicles, and motorcycles. Authorizes appropriations for railroad-highway crossing demonstration projects for FY 1987 through 1991. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1987 for rights-of-way acquisition and railroad construction costs in the vicinity of Carbondale, Illinois. Requires the Secretary to: (1) make a grant to each State within which the Consolidated Rail Corporation operates a rail vehicle safety demonstration program over railroad-highway crossings; and (2) report to the Congress regarding such program's effectiveness in improving railroad-highway crossing safety. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for FY 1987 through 1991. Directs the Secretary to implement specified highway demonstration projects in certain States, and to submit status reports to the Congress regarding such projects. Authorizes appropriations for such projects for FY 1987 through 1991. Makes certain funds earmarked for parkways available to finance the upgrading of a certain highway providing access through a portion of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (Virginia). Directs the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Transportation (in conjunction with the State highway agencies of Pennsylvania and New Jersey) to repay Federal funds previously obligated for the Delaware Water Gap Bridge on Interstate 80. Requires the Commission and such States to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Transportation if the Commission and such States decide to operate an uncompleted bridge on Interstate 78 as a toll bridge. Grants congressional consent to a supplemental agreement between Pennsylvania and New Jersey which: (1) grants the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission authority to collect tolls and revenues for the use of Commission facilities and to expend such revenues for existing non-toll bridges over the Delaware River between New Jersey and Pennsylvania; and (2) authorizes such States to construct a bridge across the Delaware River in the vicinity of Easton, Pennsylvania, and Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Designates a certain portion of an Oklahoma State Route which lies on the Federal-aid primary system as United States Highway 377. Designates a certain bridge crossing the Mississippi River near Le Claire, Iowa, as the Fred Schwengel Bridge. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and report to the Congress regarding: (1) highway apportionment and allocation formulas; (2) enforcement of vehicle weight limitation on bridges (authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 for such study); (3) highway bridges which cross rail lines; and (4) parking for handicapped persons. Requires the Secretary to make a grant to the California Department of Transportation to determine the feasibility of using a highway electrification system as an energy source for highway vehicles. Authorizes appropriations for such grant for FY 1987 through 1989. Directs the Secretary to conduct feasibility studies and report to the Congress regarding: (1) the cost-effectiveness of upgrading a certain highway between Pennsylvania and New York State; (2) State bridge management programs; (3) minimum Federal guidelines for maintenance of the Federal-aid primary, secondary and urban systems; (4) a proposed highway from Shreveport, Louisiana, to Texarkana, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Carthage and Kansas City, Missouri; (5) construction of a bypass highway around the city of Sebastopol, California (authorizes appropriations for such study for FY 1987); and (6) construction of a major highway on an inland route in the vicinity of Buffalo, New York. Prohibits the obligation of funds for a project to widen any State route through the historic district of the village of Hudson, Ohio, or for the construction of any alternative or bypass route within one mile of such historic district, unless the village council of such village specifically approves the project. Rescinds certain amounts available under the urban high density program. Makes certain funds available out of the Highway Trust Fund for a certain urban high density program designated in the State of Indiana. Directs the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study regarding the establishment of a public ferry boat service which would connect two Federal-aid highways in the vicinity of Niobrara, Nebraska, and Springfield, South Dakota. Title II: Highway Safety Act of 1987 - Highway Safety Act of 1988 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1987-1991 for the following programs: (1) bridge replacement and rehabilitation; (2) hazard elimination; and (3) highway safety research and development under the auspices of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration. Authorizes appropriations for highway safety programs for FY 1987 through 1991 implemented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 for highway safety programs implemented by the NHTSA. Sets forth the minimum amount of authorized funds which must be obligated for enforcement of the national speed limit and for safety belt programs. Sets an obligation ceiling for highway safety programs for FY 1987 through 1991. Sets forth a weighted compliance formula to be used by the Secretary in determining a State's apportionment of Federal-aid highway funds based upon State enforcement of the national speed limit. Revises the State eligibility criteria under which the States may receive alcohol traffic safety program grants. Authorizes the Secretary to test a new drug and alcohol testing technology, and to determine its potential for preventing drug and alcohol related traffic deaths. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such technology. Directs the Secretary to commission the National Academy of Sciences to study the most effective safety measures regarding the transportation of children in school buses. Requires the Academy to report the findings of such report to the Secretary and the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to set aside funds for FY 1989 through 1991 for making grants to States to implement schoolbus safety measures which the Secretary determines are the most effective. Amends the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 to prohibit the Secretary from establishing final minimum standards regarding splash and spray suppressant devices (on trucks and trailers) until the Secretary has determined that: (1) such devices will substantially reduce splash and spray and improve visibility; (2) such standards are technologically practicable; and (3) there exist three or more unaffiliated manufacturers capable of manufacturing devices meeting the standards to be established. Declares that State reports regarding certain hazard elimination programs and rail-highway crossings are inadmissible evidence in any action for damages arising out of matters referred to in such reports. Revises the definition of "highway safety improvement project" to include a project which installs emergency motorist-aid call boxes. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991. Amends the National Driver Register Act of 1982 to extend the deadline by which the Secretary is required to: (1) promulgate final rules regarding establishment of the National Driver Register; (2) begin a pilot test program for an electronic information retrieval system regarding individual motor vehicle driving records; and (3) report to the Congress regarding the Register. Modifies Federal law regarding highway safety programs to require States to establish programs that are in accordance with Federal guidelines (thus allowing more flexibility to the States which must currently comply with Federal standards). Eliminates the requirement of State driver education training programs as a condition of Federal financial assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the most effective highway safety measures through rulemaking, in consultation with the States. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary to conduct a national highway safety education and information campaign, using specified techniques and practices found to be most effective under certain Federal guidelines. Prohibits the obligation of certain authorized funds for any education or information program conducted in connection with the implementation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive investigation of railroad-highway crossing needs (in consultation with specified groups) and to report to the Congress regarding such investigation. Directs the Secretary to: (1) arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of problems facing older drivers; (2) request the Academy to report to the Secretary and the Congress regarding such study; (3) develop a pilot program of highway safety improvements to enhance the safety and mobility of older drivers; (4) encourage the States to implement such program with highway safety improvement funds; and (5) evaluate such program and report to the Congress on its effectiveness. Rescinds a specified amount of unobligated contract authority for airport development and planning made available under the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982. Title III: Federal Mass Transportation Act of 1987 - Federal Mass Transportation Act of 1987 - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to replace the letters of intent procedure with provisions which authorize the Secretary to enter into multi-year contracts for the construction of mass transportation facilities. Requires the Secretary to submit annually to the appropriate congressional committees: (1) a proposal on the total amount of funding needed to finance grants and loans for bus and bus-related activities, rail modernization, and the construction and extension of fixed-guideway systems; and (2) a proposal on the allocation of such funds to finance grants and loans for rail modernization and fixed-guideway construction and extension projects. Makes such proposals effective upon approval by law. Sets forth the circumstances under which the Secretary is authorized to approve advance construction for certain mass transportation projects. Prohibits the issuance of funds for new fixed-guideway systems or extensions unless such projects are determined to be: (1) based on the results of alternatives analysis and preliminary engineering; (2) cost-effective; and (3) supported by local financial commitment. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1982 through 1991 for public transportation projects substituted for withdrawn Interstate segments. Permits certain grant recipients to continue the preferential fare collection system for elderly and handicapped persons in lieu of the collection of half-fares for such persons. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to require the development of long-term financial plans for regional urban mass transit improvements and the revenue to implement such improvements. Permits block grants to be made to implement an urban mass transportation program of projects in whole or in part. Excludes certain advertising and concession revenues from consideration as a revenue source for purposes of the Federal block grant program for urban mass transportation. Requires Federal block grant recipients to submit an annual report to the Secretary regarding revenues derived from the sale of advertising and concessions relating to the operation of a public mass transportation system. Revises the limitations placed upon the use of certain apportioned funds by small urbanized areas for operating assistance. Extends from 1984 to 1992 the authority for (block grant) recipients to transfer capital assistance for operating assistance. Limits the use of discretionary amounts resulting from such transfer to the replacement, rehabilitation, and purchase of buses and related equipment and the construction of bus-related facilities. Prohibits certain grant recipients after FY 1986 from making such transfers except for emergency repairs or pursuant to predated authority. Authorizes State governors to transfer funds apportioned for expenditure in an urbanized area of less than 200,000 population to supplement funds apportioned to other urbanized areas within the State upon the approval of the local elected officials and publicly owned operators of mass transit services in each area with respect to which the funding was originally apportioned. Sets a deadline by which funds appropriated for the block grant program must be apportioned. Directs the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit institutions of higher learning to establish and operate one regional transportation center in each of the ten Federal regions. Sets forth criteria to be met by grant recipients. Establishes in the Department of Transportation a national advisory council to: (1) coordinate the research and training to be carried out by grant recipients; (2) disseminate the results of such research; (3) act as a clearinghouse between such centers and the transportation industry; and (4) review and evaluate programs carried out by such centers. Authorizes appropriations for such centers for FY 1987 through 1991. Authorizes certain grant recipients under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to contract directly with the original manufacturer or supplier of an associated capital maintenance item to replace it if such recipient certifies that: (1) such manufacturer or supplier is the only source for such item; and (2) the price of the item is no higher than the price paid by like customers. Provides that contracts for engineering and design services under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 shall be awarded in the same manner as contracts for architectural and engineering services under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (or equivalent State qualifications-based requirements). Authorizes grant recipients under such Act to restrict the awarding of contracts to persons which conduct business in South Africa if such recipient first enters into an agreement with the Secretary that the excess costs resulting from such restriction will not be considered a cost of a project under such Act. Makes eligible for construction assistance: (1) any bus remanufacturing project which extends the economic life of a bus eight years or more; and (2) any project for the overhaul of rolling stock, whether or not such overhaul increases the useful life of the rolling stock. Lowers the expense threshold for associated capital maintenance items which are eligible for certain mass transportation block grants. Makes the Federal grant for any mass transportation construction project 80 percent of the net project cost. States that the extent to which the private sector will participate in the provision of mass transportation functions and services shall be decided at the State and local levels by grant applicants, not by the Secretary. Prohibits the use of funds for new bus acquisitions unless a model of such a new bus has been tested at a specified bus testing facility established pursuant to this Act. Provides for fee collection for testing at the facility. Authorizes appropriations for such facility for FY 1987 and 1988. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring a preaward and postdelivery audit regarding any grant under this Act for the purchase of buses. States that the protective arrangements regarding employee interests made by public agencies receiving Federal assistance to mass transportation shall not restrict the rights of such recipients from entering into mass transportation contracts with private entities. States that the Federal share for certain non-required capital improvement projects which enhance the accessibility of elderly and handicapped persons to public transportation service shall be 95 percent of the net cost of such project. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1987 through 1991 for block grants and for a formula grant program for areas other than urbanized areas. Authorizes appropriations out of the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1987 through 1991 for specified activities, and authorizes appropriations for certain projects for FY 1987 through 1991. Authorizes the Secretary to use grant program funds to contract directly for construction management oversight on major capital projects. States that the Federal share of such projects shall be 100 percent, and limits the amount of funds which the Secretary may use to enter into construction management oversight contracts. Makes bicycle facilities construction projects near mass transportation facilities eligible for Federal assistance. Declares the Federal share of such projects shall be 90 percent. Requires the Secretary to enter into a multi-year contract with: (1) the Southern California Rapid Transit District to complete a specified segment of a certain Los Angeles Metro Rail Project; and (2) the Mississippi River Bridge Authority of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to complete transit lanes on a certain bridge. Increases the amount of apportioned funds which may be used for operating assistance with respect to urbanized areas in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida, for each fiscal year in which onsite construction is implemented on a certain Interstate route in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, Florida. Restricts such increased operating assistance to commuter rail service provided as a maintenance-of-traffic measure during the construction period. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make a grant to an eligible local public body to conduct an electric bus line feasibility study using certain bus technology being developed in California; and (2) conduct a feasibility study in cooperation with the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, regarding restoration of abandoned trolley services. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such study results. Directs the Secretary to develop a comprehensive mass transportation plan for the Virgin Islands and report to the Congress on it within one year of enactment of this Act. Prescribes guidelines under which the Interstate Commerce Commission shall issue bus carrier certificates to recipients of governmental assistance. Subjects the issuance of intrastate passenger transportation certificates to the condition that any intrastate transportation service be provided only if the carrier provides regularly scheduled interstate transportation service on the route. Title IV: Uniform Relocation Act Amendments of 1987 - Uniform Relocation Act Amendments of 1987 - Amends the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to revise various definitions for purposes of such Act. Permits a Federal agency to discharge its responsibilities by accepting the certification by a State agency that it will implement State law to carry out the Federal relocation assistance program, provided that the lead agency determines that such State law will accomplish the purpose and effect of this Act. Requires the head of such agency, prior to accepting certification, to provide interested parties with an opportunity for public review and comment, and to consult with interested local governments. Directs the head of the lead agency to monitor and report biennially to the Congress on State agency implementation of such certification. Permits an agency to withdraw acceptance of a certification after providing the State government with notice. Permits a Federal agency to withhold approval of any grant, contract, or cooperative agreement with any displacing agency found to have failed to comply with certification or State law. Requires the payment to displaced persons of actual expenses, not exceeding $10,000, necessary to reestablish a displaced small business, nonprofit organization, or displaced farm at its new site. Removes the limitation on the moving expense allowance and the fixed amount of the dislocation allowance that a person displaced from a dwelling may elect to receive in lieu of itemized expenses. Declares that such allowances shall be determined according to a schedule established by the head of a lead agency. Increases the maximum and decreases the minimum limitations on the payment a person displaced from a business or farm operation may elect to receive in lieu of itemized deductions. Declares that such amount shall be determined according to criteria established by the lead agency. (Currently, such amount is based on the annual earnings of the farm or business.) Increases the maximum amount of assistance that a displacing agency may provide to a displaced homeowner for replacement housing. Requires such assistance to include an amount necessary to: (1) meet the reasonable cost of a comparable replacement dwelling as defined in this Act; and (2) compensate the displaced person for any increased financing costs. Authorizes a displacing agency to extend the one-year period, following payment for an acquired home, during which the displaced person must purchase and occupy a replacement dwelling in order to qualify for housing replacement payments, but limits such payments to the costs of relocating such person within that one-year period. Increases the ceiling (currently $4,000) on the amount of rental housing replacement assistance provided to displaced tenants to $6,000. Permits eligible displaced tenants to apply such rental assistance toward the downpayment on a decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwelling. Declares that displaced homeowners who meet the residency requirement for rental housing replacement assistance but not for homeowner's housing replacement assistance may qualify for rental assistance, at the discretion of the lead agency. Requires that all relocation assistance advisory programs: (1) provide information on suitable locations for displaced farming (and business) operations; and (2) assure that no person is required to move before being given a reasonable choice of suitable replacement dwellings. Provides for the designation of a single, cognizant Federal agency to establish procedures to be used by a non-Federal displacing agency to implement related activities funded by two or more Federal agencies. Authorizes advisory services to certain renters in properties acquired by a displacing agency. Directs the lead agency to require that provisions authorizing a displacing agency to use project funds to provide dwellings for displaced persons, if the project would be delayed because suitable replacement housing is not otherwise available, be used to exceed housing replacement assistance ceilings only on a case-by-case basis and for good cause. Provides that any payment a displaced person receives under State law shall replace a housing replacement or real property acquisition payment for substantially the same purpose under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act. Requires the head of the lead agency to: (1) promulgate rules to carry out such Act; (2) coordinate relocation assistance activities with Federal and federally-financed low-income housing programs; (3) monitor the implementation of such Act; and (4) perform such other duties as necessary. Requires the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to assist in and coordinate the salvaging of the foundation and associated structures of a certain historic house in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and to assist and coordinate the incorporation of such foundation and structures into the reconstruction of City Square at Charlestown, Massachusetts. Declares low-income housing assistance as income for purposes of determining eligibility for assistance under the Social Security Act or any other Federal law. Requires a State agency to pay the United States all net amounts (currently all amounts) received from the sale of surplus Federal property transferred to the agency for the purpose of providing replacement housing. Repeals the authority of any displacing agency to make loans to various organizations for planning and obtaining federally-insured mortgage financing for housing for displaced persons. Authorizes the lead agency to prescribe a procedure under which Federal agencies may acquire real property without having it appraised. Permits a displaced person to donate the real property being acquired or any of the compensation paid for such property to the acquiring agency. Sets forth effective dates of specified provisions of this Act.

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6 official files

• Public Law (PDF)

  Public Law · EN · 3 April 1987

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• Conference report filed in House

  summary · EN · 17 March 1987

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• Passed Senate amended

  summary · EN · 4 February 1987

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• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 21 January 1987

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• Discharged from House committee

  summary · EN · 21 January 1987

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• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 6 January 1987

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