Summary: SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008 - Title I: Highway Provisions - (Sec. 101) Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users or SAFETEA-LU to make certain revisions and technical corrections to the surface transportation program, including earmarking of public lands highway funds for forest roads, defining "transportation systems management and operations," replacing "federal-aid system" with "federal-aid highways" in apportionment of highway safety improvement program funds, and authorizing a state to expend unused funds for installation of protective devices at railway-highway crossings on highway safety improvement program projects. Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to revise the designations as high priority corridors on the National Highway System (NHS) of: (1) Interstate Route 69 to include specified segments; and (2) Interstate Route 376 to exclude the U.S. Route 422 segment from such designation. Amends the bridge program to make funds available for the removal of the Missisquoi Bay causeway in Vermont. Makes unexpended funds remaining for Missisquoi Bay Bridge projects available for replacement and reconstruction of state-maintained bridges in the state of Vermont, once the causeway is removed. Authorizes an Indian tribe to nominate a road as an All-American Road or one of America's Byways (as well as, under current law, a National Scenic Byway) only if a federal land management agency (other than the Bureau of Indian Affairs), a state, or a political subdivision of a state does not have jurisdiction over, or responsibility for managing, the road. Makes safety improvements to America's Byways eligible for federal-aid highway assistance. (Sec. 102) Increases funding for deployment of magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) projects through FY2009. Revises the allocation of funds to the Nevada department of transportation with respect to the MAGLEV project between Las Vegas and Primm, Nevada. Allows the 50% allocation for a MAGLEV project east of the Mississippi River to be used for multiple existing projects east of the Mississippi. (Sec. 103) Revises the item descriptions of certain national and regional significance projects. Earmarks funds for integrated highway realignment and grade separations at Port Huron, Michigan, to eliminate road blockages from NAFTA rail traffic. Replaces the project to: (1) relocate the El Paso, Texas, rail yard to Santa Teresa, New Mexico, with a project for regional rail expansion and transportation infrastructure in the vicinity of Santa Teresa, New Mexico; and (2) make improvements to I-80, Monroe County, Pa., with a project specifically for redesign and reconstruction of interchanges 298 and 299 of I-80 and accompanying improvements to any other public roads in the vicinity of Monroe County. Replaces the national corridor infrastructure improvement project for I-80, Indiana, with one for improvements to state road 312, Hammond, Indiana. (Sec. 104) Amends federal highway law to repeal the authority of a state to locate idling reduction facilities on Interstate System rights-of-way. (Sec. 105) Revises item descriptions of specified high priority project authorizations. Increases, decreases, or terminates certain project authorizations. Authorizes funds for high priority projects: (1) for U.S. 550, New Mexico State line to Durango, Colorado; and (2) to repair and restore a railroad bridge in Westerly, Rhode Island. Sets forth requirements for the use of unused obligation authority, or authorized funding that was reduced, for high priority projects. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to transfer to the Commandant of the Coast Guard amounts made available for the replacement of the Galveston Causeway Railroad Bridge in Galveston, Texas, in order to carry out such project. Authorizes a state to expend for each of FY2008-FY2009 not more than $1 million of its apportionment of surface transportation funds for certain fuel tax activities, including participation in the Joint Operation Center for Fuel Compliance (JOC). Sets 100% as the federal share of projects to: (1) reconstruct the Neal Smith Trail, bicycle and pedestrian, Polk County, Iowa; and (2) construct the Foothills Parkway in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. (Sec. 106) Revises the nonmotorized transportation pilot program to require the construction of a network of nonmotorized transportation infrastructure facilities in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, to drop St. Paul from the project. (Sec. 107) Revises the description of the designation of a portion of U.S. Route 271 as part of the National Highway System (NHS) to specify the portion from Interstate Route 540 (instead of the portion from the Arkansas State Line, as specified in current law), west to the intersection with U.S. Route 59, and northwest to the intersection with Interstate Route 40, Sallisaw, Oklahoma. (Sec. 108) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Federal Highway Administration's (FHA) current application of the Buy American test only to components or parts of a bridge project, and not the entire bridge project, is inconsistent with the sense of Congress expressed in SAFETEA-LU. (Sec. 109) Revises the item descriptions to specified transportation improvement projects. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the transportation project to reconstruct various roads throughout the Municipality of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, including pavings and cold millings as well as construction of gutters. (Sec. 110) Directs the Secretary to make certain funds available for the design of the I-95/Contee Road interchange project in Prince George's County, Maryland. (Sec. 111) Requires the deduction of a specified amount from state federal-aid highway apportionments for the future strategic highway research program. Increases the funding for university transportation research through FY2009. Sets the federal share of surface transportation research and technology development projects, long-term bridge performance program projects (including innovative bridge research and deployment program projects), and national technology deployment program projects at 80%. Eliminates a requirement that the future strategic highway research program (F-SHRP) be based on certain program elements. Earmarks an amount of surface transportation research, development, and deployment program funds for FY2008-FY2009 for: (1) a certain infrastructure investment needs report to Congress; and (2) the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center. Amends federal transportation law to revise provisions to require the Secretary to expend not more than 1.5% of amounts for grants to establish and operate university transportation centers for management and oversight of such centers through FY2009. (Sec. 112) Increases the rescission of unobligated balances of funds apportioned prior to September 30, 2009, for certain surface transportation programs. (Sec. 113) Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to authorize through FY2009 up to 15% of surface transportation program funds to be obligated on roads functionally classified as minor collectors in areas of less than 5,000 population. Revises the item descriptions of certain high priority projects, including extension of one project to reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, and repaving of the Beartooth Highway in Wyoming and Montana. (Sec. 114) Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to revise the designation of: (1) the Liberty Corridor, New Jersey, as a high priority corridor on the NHS to include U.S. Routes 1, 9, and 46, and State Routes 3 and 17; and (2) the corridor in an area of passage in New Jersey serving significant interstate and regional traffic, located near the cities of Camden, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a high priority corridor on the NHS to include State Route 42 and Interstate Route 76. Revises the item description of the Traverse City Bypass, Traverse City, Michigan innovative highway project to include contiguous counties. (Sec. 115) Amends federal highway law to revise the term "repeat intoxicated driver law" to mean a state law that provides, as a minimum penalty, that an individual convicted of a second or subsequent offense for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence after a previous conviction for that offense shall, among other things, receive: (1) a driver's license suspension for not less than one year (as under current law); or (2) a combination of suspension of all driving privileges for the first 45 days of the suspension period followed by a reinstatement of limited driving privileges for the purpose of getting to and from work, school, or an alcohol treatment program, if an ignition interlock device is installed on the motor vehicles the individual owns and/or operates. (Sec. 116) Amends federal transportation law to increase from $2.225 million to $2.250 million the amount of a grant for FY2009 to establish a regional university transportation center. (Sec. 117) Requires the Secretary to: (1) publish in the Federal Register, and provide for public comment on, waivers of Buy America requirements with respect to surface transportation projects; and (2) report annually to Congress with respect to such waivers. (Sec. 118) Directs the Secretary to conduct, and report to Congress on, a study on the impacts of converting left and right highway safety shoulders to travel lanes. (Sec. 119) Directs the Secretary to designate as a future part of the Interstate System the Audubon Parkway and the Natcher Parkway in Owensboro, Kentucky, provided certain requirements are met. (Sec. 120) Allows certain high priority project funds for construction of S. 323 from Alzada to Ekalaka in Carter County, Montana, to be obligated for any other high priority project in such state. Title II: Transit Provisions - (Sec. 201) Excludes sightseeing from the term "public transportation." Revises requirements for the allocation of funds to the metropolitan planning organization for the Lake Tahoe region. Extends through FY2009 the authority of the Secretary to award grants to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation in an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000. Sets forth, based on a certain formula, the maximum amount of such funds that may be obligated to such areas for FY2008-FY2009. Directs the Secretary to give comparable, but not necessarily equal, numerical weight to each project justification criterion in calculating the overall project rating in determining project advancements for a major new fixed guideway capital project funded by a capital investment grant. Revises the 80% government share of costs for which a grant for other-than-urbanized areas may be used to specify 80% of net capital costs of the capital project or project administrative expenses. Names a certain program authorizing the Secretary to carry out qualified projects for alternative transportation in national parks and public lands as the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program. Makes specified allocations for fixed guideway modernization through FY2009. Increases the total obligation ceiling for FY2008 for the Mass Transit Account. Makes specified changes to: (1) certain project authorizations for new fixed guideway capital projects; (2) certain projects for bus and bus-related facilities; and (3) the hydrogen fuel cell shuttle deployment demonstration program. Requires the Secretary, in evaluating justifications for a major new fixed guideway capital project with a view toward approval of a capital investment grant, to analyze, evaluate, and consider certain factors relating to transit tunnels. Deems the acquisition of property for the city of Knoxville, Tennessee, for the Knoxville, Tennessee, Central Station project to qualify as an acquisition of land for protective purposes under specified federal regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to allow acquisition costs to be credited toward the nonfederal share for the project. Limits the Secretary to using not more than $3 million of discretionary funds made available for FY2007 for Federal Transit Administration Discretionary Programs, Bus and Bus Facilities to reimburse the California state department of transportation for maintenance and operation costs (less the amount of fares earned) for additional public transportation services it provided as a temporary substitute for highway traffic service following the freeway collapse at the interchange connecting Interstate Routes 80, 580, and 880 near the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on April 29, 2007, until the reopening of that facility on June 29, 2007. Sets the federal share of the cost of reimbursed activities at 100%. Title III: Other Surface Transportation Provisions - (Sec. 301) Authorizes fees collected under the Unified Carrier Registration System to be credited to the Department of Transportation (DOT) appropriations account and remain available until expended. Declares it to be an unreasonable burden upon interstate commerce for any state or any political subdivision of a state, or any political authority of two or more states to require an interstate motor carrier or motor private carrier that also performs intrastate operations to pay any fee or tax from which a carrier engaged exclusively in intrastate (currently, interstate) operations is exempt. Allows a state to continue to require a motor carrier, motor private carrier, freight forwarder, or leasing company to display identifying credentials on or in a commercial vehicle (other than as required by federal law) under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (current law) or under an applicable state law if, on October 1, 2006, the state has a form of highway use taxation not subject to collection through the Agreement. Replaces the term "drive-away saddlemount with fullmount" with "driveaway saddlemount." Prohibits a state from enforcing a regulation that imposes a vehicle length limit of not less than nor more than 97 feet on all driveaway saddlemount vehicle transporter combinations. (Sec. 302) Makes technical amendments relating to hazardous materials transportation. (Sec. 303) Amends federal highway law to set, effective October 1, 2007, the minimum apportionment of federal funds to a state for highway safety programs at not less than three-quarters of 1%. (Current law requires not less than one-half of 1%.) (Sec. 304) Repeals the requirement that the Secretary contract with the National Academy of Sciences to review the research, design, methodology, and implementation of a mandatory study to collect on-scene motor vehicle collision causation data. Makes such a review contract discretionary. (Sec. 305) Revises the authority of the Secretary to prescribe regulations requiring minimum levels of financial responsibility for motor vehicle transportation of passengers across state lines or national borders. Limits the current requirement for such regulations to motor vehicle transportation of passengers for compensation. Authorizes (but does not require) the Secretary to prescribe such regulations for motor vehicle transportation of passengers for commercial purposes, but not for compensation. Repeals the limitation to commercial motor vehicles of regulations the Secretary is required to prescribe with respect to minimum levels of financial responsibility for motor vehicle transportation of property across state lines or national borders. Revises the requirement that the Secretary register freight forwarders and brokers for transportation of property to repeal the limitation of such requirement to freight forwarders and brokers of household goods. (Thus requires the registration of all freight forwarders and brokers for transportation of property.) (Sec. 306) Applies certain exemptions from minimum wage, maximum hour, child labor, and related requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to motor carrier and motor private carrier employees. Provides that motor carriers shall not be liable for a violation of requirements related to such exemptions if: (1) the violation occurred in the one-year period beginning on August 10, 2005; and (2) the carrier did not have actual knowledge of such requirements at the time of the violation. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - (Sec. 401) Requires the Administrator of General Services to convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the GSA Fleet Management Center (located in Anchorage, Alaska) to the Alaska Railroad Corporation in exchange for: (1) suitable replacement property and such other consideration as agreed to; or (2) payment of fair market value. Requires any proceeds received to be deposited into the Federal Buildings Fund. (Sec. 402) Directs the Administrator of General Services to convey to the city of St. Joseph, Michigan, by quitclaim deed, any interest retained by the United States in St. Joseph Memorial Hall. Requires the city of St. Joseph, as consideration for such conveyance, to pay $10,000 to the United States. Title V: Other Provisions - (Sec. 501) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to increase from $55 million to $75 million federal funding for a wastewater treatment project in DeSoto County, Mississippi. (Sec. 502) Requires the Department of Justice to review allegations of impropriety regarding the Coconut Rd. interchange I-75/Lee County, Florida, transportation improvement project in order to ascertain if a violation of federal criminal law has occurred.

safetea technical corrections act title highway provisions sec amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea certain revisions technical corrections surface_transportation program including earmarking public lands highway funds forest roads defining transportation systems management operations replacing federal aid system federal aid highways apportionment highway safety improvement program funds authorizing state expend unused funds installation protective devices railway highway crossings highway safety improvement program projects amends intermodal surface_transportation efficiency_act revise designations high priority corridors national highway system interstate_route include specified segments interstate_route exclude route segment designation amends bridge program funds available removal bay vermont makes unexpended funds remaining bay bridge projects available replacement reconstruction state maintained bridges state vermont removed authorizes indian tribe nominate road american road america current law national scenic federal land management agency bureau_of_indian_affairs state political subdivision state jurisdiction responsibility managing road makes safety improvements america eligible federal aid highway assistance sec increases funding deployment magnetic projects fy2009 revises allocation funds nevada department_of_transportation respect project las_vegas nevada allows allocation project east mississippi_river multiple existing projects east mississippi sec revises item descriptions certain national regional significance projects earmarks funds integrated highway realignment grade separations port michigan eliminate road nafta rail traffic replaces project relocate el_paso texas rail yard santa new_mexico project regional rail expansion transportation infrastructure vicinity santa new_mexico improvements monroe_county project specifically redesign reconstruction accompanying improvements public roads vicinity monroe_county replaces national corridor infrastructure improvement project indiana improvements state road indiana sec amends federal highway law repeal authority state locate idling reduction facilities interstate system rights way sec revises item descriptions specified high priority project authorizations increases decreases terminates certain project authorizations authorizes funds high priority projects new_mexico state line colorado repair restore railroad bridge rhode_island sets forth requirements use unused obligation authority authorized funding reduced high priority projects directs secretary transportation secretary transfer commandant_of_the_coast_guard amounts available replacement railroad bridge texas order carry project authorizes state expend fy2008 fy2009 million apportionment surface_transportation funds certain fuel tax activities including participation joint operation center fuel compliance sets federal share projects reconstruct smith trail bicycle pedestrian polk county iowa construct parkway great mountains national park tennessee sec revises nonmotorized transportation pilot program require construction network nonmotorized transportation infrastructure facilities paul minnesota drop paul project sec revises description designation portion route national highway system specify portion interstate_route instead portion arkansas state line specified current law west route northwest interstate_route oklahoma sec expresses sense congress federal_highway_administration fha current application buy american test components parts bridge project entire bridge project inconsistent sense congress expressed safetea sec revises item descriptions specified transportation improvement projects increases authorization appropriations transportation project reconstruct roads municipality puerto_rico including cold construction sec directs secretary certain funds available design road interchange project prince george county maryland sec requires deduction specified state federal aid highway apportionments future strategic highway research program increases funding university transportation research fy2009 sets federal share surface_transportation research technology development projects long term bridge performance program projects including innovative bridge research deployment program projects national technology deployment program projects eliminates requirement future strategic highway research program based certain program elements earmarks surface_transportation research development deployment program funds fy2008 fy2009 certain infrastructure investment needs report congress highway research_center amends federal transportation law revise provisions require secretary expend amounts grants establish operate university transportation centers management oversight centers fy2009 sec increases rescission unobligated balances funds apportioned prior september certain surface_transportation programs sec amends transportation equity act 21st century authorize fy2009 surface_transportation program funds obligated roads functionally classified minor collectors areas population revises item descriptions certain high priority projects including extension project reconstruction restoration rehabilitation highway wyoming montana sec amends intermodal surface_transportation efficiency_act revise designation liberty corridor new_jersey high priority corridor include routes state routes corridor area passage new_jersey serving significant interstate regional traffic located near cities new_jersey philadelphia pennsylvania high priority corridor include state route interstate_route revises item description city bypass city michigan innovative highway project include contiguous counties sec amends federal highway law revise term repeat intoxicated driver law mean state law provides minimum penalty individual convicted second subsequent offense driving intoxicated driving influence previous conviction offense shall things receive driver license suspension year current law combination suspension driving privileges days suspension period followed reinstatement limited driving privileges purpose getting work school alcohol treatment program ignition device installed motor vehicles individual owns operates sec amends federal transportation law increase million million grant fy2009 establish regional university transportation center sec requires secretary publish federal_register provide public comment waivers buy america requirements respect surface_transportation projects report annually congress respect waivers sec directs secretary conduct report congress study impacts converting left right highway safety travel lanes sec directs secretary designate future interstate system parkway parkway kentucky provided certain requirements met sec allows certain high priority project funds construction county montana obligated high priority project state title transit provisions sec excludes term public transportation revises requirements allocation funds metropolitan planning organization lake tahoe region extends fy2009 authority secretary award grants finance operating cost equipment facilities use public transportation urbanized area population sets forth based certain formula maximum funds obligated areas fy2008 fy2009 directs secretary comparable equal numerical weight project justification criterion calculating overall project rating determining project advancements major new fixed guideway capital project funded capital investment grant revises government share costs grant urbanized areas specify net capital costs capital project project administrative expenses names certain program authorizing secretary carry qualified projects alternative transportation national parks public lands paul sarbanes transit parks program makes specified allocations fixed guideway modernization fy2009 increases total obligation ceiling fy2008 mass transit account makes specified changes certain project authorizations new fixed guideway capital projects certain projects bus bus related facilities hydrogen fuel cell deployment demonstration program requires secretary evaluating justifications major new fixed guideway capital project view approval capital investment grant analyze evaluate consider certain factors relating transit tunnels deems acquisition property city knoxville tennessee knoxville tennessee central station project qualify acquisition land protective purposes specified federal regulations authorizes secretary allow acquisition costs credited nonfederal share project limits secretary million discretionary funds available fy2007 federal_transit_administration discretionary programs bus bus facilities reimburse california state department_of_transportation maintenance operation costs fares earned additional public transportation services provided temporary substitute highway traffic service following collapse interchange connecting interstate routes near san_francisco bay bridge april reopening facility june sets federal share cost reimbursed activities title iii surface_transportation provisions sec authorizes fees collected unified carrier registration system credited department_of_transportation dot appropriations account remain available expended declares unreasonable burden interstate commerce state political subdivision state political authority states require interstate motor carrier motor private carrier performs intrastate operations pay fee tax carrier engaged exclusively intrastate currently interstate operations exempt allows state continue require motor carrier motor private carrier freight leasing company display identifying credentials commercial vehicle required federal law international fuel tax agreement current law applicable state law october state form highway use taxation subject collection agreement replaces term drive away prohibits state enforcing regulation imposes vehicle length limit feet vehicle combinations sec makes technical amendments relating hazardous materials transportation sec amends federal highway law set effective october minimum apportionment federal funds state highway safety programs quarters current law requires half sec repeals requirement secretary contract national_academy_of_sciences review research design methodology implementation mandatory study collect scene motor vehicle collision data makes review contract discretionary sec revises authority secretary prescribe regulations requiring minimum levels financial responsibility motor vehicle transportation passengers state lines national borders limits current requirement regulations motor vehicle transportation passengers compensation authorizes require secretary prescribe regulations motor vehicle transportation passengers commercial purposes compensation repeals limitation commercial motor vehicles regulations secretary required prescribe respect minimum levels financial responsibility motor vehicle transportation property state lines national borders revises requirement secretary register freight brokers transportation property repeal limitation requirement freight brokers household goods requires registration freight brokers transportation property sec applies certain exemptions minimum wage maximum hour child labor related requirements fair labor standards act motor carrier motor private carrier employees provides motor carriers shall liable violation requirements related exemptions violation occurred year period beginning august carrier actual knowledge requirements time violation title miscellaneous provisions sec requires administrator general_services convey right title interest united_states gsa fleet management center located anchorage alaska alaska railroad corporation exchange suitable replacement property consideration agreed payment fair market value requires proceeds received deposited federal_buildings_fund sec directs administrator general_services convey city joseph michigan quitclaim deed interest retained united_states joseph memorial hall requires city joseph consideration conveyance pay united_states title provisions sec amends water_resources_development_act increase million million federal funding wastewater treatment project county mississippi sec requires department_of_justice review allegations interchange lee county florida transportation improvement project order ascertain violation federal criminal law occurred


Summary: Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and implement a plan entitled the National Strategy for Rail and Public Transportation Security. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations that require each high- or medium- risk tier railroad carrier, public transportation operator, or over-the-road bus private operator to submit for approval by the Secretary: (1) an assessment of the vulnerability of the rail or public transportation system or over-the-road bus to terrorism; and (2) a security plan that addresses the vulnerabilities identified in the assessment. Requires the Secretary to implement a security program for covered transportation not assigned to a high- or medium-risk tier. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to railroad carriers, designated public transportation recipients, and over-the-road bus private operators for certain security improvements. Makes grants to Amtrak for certain fire and life-safety improvements to tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a training program to prepare railroad, public transportation, and over-the-road bus workers for potential threat conditions; and (2) establish a security exercises program for such workers and other named entities to respond to acts of terrorism. Sets forth certain whistleblower protections for DHS, Department of Transportation (DOT), rail and public transportation, and over-the-road bus employees (including contractors and subcontractors) who have provided information or otherwise assisted in any investigation regarding conduct related to, or who have refused to violate or assist in, the violation of any regulation related to national or homeland security. Requires an increase in the number of DHS surface transportation security inspectors. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of regulations and orders of the Secretary.

rail public transportation security act directs secretary homeland_security secretary department_of_homeland_security dhs develop implement plan entitled national strategy rail public transportation security requires secretary promulgate regulations require high- medium- risk tier railroad carrier public transportation operator road bus private operator submit approval secretary assessment vulnerability rail public transportation system road bus terrorism security plan addresses vulnerabilities identified assessment requires secretary implement security program covered transportation assigned high- medium risk tier requires secretary establish program secretary transportation grants railroad carriers designated public transportation recipients road bus private operators certain security improvements makes grants amtrak certain fire life safety improvements tunnels northeast corridor requires secretary develop training program prepare railroad public transportation road bus workers potential threat conditions establish security exercises program workers named entities respond acts terrorism sets forth certain whistleblower protections dhs department_of_transportation dot rail public transportation road bus employees including contractors subcontractors provided information assisted investigation conduct related refused violate assist violation regulation related national homeland_security requires increase number dhs surface_transportation security inspectors sets forth civil penalties violations regulations orders secretary


Summary: Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 - Title I: Rail and Public Transportation Security - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and implement a plan entitled the National Strategy for Rail and Public Transportation Security.(Sec. 102) Requires the Secretary to assign each railroad carrier, public transportation operator, or over-the-road bus private operator (covered transportation) to a certain risk-based tier.(Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to issue regulations that: (1) require each provider of covered transportation assigned to a high- or medium-risk tier to assess their vulnerability to terrorism and to implement, subject to approval of the Secretary, a security plan that addresses certain security performance requirements; (2) establish standards for such assessments and plans; and (3) establish a security program for providers of covered transportation not assigned to a high- or medium-risk tier.Imposes civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply with the requirements of this Act.Requires the periodic review of vulnerability assessments and security plans by each provider of covered transportation.Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the feasibility of implementing named-based checks against terrorist watch lists for all National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) passengers.(Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to develop, and submit to Congress, an information sharing plan to develop strategic intelligence on threats and vulnerabilities to covered transportation for dissemination to federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, and appropriate stakeholders.(Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary to establish a program to make grants to providers of covered transportation with completed vulnerability assessments and approved security plans for certain security improvements. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011.(Sec. 108) Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011 to the Secretary to make grants to Amtrak for certain fire and life-safety improvements to tunnels on the Northeast Corridor.(Sec. 109) Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop training programs to prepare covered transportation workers (including front-line employees) for potential threat conditions; and (2) establish a security exercises program for such workers and other named entities to respond to acts of terrorism. Requires each provider of covered transportation to: (1) develop, and submit for approval by the Secretary, a security training program; and (2) complete, not later than one year after approval, the training of all covered workers.(Sec. 111) Requires the Secretary to carry out a research and development (R&D) program to improve the security of covered transportation. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011.(Sec. 112) Sets forth: (1) certain whistleblower protections for DHS, Department of Transportation (DOT), and covered transportation employees (including contractors and subcontractors) who have provided information or otherwise assisted in any investigation regarding certain conduct, or who have refused to violate or assist in the violation of any regulation, related to covered transportation security; and (2) criminal penalties for persons who violate such requirements. Directs the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the enforcement of such requirements.(Sec. 113) Directs the Secretary to increase the total number of full-time DHS surface transportation security inspectors to at least 600 by December 31, 2010.(Sec. 114) Establishes in DHS a National Domestic Preparedness Consortium. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011.(Sec. 115) Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to develop Visible Intermodal Protection Response (VIPR) teams to augment security for any mode of transportation at any location within the United States. (Sec. 116) Establishes a National Transportation Security Center of Excellence at an institution of higher education to conduct research and education activities, and develop or provide professional security training (including training of rail and public transportation employees), with emphasis on the use of intelligent transportation systems, technologies, and architectures.(Sec. 117) Provides that any statutory limitation on the number of TSA employees shall not apply to employees carrying out this Act.(Sec. 118) Requires all security-related grants distributed under this Act to be administered on the basis of risk.(Sec. 119) Directs the Secretary to implement a threat assessment screening program for covered transportation employees (including contractors and subcontractors).(Sec. 120) Requires each provider of covered transportation to provide an adequate redress process for its employees (including contractors and subcontractors) who are adversely affected by background checks performed by the provider.(Sec. 121) Establishes a task force to review lists of crimes that disqualify individuals from certain transportation-related employment under TSA regulations and to assess whether such lists are accurate indicators of a terrorism security risk.(Sec. 122) Sets forth civil penalties for violations of regulations and orders of the Secretary.(Sec. 123) Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a threat assessment of a terrorist attack on the Nation's school bus transportation system.(Sec. 124) Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to require certain enhanced security measures for shipments of security sensitive materials.(Sec. 125) Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology and the Director of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, to establish national voluntary consensus standards for the testing and use of technologies to improve the security of covered transportation. Directs the Secretary to utilize the Technology Clearinghouse to identify, acquire, and deploy technology and training for use by federal, state, local, and tribal agencies, emergency response providers, providers of covered transportation, shippers of hazardous materials, and others to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism on covered transportation.(Sec. 126) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation to jointly assess likely methods of deliberate attacks against rail tank cars used to transport toxic-inhalation-hazard materials, including the degree to which such methods may be successful in causing death, injury, or serious adverse effects to human health, the environment, or public welfare. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on such assessment.Requires the Secretary, acting through the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center, to conduct air dispersion modeling analysis of a release of such materials from a rail tank car in an urban area. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress detailing conclusions and findings with respect to such analysis.(Sec. 127) Directs the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to evaluate prototype systems (including spectroscopic technologies) to detect nuclear or radiological materials on the rails. Requires, upon completion of such evaluation, the Office, in coordination with Customs and Border Protection and the TSA, to ensure that certain protocols are established and a deployment strategy is developed to detect such materials arriving by rail. Requires, not later than September 30, 2008, the Office to report to Congress on such evaluation and strategy.(Sec. 128) Requires recipients of grants for purchase of security plan technologies to give preference to qualified anti-terrorism technologies and technologies that are eligible for liability protections.(Sec. 130) Requires the Secretary with respect to the screening of in-bound rail shipments to the United States for terrorists or weapons of mass destruction to: (1) deploy, where practicable, non-intrusive inspection imaging equipment at locations where rail shipments cross an international border to enter the United States; or (2) implement alternative procedures to screen such rail shipments at locations where deployment of such equipment is not practicable.(Sec. 131) Directs the Secretary, in carrying out the threat assessment screening program for covered transportation employees (including contractors and subcontractors), to require high-risk tier providers of covered transportation to submit the names of their employees to the Secretary to conduct checks against terrorist watchlists and immigration status databases.(Sec. 132) Directs the Comptroller General to conduct, and submit to Congress, an annual review regarding the administration and use of grants awarded under this Act.(Sec. 133) Makes the Secretary the principal federal official responsible for transportation security. Delineates the roles and responsibilities of DHS and the Department of Transportation (DOT) in carrying out the requirements of this Act.(Sec. 134) Directs the Secretary to assess, and report the results to Congress on, the safety and security vulnerabilities of placing high voltage electric transmission lines along active railroad rights-of-way.(Sec. 135) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of, and report to Congress on, foreign rail security practices, including the feasibility of implementing such practices in the United States.(Sec. 136) Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program to coordinate with state and local governments to minimize the need to transport toxic inhalation hazardous materials by rail.(Sec. 137) Grants immunity from civil liability to persons who report threats to or acts of terrorism against transportation systems or passengers.Title II: Secure Transportation Through Increased Use of Canine Detection Teams - (Sec. 201) Requires the Secretary to encourage, and coordinate with owners and providers of covered transportation to encourage, the deployment of canine detection teams at high-risk transportation systems at an increase of not less than ten percent of such teams at high-risk rail and mass transit systems for each fiscal year for FY2008-FY2012.(Sec. 202) Authorizes the TSA's National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program to train up to an additional 100 canine detection teams per year, with at least a specified number of additional teams trained for each fiscal year for FY2008-FY2012. Requires detection teams to be deployed at covered transportation systems across the country. Directs the Administrator of TSA to report to Congress on personnel and resources needed to fulfill such requirements. Authorizes appropriations.(Sec. 203) Requires the TSA Puppy Program to increase the number of domestically bred canines to meet the increase in demand for canine detection teams. Directs the Administrator of TSA to report to Congress on personnel and resources needed to fulfill such requirements. Authorizes appropriations.

rail public transportation security act title rail public transportation security sec directs secretary homeland_security secretary department_of_homeland_security dhs develop implement plan entitled national strategy rail public transportation requires secretary assign railroad carrier public transportation operator road bus private operator covered transportation certain risk based directs secretary issue regulations require provider covered transportation assigned high- medium risk tier assess vulnerability terrorism implement subject approval secretary security plan addresses certain security performance requirements establish standards assessments plans establish security program providers covered transportation assigned high- medium risk tier imposes civil criminal penalties failure comply requirements act requires periodic review vulnerability assessments security plans provider covered transportation requires secretary report congress feasibility implementing named based checks terrorist watch lists national_railroad_passenger_corporation amtrak directs secretary develop submit congress information sharing plan develop strategic intelligence threats vulnerabilities covered transportation dissemination federal state local agencies tribal governments appropriate requires secretary establish program grants providers covered transportation completed vulnerability assessments approved security plans certain security improvements authorizes appropriations fy2008 authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2011 secretary grants amtrak certain fire life safety improvements tunnels northeast requires secretary develop training programs prepare covered transportation workers including line employees potential threat conditions establish security exercises program workers named entities respond acts terrorism requires provider covered transportation develop submit approval secretary security training program complete later year approval training covered requires secretary carry research development program improve security covered transportation authorizes appropriations fy2008 sets forth certain whistleblower protections dhs department_of_transportation dot covered transportation employees including contractors subcontractors provided information assisted investigation certain conduct refused violate assist violation regulation related covered transportation security criminal penalties persons violate requirements directs attorney general report annually congress enforcement directs secretary increase total number time dhs surface_transportation security inspectors december establishes dhs national domestic preparedness consortium authorizes appropriations fy2008 authorizes secretary acting administrator transportation_security_administration tsa develop visible intermodal protection response teams augment security mode transportation location united_states sec establishes national transportation security center_of_excellence institution higher education conduct research education activities develop provide professional security training including training rail public transportation employees emphasis use transportation systems technologies provides statutory limitation number tsa employees shall apply employees carrying requires security related grants distributed act administered basis directs secretary implement threat assessment screening program covered transportation employees including contractors requires provider covered transportation provide adequate redress process employees including contractors subcontractors adversely affected background checks performed establishes task_force review lists crimes disqualify individuals certain transportation related employment tsa regulations assess lists accurate indicators terrorism security sets forth civil penalties violations regulations orders directs secretary submit congress threat assessment terrorist attack nation school bus transportation directs secretary issue regulations require certain enhanced security measures shipments security sensitive directs secretary acting secretary science_and_technology director domestic nuclear detection office establish national voluntary consensus standards testing use technologies improve security covered transportation directs secretary utilize technology clearinghouse identify acquire deploy technology training use federal state local tribal agencies emergency response providers providers covered transportation shippers hazardous materials prevent respond acts terrorism covered directs secretary secretary transportation jointly assess likely methods deliberate attacks rail tank cars transport toxic inhalation hazard materials including degree methods successful causing death injury adverse effects human health environment public welfare requires secretary report congress assessment requires secretary acting national infrastructure simulation analysis center conduct air modeling analysis release materials rail tank car urban area requires secretary report congress detailing conclusions findings respect directs domestic nuclear detection office evaluate prototype systems including technologies detect nuclear radiological materials rails requires completion evaluation office coordination customs border_protection tsa ensure certain protocols established deployment strategy developed detect materials arriving rail requires later september office report congress evaluation requires recipients grants purchase security plan technologies preference qualified anti terrorism technologies technologies eligible liability requires secretary respect screening bound rail shipments united_states terrorists weapons mass destruction deploy practicable non intrusive inspection imaging equipment locations rail shipments cross international border enter united_states implement alternative procedures screen rail shipments locations deployment equipment directs secretary carrying threat assessment screening program covered transportation employees including contractors subcontractors require high risk tier providers covered transportation submit names employees secretary conduct checks terrorist watchlists immigration status directs comptroller_general conduct submit congress annual review administration use grants awarded makes secretary principal federal official responsible transportation security delineates roles responsibilities dhs department_of_transportation dot carrying requirements directs secretary assess report results congress safety security vulnerabilities placing high voltage electric transmission lines active railroad rights directs secretary conduct study report congress foreign rail security practices including feasibility implementing practices united directs secretary transportation establish program coordinate state local governments minimize need transport toxic inhalation hazardous materials grants immunity civil liability persons report threats acts terrorism transportation systems passengers title secure transportation increased use canine detection teams sec requires secretary encourage coordinate owners providers covered transportation encourage deployment canine detection teams high risk transportation systems increase percent teams high risk rail mass transit systems fiscal year fy2008 authorizes tsa national explosives detection canine team program train additional canine detection teams year specified number additional teams trained fiscal year fy2008 fy2012 requires detection teams deployed covered transportation systems country directs administrator tsa report congress personnel resources needed fulfill requirements authorizes requires tsa puppy program increase number domestically bred meet increase demand canine detection teams directs administrator tsa report congress personnel resources needed fulfill requirements authorizes appropriations


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a flexibility incentive grant pilot program to encourage states to establish new sources of revenue for public transportation projects and services and to reward states for creating more flexibility in the use of their existing transportation funds. Requires the Secretary to make a grant for FY2008-FY2011 to: (1) each state whose increase in expenditures for public transportation projects and services over the preceding fiscal year was 10% or more and aggregate expenditures for such projects and services was $1 billion or less; (2) each large state whose increase in expenditures for such projects and services over the preceding fiscal year was 1% or more and aggregate expenditures for such projects and services was more than $1 billion; (3) each state that established in the first preceding fiscal year a dedicated source of revenue (i.e., state motor fuels tax, sales tax, or other specified sources of revenue) for carrying out public transportation projects and services that was not in effect in the second preceding fiscal year and which will result in a 10% increase of state funds expended for such projects and services within two years after such implementation; and (4) each state that in the preceding fiscal year amended state law or the state constitution to allow restricted highway funds to also be used for public transportation projects and services. Sets forth certain grant eligibility requirements. Directs the Secretary to conduct, and report to Congress on, a study to evaluate the pilot program.

directs secretary transportation establish flexibility incentive grant pilot program encourage states establish new sources revenue public transportation projects services reward states creating flexibility use existing transportation funds requires secretary grant fy2008 fy2011 state increase expenditures public transportation projects services preceding fiscal year aggregate expenditures projects services billion large state increase expenditures projects services preceding fiscal year aggregate expenditures projects services billion state established preceding fiscal year dedicated source revenue state motor fuels tax sales tax specified sources revenue carrying public transportation projects services effect second preceding fiscal year result increase state funds expended projects services years implementation state preceding fiscal year amended state law state constitution allow restricted highway funds public transportation projects services sets forth certain grant eligibility requirements directs secretary conduct report congress study evaluate pilot program


Summary: Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability in Transportation Projects Through Public Inspection Act of 2007 - Requires public employees to perform construction inspections on all surface transportation projects receiving federal funding.

safety efficiency accountability transportation projects public inspection act requires public employees perform construction inspections surface_transportation projects receiving federal funding


Summary: Repeals certain personnel management authorities, including a provision authorizing the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to employ and fix the compensation, terms, and conditions of employment for passenger and property screeners. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security to take any measures necessary to provide for the uniform treatment of all TSA screeners; and (2) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the pay system that applies to such employees.

repeals certain personnel management authorities including provision authorizing secretary transportation_for_security transportation_security_administration tsa employ fix compensation terms conditions employment passenger property screeners directs secretary homeland_security measures necessary provide uniform treatment tsa screeners government_accountability_office gao report pay system applies employees


Summary: Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to revise the item descriptions of specified high priority project authorizations. Increases, decreases, or terminates certain project authorizations. Authorizes funds for a transportation improvement project for reconstructing the I-95/S.R. 1 interchange in the state of Delaware, and adding a fifth lane. Revises the item description of the Cuming Street transportation improvement project in Omaha, Nebraska, to include the narrowing of 24th Street from Cuming Street to Cass Street and adjacent lighting, landscaping, and pedestrian safety enhancements.

amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea revise item descriptions specified high priority project authorizations increases decreases terminates certain project authorizations authorizes funds transportation improvement project reconstructing interchange state delaware adding fifth lane revises item description street transportation improvement project nebraska include street street street adjacent lighting pedestrian safety enhancements


Summary: TSA Acquisition Reform Act of 2007 - Repeals provisions exempting the Transportation Security Administration from specified federal procurement requirements.

tsa acquisition reform_act repeals provisions exempting transportation_security_administration specified federal procurement requirements


Summary: Safety, Accountability, and Funding Efficiency for Transportation Act of 2007 - Requires government agencies to prepare cost benefit analyses before entering any private contract of $100,000 or more to procure private sector architectural, engineering, and related services for a surface transportation project. Provides for public disclosure of the results of such cost-benefit analysis if the government agency determines it is in the public interest to enter into the contract. Authorizes the waiver of such requirements if it is determined that the government agency cannot perform the work to be conducted under the contract with existing or additional government employees because such work is of an emergency, specialty, or intermittent nature.

safety accountability funding efficiency transportation act requires government agencies prepare cost benefit analyses entering private contract procure private sector architectural engineering related services surface_transportation project provides public disclosure results cost benefit analysis government agency determines public interest enter contract authorizes waiver requirements determined government agency perform work conducted contract existing additional government employees work emergency specialty intermittent nature


Summary: Transportation Job Corps Act of 2008 - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to establish workforce development councils and governing boards in each of its ten regions. Replaces the current discretionary grant and contract programs addressing human resource needs as they apply to public transportation activities. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator, to establish programs for the award of grants to: (1) nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to introduce disconnected youth (ages 16 through 24 who are unemployed and out of school) to careers in the transit industry by providing them with basic skills education and pre-apprenticeship skills; (2) partnerships of transit agencies and unions representing non-managerial employees to develop education programs to improve job skills of transit employees and to provide education and training to assist individuals to enter the transit profession; and (3) the same or similar partnerships to develop special projects to increase education opportunities for disadvantaged transit industry individuals, including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented in transit management, by providing student scholarships, pre-entry preparation, and retention activities.

transportation job_corps act requires administrator federal_transit_administration fta establish workforce development councils governing boards regions replaces current discretionary grant contract programs addressing human resource needs apply public transportation activities directs secretary transportation acting administrator establish programs award grants nonprofit organizations educational institutions introduce disconnected youth ages unemployed school careers transit industry providing basic skills education pre apprenticeship skills partnerships transit agencies unions representing non managerial employees develop education programs improve job skills transit employees provide education training assist individuals enter transit profession similar partnerships develop special projects increase education opportunities disadvantaged transit industry individuals including racial ethnic minorities underrepresented transit management providing student scholarships pre entry preparation retention activities


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to waive, through FY2009, any requirement that would otherwise require a state or local government to contribute non-federal funds toward the cost of a covered transportation program or activity authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) or an amendment made by that Act.Declares, however, that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a state or local government from contributing non-federal funds toward the cost of a covered transportation program or activity.

directs secretary transportation waive fy2009 requirement require state local government contribute non federal funds cost covered transportation program activity authorized safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea amendment act declares act shall construed prohibit state local government contributing non federal funds cost covered transportation program activity


Summary: Telecommuters Tax Fairness Act of 2007 - Prohibits a state from imposing an income tax on the compensation of a nonresident individual for any period in which such individual is not physically present in or working in such state or from deeming such nonresident individual to be present in or working in such state on the grounds that: (1) such individual is present at or working at home for convenience; or (2) such individual's work at home fails any convenience of the employer test or any similar test.

tax fairness act prohibits state imposing income tax compensation nonresident individual period individual physically present working state deeming nonresident individual present working state grounds individual present working home convenience individual work home fails convenience employer test similar test


Summary: Makes technical corrections to the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users or SAFETEA-LU and other laws related to public transportation. Excludes sightseeing from the term "public transportation." Names a certain program authorizing the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to carry out qualified projects to enhance the protection and enjoyment of national parks and public lands as the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program. Makes specified allocations for fixed guideway modernization through FY2009. Increases the total obligation ceiling for FY2008 for the Mass Transit Account. Makes specified changes to: (1) a certain project designated under the alternative analysis program; (2) certain project authorizations for new fixed guideway capital projects; (3) certain projects for bus and bus-related facilities; (4) the hydrogen fuel cell shuttle deployment demonstration program; and (5) the Advanced Propulsion Control System program. Directs the Secretary to resolve the delay of a certain commuter rail extension in Rhode Island by negotiating the extension of the existing agreement of a specified segment of such project. Requires the Secretary to take certain additional factors into consideration when evaluating the local matching share of costs for the extension of certain light rail lines.

makes technical corrections safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea laws related public transportation excludes term public transportation names certain program authorizing secretary transportation secretary carry qualified projects enhance protection enjoyment national parks public lands paul sarbanes transit parks program makes specified allocations fixed guideway modernization fy2009 increases total obligation ceiling fy2008 mass transit account makes specified changes certain project designated alternative analysis program certain project authorizations new fixed guideway capital projects certain projects bus bus related facilities hydrogen fuel cell deployment demonstration program advanced propulsion control system program directs secretary resolve delay certain commuter rail extension rhode_island negotiating extension existing agreement specified segment project requires secretary certain additional factors consideration evaluating local matching share costs extension certain light rail lines


Summary: Build America Bonds Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit to a taxpayer holding a Build America bond on one or more of its credit allowance dates. Defines a "Build America bond" as any bond issued by the Transportation Finance Corporation as part of an issue if 95% or more of the proceeds from such issue are to be used for expenditures incurred for one or more qualified projects. Requires proceeds from the sale of bonds issued under this Act to be held in a Build America Bonds Trust Account. Defines "qualified project" as the capital improvements to any transportation infrastructure project (including roads, bridges, rail and transit systems, ports, and inland waterways) proposed by one or more states and approved by the Transportation Finance Corporation. Grants Congress' consent and recognition to the establishment by two or more state infrastructure banks of the Transportation Finance Corporation. Authorizes the Transportation Finance Corporation to: (1) issue Build America bonds for the financing of qualified projects; (2) establish and operate the Build America Bonds Trust Account; (3) leverage resources and stimulate public and private investment in transportation infrastructure; and (4) perform any other function the sole purpose of which is to carry out the financing of qualified projects through Build America bonds. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through October 14, 2026.

build_america bonds act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow income tax credit taxpayer holding build_america_bond credit allowance dates defines build_america_bond bond issued transportation finance corporation issue proceeds issue expenditures incurred qualified projects requires proceeds sale bonds issued act held build_america bonds trust account defines qualified project capital improvements transportation infrastructure project including roads bridges rail transit systems ports inland waterways proposed states approved transportation finance corporation grants congress consent recognition establishment state infrastructure banks transportation finance corporation authorizes transportation finance corporation issue build_america bonds financing qualified projects establish operate build_america bonds trust account leverage resources stimulate public private investment transportation infrastructure perform function sole purpose carry financing qualified projects build_america bonds amends consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act extend certain customs fees processing merchandise entered united_states october


Summary: Transportation Empowerment Act - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for the interstate maintenance program, emergency relief, the interstate bridge program, the federal lands highways program, highway safety programs, surface transportation research, and certain administrative expenses. Authorizes a state, upon determining that excess funds have been made available, to transfer the excess funds to, and use them for, any surface transportation purpose (including mass transit and rail) in the state. Revises requirements regarding state apportionments under the interstate maintenance component for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing the Interstate System. Prohibits any restriction on the ability of a state, as part of any highway improvement project, to impose and collect a toll on any highway that is part of the Interstate System. Allows a state to use revenue collected from such toll only for a new highway infrastructure project in the state. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to: (1) extend, for five years, the availability of HTF funds for certain authorized expenditures; (2) set a core programs financing rate for gasoline, special motor fuels, kerosene, and diesel fuel; (3) establish in the HTF an Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund; and (4) provide for the return of excess tax receipts to states for transportation purposes. Grants consent to states to enter into interstate compacts to establish infrastructure banks to invest in the construction of surface transportation projects. Amends the IRC to reduce taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and special fuels funding the HTF.

transportation empowerment act_-_authorizes appropriations highway_trust_fund htf interstate maintenance program emergency relief interstate bridge program federal lands highways program highway safety programs surface_transportation research certain administrative expenses authorizes state determining excess funds available transfer excess funds use surface_transportation purpose including mass transit rail state revises requirements state apportionments interstate maintenance component restoring rehabilitating reconstructing interstate system prohibits restriction ability state highway improvement project impose collect toll highway interstate system allows state use revenue collected toll new highway infrastructure project state amends_the_internal_revenue_code irc extend years availability htf funds certain authorized expenditures set core programs financing rate gasoline special motor fuels kerosene diesel fuel establish htf infrastructure special assistance fund provide return excess tax receipts states transportation purposes grants consent states enter interstate compacts establish infrastructure banks invest construction surface_transportation projects amends irc reduce taxes gasoline diesel fuel kerosene special fuels funding htf


Summary: Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to redescribe the high priority highway project for I-10 Ryan Street exit ramp, including relocation and realignment of Lakeshore Drive (including portions of Front Street and or Ann Street), and expansion of Contraband Bayou Bridge, for the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Redescribes such project as one to make improvements to the on/off ramp system from I-10 to Ryan Street (LA 385), including installation of an exit ramp for eastbound traffic on I-10, incorporating, as necessary, portions of Front Street and Ann Street, including the repair of Lakeshore Drive, and providing for the realignment of Lakeshore Drive and the expansion of Contraband Bayou Bridge.

amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea high priority highway project street exit including relocation realignment lakeshore drive including portions street street expansion contraband bridge city lake charles louisiana project improvements system street including installation exit traffic incorporating necessary portions street street including repair lakeshore drive providing realignment lakeshore drive expansion contraband bridge


Summary: Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 350,000 $1 coins in commemoration of the centennial of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.Requires the coin design to be emblematic of such centennial.Requires such coins to be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities, from only one U.S. Mint facility.Declares the sense of Congress that such facility should be the U.S. Mint at West Point, New York, to the greatest extent possible.Authorizes the Secretary to issue such coins only during calendar 2011.Applies a $10 per coin surcharge to all coin sales. Requires all surcharges received to be paid to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America for efforts involved in marking it centennial, which may include efforts to preserve the birthplace of founder Juliette Gordon Low.

girl scouts usa centennial commemorative coin act_-_directs secretary treasury issue coins commemoration centennial girl scouts united_states_of_america requires coin design emblematic centennial requires coins issued proof qualities facility declares sense congress facility west point new_york greatest extent possible authorizes secretary issue coins calendar coin surcharge coin sales requires surcharges received paid girl scouts united_states_of_america efforts involved marking centennial include efforts preserve low


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to waive, through FY2009, any requirement that would otherwise require a state or local government to contribute non-federal funds toward the cost of a covered transportation program or activity authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFTETEA-LU) or an amendment made by that Act. Declares, however, that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a state or local government from contributing non-federal funds toward the cost of a covered transportation program or activity.

directs secretary transportation waive fy2009 requirement require state local government contribute non federal funds cost covered transportation program activity authorized safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users amendment act declares act shall construed prohibit state local government contributing non federal funds cost covered transportation program activity


Summary: Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2009 - Expands the federal prohibition against state taxation of interstate commerce to: (1) include taxation of out-of-state transactions involving all forms of property, including intangible personal property and services (currently, only sales of tangible personal property are protected); and (2) prohibit state taxation of an out-of-state entity unless such entity has a physical presence in the taxing state. Sets forth criteria for determining that a person has a physical presence in a state.

business activity tax simplification act expands federal prohibition state taxation interstate commerce include taxation state transactions involving forms property including intangible personal property services currently sales tangible personal property protected prohibit state taxation state entity entity physical presence taxing state sets forth criteria determining person physical presence state


Summary: E-fencing Enforcement Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a duty on any online market provider to disclose the contact information (i.e., name, telephone number, and address for service of legal process) of any high volume seller who has listed goods or items for sale on such provider's online marketplace that match the description of stolen goods listed in a signed report from a criminal law enforcement agency. Defines "high volume seller" as any person who, through an online marketplace, sells or offers for sale in a single offering goods or items worth more than $5,000, or more than $12,000 in one or more offerings during the preceding 365 days. Requires an online market provider to: (1) retain contact information on high volume sellers for three years; and (2) deny high volume sellers access to the marketplace if such provider has good reason to believe that such sellers acquired their goods unlawfully. Allows high volume sellers to bring a civil action to challenge the denial of access to an online marketplace.

fencing enforcement act amends federal criminal code impose duty online market provider disclose contact information telephone number address service legal process high volume seller listed goods items sale provider online marketplace match description stolen goods listed signed report criminal law enforcement agency defines high volume seller person online marketplace sells offers sale single offering goods items worth offerings preceding days requires online market provider retain contact information high volume sellers years deny high volume sellers access marketplace provider good reason believe sellers acquired goods unlawfully allows high volume sellers bring civil action challenge denial access online marketplace


Summary: Complete Streets Act of 2009 - Requires each state to have in effect within two years a law, or each state department of transportation and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) an explicit policy statement, that requires all federally-funded transportation projects, with certain exceptions, to accommodate the safety and convenience of all users in accordance with certain complete streets principles. Defines "complete streets principles" as federal, state, local, or regional level transportation laws, policies, or principles which ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of a transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, children, older individuals, motorists, and individuals with disabilities, are accommodated in all phases of project planning and development. Allows such law or policy to make project-specific exemptions from such principles only if: (1) affected roadways prohibit specified users by law from using them, the cost of a compliance project would be excessively disproportionate to the need, or the population and employment densities or level of transit service around a roadway is so low that there is no need to implement such principles; and (2) all such exemptions are properly approved. Requires: (1) the Secretary to establish a method for ensuring compliance by state departments of transportation and MPOs with complete streets principles; and (2) states to require every agency responsible for a project within an approved transportation improvement program to review and certify project compliance with complete streets principles. Requires states noncompliant with complete streets principles to use a portion of their surface transportation program funds to carry out a highway safety program. Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue final standards for accessibility of new construction and alterations of pedestrian facilities for public rights-of-way. Requires the Secretary to conduct research regarding complete streets to: (1) assist states, MPOs, and local jurisdictions in developing and implementing complete streets-compliant plans, projects, procedures, policies, and training programs; and (2) establish benchmarks for, and provide technical guidance on, implementing complete streets policies and principles.

complete streets act requires state effect years law state department_of_transportation metropolitan planning organization mpo explicit policy statement requires federally funded transportation projects certain exceptions accommodate safety convenience users accordance certain complete streets principles defines complete streets principles federal state local regional level transportation laws policies principles ensure safety convenience users transportation system including pedestrians public transit users children older individuals individuals disabilities accommodated phases project planning development allows law policy project specific exemptions principles affected prohibit specified users law cost compliance project excessively disproportionate need population employment level transit service roadway low need implement principles exemptions properly approved requires secretary establish method ensuring compliance state departments transportation mpos complete streets principles states require agency responsible project approved transportation improvement program review certify project compliance complete streets principles requires states noncompliant complete streets principles use portion surface_transportation program funds carry highway safety program requires architectural_and_transportation_barriers_compliance_board issue final standards accessibility new construction alterations pedestrian facilities public rights way requires secretary conduct research complete streets assist states mpos local jurisdictions developing implementing complete streets compliant plans projects procedures policies training programs establish benchmarks provide technical guidance implementing complete streets policies principles


Summary: Southwestern Transit Corridor Planning and Fuel Use Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make a grant to: (1) the New Mexico Mid Region Council of Governments to study the feasibility of extending the New Mexico rail runner express commuter rail service south from Belen, New Mexico, to El Paso, Texas, or to intermediate points; and (2) the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and the city of El Paso, Texas, to study the feasibility for a public transit system, including the option of commuter rail, that would connect Las Cruces and El Paso.

southwestern transit corridor planning fuel use reduction act_-_directs secretary transportation grant new_mexico mid region council governments study feasibility extending new_mexico rail express commuter rail service south new_mexico el_paso texas intermediate points city new_mexico city el_paso texas study feasibility public transit system including option commuter rail connect el_paso


Summary: Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following non-sale activities by the seller: (1) the seller was the manufacturer of the product; (2) the seller participated in the design of the product; (3) the seller participated in the installation of the product; or (4) the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer. Requires, where a claimant proves one or more of such activities, that: (1) the activity be negligent; and (2) damages be limited to those directly caused by the activity.

innocent sellers fairness act exempts lawful seller liability personal injury monetary loss damage property arising accident transaction involving seller products claimant proves following non sale activities seller seller manufacturer product seller participated design product seller participated installation product seller altered modified expressly warranted product manner authorized manufacturer requires claimant proves activities activity negligent damages limited directly caused activity


Summary: Directs the Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) within the Department of Transportation (DOT) to: (1) develop a strategic plan annually to guide DOT surface transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities for the following three years; (2) develop and execute a review process to assess the performance of university transportation centers (UTCs); and (3) report to Congress on how best to strengthen the transfer of transportation-related technology, including through the establishment of transportation technology extension centers at UTCs. Authorizes the Administrator, in order to expand the workforce of transportation professionals, to establish a grant program to fund internships for students participating in the UTC program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a visiting committee on surface transportation research. Moves the Office of Climate Change and Environment into RITA and requires it to coordinate research, development, and technology transfer activities: (1) that focus on transportation-related emissions and energy reduction strategies; and (2) on the impacts of climate change on surface transportation infrastructure. Revises the surface transportation, research, development, and technology program to direct the Administrator to make grants to institutions of higher education (including consortia) to establish regional UTCs to carry out research, development, and technology transfer activities in the field of green transportation infrastructure (i.e., infrastructure that preserves and restores natural processes, utilizes natural design techniques, and minimizes energy consumption and pollution). Directs the Administrator to: (1) contract with the National Research Council to review the research, development, and technology transfer activities at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research facility; and (2) establish a pavement research, deployment, and education program. Reauthorizes: (1) the surface transportation research, development, and technology program; and (2) university transportation research.

directs administrator research innovative technology_administration rita department_of_transportation dot develop strategic plan annually guide dot surface_transportation research development technology transfer activities following years develop execute review process assess performance university transportation centers report congress best strengthen transfer transportation related technology including establishment transportation technology extension centers authorizes administrator order expand workforce transportation professionals establish grant program fund internships students participating program directs secretary transportation establish visiting committee surface_transportation research moves office climate change environment rita requires coordinate research development technology transfer activities focus transportation related emissions energy reduction strategies impacts climate change surface_transportation infrastructure revises surface_transportation research development technology program direct administrator grants institutions higher education including consortia establish regional carry research development technology transfer activities field green transportation infrastructure infrastructure preserves restores natural processes utilizes natural design techniques minimizes energy consumption pollution directs administrator contract national_research_council review research development technology transfer activities highway research facility establish pavement research deployment education program reauthorizes surface_transportation research development technology program university transportation research


Summary: Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to prohibit automobile manufacturers receiving assistance under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) from opening a new foreign subsidiary or expanding any current foreign subsidiary.

amends emergency_economic_stabilization_act eesa prohibit automobile manufacturers receiving assistance troubled_asset_relief_program tarp opening new foreign subsidiary expanding current foreign subsidiary


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to increase from 95% to 100% the federal share of costs for federal-aid highway projects and public transportation projects for the state of Michigan for FY2010-FY2011.

directs secretary transportation increase federal share costs federal aid highway projects public transportation projects state michigan fy2010 fy2011