|
Committee Reports for the 109th Congress | |
| House Report 109-495 | 1 of 1 | |
|
|
|
28-003
2d Session
109-495
DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, THE JUDICIARY, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2007
[To accompany H.R. 5576]
The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, District of Columbia, and independent agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007.
| INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT | ||
| Page number | ||
| Bill | Report | |
| Operating plan and reprogramming procedures | 2 | |
| Relationship with budget offices | 3 | |
| The effect of guaranteed spending | 3 | |
| Tabular summary | 4 | |
| Committee hearings | 4 | |
| Program, project, and activity | 5 | |
| Title I--Department of Transportation | 2 | 5 |
| Title II--Department of the Treasury | 63 | 90 |
| Title III--Department of Housing and Urban Development | 80 | 109 |
| Title IV--The Judiciary | 134 | 163 |
| Title V--District of Columbia | 142 | 168 |
| Title VI--Executive Office of the President and Funds | ||
| Appropriated to the President | 176 | 177 |
| Title VII--Independent Agencies: | ||
| Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board | 189 | 185 |
| Consumer Product Safety Commission | 189 | 186 |
| Election Assistance Commission | 190 | 186 |
| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation | 190 | 187 |
| Federal Election Commission | 190 | 187 |
| Federal Labor Relations Authority | 191 | 188 |
| Federal Maritime Commission | 192 | 188 |
| General Services Administration | 192 | 189 |
| Merit Systems Protection Board | 203 | 198 |
| Morris K. Udall Foundation | 204 | 198 |
| National Archives and Records Administration | 205 | 199 |
| National Credit Union Administration | 206 | 201 |
| National Transportation Safety Board | 207 | 202 |
| Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation | 208 | 203 |
| Office of Government Ethics | 208 | 203 |
| Office of Personnel Management | 208 | 204 |
| Office of Special Counsel | 212 | 207 |
| Selective Service System | 212 | 207 |
| United States Interagency Council on Homelessness | 213 | 208 |
| United States Postal Service | 213 | 208 |
| United States Tax Court | 214 | 209 |
| Title VIII--General Provisions--This Act | 215 | 209 |
| Title IX--General Provisions: Departments, Agencies, and Corporations | 222 | 210 |
| House of Representatives Report Requirements: | ||
| Constitutional authority | 213 | |
| Statement of general performance goals and objectives | 214 | |
| Appropriations not authorized by law | 214 | |
| Transfers of funds | 216 | |
| Compliance with rule XIII, clause 3(e) (Ramseyer rule) | 219 | |
| Comparison with the budget resolution | 266 | |
| Five-year outlay projections | 267 | |
| Financial assistance to state and local governments | 267 | |
| Rescissions | 233 | |
| Changes in the application of existing law | 233 | |
| Full Committee votes | ||
| Tabular summary of the bill |
OPERATING PLAN AND REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURES
The Committee continues to have a particular interest in being informed of reprogrammings which, although they may not change either the total amount available in an account or any of the purposes for which the appropriation is legally available, represent a significant departure from budget plans presented to the Committee in an agency's budget justifications and supporting documents, the basis of this appropriations Act.
Consequently, the Committee directs the departments, agencies, boards, commissions, corporations and offices funded at or in excess of $100,000,000 in this bill, to consult with the Committee prior to each change from the approved budget levels in excess of $500,000 between programs, activities, object classifications or elements unless otherwise provided for in the Committee report accompanying this bill. For agencies, boards, commissions, corporations and offices funded at less than $100,000,000 in this bill, the reprogramming threshold shall be $250,000 between programs, activities, initiatives object classifications or elements unless otherwise provided for in the Committee report accompanying this bill. Additionally, the Committee expects to be promptly notified of all reprogramming actions which involve less than the above-mentioned amounts. If such actions would have the effect of significantly changing an agency's funding requirements in future years, or if programs or projects specifically cited in the Committee's reports are affected by the reprogramming, the reprogramming must be approved by the Committee regardless of the amount proposed to be moved. Furthermore, the Committee wishes to be consulted regarding reorganizations of offices, programs, and activities prior to the planned implementation of such reorganizations.
The Committee also directs that the Departments of Transportation, Treasury and Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Judiciary, the General Services Administration, and the Office of Personnel Management, shall submit operating plans, signed by the respective secretary, administrator, or agency head, for the Committee's review within 60 days of the bill's enactment.
RELATIONSHIP WITH BUDGET OFFICES
Through the years, the Committee has channeled most of its inquiries and requests for information and assistance through the budget offices of the various departments, agencies, and commissions. The Committee has often pointed to the natural affinity and relationship between these organizations and the Committee which makes such a relationship workable. The Committee reiterates its longstanding position that while the Committee reserves the right to call upon all offices in the departments, agencies, and commissions, the primary conjunction between the Committee and these entities must normally be through the budget offices. The Committee appreciates all the assistance received from each of the departments, agencies, and commissions during the past year. The workload generated by the budget process is large and growing, and therefore, a positive, responsive relationship between the Committee and the budget offices is absolutely essential to the appropriations process.
THE EFFECT OF GUARANTEED SPENDING
Over the objections of the Appropriations and Budget Committee, in 1998 the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) amended the Budget Enforcement Act to provide two new additional spending categories or `firewalls', the highway category and the mass transit category. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) extended the highway and mass transit firewalls through fiscal year 2009. The Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21) provided a similar treatment for certain aviation programs, which were later extended in the Vision-100 Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act. These Acts have produced the same results: they significantly raised spending, and they have had the effect of prohibiting the Appropriations Committee from reducing those spending levels in the annual appropriations process. As the Committee noted during deliberations on these bills, the Acts essentially created mandatory spending programs within the discretionary caps. This undermines Congressional flexibility to fund other equally important programs not protected by funding guarantees and to address emerging priorities, such as homeland security and overseas military requirements, within projected budget totals. In addition, the reorganization of the Committee in the 109th Congress posed additional challenges in this regard, because funding guarantees for selected transportation programs compete in the budget process against funding for non-transportation agencies such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of National Drug Control Policy, enforcement of anti-terrorism and money laundering activities in the Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service, the General Services Administration, and the Judiciary. In addition, funding guarantees skew transportation priorities inappropriately, by providing increases to highway, transit, and airport spending while leaving safety-related operations in the FAA, FRA and Amtrak to scramble for the remaining resources. As in past years, the Committee has done all in its power, considering this environment, to produce a balanced bill providing adequately for all modes of transportation as well as all non-transportation programs under the jurisdiction of this bill.
QUALITY OF BUDGET DOCUMENTS
For years, the Committee has directed departments and agencies to improve the budget justification document quality and presentation by including relevant and specific budget information. While the Committee has seen some improvement in a few submissions, most justifications continue to be filled with references to the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART), drowning in pleonasm, and yet still devoid of useful information. The Committee strongly encourages the administration to use a meaningful system of evaluation to justify proposed program funding levels, as long as the basis for the evaluations will also be shared with the Committee. The Committee finds little use for a budget justification which does not reveal specific details of the measurable indicators and standards used to evaluate a program's performance, relevance, or adherence to underlying authorization statute. Further, the Committee has little patience for secretaries and administrators who cannot explain the rationale behind a program's funding level other than `the PART score,' `getting to green,' or `this is what OMB provided.' The Committee welcomes the input from the agencies, and is very interested in the methodologies used by the administration to fund various program priorities.
TABULAR SUMMARY
A table summarizing the amounts provided for fiscal year 2006 and the amounts recommended in the bill for fiscal year 2007 compared with the budget estimates is included at the end of this report.
COMMITTEE HEARINGS
The Committee has conducted extensive hearings on the programs and projects provided for in this bill. Pursuant to House rules, each of these hearings was open to the public. The Committee received testimony from cabinet officers, agency heads, inspectors general, and other officials of the executive branch in areas under the bill's jurisdiction. In addition, the Committee has considered written material submitted for the hearing record by Members of Congress, private citizens, local government entities, and private organizations. The bill recommendations for fiscal year 2007 have been developed after careful consideration of all the information available to the Committee.
PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY
During fiscal year 2007, for the purposes of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-177), as amended, with respect to appropriations contained in the accompanying bill, the terms `program, project, and activity' shall mean any item for which a dollar amount is contained in an appropriations Act (including joint resolutions providing continuing appropriations) or accompanying reports of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, or accompanying conference reports and joint explanatory statements of the committee of conference. This definition shall apply to all programs for which new budget (obligational) authority is provided, as well as to capital investment grants, Federal Transit Administration. In addition, the percentage reductions made pursuant to a sequestration order to funds appropriated for facilities and equipment, Federal Aviation Administration shall be applied equally to each `budget item' that is listed under said accounts in the budget justifications submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations as modified by subsequent appropriations Acts and accompanying committee reports, conference reports, or joint explanatory statements of the committee of conference.
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $84,051,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 92,742,000
Recommended in the bill 92,558,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +8,507,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -184,000
-----------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The bill provides $92,558,000 for the salaries and expenses of the various offices comprising the office of the secretary. The Committee's recommendation includes individual funding for all of the offices within the office of the secretary, as has been done in past years, rather than consolidating them as proposed in the budget request. The following table compares the fiscal year 2006 enacted level to the fiscal year 2007 budget estimate and the Committee's recommendation by office:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2006 enacted Fiscal year 2007 estimate House recommended
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Immediate office of the secretary $2,176,000 $2,255,000 $2,255,000
Office of the deputy secretary 691,000 717,000 717,000
Office of the executive secretariat 1,428,000 1,478,000 1,478,000
Office of the under secretary of transportation for policy 11,534,000 11,934,000 11,684,000
Board of contract appeals 690,000 707,000 707,000
Official of small and disadvantaged business utilization 1,252,000 1,286,000 1,286,000
Office of the chief information officer 11,776,000 12,281,000 12,281,000
Office of the assistant secretary for governmental affairs 2,270,000 2,319,000 2,319,000
Office of the general counsel 15,031,000 15,681,000 15,681,000
Office of the assistant secretary for budget and programs 8,400,000 10,002,000 10,002,000
Office of the assistant secretary for administration 21,811,000 25,108,000 25,108,000
Office of public affairs 1,891,000 1,932,000 1,932,000
Office of intelligence and security 2,013,000 2,655,000 2,722,000
Office of emergency transportation 3,089,000 4,386,000 4,386,000
Total $84,051,000 $92,742,000 $92,558,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the under secretary of transportation for policy- The Committee provides a total of $11,684,000 for the office of the under secretary of transportation for policy, a reduction of $250,000 below the requested level. The adjustment to the request is shown below.
| Deny transfer of two full-time equivalent positions (FTE) | -$250,000 |
The Committee denies the request to create a new office, the security policy office, within the office of the under secretary of transportation for policy. In addition, the Committee denies the transfer of two FTEs from the office of intelligence and security (OIS) to this office. The Committee does not understand the need for the new office or how creation of a new office will enhance security or operations. Further, the Committee is concerned that the dissection of OIS security functions and the creation of a new bureaucratic layer between the secretary and some of those functions will create inefficiencies and duplication of effort. The Committee is concerned that this proposal will result only in the dilution of security.
Office of intelligence and security- The Committee provides $2,722,000 for the office of intelligence and security, an increase of $67,000 above the requested level. Adjustments to the request are detailed below.
| Deny transfer of two FTEs | +$250,000 |
| Deny funding for one FTE | -187,000 |
Deny transfer of two FTEs- As mentioned above, the Committee denies the transfer of two existing FTEs from OIS to the office of the under secretary of transportation for policy. OIS has served as the Department of Transportation's (DOT) primary point of contact with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Homeland Security Council, and various security-related working groups since the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was transferred to DHS. OIS advises DOT executives on policy issues related to intelligence, information sharing, and national security strategies coordinated in the Homeland Security Council. Further, OIS coordinates across all elements of DOT. Rapidly emerging threats against the transportation system may require quick decisions and immediate implementation of protective measures. The Committee believes that a robust security function should include all elements of security in a single office with a direct line of communication to the Secretary of Transportation, and therefore, denies that budget request to add needless layers of bureaucracy to this vital function.
Deny funding for one FTE- In addition, the Committee denies $183,000 in funding that was not addressed, justified, or reflected in the fiscal year 2007 budget appendix or the Office of the Secretary of Transportation's (OST) congressional justification for a `senior management position associated with reorganization.' The Committee is confused as OST's own congressional budget justification stated that no additional FTEs were required or necessary for this office. In addition, OST requested that this Committee include a provision in the fiscal year 2006 supplemental allowing OST to obtain detailees from modal agencies, free of charge, to help staff OIS. It is inconsistent that an office that requests funding for an additional FTE and detailees from the modes would also seek to transfer two existing FTEs to another office.
Disadvantaged business enterprise- The Committee is aware that the Department of Transportation recently promulgated a new rule revising and updating its regulations concerning the participation of disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) in concessions activities of airports receiving federal financial assistance from the airport improvement program. One of the issues addressed in the new rule is a personal net worth standard for program eligibility purposes. The Committee is also aware that certain industry groups and others have raised concerns regarding the standard and its implementation and have petitioned the department to initiate additional rulemaking on this matter. The Committee urges the department to carefully review these concerns and the basis for the standard.
Congressional budget justifications- The Committee urges the department to improve the quality of the budget submissions and to include the same level of detail that was provided in the congressional justifications presented in fiscal year 2003. Some of the budget documents submitted for fiscal year 2007 did not adhere to that standard. Therefore, the Committee again directs the department to submit its congressional justification materials at the same level of detail provided in the congressional justifications presented in fiscal year 2003. Further, the department is directed to include in the budget justification funding levels for the prior year, current year, and budget year for all programs, activities, initiatives, and program elements. Each budget submitted by the department must also include detailed justification for the incremental funding increases and additional FTEs being requested above the enacted level, by program, activity, or program element.
In addition, the Committee notes that many general provisions included in the President's budget request are not justified, addressed, nor presented in any DOT justification. Therefore, the Committee directs DOT to justify each general provision proposed either in its relevant modal congressional justification, or in the OST congressional justification.
OST currently includes a helpful discussion in its justification of changes from the current year to the request. To ensure that each adjustment is identified, the Committee directs OST in future congressional justifications to include detailed information in tabular format which identifies specific changes in funding from the current year to the budget year for each office, including each office within the office of the secretary.
Operating plan- The Committee directs the department to submit an operating plan for fiscal year 2007, signed by the secretary for review by the Committees on Appropriations of both the House and Senate within 60 days of the bill's enactment. The operating plan should include funding levels for the various offices, programs and initiatives detailed down to the object class or program element covered in the budget justification and supporting documents or referenced in the House and Senate appropriations reports, and the statement of the managers.
Bill language- The bill continues language that permits up to $2,500,000 of fees to be credited to the office of the secretary for salaries and expenses.
OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $8,465,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 8,821,000
Recommended in the bill 8,821,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +356,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
----------------------------------------------
The office of civil rights is responsible for advising the secretary on civil rights and equal opportunity matters and ensuring full implementation of civil rights opportunity precepts in all of the department's official actions and programs. This office is responsible for enforcing laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in federally operated and federally assisted transportation programs. This office also handles all civil rights cases related to Department of Transportation employees.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee provides $8,821,000 for the office of civil rights, the same as the budget request.
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $14,850,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 8,910,000
Recommended in the bill 13,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -1,850,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +4,090,000
-----------------------------------------------
This appropriation finances those research activities and studies concerned with the planning, analysis, and information development needed to support the secretary's responsibilities in the formulation of national transportation policies. It also finances the staff necessary to conduct these efforts. The overall program is carried out primarily through contracts with other federal agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit research organizations, and private firms.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,000,000 for transportation planning, research and development, a decrease of $1,850,000 below the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and $4,090,000 above the budget request.
WORKING CAPITAL FUND
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Limitation, fiscal year 2006 ($116,834,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 1 - - -
Recommended in the bill (120,000,000)
Bill compared with:
Limitation, fiscal year 2006 (+3,166,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 (+120,000,000)
---------------------------------------------------
The working capital fund (WCF) was created to provide common administrative services to the various modes and outside entities that desire those services for economy and efficiency. The fund is financed through negotiated agreements with the department's operating administrations and other governmental elements requiring the center's capabilities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $120,000,000 on the working capital fund. The budget request proposed a limitless program level for the fund in fiscal year 2007. The Committee's recommendation is appropriate considering the funding levels of the operations and administrative accounts.
Modal usage of WCF- Consistent with past practice, the Committee directs the department, in its fiscal year 2007 congressional justifications for each of the modal administrations, to account for increases or decreases in WCF billings based on planned usage requested or anticipated by the modes rather than anticipated by WCF managers.
MINORITY BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAM
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation Limitation on guaranteed loans
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $891,000 ($18,367,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 891,000 (18,367,000)
Recommended in the bill 891,000 (18,367,000)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - - (- - -)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - - (- - -)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The minority business resource center of the office of small and disadvantaged business utilization provides assistance in obtaining short-term working capital and bonding for disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses. The program enables qualified businesses to obtain loans at prime interest rates for transportation-related projects.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The recommendation fully funds the budget request of $495,000 to cover the subsidy costs for the loans, not to exceed $18,367,000, and $396,000 for administrative expenses to carry out the guaranteed loan program.
MINORITY BUSINESS OUTREACH
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $2,970,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 2,970,000
Recommended in the bill 2,970,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
----------------------------------------------
This appropriation provides contractual support to assist minority business firms, entrepreneurs, and venture groups in securing contracts and subcontracts arising out of projects that involve federal spending. It also provides grants and contract assistance that serves DOT-wide goals.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee provides $2,970,000 for this program, equal to both the fiscal year 2006 funding level and the budget request.
NEW HEADQUARTERS BUILDING
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 1 $49,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 59,400,000
Recommended in the bill - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -49,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -59,400,000
-----------------------------------------------
The President's budget included funds for the new Department of Transportation headquarters building, which would consolidate all of the department's headquarters operating administration functions (except for the Federal Aviation Administration) from various locations around the Washington, DC metropolitan area into a leased building within the central employment area of the District of Columbia.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Without prejudice, the Committee does not provide funding in fiscal year 2007 for the new headquarters building due to budget constraints.
PAYMENTS TO AIR CARRIERS
(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $59,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Recommended in the bill 67,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +7,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +67,000,000
-----------------------------------------------
The Essential Air Service (EAS) program was originally created by the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 as a temporary measure to continue air service to communities that had received federally mandated air service prior to deregulation. The program currently provides subsidies to air carriers serving small communities that meet certain criteria.
The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-264) authorized the collection of user fees for services provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to aircraft that neither take off from, nor land in the United States, commonly known as overflight fees. In addition, the Act permanently appropriated these fees for authorized expenses of the FAA and stipulated that the first $50,000,000 of annual fee collections must be used to finance the EAS program. In the event of a shortfall in fees, the law requires FAA to make up the difference from other funds available to the agency.
The fiscal year 2007 budget proposes to fund the EAS program at a total of $50,000,000, solely from new overflight fee collections credited to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and changes the program to require communities share in the cost of air service. The Committee finds the budget proposal unrealistic considering that in fiscal year 2006 the department came to the Committee seeking additional funding for the EAS program as several communities were in jeopardy of losing air service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total program level of EAS in fiscal year 2007 of $117,000,000, a $7,600,000 increase above the level provided in fiscal year 2006. This funding consists of an appropriation of $67,000,000 and $50,000,000 to be derived from overflight fee collections. In addition, bill language is included that allows the secretary to transfer up to $10,000,000 to the EAS program from the small community air service development program, if needed.
The Committee notes that workload has increased significantly as the number of EAS subsidized communities has increased by more than 50 percent since 1996, from 97 to 151. The changing structure of the industry is also having dramatic effects on services at small communities and creates challenges. In addition, VISION 100 resulted in new responsibilities for the department and established six new pilot programs. To help meet these responsibilities, the Committee provides this office with two new FTE, representing half of the request.
The Committee includes language (sec. 101) to ensure prompt availability of funds for obligation to air carriers providing service under the EAS program. The language removes an unintended penalty whereby if $50,000,000 is made immediately available by the FAA to the EAS program at the beginning of each fiscal year, the FAA must take that amount from its appropriations, without the ability to credit back amounts transferred from the FAA once sufficient overflight fees are available. Without this language, the result would be a permanent reduction in the appropriations to the FAA. The Committee has also included language that allows the secretary to take into consideration the subsidy requirements of carriers when selecting between carriers competing to provide service to a community.
The bill includes a provision (sec. 104) prohibiting the use of funds to implement an essential air service program that requires local participation.
COMPENSATION FOR AIR CARRIERS
(RESCISSION)
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Rescission, fiscal year 2006 - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -$50,000,000
Recommended in the bill -50,000,000
Bill compared with:
Rescission, fiscal year 2006 -50,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
------------------------------------------------
The Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (Public Law 107-42) provided $5,000,000,000 to compensate air carriers for direct losses incurred during the federal ground stop of civil aviation after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and for incremental losses incurred between September 11 and December 31, 2001. To date, of the $5,000,000,000 appropriated, $4,603,452,933 of direct compensation payments have been made (net of repayments from carriers including a $29,000,000 repayment from Federal Express). Also to date, a total of $325,000,000 has been rescinded by Congress as surplus to need leaving a current balance of approximately $71,000,000 in the fund.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee includes language that rescinds $50,000,000 from the compensation for air carriers, consistent with the budget request. The Department of Transportation has recalibrated its litigation risk in outstanding administrative and court cases. The rescission leaves a balance of approximately $21,000,000, which DOT states will cover any potential liabilities from unresolved claims or contingent liabilities.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
Section 101. The Committee continues a provision allowing reimbursement for fees collected and credited under 49 U.S.C. 45303.
Section 102. The Committee continues a provision allowing the Secretary of Transportation to transfer unexpended sums from `office of the secretary, salaries and expenses' to `minority business outreach'.
Section 103. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the Office of the Secretary of Transportation from approving assessments or reimbursable agreements pertaining to funds appropriated to the modal administrations in this Act, unless such assessments or agreements have completed the normal reprogramming process for Congressional notification.
Section 104. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting the use of funds to implement an essential air service local cost share participation program.
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the safety and development of civil aviation and the evolution of a national system of airports. The Federal Government's regulatory role in civil aviation began with the creation of an Aeronautics Branch within the Department of Commerce pursuant to the Air Commerce Act of 1926. This Act instructed the Secretary of Commerce to foster air commerce; designate and establish airways; establish, operate, and maintain aids to navigation; arrange for research and development to improve such aids; issue airworthiness certificates for aircraft and major aircraft components; and investigate civil aviation accidents. In the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, these activities were subsumed into a new, independent agency named the Civil Aeronautics Authority.
After further administrative reorganizations, Congress streamlined regulatory oversight in 1957 with the creation of two separate agencies, the Federal Aviation Agency and the Civil Aeronautics Board. When the Department of Transportation began its operations on April 1, 1967, the Federal Aviation Agency was renamed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and became one of several modal administrations within the department. The Civil Aeronautics Board was later phased out with enactment of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, and ceased to exist at the end of 1984. FAA's mission expanded in 1995 with the transfer of the Office of Commercial Space Transportation from the Office of the Secretary, and decreased in December 2001 with the transfer of civil aviation security activities to the new Transportation Security Administration.
OPERATIONS
(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $8,104,140,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 8,366,000,000
Recommended in the bill 8,360,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +255,860,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -6,000,000
--------------------------------------------------
This appropriation provides funds for the operation, maintenance, communications, and logistical support of the air traffic control and air navigation systems. It also covers administrative and managerial costs for the FAA's regulatory, international, medical, engineering and development programs as well as policy oversight and overall management functions.
The operations appropriation includes the following major activities: (1) operation on a 24-hour daily basis of a national air traffic system; (2) establishment and maintenance of a national system of aids to navigation; (3) establishment and surveillance of civil air regulations to assure safety in aviation; (4) development of standards, rules and regulations governing the physical fitness of airmen as well as the administration of an aviation medical research program; (5) administration of the acquisition, research and development programs; (6) headquarters, administration and other staff offices; and (7) development, printing, and distribution of aeronautical charts used by the flying public.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $8,360,000,000 for FAA operations, an increase of $255,860,000 above the level provided in fiscal year 2006, and $6,000,000 below the budget request.
A comparison of the fiscal year 2007 budget request to the Committee recommendation by budget activity is as follows:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget activity Fiscal year 2007 request Fiscal year 2007 recommendation
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air traffic organization $6,704,223,000 $6,698,728,000
Aviation safety 981,668,000 997,718,000
Commercial space transportation 11,985,000 11,985,000
Financial services 1 92,227,000
Human resources 1 87,850,000
Region and center operations 1 272,821,000
Staff offices 1 668,125,000 175,392,000
Information services 36,779,000
Adjustments -14,000,000
Total $8,366,000,000 $8,360,000,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRUST FUND SHARE OF FAA BUDGET
The bill derives $11,787,000,000 of the total appropriation from the airport and airway trust fund. The balance of the appropriation ($3,516,000,000) will be drawn from the general fund of the Treasury. Under these provisions, 77 percent of the FAA's costs will be borne by air travelers and industries using those services. The remaining 23 percent will be borne by the general taxpayer, regardless of whether they directly utilize FAA services.
STATE OF THE AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND
According to Administration estimates, fiscal year 2007 will continue the recent trend where necessary outlays for FAA programs outstrip the revenues from aviation users deposited into the airport and airway trust fund. The following table compares trust fund revenue to trust fund outlays for the past three fiscal years. As the table indicates, under current estimates the Federal Government is not only spending all the revenues coming into the trust fund, it is going beyond that, and spending down the cash balance. The Administration estimates that, at the end of fiscal year 2007, the uncommitted cash balance in the trust fund will be approximately $2,706,000,000.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2005 Fiscal year 2006 Fiscal year 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trust fund revenue 1 $10,830,000,000 $11,241,000,000 $11,997,000,000
Trust fund outlays 11,209,000,000 12,332,000,000 12,167,000,000
Difference -379,000,000 -1,091,000,000 -170,000,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is imperative for the agency to lower its operating costs and find ways to be more efficient in all its operations. For several years, the Committee has indicated that improvement was needed in the area of personnel costs. The average full-time equivalent (FTE) workyear cost for fiscal year 2006 was $142,587 and expected to increase to $145,450 for fiscal year 2007. FAA's workyear costs have historically been and remain among the highest of all federal agencies. Average sick leave costs historically have been 20 percent higher than the government average, raising the agency's staffing costs. Although FAA has made progress in this area, the current average yearly sick leave consumed is 10.80 days per FAA employee. In addition, special pays will cost the agency $349,740,000 in fiscal year 2007.
Given the severe budget constraints facing the nation, the Committee directs FAA to continue focusing on ways to reduce sick leave, to improve productivity and lessen the need for additional staffing resources in future years.
AIR TRAFFIC ORGANIZATION
The bill provides $6,698,728,000 for air traffic services, a reduction of $5,495,000 from the budget request. These resources would be managed by FAA's air traffic organization. Recommended adjustments to the budget estimate are listed and described below:
| Amount | |
| Contract tower base program | +$3,242,000 |
| Contract tower cost-sharing program | +263,000 |
| BTS aviation statistics | -2,000,000 |
| NAS handoff | -7,000,000 |
Contract tower program.--The bill includes $97,500,000, an increase of $3,242,000 above the budget estimate of $94,258,000, to continue the contract tower base program. The President's budget does not reflect estimates for operations at 12 new towers entering the program during fiscal year 2007.
In addition, the bill provides $8,000,000, an increase of $263,000 above the budget estimate, to continue the contract tower cost-sharing program. The Committee continues to believe this is a valuable program that provides safety benefits to small communities. Communities in this program as of January 1, 2006 are shown below:
----------------------------------
----------------------------------
King Salmon AK
Fayetteville AR
Rogers Municipal-Carter Field AR
Springdale AR
Laughlin/Bullhead City AZ
Hawthorne CA
Waterbury/Oxford CT
Bloomington IN
Columbus Municipal IN
Gary Regional IN
Muncie/Delaware County IN
Garden City KS
Barkley regional (Paducah) KY
Sawyer MI
Jefferson City MO
Joplin Regional MO
Smith Reynolds (Winston-Salem) NC
Lebanon Municipal NH
Lea County/Hobbs NM
Elko NV
Latrobe PA
Williamsport/Lycoming County PA
Greenville Donaldson Center SC
Grand Strand/Myrtle Beach SC
Walla Walla Regional WA
Morgantown WV
----------------------------------
The Committee recognizes that the number of airports participating in the cost sharing program fluctuates regularly because of changes in air traffic activity. In order to prevent program disruptions and provide more certainty, the Committee allows FAA to use unsubscribed funds from the contract tower base line program to avoid elimination of communities from the cost share towers program. However, FAA should only employ this flexibility with surplus funds in the base line contract tower program, after all baseline contract tower obligations have been fulfilled.
Controller staffing.--According to FAA, the agency expects that over the next 10 years, 72 percent of its 15,000 controllers will become eligible to retire. The FAA is currently updating its staffing plan submitted in December 2004. This update will be based on a refined methodology and will incorporate new estimates of future traffic and retirement projections, and recent productivity gains. Consistent with the plan and with FAA's request, the bill provides $18,220,000 for salaries, benefits, training, and ancillary support costs associated with 1,136 new hires, for a net increase of at least 132 in controller work force in fiscal year 2007.
The Committee agrees with FAA that a one for one replacement of retiring controllers is not prudent, as it would not assume productivity improvements from procedural changes, facility consolidation, or even new technology. The business-like mindset of the air traffic organization has begun to make productivity improvements a reality, and further productivity will continue to lessen the need for additional personnel. Currently, FAA is taking steps to achieve savings of 10 percent by 2010 in controller staff costs through productivity improvements, and realized the first three percent of this goal in 2005. In addition, the Committee believes that the ability to waive the mandatory retirement age is a good hedge against the retirement surge in future years.
Bureau of transportation statistics studies.--The Committee provides $2,000,000, half of the requested amount for the aviation statistical studies to be conducted by the bureau of transportation statistics (BTS), under the Research and Innovative Technology Administration. The Committee directs BTS to perform only those functions and studies that are relevant to FAA's mission. Further, the Committee directs DOT to provide to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations an accounting of how the funds were spent and how FAA uses that data to fulfill its mission.
National airspace system handoff.--The Committee recommends a reduction of $7,000,000 below the budget estimate, for a total of $87,400,000 in NAS handoff funding.
New York/New Jersey airspace redesign.--The Committee notes that the executive summary of the FAA's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the redesign of the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia regional airspace states, `Mitigation measures to avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, eliminate, or compensate for these (noise) impacts will be considered in the Final EIS.' The Committee directs the FAA to provide a letter report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by January 7, 2007 on the specific mitigation measures that will be considered to address noise impacts of the redesign.
AVIATION SAFETY
The bill provides $997,718,000 for aviation safety, an increase of $16,050,000 above the budget request. Recommended adjustments to the budget are described below.
| Additional safety inspectors and engineers | +$16,000,000 |
| Professional aerial application support system | +50,000 |
Aviation safety inspectors and aircraft certification staff.--The Committee provides $48,711,612 for aviation safety, an increase of $16,000,000 over the budget request to increase safety critical staff in the office of aviation flight standards (AFS) and the office of aircraft certification (AIR).
The fiscal year 2006 Act provided an additional $12,000,000 above the fiscal year 2006 budget request for 238 new safety personnel, of which $8,000,000 was for AFS inspectors, and $4,000,000 for AIR safety inspectors, engineers, pilots, and scientists. The FAA states that after accounting for the fiscal year 2006 across the board cut and mandatory pay raise, only 87 new safety staff, 55 for AFS and 32 for AIR, could be hired. The additional $16,000,000 provided in this bill, together with a $4,000,000 reprogramming request, will enable the FAA to increase safety personnel to the full 238, as intended.
Although the Committee did not specify the number of staff for each office, it did provide clear direction regarding the distribution of funding. The carefully negotiated agreement stated that $4,000,000, or one-third of the total increase provided in fiscal year 2006 was for AIR and $8,000,000, or two-thirds of the increase was for AFS. Based on these figures, FAA states that the total new hires would have been 182 for AFS and 56 for AIR. The Committee directs the FAA to hire AFS and AIR staff consistent with the direction in the fiscal year 2006 Act to ensure that the funding increases provided in fiscal years 2006 and 2007 appropriations, plus the 2006 reprogramming result in the same proportional increase, for a total increase of 182 new staff in AFS safety staff and 56 new AIR staff. This funding should not affect FAA's plans for filling existing vacant positions in either AIR or AFS.
Further, funds provided for the offices of aircraft certification and flight standards are designated congressional items of interest. The Committee prohibits the reprogramming of funds between the two offices, or for any other purpose within or outside of the aviation safety office, including the hiring of other types of personnel within aviation safety. The Committee directs the Secretary to provide a summary by March 1, 2007 regarding the use of the funds provided, including, but not limited to the total full-time equivalent staff years in the offices of aircraft certification and flight standards, total employees, vacancies, positions under active recruitment to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
The Committee notes that loss of certification staff has negatively impacted the domestic aviation industry's ability to bring new products to the marketplace, which directly affects the aviation industry's global leadership and competitiveness.
Professional Aerial Application Support System.--The recommendation includes $50,000 to continue the National agricultural aviation research and education foundation's professional aerial application support system.
COMMERCIAL SPACE TRANSPORTATION
The Committee recommends $12,000,000 for the office of commercial space transportation, consistent with the budget request.
BASE TRANSFERS
Total funding for staff offices increased significantly from the fiscal year 2006 funding level. However, a significant portion of the increase results from a number of proposed activity and personnel transfers from other offices within the air traffic organization. The budget also proposed transfers among the staff offices. The Committee agrees that these transfers will properly align functions and positions among the offices.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
The Committee recommends $92,227,000 for the office of financial services, a reduction of $2,482,000 from the budget request. The President's budget proposed $16,200,000 for unanticipated increases in Delphi maintenance and operation costs. The Committee is concerned that DOT did not foresee an increase of this magnitude for the complex department-wide financial management system. Therefore, the Committee provides a total funding level of $13,800,000 for Delphi, and urges DOT to explore ways to maintain and operate the system more efficiently. In addition, the Committee provides a total of $482,000 to support 5 new positions at half-year funding for expanded contract oversight.
HUMAN RESOURCES
The Committee recommends $87,850,000, consistent with the budget request. The increase from fiscal year 2006 is due to base transfers for labor relations positions, payroll services, and human resources positions from other FAA offices. The Committee notes that FAA is expanding a successful pilot program began in fiscal year 2003 to better contain workers' compensation costs for the agency. FAA's target goal is to increase the total one-year workers compensation cost avoidance by two percent in fiscal year 2007.
REGION AND CENTER OPERATION
The Committee recommends $272,821,000 for the region and center operations, as requested.
STAFF OFFICES
Office of General Counsel.--The Committee recommends $38,186,000 for this office. The funding level provides a total of $229,890 for four new positions for expanded contract oversight at half year funding, representing a reduction of $575,000 below the budget request.
ACCOUNT-WIDE ADJUSTMENTS
Personnel compensation and benefits.--The recommendation includes a reduction of $8,000,000 in agency-wide personnel compensation and benefits costs due to budget constraints.
Unfilled executive positions.--The Committee recommends a reduction of $5,000,000, reflecting the unfilled roster of 18 executive positions in the agency, including 7 which were not under active recruitment. Past hearing records indicate that, at any given time, the agency is likely to have between 10 and 20 unfilled executive positions. For an agency with 159 executive positions, this level of openings may not be problematic. However, it does indicate excess costs are being budgeted for positions that are not likely to be filled in the entirety of the fiscal year.
Working capital fund costs.--The recommendation allows $23,913,000 for working capital fund costs, a reduction of $1,000,000 below the budget estimate.
BILL LANGUAGE
Manned auxiliary flight service stations.--The bill includes the limitation prohibiting funds from being used to operate a manned auxiliary flight service station in the contiguous United States. The FAA budget includes no funding to operate such stations during fiscal year 2007.
Second career training program.--Once again this year, the bill includes a prohibition on the use of funds for the second career training program. This prohibition has been in annual appropriations Acts for many years, and is included in the President's budget request.
Sunday premium pay.--The bill retains a provision begun in fiscal year 1995 which prohibits the FAA from paying Sunday premium pay except in those cases where the individual actually worked on a Sunday. The statute governing Sunday premium pay (5 U.S.C. 5546(a)) is very clear: `An employee who performs work during a regularly scheduled 8-hour period of service which is not overtime work as defined by section 5542(a) of this title a part of which is performed on Sunday is entitled to . . . premium pay at a rate equal to 25 percent of his rate of basic pay.' Disregarding the plain meaning of the statute and previous Comptroller General decisions, however, in Armitage v. United States, the Federal Circuit Court held in 1993 that employees need not actually perform work on a Sunday to receive premium pay. The FAA was required immediately to provide back pay totaling $37,000,000 for time scheduled but not actually worked between November 1986 and July 1993. Without this provision, the FAA would be liable for significant unfunded liabilities, to be financed by the agency's annual operating budget. This provision is identical to that in effect for fiscal years 1995 through 2006.
Aviation User Fees.--The bill includes a limitation carried for several years prohibiting funds from being used to finalize or implement any new unauthorized user fees.
Nonprofit safety standard setting organization.--The Committee retains a provision that allows the use of funds to enter into an agreement with a nonprofit standard setting organization to develop safety standards.
Aeronautical charting and cartography.--The bill maintains the provision which prohibits funds in this Act from being used to conduct aeronautical charting and cartography (AC&C) activities through the working capital fund (WCF). Public Law 106-181 authorized the transfer of these activities from the Department of Commerce to the FAA, a move which the Committee supported. The Committee believes this work should continue to be conducted by the FAA, and not administratively delegated to the WCF.
Store gift cards and gift certificates- The bill maintains the limitation in effect since fiscal year 2004 prohibiting FAA from using funds to purchase store gift cards or gift certificates through a government-issued credit card. This provision responds to abuses documented by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $2,514,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 2,503,000,000
Recommended in the bill 3,110,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +595,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +607,000,000
--------------------------------------------------
The Facilities and Equipment (F&E) account is the principal means for modernizing and improving air traffic control and airway facilities. The appropriation also finances major capital investments required by other agency programs, experimental research and development facilities, and other improvements to enhance the safety and capacity of the airspace system.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,110,000,000 for this program, an increase of $595,400,000 above the level provided for fiscal year 2006 and $607,000,000 above the budget estimate. The bill provides that of the total amount recommended, $2,662,100,000 is available for obligation until September 30, 2008, and $447,900,000 (the amount for personnel and related expenses) is available until September 30, 2007. These obligation availabilities are consistent with past appropriations Acts.
ENGINEERING, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).--The Committee acknowledges that FAA has established the ADS-B technology as the basis of a future surveillance system. However, the Committee is concerned that under the newly established program office, too much focus is being placed on interim ground-based solutions instead of further accelerating the implementation of ADS-B technology. The Committee recommends $100,000,000 for the funding of the ADS-B, of which $20,000,000 shall be directed to the Safe Flight 21 office for continuing research and development of air-to-air applications. The remaining amount is directed to the ADS-B program office. Provisions should be made for ensuring that this air-to-air research is translated into implementation across the national airspace system (NAS).
Chicago O'Hare.--The Committee is concerned that the FAA has not acted on its recommendations to improve the overall efficiency of operations at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport that impacts the NAS. While long-term solutions to airport congestion at O'Hare continue to be developed, immediate operational improvements can be implemented to ease flight departures, arrivals and ground movement of aircraft particularly in times of inclement weather. Therefore, the FAA shall make the following improvements to operations at O'Hare International Airport: 1) expeditiously deploy ASDE-X radar system to improve ground handling of aircraft; and 2) design procedures that allow for RNAV departures and arrivals.
ENROUTE PROGRAMS
Airport Surface Detection System--Model X (ASDE-X)- The Committee provides funding and provides $73,600,000 for ASDE-X, for an increase of $10,000,000 over the budget request. The additional funds will enable FAA to expedite site implementation and commission ASDE-X systems earlier than currently planned. Deploying ASDE-X earlier at these sites will make it possible to realize safety and efficiency benefits sooner, including better controller situational awareness in all weather conditions and reduced risk of Category A and B runway incursions.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Michigan.--The FAA is currently implementing multilateration technology to improve capacity in inclement weather conditions at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The Committee provides $8,000,000 to complete implementation at this airport.
Integrated control and monitoring system.--The Committee recommends $3,000,000 for continued procurement and installation, including site preparation, of the integrated control and monitoring system (ICMS). FAA is currently using ICMS in Denver, Seattle, Newark, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix, and is installing the system in six additional locations shortly. This system would offer significant benefits to other operational evolution plan (OEP) airports as well as others with substantial landing aids and lighting systems. The Committee expects the agency to obligate these funds within six months of enactment, and to install such systems at airports with the highest need.
TERMINAL PROGRAMS
Terminal air traffic control facilities replacement.--The Committee provides a total of $127,250,000 for this program, an increase of $3,250,000 over the budget request. Funds shall be distributed as follows:
| Kalamazoo, Michigan | $1,800,000 |
| West Palm Beach, Florida | 10,000,000 |
| Reno, Nevada | 2,500,000 |
| Cleveland, Ohio | 3,700,000 |
| Memphis, Tennessee | 22,400,000 |
| Jeffco, Colorado | 4,200,000 |
| Houston, Texas | 2,000,000 |
| Gulfport, Mississippi | 5,200,000 |
| Las Vegas, Nevada | 55,000,000 |
| Pensacola, Florida | 1,100,000 |
| Dayton, Ohio | 2,200,000 |
| Saint Louis, Missouri | 1,250,000 |
| Palm Springs, California | 2,000,000 |
FLIGHT SERVICE PROGRAMS
Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and GPS approaches- The Committee notes that the fiscal year 2007 budget request of $122,400,000 for the wide area augmentation system includes $17,000,000 for the development of additional approaches and flight procedures at the nation's non-part 139 certified airports. The Committee supports this effort, and has provided $132,400,000 for WAAS, an increase of $10,000,000 above the budget request. Additional funds are provided to publish WAAS approaches at airports at non-Part 139 airports without an existing ILS approach.
Loran-C- The Coast Guard has proposed terminating the LORAN C program in the President's budget request because this system is no longer necessary for a secondary means of navigation. The Committee understands that a decision to terminate LORAN C is dependent upon agreement by the Department of Transportation, which has not yet occurred. The Committee assumes the continuation of LORAN C since this decision has not been fully coordinated within the Executive Branch.
Terminal air modernization replacement (TAMR phase II).--The Committee provides a total of $36,450,000 for TAMR phase II. The $6,000,000 increase over the budget request will ensure full funding and accelerate the upgrade of nine high-risk sites, including the four Full Digital ARTS Display (FDAD) sites identified as critical to the NAS by the inspector general. These four sites are located in Chicago, Saint Louis, Denver, and Minneapolis.
LANDING AND NAVIGATION AIDS
Instrument landing system establishment.--The Committee provides $4,900,000 for this program, an increase of $900,000 over the budget request. Funds shall be distributed as follows:
| Nationwide | $4,000,000 |
| Completion of ILS at Northeastern Regional Airport, Edenton, North Carolina | 500,000 |
| Nationwide surveys | 400,000 |
The Committee directs the FAA to complete surveys to determine if the Hazard Airport, Kentucky; Boise Airport, Idaho; Orlando International Airport, Florida; and the March Air Force Base, California (consistent with the existing cooperative agreement) meet the FAA criteria for establishment or upgrade of an ILS in terms of cost and feasibility.
Approach lighting system improvement program.--The Committee provides $14,000,000 for this program, an increase of $2,000,000 over the budget request. Funds shall be distributed as follows:
| Nationwide | $12,000,000 |
| Continuation of ALS at Lehigh Valley International Airport, Pennsylvania | 1,000,000 |
| Continuation of MALSR at Arlington Municipal Airport | 1,000,000 |
MISSION SUPPORT
NAS information systems.--The Committee provides $14,000,000 to enable the agency to implement FAA requirements for logical access control to align with the common identification standards. This funding will allow the agency to meets its flight plan goal to defend the FAA NAS systems and networks against intrusion by unauthorized personnel. The Committee directs the FAA to provide the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations a summary of how the FAA plans to use the funds.
Center for advanced systems development.--The Committee provides $86,000,000 for the center for advanced systems development, an increase of $16,000,000 above the budget estimate, and equal to the fiscal year 2007 level.
Frequency and spectrum engineering.--The Committee recommendation includes $7,000,000 for frequency and spectrum engineering, an increase of $2,500,000 over the budget request. The additional funds are for the continued implementation of the NAS interference, detection, location, and mitigation for the purpose of monitoring, detecting and locating radio and digital signals affecting the NAS, including such signals as Ultra Wide Band and GPS.
PERSONNEL AND RELATED EXPENSES
The Committee recommends $447,900,000 for personnel and related expenses. This appropriation finances the installation and commissioning of new equipment and modernization of FAA facilities.
BILL LANGUAGE
Capital investment plan.--The bill continues to require the submission of a five year capital investment plan.
RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT
(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $136,620,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 130,000,000
Recommended in the bill 134,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -2,620,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +4,000,000
------------------------------------------------
This appropriation provides funding for long-term research, engineering and development programs to improve the air traffic control system and to raise the level of aviation safety, as authorized by the Airport and Airway Improvement Act and the Federal Aviation Act. The appropriation also finances the research, engineering and development needed to establish or modify federal air regulations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $134,000,000, and a decrease of $2,620,000 below the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and $4,000,000 above the President's budget request.
A table showing the fiscal year 2006 enacted level, the fiscal year 2007 budget estimate, and the Committee recommendation follows:
RESEARCH, ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Fiscal year 2006 enacted Fiscal year 2007 estimate Committee recommended
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Improve Commercial Aviation Safety: $96,040,000 $88,162,000 $88,162,000
Fire research and safety 6,182,000 6,638,000 6,638,000
Propulsion and fuel systems 5,741,000 4,048,000 4,048,000
Advanced materials/structural safety 5,881,000 2,843,000 5,843,000
Atmospheric hazards/digital system safety 3,407,000 3,848,000 3,848,000
Aging aircraft 19,807,000 18,621,000 18,621,000
Aircraft catastrophic failure prevention 3,306,000 1,512,000 1,512,000
Flightdeck safety/systems integration 8,099,000 7,999,000 7,999,000
Aviation safety risk analysis 4,883,000 5,292,000 5,292,000
ATC/AF human factors 9,558,000 9,654,000 9,654,000
Aeromedical research 8,800,000 6,962,000 6,962,000
Weather research 20,376,000 19,545,000 19,545,000
Unmanned aircraft system 1,200,000
Improve Efficiency of the ATC System: 20,192,000 21,166,000 21,166,000
Joint program and development office 17,919,000 18,100,000 18,100,000
Wake turbulence 2,273,000 3,066,000 3,066,000
Reduce Environmental Impacts: 15,840,000 16,008,000 16,008,000
Environment and energy 15,840,000 16,008,000 16,008,000
Mission Support: 4,548,000 4,664,000 4,664,000
System planning and resource mgmt 1,189,000 1,234,000 1,234,000
Technical laboratory facilities 3,359,000 3,430,000 3,430,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced Materials/Structural Safety.--Within the funds provided for advanced material/structural safety, $3,000,000 is for the National Institute for Aviation Research to continue critical aviation research.
Joint Planning and Development Office.--The bill includes $18,100,000, as requested, for FAA's contribution to the multi-agency Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO). This office involves the Departments of Defense, Commerce, and Homeland Security, FAA, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in developing a national plan for the transformation of air transportation. This plan is expected to establish a vision for the future air transportation system, set national aerospace goals, and provide a forum to engage industry and customer input. It is an advisory committee as defined in the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
GRANTS-IN-AID FOR AIRPORTS
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(RESCISSION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidation of contract authorization Limitation on obligations
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $3,399,000,000 ($3,514,500,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 4,000,000,000 (2,750,000,000)
Recommended in the bill 4,171,000,000 (3,700,000,000)
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +772,000,000 (+185,500,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +171,000,000 (+950,000,000)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The bill includes a liquidating cash appropriation of $4,171,000,000 for grants-in-aid for airports, authorized by the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, as amended. This funding provides for liquidation of obligations incurred pursuant to contract authority and annual limitations on obligations for grants-in-aid for airport planning and development, noise compatibility and planning, the military airport program, reliever airports, airport program administration, and other authorized activities. This is $171,000,000 above the amount requested in the President's budget and $772,000,000 above the level enacted for fiscal year 2006.
LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS
The bill includes a limitation on obligations of $3,700,000,000 for fiscal year 2007. This is $950,000,000 above the President's budget request and $185,000,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level.
DISCRETIONARY GRANTS
Within the overall obligation limitation in this bill, funding of about $965,000,000 is available for discretionary grants to airports.
ADMINISTRATION AND RESEARCH PROGRAMS
The bill provides that, within the overall obligation limitation, $74,971,000 is available for administration of the airports program by the FAA. In addition, $10,000,000 is for the airport cooperative research pilot program, and up to $17,870,000 for the airport technology research. These levels are consistent with the request level. Of the funds provided for airport technology research, $1,000,000 is for alkali silica research.
HIGH PRIORITY PROJECTS
Of the funds covered by the obligation limitation in this bill, the Committee directs FAA to provide not less than the following funding levels, out of available resources, for the following projects in the corresponding amounts. The Committee agrees that state apportionment funds may be construed as discretionary funds for the purposes of implementing this provision. To the maximum extent possible, the administrator should work to ensure that airport sponsors for these projects first use available entitlement funds to finance the projects. However, the FAA should not require sponsors to apply carryover entitlement to discretionary projects funded in the coming year, but only those entitlements applicable to the fiscal year 2007 obligation limitation. The Committee further directs that the specific funding allocated above shall not diminish or prejudice the application of a specific airport or geographic region to receive other AIP discretionary grants or mulityear letters of intent.
| Access Control System, Chattanooga Airport, TN | $500,000 |
| Airport Expansion Master Plan, Council Bluffs, IA | 1,000,000 |
| Airport, Taxiway Alpha, Albany, GA | 750,000 |
| Airside Improvements, Jacksonville Airport, FL | 1,000,000 |
| Alamance County Regional Airport Runway Extension, NC | 1,000,000 |
| Albert Whitted Airport Ramp Design/Construction, FL | 200,000 |
| Alliance Airport Runway Extension Project, TX | 500,000 |
| Alliance Airport Runway Extension, Fort Worth, TX | 2,000,000 |
| Altus/Quartz Mountain Regional Airport Runway Rehabilitation, OK | 150,000 |
| Anson County Airport Improvements, NC | 1,000,000 |
| Atlantic City International Airport Terminal Apron, NJ | 1,000,000 |
| Aurora Airport, IL, Various Improvements | 2,000,000 |
| Bemidji Regional Airport Development, MN | 500,000 |
| Bishop Airport, Cargo Apron Expansion, MI | 1,500,000 |
| Chattanooga Airport Runway Project, Feasibility Study, TN | 1,000,000 |
| Cherokee County Airport Authority Improvements, GA | 1,500,000 |
| Cherokee County North Carolina Airport Improvement | 2,000,000 |
| City of Detroit Airport Gateway Plan, MI | 1,500,000 |
| Concord Regional Airport Improvements and Land Acquisition, NC | 1,500,000 |
| Cuyahoga County Airport Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation, OH | 800,000 |
| Devils Lake Airport, ND | 800,000 |
| DuPage Airport, Various Improvements, IL | 1,500,000 |
| Gary/Chicago Airport, Gary, IN | 1,000,000 |
| Greenwood County Airport Runway Extension Study, SC | 100,000 |
| Halifax Northampton Regional Airport, NC Runway | 500,000 |
| Houma-Terrebonne Airport Taxiway and Runway, LA | 750,000 |
| Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport Noise Project, TX | 750,000 |
| Huron County Regional Airport Taxiway Construction, MI | 150,000 |
| Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport Study, IN | 750,000 |
| Jackson International Airport Improvements, MS | 500,000 |
| Kalamazoo Battle Creek Airport Terminal, MI | 750,000 |
| L.O. Simentstad Municipal Airport, Osceola, WI | 1,500,000 |
| Lafayette Airport, Upgrades, LA | 1,000,000 |
| Lawrence-Vincennes Municipal Airport Terminal Development, IL | 750,000 |
| Lewis Airport Improvements and Land Acquisition, Romeoville, IL | 1,000,000 |
| Lincoln Regional Airport Arrival/Departure Building, CA | 350,000 |
| Louisville Airport Authority Capacity Enhancements, KY | 2,000,000 |
| Mangham Regional Airport Expansion, Nacogdoches, TX | 200,000 |
| Manitowoc County Airport Improvements, Manitowoc, WI | 750,000 |
| McAllen-Miller Airport Mission Pilot Channel Reroute, TX | 700,000 |
| Middle Georgia Regional Airport, GA | 800,000 |
| Midfield Replacement Terminal, Springfield, MO | 2,500,000 |
| Mobile Downtown Airport Apron Rehabilitation, Mobile, AL | 500,000 |
| Monroe Regional Airport, New Terminal, LA | 2,000,000 |
| New Bedford, MA Airport Safety Upgrades | 100,000 |
| New River Valley Airport, Runway Rehabilitation, VA | 600,000 |
| NFIA Circulatory Road and Apron, Niagara County, NY | 1,000,000 |
| Parallel Runway, Kellogg Airport, Battle Creek, MI | 750,000 |
| Parallel Runway, St. Lucie International Airport, FL | 1,000,000 |
| Parallel Taxiway Construction Ogden-Hinckley Airport, UT | 750,000 |
| Pellston Regional Airport Expansion, Pellston, MI | 350,000 |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Noise Reduction, AZ | 1,700,000 |
| Reconstruct West Apron, Harlingen Airport, TX | 600,000 |
| Rehabilitate Runway, CVG, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport, Boone, KY | 2,000,000 |
| Resurface Runway, Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, PA | 1,500,000 |
| Rochester Airport Ramp and Safety Improvements, NC | 1,000,000 |
| Rockingham County Airport Improvements, NC | 500,000 |
| Runway 13-31E Reconstruction at BNA, TN | 500,000 |
| Runway 7-25 Rehabilitation, NNWIA, VA | 1,000,000 |
| Runway Upgrade Phase I, Garfield County Regional Airport, CO | 1,500,000 |
| Sacramento County Airport System Master Plan, CA | 300,000 |
| Saline County Airport, AR | 700,000 |
| San Jose International Airport Guard Lights, CA | 400,000 |
| Sawyer County Airport, WI | 1,500,000 |
| Sheboygan County Memorial Airport Improvements, Sheboygan, WI | 500,000 |
| Somerset Airport Land Acquisition for Obstruction Removal, KY | 1,000,000 |
| St. Cloud Airport Improvements, MN | 150,000 |
| St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport Terminal Renovation, FL | 500,000 |
| Stanly County Airport Improvements, NC | 1,000,000 |
| Statesville Airport Improvement Project, NC | 750,000 |
| Subsurface Wetland Glycol Treatment, Buffalo, NY | 1,250,000 |
| Taylor County Airport, Medford, WI | 2,000,000 |
| Terminal Improvements Roberts Field--Redmond, OR | 950,000 |
| Terminal Improvements, Augusta Regional Airport, GA | 2,000,000 |
| Texarkana Regional Airport Passenger Terminal, TX | 750,000 |
| Toledo Express Airport, Air Cargo Operations, OH | 750,000 |
| Turner County Airport Revitalization, GA | 250,000 |
| Tuscaloosa Regional Airport Master Plan Update, AL | 200,000 |
| Twin County Airport, Airport Safety Area, Carroll County, VA | 200,000 |
| Williams Gateway Airport Taxiway Improvements, AZ | 2,000,000 |
BILL LANGUAGE
Runway incursion prevention systems and devices.--Consistent with the provisions of Public Law 106-181 and the fiscal year 2004 through 2006 Appropriations Acts, the bill allows funds under this limitation to be used for airports to procure and install runway incursion prevention systems and devices.
Small community air service development program.--The bill specifies that $20,000,000 of the total amount limited is available to continue the small community air service development program.
Administration and research programs.--The bill provides that, within the overall obligation limitation, $74,971,000 is available for administration of the airports program by the FAA. The Committee also provides $10,000,000 is for the airport cooperative research pilot program, and up to $17,870,000 for the airport technology research.
(RESCISSION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Rescission, fiscal year 2006 -$1,032,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -1,582,000,000
Recommended in the bill -25,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -1,007,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -1,557,000,000
---------------------------------------------------
The Committee recommendation includes a rescission of contract authorization of $25,000,000 from contract authority in fiscal year 2006 that `popped-up' above the obligation limitation available for that fiscal year due to the 1 percent across the board cut. Therefore, this rescission has no effect on any grants-in-aid program. The proposed rescission is a result of section 107 of AIR-21 (P.L. 106-181). This section specified that, in the event appropriations for the facilities and equipment program were less than authorized in a given fiscal year, additional contract authorization would automatically be made available for the grants-in-aid for airports program. The Committee understands that the legislative committees intended to provide flexibility in meeting the funding guarantees, by allowing the Appropriations Committees to meet the guarantee by providing a single, combined total of funding for the F&E and grants-in-aid programs rather than hitting the precise authorized amounts for each as specified in the authorization Act. Because the Appropriations Committees are not provided an allocation of budget authority for the grants-in-aid program, section 107 provided automatic budget authority for this purpose. The Committee continues to disagree with the Congressional Budget Offices' scoring of this provision.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Section 110. The Committee retains a provision requiring FAA to accept landing systems, lighting systems, and associated equipment procured by airports, subject to certain criteria.
Section 111. The Committee retains, with modification, a provision limiting the number of technical workyears at the Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development. The modification raises the limitation from 375 in fiscal year 2006 to 380 in fiscal year 2007.
Section 112. The Committee retains a provision prohibiting FAA from requiring airport sponsors to provide the agency `without cost' building construction, maintenance, utilities and expenses, or space in sponsor-owned buildings, except in the case of certain specified exceptions.
Section 113. The Committee retains a provision allowing reimbursement of funds for providing technical assistance to foreign aviation authorities to be credited to the operations account.
Section 114. The Committee retains a provision prohibiting funds to change weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro Airport, Teterboro, New Jersey.
Section 115. The Committee continues a provision extending the current terms and conditions of FAA's aviation insurance program, commonly known as the `war risk insurance' program, for one additional year, from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2007. Although the underlying program is authorized until March 2008, certain provisions including premium price caps were set to expire at the end of this calendar year. The Committee recommendation preserves the status quo under this program, a savings of $125,000,000 from the budget estimate. Savings accrue because the bill's provisions result in additional revenue from insurance premiums, which were assumed to be zero in the budget estimate for fiscal year 2007.
Section 116. The Committee retains a provision that prohibits funds for engineering work related to an additional runway at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans, Louisiana.
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides financial assistance to the states to construct and improve roads and highways, and provides technical assistance to other agencies and organizations involved in road building activities. Title 23 of the United States Code and other supporting legislation provide authority for the various activities of the FHWA. Funding is provided by contract authority, with program levels established by annual limitations on obligations set in Appropriations Acts.
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), enacted August 10, 2005, provides for increased transportation infrastructure investment, strengthens transportation safety and environmental programs, and continues core research activities. SAFETEA-LU also amended the Budget Enforcement Act to continue two discretionary spending categories, one of which is the highway category. This category is comprised of all federal-aid highways funding, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's motor carrier safety funding, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) highway safety grants funding and NHTSA highway safety research and development funding. If appropriations action forces highway obligations to exceed this level, the resulting difference in outlays is charged to the discretionary spending category. In addition, beginning in fiscal year 2007 if receipts into the highway account of the highway trust fund exceed levels specified in SAFETEA-LU, automatic adjustments are made to increase or decrease obligations and outlays for the highway category accordingly. Additional resources provided by this automatic spending mechanism are called revenue-aligned budget authority (RABA).
SUMMARY OF FISCAL YEAR 2007 PROGRAM
SAFETEA-LU caps the highway category obligations at $39,460,710,516 in fiscal year 2007 and federal-aid highway obligations at $38,244,210,516. In addition, the provisions of SAFETEA-LU require an increase of $842,254,167 in fiscal year 2007 in federal-aid highway funding due to RABA. This combined total highway funding level of $39,086,464,683 represents almost a 10% increase over the fiscal year 2006 enacted level of $35,550,788,034.
The Committee's recommendation is consistent with the levels guaranteed by SAFETEA-LU, as adjusted for RABA. The following table summarizes the program levels within the FHWA for fiscal year 2006 enacted, the fiscal year 2007 budget request and the Committee's recommendation:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Fiscal year 2006 enacted Fiscal year 2007 request Recomended in the bill
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal-aid highways $35,550,788,034 1 $38,244,210,516 $38,244,210,516
Revenue aligned budget authority (RABA) - - - 842,254,167 842,254,167
Subtotal 35,550,788,034 39,086,464,683 39,086,464,683
Exempt contract authority 739,000,000 739,000,000 739,000,000
Subtotal 36,289,778,034 39,825,464,683 39,825,464,683
Emergency relief program--P.L. 109-148 (GF) 2,750,000,000 - - - - - -
Appalachian development highway system (GF) 19,800,000 - - - - - -
Rescission of contract authority -3,142,999,000 - - - -2,164,453,027
Total 35,916,589,034 39,825,464,683 37,661,011,656
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 ($360,991,620)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 (372,504,000)
Recommended in the bill (372,504,000)
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 (+11,512,380)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 (- - -)
--------------------------------------------------
This limitation controls spending for the salaries and expenses of the FHWA required to conduct and administer the federal-aid highway program, highway-related research, and most other federal highway programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of $372,504,000, consistent with the budget request and $11,512,380 above the fiscal year 2006 level. This funding level is sufficient to fund 2,430 full time equivalent staff years (FTE).
Congressional budget justifications- The Committee is disappointed by the poor quality of the FHWA's budget submission for fiscal year 2007, particularly with the lack of information provided for the agency's research and technology programs. For example, the budget submission fails to include basic descriptive budgetary data, such as tables showing funding amounts for each research program, as well as justifications and descriptions for these programs. The budget submission also fails to identify changes in legislative language being requested by the agency. The Committee cannot evaluate the merit of bill language if the language is not included; a short description with little to no information is unacceptable. The Committee understands that the FHWA recently hired a new budget officer and is optimistic that this new hire will bring about positive changes. The Committee expects to see improved budget justifications next year and, to this end, directs the FHWA to submit its fiscal year 2008 Congressional justification materials at the same level of detail provided in the fiscal year 2003 Congressional justifications. Furthermore, the Committee directs the FHWA to include funding levels for the prior year, current year, and budget year for all programs, activities, initiatives, and program elements. The budget submission must also include detailed justification for requested FTE and funding increases, by program, activity, and program element, as well as legislative language for all proposed programs and provisions.
Unobligated balances in miscellaneous accounts- The Committee is concerned that the FHWA is doing little to identify unneeded balances of unobligated highway project funds. These no-year funds, which have been designated for specific purposes and geographic locations, cannot be used for another project without legislative action. As a result, these funds remain unobligated indefinitely. In a 2004 report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) noted that the FHWA was not routinely reviewing these unobligated project funds and identified $16,407,909 that could be rescinded. In a subsequent May 2006 report, GAO identified an additional $12,177,194 for rescission. The Committee is concerned that the FHWA is not routinely reviewing projects with unneeded balances and is instead waiting for outside parties to initiate reviews. Therefore, the Committee directs the FHWA to submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by February 1, 2007, detailing how the agency is addressing GAO's recommendations. The report should describe the process for reviewing unobligated project funds, as well as notifying Congress of those projects where legislative action is needed.
In addition, the Committee understands that section 1603 of SAFETEA-LU addresses the use of excess funds and funds for inactive projects that were allocated before fiscal year 1991. The Committee directs the FHWA to include with the fiscal year 2008 budget submission a description of any action taken under that section in fiscal year 2006.
George Washington Memorial Parkway feasibility study.--The Committee directs the FHWA to work with the National Park Service to determine the feasibility of extending a third southbound lane of the George Washington Memorial Parkway from the Key Bridge to the Roosevelt Memorial Bridge in Arlington, Virginia. The FHWA shall assist the National Park Service in the preparation of a report which must be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of such an extension.
LIMITATION ON TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 ($425,502,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 (429,800,000)
Recommended in the bill (429,800,000)
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 (+4,298,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 (- - -)
--------------------------------------------------
This limitation controls spending for the transportation research and technology contract programs of the FHWA. It includes a number of contract programs including surface transportation research, training and education, university transportation research, and intelligent transportation systems research. Funding for the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) is also included within this limitation even though BTS is organizationally placed within the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). Additional information regarding BTS is included in the RITA section of this report.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The recommendation includes an obligation limitation for transportation research of $429,800,000 in fiscal year 2007 for the following transportation research programs:
---------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
Surface transportation research $196,400,000
Training and education 26,700,000
Bureau of transportation statistics 27,000,000
University transportation research 69,700,000
Intelligent transportation systems research 110,000,000
Total 429,800,000
---------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidation of contract authorization Limitation on obligations
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $36,032,343,903 ($35,550,788,034) 1
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 39,086,000,000 (39,086,464,683)
Recommended in the bill 39,086,464,683 (39,086,464,683)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +3,054,120,780 (+3,535,676,649)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +464,683 (- - -)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The federal-aid highways (FAH) program is designed to aid in the development, operations and management of an intermodal transportation system that is economically efficient, environmentally sound, provides the foundation for the nation to compete in the global economy, and moves people and goods safely.
All programs included within FAH are financed from the highway trust fund and most are distributed via apportionments and allocations to states. The FAH program is funded by contract authority in SAFETEA-LU and liquidating cash appropriations are subsequently provided to fund outlays resulting from obligations incurred under contract authority.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a liquidating cash appropriation of $39,086,464,683. This is the amount required to pay the outstanding obligations of the highway program at levels provided in this Act and prior appropriations Acts.
LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS
The bill includes language limiting fiscal year 2007 federal-aid highways obligations to $39,086,464,683, consistent with the SAFETEA-LU highway funding guarantees as adjusted for RABA. Of the amount provided under RABA, an amount to be calculated is available to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for the motor carrier safety grant program and bill language is included to transfer this funding to FMCSA.
The Committee has also included bill language, as was enacted last year, that allows the secretary to charge and collect fees from the applicant for a direct loan, guaranteed loan, or line of credit to cover the cost of the financial and legal analyses performed on behalf of the department. These fees are not subject to any obligation limitation or the limitation on administrative expenses set for the transportation infrastructure finance and innovation program under section 608 of title 23, United States Code.
Although the following table reflects an estimated distribution of obligations by program category, the bill includes a limitation applicable only to the total of certain federal-aid spending. The following table indicates estimated obligations by program within the $39,086,464,683 provided by this Act and additional resources made available by permanent law:
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS ESTIMATED OBLIGATION LIMITATION BY PROGRAM
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Programs FY 2005 limitation FY 2006 limitation FY 2007 est.limitation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject to limitation:
Surface Transportation Program $5,475,931 $5,139,465 6,143,138
National Highway System 4,678,055 4,879,210 4,853,549
Interstate Maintenance 3,829,247 3,994,609 4,776,773
Bridge Program 3,271,421 3,412,935 4,081,561
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement 1,336,163 1,393,288 1,665,247
Highway Safety Improvement Program - - - 866,641 1,014,618
Equity Bonus 6,828,645 5,858,197 7,359,857
Surface Transportation Research Program 152,453 169,159 188,811
University Transportation Research, Training and Education 52,086 83,029 92,675
ITS Standards, Research and Development 85,386 94,743 105,750
ITS Deployment 94,701 - - - - - -
Bureau of Transportation Statistics 26,263 26,730 27,280
Federal Lands Highways 630,538 701,440 854,650
High Priority Projects 2,536,272 2,554,960 2,851,782
Projects of National and Regional Significance 152,105 306,451 427,565
National Corridor Infrastructure Improvement Program 166,554 335,562 468,183
Transportation Improvements 218,473 440,165 614,126
Appalachian Development Highway System 385,374 395,296 446,970
Transportation, Community, and System Preservation Program 21,375 52,755 358,883
Other Programs 4,032,584 4,380,083 2,265,255
Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation (TIFIA) 104,310 105,079 117,286
Administration 341,485 360,992 372,504
Total Subject to Obligation Limitation 34,419,420 35,550,788 39,086,465
Emergency Relief Program 100,000 100,000 100,000
Equity Bonus 639,000 639,000 639,000
Total Exempt Programs 739,000 739,000 739,000
37,095,492 39,039,788 39,825,465 - - -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table reflects the estimated distribution of the federal-aid limitation by state:
ESTIMATED FY 2007 OBLIGATION LIMITATION
[In thousands of dollars]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Formula Obligation Limitation Formula Obligation Limitation RABA Equity Bonus Appalachian Development Highways Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama $548,200 $6,932 $49,514 $27,803 $632,448
Alaska 234,629 4,058 44,953 0 283,640
Arizona 531,148 9,833 54,387 0 595,368
Arkansas 368,026 4,539 28,040 0 400,605
California 2,778,209 50,276 145,364 0 2,973,850
Colorado 386,101 7,192 18,226 0 411,519
Connecticut 390,861 4,716 34,746 0 430,324
Delaware 122,165 1,507 3,464 0 127,136
District of Columbia 129,766 1,442 0 0 131,208
Florida 1,345,091 26,230 171,589 0 1,542,910
Georgia 971,216 18,912 113,040 17,040 1,120,208
Hawaii 130,372 1,608 4,694 0 136,674
Idaho 210,115 2,636 21,033 0 233,784
Illinois 1,013,190 19,098 65,256 0 1,097,544
Indiana 703,075 13,379 76,653 0 793,106
Iowa 339,393 6,186 3,012 0 348,591
Kansas 326,808 3,639 1,201 0 331,648
Kentucky 445,166 6,027 29,265 65,207 545,665
Louisiana 474,012 5,526 18,002 0 497,540
Maine 147,155 1,820 0 0 148,975
Maryland 464,625 8,769 24,454 6,099 503,947
Massachusetts 514,054 5,834 15,592 0 535,479
Michigan 910,643 16,515 59,244 0 986,401
Minnesota 494,480 9,441 32,938 0 536,858
Mississippi 351,018 5,157 17,376 5,042 378,593
Missouri 699,480 8,215 39,809 0 747,505
Montana 270,304 3,383 28,177 0 301,863
Nebraska 229,456 2,647 3,000 0 235,103
Nevada 195,480 3,948 10,750 0 210,178
New Hampshire 139,154 1,607 6,610 0 147,371
New Jersy 767,970 14,227 52,968 0 835,165
New Mexico 282,590 3,365 18,444 0 304,399
New York 1,366,034 16,028 58,046 21,467 1,461,574
North Carolina 779,871 15,308 75,757 36,363 907,299
North Dakota 192,539 2,233 4,198 0 198,970
Ohio 1,047,877 19,884 81,721 19,517 1,169,000
Oklahoma 465,604 8,380 19,266 0 493,250
Oregon 354,111 4,219 6,124 0 364,454
Pennsylvania 1,263,460 15,672 75,171 98,347 1,452,651
Rhode Island 155,474 1,883 0 0 157,356
South Carolina 456,633 8,686 39,627 2,762 507,707
South Dakota 200,028 2,483 10,343 0 212,854
Tennessee 605,013 12,060 47,765 33,257 698,095
Texas 2,330,764 43,408 228,337 0 2,602,509
Utah 214,770 2,682 9,396 0 226,848
Vermont 134,835 1,617 0 0 136,452
Virginia 743,028 14,357 64,750 31,796 853,930
Washington 530,117 9,319 5,358 0 544,794
West Virginia 241,452 3,848 15,979 82,269 343,548
Wisconsin 550,530 6,782 57,813 0 615,125
Wyoming 206,506 2,378 8,552 0 217,436
Subtotal 28,752,597 469,890 2,000,000 446,970 31,669,457
High Priority Projects 2,821,046 30,736 0 0 2,851,782
Allocated Programs 4,223,597 341,629 0 0 4,565,226
Total Limitation 35,797,241 842,254 2,000,000 446,970 39,086,465
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal-aid highways and bridges are managed through a federal-state partnership. States and localities maintain ownership and responsibility for maintenance, repair and new construction of roads. State highway departments have the authority to initiate federal-aid projects subject to FHWA approval of plans, specifications, and cost estimates. The federal government provides financial support for construction and repair through matching grants, the terms of which vary with the type of road.
There are almost four million miles of public roads in the United States and approximately 594,000 bridges. The federal government provides grants to states to assist in financing the construction and preservation of about 971,000 miles (24 percent) of these roads, which represents the National Highway System plus key feeder and collector routes. Highways eligible for federal aid carry about 85 percent of total U.S. highway traffic.
Under SAFETEA-LU, federal-aid highways funds are made available through the following major programs:
Surface transportation program (STP)- STP is a flexible program that may be used by states and localities for projects on any federal-aid highway, bridge projects on any public road, transit capital projects, and intracity and intercity bus terminals and facilities. A portion of STP funds are set aside for transportation enhancements and state sub-allocations are provided. The federal share for STP is generally 80 percent, subject to the sliding scale adjustment, with a four-year availability period.
National highway system (NHS)- The NHS program provides funding for a designated National Highway System consisting of roads that are of primary federal interest. The NHS consists of the current Interstate, other rural principal arterials, urban freeways and connecting urban principal arterials, and facilities on the Defense Department's designated Strategic Highway Network, and roads connecting the NHS to intermodal facilities. Legislation designating the 161,000 mile system was enacted in 1995 and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) added to the system the highways and connections to transportation facilities identified in the May 24, 1996 report to Congress. The federal share for the NHS program is generally 80 percent, subject to the sliding scale adjustment, with an availability period of four-years.
Interstate maintenance (IM) program.--The IM program finances projects to rehabilitate, restore, resurface and reconstruct the Interstate system. Reconstruction that increases capacity, other than HOV lanes, is not eligible for IM funds. The federal share for the IM program is 90 percent, subject to the sliding scale adjustment, and funds are available for four years.
Funds provided for the Interstate maintenance discretionary program in fiscal year 2007 shall be available for the following activities in the corresponding amounts:
| Alameda County I-580 HOV Lane, CA | $1,000,000 |
| Cactus Avenue, NV | 500,000 |
| Depression of Belt Line Road Below Grade at I-35, TX | 750,000 |
| I-10--Grove Avenue, Ontario, CA | 750,000 |
| I-10 Improvement Project, Western Maricopa County, AZ | 750,000 |
| I-10 Ramon Road/Bob Hope Interchange, CA | 500,000 |
| I-15 Bluff Interchange, St. George, UT | 1,000,000 |
| I-15, Mile Post 4 Interchange, Bloomington, UT | 500,000 |
| I-15/Base Line Road Interchange, Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 750,000 |
| I-20 in Ouachita Parish, LA | 500,000 |
| I-20 Transportation Corridor Program, Lincoln Parish, LA | 1,000,000 |
| I-205 and MacArthur Interchange Improvement, Tracy, CA | 1,250,000 |
| I-225 at Colfax (US40) and 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO | 500,000 |
| I-235 Reconstruction in Des Moines, IA | 1,250,000 |
| I-235 Stormwater Management, Des Moines, IA | 500,000 |
| I-25 and Lincoln Avenue Interchange, Douglas County CO | 250,000 |
| I-25, through Northeastern Colorado, from Highway 52 to Highway 14, CO | 500,000 |
| I-25/SH 16 Interchange, Colorado Springs, CO | 500,000 |
| I-265 Rehl Road Interchange Planning and Development, KY | 400,000 |
| I-29/52nd Avenue South Interchange Reconstruction, ND | 500,000 |
| I-35 Bridge Repair at Midway Road, MN | 500,000 |
| I-35 Snake River Bridge, MN | 500,000 |
| I-40 and Coors Interchange, NM | 1,750,000 |
| I-40 Reconstruction from I-240 East to Choctaw Road, Oklahoma City, OK | 1,100,000 |
| I-40 Rehabilitation and Improvements, NC | 500,000 |
| I-430/630 Interchange Improvements, Little, Rock, AR | 300,000 |
| I-471 Interchange KY8, Campbell, KY | 1,600,000 |
| I-5 and Ortega Highway (SR-74) Interchange Reconstruction, San Juan Capistrano, CA | 750,000 |
| I-5 Trade Corridor, OR | 500,000 |
| I-5/Cosumnes River Boulevard Extension, CA | 1,000,000 |
| I-5/Louise Avenue Interchange Improvements, CA | 400,000 |
| I-5/North Macadam Freeway Ramp Improvements OR | 1,000,000 |
| I-540 Interchange Improvements, Northwest AR | 500,000 |
| I-540 Western Wake Freeway, NC | 600,000 |
| I-55 at Weber Road, St. Louis County, MO | 400,000 |
| I-65/222 Interchange in Cullman County, AL | 1,500,000 |
| I-66 Northern Bypass of Somerset, KY | 1,000,000 |
| I-66 Pike County, KY | 500,000 |
| I-66 Somerset to London, KY | 1,500,000 |
| I-69, TN | 750,000 |
| I-70 at SH 340, CO | 500,000 |
| I-70 West at Empire Junction in Clear Creek County, CO | 500,000 |
| I-73 Construction, NC Border to I-95, SC | 600,000 |
| I-75 Corridor between Exits 38 and 41, KY | 500,000 |
| I-75/Griffin Road Interchange, FL | 500,000 |
| I-76 Corridor from Fort Morgan to the Nebraska State Line, CO | 500,000 |
| I-77 Interchange, Cornelius, NC | 500,000 |
| I-84, US-93 Interchange, State 2, ID | 500,000 |
| I-85 New Interchange, Troup County, GA | 250,000 |
| I-93 P&D Construction, Andover, Tewksbury, and Wilmington, MA | 500,000 |
| I-95 and SC-327 Interchange Improvement Project, SC | 2,000,000 |
| I-95/I-495 New Greenbelt Metro Station Access Interchange, MD | 1,200,000 |
| I-95/Lewistown road, Hanover, VA | 1,650,000 |
| Improvements to I-35 Access and Local roads, from the Red River North 7 miles, Love County, OK | 500,000 |
| Intersection of US50 and I-275, Dearborn County, IN | 1,500,000 |
| Intersection, I-49 and Highway 190, St. Landry Parish, LA | 500,000 |
| Latson Road and I-96 Interchange, Brighton, MI | 500,000 |
| Lee County I-20 Frontage road, US-15 to SC-341, SC | 1,000,000 |
| Mesa del Sol I-25 Interchange, NM | 1,000,000 |
| Noise Wall between I-285 and Lantern Ridge, GA | 500,000 |
| North Ontario Interchange, OR | 500,000 |
| Southern Nevada Beltway Interchanges, NV | 500,000 |
| Stapleton I-70 Interchange, Denver, CO | 500,000 |
| TH 169 and I-494 Interchange, MN | 500,000 |
| Widen I-66 Westbound Inside the Capital Beltway, VA | 2,000,000 |
Bridge replacement and rehabilitation program.--The bridge program enables states to improve the condition of their bridges through replacement, rehabilitation, and systematic preventive maintenance. The funds are available for use on all bridges, including those on roads functionally classified as rural minor collectors and as local. Bridge program funds have a four-year period of availability with a federal share for all projects, except those on the Interstate System, of 80 percent, subject to the sliding scale adjustment. For those bridges on the Interstate System, the federal share is 90 percent, subject to the sliding scale adjustment.
There is a set-aside of $100,000,000 from the fiscal year 2007 funding for the bridge program that is designated for specific projects listed in SAFETEA-LU.
Congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program (CMAQ)- The CMAQ program directs funds toward transportation projects and programs to help meet and maintain national ambient air quality standards for ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. A minimum 1/2 percent of the apportionment is guaranteed to each state.
Highway safety improvement program (HSIP).--The new HSIP (previously funded by a set-aside from STP) was established as a core program beginning in 2006. The program, which features strategic safety planning and performance, devotes additional resources and supports innovative approaches to reducing highway fatalities and injuries on all public roads.
Appalachian development highway system.--This program makes funds available to construct highways and access roads under section 201 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965. Under SAFETEA-LU, funding is authorized at $470,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009; is available until expended; and is distributed among the 13 eligible states based on the latest available cost-to-complete estimate prepared by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Equity bonus program.--The equity bonus (replaces TEA-21's minimum guarantee) provides additional funds to states to ensure that each state's total funding from apportioned programs and for High Priority Projects meets certain equity considerations. Each state is guaranteed a minimum rate of return on its share of contributions to the highway account of the highway trust fund, and a minimum increase relative to the average dollar amount of apportionments under TEA-21. Certain states will maintain the share of total apportionments they each received during TEA-21. An open-ended authorization is provided, ensuring that there will be sufficient funds to meet the objectives of the equity bonus.
Emergency relief (ER).--The ER program provides funds for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and bridges and federally-owned roads and bridges that have suffered serious damage as the result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures. The ER program supplements the commitment of resources by states, their political subdivisions, or federal agencies to help pay for unusually heavy expenses resulting from extraordinary conditions.
Federal lands.--This category funds improvement for forest highways; park roads and parkways; Indian reservation roads; and refuge roads. The federal lands highways program provides for transportation planning, research, engineering, and construction of highways, roads, parkways, and transit facilities that provide access to or within public lands, national parks, and Indian reservations.
Funds provided for the federal lands program in fiscal year 2007 shall be available for the following activities in the corresponding amounts:
| 14th Street Bridge/GW Parkway Improvements, VA | $2,000,000 |
| Baltimore/Washington Parkway Gateway, Baltimore, MD | 700,000 |
| Bear River Access Road, Brigham City, UT | 1,250,000 |
| Boulder City Bypass, NV | 1,000,000 |
| Chassahowitzka Refuge Access Road Improvement, FL | 400,000 |
| Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Recreation Trail, DE | 1,700,000 |
| City of Rocks Back Country Byway, ID | 2,000,000 |
| Doyle Drive Replacement, Golden Gate Bridge Access, CA | 4,000,000 |
| FH-24, Banks to Lowman, ID | 1,700,000 |
| Forest Service Highway #2 in Winston County, AL | 1,200,000 |
| Fort Baker Park Access and Transportation Improvements, CA | 300,000 |
| Fort George Island Access Road, FL | 2,000,000 |
| Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, MT | 3,000,000 |
| Golden Gate NRA Park Access and Trails, CA | 1,000,000 |
| Hatch Trading Post Road, San Juan County, UT | 590,000 |
| Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, AZ | 2,130,000 |
| Lake Mead Highway Improvements, NV | 1,000,000 |
| Lowell Riverwalk Phase II Construction, Lowell, MA | 750,000 |
| MD 4 Suitland Parkway Interchange, MD | 4,500,000 |
| Natchez Trails Project, Natchez, MS | 650,000 |
| National Park Service, Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path, NJ | 450,000 |
| Navajo Route 35, San Juan County, UT | 1,000,000 |
| Needles Highway, San Bernardino County, CA | 1,000,000 |
| Paving of US 212 East of Eagle Butte, SD | 500,000 |
| Paving of Young Road (FS 512), AZ | 1,250,000 |
| Pyramid Highway Corridor in Sparks and Reno, NV | 500,000 |
| Recreational Park Road, KY | 180,000 |
| Route 1 and 619 Traffic Circle, Prince William County, VA | 1,700,000 |
| SH 14 between Ault and Sterling, Weld County, CO | 500,000 |
| Sharpes Ferry Bridge Replacement in Marion County, FL | 1,900,000 |
| State Route 160 Expansion and Safety, NV | 500,000 |
| Stones River National Battlefield Tour Route, TN | 2,000,000 |
| Three Affiliated Tribes Wells Road, ND | 500,000 |
| Trail Ridge Road, US 34 Resurfacing, CO | 1,000,000 |
| US 34, Big Thompson Canyon between Loveland and Estes Park, Larimer County, CO | 500,000 |
| US 491 in Montezuma County, CO | 750,000 |
| US 50-A, Fernley to Fallon, NV | 500,000 |
| US 93 Interim Improvements, NV | 500,000 |
| Valentine National Wildlife Refuge Roads, NE | 500,000 |
The Committee directs that the funds allocated above are to be derived from the FHWA's public lands highways discretionary program and not from funds allocated to the National Park Service's regions.
Ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities.--SAFETEA-LU reauthorized funding for the construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities and requires that $20,000,000 from each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009 be set aside for marine highway systems that are part of the National Highway System for use by the states of Alaska, New Jersey and Washington. In fiscal year 2007, SAFETEA-LU provides $60,000,000 for the ferry boat program.
Funds provided for the ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities program in fiscal year 2007 shall be available for the following activities in the corresponding amounts:
| Camden Town Center Ferry Terminal Building, NJ | $750,000 |
| Ferry Boat Service, Berkeley/Albany, CA | 750,000 |
| Ferry Infrastructure Improvement, Hokes Bluff, AL | 600,000 |
| Ferry System Dock Repairs, Sapelo Island, GA | 600,000 |
| Fort Gates and Drayton Terminals, Putnam County, FL | 1,080,000 |
| Glen Cove Ferry Terminal, NY | 2,000,000 |
| Landing Craft for Mackinac Island State Park, MI | 250,000 |
| Mayport Ferry, Jacksonville, FL | 1,144,000 |
| Mukilteo Multimodal Terminal Redevelopment, WA | 650,000 |
| Oak Harbor Municipal Pier Project, WA | 1,000,000 |
| Port Aransas Ferryboat Expansion, TX | 750,000 |
| Provincetown Intermodal Center/Marine Gateway, MA | 850,000 |
| Staten Island Barberi Class Ferry Replacement, NY | 1,100,000 |
| Staten Island Fast Ferry Purchase, NY | 800,000 |
| Staten Island Ferry Rack Reconstruction, NY | 1,100,000 |
| Vallejo Baylink Ferry Intermodal Facility, CA | 1,750,000 |
| Vashon Island Passenger Only Ferry, WA | 500,000 |
| Voyae Data Recorders for Staten Island Ferry, NY | 1,000,000 |
| Water-Based Transport, Medord, MA | 750,000 |
National scenic byways program.--This program provides funding for roads that are designated by the Secretary of Transportation as All American Roads (AAR) or National Scenic Byways (NSB). These roads have outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, and archaeological qualities. In fiscal year 2007, SAFETEA-LU provides $35,000,000 for this program.
Transportation, community, and system preservation (TCSP) program.--SAFETEA-LU continues the TCSP program to provide grants to states and local governments for planning, developing, and implementing strategies to integrate transportation, community and system preservation plans and practices. These grants may be used to improve the efficiency of the transportation system; reduce the impacts of transportation on the environment; reduce the need for costly future investments in public infrastructure; and provide efficient access to jobs, services, and centers of trade.
Funds provided for the TCSP program in fiscal year 2007 shall be available for the following activities in the corresponding amounts:
| 1 Toll Road Project, LA | $1,500,000 |
| 12th and 14th Avenue Road Reconstruction, Madawaska, ME | 150,000 |
| 19th Street SW Grade Separation, Mason City, IA | 1,000,000 |
| 315 Research Corridor Transportation Improvements, OH | 500,000 |
| 36th Street Extension Project, San Antonio, TX | 200,000 |
| 40th Street Revitalization Project, FL | 500,000 |
| 45th Street Improvements in Munster, IN | 1,200,000 |
| 4-County Transportation Needs Study, Kane County, IL | 1,000,000 |
| 4th Street Underpass, Monroe, LA | 500,000 |
| 63rd Street Downtown Bridge Replacement, Raytown, MO | 500,00 |
| Agoura Road Widening, CA | 400,000 |
| Agri-Center Interchange, Tulare, CA | 250,000 |
| Airport Boulevard Highway 101 Interchange, Monterery, CA | 250,000 |
| Airport Industrial Drive in Gadsden, AL | 400,000 |
| Alabama Avenue Safety Improvments, Stark County, OH | 1,000,000 |
| Alameda Corridor-East, San Gabriel Valley, CA | 1,500,000 |
| Almaden Expressway Pedestrian Improvement Project, CA | 300,000 |
| Alpine Traffic Relief Route Study, TX | 250,000 |
| Ambassador Bridge/Port of Detroit Multimodal Transportation Initiative, MI | 500,000 |
| Antelope Valley Transportation Improvements, NE | 1,000,000 |
| Atlantic Boulevard Bridge Replacement, Pompano Beach, FL | 2,000,000 |
| Avenue P Rancho Vista Boulevard Improvements, Palmdale, CA | 500,000 |
| Battlefield Parkway Loudon County, VA | 900,000 |
| Bay Ridge Trail Bike and Pedestrian Path, CA | 300,000 |
| Bay Road Stormwater Improvements East Palo Alto, CA | 200,000 |
| Beaver Street Reconstruction Project, CT | 100,000 |
| Belleview Bypass and Baseline Road Project, FL | 250,000 |
| Belleville Road and Ecorse Road Intersection, MI | 500,000 |
| Bensalem Township Delaware Valley Regional Plan, PA | 1,000,000 |
| Big 4 Bridge Access Project, Jeffersonville, IN | 500,000 |
| Blossom Hill/Monterey Grade Crossing, CA | 200,000 |
| Boot Road Extension, Dowingtown, PA | 3,500,000 |
| Bosque Bike Trails, NM | 300,000 |
| Boston Street Traffic Improvement Study, Baltimore, MD | 400,000 |
| Bouldercrest Road Widening, Dekalb County, GA | 300,000 |
| Bowery Street Streetscape and Repair, Akron, OH | 300,000 |
| Brannon Stand Road Bridge Replacement, AL | 500,000 |
| Brays Bayou Hike and Bike Trail, Houston, TX | 150,000 |
| Brazos Valley Transportation Management Center, TX | 600,000 |
| Bremerton Pedestrian-BTC Tunnel Project, WA | 5,000,000 |
| Bridge to Dennings Point in Beacon, NY | 500,000 |
| Bridgeview Bridge Bike Path, MI | 500,000 |
| Briggs-DeLaine-Pearson Connector, SC | 1,500,000 |
| Bristol Street Widening, Orange County, CA | 350,000 |
| BRPC-Western Scenic Byway Tourism Program, MA | 500,000 |
| Brush College Road and William Street, Decatur, IL | 100,000 |
| Bruton Smith Parkway, Henry County, GA | 250,000 |
| Buffalo Bolt Office Park Access Road, NY | 930,000 |
| Buffalo Road, Town of Orangeville, Wyoming County, NY | 350,000 |
| Butterfield Road Grade Separation, Lake County, IL | 200,000 |
| Campus Drive West, City of Hancock, MI | 200,000 |
| Campus Parkway, Merced, CA | 400,000 |
| CARTA Intelligent Transportation System, Chattanooga, TN | 2,000,000 |
| Cascade Deck Northbound Connection, Akron, OH | 500,000 |
| C-B-S Corridor, Toledo, OH | 500,000 |
| Cedar Bluff, AL | 200,000 |
| Center Street Bridge and Riverwalk, Des Moines, IA | 500,000 |
| Central Avenue/49th Street Bridge, Columbia Heights, MN | 1,200,000 |
| Central City, Trinity River Vision, Fort Worth, TX | 2,000,000 |
| Central Expressway Auxiliary Lanes, Santa Clara County, CA | 300,000 |
| Central Ohio Innovation Center, OH | 1,000,000 |
| Chambers County, AL | 125,000 |
| Chattahoochee Hill Country and Greenway Trails, GA | 200,000 |
| Chicago Park District, DuSable Park, IL | 500,000 |
| Chicago Transit Authority Purple Line Viaducts, IL | 300,000 |
| Chicora Bridge Safety Improvements, PA | 500,000 |
| Chinatown Streetscape Los Angeles, CA | 200,000 |
| Cidra-Cayey Connector, Puerto Rico | 500,000 |
| City of Lafayette, AL | 50,000 |
| City of Rio Vista Highway 12 Safety Project, CA | 250,000 |
| City of Tarrant Downtown Revitalization, AL | 300,000 |
| City of Woodland, AL | 39,000 |
| City-Wide Integrated Transportation Planning, Detroit, MI | 250,000 |
| Cleveland Road Improvements, St. Joseph County, IN | 750,000 |
| Clifton Corridor Transit Study, Atlanta, GA | 500,000 |
| Coal Creek Parkway Completion, Newcastle, WA | 1,000,000 |
| Coconut Creek Education Corridor, FL | 1,000,000 |
| Community Transportation Association of America Nationwide Joblinks, MA | 2,300,000 |
| Commack Road Bypass Study, NY | 400,000 |
| Construct Park Row Bypass in Houston, TX | 1,500,000 |
| Construction of Eldamain Road, IL | 3,000,000 |
| Construction of Four Lane US 20 Sac County, IA | 500,000 |
| Construction/Enhancement of Motts Lane, Penfield, NY | 100,000 |
| County Road 17 Project, IN | 500,000 |
| County Road 357 South Repaving, Dixie County, FL | 750,000 |
| County Route 113, Washington County, NY | 759,600 |
| CR 78 from Lee/Hendry Line to SR29 Hendry County, FL | 1,500,000 |
| Crooks Road, from 14 Mile Road to Elmwood Road/Meijer Drive, Clawson, MI | 1,600,000 |
| Crossroads Initiative, Boston, MA | 300,000 |
| CSAH 21, Scott County, MN | 250,000 |
| Cumberland Avenue Improvements, TN | 500,000 |
| Dallas Woodall Rodgers Deck Plaza, TX | 250,000 |
| Delaware County Route 7, NY | 500,000 |
| Dentville-Jack Road Project, Copiah County, MS | 600,000 |
| Denver Streetcar Feasibility Study, Denver, CO | 500,000 |
| Design and Reconstruct of Beacham Street, Everett, MA | 400,000 |
| Dexter Road Connector East Providence, RI | 350,000 |
| Diley Road Improvements, Pickerington, OH | 1,000,000 |
| Dobbs Ferry Parking Expansion, NY | 250,000 |
| Dominion Boulevard Bridge Replacement, Chesapeake, VA | 500,000 |
| Dorsey Drive Interchange in Grass Valley, CA | 500,000 |
| Downtown Redevelopment Plan, Joplin, MO | 500,000 |
| Downtown Revitalization Project, Somerset, KY | 500,000 |
| Downtown Traffic Movement Plan, Lexington, KY | 400,000 |
| Drury Lane Extension Project, NY | 1,500,000 |
| Dundee Road (IL Route 68)/New Road Intersection, IL | 1,300,000 |
| East 14th Street Streetscape Improvements, San Leandro, CA | 200,000 |
| East Burnside Corridor Street Improvements, OR | 500,000 |
| East Lake Sammamish Parkway, Sammamish, WA | 500,000 |
| East Point Roadway Improvement Project, GA | 250,000 |
| East Washington Connector, Greenville, SC | 750,000 |
| Echo Park Streetscape and Safety Improvements, Los Angeles, CA | 250,000 |
| Edinger Corridor Improvements, Huntington Beach, CA | 250,000 |
| El Paso River Trail, TX | 200,000 |
| Elliot/Spring Street Improvement Springfield, MA | 500,000 |
| Ellis Preserve at Newtown Square, PA | 250,000 |
| Enhancement of the Fruit Belt Corridor, Buffalo, NY | 900,000 |
| Evacuation Route Widening, FL | 1,000,000 |
| Expansion of Ashburton Avenue, NY | 500,000 |
| Expansion of Southfield Road, Southfield, MI | 450,000 |
| Exposition Line Crenshaw Crossing Station District, CA | 400,000 |
| Fairfax Parkway at Fair Lakes Boulevard and Monument Drive, VA | 1,500,000 |
| Fairmont Gateway Connector System, WV | 1,700,000 |
| Fall Mountain Water Project, CT | 100,000 |
| FAST Corridor Grade Separations, Auburn, Kent, and Puyallup, WA | 1,000,000 |
| Figueroa Boulevard Streetscape, Highland Park, CA | 200,000 |
| Flats East Bank Project, Cleveland, OH | 400,000 |
| FM3071 from SH107 to FM1925, Hidalgo County, TX | 200,000 |
| Four Mile Run Improvements, VA | 250,000 |
| Franklin Streetscape, WV | 200,000 |
| Fraser Street, State College, PA | 1,000,000 |
| Fredrick Douglas Bridge/Property Acquisition, DC | 300,000 |
| Friends of Cheat Rails-To-Trails program, WV | 300,000 |
| Fulton Drive and Wales Avenue Intersection Improvement, OH | 500,000 |
| Gallipolis Farm Road Phase II Project, OH | 300,000 |
| Galveston Causeway Railroad Bridge, TX | 1,000,000 |
| Georgetown Southwest Bypass between SH29 and FF2243, TX | 500,000 |
| Gessner Road Grade Separation at US90A, TX | 200,000 |
| Glennwillow Multi-Use Trail, OH | 300,000 |
| Global Reach Interchange, El Paso, TX | 300,000 |
| Grade Separations in Riverside, CA | 500,000 |
| Grand Avenue Improvements, Poughkeepsie, MI | 500,000 |
| Grand Rapids Passenger Rail and Station Relocation, MI | 500,000 |
| Grant County Economic Corridor, IN | 250,000 |
| Great Barrington Streetscape, Great Barrington, MA | 1,000,000 |
| Greater Jamaica Development Corporation Atlantic Avenue Improvement, NY | 500,000 |
| Green Circle Project, Winchester, VA | 100,000 |
| Gwynedd-Mercy College Street Improvements, PA | 200,000 |
| Hametown Bridge Replacement, Wooster Township, OH | 400,000 |
| Harlem Hospital Garage and Access Improvements, New York, NY | 500,000 |
| Harrisburg Grade Separation, Houston, TX | 300,000 |
| Hayward County Road S/Dombeck Road Improvements, WI | 600,000 |
| Hiawatha/46th Pedestrian Bridge, Minneapolis, MN | 300,000 |
| Highway 10 Marshfield-Stevens Point, WI | 1,800,000 |
| Highway 15 State Route 609 Connector, MS | 500,000 |
| Highway 17-A from US 176, Moncks Corner, SC | 250,000 |
| Highway 217 Improvement Project OR | 300,000 |
| Highway 29 Conversion to Full Access Freeway, NJ | 400,000 |
| Highway 37 On/Off Ramp, Vallejo, CA | 200,000 |
| Highway 45 Columbus Bypass, Columbus, MS | 2,000,000 |
| Highway 51/Highway 29, Wausau, WI | 1,900,000 |
| Highway 53 Safety Improvements Haugen and Spooner, WI | 1,000,000 |
| Highway C, Bayfield County, WI | 2,000,000 |
| Highway/Bridge Improvement Route 116, Penobscot, ME | 250,000 |
| Highway-Rail Grade Cross Bypass, Silver Springs, NY | 720,000 |
| Hollywood Boulevard Roadway Improvements, FL | 200,000 |
| Holy Cross Road Safety Project, Worcester, MA | 500,000 |
| Hot Springs, East-West Arterial, AR | 500,000 |
| Houghton Road Corridor, Pima County, AZ | 1,000,000 |
| Houston Computerized Traffic Signal System, TX | 500,000 |
| Houston Freeway Landscaping and Maintenance, TX | 500,000 |
| I-210 Soundwall, La Canada Flintridge, CA | 500,000 |
| I-215/University Interchange, San Bernardino, CA | 500,000 |
| I-285/Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, GA | 200,000 |
| I-35 Southwest Connector Interchange, Warren County, IA | 275,000 |
| I-44 Widening Yale to the Arkansas River, Tulsa, OK | 250,000 |
| I-5 Consortium Cities Joint Powers Authority, CA | 750,000 |
| I-565 West Extension in Decatur, AL | 1,000,000 |
| I-70 Frederick County, MD | 250,000 |
| I-710 Corridor/Gerald Desmond Bridge Gateway Program, CA | 750,000 |
| I-74 and Northern Beltway, Eastern Extension, NC | 500,000 |
| I-75, Collier Boulevard, and SR 84 Interchange, FL | 500,000 |
| I-95 Slip Ramp/Dedham Street, Town of Westwood, MA, | 750,000 |
| Illinois Route 120 Corridor Initiative, IL | 2,000,000 |
| Imperial Avenue Corridor Master Plan, CA | 300,000 |
| Improvements to US Highway 199 at Gasquet in Del Norte County, CA | 80,000 |
| Improvements to NH 12 through Charleston, NH | 1,000,000 |
| Improvements to Route 266 and Interchange with I-44, Springfield, MO | 1,750,000 |
| Improvements to SR 101 in South Bend, WA | 400,000 |
| Improvements to Streetscape in Enfield, CT | 295,000 |
| Indian Bend Road Improvements Scottsdale, AZ | 1,500,000 |
| Interchange and Mainlanes on SH121, TX | 750,000 |
| Interchange at SR120/McKinley Avenue, CA | 750,000 |
| Interstate 70 Viaduct Realignment, KS | 500,000 |
| Isanti Bike Trail, Cambridge, MN | 600,000 |
| Jack Dame Road Extension, City of Rochelle, IL | 500,000 |
| Jimmy Davis Bridge (LA 511), LA | 500,000 |
| Kaycee Main Street Project, WY | 250,000 |
| Keystone Trail Extension, Omaha, NE | 250,000 |
| Knowlton Township, Warren County, NJ | 500,000 |
| LA 406 Widening, Plaquemines Parish, LA | 200,000 |
| LA 63, Livingston Parish, LA | 500,000 |
| Lac Qui Parle Lakes Association, Montevideo, MN | 450,000 |
| Lea County Roads, MN | 500,000 |
| Lemon Street Project, Tarpon Springs, FL | 250,000 |
| Library Lane-Coles Lane Improvements, Bronx, NY | 700,000 |
| Lincoln Bypass on SR 65 in Placer County, CA | 1,000,000 |
| Lincoln Center Streetscape, New York, NY | 200,000 |
| Lincoln/Belmont Ashland Streetscape, Chicago, IL | 3,000,000 |
| Little Neck Parkway Railroad Crossing Safety Upgrade, NY | 250,000 |
| Lockport Flight of Five, Niagara County, NY | 500,000 |
| Long Island Expressway Sound Barrier, NY | 500,000 |
| Luther Forest Road Improvements, Saratoga County, NY | 1,610,400 |
| Madison County Highway 21, TX | 1,000,000 |
| Mahoning Avenue Safety/Capacity Improvement, Youngstown, OH | 200,000 |
| Main Street Bridge, Buffalo, NY | 500,000 |
| Mallard Fox West Industrial Complex-Crossover, AL | 400,000 |
| Mannington Rails-to-Trails program, WV | 200,000 |
| Marin-Sonoma Narrows Highway 101, CA | 300,000 |
| Market Street Gateway Project in Upper Darby, PA | 250,000 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Streetscape, St. Louis, MO | 100,000 |
| Mass Commute Traffic Congestion Initiative, MA | 100,000 |
| Mattern Avenue Drainage Project, Dormont Borough, PA | 230,000 |
| McClintock Bridge, Venango County, PA | 400,000 |
| McClurg Road Extension Project, OH | 200,000 |
| MD 246, MD 235 to Saratoga Drive, MD | 1,200,000 |
| Merrill Bypass, Highway 51 Repaving, WI | 1,800,000 |
| Miami Beach Atlantic Corridor, Greenway, FL | 500,000 |
| Midtown Greenway, Minneapolis, MN | 400,000 |
| Miller Road Widening in McHenry County, IL | 300,000 |
| Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Improvement, Niles, IL | 200,000 |
| Moline River Tech Boulevard, IL | 300,000 |
| Mon/Fayette Expressway, Uniontown to Brownsville, PA | 2,000,000 |
| Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail, Monterey, CA | 500,000 |
| Muscle Shoals-Peach Tree Street Extension to Industrial Park, AL | 300,000 |
| Nash Road/Route AB, Cape Girardeau County, MO | 1,000,000 |
| NC 211 Interchange at US 74, NC | 200,000 |
| NC 3 Widening in Kannapolis, NC | 1,000,000 |
| NE 120th Street Roadway Extension, Kirkland, WA | 400,000 |
| Nebraska Highway 35, NE | 1,000,000 |
| New Germany-Trebein Road Improvements, OH | 1,000,000 |
| New Glarus Crossing at State Highway 69, WI | 200,000 |
| New York Hall of Science Pedestrian Walkway and Safety Improvements, NY | 150,000 |
| Newberg-Dundee Transportation Improvement Project, OR | 200,000 |
| Newport Seawall and Road Construction, RI | 500,000 |
| NH 16 Improvement Project, Ossippe, NH | 1,000,000 |
| NH 1A Bridge Replacement, Hampton, NH | 750,000 |
| North Hollywood Streetscape Enhancements, CA | 300,000 |
| North I Road, Hildago County, TX | 500,000 |
| Northern Grimes County CR 172 Asphalt Paving, TX | 400,000 |
| Northfield Streetscape, MA | 600,000 |
| Northwestern Highway Extension Roundabout, Oakland County, MI | 2,000,000 |
| Norwalk Center-West Avenue Redevelopment Area, CT | 1,000,000 |
| NW Butler Transportation Improvement, Millville, OH | 3,220,000 |
| NW Intermodal Terminal with Ports of Indiana | 1,250,000 |
| NY State Route 9 Bridges, Central and Hudson Peekskill, NY | 1,000,000 |
| Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, IL | 1,000,000 |
| Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, Macon, GA | 300,000 |
| OKI Council of Government Technology Planning Initiative, OH | 280,000 |
| Otay Mesa Port of Entry, CA | 150,000 |
| PA 706, Susquehanna County, PA | 750,000 |
| PA Route 19 from Pine Creek to Wallace Road, PA | 500,000 |
| Pali Puamana Parkway and Honoapi'ilani Highway Realignment, HI | 400,000 |
| Palm Bay Parkway, Palm Bay, FL | 3,000,000 |
| Park Avenue Relocation Project, Kokomo, IN | 1,000,000 |
| Park Place Extension and Railroad Grade Separation, Los Angeles County, CA | 500,000 |
| Park Street Streetscape Improvement, Alameda, CA | 300,000 |
| Parking Lot Repairs at Asnuntuck CC in Enfield, CT | 700,000 |
| Paving of SD 34 East from Madison, SD | 250,000 |
| PD&E for widening Florida SR 46 from SR 415 to US Highway 1, FL | 726,000 |
| Pearl Street Road Enhancements, FL | 200,000 |
| Pedestrian Bridge at Honey Creek, Appanoose County, IA | 500,000 |
| Pedestrian Bridge at Pullman Square, WV | 500,000 |
| Pedestrian Overpass US 441, Habersham, GA | 410,000 |
| Pedestrian Trail Extension, Hammond, IN | 400,000 |
| Pedestrian Walkway/Streetscaping, Ellenville, NY | 300,000 |
| Pennsylvania Route 93 Expansion in Columbia County, PA | 250,000 |
| Peters Road Extension, Plaquemines Parish, LA | 300,000 |
| Pico Rivera SR 19/Slauson Avenue Intersection, CA | 400,000 |
| Pindell School Road Bridge in Howard County, MD | 500,000 |
| Pinellas Bicycle Trail Extension, FL | 1,500,000 |
| Pittsfield Downtown Streetscape, Pittsfield, MA | 1,820,000 |
| Plantation Multi-Use Recreational Trail (MURT), FL | 500,000 |
| Plymouth Transportation Park Gateway/Harbor Walk MA | 500,000 |
| Port of Albany Security/Operational Improvements, NY | 100,000 |
| Port of Gold Beach Dock Renovation, OR | 500,000 |
| Port of Orange Intermodal Project, Orange, TX | 500,000 |
| Quadral Drive Extension, City of Wadsworth, OH | 1,100,000 |
| Quakertown Interection Alignments, PA | 500,000 |
| Rail Grade Separation Highway 77, Marion, AR | 500,000 |
| Rail Traffic Mitigation Planning for Brookings, SD | 500,000 |
| Railroad Crossing on S Curve in Pierre, SD | 1,000,000 |
| Railroad Quiet Zone, Hamburg, NY | 80,000 |
| Railroad Relocation, Terre Haute, IN | 500,000 |
| Raleigh Street Extension, WV | 1,000,000 |
| Ranchero Road Underpass/Corridor Project, CA | 1,250,000 |
| Reconstruct Depot Street Bridge, Beacon Fall, CT | 1,000,000 |
| Reconstruction of Alexander Street, Chippewa Falls, WI | 700,000 |
| Reconstruction of Long Point Road in Houston, TX | 1,000,000 |
| Reconstruction of New Highway Road, NY | 500,000 |
| Reconstruction of Pearl Street in Enfield, CT | 980,000 |
| Reconstruction of US-169, Montgomery County, KS | 1,500,000 |
| Reconstruction US-50, Harvey County, KS | 1,000,000 |
| Rehabilitate Kapiolani Boulevard and Atkinson Drive, HI | 500,000 |
| Relocation of Boston College Transit Stop, MA | 200,000 |
| Relocation of SR 794 in Springfield, OH | 1,250,000 |
| Repaving of Rocky Point Landing Road, NY | 250,000 |
| Replace the KY7 Bridge at Beechy Creek, Boyd, KY | 550,000 |
| Rickenbacker Intermodal Rail Spur, OH | 750,000 |
| Rio Bravo and El Cenizo Streetscape Project, TX | 300,000 |
| River Walk and Resurfacing Project, Hudson, WI | 100,000 |
| RM 1431 Improvements, Cedar Park, TX | 400,000 |
| Roger Sneden Drive Grade Separation Boone, IA | 725,000 |
| Ronald Reagon Parkway, Hendricks County, IN | 750,000 |
| Rose Crossing Connection, Kingston, TN | 500,000 |
| Route 1 and SR 452 Redevelopment, Middletown Township, PA | 250,000 |
| Route 1 Bridge Rehabilitation, Portsmouth, NH | 750,000 |
| Route 10/202 Southwick, MA | 1,560,000 |
| Route 116, Amherst, MA | 2,000,000 |
| Route 12 and Vicinity of Murray Center, Elmira, NY | 500,000 |
| Route 22 Sustainable Corridor, NJ | 500,000 |
| Route 22 Sustainable Corridor, Somerset County, NJ | 2,000,000 |
| Route 23 Realignment, Sussex, NJ | 1,500,000 |
| Route 24 Additional Lanes, Raynham and Taunton, MA | 750,000 |
| Route 267, St. Louis County, MO | 400,000 |
| Route 287 and Route 17 Intersection Improvements, NJ | 500,000 |
| Route 30 and Mount Pleasant Road Interchange Improvement, PA | 400,000 |
| Route 309 Intelligent Transportation Systems, PA | 2,000,000 |
| Route 31 (Ashby State Road), Fitchburg, MA | 750,000 |
| Route 356 Buffalo Signals, PA | 500,000 |
| Route 495 Southbound Ramp, Mansfield and Norton, MA | 500,000 |
| Route 5 and Route 10, Bernardston, MA | 2,530,000 |
| Route 50 East Widening-Poland Road to Route 28, VA | 500,000 |
| Route 60/422 Interchange in Union Township, PA | 500,000 |
| Route 63 in Howell and Oregon Counties, MO | 500,000 |
| Route 67, Butler County, MO | 500,000 |
| Route 88/Route 837 Intersection Improvement New Eagle, PA | 1,000,000 |
| Route Y, Stoddard County, MO | 500,000 |
| Safety and Traffic Improvements, Ardsley, NY | 150,000 |
| Safety Improvements to Highway 69, AZ | 1,000,000 |
| Safety Upgrades for I-376 Designation, PA | 1,000,000 |
| San Fernando Valley Streetlight Enhancements, CA | 500,000 |
| San Gabriel Valley Gold Line Foothill Extension, CA | 500,000 |
| Sandoval County Northwest Loop Access Road, NM | 500,000 |
| Santa Anita and Fern-Elliot Signal Improvements, South El Monte, CA | 160,000 |
| Santa Clara County Montague Expressway, CA | 200,000 |
| Santa Clarita Cross Valley Connector, CA | 500,000 |
| Santa Rosa Intelligent Transportation System, CA | 200,000 |
| Sarasota-Manatee Intelligent Transportation System, FL | 500,000 |
| Scott Ranch Road Extension, AZ | 750,000 |
| SE Connector Project, Des Moines, IA | 500,000 |
| Seaview Avenue Corridor Project, Bridgeport, CT | 1,000,000 |
| Second Bridge to Oak Island, NC | 300,000 |
| SEPTA Villanova Station Intermodal Project, PA | 250,000 |
| SFgo Market Street Improvements, CA | 300,000 |
| SH 9, Tecumseh to Seminole, OK | 900,000 |
| Shaw Road Extension, Puyallup, WA | 400,000 |
| Sheffer Bridge Replacement, Columbia County, NY | 630,000 |
| Sierra College Boulevard Interchange in Rocklin, CA | 500,000 |
| Signal Improvements, Huntington Park, CA | 200,000 |
| Signal System Upgrade on Lahser Road in Southfield, MI | 300,000 |
| Signal/Intersection Improvement, Pittsburgh, PA | 400,000 |
| Skidaway Narrows Bridge Replacement, GA | 1,500,000 |
| Somerset Street Traffic Mitigation, Portland, ME | 250,000 |
| Soundwall Improvements, Rosemead, CA | 100,000 |
| South Airport Road, Boone County, KY | 1,170,000 |
| South Bronx Greenway, Randall's Island Connector, NY | 520,000 |
| South La Brea Avenue and Imperial Highway Roadway, CA | 300,000 |
| South Orient Railroad Rehabilitation, TX | 1,000,000 |
| Southwest 11th Way, Deerfield Beach, FL | 300,000 |
| Spring Hill College Campus Access Project, AL | 500,000 |
| Spruce Street Bridge Replacement, City of Wooster, OH | 500,000 |
| SR 100 and Kernsville Road, Lowhill Township, Lehigh County, PA | 500,000 |
| SR 109 Division Street to S of SR-24, Wilson County, TN | 200,000 |
| SR 113 and Old Alabama Road Relocation, GA | 500,000 |
| SR 417 at Boggy Creek Road Interchange Orlando, FL | 1,000,000 |
| SR 688 and Ulmerton Road, FL | 2,500,000 |
| SR 982/Talbotton Road to Hilton Avenue, Columbus, GA | 500,000 |
| St. Croix River Bridge and Approaches, WI | 500,000 |
| St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad at Danville, ME | 200,000 |
| St. Mary's College Route 5 Overpass, River Center, MD | 500,000 |
| Stage Road, Tate County, MS | 475,000 |
| Stamford Rail Underpass Access Project, CT | 1,500,000 |
| State Highway 25, Barron County, WI | 1,800,000 |
| State Highway 6 Barron Rd Interchange, TX | 500,000 |
| State Highway 77, Ashland County, WI | 1,000,000 |
| State Line Road Reconstruction Dearborn County, IN | 1,000,000 |
| State Road 37 to Sare Road, Monroe County, IN | 500,000 |
| State Road 87 Expansion, Santa Rosa County, FL | 250,000 |
| State Route 180 Improvements, CA | 500,000 |
| State Route 21 Improvements and Upgrades, PA | 1,000,000 |
| State Route 21, Intersection at Junction Deli, PA | 1,000,000 |
| State Route 397 (Mack Hatcher Parkway East) Extension, State Route 96 East of Franklin to State Route 6, North of Franklin, Williamson County, TN | 750,000 |
| State Route 4 Widening (Brentwood Boulevard), CA | 500,000 |
| State Route 52 East/West Improvements, San Diego, CA | 500,000 |
| State Route 60/Potrero Road Interchange, Beaumont, CA | 500,000 |
| State Route 76 San Diego, CA | 500,000 |
| State Street Improvements, Madison, WI | 1,000,000 |
| Stonestreet Avenue Corridor-Park Road, Rockville, MD | 500,000 |
| Stony Run Township Road in Yellow Medicine County, MN | 100,000 |
| Street Improvements, Glenwood, IL | 150,000 |
| Street Reconstruction, Wyandotte, MI | 750,000 |
| Streetscape Development, Prairie du Chien, WI | 500,000 |
| Streetscape Lighting in Floosmoor, IL | 150,000 |
| Stuttgart, Arkansas Overpass at Highway 165, AR | 1,000,000 |
| Suitland Parkway/Martin Luther King Avenue Interchange, MD | 500,000 |
| Suitland Road Gateway, MD | 1,200,000 |
| Sunport Boulevard Extension, NM | 400,000 |
| Suspension Bridge, Warsaw, MO | 500,000 |
| Syracuse Connective Corridor, Syracuse, NY | 2,000,000 |
| Theodore Berry Way, Cincinnati, OH | 500,000 |
| Thorn Run Road Interchange, Moon Township, PA | 1,200,000 |
| To Add Lanes on I-55 from Weber to I-80, IL | 500,000 |
| To Widen Walton Bridge over I-75, Oakland County, MI | 400,000 |
| Tolt Bridge Replacement, King County, WA | 1,000,000 |
| Torrington Gateway Initiative, CT | 100,000 |
| Towamencin Township Street Improvements, PA | 300,000 |
| Town Center Streetscape Improvements, Eastchester, NY | 250,000 |
| Town of Casey Engineering and Road Improvements, WI | 1,100,000 |
| Town of LaPointe Bike Trail, WI | 450,000 |
| Town of Turtle Lake Resurfacing of 1/2 Street, WI | 250,000 |
| Town Street Bridge Repairs, Columbus, OH | 1,500,000 |
| Townline Road, Wheatfield and Pendleton, Niagara County, NY | 500,000 |
| Traffic Calming Measures in Windermere, FL | 500,000 |
| Traffic Signal Modernization, Lakewood, CA | 250,000 |
| Trailways Station Revitalization in Macon, GA | 400,000 |
| Tremont Avenue Bridge Replacement, City of Massillon, OH | 500,000 |
| Trunk Highway 36, North St. Paul, Ramsey County, MN | 250,000 |
| Tucson Railroad Safety and Access, Tucson, AZ | 1,500,000 |
| Turnaround at Hester's Crossing, Round Rock, TX | 700,000 |
| Twin Bridge Road, Decatur, IL | 1,000,000 |
| Twin Peaks Corridor Project, Marana, AZ | 1,500,000 |
| Twin Peaks Corridor, Marana, AZ | 1,500,000 |
| University of Southern Indiana Campus Perimeter Project, IN | 1,000,000 |
| University of Virginia South Lawn Project, VA | 2,000,000 |
| University Parkway Project, Vanderburgh County, IN | 2,000,000 |
| Upgrade of NH 16 in the Towns of Milan and Dummer, NH | 1,500,000 |
| Upgrade Route 94, from East of Harvestor Road to West of Mid-Rivers Drive, St. Charles County, MO | 750,000 |
| Upgrade Signals and Install SCATS/FAST-TRAC Technology on Maple Road from Orchard Lake to Cranbrook, Oakland County, MI | 1,000,000 |
| Upgrade U.S. 70 in Conover, NC | 500,000 |
| US 15 Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway, PA | 1,250,000 |
| US 17 and 92-US 192 (Vine) to Portege, Osceola County, FL | 1,000,000 |
| US 190 and Collins Boulevard Widening, LA | 500,000 |
| US 2 Safety and Mobility Enhancements, WA | 500,000 |
| US 271 Relief Route from US 67 to FM 3417, TX | 500,000 |
| US 278 Corridor, SC | 750,000 |
| US 287 Bypass Expansion, Ennis, TX | 500,000 |
| US 290 and SH 36 Improvements, Brenham, TX | 500,000 |
| US 31 at Lincoln Highway, Marshall County, IN | 500,000 |
| US 36 Connection to South Shelby High School, MO | 500,000 |
| US 377 Expansion from SH 144 to Acton Highway, TX | 500,000 |
| US 385 Expansion South of Crane to McCamey, TX | 750,000 |
| US 401 in Cumberland, Harnett and Wake Counties, NC | 250,000 |
| US 422 Interim Improvement Project, PA | 250,000 |
| US 441 Highway Improvements, FL | 300,000 |
| US 441/SR 7 Interchange, City of Lauderhill, FL | 300,000 |
| US 63 in Waterloo, IA | 500,000 |
| US 69 Ramp Access, Durant, OK | 450,000 |
| US 9W and NY 81 Intersection, NY | 750,000 |
| US Highway 14 Expansion from West of Waseca to I-3, MN | 750,000 |
| US Highway 301 and I-95 Interchange, SC | 2,500,000 |
| US Highway 90 East Widening, FL | 250,000 |
| US Hwy 190, Reliever Route, Copperas Cove, TX | 400,000 |
| US Route 1 and Route 123 Interchange, Prince William County, VA | 500,000 |
| US Route 35, WV | 1,300,000 |
| US-34 Corridor Missouri River Bridges Pair, NE | 1,000,000 |
| US-395 North Spokane Corridor, WA | 500,000 |
| US-50, Gray County, KS | 500,000 |
| Ventura County Farm Crossings, CA | 500,000 |
| Village of Hempstead, Revitalization, NY | 100,000 |
| Waco 574 Loop, TX | 250,000 |
| Wadsworth Interchange/State Highway 128, CO | 500,000 |
| Walden Rail Trail Connection, Orange County, NY | 200,000 |
| Walerga Road Bridge Project in Roseville, CA | 500,000 |
| Walker Street Grade Separation Project, Cary, NC | 500,000 |
| Warwick Intermodal Station Improvements, RI | 400,000 |
| Wausau Bridge Street Interchange, WI | 2,600,000 |
| Wayne County Bridge Project in Roseville, CA | 500,000 |
| Webber Canyon Road Realignment, Benton County, WA | 750,000 |
| Wells Highway Extension/Sheep Farm Road, SC | 500,000 |
| Westbury Avenue Streetscape and Small Business Revitalization, NY | 400,000 |
| Westside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA | 500,000 |
| White Bluff Intersection Widening Project, TX | 200,000 |
| Whittier and Sycamore Street Bridge, Columbus, OH | 500,000 |
| Widen Route 82 in Norwich, CT | 1,525,000 |
| Widen US 60 between Bartlesville and Pawhuska, OK | 500,000 |
| Widening and Improvements, I-405, CA | 250,000 |
| Widening of Loop 281, Longview, TX | 250,000 |
| Winter Haven Dundee Road, FL | 500,000 |
| Xerox Area Road Improvements, Monroe County, NY | 1,000,000 |
| Yucca Loma Bridge/I-15 Congestion Relief Project, CA | 750,000 |
Transportation infrastructure finance and innovation (TIFIA) program.--The TIFIA credit program provides funds to assist in the development of surface transportation projects of regional and national significance. The goal is to develop major infrastructure facilities through greater non-federal and private sector participation, building on public willingness to dedicate future revenues or user fees in order to receive transportation benefits earlier than would be possible under traditional funding techniques. The TIFIA program provides secured loans, loan guarantees, and standby lines of credit that may be drawn upon to supplement project revenues, if needed, during the first 10 years of project operations. As required by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, this account records, for this program, the subsidy costs associated with the direct loans, loan guarantees, and lines of credit obligated in 1992 and beyond (including modifications of direct loans or loan guarantees that resulted from obligations or commitments in any year), as well as administrative expenses of this program. The subsidy amounts are estimated on a present value basis; the administrative expenses are estimated on a cash basis.
Federal highway research, technology and education.--Research, technology, and education programs develop new transportation technology that can be applied nationwide. Activities include surface transportation research, including intelligent transportation systems; development and deployment, training and education; university transportation research.
High priority projects.--Funds are provided for specific projects identified in SAFETEA-LU. A total of 5,091 projects are identified, each with a specified amount of funding over the five years of SAFETEA-LU.
Projects of national and regional significance.--Provides funding for specific projects of national or regional importance. All the funds authorized for this program from the highway trust fund are designated for projects listed in SAFETEA-LU.
(RESCISSION)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
The bill includes a rescission of $2,000,000,000 of the unobligated balances of funds apportioned to the states under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, excluding safety programs and funds set aside within the state for population areas. The Committee directs the FHWA to administer the rescission by allowing each state maximum flexibility in making adjustments among the apportioned highway programs.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Section 120. The Committee includes a provision that distributes obligation authority among federal-aid highways programs.
Section 121. The Committee continues a provision that credits funds received by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to the federal-aid highways account.
Section 122. The Committee includes a provision that provides additional funding to the transportation, community, and system preservation program.
Section 123. The Committee includes a new provision that clarifies funding for a Monterey, California, highway bypass included in Public Law 102-143.
Section 124. The Committee includes a provision that rescinds unobligated balances associated with completed demonstration or high priority projects from previous laws. The specific authorizations and amounts to be rescinded were identified in information provided to GAO and referenced in a GAO report dated May 11, 2006.
Section 125. The Committee includes a provision that rescinds unobligated funds authorized for the TIFIA program.
Section 126. The Committee includes a provision that rescinds unobligated contract authority authorized for administrative expenses of the FHWA that will not be available for obligation because of the limitation on administrative expenses imposed in this Act and prior Acts.
Section 127. The Committee includes a provision that rescinds unobligated contract authority authorized for fiscal year 2005, under title 5 of Public Law 109-59, for transportation research that will not be available for obligation because of the limitation on obligation imposed on those funds under title 5 of such law for fiscal year 2005.
Section 128. The Committee includes a new provision that clarifies funding for a Marlboro Township, New Jersey, highway project included in section 378 of Public Law 106-346.
Section 129. The Committee includes a new provision that prohibits any of the funds provided in or limited by this Act from being used by the State of Alaska to develop, plan, design, or construct a bridge connecting the Island of Gravina and the community of Ketchikan or the Knik Arm Bridge. The provision also prohibits the FHWA from reimbursing the State of Alaska for these expenses.
FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
The primary mission of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is to improve the safety of commercial vehicle operations on our nation's highways. To accomplish this mission, the FMCSA is focused on reducing the number and severity of large truck accidents. Agency resources and activities contribute to ensuring safety in commercial vehicle operations through enforcement, including the use of stronger enforcement measures against safety violators; expedited safety regulation; technology innovation; improvements in information systems; training; and improvements to commercial driver's license testing, record keeping, and sanctions. To accomplish these activities, the FMCSA works closely with federal, state, and local enforcement agencies, the motor carrier industry, highway safety organizations, and individual citizens. In addition, the FMCSA has the responsibility to ensure that Mexican commercial vehicles, entering the U.S. in accordance with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), meet all U.S. hazardous material and safety regulations.
The FMCSA's scope was expanded in fiscal year 2003 by the U.S.A. Patriot Act (Public Law 107-56), which called for new security measures. In addition, beginning in fiscal year 2002, Appropriations Acts (Public Law 107-87, Public Law 108-7, Public Law 108-199, and Public Law 108-447) have funded border enforcement and safety related activities associated with implementation of NAFTA, and activities associated with permitting of hazardous materials.
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), enacted August 10, 2005, reauthorizes the motor carrier safety activities of FMCSA through fiscal year 2009 and provides increased funding for many of the agency's programs. Funding for the FMCSA is also included within a highway discretionary spending category in the Budget Enforcement Act that is adjusted annually beginning in fiscal year 2007 based on receipts into the highway account of the highway trust fund. Additional resources provided by this automatic spending mechanism are called revenue-aligned budget authority (RABA) and a portion of this adjustment is added to FMCSA's motor carrier safety grants.
MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANTS
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidation of contract authorization Limitation on obligations
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $282,000,000 ($279,180,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 294,000,000 (294,000,000)
Recommended in the bill 294,000,000 (294,000,000)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +12,000,000 (+14,820,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - - (- - -)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FMCSA's motor carrier safety grants program was authorized by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, amended by the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999, and continued through fiscal year 2009 by SAFETEA-LU. This account provides the necessary resources to the motor carrier safety assistance program (MCSAP) state grants. Grants are used to support compliance reviews in the states; identify and apprehend traffic violators; conduct roadside inspections; and support safety audits on new entrant carriers. Grants are also provided to states for enforcement efforts at both the southern and northern borders to ensure that all points of entry into the U.S. are fortified with comprehensive safety measures; for improvement of state commercial driver's license (CDL) oversight activities to prevent unqualified drivers from being issued CDLs; and for improving the linkage between state motor vehicle registration systems and carrier safety data in order to identify unsafe commercial motor carriers.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $294,000,000 in liquidating cash for this program.
LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS
The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations of $294,000,000 for the grant programs of FMCSA. This level is consistent with SAFETEA-LU and is $14,820,000 above the fiscal year 2006 level. In addition, consistent with SAFETEA-LU, the highway funding guarantees are adjusted for RABA in fiscal year 2007. Of the amount provided under RABA, an amount to be calculated is available to FMCSA for the motor carrier safety grant program and bill language is included under the Federal Highway Administration to transfer this funding to FMCSA.
The bill also provides separate obligation limitations for the following funding allocations:
| Motor carrier safety assistance program | ($197,000,000) |
| Commercial driver's license improvements program | (25,000,000) |
| Border enforcement grants | (32,000,000) |
| Performance and registration information system management program | (5,000,000) |
| Commercial vehicle information systems and networks deployment program | (25,000,000) |
| Safety data improvement program | (3,000,000) |
| Commercial driver's license information system modernization program | (7,000,000) |
New entrant audits.--Section 31104(f)(5) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by SAFETEA-LU, provides the secretary the discretion to deduct up to $29,000,000 of the funds made available for motor carrier safety grants for audits of new entrant motor carriers. The interim final rule for the new entrant safety assurance process was published on May 13, 2002, with an effective date of January 2003. This rule requires all new entrants to pass a safety audit within the first 18 months of operations in order to receive permanent DOT registration. Therefore, the Committee strongly urges the department to use this authority to fund the new entrant program to the full extent allowable.
MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidation of contract authorization Limitation on obligations
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $213,000,000 ($210,870,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 223,000,000 (223,000,000)
Recommended in the bill 223,000,000 (223,000,000)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +10,000,000 (+12,130,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - - (- - -)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This limitation controls spending for salaries and operating expenses and for motor carrier research by the FMCSA. It provides the necessary resources to support motor carrier safety program activities and maintain the agency's administrative infrastructure. Funding supports nationwide motor carrier safety and consumer enforcement efforts, including federal safety enforcement activities at the U.S./Mexico border to ensure that Mexican carriers entering the U.S. are in compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Resources are also provided to fund motor carrier regulatory development and implementation, information management, research and technology, safety education and outreach, and the safety and consumer telephone hotline.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $223,000,000 in liquidating cash for the operations and research activities of the FMCSA, consistent with the amount of contract authority provided under SAFETEA-LU.
LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS
The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations of $223,000,000 for the implementation, execution, and administration of the motor carrier safety program, motor carrier safety research, and motor carrier outreach and education programs by the FMCSA. This funding level is consistent with SAFETEA-LU and represents a $12,130,000 increase over fiscal year 2006.
Bill language is included that makes the $10,296,000 provided for research and technology programs available until September 30, 2009.
The Committee also continues bill language that prohibits any funds relating to outreach and education from being transferred to another agency.
Safety compliance reviews.--The Committee continues to be concerned that only a very small percentage of registered motor carriers undergo a safety compliance review each year. FMCSA's own fiscal year 2007 budget submission estimates that only 10,000 compliance reviews will be conducted by the agency in fiscal year 2006 out of approximately 685,000 registered interstate motor carriers--less than 1.5 percent of registered motor carriers. In addition, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has included truck safety on its current list of `Most Wanted Transportation Safety Improvements' because FMCSA's entire safety fitness regime operates too leniently with criteria that do not result frequently enough in dangerous, unsafe motor carriers being shut down or drivers having their licenses revoked, and that FMCSA's compliance review standards actually allow unsafe motor carriers to continue to operate. The Committee directs FMCSA to submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than March 1, 2007, on how it will revise the compliance review process to improve detection of motor carriers with poor safety practices and cease their operations.
Entry level truck driver training.--The Committee notes that earlier this year, a U.S. Court of Appeals rendered a unanimous decision remanding the FMCSA's final rule on entry level truck driver training. The Court found that FMCSA did not adequately address the recommendations of a DOT contracted adequacy report and independent model curriculum on driver training. According to the Court, FMCSA `entirely failed to consider important aspects of the CMV training problems before it; it largely ignored the evidence in the adequacy report and abandoned the recommendations of the model curriculum without reasonable explanation; and it adopted a final rule whose terms have almost nothing to do with an `adequate' CMV training program.' The Committee is concerned that 15 years has elapsed without the issuance of a comprehensive entry-level driver training standard. The Committee believes that FMCSA should expedite its revisions to the driver training rule and carefully consider the obvious benefits of a comprehensive training requirement that includes on-street, behind-the-wheel skills training for entry-level truck drivers.
Motor coach accessibility.--The Committee is concerned about reports that a number of curbside motor coach operators are not in compliance with the department's regulations requiring accessibility to over-the-road buses for people with disabilities (49 CFR part 37, Subpart H). The Committee understands that the Department of Justice has general enforcement authority for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, it is the DOT that is responsible for ensuring that only bus companies that are willing and able to comply with DOT regulations receive, and retain, interstate registration. The Committee urges the secretary to give serious consideration to withholding interstate registration from a motor coach operator that is not willing and able to comply with the department's regulations on providing access for the disabled. The Committee directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide a letter report on what specific actions DOT will take to improve accessibility for the disabled to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by February 15, 2007.
The Committee includes bill language that rescinds unobligated contract authority authorized for the old `Motor Carrier Safety' and `National Motor Carrier Safety Program' accounts that will not be available for obligation because of limitations on obligations imposed on those funds in previous acts.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Section 130. The Committee continues a provision subjecting funds appropriated in this Act to the terms and conditions of section 350 of Public Law 107-87, including a requirement that the secretary submit a report on Mexico-domiciled motor carriers.
NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was established as a separate organizational entity in the Department of Transportation in March of 1970. It succeeded the National Highway Safety Bureau, which previously had administered traffic and highway safety functions as an organizational unit of the Federal Highway Administration.
NHTSA's current programs are authorized in five major laws: (1) the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code (U.S.C.)); (2) the Highway Safety Act (chapter 4 of title 23, U.S.C.); (3) the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (MVICSA) (Part C of subtitle VI of title 49, U.S.C.); (4) the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act; and (5) the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides for the establishment and enforcement of safety standards for vehicles and associated equipment and the conduct of supporting research, including the acquisition of required testing facilities and the operation of the national driver register, which was reauthorized by the National Driver Register Act of 1982.
The Highway Safety Act provides for coordinated national highway safety programs (section 402 of title 23, U.S.C.) to be carried out by the states and for highway safety research, development, and demonstration programs (section 403 of title 23, U.S.C.). The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690) authorized a new drunk driving prevention program (section 410 of title 23, U.S.C.) to make grants to states to implement and enforce drunk driving prevention programs.
MVICSA provides for the establishment of low-speed collision bumper standards, consumer information activities and odometer regulations. Amendments to this law established the responsibility for the administration of mandatory automotive fuel economy standards, theft prevention standards for high theft lines of passenger motor vehicles, and automobile content labeling requirements.
In 2000, the TREAD Act amended the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Changes included numerous new motor vehicle safety and information provisions, including a requirement that manufacturers give NHTSA notice of safety recalls or safety campaigns in foreign countries involving motor vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment that are identical or substantially similar to vehicles or equipment in the United States; higher civil penalties for violations of the law; a criminal penalty for violations of reporting requirements; and a number of rulemaking directions that include developing a dynamic rollover test for light duty vehicles, updating the tire safety and labeling standards, improving the safety of child restraints, and establishing a child restraint safety rating consumer information program.
SAFETEA-LU, which was enacted on August 10, 2005, either reauthorized or added new authorizations for the full range of NHTSA programs for fiscal years 2005 through 2009. These include highway safety programs (section 402 of title 23, U.S.C.), highway safety research and development (section 403 of title 23, U.S.C.), occupant protection incentive grants (section 405 of title 23, U.S.C.), alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures incentive grants (section 410 of title 23, U.S.C.), and the national driver register (chapter 303 of title 49, U.S.C.). SAFETEA-LU also enacted new initiatives, such as the high visibility enforcement program (section 2009 of SAFETEA-LU), motorcyclist safety grants (section 2010 of SAFETEA-LU), and child safety and child booster seat safety incentive grants (section 2011 of SAFETEA-LU). Finally, SAFETEA-LU adopted a number of new motor vehicle safety and information provisions, including rulemaking directions to reduce vehicle rollover crashes, reduce complete and partial ejections of vehicle occupants, and enhance passenger motor vehicle occupant protection in side impact crashes.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee provides $821,500,000 for NHTSA to maintain current programs and continue its mission to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce vehicle-related crashes.
The following table summarizes the Committee's recommendations:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 enacted 2007 request Committee recommendation
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations and research $230,132,430 $227,250,000 $229,750,000
National driver register 3,960,000 4,000,000 4,000,000
Highway traffic safety grants 572,394,240 583,750,000 587,750,000
Total 806,486,670 815,000,000 821,500,000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee's recommendation provides $6,500,000 over the budget request.
OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(General fund) (Highway trust fund) Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 1 - - - $234,092,430 $234,092,430
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - - 231,250,000 231,250,000
Recommended in the bill 122,000,000 111,750,000 233,750,000
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +122,000,000 -122,342,430 -342,430
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +122,000,000 -119,500,000 +2,500,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The operations and research appropriations support research, demonstrations, technical assistance, and national leadership for highway safety programs conducted by state and local government, the private sector, universities, research units, and various safety associations and organizations. These programs emphasize alcohol and drug countermeasures, vehicle occupant protection, traffic law enforcement, emergency medical and trauma care systems, traffic records and licensing, state and community traffic safety evaluations, motorcycle riders, pedestrian and bicycle safety, pupil transportation, distracted and drowsy driving, young and older driver safety programs, and development of improved accident investigation procedures.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
For fiscal year 2007, NHTSA requested a total of $231,250,000 for operations and research activities to be funded entirely using contract authority from the highway trust fund. This is contrary to current law. Under NHTSA's proposal, SAFETEA-LU would be modified to provide additional contract authority in place of the current general fund authorization. This funding would then be allocated from two different accounts. First, NHTSA requested $227,250,000 of contract authority from the highway trust fund to finance operations and research activities under section 403 of title 23, U.S.C., as well as to carry out the provisions of section 301 of title 49, U.S.C. and part C of subtitle VI of title 49, U.S.C. Under SAFETEA-LU, only section 403 of title 23, U.S.C. is authorized with contract authority out of the highway trust fund. This funding is also included within the budgetary firewall guarantee for highway spending. Second, the budget included $4,000,000 for the national driver register, which is authorized by SAFETEA-LU with contract authority from the highway trust fund and is included within the highway guarantee.
The Committee recommends new budget authority and obligation limitations for a total program level of $233,750,000, less than a one percent decrease below fiscal year 2006. Of this total, $122,000,000 is for operations and research from the general fund; $107,750,000 is for section 403 of title 23, U.S.C., activities from the highway trust fund; and $4,000,000 is for the national driver register from the highway trust fund. The funding shall be distributed as follows:
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Salaries and benefits $75,813,000
Travel 1,364,000
Operating expenses 22,355,000
Contract programs:
Safety performance (rulemaking) 14,155,000
Safety assurance (enforcement) 18,277,000
Highway traffic safety programs 52,390,000
Research and analysis 66,473,000
General administration 673,000
Grant administration reimbursements -17,750,000
Total 233,750,000
------------------------------------------------
Highlights of and adjustments made to the budget request by the Committee's recommendation are described in the following paragraphs.
ADMINSTRATIVE EXPENSES
The Committee recommends $99,532,000 for salaries and benefits, travel, rent, and other operating expenses of NHTSA.
Additional full time equivalent staff years (FTE).--Included within these funds, the Committee approves an increase of $224,000 to fund two additional FTE--one for the emergency medical services program to perform the work required in Section 10202 of SAFETEA-LU and one for the E9-1-1 initiative. The Committee denies the additional FTE and associated increase in funding for the behavioral international activities program until such time as the agency can adequately explain the need for this increase.
SAFETY PERFORMANCE (RULEMAKING)
NHTSA's safety performance standards (rulemaking) programs support the promulgation of federal motor vehicle safety standards for motor vehicles and safety-related equipment; automotive fuel economy standards required by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act; international harmonization of vehicle standards; and consumer information on motor vehicle safety, including the new car assessment program. Consistent with the budget request, the Committee provides $14,155,000 for these activities.
New car assessment program (NCAP).--Within the funds provided, the Committee recommends $10,500,000 for NCAP.
SAFETY ASSURANCE (ENFORCEMENT)
The Committee recommends $18,277,000, as requested, for safety assurance (enforcement) programs to provide support to ensure compliance with motor vehicle safety and automotive fuel economy standards, investigate safety-related motor vehicle defects, enforce federal odometer law, encourage enforcement of state odometer law, and conduct safety recalls when warranted. The Committee expects NHTSA to use these funds as reflected in its budget justification.
HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS
NHTSA provides research, demonstrations, technical assistance, and national leadership for highway safety programs conducted by state and local governments, the private sector, universities, research units, and various safety associations and organizations. These programs emphasizes alcohol and drug countermeasures, vehicle occupant protection, traffic law enforcement, emergency medical and trauma care systems, traffic records and licensing, state and community evaluation, motorcycle riders, pedestrian and bicycle safety, pupil transportation, young and older driver safety programs, and development of improved accident investigation procedures. The Committee recommends $52,390,000 for these programs.
Mitigating human trauma in vehicle collisions.--Within the funds provided, the Committee directs $350,000 to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Center for Impact Protection Systems to continue research focused on mitigating human trauma in vehicle collisions through the use of advanced impact attenuation design.
Impaired driving mobilization.--The Committee is greatly concerned that the preliminary assessment of the 2005 motor vehicle fatality data projects that overall fatalities increased by 1.3-percent over 2004. Even more alarming is that the early assessment for alcohol-related fatalities increased by 278 fatalities, or 1.7 percent, after two consecutive years of declining fatalities. The Committee directs NHTSA to redouble its efforts to reduce the number of fatalities and, in particular, to reduce the number of impaired driving fatalities. In that regard, the Committee is aware that NHTSA is in the process of developing a new theme for the impaired driving high visibility enforcement mobilization which will occur in the weeks surrounding the Labor Day holiday. The Committee understands that NHTSA has conducted outreach and focus groups to identify and select a new theme which should emphasize both the danger and consequences of impaired driving. Once a new theme is selected, the Committee directs NHTSA to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to introduce this new theme to the general public. The Committee expects NHTSA's inauguration of the new impaired driving theme to receive at least an equal level of attention and effort as the agency provides to the annual launch of the seat belt enforcement mobilization.
RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
The Committee recommends $66,473,000 for research and analysis activities to provide motor vehicle safety research and development in support of all NHTSA programs, including the collection and analysis of crash data to identify safety problems, develop alternative solutions, and assess costs, benefits, and effectiveness. Research will continue to concentrate on improving vehicle crash worthiness and crash avoidance, with emphasis on increasing safety belt use, decreasing alcohol involvement in crashes, decreasing the number of rollover crashes, improving vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility, and improved data systems.
Fatality analysis reporting system (FARS).--The Committee includes $7,813,000 for FARS, an increase of $750,000 above the budget request in order to improve the quality of the data collected by FARS. NHTSA is directed to utilize this increase to conduct quality control workshops and to establish quality control procedures to improve the reporting of restraint usage, blood alcohol concentration levels, fires, rollovers and other important data.
National automotive sampling system (NASS).--The NASS general estimates system data identifies trends of vehicle crashes and the NASS crashworthiness data system provides more in-depth and descriptive data in order to quantify the relationships between the occupants and vehicles in the real-world crash environment. The Committee is concerned that the number of crashes in which data is collected has dropped to about 4,500 cases and therefore provides $12,980,000, an increase of $750,000 above the budget request, in order to increase the number of cases where data is collected.
Counterfeit automobile parts.--The Committee is concerned about the safety risks posed by the influx of counterfeit automobile parts into the U.S. marketplace. The Committee provides $1,000,000 for a demonstration project to research promising technologies to combat counterfeit auto parts that are non-compliant with federal regulations and pose safety risks. This project should include measures to track the importation of counterfeit and non-compliant auto parts and an analysis of supply chains to identify entry points for these parts. The Committee encourages NHTSA to work with other federal agencies as appropriate, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
National motor vehicle crash causation survey (NMVCCS).--The Committee provides $7,000,000 for the NMVCCS, which is equal to the fiscal year 2005 funding level as requested.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
The Committee recommends $673,000, as requested, for the general administration account to provide program evaluation, strategic planning, and economic analysis for agency programs. Objective quantitative information about NHTSA's regulatory and highway safety programs is gathered to measure their effectiveness in achieving objectives. This activity also funds development of methods to estimate economic consequences of motor vehicle injuries in forms suitable for agency use in problem identification, regulatory analysis, priority setting, and policy analysis.
OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Recommended in the bill $122,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +122,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +122,000,000
------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total of $122,000,000 for operations and research funding as an appropriation from the general fund.
OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidation of contract authorization Limitation on obligations
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $232,457,000 ($230,132,430) 1
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 227,250,000 (227,250,000)
Recommended in the bill 107,750,000 (107,750,000)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -124,707,000 (-122,382,430)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -119,500,000 (-119,500,000)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation for liquidation of contract authorization of $107,750,000 for payment on obligations incurred in carrying out the provisions of the operations and research program. The Committee's recommendation is consistent with the amount of contract authority provided under SAFETEA-LU.
The Committee recommends limiting obligations from the highway trust fund to $107,750,000 for authorized activities associated with operations and research.
The Committee includes bill language that rescinds unobligated contract authority authorized from the highway trust fund for NHTSA's operation and research activities that will not be available for obligation because of limitations on obligations imposed on those funds in previous acts.
NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidation of contract authorization Limitation on obligations
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $4,000,000 ($3,960,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 4,000,000 (4,000,000)
Recommended in the bill 4,000,000 (4,000,000)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - - (+40,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - - (- - -)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This account provides funding to implement and operate the national driver register's problem driver pointer system and improve traffic safety by assisting state motor vehicle administrators in communicating effectively and efficiently with other states to identify drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked for serious traffic offenses such as driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a liquidation cash appropriation of $4,000,000 from the highway trust fund to pay obligations incurred in carrying out the national driver register program. The Committee's recommendation is consistent with the amount of contract authority provided under SAFETEA-LU.
The Committee also recommends limiting obligations from the highway trust fund to $4,000,000 for operations and research activities associated with the national driver register, of which $3,075,000 is for program activities and $925,000 is for salaries and benefits.
The Committee includes bill language that rescinds unobligated contract authority authorized for the national driver register that will not be available for obligation because of limitations on obligations imposed on those funds in previous acts.
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidation of contract authorization Limitation on obligations
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $578,176,000 ($572,394,240)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 583,750,000 (583,750,000)
Recommended in the bill 587,750,000 (587,750,000)
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +9,574,000 (+15,355,760)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +4,000,000 (+4,000,000)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAFETEA-LU reauthorizes three state grant programs: highway safety programs, occupant protection incentive grants, and alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures incentive grants; and authorizes for the first time an additional five state grant programs: safety belt performance grants, state traffic safety information systems improvement grants, high visibility enforcement program, child safety and child booster seat safety incentive grants, and motorcyclist safety grants.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $587,750,000 in liquidating cash from the highway trust fund to pay the outstanding obligations of the various highway safety grant programs at the levels provided in this Act and prior appropriations Acts. The Committee's recommendation is consistent with the amount of contract authority provided for highway traffic safety grant programs under SAFETEA-LU.
The Committee continues language limiting the obligations to be incurred under the various highway traffic safety grants programs. For fiscal year 2007, the Committee has provided limitations on obligations at the level prescribed in SAFETEA-LU, with separate obligation limitations for the following funding allocations:
| Highway safety programs | ($220,000,000) |
| Occupant protection incentive grants | (25,000,000) |
| Safety belt performance grants | (124,500,000) |
| State traffic safety information systems improvements | (34,500,000) |
| Alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures incentive grants | (125,000,000) |
| High visibility enforcement program | (29,000,000) |
| Motorcyclist safety | (6,000,000) |
| Child safety and child booster seat safety incentive grants | (6,000,000) |
Bill language- The bill maintains language that prohibits the use of funds for construction, rehabilitation, and remodeling costs or for office furnishings or fixtures for state, local, or private buildings or structures. Language is also continued that limits the amount available for technical assistance to $500,000 under section 410 of title 23, U.S.C. The Committee continues bill language limiting the amount that can be used to conduct the evaluation of the high visibility enforcement program to $750,000 in fiscal year 2007.
Highway safety grants- SAFETEA-LU reauthorized the state and community highway safety formula grant program under section 402 of title 23, U.S.C., to support state highway safety programs designed to reduce traffic crashes and resulting deaths, injuries, and property damage. A state may use these grants only for highway safety purposes and at least 40 percent of these funds are to be expended by political subdivisions of the state.
Occupant protection incentive grants- SAFETEA-LU amended section 405(a) of chapter 4 of title 23, U.S.C., to encourage states to adopt and implement effective programs to reduce deaths and injuries from riding unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles. A state may use these grant funds only to implement and enforce occupant protection programs.
Safety belt performance grants- SAFETEA-LU established a new program of incentive grants under section 406 of title 23, U.S.C., to encourage the enactment and enforcement of laws requiring the use of safety belts in passenger motor vehicles. A state may use these grant funds for any safety purpose under title 23, U.S.C., or for any project that corrects or improves a hazardous roadway location or feature or proactively addresses highway safety problems. However, at least $1,000,000 of amounts received by states must be obligated for behavioral highway safety activities.
State traffic safety information systems improvements- SAFETEA-LU established a new program of incentive grants under section 408 of title 23, U.S.C., to encourage states to adopt and implement effective programs to improve the timeliness, accuracy, completeness, uniformity, integration, and accessibility of state data that is needed to identify priorities for national, state, and local highway and traffic safety programs; to evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to make such improvements; to link these state data systems, including traffic records, with other data systems within the state; and to improve the compatibility of the state data system with national data systems and data systems of other states to enhance the ability to observe and analyze national trends in crash occurrences, rates, outcomes, and circumstances. A state may use these grant funds only to implement such data improvement programs.
Alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures incentive grants- SAFETEA-LU amended the alcohol-impaired driving countermeasures incentive grant program authorized by section 410 of title 23, U.S.C., to encourage states to adopt and implement effective programs to reduce traffic safety problems resulting from individuals driving while under the influence of alcohol. A state may use these grant funds to implement the impaired driving activities described in the programmatic criteria, as well as costs for high visibility enforcement; the costs of training and equipment for law enforcement; the costs of advertising and educational campaigns that publicize checkpoints, increase law enforcement efforts and target impaired drivers under 34 years of age; the costs of a state impaired operator information system, and the costs of vehicle or license plate impoundment.
High visibility enforcement program.--Section 2009 of SAFETEA-LU establishes a new program to administer at least two high-visibility traffic safety law enforcement campaigns each year to achieve one or both of the following objectives: (1) reduce alcohol-impaired or drug-impaired operation of motor vehicles; and/or (2) increase the use of safety belts by occupants of motor vehicles. These funds may be used to pay for the development, production, and use of broadcast and print media in carrying out traffic safety law enforcement campaigns.
Motorcyclist safety.--Section 2010 of SAFETEA-LU established a new program of incentive grants to encourage states to adopt and implement effective programs to reduce the number of single and multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcyclists. A state may use these grants funds only for motorcyclist safety training and motorcyclist awareness programs, including improvement of training curricula, delivery of training, recruitment or retention of motorcyclist safety instructors, and public awareness and outreach programs.
Child safety and child booster seat safety incentive grants.--Section 2011 of SAFETEA-LU established a new incentive grant program to make grants available to states that are enforcing a law requiring any child riding in a passenger vehicle who is too large to be secured in a child safety seat to be secured in a child restraint that meets the requirements prescribed under section 3 of Anton's Law (49 U.S.C. 30127 note; 116 Stat. 2772). These grants may be used only for child safety seat and child restraint programs.
Safe transport of Head Start children.--The Committee understands that NHTSA provided input into the regulations developed by the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the safe transportation of Head Start children. Since the issuance of the final regulations, some Head Start grantees have reported that their transportation costs have consumed as much as 20 percent of the Head Start budget. The Committee believes that the safe transport of these children is paramount. The Committee directs the Secretary of Transportation to work with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify strategies to ensure the safe transport of children participating in a Head Start program. In addition, the Committee encourages NHTSA to explore the use of the child safety and child booster seat safety incentive grants as a means of assistance for the transportation of Head Start children.
Grant administrative expenses.--Section 2001(a)(11) of SAFETEA-LU provides funding for salaries and operating expenses related to the administration of the grants programs and supports the national occupant protection user survey and highway safety research programs.
The Committee includes bill language that rescinds unobligated contract authority authorized from the highway trust fund for NHTSA's highway safety grant programs that will not be available for obligation because of limitations on obligations imposed on those funds in previous acts.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION--NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Section 140. The Committee continues a provision that provides funding for travel and related expenses for state management reviews and highway safety core competency development training.
FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is responsible for planning, developing, and administering programs to achieve safe operating and mechanical practices in the railroad industry, as well as managing the high-speed ground transportation program. Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and other financial assistance programs serving to rehabilitate and improve the railroad industry's physical plant are also administered by FRA.
SAFETY AND OPERATIONS
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $144,490,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 150,578,000
Recommended in the bill 150,083,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +5,593,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -495,000
------------------------------------------------
The safety and operations account provides support for FRA's rail safety and passenger and freight program activities. Funding also supports salaries and expenses and other operating costs related to FRA staff and programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
A total of $150,083,000 is recommended for safety and operations, which is a $5,593,000 increase above the fiscal year 2006 enacted level. Of this total, $13,870,890 is available until expended. The following adjustments have been made to the budget request:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reduce funding for rail integrity program staff -$397,000
Delete funding for an additional emergency management coordinator -98,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Positions.--The Committee provides funding for nine new rail integrity program staff, as requested. However, the Committee reduces funding to reflect quarter-year instead of half-year funding. The Committee notes that it has taken longer for FRA to hire staff with this type of specialized expertise. The Committee provides the requested level for two track safety specialists and one operations research analyst, and provides half-year funding consistent with the budget request. The Committee does not provide the position for emergency management coordinator due to budget constraints.
RAILROAD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $54,524,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 34,650,000
Recommended in the bill 34,650,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -19,874,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
-----------------------------------------------
The railroad research and development appropriation provides science and technology support for FRA's rail safety rulemaking and enforcement efforts. The objective of this program is to reduce the frequency and severity of railroad accidents and to provide technical support for rail safety rulemaking and enforcement activities. It also stimulates technological advances in conventional and high speed railroads.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $34,650,000, for railroad research and development. Within the funds provided $6,435,000 is for positive train control, consistent with the budget request.
Highway crossing hazard elimination on designated high speed rail corridors.--The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users (SAFETEA-LU) reauthorized the railway-highway crossing hazard elimination in high speed rail corridors program under section 104(d) of title 23, United States Code. In fiscal year 2007, SAFETEA-LU authorizes $10,000,000 for this program, $1,750,000 of which it earmarked. A limited number of corridors are eligible for these funds.
RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Public Law 105-178 established the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loan and loan guarantee program. The aggregate unpaid principal amounts of the obligations may not exceed $3,500,000,000 at any one time. Not less than $1,000,000,000 is reserved for projects primarily benefiting freight railroads other than class I carriers. The funding may be used: (1) to acquire, improve, or rehabilitate intermodal or rail equipment or facilities, including track, components of track, bridges, yards, buildings, or shops; (2) to refinance existing debt; or (3) to develop and establish new intermodal or railroad facilities. No Federal appropriation is required, since a non-Federal infrastructure partner may contribute the subsidy amount required by the Credit Reform Act of 1990 in the form of a credit risk premium. Once received, statutorily established investigation charges are immediately available for appraisals and necessary determinations and findings. The budget recommends rescinding the program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee does not repeal the railroad rehabilitation and improvement program, as proposed by the President's budget. The Committee continues bill language specifying that no new direct loans or loan guarantee commitments may be made using federal funds for the payment of any credit premium amount during fiscal year 2007.
GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION
(AMTRAK)
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $1,293,550,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 900,000,000
Recommended in the bill 900,000,000
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -393,550,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
--------------------------------------------------
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) was created by the Rail Passenger Service Act (RSPA) in 1970 and incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. Operations began on May 1, 1971. Amtrak's purpose was to operate a national rail passenger system to relieve the freight railroads of the burden of money-losing passenger operations and to preserve rail passenger service over a national system. It was created as a for-profit government corporation that was granted the right for access to the tracks owned by the freight railroads at incremental cost and with operating priority over freight trains. Amtrak was also granted jurisdiction to provide intercity rail transportation over its route system. The framers of RSPA believed that after a few transitional years, Amtrak would make a profit and free itself from government assistance.
STATUS OF AMTRAK
After years of increasing subsidizes with little reform, Congress passed the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act in 1997 (ARAA). The ARAA sought to impose change on the Corporation by providing the Corporation the flexibility to decide which routes and services it provided and by setting a specific time-frame for Amtrak to become operationally self-sufficient. The Act required Amtrak to eliminate its operating budget shortfall and become self sufficient by the end of 2002. Although Amtrak insisted it would meet this mandate, it did not. In fact, in its February 2002 report, the Amtrak Reform Council found that Amtrak's financial performance since enactment of the ARAA deteriorated to such a degree that the railroad was weaker by the end of 2001 than it was prior to the enactment in 1997. Instead of exploring ways to run the business more efficiently through controlling expenses, Amtrak embarked on a series of high cost investments, including implementing high-speed rail service on the Boston, New York City, and Washington Northeast Corridor expecting that such service would generate significant new net revenues after all expenses had been covered. However, Amtrak's high-speed service took too long, was extremely costly to implement, and continues to suffer from technical problems.
While Amtrak was representing to Congress that it was on the `glidepath' to self-sufficiency, it was deferring essential capital investments on the Northeast Corridor and financing increasing amounts of its operating expenses through a strategy of desperation by borrowing against its assets to pay for day-to-day operations. Amtrak's outstanding debt soared and today, the Corporation is shackled by the legacy of its failures with annual debt service that approximates $300,000,000 per year. By 2001, Amtrak was forced to mortgage its right to use Pennsylvania Station in New York City--the most intensely used passenger facility of any kind in the United States, through which 40 percent of Amtrak's passengers pass--just to pay its employees and buy fuel to get through another year. Again in 2002, Amtrak was forced to borrow another $100,000,000, this time from the Department of Transportation, and seek a $205,000,000 supplemental appropriation, just to meet operating expenses. By this time, the deferred maintenance on Amtrak-owned capital assets was driving operating expenses up as more day-to-day maintenance was required. Reliability, as measured by on-time performance was dropping. Amtrak was in a downward spiral that, absent significantly greater infusions of Federal funds, would inevitably end up with the corporation bankrupt.
Every informed observer of the intercity passenger rail service situation in the U.S- from the Administration and the Department of Transportation, to the Government Accountability Office, to Amtrak's Board of Directors themselves--all agree that the current model for providing intercity passenger service is in need of significant reform. The status quo continues to produce financial instability and poor service quality. Despite multiple efforts over the years to reform Amtrak, the system continues to limp along, is never in a state-of-good-repair, awash in debt, and perpetually on the edge of collapse. In the end, Amtrak has been tasked to be all things to all people, but the model under which it operates leaves many unsatisfied.
The authorization for Amtrak contained in the ARAA expired in 2002. Amtrak's request for funding in fiscal year 2007 is triple the level of appropriations provided for the benefit of the Corporation as recently as fiscal year 2001, a rate of growth almost unparalleled for domestic programs in these difficult budget times. Not only has no reauthorization been enacted, no reauthorization with meaningful reform that could address the insatiable demand of Amtrak for more Federal dollars has passed either body of Congress. The Appropriations Committee has been forced to single-handedly impose reforms on Amtrak. Amtrak has lacked the initiative or inspiration to reform itself, and in the past, has appeared only to implement reluctantly required Congressional reforms.
However, it appears that Amtrak now understands the need to reform. Although Amtrak continues to operate with substantial losses on each line, the railroad is approaching a place of financial accountability. According to the DOT Inspector General, the Amtrak Board of Directors and current management seem committed to reform, efficiency improvements are beginning to be implemented and some reductions in required operating subsidies are being realized. Because reforms require sustained commitment, and Amtrak has had problems maintaining such commitment, this Committee and the American taxpayer cannot afford to loosen the reins. Therefore, the Committee continues to build on the reforms contained in prior appropriations Acts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $900,000,000 for grants to Amtrak in fiscal year 2007, consistent with the budget request. The Committee amends the fiscal year 2006 account structure, and provides these funds in two accounts--capital and debt service grants and efficiency incentive grants. The Committee continues many reporting and grant making provisions contained in prior appropriations Acts and includes a number of reforms that build on the initiatives of prior years.
EFFICIENCY INCENTIVE GRANTS
The Committee provides $400,000,000 to the Secretary of Transportation to make operating subsidy grants to Amtrak. Similar to the fiscal year 2006 Act, Amtrak must first submit grant requests to the Secretary and include a detailed financial analysis with revenue and capital expenditures justifying federal support for each train route. The Secretary may condition the award of grant funds on reform requirements and progress toward such reforms. Before any grants containing new routes are released, the DOT Inspector General must perform a review to determine the financial and operational short and long-term implications and report that information to the Secretary. The bill does not allow funds to be used for operating expenses, including advance purchase orders that are not approved by the Secretary and in the corporation's fiscal year 2007 business plan.
The bill sets aside $60,000,000 to carry out directed service for commuter rail operations in the event that Amtrak is forced to cease operations.
The bill mandates that Amtrak achieve operational efficiencies in food and beverage, first class service, and overhead expenses and continues to require the DOT IG to submit quarterly reports tracking Amtrak's progress in this area. Consistent with the fiscal year 2006 Act, the Secretary is prohibited from subsidizing losses in food and beverage or sleeper car service if the IG cannot certify by July 1, 2007 that Amtrak has achieved savings.
The Committee notes that Amtrak has taken steps to reduce its losses on food and beverage service and has begun discussing strategies to reduce losses on its first class service. The Committee directs Amtrak to transmit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriation within 120 days of enactment detailed plans to improve food and beverage service and first class service (including sleeper car service) so that these programs are revenue neutral on a fully allocated basis by September 30, 2008. The Committee requires quarterly progress reports thereafter.
The Committee notes that in Amtrak's fiscal year 2007 grant request package, a total of $293,700,000 remains unallocated to any route or line of business. The bill thus requires Amtrak to provide an accounting of its overhead expenses as of October 1, 2006 and detail allocated and unallocated amounts. This report must also include a plan to reduce system overhead expenses by 10 percent annually.
The Committee notes that outsourcing reservation services and the use of electronic ticketing is commonplace in other transportation sectors. Therefore, the Committee directs this report to include information on expenses associated with intercity passenger rail reservations and ticketing, and a comparison of expenses to those associated with domestic airlines and intercity bus service. Amtrak shall explore technology enhancements including electronic ticketing to determine the operational and financial ramifications. The bill includes a provision that Amtrak shall reduce its overhead expenses by 10 percent annually.
If the IG deems the funding necessary, the bill allows up to $5,000,000 for the continued development of the managerial cost accounting system. Within 30 days of development, the IG is directed to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the system and how it can be implemented to improve Amtrak decision making.
The bill also includes a provision directing Amtrak to submit within 120 days of enactment to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, a detailed plan for accounting system improvements including the integration with other processes. This will allow for more informed decisions-making associated with the financial ramification of proposed changes to routes and services. The plan shall also ensure that Amtrak's Route Profitability System (RPS) provides more current and accurate information on revenues and expenses on all routes and services, including unallocated expenses.
The bill continues a provision directing Amtrak to transmit its Board approved business plan to the Secretary, the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation under 49 USC 24104(a), and monthly reports in electronic format regarding the pending business plan and justification for any sole source contract awards. In addition, the Committee expects that Amtrak will submit its annual operations report as required by 49 USC 24315.
The bill continues to require Amtrak to repay its loan to the Department of Transportation, and continues a provision that prohibits funding on routes where Amtrak is offering 50 percent or more off the normal, peak fare.
CAPITAL AND DEBT SERVICE GRANTS
The Committee provides $500,000,000 for capital grants to Amtrak, of which no more than $280,000,000 is for debt service payments. Amtrak must first submit grant requests to the Secretary justifying federal support for each capital project. The bill does not allow funds to be used to subsidize operating losses or for capital projects that are not approved by the Secretary and in the corporation's fiscal year 2007 business plan.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
Section 150. The Committee continues a provision that allows FRA to purchase promotional items for Operation Lifesaver.
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was established as a component of the Department of Transportation on July 1, 1968, when most of the functions and programs under the Federal Transit Act (78 Stat. 302; 49 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) were transferred from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Known as the Urban Mass Transportation Administration until enactment of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, the Federal Transit Administration administers federal financial assistance programs for planning, developing, and improving comprehensive mass transportation systems in both urban and non-urban areas.
Authorization for programs under the Federal Transit Administration is contained in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) (P.L. 109-59). Annual appropriations acts provide funding by annual limitations on obligations for the formula and bus grants only. Direct appropriations of budget authority from the General Fund of the Treasury is provided for administrative expenses, research programs, and capital investment grants.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $79,200,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 85,000,000
Recommended in the bill 85,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +5,800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
-----------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $85,000,000 for FTA's salaries and expenses, an increase of $5,800,000 over the fiscal year 2006 funding level and the same as the budget request as directed by SAFETEA-LU.
Should the Committee have had the authority to determine basic salaries and expenses of the FTA, the Committee's recommendation would have assumed reductions totaling $2,000,000 from the budget request, and directed the reductions in three areas First, while the Committee commends FTA on the ability `to make program decisions based on information beyond anecdotes and prior-year funding levels,' the goal of getting to or maintaining `green' is not an acceptable or thorough justification for $1,535,000 as proposed for budget performance and integration. The Committee did not determine what activities or performance goals would constitute `green,' or what factors would be measured in accountability agreements with the DOT leadership, and therefore sees little reason to fund such activities.
Second, the Committee would not have provided funds for FTA to centralize Federal grant making as described under Research and University Research Centers. FTA has already created a grant program, and the Committee has chosen to continue funds for that already successful investment. The Committee sees little reason to fund duplicative programs and directs FTA to refrain from transferring or utilizing funds (up to $494,000) for this purpose.
Third, the Committee would not have provided $279,000 as requested for continued competitive sourcing activities. In the opinion of the Committee, the greatest savings will come from not providing the funds.
The Committee recommends funding for offices at the following levels:
| Office of the Administrator | $1,063,000 |
| Office of Administration | 7,654,000 |
| Office of Chief Counsel | 4,273,000 |
| Office of Communications and Congressional Affairs | 1,394,000 |
| Office of Program Management | 8,403,000 |
| Office of Budget and Policy | 9,259,000 |
| Office of Research, Demonstration and Innovation | 4,876,000 |
| Office of Civil Rights | 3,272,000 |
| Office of Planning and Environment | 4,718,000 |
| Regional Total | 22,420,000 |
| Central Account | 17,668,000 |
The administrator is authorized to transfer funding between offices. Any transfers totaling more than five percent of the initial appropriation from this account must be approved by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
The Committee continues the direction to FTA to submit future budget justifications in a similar format to the fiscal year 2007 budget materials, consistent with the instruction provided in House Report 109-153. With the companion new starts report, FTA has significantly improved the documents and information submitted to the Committees on Appropriations. The Committee has again included language requiring FTA to submit the annual new starts report with the initial submission of the budget request due in February, 2007.
Transit security.--The Committee reiterates its direction as stated in House Report 108-671 regarding transit security. The Committee's position remains that the Department of Homeland Security is the lead agency on transportation security. As stated on the TSA website: `All new improvements will be coordinated with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) which has overall responsibility for transportation security among all modes of transportation, including rail and transit lines.' As such, the Committee recommends the same number of FTE for the security office as provided in fiscal year 2005.
Project management oversight activities.--The Committee directs FTA to continue reporting monthly to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the status of each project with a full funding grant agreement or is within two years of a full funding grant agreement. The Committee finds the monthly updates informative and a useful oversight tool.
To further support oversight activities, the bill continues a provision requiring FTA to reimburse the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General $2,000,000 from funds available for contract execution for costs associated with audits and investigations of transit-related issues, including reviews of new fixed guideway systems. The Committee directs the Inspector General to continue such oversight activities in fiscal year 2007.
Full funding grant agreements (FFGAs).--TEA-21, as amended, requires that the FTA notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations as well as the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Banking sixty days before executing a full funding grant agreement. In its notification to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, the Committee directs the FTA to include the following: (1) a copy of the proposed full funding grant agreement; (2) the total and annual federal appropriations required for that project; (3) yearly and total federal appropriations that can be reasonably planned or anticipated for future FFGAs for each fiscal year through 2007; (4) a detailed analysis of annual commitments for current and anticipated FFGAs against the program authorization; (5) an evaluation of whether the alternatives analysis made by the applicant fully assessed all viable alternatives; (6) a financial analysis of the project's cost and sponsor's ability to finance the project, which shall be conducted by an independent examiner and which shall include an assessment of the capital cost estimate and the finance plan; (7) the source and security of all public- and private-sector financial instruments; (8) the project's operating plan, which enumerates the project's future revenue and ridership forecasts; and (9) a listing of all planned contingencies and possible risks associated with the project.
The Committee continues the direction to FTA to inform the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in writing thirty days before approving schedule, scope, or budget changes to any full funding grant agreement. Correspondence relating to changes shall include any budget revisions or program changes that materially alter the project as originally stipulated in the full funding grant agreement, including any proposed change in rail car procurements.
FORMULA AND BUS GRANTS
(LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORITY)
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
(INCLUDING RESCISSION)
---------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
Obligation limitation, fiscal year 2006 $6,910,132,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 7,262,775,000
Recommended in the bill 7,262,775,000
Bill compared with:
Obligation limitation, fiscal year 2006 +352,643,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
---------------------------------------------------------
Formula grants to states and local agencies funded under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) fall into the following categories: Alaska Railroad, clean fuels grant program, over-the-road bus accessibility program, urbanized area formula grants, bus and bus facility grants, fixed guideway modernization, planning programs (both metropolitan and statewide), formula grants for special needs for elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities, formula grants for other than urbanized areas, job access and reverse commute formula program, new freedom program, growing states and high density states formula, National Transit Database, alternatives analysis, and alternative transportation in parks and public lands. Contract authority from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund was provided under SAFETEA-LU. This appropriations Act provides the obligation limitation for such authority. This account is the only FTA account funded from the Highway Trust Fund.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The accompanying bill provides $7,262,775,000 in obligation limitations for transit formula and bus grants as authorized in SAFETEA-LU and is consistent with the budget request and rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Committee's recommendation does include a cancellation of $28,661,000 in unobligated prior year balances of grant funds as proposed in the budget request. This rescission will not affect any on-going project or grant.
Under the obligation limitation provided, SAFETEA-LU mandates funding levels for the various programs under this account. The Committee makes no changes to the set-asides contained in SAFETEA-LU.
The Committee has included a new administrative provision, as proposed in the budget request. Section 163 allows FTA to provide grants for 100 percent of the net capital cost of a factory-installed or retrofitted hybrid electric bus system. This new authority, plus the $45,000,000 provided under SAFETEA-LU for the clean fuels grant program, is a good response to the direction in House Report 109-307 encouraging FTA to provide more incentives for hybrid electric bus systems.
The Committee has heard from a number of communities and transit agencies adversely affected by the SAFETEA-LU change to the Jobs Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) program. Prior to SAFETEA-LU, JARC was funded as a separate account to meet specific transit needs of low income populations and those needing transit to underserved areas. With SAFETEA-LU, JARC was merged into the larger Formula and Bus Grants account, and funds may be spread too thinly. The Committee directs the administrator to report by May 4, 2007 on the effects of this change on the ability of former recipients of JARC funds to meet the goals of the program.
Of the funds provided for alternatives analysis, the Committee directs funds for the following priorities, as eligible under existing law:
| Jupiter Corridor, FL | $250,000 |
| Atlanta MARTA North Line Corridor, Georgia | 250,000 |
| Belt Line/C-Loop Project, Atlanta, GA | 250,000 |
| Honolulu High Capacity Transit Project, HI | 250,000 |
| Illinois Valley Commuter Rail, IL | 250,000 |
| North Shore Corridor and Blue Line Extension, MA | 250,000 |
| ITP/Rapid Travel, MI | 250,000 |
| North Shore Passenger Rail, Staten Island, NY | 250,000 |
| Lane Transit District, Pioneer Parkway EmX Corridor, OR | 250,000 |
| Allengheny County--East-West Corridor Rapid Transit, PA | 250,000 |
| Denton County Transportation Authority Fixed Guideway, TX | 250,000 |
Of the funds provided for bus and bus facilities, the Committee directs funds for the following priorities, as eligible under existing law:
| AL Multimodal Downtown Parking System/Dallas Branch | $600,000 |
| AR State of Arkansas, Bus and Bus Facilities Sec 5309 | 4,000,000 |
| AZ East Valley Bus Maintenace Facility Tempe | 1,500,000 |
| AZ Main Street Bus Rapid Transit, Mesa | 1,000,000 |
| AZ Phoenix 27th Avenue/Baseline Park-and-Ride | 1,000,000 |
| AZ Phoenix/Glendale Express Expansion Buses | 1,000,000 |
| AZ Phoenix/Glendale West Valley Operation Facility | 1,000,000 |
| AZ Tucson Alternate Fuel Replacement Buses | 1,000,000 |
| CA Anaheim Regional Trans. Intermodal Center, Orange County | 400,000 |
| CA Beach Cities Transit Coastal Shuttle Capital Equipment | 500,000 |
| CA City of Modesto Bus Maintenace Facility | 1,200,000 |
| CA City of Santa Maria Intermodal Transit Center | 300,000 |
| CA Clean-Air Buses for Cerritos | 300,000 |
| CA San Joaquin Regional Transit District County Facility Construction Project | 500,000 |
| CA East County Bus Maintenance Facility, El Cajon | 1,500,000 |
| CA East Los Angeles College Busway, Monterey Park | 150,000 |
| CA Eastern Contra Costa County Park and Ride Lots | 400,000 |
| CA Ed Roberts Campus, Berkeley | 550,000 |
| CA Expand and Improve Yolobus Operations, Yolo County | 200,000 |
| CA Fairfield/Vacaville Intermodal Station | 850,000 |
| CA Foothill Transit, San Gabriel Valley | 2,000,000 |
| CA Humboldt Transit Authority Maintenance Facility | 400,000 |
| CA LACMTA La Cienega Intermodal Transfer Facility | 400,000 |
| CA LAMTA Paratransit Services | 250,000 |
| CA Los Angeles Southwest College Bus Shelter | 450,000 |
| CA Monrovia Transit Village | 1,000,000 |
| CA Monterey Salinas Transit, Monterey | 500,000 |
| CA MTOC Bus and Bus Facility Project | 2,700,000 |
| CA Northridge Transit Center, Northridge, Los Angeles County | 100,000 |
| CA Orange Line Safety Improvements Los Angeles, Los Angeles County | 500,000 |
| CA Pacific Station Multimodal Center, Santa Cruz | 500,000 |
| CA Placerville Station II | 350,000 |
| CA Regional Bus Replacement, San Diego County | 450,000 |
| CA Rio Hondo College Public Transit Pilot Program | 200,000 |
| CA Riverside and Corona Transit Centers | 1,250,000 |
| CA Riverside Transit Agency Bus Stop Upgrades | 250,000 |
| CA Sam Trans Revenue Collection System | 500,000 |
| CA San Francisco MTA Bus and Bus Facility Upgrades | 3,000,000 |
| CA San Luis Rey Transit Center | 500,000 |
| CA Senior Transit Bus, South El Monte | 80,000 |
| CA South Coast Area Transit Bus Facility Construction | 200,000 |
| CA South Coast Area Transit Bus Replacement | 200,000 |
| CA Street Shuttle Buses for Artesia | 200,000 |
| CA Sunline Transit Agency Bus Replacement | 500,000 |
| CA Transit Center Parking Structure, Baldwin Park | 150,000 |
| CA Union City Intermodal Station, Union City | 400,000 |
| CA Yosemite Regional Area Transportation System | 300,000 |
| CO Colorado Transit Coalition-Statewide Bus and Bus Facilities | 2,000,000 |
| CT Bridgeport Intermodal Transportation Center | 1,250,000 |
| CT Hartford Downtown Circulator | 500,000 |
| CT New Britain-Hartford Busway | 1,000,000 |
| CT SEAT Transit Project for Norwich | 750,000 |
| CT South Norwalk Intermodal Facility Phase 2 | 1,000,000 |
| CT West Haven Intermodal Station | 1,200,000 |
| DC Union Station (ITC) | 1,500,000 |
| FL 7th Avenue Transit Hub, Miami | 600,000 |
| FL Additional 40-Foot Buses, Palm Beach County | 200,000 |
| FL AVL and UAFC Palm Tran, Palm Beach County | 250,000 |
| FL Broward County Alternative Fuel Buses | 300,000 |
| FL Broward County Southwest Transit Facility | 1,000,000 |
| FL Bus and Bus Facilities, St. Johns COA | 750,000 |
| FL Bus and Bus Facilities, St. Lucie County | 1,500,000 |
| FL City of Gainesville RTS, Buses | 200,000 |
| FL City of Orlando LYNX, Buses | 200,000 |
| FL CTCP, Jacksonville Transportation Authority | 500,000 |
| FL HART Operations Facility, Tampa | 1,000,000 |
| FL Hydrogen Fuel Cell Initiative, Tallahassee | 500,000 |
| FL Lakeland Area Citrus Connection Transit | 400,000 |
| FL LYNX Buses, Orland | 500,000 |
| FL Miami Lakes Transit Program | 500,000 |
| FL Miramar Eastern Transit Hub and Community Center | 200,000 |
| FL Palm Beach Gardens Public Transportation Program | 750,000 |
| FL Replacement of Six Mini-Buses for WHAT | 400,000 |
| FL SFRTA Smart Card | 800,000 |
| FL SFRTA Station Improvements | 500,000 |
| FL StarMetro Intelligent Transportation System | 500,000 |
| FL Trolley System for Boynton Beach | 400,000 |
| FL Winter Haven Transit Authority | 150,000 |
| GA Augusta Public Transit, Bus and Bus Facilities | 200,000 |
| GA Buses for Macon Transit Authority | 200,000 |
| GA Chatham Area Transit, Bus and Bus Facilities | 1,000,000 |
| GA City of Moultrie Intermodal Facility | 300,000 |
| GA MARTA Bus Acquisition Program, Atlanta | 500,000 |
| GA Moultrie Intermodal Facility | 150,000 |
| IA 10 Heavy-Duty Buses, Cedar Rapids | 250,000 |
| IA Johnson County Para-transit Facility | 250,000 |
| ID Idaho Transit Coalition Buses and Bus Facilities | 4,000,000 |
| IL Berwyn Intermodal Transit Facility | 550,000 |
| IL Chicago Transit Authority, Bus and Bus Facilities | 500,000 |
| IL Grand Avenue Transit Signal Priority, Lake County | 320,000 |
| IL Interfaith House, Chicago, Wheel Chair Accessible Van | 75,000 |
| IL Normal Multimodal Transportation Center | 500,000 |
| IL PACE Lincoln Highway TSP, Joliet | 480,000 |
| IL Pace Suburban Bus for Interactive Voice System | 250,000 |
| IL Pace Suburban Bus Roosevelt Road TSP | 300,000 |
| IL Pace Suburban Bus, Arlington Heights | 800,000 |
| IL Pace, MDTs for Chicago Paratrait Vehicles | 400,000 |
| IL River Valley Metro, Kankakee | 2,000,000 |
| IL Statewide Bus Request | 3,000,000 |
| IN Bloomington Transit replacement buses | 750,000 |
| IN Downtown Transit Center, Indianapolis | 300,000 |
| IN Fort Wayne Citilink | 400,000 |
| IN INDOT Electric Hybrid Bus Initiative | 200,000 |
| IN Transit Acquisition and Intermodal Facility Project | 500,000 |
| KS City of Lawrence Bus Maintenance Facility | 250,000 |
| KS Johnson County Transit Bus Replacement | 500,000 |
| KS Kansas City Area Transit Authority Bus Replacement | 250,000 |
| KS Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority | 750,000 |
| KY Unified Government of Wyandotte Co/KCK Transit | 750,000 |
| KY Fulton Transit Authority | 250,000 |
| KY Pennyrile Allied Community Services | 94,000 |
| KY TANK Bus Replacement | 750,000 |
| KY Transportation Cabinet | 400,000 |
| LA Historic Streetcar Restoration, New Orleans | 320,000 |
| MA Attleboro Intermodal Center, Attleboro | 100,000 |
| MA BRTA/TANB Vehicles | 160,000 |
| MA Bus Fleet Replacement Project, WRTA, Worcester | 300,000 |
| MA Community Transit Service Dial-A-Ride Athol | 600,000 |
| MA Community Transit Service, Athol Station | 400,000 |
| MA Construciton of Amesbury Bus Facility | 300,000 |
| MA Council on Aging, LRTA Buses | 75,000 |
| MA Fitchburg Intermodal Parking Garage | 500,000 |
| MA FRTA Bus Replacement | 720,000 |
| MA Malden Massachusetts Shuttle Bus Service | 300,000 |
| MA MART Gardner Storage/Maintenance Facility | 1,000,000 |
| MA MART Leominster Commuter Parking | 4,500,000 |
| MA MART Storage, Leominster | 1,600,000 |
| MA MART Vehicle Replacement | 1,200,000 |
| MA Merrimack Valley RTA Buses | 225,000 |
| MA Newton Rapid Transit Handicap Access Improvements | 500,000 |
| MA Rockport Station Improvements | 200,000 |
| MA Salem and Saugus Senior Buses and Vans | 150,000 |
| MD APG Multi-Modal Trans. Center, Aberdeen | 500,000 |
| MD Bi-County Transit Center, Langley Park | 300,000 |
| MD Maryland Transit Administration Bus Replacement | 1,500,000 |
| ME Statewide Buses and Bus Facilities | 500,000 |
| MI Ann Arbor Transportation Authority Transit Center | 1,800,000 |
| MI Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority | 1,000,000 |
| MI CATA Bus Purchase, Lansing | 500,000 |
| MI City of Detroit, Bus Replacement | 3,225,000 |
| MI County Connection, LLC, Midland | 500,000 |
| MI Eaton County Public Transportation Authority | 250,000 |
| MI Greater Lapeer Transportation Authority | 300,000 |
| MI Ionia Dial-A-Ride Vehicle Acquisition | 148,000 |
| MI Isabella County Transportation Commission | 500,000 |
| MI ITP/The Rapid Hybrid-Electric Bus Acquisition | 500,000 |
| MI Jackson County Large Bus Replacement | 500,000 |
| MI Kalamazoo Metropolitan Transit | 1,500,000 |
| MI Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority, Big Rapids | 300,000 |
| MI Sanilac Transportation Authority | 300,000 |
| MI SMART Capital Budget | 1,000,000 |
| MI The City of Alma, Gratiot County | 628,000 |
| MI Twin Cities Dial-A-Ride | 100,000 |
| MN Union Depot, St. Paul, Ramsey County | 550,000 |
| MO City of Springfield, Intermodal Parking Facility | 3,500,000 |
| MO Columbia Transit | 250,000 |
| MO Franklin County Transit | 176,800 |
| MO Serve Inc. | 36,800 |
| MO St. Louis, MO Metro Bus and Paratransit Rolling Stock | 500,000 |
| MS Coast Transit Authority, Bus Fleet | 300,000 |
| NC City of Raleigh Replacement and Expansion Buses | 400,000 |
| NC Intermodal Transportaiton Facility, Winston-Salem | 500,000 |
| NC North Carolina PART Park and Ride Facilities | 500,000 |
| NC Statewide Bus and Bus Facilities | 1,800,000 |
| ND North Dakota State Wide Transit | 500,000 |
| NJ BurLink Service, Mt. Holly, Burlington County | 990,000 |
| NJ Morris County Intermodal Park and Ride | 1,000,000 |
| NJ Morristown Historic Station Park and Ride | 200,000 |
| NJ Newark Penn Station, Newark | 750,000 |
| NJ Northern New Jersey Intermodal Stations and Park N'Rides | 3,000,000 |
| NJ Ocean Ride, Vehicle Replacement, Ocean County | 250,000 |
| NJ Passaic/Bergen Intermodal Facilities and Rolling Stock | 700,000 |
| NJ South Amboy NJ Regional Intermodal Transportation | 300,000 |
| NJ Trenton Intermodal Transportation System | 200,000 |
| NJ Upper Montclair Intermodal Facility | 200,000 |
| NV Central City Intermodal Transportation Terminal | 350,000 |
| NV Reno/Sparks Intermodal Transportation Terminals | 500,000 |
| NY Central NY Regional Transportation Authority | 1,000,000 |
| NY Clean Fuel Bus Enhancements, Brookhaven, Suffolk County | 250,000 |
| NY GJDCorp. Jamaica Intermodal Facilities | 200,000 |
| NY Nassau County HUB | 250,000 |
| NY Port Chester New York Intermodal Transit Center Bus Bays | 750,000 |
| NY West 65th St Lincoln Center Area Bus Shelter Improvements | 1,000,000 |
| OH Central OH Transit Authority, Paratransit Facility | 300,000 |
| OH KSU Multimodal Transportation Facility, Kent | 300,000 |
| OH Lucas County Bio-Diesel Bus/Public Vehicle Fleet | 500,000 |
| OH Portage Area Regional Transit Authority, Kent | 500,000 |
| OH Senior Transportation Connection Cuyahoga | 250,000 |
| OH Uptown Crossings Parking/Intermodal Bus Facility | 750,000 |
| OH West Price Hill Park and Ride | 400,000 |
| OK Metro Transit Oklahoma City, COTPA Bus Replacement | 1,000,000 |
| OK Tulsa Transit Section 5309 Capital Appropriations | 500,000 |
| OR Bus Facilities and Property Acquisition, Yamhill County | 150,000 |
| OR Salem-Keizer Transit | 200,000 |
| PA BARTA Franklin Street Station, Reading | 1,000,000 |
| PA Capital Area Transit | 500,000 |
| PA Centre Area Transportation Authority | 1,200,000 |
| PA Church Street Transportation Intermodal | 750,000 |
| PA County of Lebanon Transit Authority | 200,000 |
| PA Cranberry Area Transit Initiative | 250,000 |
| PA DuFAST Transit Authority Bus Replacement | 600,000 |
| PA Expansion of the Scranton Electric Trolley System | 250,000 |
| PA Fayette County Area Coordinated Transportation | 500,000 |
| PA Queen Street Station, Phase II, Lancaster | 500,000 |
| PA RRTA Bus Replacement Program, Lancaster | 250,000 |
| PA Schuykill Transportation System | 300,000 |
| PA York County Pennsylvania Transit Transfer Center | 500,000 |
| PA York County Transit Authority, York County | 256,000 |
| TN Memphis Airport Intermodal Facility | 400,000 |
| TN Tennessee Statewide Buses | 3,000,000 |
| TX Brazos Transit District, The Woodlands Express | 250,000 |
| TX Cap Metro S IH35 Park and Ride Facility, Austin | 1,000,000 |
| TX Cap Metro-Oak Hill Park and Ride Facility, Austin | 1,000,000 |
| TX Capital Metro, Rapid Bus Project, Austin | 250,000 |
| TX City of Abilene CitiLink | 500,000 |
| TX City of Lubbock Citibus Improvement | 500,000 |
| TX Corpus Christi RTA Bus and Bus Facilities | 250,000 |
| TX Denton County Transportation Authority, Buses | 250,000 |
| TX East Texas Service Area Bus Replacement | 250,000 |
| TX El Paso Bus Replacement | 200,000 |
| TX VIA San Antonio Bus and Facility Modernization | 400,000 |
| UT West Valley City, Utah, Intermodal Terminal Project | 1,000,000 |
| VA Fairfax County, REX Public Transit Initiative | 250,000 |
| VA Greater Lynchburg Transit Bus Replacement | 500,000 |
| VA Greater Richmond Transit Company | 500,000 |
| VA Hampton Roads Southwide Bus Facility | 2,000,000 |
| VA I-66/Vienna Metro Accessibility Improvements | 2,000,000 |
| VI VITRAN | 200,000 |
| VT Statewide Fleet Replacement and Capital Assistance | 150,000 |
| VT Multi-Modal Transportation Facility Bennington | 250,000 |
| WA SW King County-Highline CC Intermodal Transit Facility and Parking Garage | 200,000 |
| WA Intercity Transit Multimodal Facility | 350,000 |
| WA Mercer Island Park and Ride, Mercer Island | 500,000 |
| WI Wisconsin 7th District Bus and Bus Facilities | 1,500,000 |
| WI Wisconsin Bus Capital | 4,000,000 |
| WI Wisconsin Statewide Bus and Bus Facilities | 3,000,000 |
RESEARCH AND UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CENTERS
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $74,448,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 61,000,000
Recommended in the bill 65,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -9,448,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +4,000,000
-----------------------------------------------
Grants for transit research are authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (Public Law 109-59) (SAFETEA-LU). Starting in fiscal year 2006, activities formerly under the `Transit Planning and Research' account are now under the `Formula and Bus Grants' account. The National Research program, the Transit Cooperative Research Program, and the National Institute are funded under this new heading.
Funding for the National Research programs will be used to cover costs for FTA's essential safety and security activities and transit safety data collection. Under the national component of the program, FTA is a catalyst in the research, development and deployment of transportation methods and technologies which address issues such as accessibility for the disabled, air quality, traffic congestion, and transit services and operational improvements. The University Research Centers program will provide continued support for research education and technology transfer activities aimed at addressing regional and national transportation problems.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $65,000,000 for research activities of FTA, $9,448,000 below the fiscal year 2006 funding level and $4,000,000 above the budget request. Of the funds provided, consistent with SAFETEA-LU, the Committee's recommendation includes $9,300,000 for transit cooperative research, $4,300,000 for the National Transit Institute, and $7,000,000 for the university centers program.
Consistent with the responsibility for oversight of Treasury funds, the Committee directs FTA to report by May 18, 2007 on all FTA-sponsored research projects from fiscal year 2006 and 2007. For each project, the report should include information on the National relevance of the research, relevance to the transit industry and community, expected final product and delivery date, sources of non-FTA funding committed to the project or research institute, and FTA funding history.
In addition, the Committee directs funds for the following priorities as eligible under existing law:
| Center for Transportation and the Environment: Hydrogen and fuel cell research | $500,000 |
| Transportation Research Center, Atlanta, GA | 500,000 |
| Crash Protection and Safety, Wichita State University | 500,000 |
| Next Generation Hybrid Electric Transit Bus, Broome County, NY | 500,000 |
| SUNY Mill Woody Biomass Extraction Project, NY | 450,000 |
| American Cities Transportation Institute, Philadelphia, PA | 500,000 |
| East Tennessee Hydrogen Initiative, Chattanooga, TN | 1,000,000 |
CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS
(INCLUDING RESCISSION)
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $1,440,682,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 1,466,000,000
Recommended in the bill 1,566,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -125,682,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +100,000,000
--------------------------------------------------
Grants for capital investment to rail or other fixed guideway transit systems are awarded to public bodies and agencies (transit authorities and other state and local public bodies and agencies thereof) including states, municipalities, other political subdivisions of states; public agencies and instrumentalities of one or more states; and certain public corporations, boards and commissions under state law. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (Public Law 109-59) (SAFETEA-LU) made two significant changes to the major capital investment grant program. First, the program is now funded entirely from the General Fund of the Treasury. Second, grants for bus and bus facilities and fixed guideway modernization projects, plus alternative analysis funds are now eligible under the `Formula and Bus Grants' account, which is funded by the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund. Grants to the Denali Commission and the Hawaii and Alaska ferries are dictated by SAFETEA-LU. Other projects and investments are authorized by SAFETEA-LU and are subject to regulation and oversight by FTA.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,566,000,000 for capital investment grants, $100,000,000 above the budget request and $125,318,000 over the fiscal year 2006 funding level.
The Committee's recommendation provides $5,000,000 for the Denali Commission and $15,000,000 for ferry capital projects in Alaska and Hawaii; set-asides as required by SAFETEA-LU. In addition, the Committee recommends a total of $14,660,000, or approximately one percent, for oversight activities of the investments in this account.
The Committee's recommendation provides $571,878,399 to meet the Federal cost share mandated by full funding grant agreements already in existence, and authorized by SAFETEA-LU, for the following projects:
---------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
AZ Central Phoenix/East Valley Light Rail $90,000,000
CA Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension 100,000,000
CA Mission Valley East LRT Extension 806,654
CA Oceanside-Escondido Rail Corridor 684,040
CA BART Extension to San Francisco Airport 2,424,694
CO Southeast Corridor LRT 80,000,000
IL Douglas Branch Reconstruction 1,573,675
IL Ravenswood Line Extension 40,000,000
IL Union-Pacific West Line Extension 1,255,978
MD Central LRT Double-Track 482,822
NC South Corridor LRT 70,744,065
NJ Hudson-Bergen MOS-2 100,000,000
OH Euclid Corridor Transportation Project 693,013
OR Interstate MAX LRT Extension 542,940
PR Tren Urbano 2,670,518
WA Central Link Initial Segment 80,000,000
---------------------------------------------------------
The Tren Urbano project in Puerto Rico has been fraught with mismanagement, delays and safety issues and the Committee is aware of current difficulties in closing out the project. The Committee strongly urges the Commonwealth and the builder to resolve the outstanding issues expeditiously, and directs FTA to retain the final full funding grant payment until both sides reach a close out agreement.
The Committee's recommendation provides $657,600,000 to meet the Federal cost share for the following pending and proposed full funding grant agreements, authorized by SAFETEA-LU, as proposed in the budget request. Based on information from FTA, these projects are in final design and will be ready for a full funding grant agreement during the 2007 fiscal year.
--------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
CO West Corridor LRT $35,000,000
NY Long Island Rail Road East Side Access 300,000,000
OR South Corridor I-205/Portland Mall LRT 80,000,000
OR Wilsonville to Beaverton Commuter Rail 27,600,000
PA North Shore LRT Connector 55,000,000
TX Northwest/Southeast LRT/MOS 80,000,000
UT Weber County to Salt Lake City Commuter Rail 80,000,000
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee's recommendation provides $300,000,000 for projects authorized by SAFETEA-LU which will be in preliminary engineering or final design during the 2007 fiscal year. The Committee recommends funds for the following specific authorized projects:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CA San Francisco MTA Third Street Light Rail Project $5,000,000
DC WMATA Largo--rail cars 61,500,000
DC WMATA Navy Yard--Station Upgrades 20,000,000
FL Miami Dade County Metrorail Orange Line Expansion 1,000,000
IL Metra Commuter Rail--STAR Line, Chicago 5,000,000
IL Metra Commuter Rail--UP West Line Extension, Chicago 1,250,000
IL Metra Commuter Rail--UP West Line Upgrades, Chicago 2,000,000
IN N. Indiana Commuter Transit District Recapitalization 1,000,000
MA Fitchburg-Boston Rail Corridor 1,000,000
MN Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit, Dakota County 1,000,000
MN Northstar Corridor Rail Project 2,000,000
NJ Northern Branch, Bergen County 2,000,000
NJ/PA Northwest NJ-Northeast PA Passenger Rail Project 2,000,000
NY Second Avenue Subway, New York City 4,000,000
TX METRO Solutions Phase 2, Implementation Plan 2,500,000
VA Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project 5,000,000
VA Norfolk Light Rail Project 2,000,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee's recommendation includes a rescission of $17,760,000 from this account. Funds for the rescission are to be derived from any project which still has not obligated appropriated funds after three years.
The Committee does not provide funds for the new small starts program as authorized. First and foremost, the FTA will not complete the program regulations until June 2007, at the earliest. With only two or three months of the fiscal year, the Committee places a greater priority on providing adequate funds for capital improvement projects that will move into preliminary engineering or final design, rather than an untested, new program. Second, the Committee places a greater priority on projects already in the pipeline which will have a greater impact on congestion mitigation, environmental quality, and travel time, rather than small, economic development type projects. Should the SAFETEA-LU guarantees not have been in place, the Committee would have provided the $200,000,000 in other priorities of the bill also funded by the General Fund of the Treasury. Since the Committee must meet certain funding levels, the $200,000,000 remains under this heading.
The Committee is cautiously optimistic about the improved management of the new starts process, and encourages FTA to continue with revisions to the process regarding timing and criteria required for entry to the preliminary engineering and final design phases. The Committee appreciates greatly the monthly updates on advanced projects and directs FTA to continue communicating with the Committee on such matters.
The Committee has reservations on using land use and economic development as measures in the new starts rating methodology, and reiterates the concern expressed in House Report 108-671 regarding the weight these two measures may carry in determining the merits of a project proposal. The Committee encourages the use of transit, especially in light of rising fuel costs. In the past, most recently in House Report 108-671, the Committee raised concerns that locally developed ridership forecasts were optimistic, at best. The Committee places priority on ridership and congestion mitigation--especially for under this budget climate. The Committee provides $4,200,000,000 under HUD Community Development Block Grants for economic development. Should the highest rating of a new start, or especially a small start, come from the economic development or land use rating, the Committee would strongly urge that community to instead use local community and economic development funds rather than transit funds which could be used more appropriately for congestion mitigation.
The Committee directs FTA not to reallocate funds provided in prior year appropriations Acts for the Department of Transportation as follows:
Bus and Bus Facilities:
- Attleboro Intermodal Center, MA
- (FY 2004)
- Eastern Contra Cost Park and Ride Lots, CA
- (FY 2004)
- Leesburg Train Depot Renovation and Restoration, GA
- (FY 2004)
- Regional Transit Demonstration Project for Quitman, Clay, Randolph, and Stewart Counties, GA
- (FY 2004)
- Burbank Empire Area Transit Center, CA
- (FY 2004)
- UNI Multimodal Project, IA
- (FY 2004)
- Indianapolis Downtown Transit Center, IN
- (FY 2002, 2003, 2004)
- Callowhill Bus Garage Replacement, PA
- (FY 2002)
New Starts:
- Northstar Corridor, MN
- (FY 2003, 2004)
- Dulles Corridor Project, VA
- (FY 2002)
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
Section 160. The Committee continues the provision that exempts previously made transit obligations from limitations on obligations.
Section 161. The Committee continues the provision that allows unobligated funds for projects under `Capital Investment Grants' and bus and bus facilities under `Formula and Bus Grants' in prior year appropriations Acts to be used in this fiscal year.
Section 162. The Committee continues the provision that allows for the transfer of prior year appropriations from older accounts to be merged into new accounts with similar, current activities.
Section 163. The Committee recommends a new provision as proposed in the budget request that allows FTA to provide grants for 100 percent of the net capital cost of a factory-installed or retrofitted hybrid electric system in a bus.
Section 164. The Committee modifies a provision that allows unobligated funds for projects under `Capital Investment Grants' and bus and bus facilities under `Formula and Bus Grants' to be used in this fiscal year for activities eligible in the year the funds were appropriated.
Section 165. The Committee recommends a new provision which clarifies the calculations for determining the net costs of the San Gabriel Valley Metro Gold Line transit project.
SAINT LAWRENCE SEAWAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
(HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND)
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $16,121,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 8,000,000
Recommended in the bill 17,425,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +1,304,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +9,425,000
-----------------------------------------------
The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (the Corporation) is a wholly owned Government corporation established by the St. Lawrence Seaway Act of May 13, 1954. The corporation is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and development of the United States portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway between Montreal and Lake Erie, including the two Seaway locks located in Massena, New York and vessel traffic control in areas of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. The mission of the corporation is to serve the United States intermodal and international transportation system by improving the operation and maintenance of a safe, secure, reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible deep-draft waterway. The corporation's major priorities include: safety, reliability, trade development, management accountability, and bi-national collaboration with its Canadian counterpart.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total appropriation of $17,425,000 to fund the operations and maintenance of the corporation, $9,425,000 above the budget request and $1,304,000 above the fiscal year 2006 enacted level. Appropriations from the harbor maintenance trust fund and revenues from non-federal sources finance the operation and maintenance of the Seaway for which the corporation is responsible. Similar to the decision made for fiscal year 2006, the Committee denies the request to re-establish tolls on the U.S. portion of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in fiscal year 2007. Although legislative language was submitted in a timely fashion, the language would only impose tolls for one year and does not sufficiently address the Committee's questions regarding double taxations.
MARITIME ADMINISTRATION
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is responsible for programs that strengthen the U.S. maritime industry in support of the Nation's security and economic needs, as authorized by the Merchant Marine Act, 1936. MARAD's mission is to promote the development and maintenance of an adequate, well-balanced United States merchant marine, sufficient to carry the Nation's domestic waterborne commerce and a substantial portion of its waterborne foreign commerce, and capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency. MARAD, working with the Department of Defense (DOD), helps provide a seamless, time-phased transition from peacetime to wartime operations, while balancing the defense and commercial elements of the maritime transportation system. MARAD also manages the maritime security program, the voluntary intermodal sealift agreement program and the ready reserve force, which assures DOD access to commercial and strategic sealift and associated intermodal capability. Further, MARAD's education and training programs through the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and six state maritime schools help provide skilled U.S. merchant marine officers.
MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $154,440,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 154,440,000
Recommended in the bill 154,440,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $154,440,000 for the Maritime Security Program (MSP), the same as the budget request and the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. This recommendation provides funding directly to MARAD and assumes that MARAD will continue to administer the program with support and consultation of the Department of Defense. The purpose of the MSP is to maintain and preserve a U.S. flag merchant fleet to serve the national security needs of the United States. The MSP provides direct payments to U.S. flag ship operators engaged in U.S.-foreign trade. Participating operators are required to keep the vessels in active commercial service and are required to provide intermodal sealift support to the Department of Defense in times of war or national emergency. The Committee's recommendation provides funding for 60 ships, at a payment per ship of $2,574,000, consistent with the budget request and the fiscal year 2006 enacted level. The recommendation will provide the necessary resources for the operation of the MSP through fiscal year 2007. Funds are available until expended.
OPERATIONS AND TRAINING
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $128,527,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 115,830,000
Recommended in the bill 116,442,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -12,085,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +612,000
------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $116,442,000 for operations and training, $612,000 above the budget request and $12,085,000 below the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. Funds provided for this account are to be distributed as follows:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activity (all figures in $000's) FY07 Request House recommended
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy:
Salary and Benefits $24,009 $24,009
Midshipmen Program 6,977 6,977
Instructional Program 5,689 5,689
Program Direction and Administration 2,916 2,916
Maintenance, Repair, & Operating Requirements 7,307 7,307
Capital Improvements 14,850 14,850
Subtotal, USMMA 61,747 61,747
State Maritime Schools:
Student Incentive Payments 792 792
Direct Payments 1,188 1,800
Schoolship Maintenance and Repair 7,920 7,920
Subtotal, State Maritime Academies 9,900 10,512
MARAD Operations:
Base Operations 40,300 40,300
Information technology, electronic government 3,200 3,200
GSA Space Increase 683 683
Subtotal, MARAD Operations 44,183 44,183
Subtotal, Operations and Training 115,830 116,442
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee recommends $61,747,000 for the operation and maintenance of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), the same as the budget request and $511,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $24,009,000 for salaries and benefits, which is available until September 30, 2007, and $14,850,000 for capital improvements to the USMMA, which is available until expended.
The Committee recommends $10,512,000 for the six State Maritime Schools (SMS), $612,000 above the budget request and $587,000 below the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. These increased funds are provided for cadet training, facilities, and fuel costs to result in $300,000 per school in direct payments. Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $7,920,000 for SMS Schoolship Maintenance and Repair, which is available until expended.
The Committee recommends $44,183,000 for MARAD operations, the same as the budget request and $4,509,000 below the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. Within this total, the Committee provides $3,200,000 for IT related activities and electronic government.
SHIP DISPOSAL
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $20,790,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 25,740,000
Recommended in the bill 25,740,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +4,950,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
-----------------------------------------------
MARAD serves as the federal government's disposal agent for government-owned merchant vessels weighing 1,500 gross tons or more. The ship disposal program provides resources to dispose of obsolete merchant-type vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF). The Maritime Administration is required by law to dispose of its obsolete inventory by the end of 2006; however, MARAD has acknowledged that it will not meet this statutory deadline. There are currently 124 vessels located in three fleet sites in the NDRF awaiting disposal. In fiscal year 2004, MARAD removed 15 ships for disposal and projects that it will remove another 15 in 2005 and 13 in 2006. These vessels pose a significant environmental threat due to the presence of hazardous substances such as asbestos and solid and liquid polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The list includes a nuclear ship, the SAVANNAH, which contains remnants of a nuclear reactor.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $25,740,000 for ship disposal, the same as the budget request and $4,950,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. Within the funds provided, the Committee recommends $9,970,000 to decommission the SAVANNAH. Funds are available until expended.
MARITIME GUARANTEED LOAN (TITLE XI) PROGRAM
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS AND RESCISSION)
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $4,085,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 3,317,000
Recommended in the bill 3,317,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -768,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
----------------------------------------------
The maritime guaranteed loan account as provided for by title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, provides for guaranteed loans for purchasers of ships from the U.S. shipbuilding industry and for modernization of U.S. shipyards. Funds for administrative expenses for the Title XI program are appropriated to this account, and then transferred by reimbursement to operations and training to be obligated and outlayed.
As required by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, this account includes the subsidy costs associated with the loan guarantee commitments made in 1992 and beyond (including modifications of direct loans or loan guarantees that resulted from obligations or commitments in any year), as well as administrative expenses of this program. The subsidy amounts are estimated on a net present value basis; the administrative expenses are estimated on a cash basis.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $3,317,000, the same as the budget request and $768,000 below the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. In addition, the Committee recommends a rescission of $2,000,000 from unobligated balances.
NATIONAL DEFENSE TANK VESSEL CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -$74,400,000
Recommended in the bill -74,400,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -74,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
------------------------------------------------
The fiscal year 2004 Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 108-136) authorized the National Defense Tank Vessel Construction Program to provide financial assistance for the construction of five privately owned product tank vessels to be available for national defense purposes in time of war or national emergency. The purpose of the program is to revitalize commercial tank ship construction in the U.S. The Department of Defense has stated that a critical deficiency exists for U.S. flag tankers capable of carrying multiple petroleum cargoes. Vessels constructed under this program will operate as part of the Maritime security fleet.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends rescinding $74,400,000 from unobligated balances, as proposed in the budget request. The Committee does not repeal Subtitle D, National Defense Tank Vessel Construction Assistance, of Title XXXV of the Maritime Security Act of 2003, Public Law 108-136, as proposed in the budget request.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--MARITIME ADMINISTRATION
Section 170. The Committee continues a provision that allows the Maritime Administration to furnish utilities and services and make repairs to any lease, contract, or occupancy involving government property under the control of MARAD and rental payments shall be covered into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
Section 171. The Committee continues a provision that prohibits obligations incurred during the current year from construction funds in excess of the appropriations contained in this Act or in any prior appropriations Act.
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which was established as an administration within the Department of Transportation effective November 30, 2004, pursuant to the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act (Public Law 108-246), is responsible for the department's pipeline safety program and oversight of hazardous materials transportation safety operations. As part of its mission, the agency is dedicated to safety by working toward the elimination of transportation-related deaths and injuries in hazardous materials and pipeline transportation, and by promoting transportation solutions that enhance communities and protect the natural environment.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $16,708,230
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 17,721,000
Recommended in the bill 17,721,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +1,012,770
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
-----------------------------------------------
This appropriation finances the program support costs for the PHMSA. This includes policy development, counsel, budget, financial management, civil rights, management, administration and agency-wide expenses.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee provides $17,721,000 for these costs, of which $639,000 is to be provided from the Pipeline Safety Fund. The Committee expects PHMSA to use these funds as reflected in its budget justification.
The recommended level includes a reduction of $320,000 from the fiscal year 2006 enacted level to account for the transfer of two additional positions to the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.
Administrative costs for new positions- Consistent with the new positions that have been provided in the Hazardous Materials Safety appropriation, $111,000 is provided for associated administrative costs.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $25,876,620
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 27,225,000
Recommended in the bill 27,225,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +1,348,380
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
-----------------------------------------------
The PHMSA oversees the safety of the more than 800,000 daily shipments of hazardous materials in the United States and uses risk management principles and security threat assessments to understand, communicate, and reduce dangers inherent in hazardous materials transportation. The agency formulates, issues and revises hazardous materials regulations which cover hazardous materials definitions and classifications, hazard communications, shipper and carrier operations, training and security requirements, and packaging and container specifications.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The bill includes $27,225,000 to continue the agency's hazardous materials safety functions.
Field Enforcement Inspectors- The Committee approves four new inspectors, as requested, to achieve a more effective level of inspections, address the need to investigate undeclared shipments, and improve cross-modal data sharing. This will expand the number of enforcement inspectors in the field from 30 to 34.
Package Testing- The Committee approves $225,000 in contract funding, as requested, to increase the agency's capacity to perform package testing by 50 percent, ensuring the safety of packages and their conformity to performance standards mandated in regulations.
PIPELINE SAFETY
(PIPELINE SAFETY FUND)
(OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Pipeline safety fund) (Oil spill liability trust fund) Total
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $57,429,900 $14,850,000 $72,279,900
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 56,925,000 18,810,000 75,735,000
Recommended in the bill 56,925,000 18,810,000 75,735,000
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -504,900 +3,960,000 +3,455,100
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - - - - - - - -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHMSA oversees the safety, security, and environmental protection of pipelines through analysis of data, damage prevention, education and training, enforcement of regulations and standards, research and development, grants for states pipeline safety programs, and emergency planning and response to accidents. The pipeline safety program is responsible for a national regulatory program to protect the public against the risks to life and property in the transportation of natural gas, petroleum and other hazardous materials by pipeline. The enactment of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 also expanded the role of the pipeline safety program in environmental protection and resulted in a new emphasis on spill prevention and containment of oil and hazardous substances from pipelines.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The bill includes $75,735,000 to continue pipeline safety operations, research and development, and state grants-in-aid in fiscal year 2007. The bill specifies that of the total appropriation, $18,810,000 shall be derived from the oil spill liability trust fund and $56,925,000 shall be from the pipeline safety fund.
State one-call grants- The Committee directs that no less than $1,000,000 of the funds provided is for the one-call grants program, as was directed in fiscal year 2006.
State pipeline safety grants- The Committee approves additional funding, $500,000 above fiscal year 2006, to assist state pipeline agencies to increase inspection and enforcement activities required by the Pipeline Safety Integrity Act.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANTS
(EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUND)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Emergency preparedness fund) (Emergency preparedness grant program) Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $198,000 ($14,157,000) $14,355,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 198,000 (28,328,000) 28,526,000
Recommended in the bill 198,000 (28,328,000) 28,526,000
Bill compared to:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - - (+14,171,000) +14,171,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - - (- - -) - - -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act of 1990 (HMTUSA) requires the PHMSA to: (1) develop and implement a reimbursable emergency preparedness grant program; (2) monitor public sector emergency response training and planning and provide technical assistance to states, political subdivisions and Indian tribes; and (3) develop and update periodically a mandatory training curriculum for emergency responders.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $198,000, the same amount as requested, for activities related to emergency response training curriculum development and updates, as authorized by section 117(A)(i)(3)(B) of HMTUSA. The Committee has provided an obligation limitation of $28,328,000 for the emergency preparedness grant program.
RESEARCH AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION
The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) was established as an administration within the Department of Transportation (DOT) effective November 30, 2004, pursuant to the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act, Public Law 108-426. The mission of RITA is to provide strategic clarity to DOT's multi-modal and intermodal research efforts, while coordinating the multifaceted research agenda of the department.
RITA coordinates, facilitates, and reviews the following research and development programs and activities: advancement and research and development of innovative technologies, including intelligent transportation systems; education and training in transportation and transportation-related fields, including the University Transportation Centers and the Transportation Safety Institute; and activities of the Volpe National Transportation Center.
Also included within RITA is the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), which is funded from the Federal Highway Administration's federal-aid highway account. BTS compiles, analyzes, and makes accessible information on the nation's transportation systems; collects information on intermodal transportation and other areas as needed; and enhances the quality and effectiveness of the statistical programs of the DOT through research, the development of guidelines, and the promotion of improvements in data acquisition and use.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $5,716,260
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 8,217,000
Recommended in the bill 6,367,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +650,740
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -1,850,000
----------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The bill includes $6,367,000 to continue research and development activities in fiscal year 2007. This funding level is sufficient to fund 33 full time equivalent staff years (FTE), an increase of 5 FTE over the fiscal year 2006 level.
Transportation futures program- The Committee denies RITA's request of $2,228,000 for the transportation futures and applied technology program. The Committee believes that RITA should develop a more robust level of in-house research, development and technology expertise before it relies on outside contractors for multi-modal research coordination and analysis.
Research Programs- Within the fiscal year 2007 recommended funding level, the Committee provides $1,120,000 for RITA's research, development, and technology (RD&T) programs as follows:
| Hazardous materials research and development (R&D) | $80,000 |
| Hydrogen fuels safety R&D | 500,000 |
| RD&T coordination | 540,000 |
The Committee recommends that the $1,120,000 provided for these RD&T programs is available until September 30, 2009.
The bill also includes language that allows funds received from states, counties, municipalities, other public authorities, and private sources for expenses incurred for training to be credited to this appropriation.
BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS
(LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 ($26,730,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 (27,000,000)
Recommended in the bill (27,000,000)
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 (+270,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
-------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Under the appropriation of the Federal Highway Administration, the bill provides $27,000,000 for BTS. In addition, BTS will receive a portion of the revenue aligned budget authority (RABA) increase to the federal-aid highway program in fiscal year 2007.
The Committee limits BTS staff to 122 FTE in fiscal year 2007 in order to curtail the significant growth in staffing that occurred previously within this agency.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
The Inspector General's office was established in 1978 to provide an objective and independent organization that would be more effective in: (1) preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse in departmental programs and operations; and (2) providing a means of keeping the Secretary of Transportation and the Congress fully and currently informed of problems and deficiencies in the administration of such programs and operations. According to the authorizing legislation, the Inspector General (IG) is to report dually to the Secretary of Transportation and to the Congress.
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $61,874,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 64,143,000
Recommended in the bill 64,143,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +2,269,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
-----------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommendation provides $64,143,000 for activities of the Office of Inspector General, consistent with the budget request. The Committee continues to value highly the work of the Office of Inspector General in oversight of departmental programs and activities.
In addition, the OIG will receive $7,324,000 from other agencies in this bill, as noted below:
| Federal Highway Administration | $3,524,000 |
| Federal Transit Administration | 2,000,000 |
| Federal Aviation Administration | 1,050,000 |
| National Transportation Safety Board | 500,000 |
| Office of the Secretary of Transportation | 125,000 |
| Research and Innovative Technology Administration | 125,000 |
Funding is sufficient to finance 420 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff years in fiscal year 2007, for a decrease of 10 FTE from the fiscal year 2006 level.
Unfair business practices.--The bill maintains language first enacted in fiscal year 2000 which authorizes the OIG to investigate allegations of fraud and unfair or deceptive practices and unfair methods of competition by air carriers and ticket agents.
Audit reports.--The Committee requests the Inspector General to continue forwarding copies of all audit reports to the Committee immediately after they are issued, and to continue to make the Committee aware immediately of any review that recommends cancellation or modifications to any major acquisition project or grant, or which recommends significant budgetary savings. The OIG is also directed to withhold from public distribution for a period of 15 days any final audit or investigative report which was requested by the House or Senate Committees on Appropriations.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) was created on January 1, 1996, by Public Law 104-88, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) Termination Act of 1995 (ICCTA). The ICCTA abolished the ICC; eliminated certain functions that had previously been implemented by the ICC; transferred core rail and certain other provisions to the STB; and transferred certain motor carrier functions to the Federal Highway Administration (now under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
The STB is a three-member, bipartisan, independent adjudicatory body organizationally housed within DOT that is specifically responsible for regulation of the rail and pipeline industries and certain non-licensing regulation of motor carriers and water carriers. The STB's regulatory oversight of rail carriers encompasses the regulation of rates, mergers and acquisitions, construction, and abandonment of railroad lines, as well as the planning, analysis and policy development associated with these activities. The STB's jurisdiction also includes certain regulation of the intercity bus industry and surface pipeline carriers as well as the rate regulation of water transportation in the non-contiguous domestic trade, household-good carriers, and collectively determined motor rates.
The law empowers the STB through its exemption authority to promote deregulation administratively on a case-by-case basis and continues intact the important rail reforms made by the Staggers Rail Act of 1980.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $26,185,500
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 1 22,925,000
Recommended in the bill 1 25,618,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -567,500
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +2,693,000
------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total appropriation of $25,618,000, an increase of $2,693,000 above the budget request. Included in the recommendation is $1,250,000 in fees, which will offset the appropriated funding. At this funding level, the Board will be able to accommodate 150 full-time equivalent staff years.
The Committee's recommendation funds the following increases above the fiscal year 2006 enacted level:
| Annualization of fiscal year 2006 pay raise | +$113,000 |
| Fiscal year 2007 pay raise | +340,000 |
| GSA rent and security increases | +1,849,000 |
| Inflation | +51,000 |
| Annualized salary increase for fiscal year 2006 hires and employee benefits increases | +882,000 |
| Working capital fund and telephone/utilities increases | +21,000 |
| Fiscal year 2007 relocation expenses (one-time) | +375,000 |
| Post move costs | +274,000 |
| Environmental travel increase | +15,000 |
These increases are offset by a reduction of $4,500,000 for the one-time relocation expenses funded in fiscal year 2006. As noted above, the Committee has provided one-time funding of $375,000 to accommodate the final stages of STB's office relocation.
User fees.--Current statutory authority, under 31 U.S.C. 9701, grants the Board the authority to collect user fees. The Committee believes that $1,250,000 in user fees is reasonable. Language is included in the bill allowing the fees to be credited to the appropriation as offsetting collections, and reducing the general fund appropriation on a dollar-for-dollar basis as the fees are received and credited. The Committee continues this language to simplify the tracking of the collections and provide the Board with more flexibility in spending its appropriated funds.
STB case report- The Committee is aware of frustration over rail service and freight rail charges among rail customers, including electric utilities, rural electric cooperatives, paper companies, agricultural industries and local units of government. The Committee recognizes that the four major railroads now control more than 94% of the industry's revenues and 90% of the rail track and that there are fewer options for shippers that rely on the nation's major railroads for service. The Committee directs the STB to issue a report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by February 1, 2007, that shows the number of complaints that have been filed related to high rail charges and poor service since January 2005, the STB's determinations in these cases, and the status and timing of decisions in any pending cases.
Union Pacific/Southern Pacific merger- On December 12, 1997, the Board granted a joint request of Union Pacific Railroad Company and the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County, KS (Wichita/Sedgwick) to toll the 18-month mitigation study pending in Finance Docket No. 32760. The decision indicated that at such time as the parties reach agreement or discontinue negotiations, the Board would take appropriate action.
By petition filed June 26, 1998, Wichita/Sedgwick and UP/SP indicated that they had entered into an agreement, and jointly petitioned the Board to impose the agreement as a condition of the Board's approval of the UP/SP merger. By decision dated July 8, 1998, the Board agreed and imposed the agreement as a condition to the UP/SP merger. The terms of the negotiated agreement remain in effect. If UP/SP or any of its divisions or subsidiaries materially changes or is unable to achieve the assumptions on which the Board based its final environmental mitigation measures, then the Board should reopen Finance Docket 32760 if requested by interested parties, and prescribe additional mitigation properly reflecting these changes if shown to be appropriate.
Waste transfer and sorting facilities- The Committee recognizes that a growing number of certain waste haulers and rail companies have sought to exploit a potential loophole in the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act in order to construct and operate unregulated waste transfer and sorting facilities on railroad properties. The developers of these types of facilities are claiming that ICCTA grants federal preemption from local, state and certain federal regulations that protect the public interest with respect to solid waste. The Committee disagrees with this interpretation of ICCTA preemption since the operation of solid waste facilities is not integral to transportation by rail. The Committee encourages the STB to clarify that these types of facilities are indeed subject to the same local, state, and federal laws and regulations as other solid waste facilities.
GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Section 180. The Committee continues the provision allowing the Department of Transportation to use funds for aircraft; motor vehicles; liability insurance; uniforms; or allowances, as authorized by law.
Section 181. The Committee continues the provision limiting appropriations for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 to the rate for an Executive Level IV.
Section 182. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting funds in this Act for salaries and expenses of more than 110 political and Presidential appointees in the Department of Transportation, and prohibits political and Presidential personnel assigned on temporary detail outside the Department of Transportation.
Section 183. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting funds for the implementation of section 404 of title 23, United State Code.
Section 184. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting recipients of funds made available in this Act from releasing personal information, including social security number, medical or disability information, and photographs from a driver's license or motor vehicle record, without express consent of the person to whom such information pertains; and prohibits the withholding of funds provided in this Act for any grantee if a state is in noncompliance with this provision.
Section 185. The Committee continues the provision allowing funds received by the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and the Federal Railroad Administration from states, counties, municipalities, other public authorities, and private sources for expenses incurred for training may be credited to each agency's respective accounts.
Section 186. The Committee continues the provision authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to allow issuers of any preferred stock to redeem or repurchase preferred stock sold to the Department of Transportation.
Section 187. The Committee continues the provision prohibiting funds in Title I of this Act from being issued for any grant unless the Secretary of Transportation notifies the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not less than three full business days before any discretionary grant award, letter of intent, or full funding grant agreement totaling $1,000,000 or more is announced by the department or its modal administrations.
Section 188. The Committee continues a provision for the Department of Transportation allowing funds received from rebates, refunds, and similar sources to be credited to appropriations.
Section 189. The Committee amends slightly a provision continued for years allowing amounts from improper payments to a third party contractor or contractor support that are lawfully recovered by the Department of Transportation to be available to cover expenses incurred in the recovery of such payments.
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $194,626,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 223,874,000
Recommended in the bill 223,786,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +29,160,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -88,000
------------------------------------------------
The Departmental Offices' function in the Treasury Department is to provide basic support to the Secretary of the Treasury, the chief operating executive of the Department. The Secretary also has a primary role in formulating and managing the domestic and international tax and financial policies of the Federal Government. The Secretary's responsibilities funded by the Salaries and Expenses appropriation include: recommending and implementing United States domestic and international economic and tax policy; fiscal policy; governing the fiscal operations of the Government; maintaining foreign assets control; managing the public debt; managing development of financial policy; representing the United States on international monetary, trade and investment issues; overseeing Treasury Department overseas operations; directing the administrative operations of the Treasury Department; and providing executive oversight of the bureaus within the Treasury Department. This account also includes funding for the office of professional responsibility.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $223,786,000 for Departmental Offices, Salaries and Expenses, $88,000 below the budget request and $29,160,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The funding recommendations are made based on information included in the budget justification. Therefore, the transfer authority provided to the Department under this heading is set at 3 percent. Funds are to be allocated as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------
Executive Direction $8,760,000
General Counsel 8,741,000
Economic Polices and Programs 41,947,000
Financial Policies and Programs 27,086,000
Terrorism and Financial Intelligence 45,401,000
Treasury-Wide Management Policies and Programs 18,534,000
Administration Programs 73,317,000
----------------------------------------------------------
The Committee includes in its recommendation $258,000 for unforeseen emergencies; $5,114,000 for the Treasury-wide Financial Statement Audit and Internal Control program, which is available until September 30, 2008; $3,000,000 for information technology modernization requirements, which is available until September 30, 2008; and $100,000 for official reception and representation expenses. Of the funds provided for Financial Policies and Programs, the Committee recommends $1,000,000 for the e-Cavern partnership and $750,000 for two-factor authentication technology. The Committee does not approve the request of $1,838,000 for Treasury-wide performance management training due to poor justification.
THE OFFICE OF TERRORISM AND FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE
The Committee recommends $45,401,000 for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. Of the amount provided, $1,759,000 is for the Office of the Undersecretary, $4,404,000 is for the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes, $24,263,000 is for the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and $14,975,000 is for the Office of Intelligence Analysis.
OVERSEAS PRESENCE
Of the funds provided for Economic Policies and Programs, the Committee recommends $11,232,689 for the overseas attache program, the same as the budget request and $9,352,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The increase in funding will allow the Department to expand its overseas presence in critical posts to 19 attaches.
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS
Of the funds provided for Financial Policies and Programs, the Committee recommends $513,000 for the Office of Dynamic Analysis, the same as the budget request. This is the first year the Department has requested funding for this activity. The Committee is pleased that the Department is seeking to better understand the full range of behavioral responses to changes in the tax code, and has fully funded this office, providing half-year funding for six full time equivalents (FTEs).
REPAIR AND IMPROVEMENTS
Of the funds provided for Administration Programs, the Committee recommends $1,000,000 to re-establish a recurring baseline for major repairs and improvements for the main Treasury and Annex buildings. This funding is moved from the Treasury Building and Annex Repair and Restoration (T-BARR) project, which will be completed by the end of fiscal year 2006. No funding is requested for T-BARR in fiscal year 2007.
SECURITY DETAIL
Of the funds provided for Administration Programs, the Committee recommends $4,200,000 to reimburse the United States Secret Service for the costs associated with the security detail provided to the Secretary. The Committee understands that this amount is sufficient to cover all Secret Service charges related to this protection for fiscal year 2007.
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES
The Committee is concerned by the recent events surrounding the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS). As chair of the CFIUS, the Treasury Department maintains an active leadership role in the approval of foreign direct investment in the U.S. In the case of the acquisition of operations at terminals in several U.S. ports by Dubai Ports World, a United Arab Emirates owned company, the Committee finds it disconcerting that there was no communication between CFIUS and the Congress, especially considering the security of the Nation's critical infrastructure. The Committee understands that the Department has initiated several reforms, such as notifying Congress of every review upon its completion, formalizing the role of the Director of National Intelligence in the investigative process, and offering quarterly Congressional briefings. The Committee commends the Department on these initiatives and directs the Department to continue to work to improve the communication between the CFIUS and the Congress.
CURRENCY MANIPULATION
The Committee remains concerned about the manipulation of the value of foreign currency. This practice can have a devastating effect on U.S. companies who are forced to compete with lower priced imports and unfair tariffs when exporting to the countries in question. This action is also leading to the record trade deficit this nation has experienced, which topped $800 billion in 2005. The Committee understands the tools the Department uses to deal with these countries, both those that knowingly support and practice currency manipulation and those who find their currency undervalued through no nefarious action of their own. Those tools include pressure from the International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization, as well as bilateral negotiations authorized under title 22 of the United States Code. These tools, however, are slow processes which take time while Americans continue to lose jobs. Those situations in which countries intentionally devalue their currency to gain a trade advantage or do not do enough to correct an undervalued currency should be addressed immediately and swiftly by the Department. The Committee is encouraged by the recent inclusion of the appendix in the semi-annual Report to Congress on International Economic and Exchange Rate Policies, to better clarify the indicators that the Department uses to define currency manipulation. However, much work remains to be done. Therefore, the Committee directs the Department to provide quarterly updates on the status of negotiations with countries with undervalued currency and the impacts of the country's currency valuation on the U.S. The Committee understands that change will not be immediate; however, the Committee expects to see notable progress in these quarterly updates.
OPERATING PLAN
The Committee directs the Department, upon enactment of the fiscal year 2007 appropriations Act, to submit an operating plan for the fiscal year 2007 resources provided to the Department, including all offices and bureaus, not more than 60 days after enactment. The operating plan must include funding and FTE levels for all offices and objectives by fiscal year 2006 actual, fiscal year 2007 request, and fiscal year 2007 enacted. In addition, the plan must include information on any initiative, major procurement, and program at the Department. The operating plan should incorporate input from all senior level managers of the Department, and once submitted, the final plan should be made available to those managers.
TRAVEL CAP
The Committee has not included a travel limitation, which was $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2006. The Committee remains concerned about the amount of politically motivated travel, but understands that continuing to restrict the travel of all Treasury offices and bureaus may negatively impact mission operations. The Committee will continue to monitor travel and re-evaluate this position at the next appropriate time. Therefore, the Committee restates the travel report directives contained in House Report 108-792 and directs the Department to include the purpose of the reported travel in the quarterly report. The Committee also continues the direction that the Secretary shall ensure that a portion of travel funds are made available to General Schedule employees to support the training and development of all Departmental Office employees.
MONTHLY OBLIGATION REPORTING
The Committee directs the Department to submit a monthly budget execution report that includes: the total appropriated obligation authority (new budget authority plus unobligated carryover), current year obligations, unobligated balance, beginning obligated balance, current year outlays, and ending obligated balance. This budget execution information is to be provided for all the unexpired accounts of the Department's appropriations that are shown in the tables displayed at the end of this report as well as the Working Capital Fund. This report must be submitted to the Committee no later than 45 days after the close of each month.
CONGRESSIONAL JUSTIFICATIONS
The Committee has noticed a significant improvement in the fiscal year 2007 Congressional Justification and Budget-in-Brief, and appreciates the effort to reduce redundant information and provide clearer, more concise documentation in the budget request. Notwithstanding these improvements, the Department is encouraged to continue efforts in the substance of the request. The Committee would like to see efforts to identify low priority programs for reduction or elimination in order to fund higher priority critical needs. The Committee also recognizes the Department on its efforts to revise its annual Performance and Accountability Report (PAR). As with the previous year's revision of the Budget-in-Brief, the PAR is now a clear, concise, and usable document. This was evident in a recent independent evaluation of agency PARs where the Department moved from 16th place last year to fifth place this year. The Department should continue to show transparency in its operations to the public by including baseline and trend data, effectively listing program goals in terms of desired outcomes and providing explanations for missed goals. Finally, the Committee encourages the Department to continue its efforts to revise its strategic plan. A retooled strategic plan should link funding directly to outcomes.
DEPARTMENT-WIDE SYSTEMS AND CAPITAL INVESTMENTS PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $24,168,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 34,032,000
Recommended in the bill 34,032,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +9,864,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
-----------------------------------------------
The Department-wide Systems and Capital Investments Programs appropriation funds the modernization of Treasury business processes and increases in Department-wide systems efficiency through technology investments for systems that involve more than one Treasury bureau or Treasury's interface with other governmental agencies.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $34,032,000 for Department-wide Systems and Capital Investment Programs, the same as the budget request and $9,864,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. Funds are available until September 30, 2009. Of the amount recommended, the Committee has provided $3,000,000 for various Terrorism and Financial Intelligence information technology (IT) investments. Should the additional resources for this initiative be required, the Committee directs the Department to utilize up to $3,000,000 from the Treasury Forfeiture Fund.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The Committee is concerned about the Department's track record in executing major IT projects. While there are a few notable successes, such as those at the Bureau of the Public Debt and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, too often major projects are hampered by poor performance and cost and schedule overruns. For example, HR Connect, TCE, BSA Direct, and BSM all experienced major setbacks during their development. The Committee is encouraged by the steps taken by the Department's Chief Information Officer (CIO) to rectify these problems, but is concerned that the CIO lacks sufficient authority to properly manage IT projects across the Department. For instance, the Department has taken almost two years just to put in place clear policies and procedures for bureaus CIOs to follow when managing a major IT project. Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary to provide a report no later than March 1, 2007, detailing the plans to provide the CIO proper authority and resources to adequately manage the entire Department's IT infrastructure, including Treasury-wide capital planning and information management, cyber security, E-Government initiatives, HR Connect, and telecommunications management.
In addition, last year the Committee directed in House Report 109-153 that the Department provide more detailed information regarding all IT initiatives and investments, development and implementation timelines, and costs and savings in the Department's operating plan. This information, however, was not included in the fiscal year 2006 operating plan. Therefore, the Committee, again, directs the Department to include this information in their next operating plan.
TREASURY FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE NETWORK
Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $21,200,000 for the Treasury Foreign Intelligence Network (TFIN), the same as the budget request and $15,260,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The Committee understands that this amount will fully fund the modernization of TFIN, an intelligence system critical in the fight against terrorist financing. However, fully funding TFIN has left little funding for other critical IT projects. Therefore, the Committee expects the Department to better allocate its IT funding among critical systems in the future.
ENTERPRISE CONTENT MANAGEMENT
Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $627,000 for the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Enterprise Content Management (ECM), the same as the budget request. The Committee finds it unacceptable that OFAC must manually process more than 40,000 requests each year. An automated document and records management system would allow OFAC to more effectively manage and search its records when responding to and processing licenses, undoubtedly saving time and resources. The Committee, therefore, directs the Department to provide a report, no later than March 1, 2007, on the benefits of, and plans for, a fully operational ECM system.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $16,830,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 17,352,000
Recommended in the bill 17,352,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +522,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
-----------------------------------------------
The Office of Inspector General provides agency-wide audit and investigative functions to identify and correct operational and administrative deficiencies which create conditions for existing or potential instances of fraud, waste, and mismanagement. The audit function provides program, contract, and financial statement audit services. Contract audits provide professional advice to agency contracting officials on accounting and financial matters relative to negotiation, award, administration, repricing, and settlement of contracts. Program audits review and evaluate all facets of agency operations. Financial statement audits assess whether financial statements fairly present the agency's financial condition and results of operations, the adequacy of accounting controls, and compliance with laws and regulations. The investigative function provides for the detection and investigation of improper and illegal activities involving programs, personnel, and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $17,352,000 for the Office of Inspector General, the same as the budget request and $522,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The bill includes $2,000,000 for official travel expenses, $2,500 for official reception and representation expenses, and up to $100,000 for unforeseen emergencies.
TREASURY INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR TAX ADMINISTRATION
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $131,953,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 136,469,000
Recommended in the bill 136,469,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +4,516,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
------------------------------------------------
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 established the Office of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and abolished the IRS Office of the Chief Inspector. TIGTA conducts audits, investigations, and evaluations to assess the operations and programs of the IRS and its related entities, the IRS Oversight Board, and the Office of Chief Counsel. The purpose of those audits and investigations is as follows: (1) promote the economic, efficient, and effective administration of the nation's tax laws and to detect and deter fraud and abuse in IRS programs and operations; and (2) recommend actions to resolve fraud and other serious problems, abuses, and deficiencies in these programs and operations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $136,469,000 for the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the same as the budget request and $4,516,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006.
AIR TRANSPORTATION STABILIZATION PROGRAM
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $2,723,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Recommended in the bill - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -2,723,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
----------------------------------------------
The Air Transportation Stabilization Board (ATSB) was authorized in the Air Transportation Safety and Stabilization Act to issue $10,000,000,000 of federal credit instruments to air carriers. The statute requires the compensation of air carriers `for losses incurred by the air carriers as a result of the terrorist attacks on the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001,' and provides among other criteria, that `such agreement is a necessary part of maintaining a safe, efficient, and viable commercial aviation system in the United States.'
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends no appropriation for the Air Transportation Stabilization Program. The Committee understands that the ATSB will be able to negotiate payment or remarketing of its remaining loans by the end of fiscal year 2006, thereby meeting the requirements established under the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (Public Law 107-42). Consequently, the ATSB will terminate its activities in fiscal year 2007. The Committee includes language that permits the ATSB to charge fees to a borrower for the costs associated with bankruptcy proceedings of the borrower, should any loans remain with the Department and the borrower enter bankruptcy.
TREASURY BUILDING AND ANNEX REPAIR AND RESTORATION
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $9,900,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Recommended in the bill - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -9,900,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
----------------------------------------------
The Treasury Building and Annex Repair and Restoration appropriation funds the repairs, selected improvements, and construction necessary to renovate and maintain the main Treasury Building, the Treasury annex, and other Treasury buildings.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends no appropriation for Treasury Building and Annex Repair and Restoration (T-BARR). The Committee understands that the funds appropriated in fiscal year 2006 are sufficient to complete the restoration. Furthermore, the Committee agrees to transfer $1,000,000 of the T-BARR base amount to Departmental Operations, Salaries and Expenses, to re-establish a recurring baseline for other major repairs and improvements.
FINANCIAL CRIMES ENFORCEMENT NETWORK
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $72,894,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 89,794,000
Recommended in the bill 84,066,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +11,172,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -5,728,000
-----------------------------------------------
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is responsible for implementing Treasury's anti-money laundering regulations through administration of the Bank Secrecy Act, 31 U.S.C. section 5311, et seq. (BSA). It also serves as a U.S. Government source for the systematic collection and analysis of information to assist in the investigation of money laundering and other financial crimes. FinCEN supports law enforcement investigative efforts by Federal, state, local and international agencies, and fosters interagency and global cooperation against domestic and international financial crimes. It also provides U.S. policymakers with strategic analyses of domestic and worldwide trends and patterns. It prevents money laundering through its regulatory and outreach programs, including setting policy for and overseeing BSA compliance by financial institutions, and by providing BSA training for law enforcement, bankers, and bank regulators. Pursuant to the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, FinCEN was made a Treasury Bureau in recognition of its key role in supporting investigations and other Government efforts to identify and stop the financing of terrorist organizations and activity. The USA PATRIOT Act also gave FinCEN substantial new responsibilities for collecting, sharing, and managing financial and other information as part of its counter-terrorism mission.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $84,066,000 for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, $5,728,000 below the budget request and $11,172,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. Of the amounts provided, $8,651,000 is available until September 30, 2008, for regulatory support programs, and $14,012,000 is available until September 30, 2009, for information technology and special analytical initiatives.
BSA DIRECT
Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $13,365,490 for BSA Direct, $5,728,000 below the budget request and $6,745,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The Committee is concerned about the future of BSA Direct, a system designed to improve the sharing of information reported under the Bank Secrecy Act. A recent stop work order on BSA Direct's retrieval and sharing component contract has highlighted multiple cost, schedule, and performance problems during development. This break in development has left many unanswered questions as to the future of the system, especially the retrieval and sharing component. Because of this delay, the assumptions used when compiling the fiscal year 2007 budget request, which included $12,473,000 above the fiscal year 2006 base amount, may no longer be valid. Therefore, the Committee recommends a reduction of $5,728,000 to the budget request, $728,000 for the retrieval and sharing component of the $2,473,000 requested base increase, and $5,000,000 for the cross-border wire transfer system initiative.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $233,881,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 233,654,000
Recommended in the bill 233,654,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -227,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
------------------------------------------------
The Financial Management Service (FMS) is responsible for the management of Federal finances and the collection of Federal debt. As the Federal Government's central financial agent, FMS receives and disburses public monies, maintains Government accounts, and reports on the status of the Government's finances. FMS is also accountable for developing and implementing the most reliable and efficient financial methods and systems to operate the Government's cash management, credit management, and debt collection programs. Pursuant to the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, FMS became the primary agency for collecting Federal non-tax debt that is due and owed to the Government and coordinating efforts to collect debt from those who have defaulted on agreements with the Federal Government.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $233,654,000 for the Financial Management Service, the same as the budget request and $227,000 below the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $9,220,000 for information systems modernization initiatives, which is available until September 30, 2009, and $2,500 for official reception and representation expenses.
ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $90,215,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 63,964,000
Recommended in the bill 92,604,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +2,389,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +28,640,000
-----------------------------------------------
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is responsible for the enforcement of laws designed to eliminate certain illicit activities and to regulate lawful activities relating to distilled spirits, beer, wine and nonbeverage alcohol products, and tobacco. TTB focuses on collecting revenue; reducing taxpayer burden and improving service while preventing diversion; and protecting the public and preventing consumer deception in certain regulated commodities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $92,604,000 for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, $28,640,000 above the budget request and $2,389,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The budget request assumed $28,640,000 in revenue from new user fees. However, the fees have not been authorized by the Congress and therefore cannot be used to offset appropriations. In addition, the bill includes up to $6,000 for official reception and representation expenses and up to $50,000 for cooperative research and development programs.
UNITED STATES MINT
UNITED STATES MINT PUBLIC ENTERPRISE FUND
The United States Mint manufactures coins, receives deposits of gold and silver bullion, and safeguards the Federal Government's holdings of monetary metals. In 1997, Congress established the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund (Public Law 104-52), which authorized the Mint to use proceeds from the sale of coins to finance the costs of its operations and consolidated all existing Mint accounts into a single fund. Public Law 104-52 also provided that, in certain situations, the levels of capital investments for circulating coins and protective services shall factor into the decisions of the Congress such that those levels compete with other requirements for funding.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a spending level for capital investments by the Mint for circulating coinage and protective services of $30,200,000, the same as the budget request and $3,432,000 above the fiscal year 2006 spending level. The following table provides basic information on the revenues, costs, and products of the Mint for fiscal years 2005 through 2007:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Circulating coins Commemorative quarters Numismatic coins Protection
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2005 (actual):
Number of coins 11.4 billion 2.7 billion 20 million
Cost of operations $164 million $322 million $493 million $35 million
Revenue $481 million $664 million $626 million
2006 (est.):
Number of coins 12.5 billion 3.0 billion 24 million
Cost of operations $181 million $386 million $1,282 million $37 million
Revenue $530 million $757 million $1,381 million
2007 (est.):
Number of coins 12.6 billion 3.1 billion 24 million
Cost of operations $182 million $390 million $1,321 million $36 million
Revenue $536 million $779 million $1,431 million
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRODUCTION COSTS
The Committee is concerned with the rising costs of producing all varieties of circulating coins. While the Mint continues to use their existing metal inventory, costs to produce the cent and five-cent coins remain relatively low. Currently, the year-to-date cost of producing a cent is slightly above face value, while a nickel is slightly below face value. A recent report, however, estimates that producing cents and nickels using metal purchased at today's prevailing prices would cost 1.4 cents and 6.4 cents, respectively. Inevitably metal inventories will have to be replenished at current prices. Therefore, the Committee directs the Government Accountability Office to report, no later than March 1, 2007, on any studies the Mint has made of alternative metals or alloys to be used for the production of circulating coins to keep production costs down. This report shall be delivered no later than March 1, 2007, to the Committees on Appropriations and Financial Services.
BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT
ADMINISTERING THE PUBLIC DEBT
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $178,154,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 180,789,000
Recommended in the bill 180,789,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +2,635,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
------------------------------------------------
The Bureau of the Public Debt is responsible for the conduct of all public debt operations and the promotion of the sale of U.S. securities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $180,789,000 for Administering the Public Debt, the same as the budget request and $2,635,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. Of this amount, the Committee recommends $2,500 for official reception and representation expenses, and $2,000,000 for systems modernization, which is available until September 30, 2009. Language is included that reduces the total amount by no more than $3,000,000 as definitive security issue fees and Treasury Direct Investor Account Maintenance fees are collected.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $54,450,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 7,821,000
Recommended in the bill 40,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -14,450,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +32,179,000
-----------------------------------------------
The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund provides grants, loans, and technical assistance to new and existing community development financial institutions such as community development banks, community development credit unions, revolving loan funds, and micro-loan funds. Recipients must use the funds to support mortgage, small business and economic development lending in underserved and distressed neighborhoods. The Fund is also responsible for implementation of the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $40,000,000 for the CDFI program, $32,179,000 above the budget request and $14,450,000 below the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The Committee does not agree to move the CDFI grant programs to the Department of Commerce as a part of the `Strengthening America's Communities' program, leaving only the administration of the New Markets Tax Credit program and the outstanding award portfolio under the jurisdiction of the Treasury Department. The Committee recommends the entire program remain at the Treasury. Of the funds provided, $12,800,000 is for administrative costs of the program.
BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) designs, manufactures, and supplies Federal Reserve notes, various public debt instruments, as well as most evidences of a financial character issued by the U.S., such as postage and internal revenue stamps. The BEP also executes certain printings for various territories administered by the U.S., particularly postage and revenue stamps.
The operations of the BEP are financed by a revolving fund established in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 81-656, August 4, 1950 (31 U.S.C. 181), which requires the BEP to be reimbursed by customer agencies for the costs of all manufacturing products and services performed. The BEP is also authorized to assess amounts to acquire capital equipment and provide for working capital needs. The anticipated work volume is based on estimates of requirements submitted by agencies served. The following table summarizes BEP revenue and expense data for fiscal years 2005 through 2007:
[All figures in $000's]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
2005 (actual) 2006 (estimate) 2007 (estimate)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenue $512,000 $506,000 $556,000
Revenue from currency 476,800 500,000 550,000
Revenue from stamps 17,300 0 0
Other revenue 17,900 6,000 6,000
Cost of operations 531,000 506,000 556,000
Net revenue 1 (to Treasury) (19,000) 0 0
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
PROCESSING, ASSISTANCE, AND MANAGEMENT
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $4,095,212,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 4,045,122,000
Recommended in the bill - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -4,095,212,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -4,045,122,000
--------------------------------------------------
The Processing, Assistance, and Management appropriation provides for processing tax returns and related documents; processing data for compiling statistics of income; assisting taxpayers in correct filing of their returns and in paying taxes that are due; overall planning and direction of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); and management of financial resources and procurement.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee's recommendation does not follow the previous IRS account structure. Instead, the Committee recommends a new appropriation structure that more closely aligns with taxpayer services, enforcement, and operations support. The Committee expects the IRS to use this new structure as the basis for the fiscal year 2008 budget request.
TAXPAYER SERVICES
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Recommended in the bill $2,059,151,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +2,059,151,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +2,059,151,000
--------------------------------------------------
The Taxpayer Services appropriation provides for taxpayer services, including forms and publications; processing tax returns and related documents; filing and account services; taxpayer advocacy services; and assisting taxpayers to understand their tax obligations, correctly file their returns, and pay taxes due in a timely manner.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $2,059,151,000 for Taxpayer Services. Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $8,000,000 for low-income taxpayer clinic grants and $4,100,000 for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program.
NEW AND INCREASED USER FEES
The Committee is concerned about the budget request assumption of $135,000,000 in new and increased user fees. The budget request assumes the funds collected from these fees will supplement the Taxpayer Services ($117,398,000) and Operations Support ($17,602,000) appropriations. The budget request also assumes timely changes to IRS legacy systems, which are necessary for the collection of these fees. The Committee is concerned that the necessary changes to IRS legacy systems will not happen in a timely fashion and also questions the willingness of taxpayers to pay increased fees for voluntary services. Therefore, the Committee directs the IRS to report quarterly on the collection of user fees, including an update of the status of the legacy system changes needed to collect these fees.
TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE CENTERS
In fiscal year 2006, the Committee included a provision requiring the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) to study the impact on taxpayer compliance and service before the IRS could proceed with a reduction in the number of Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs). TIGTA's report (Reference Number 2006-40-061) stated that although the methodology used by the IRS to determine which TACs to close was appropriate, not all of the data used were current or accurate. TIGTA found that these data discrepancies made it impossible to determine if the IRS selected the correct TACs for closure, or if the IRS overselected or underselected the number of TACs that needed to be closed to reach their targeted savings. The Committee understands that the IRS agreed with the TIGTA findings and will ensure that the data used to determine future TAC closures are accurate and verified. Therefore, the Committee does not continue the provision requiring TIGTA to review any reductions to taxpayer services, but does direct the IRS to provide the Committee 30 days advance notice to the selection or announcement of any TAC closure decisions.
DISABILITY CLAIMS
The Committee is disappointed that the IRS has not yet issued the report, as directed in House Report 109-153, on the number of disabled veterans who have been denied back taxes due to the three year IRS statute of limitations. The Committee continues to be concerned that disabled military retirees whose successful Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims take more than three years to be resolved are unable to receive the back tax they are owed for more than three years due to the IRS statute of limitations. The Committee directs the Department to work with the VA to identify, within 30 days of the publication of this report, what is needed in order to share information between the agencies to determine the number of veterans affected by this problem.
TAX LAW ENFORCEMENT
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $4,678,498,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 4,762,327,000
Recommended in the bill - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -4,678,498,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -4,762,327,000
--------------------------------------------------
The Tax Law Enforcement appropriation provides for the examination of tax returns, both domestic and international; the administrative and judicial settlement of taxpayer appeals of examination findings; technical rulings; monitoring employee pension plans; determining qualifications of organizations seeking tax-exempt status; examining tax returns of exempt organizations; enforcing statutes relating to detection and investigation of criminal violations of the internal revenue laws; collecting unpaid accounts; compiling statistics of income and compliance research; securing unfiled tax returns and payments; and expanding efforts to reduce overclaims and erroneous filings associated with the earned income tax credit.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee's recommendation does not follow the previous IRS account structure. Instead, the Committee recommends a new appropriation structure that more closely aligns with taxpayer services, enforcement, and operations support. The Committee expects the IRS to use this new structure as the basis for the fiscal year 2008 budget request.
ENFORCEMENT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Recommended in the bill $4,757,126,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +4,757,126,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +4,757,126,000
--------------------------------------------------
The Enforcement appropriation provides for the examination of tax returns, both domestic and international; the administrative and judicial settlement of taxpayer appeals of examination findings; technical rulings; monitoring employee pension plans; determining qualifications of organizations seeking tax-exempt status; examining tax returns of exempt organizations; enforcing statutes relating to detection and investigation of criminal violations of the internal revenue laws; identifying under reporting of tax obligations; securing unfiled tax returns; and collecting unpaid accounts.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $4,757,126,000 for Enforcement. Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $55,112,000 to support IRS activities under the Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement program and allows up to $10,447,000 to be transferred to Operations Support for the purposes of the Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement program.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $1,582,977,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 1,602,232,000
Recommended in the bill - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -1,582,977,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -1,602,232,000
--------------------------------------------------
The Information Systems appropriation provides for service-wide data processing support, including the evaluation, development, and implementation of computer systems (including software and hardware) requirements.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee's recommendation does not follow the previous IRS account structure. Instead, the Committee recommends a new appropriation structure that more closely aligns with taxpayer services, enforcement, and operations support. The Committee expects the IRS to use this new structure as the basis for the fiscal year 2008 budget request.
OPERATIONS SUPPORT
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Recommended in the bill $3,438,404,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +3,438,404,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +3,438,404,000
--------------------------------------------------
The Operations Support appropriation provides for overall planning and direction of the IRS, including shared service support related to facilities services, rent payments, printing, postage, and security; other support functions that are considered overhead but essential to the successful operation of IRS programs including resources for headquarters management activities, including IRS-wide support for strategic planning, communications and liaison, finance, human resources, EEO and diversity; research and statistics of income; and necessary expenses for information systems and telecommunication support, including developmental information systems and operational information systems.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $3,438,404,000 for Operations Support. Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends $1,112,818,000 for Shared Services and Support, of which not to exceed $1,500,000 is for the IRS Oversight Board, $25,000 is for official reception and representation expenses, and $1,000,000 is available until September 30, 2009, for research; $878,135,000 for Physical Infrastructure; and $1,447,451,000 for Information Services and Improvement Programs, of which $75,000,000 is available until September 30, 2008, to facilitate information technology purchases as requested by IRS.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The Committee remains concerned with the management of information technology (IT) projects. While progress has been made with the Business Systems Modernization (BSM) program, the IRS must not neglect the non-BSM projects. Mid-filing season failure of critical non-BSM systems should not and must not happen. Therefore, the Committee directs the IRS to review all critical systems and report to the Committee by October 31, 2006, on any system troubles that could impact the upcoming 2007 filing season, including corrective actions.
BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $197,010,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 167,310,000
Recommended in the bill 212,310,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +15,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +45,000,000
------------------------------------------------
The Business Systems Modernization appropriation provides funding for IT contractors to modernize key business systems of the Internal Revenue Service.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $212,310,000 for Business Systems Modernization (BSM), $45,000,000 above the budget request and $15,300,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006. The budget request included $45,000,000 for management and development of the BSM program requested in the Information Services appropriation. The Committee recommendation moves the funds for these salaries and expenses to the BSM appropriation for total cost visibility of the BSM program. Of the funds provided, the Committee recommends no less than $167,310,000 to remain available until September 30, 2009, for capital asset acquisition of information technology systems. Consistent with previous years, the release of the capital asset acquisition funding is subject to the approval of a GAO reviewed expenditure plan. The Department is directed to notify the Committee, within seven days, if BSM management funds are reallocated to the capital asset acquisition program.
REQUIREMENTS DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
BSM has made significant progress in its seven year history. Early on the program experienced multiple cost overruns and schedule delays. As the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports in GAO-06-310, this was due in part to inadequate development and management of requirements. Recognizing this, the IRS created the Requirements Management Office (RMO) in October 2004. However, the Committee is concerned that a year and a half later there remains no finalized policies and procedures for requirements development and management. The Committee agrees with the GAO recommendations contained in GAO-06-310, including immediately implementing the current draft policies while the final policies and procedures are developed; standardizing the process for eliciting and documenting requirements; establishing a process for formal peer reviews; establishing guidance on tracking cost and schedule impacts of changes to requirements; and establishing guidance on full bidirectional requirements traceability. The Committee, therefore, directs the IRS to address these recommendations immediately.
HEALTH INSURANCE TAX CREDIT ADMINISTRATION
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $20,008,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 14,846,000
Recommended in the bill 14,846,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -5,162,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
-----------------------------------------------
The Health Insurance Tax Credit Administration appropriation provides contractor support to develop and administer the advance payment option for the health insurance tax credit included in Public Law 107-210, the Trade Act of 2002.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $14,846,000 for Health Insurance Tax Credit Administration, the same as the budget request and $5,162,000 below the amounts provided in fiscal year 2006.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Section 201. The Committee modifies a provision that allows for the transfer of five percent (three percent in the case of Enforcement) of any appropriation made available to the IRS to any other IRS appropriation.
Section 202. The Committee continues a provision that requires the IRS to maintain a training program in taxpayer rights, dealing courteously with taxpayers, and cross-cultural relations.
Section 203. The Committee continues a provision that requires the IRS to institute policies and procedures that will safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayer information.
Section 204. The Committee continues a provision that makes funds available for improved facilities and increased manpower to provide efficient and effective 800 number help line service for taxpayers.
Section 205. The Committee modifies a provision that directs $166,249,000 to be available for the Taxpayer Advocate Service; $166,101,000 from Taxpayer Services and $148,000 from Operations Support.
Section 206. The Committee includes a provision that prohibits the use of funds to develop or provide free individual tax electronic preparation and filing products or services, other than the Free File program and the IRS's Taxpayer Assistance Centers, Tax Counseling for the Elderly, and volunteer income tax assistance programs. This provision also prohibits the use of funds to develop or implement direct interactive electronic individual income tax preparation or filing services or products, or a return-free system as described in section 2004 of the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998. The Committee understands this will not impact any current IRS taxpayer programs or services.
Section 207. The Committee includes a provision that designates taxpayer service and tax law enforcement programs for fiscal year 2007 and thereafter as made up of Taxpayer Services, Enforcement, and Operations Support appropriations.
Section 208. The Committee includes a provision that allows for the transfer of up to 20 percent between the Taxpayer Services, Enforcement, and Operations Support accounts to implement the restructuring of the IRS accounts, following a 30 day notification of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
Section 209. The Committee includes a new provision prohibiting funds, made available in this Act to be used to enter into, renew, extend, administer, implement, enforce, or provide oversight of any qualified tax collection contract.
GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Section 210. The Committee continues a provision that allows the Department of the Treasury to purchase uniforms, insurance, and motor vehicles without regard to the general purchase price limitations, and enter into contracts with the State Department for health and medical services for Treasury employees in overseas locations.
Section 211. The Committee continues a provision that authorizes transfers, up to two percent, between `Departmental Offices--Salaries and Expenses', `Office of the Inspector General', `Financial Management Service', `Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau', `Financial Crimes Enforcement Network', and the `Bureau of the Public Debt' appropriations under certain circumstances.
Section 212. The Committee continues a provision that authorizes transfer, up to two percent, between the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration under certain circumstances.
Section 213. The Committee continues a provision limiting funds for the purchase of law enforcement vehicles unless the purchase is consistent with vehicle management principles.
Section 214. The Committee continues a provision that prohibits the Department of the Treasury from undertaking a redesign of the one dollar Federal Reserve note.
Section 215. The Committee continues a provision that provides for transfers from and reimbursements to `Financial management service, salaries and expenses' for the purposes of debt collection.
Section 216. The Committee continues a provision extending the pay demonstration program.
Section 217. The Committee continues a provision that requires Congressional approval for the construction and operation of a museum by the Mint.
Section 218. The Committee continues a provision prohibiting funds in this Act from being used to merge the Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing without the approval of the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction.
Section 219. The Committee includes a new provision providing a technical correction to 31 U.S.C. 3333(a)(3), clarifying that the Check Forgery Insurance Fund is the appropriate funding source for disbursing errors for which relief has been granted under 31 U.S.C. 3527.
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING
TENANT BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $15,808,219,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 15,920,000,000
Recommended in the bill 15,776,400,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -31,819,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -143,600,000
---------------------------------------------------
In fiscal year 2005, the Housing Certificate Fund was separated into two new accounts: Tenant-Based Rental Assistance and Project-Based Rental Assistance. This account administers the tenant-based Section 8 rental assistance program otherwise known as the Housing Choice Voucher program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $15,776,400,000 for tenant-based rental assistance, a decrease of $31,819,000 below the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and $487,342,000 above the amount enacted in the prior year for the renewal of tenant-based Section 8 vouchers. The Committee notes that this comparison includes the one-time emergency supplemental appropriation of $390,300,000 in response to the 2005 hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region. Absent these emergency funds, the Committee's recommended funding level is $358,781,000 above the fiscal year 2006 appropriation. Consistent with the budget request, the Committee continues the advance of $4,200,000,000 of the funds appropriated under this heading for Section 8 programs to October 1, 2007. The entire advance is limited to this account.
Voucher Renewals.--The Committee is providing $14,436,200,000, the same as requested and a 3.5 percent increase in funds compared to fiscal year 2006 for the renewal of tenant-based vouchers. This increase is more than rents have increased and will allow for continued funding stability in the program for fiscal year 2007. There is continued evidence to suggest that, nation-wide, subsidies for rental assistance have begun to level off and in some cases decline relative to their 2004 levels. The Department is instructed to monitor and report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations each quarter on the trends in Section 8 subsidy and to report on the extent to which changes in subsidy are due to changes in rent or changes in tenant income.
The transition back to a `budget based' system of funding was completed in fiscal year 2006. However, the Committee recognizes that a fully `budget based' system leaves the Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) with a single fixed amount for the calendar year and with the difficult task of maximizing the renewal of vouchers while operating under a complex regime of rules and requirements that do nothing to facilitate the process. Absent real reforms to the program to reduce costs and dramatic changes to the program's implementation guidelines to reduce the administrative burden, the Committee directs the Department to take whatever regulatory and administrative actions it can to increase flexibility, reduce administrative burden and streamline program implementation. By January 1, 2007, the Committee directs the Department to provide a full report on the regulatory and administrative available to the Department and those it has implemented. However, absent real programmatic and statutory reform these actions at best only function as stop gap measures.
The Committee continues the direction to the Department to communicate to each PHA, within 45 days of enactment, the fixed amount that will be made available to each PHA for calendar year 2007. The amount being provided in this account is the only source of Federal funds that may be used to renew tenant-based vouchers. The amounts appropriated here may not be augmented from any other source.
The Committee agrees to the budget request that a portion of the contract renewal funds may be used for additional rental subsidy due to exigencies as determined by the Secretary and for the one-time funding of housing assistance payments resulting from the portability provisions of the housing choice voucher program. The Committee directs that housing assistance payments resulting from the portability provisions be the first priority in the use of these funds.
Tenant protection.--The Committee provides $149,300,000 for tenant protection vouchers, $28,900,000 less than enacted for 2006 and the same as the budget request. As a result of the variable nature of this activity from year to year, language is included allowing the Department to use carryover and recaptures of unexpended Section 8 balances to fund additional rental assistance costs in addition to funds appropriated for fiscal year 2007. These additional rental assistance costs are limited to housing assistance payments and administrative fees not to exceed the rate of administrative fees provided for contract renewals.
Administrative Fees.--The Committee recommends $1,137,500,000 for allocation to the PHAs to conduct activities associated with placing and maintaining individuals under Section 8 assistance. This amount is $100,000,000 below the enacted level for 2006 and $143,600,000 below the levels proposed in the budget request.
Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinators (FSS).--The Committee includes $47,500,000 for FSS coordinators, the same amount as requested by the Administration and $20,000 less than the level enacted for 2006. Coordinators help residents link up with important services in the community to speed the achievement of self-sufficiency.
Working Capital Fund.--The Committee provides the requested amount of $5,900,000 for transfer to the Working Capital Fund (WCF).
The Committee directs the Department to continue to collect and use Form HUD-52681 for PHAs administering the Housing Choice Voucher program.
HOUSING CERTIFICATE FUND
(RESCISSION)
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -$2,050,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -2,000,000,000
Recommended in the bill -2,000,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +50,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
---------------------------------------------------
The Housing Certificate Fund, until fiscal year 2005, provided funding for both the project-based and tenant-based components of the Section 8 program. Project-based Rental Assistance and Tenant-based Rental Assistance are now separately funded accounts. The Housing Certificate Fund retains balances from previous years' appropriations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a rescission of $2,000,000,000 from unobligated balances and carryover remaining in the Housing Certificate Fund from the Section 8 tenant-based and project-based rental assistance programs as proposed in the budget request.
PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $2,438,964,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 2,178,000,000
Recommended in the bill 2,178,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -260,964,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
--------------------------------------------------
The Public Housing Capital Fund provides funding for public housing capital programs, including public housing development and modernization. Examples of capital modernization projects include replacing roofs and windows, improving common spaces, upgrading electrical and plumbing systems, and renovating the interior of an apartment.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total funding level of $2,178,000,000, a decrease of $260,964,000 below the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and the same as the budget request. Within the amounts provided the committee directs that:
- --$19,800,000 is made available for Emergency Capital needs; the Committee continues last year's language to ensure that funds are used only for repairs needed due to an unforeseen and unanticipated emergency event or natural disaster that occurs during fiscal year 2007 and 2008;
- --$23,760,000 is directed to the Resident Opportunity and Supportive Services, as proposed in the request;
- --No more than $15,345,000 is directed to support the ongoing Public Housing Financial and Physical Assessment activities of the Real Estate Assessment Center;
- --$10,890,000 is for Technical Assistance. The Department is expected to cover the costs of the fair market rents (FMR) surveys from funds remaining available in this account;
- --$7,920,000 is directed to the support of administrative and judicial receiverships, as requested; and
- --Up to $14,850,000 for transfer to the Working Capital Fund to support the development of and modifications to, information technology systems which support Public and Indian Housing (PIH) programs. This reflects the Committee's continued concern that investments must be made to correct deficiencies in PIH information technology systems to improve PIH's ability to conduct appropriate financial and management oversight of its programs.
As requested, the recommendation does not designate a separate set-aside for the Neighborhood Networks grants because such activities are already an eligible use of capital funds.
The Department is directed to continue to provide the quarterly detailed reports on those Public Housing Authorities with obligation rates of less than 90 percent.
PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $3,564,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 3,564,000,000
Recommended in the bill 3,564,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
--------------------------------------------------
The Public Housing Operating Fund subsidizes the costs associated with operating and maintaining public housing. This subsidy supplements funding received by public housing authorities (PHA) from tenant rent contributions and other income. In accordance with section 9 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, funds are allocated by formula to public housing authorities for the following purposes: utility costs; anticrime and anti-drug activities, including the costs of providing adequate security; routine maintenance cost; administrative costs; and general operating expenses.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $3,564,000,000 for the Federal share of PHA operating expenses. This amount is the same as both the amount enacted for fiscal year 2006 and the budget request. As requested, $9,900,000 may be used for the `Housing Self-Sufficiency Award' and $5,940,000 is for the Asset-Based Management Transition Fund. This fund will provide technical assistance to PHAs as they complete the transition to asset-based management.
In 2001, Congress funded and mandated that the Department establish the costs of operating a well run Public Housing Authority. This report to the Congress, which became known as the Harvard Study, made several important recommendations to reform the current allocation formula to better align the allocation with the actual costs. Congress, in fiscal year 2005 mandated that HUD and the public housing industry negotiate a new regulation to implement the Harvard Study. This lengthy process was finally completed with the publishing of the final rule on September 19, 2005 and the subsequent final rule correction published in the Federal Register on October 24, 2005.
Language is included that requires funds be allocated to the PHAs in accordance with the corrected final rule as set forth in the `Revisions to the Public Housing Operating Fund Program; Correction to Formula Implementation Date' as published in the Federal Register.
The committee also continues a provision, carried in prior years, prohibiting funds from being used for section 9(k) activities.
REVITALIZATION OF SEVERELY DISTRESSED PUBLIC HOUSING (HOPE VI)
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $99,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -99,000,000
Recommended in the bill - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -99,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +99,000,000
-----------------------------------------------
The Revitalization of Severely Distressed Public Housing program, also known as HOPE VI, provides competitive grants to public housing authorities to revitalize entire neighborhoods adversely impacted by the presence of badly deteriorated public housing projects. In addition to developing and constructing new affordable housing, the program provides PHAs with the authority to demolish obsolete projects and to provide self-sufficiency services for families who reside in and around the facility.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee does not provide funds for the HOPE VI program in fiscal year 2007. The budget did not request funds for this program. Language proposed by the Administration to rescind funds appropriated for fiscal year 2006 is not included.
The Committee recognizes that this program has had a varied and controversial history. On the one hand, the projects that have been completed have been successful and demonstrate what the program could accomplish. On the other hand, the funding history overwhelmingly demonstrates that far too many projects have not been completed in a timely way. Many projects funded years ago have yet to start. Currently over $2 billion in undispersed obligations from prior years remain in a backlog and have been unused for years. Furthermore, resistance to the program from tenants remains strong, further delaying many projects.
Most importantly, the Committee is convinced that, although 10 years have been an important demonstration period, the per-unit cost of the program is too high, relative to alternatives, to be sustained over the long-run.
Therefore, the Committee believes that the best course of action is to reject the proposal to rescind the fiscal year 2006 funding making those funds available in fiscal year 2007 for grant awards, but until a new authorization is enacted by Congress to revise and reform the program, no further funding is merited. The Committee directs the Department to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations reviewing the status of the backlog of projects and funds to include an analysis of which projects should remain in the pipeline and which projects should be cancelled.
NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANTS
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $623,700,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 625,680,000
Recommended in the bill 625,680,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +1,980,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
------------------------------------------------
The Native American Housing Block Grants program provides funds to Indian tribes and their Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHE) to address housing needs within their communities. The block grant is designed to fund TDHE operating requirements and capital needs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $625,680,000 for the Native American Block Grant and the Indian Community Development Block Grant Fund. This is the same as the budget request and $1,980,000 more than the enacted amount in fiscal year 2006.
In 2003 when HUD began using the new 2000 Census data HUD shifted the basis for the needs portion of the formula distribution of funds from single-race to multi-race. The Committee continues language from last year instructing HUD to distribute funds on the basis of single race or multi race data which ever is the higher amount for each recipient.
Of the amounts made available under this heading:
- --$1,980,000 is included for Section 601 loan guarantees to guarantee $14,938,825 in new loans. However, the Department is advised that loan level activity must be monitored to ensure that sufficient grant funds are available as collateral for new loans;
- --$3,465,000 is for Technical Assistance training and associated travel;
- --$148,500 is transferred to the Department Salary and Expenses account; and
- --$990,000 for the National American Indian Housing Council to conduct training and technical assistance.
NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANT
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $8,727,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 5,940,000
Recommended in the bill 8,815,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +88,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +2,875,000
----------------------------------------------
The Hawaiian Homelands Homeownership Act of 2000 created the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program to provide grants to the State of Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for housing and housing related assistance to develop, maintain and operate affordable housing for eligible low income Native Hawaiian families.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $8,815,000 for this program, $88,150 more than the amount provided in fiscal year 2006, and $2,875,000 above the budget request. Of the amounts provided, $299,211 is for technical assistance.
INDIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Program account:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $3,960,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 5,940,000
Recommended in the bill 3,960,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -1,980,000
Limitation on direct Loans:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $116,276,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 251,000,000
Recommended in the bill 116,276,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 -134,724,000
------------------------------------------------
Section 184 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 establishes a loan guarantee program for Native Americans to build or purchase homes on trust land. This program provides access to sources of private financing for Indian families and Indian housing authorities that otherwise cannot acquire financing because of the unique legal status of Indian trust land. This financing vehicle enables families to construct new homes or to purchase existing properties on reservations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $3,960,000 in new credit subsidy for the Section 184 loan guarantee program, $1,980,000 below the budget request and the same as the fiscal year 2006 enacted level. This will be sufficient to guarantee $116,276,000 in new loans. The Committee strongly supports the program of loan guarantees for the purchase, construction or rehabilitation of single-family homes on trust or restricted lands. However, the Department has indicated that $5,962,000 in previously provided credit subsidy will carry over into fiscal year 2007. Hence in total, more resources will be available in fiscal year 2007 than in fiscal year 2006. Of the amounts made available, $247,500 is transferred to Salary and Expenses.
NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Program account:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $891,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 1,010,000
Recommended in the bill 1,010,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +119,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Limitation on direct Loans:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $35,714,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 43,000,000
Recommended in the bill 43,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +7,286,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
-----------------------------------------------
The Hawaiian Homelands Homeownership Act of 2000 created the Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund program to provide loan guarantees for native Hawaiian individuals and their families, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and private nonprofit organizations experienced in the planning and in the development of affordable housing for Native Hawaiians for the purchase, construction, and/or rehabilitation of single-family homes on Hawaiian Home Lands. This program provides access to private sources of financing that would otherwise not be available because of the unique legal status of Hawaiian Home Lands.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends $1,010,000 for this program the same as requested to guarantee a total loan volume of $43,000,000, the full amount requested. Language is included transferring $35,000 to Salaries and Expenses for administrative expenses.
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $286,110,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 300,100,000
Recommended in the bill 300,100,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 +13,990,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
------------------------------------------------
The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program is authorized by the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Act. This program provides States and localities with resources and incentives to devise long-term comprehensive strategies to meet the housing needs of persons with HIV/AIDS and their families. Ninety percent of funding is distributed by formula to qualifying States and metropolitan areas on the basis of the cumulative number and incidences of AIDS reported to the Centers for Disease Control. The remaining 10 percent of funding is distributed through a national competition. Government recipients are required to have a HUD-approved Comprehensive Plan or Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS).
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
For fiscal year 2007, the Committee recommends $300,100,000, an increase of $13,990,000 over the enacted levels for fiscal year 2006, and the same as the budget request. Within the total amount provided, $1,485,000 is for technical assistance, training and oversight as requested and $1,485,000 is transferred to the Working Capital Fund. With the funds provided, the Department should continue to give priority to creating new housing opportunities for persons with AIDS.
The Committee continues language which requires the Secretary to renew expiring permanent supportive housing contracts previously funded under the national competition, which meet all program requirements, before awarding new competitive grants.
RURAL HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
-----------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $16,830,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Recommended in the bill - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -16,830,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
-----------------------------------------------
This account provides funding to rural non-profit organizations, community development corporations, Indian tribes, State housing finance agencies, State economic development and Federally recognized community development agencies.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee agrees with the budget proposal to provide no new funds for this program. The majority of initiatives in rural economic transformation are and should be funded through the Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has the expertise in rural economic development, rural housing and community stabilization. In addition, the activities of this program are eligible activities under the HOME and Community Development Block Grant programs.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $15,677,800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 3,032,000,000
Recommended in the bill 4,200,000,000
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -11,477,800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 +1,168,000,000
---------------------------------------------------
The Community Development Fund provides funding to State and local governments, and to other entities that carry out community and economic development activities under various programs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a total of $4,200,000,000 for the Community Development Fund account, a decrease of $11,477,800,000 from the amount provided in fiscal year 2006 and an increase of $1,168,000,000 to the fiscal year 2007 budget request.
Of the amounts made available:
- --$3,872,580,000 is for the formula grants and the state share. HUD is instructed to use the same methodology as used in fiscal year 2006 to distribute these funds;
- --$57,420,000 is for the Native American Housing and Economic Development Block Grant;
- --$250,000,000 is for economic development initiative activities and $20,000,000 is for neighborhood initiative activities.
Beginning in fiscal year 2007, Economic Development Initiative and Neighborhood Initiative funds awarded to grantees are to be matched by 40 percent in funding by each grantee.
The Committee directs HUD to implement the Economic Development Initiative program as follows:
1. $250,000 to the Salvation Army Family Enrichment Center in Anchorage, Alaska for construction of a facility.
2. $500,000 to the City of Gadsden, Alabama for development and construction of Noccalula Park.
3. $440,000 to the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama for renovation and restoration of buildings.
4. $250,000 to the City of Robertsdale, Alabama for renovations to the PZK Civic Center.
5. $250,000 to the City of Phenix City, Alabama for redevelopment of the downtown riverfront.
6. $150,000 to the Huntsville Museum of Art in Huntsville, Alabama for facility construction, expansion, renovation, and build out, as part of the redevelopment of downtown Huntsville.
7. $150,000 to the Helen Keller Birthplace Foundation in Tuscumbia, Alabama for facility renovation and build out.
8. $100,000 to the City of Birmingham, Alabama for industrial park development.
9. $60,000 to Homeplace in Marshall County, Alabama for the renovation of transitional housing.
10. $50,000 to the City of Lineville, Alabama for the renovation of a theater for community purposes.
11. $50,000 to Calhoun County, Alabama for the construction of the White Plains Youth Sports Complex.
12. $250,000 to the Clarke County Commission in Clarke County, Alabama for the development of an industrial park.
13. $250,000 to Troy University in Troy, Alabama for the establishment of a Center for International Business and Economic Development.
14. $350,000 to Jefferson County, Alabama for land acquisition and construction of the Red Mountain Greenway and Recreation Area.
15. $250,000 to the City of Graysville, Alabama for the Downtown Revitalization Project.
16. $150,000 to the City of Northport, Alabama for streetscape improvements.
17. $300,000 to Arkansas State University, in Mountain Home, Arkansas for construction, renovation, and build out of a multipurpose facility.
18. $250,000 to the Peace at Home Family Shelter in Fayetteville, Arkansas for the construction of transitional housing.
19. $100,000 to the City of Malvern, Arkansas for planning and design and construction of recreational facilities, and park improvements.
20. $100,000 to the Conway County Economic Development Corporation, Arkansas for renovation and build out of a historic building.
21. $775,000 to Chicanos Por La Causa in Phoenix, Arizona for land and facility acquisition, planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of facilities.
22. $400,000 to the Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona in Sierra Vista, Arizona for the build out and expansion of a domestic violence center.
23. $250,000 to the City of Scottsdale, Arizona for renovations to the Vista del Camino Community Center.
24. $250,000 to the City of Globe, Arizona for streetscape improvements.
25. $250,000 to the City of Miami, Arizona for acquisition and renovation to affordable housing units.
26. $100,000 to The Dunbar Coalition in Tucson, Arizona for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of a youth cultural center.
27. $500,000 to the Tri-Valley Housing Opportunity Center in Livermore, California for capitalization of a loan fund.
28. $300,000 to the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County, Inc., California for capitalization of loan funds for a homebuyer assistance program.
29. $100,000 to the City of Livermore, California for capitalization of a housing loan fund.
30. $150,000 to San Diego County, California for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of facilities at Camp Lockett.
31. $80,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino, California for renovation and build out of the Delman Heights Community Center.
32. $1,000,000 to the City and County of San Francisco, California for demolition of structures, planning and design, and construction of new housing.
33. $550,000 to City College of San Francisco, California for planning and design, construction and build out of a multipurpose facility.
34. $500,000 to the City of Banning, California for renovations to the city-owned pool.
35. $500,000 to the City of Desert Hot Springs, California for infrastructure improvements to a new community center.
36. $500,000 to the City of Yucaupa, California for the design and construction of a multipurpose athletic facility at Crafton Hills College.
37. $500,000 to the Japanese Community Youth Council, San Francisco, California for construction, renovation and build out of a community center.
38. $400,000 to the City of Oroville, California for the construction and development of Memorial Park.
39. $400,000 to El Dorado County, California for infrastructure improvements to the Rubicon Trail.
40. $350,000 to the City of Highland, California for the restoration of the First Bank of Highland building for use as a museum.
41. $300,000 to the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, California for construction, expansion, renovation, and build out of a multipurpose facility.
42. $250,000 to the California Lutheran University in Ventura, California for the renovation and build out of the biomedical institute.
43. $250,000 to the East County Family YMCA in San Diego, California for the construction of the McGrath Family YMCA in East County San Diego.
44. $250,000 to San Mateo County Human Services Agency, California for acquisition, renovation and build out of affordable housing.
45. $250,000 to the Diamond Bar High School in Diamond Bar, California for renovations to the Diamond Bar High School Community Sports Field.
46. $250,000 to the County of Fresno, California for the construction of a vocational training facility in Mendota, California.
47. $250,000 to the City of Huntington Beach, California for the planning and construction of a senior center.
48. $200,000 to the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, California for construction and build out of a multipurpose facility.
49. $150,000 to the City of Santa Maria, California for construction, renovation, and build out of a library.
50. $150,000 to the San Diego Housing Commission, San Diego, California for construction, renovation, and build out of affordable housing units.
51. $150,000 to the Wattstar Theatre and Education Center, in the Los Angeles Federal Empowerment Zone, California for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
52. $150,000 to the City of La Puente, California for planning and design and construction of a nature education center for children.
53. $150,000 to the Jewish Home for the Aging in Reseda, California for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
54. $150,000 to the City of Woodland, California for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
55. $150,000 to US Vets, in Inglewood, California for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
56. $150,000 to the Western States Black Research and Educational Center, California for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
57. $100,000 to the City of Los Angeles, California for improvements to MacArthur Park.
58. $100,000 to the Stanislaus Ag Center Foundation, in Modesto, California for planning and design and construction of a science center.
59. $100,000 to the Grand Vision Foundation in San Pedro, California for renovation and build out of a historic building.
60. $100,000 to the Allen Temple Housing & Economic Development Corp. in Oakland, California for renovation and build out of transitional housing.
61. $100,000 to the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, California for facility construction, renovation, and build out.
62. $100,000 to The Brewery Site, in Watts, California for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of housing, and industrial park development.
63. $100,000 to the Fashion District Business Improvement District, in Los Angeles, California for signage and streetscape improvements.
64. $100,000 to the City of Artesia, California for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
65. $100,000 to the Community Action Partnership of Orange County, California for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
66. $100,000 to East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center, California for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
67. $100,000 to Marin County, California for planning and design and construction of a community center.
68. $100,000 to the Sonoma County Council on Aging Services, California for construction, renovation, and build out of multipurpose facilities.
69. $75,000 to the Asian Youth Center of San Gabriel, California for construction, expansion, renovation, and build out of a multipurpose facility.
70. $50,000 to the Southeast Rio Vista YMCA, in Los Angeles County, California for renovation and build out of facilities.
71. $650,000 to the City of Redding, California for the development of the Stillwater Business Park.
72. $250,000 to the City of Los Angeles, California for Valley Plaza area revitalization and streetscape improvements.
73. $100,000 to the City of Agoura Hills, California for land acquisition and park improvements.
74. $300,000 to the Santa Cruz, California Redevelopment Agency for building renovation and build out, and streetscape improvements.
75. $150,000 to the Baldwin Hills Regional Conservation Authority, California for park improvements.
76. $100,000 to the City of Alameda, California for streetscape improvements.
77. $400,000 to the Denver Rescue Mission Harvest Farm in Wellington, Colorado for facility construction and build out.
78. $350,000 to North Range Behavioral Health in Greeley, Colorado for facility construction.
79. $200,000 to the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District, Colorado for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
80. $100,000 to the Denver Rescue Mission, in Denver, Colorado for construction, renovation, and build out of a transitional shelter.
81. $100,000 to the Archuleta Housing Corporation, Colorado for construction, renovation, and build out of housing units.
82. $100,000 to the City of Pueblo, Colorado for construction, renovation, and build out of recreational facilities, park improvements, and streetscape improvements.
83. $100,000 to the National Sports Center of the Disabled (NSCD), Colorado for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
84. $50,000 to the San Luis Valley Development Resources Group, Colorado for renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities.
85. $500,000 to the Town of Willington, Connecticut for the expansion of low income senior housing.
86. $500,000 to the YMCA of Vernon, Connecticut for the construction of a new facility.
87. $300,000 to the Central Connecticut Coast Young Men's Christian Association in New Haven, Connecticut for planning and design and construction of a community recreational facility on the Central Connecticut Shoreline.
88. $300,000 to the University of Hartford, Connecticut for renovation and build out of a historic building.
89. $300,000 to the Charles D. Smith Foundation in Bridgeport, Connecticut for the construction of mixed-income housing in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
90. $100,000 to the City of Ansonia, Connecticut for the demolition of blighted housing.
91. $100,000 to Farnum Neighborhood House in New Haven, Connecticut for renovation and build out of facilities serving low-income children.
92. $100,000 to the Chamberlain Heights Public Housing Development in Meriden, Connecticut for the construction of Head Start and Community Resource Centers in the Chamberlain Heights public housing development.
93. $100,000 to the Town of Plymouth, Connecticut for the Waterwheel Park Project.
94. $100,000 to Interlude, Inc. in Danbury, Connecticut for renovation of a current facility in Danbury.
95. $100,000 to the City of Waterbury, Connecticut for an environmental assessment planning study.
96. $100,000 to the Factory H Demolition and Remediation Project in Meriden, Connecticut for the demolition and remediation of Factory H.
97. $100,000 to the Simsbury Public Library in Simsbury, Connecticut for the renovation and build out of facilities.
98. $100,000 to the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford, Connecticut for renovation and build out of a nonprofit community arts center, and streetscape improvements.
99. $100,000 to the Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut in Bristol, Connecticut for planning and design and construction of an educational facility.
100. $100,000 to the City of Waterbury, Connecticut for the removal of blighted structures.
101. $100,000 to the Capitol Area Food Bank in Washington, District of Columbia for planning and design and construction of a new facility.
102. $100,000 to the City of Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency in Bartow, Florida for the planning of a parking facility.
103. $500,000 to Santa Rosa County, Florida for the construction of a YMCA in Navarre, Florida.
104. $400,000 to the City of St. Petersburg, Florida for renovations to the historic Jordan School.
105. $250,000 to Miami-Dade College in Miami-Dade County, Florida for the construction of a library.
106. $250,000 to Collier County, Florida for the design and construction of a community center.
107. $250,000 to Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida for the historic preservation of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
108. $250,000 to Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida for facility renovations for the School of Nursing.
109. $250,000 to the City of Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency in Bartow, Florida for the construction of a parking facility.
110. $250,000 to the City of Marathon, Florida for construction of a facility.
111. $250,000 to the Central Florida Community College in Ocala, Florida for renovations to the Fine Arts Auditorium.
112. $250,000 to the City of Madeira Beach, Florida for the replacement of John's Pass Boardwalk.
113. $200,000 to Florida A & M, Miami Dade College, Florida for renovation and build out of facilities.
114. $200,000 to the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center in Hollywood, Florida for facility renovation and build out.
115. $150,000 to the Community Resource Center, in Jacksonville, Florida for renovation, build out, and redevelopment of an abandoned strip mall into a multipurpose facility.
116. $100,000 to the City of St. Petersburg, Florida for renovation and build out of a historic school building.
117. $100,000 to the Centro Mater Foundation in Hialeah, Florida for the construction of a facility.
118. $100,000 to the City of Tamarac, Florida for construction, expansion, renovation, and build out of a multipurpose facility.
119. $100,000 to the City of Treasure Island, Florida for the renovation of the Treasure Island Beach Trail.
120. $200,000 to the City of West Palm Beach, Florida for planning and design, and construction of the West Palm Beach Black Heritage Trail.
121. $100,000 to the Oglethorpe County Commission in Oglethorpe County, Georgia for planning a reservoir.
122. $400,000 to the Berrien County Development Authority in Berrien County, Georgia for the design and construction of a multi-purpose community building in downtown Nashville, Georgia.
123. $400,000 to the Tubman Museum in Macon, Georgia for construction and build out of a new building.
124. $300,000 to the Augusta, Georgia Brownfield Commission for industrial park development.
125. $150,000 to the Coastal Heritage Society in Savannah, Georgia for revitalization and repair of facilities.
126. $150,000 to the City of Riverdale, Georgia for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
127. $100,000 to the City of Cuthbert, Georgia for acquisition, construction, renovation and build out of recreational facilities.
128. $100,000 to the City of Plains, Georgia for planning and design and construction of a visitors center.
129. $100,000 to the SOWEGA Council on Aging, Georgia for planning and design and construction of a senior center.
130. $100,000 to Georgia State University for construction and build out of a university science park.
131. $100,000 to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Georgia for facility construction, renovation and build out of educational facilities.
132. $100,000 to DeKalb County, Georgia for planning and design and construction of recreation centers.
133. $250,000 to the Berrien County Development Authority in Enigma, Georgia for the expansion of a sewer system that will serve an industrial park.
134. $250,000 to America's 2nd Harvest of Coastal, Georgia for the purchase of two warehouse facilities.
135. $350,000 to the City of Valdosta, Georgia for streetscape improvements and the development of off-street parking.
136. $150,000 to Gwinnett County, Georgia for streetscape improvements in the Hill Area of Duluth, Georgia.
137. $150,000 to the Government of Guam for planning and design and construction of restroom area facilities and visitors centers.
138. $100,000 to the Waipahu Community Association, in Waipahu, Hawaii for land acquisition, construction, and renovation for the Waipahu Festival Marketplace.
139. $100,000 to the Young Women's Christian Association in Laniakea, Hawaii for facility renovation and build out.
140. $1,000,000 to the City of Humboldt, Iowa for the demolition of four former fertilizer plants.
141. $450,000 to the City of Fort Dodge, Iowa for the demolition of a structure.
142. $300,000 to the City of Des Moines, Iowa for land acquisition, demolition, remediation and site preparation, relating to the Riverpoint West Project.
143. $300,000 to the City of Des Moines, Iowa for land acquisition, demolition, site preparation, and industrial park development.
144. $250,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Magic Valley in Twin Falls, Idaho for the construction of a facility in Buhl, Idaho.
145. $400,000 to the City of Rexburg, Idaho for streetscape improvements, pedestrian and wheelchair access along the river, and construction of recreational facilities.
146. $1,500,000 to the City of Chicago, Illinois for renovation and build out of a historic building in the Chicago Park District.
147. $500,000 to the Central Illinois Regional Museum in Peoria, Illinois for the planning, design, and construction of the Central Illinois Regional Museum.
148. $500,000 to the Glen Oak Zoo in Peoria, Illinois for the construction of the Africa Exhibit.
149. $400,000 to Wings Program, Inc., in Cook County, Illinois for facility construction, renovation, and build out.
150. $400,000 to the Village of Atkinson, Illinois for the Downtown Reconstruction Project.
151. $400,000 to the City of North Chicago, Illinois for the Sheridan Crossing Project.
152. $300,000 to the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Illinois for building renovations.
153. $250,000 to Home Sweet Home Ministries in Bloomington, Illinois for facility expansion and renovation.
154. $250,000 to Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois for the renovation of Whipple Hall.
155. $250,000 to the PeoriaNEXT Innovation Center in Peoria, Illinois for the construction of a bioscience and small business incubator.
156. $250,000 to the St. Elmo, Illinois Historical Society in St. Elmo, Illinois for converting a theater into a community center.
157. $250,000 to the Lawrenceville Mid American Airport in Lawrenceville, Illinois for the construction and rehabilitation of a community center at the Lawrenceville Mid American Airport.
158. $250,000 to the City of Greenville, Illinois for the construction of a business incubator.
159. $150,000 to the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, in Chicago, Illinois for construction, renovation and build out of a facility.
160. $150,000 to the Village of Riverdale, Illinois for construction, renovation and build out of affordable housing.
161. $150,000 to the Village of East Hazel Crest, Illinois for planning and design and construction of a new community center.
162. $150,000 to ETA Creative Arts Foundation, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
163. $100,000 to the Quinn Chapel in Chicago, Illinois for renovation and build out of a historic building.
164. $100,000 to Saint Richard Parish, Illinois for construction, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
165. $100,000 to the Black Ensemble Theater in Chicago, Illinois for planning and design and construction of a new multipurpose facility.
166. $300,000 to the Village of Sauget, Illinois for industrial park development.
167. $250,000 to the Stephenson County Board in Freeport, Illinois for development of the Mill Race Crossing Industrial Park.
168. $250,000 to the Northfield Park District in the Village of Northfield, Illinois for infrastructure improvements at Willow Park.
169. $500,000 to the City of South Bend, Indiana for the construction of an advanced research and business creation complex.
170. $500,000 to the City of Terre Haute, Indiana for the construction and development of a business incubator.
171. $250,000 to Memorial Coliseum Redevelopment in Marion, Indiana for renovations to Memorial Coliseum.
172. $250,000 to the City of Portland, Indiana for the construction of a park.
173. $250,000 to the Town of Highland, Indiana for trail improvements and streetscape improvements.
174. $100,000 to Madison Center in South Bend, Indiana for the planning of a new patient education center.
175. $100,000 to the Cass County Council on Aging in Logansport, Indiana for facility renovation and build out of a building in Logansport, Indiana.
176. $100,000 to the YMCA in Kokomo, Indiana for building repair and rehabilitation.
177. $500,000 to the Columbus Enterprise Development Center in Columbus, Indiana for the planning and construction of the Columbus Enterprise Development Center.
178. $250,000 to the City of Valparaiso, Indiana for streetscape improvements.
179. $100,000 to the City of Indianapolis, Indiana for revitalization and streetscape improvements.
180. $440,000 to World Class Technical Education and Training Center in Sedgwick County, Kansas for construction of a technical education and training center.
181. $250,000 to Youthville in Dodge City, Kansas for the construction of a facility on the Dodge City campus.
182. $150,000 to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas for streetscape improvements and construction, renovation, and build out of multipurpose facilities in downtown Kansas City.
183. $1,000,000 to Whitley County, Kentucky for the expansion of the City of Williamsburg water and sewer line infrastructure.
184. $600,000 to the New Zion Community Foundation in Louisville, Kentucky for the construction and renovation of a multi-purpose facility.
185. $600,000 to Gilda's Club in Louisville, Kentucky for building renovations.
186. $500,000 to Wayside Christian Mission in Louisville, Kentucky for renovation of a facility.
187. $500,000 to Catholic Charities of Louisville, Kentucky for facility renovations.
188. $400,000 to Henry County Fiscal Court in Henry County, Kentucky for the construction and development of an industrial park.
189. $300,000 to Jewish Hospital and St. Mary's Foundation in Louisville, Kentucky for construction of facilities.
190. $250,000 to LaRue County Fiscal Court in Hodgenville, Kentucky for infrastructure renovations and build out of a museum.
191. $250,000 to WKU Small Business Accelerator in Bowling Green, Kentucky for the construction and build out of a small business accelerator.
192. $250,000 to the Heartland Commerce and Technology Park in Campbellsville, Kentucky for construction and build out of the Heartland Commerce and Technology Park.
193. $250,000 to Central Kentucky Agriculture and Exposition Center in Casey County, Kentucky for renovation and build out of the Central Kentucky Agriculture and Exposition Center.
194. $100,000 to Metcalfe County and the City of Edmonton, Kentucky for construction and renovation of a multi-county facility located on the Cumberland Parkway in Metcalfe County.
195. $50,000 to the City of Edmonton, Kentucky for the construction of facility at Edmonton Memorial Park.
196. $100,000 to the Mercer County, Kentucky Industrial Development Authority for industrial park development.
197. $300,000 to the Port of South Louisiana for construction and build out of a multipurpose facility.
198. $250,000 to Ascension Parish, Louisiana for the purchase of the Lamar Dixon Expo Center.
199. $250,000 to the City of Bogalusa, Louisiana for the construction of a facility.
200. $250,000 to the National Center for Community Renewal in Shreveport, Louisiana for facility renovations.
201. $200,000 to St. Bernard Port, Harbor, and Terminal District, Louisiana for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
202. $150,000 to the City of Donaldsonville, Louisiana for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility, and streetscape improvements.
203. $70,000 to the Village of Loreauville, Louisiana for streetscape improvements.
204. $100,000 to Massachusetts' Cultural Coast for renovation and build out of facilities, in support of a tourism initiative.
205. $75,000 to the Town of Watertown, Massachusetts for an economic development planning study.
206. $400,000 to the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts for building demolition and clean-up at an abandoned industrial site.
207. $325,000 to CHC Family Center in Gardner, Massachusetts for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
208. $325,000 to the Treehouse Foundation in Easthampton, Massachusetts for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility to serve children in foster care.
209. $325,000 to the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Massachusetts for construction, expansion, renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities.
210. $275,000 to Mount Wachusett Community College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts for planning and design and construction of multipurpose facilities.
211. $275,000 to the Amherst Center for Stage and Screen, Inc. in Massachusetts for acquisition, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility, as part of area redevelopment.
212. $250,000 to the Town of Boylston, Massachusetts for renovation and build out of a historic building.
213. $250,000 to Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Massachusetts for renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities, as part of area redevelopment.
214. $200,000 to the Tri-City Community Action Program, Inc., in Malden, Massachusetts for renovation and build out of facilities.
215. $175,000 to Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts for facility construction, renovation, and build out.
216. $175,000 to the Town of Holbrook, Massachusetts for construction, renovation and build out of a public library.
217. $175,000 to the City of Lynn, Massachusetts for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of a recreational facility.
218. $150,000 to the Forsyth Institute in Boston, Massachusetts for construction and build out of a multipurpose facility.
219. $150,000 to the Methuen Arlington Neighborhood Center in Methuen, Massachusetts for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
220. $150,000 to the Urban League of Springfield, Massachusetts, Inc. for construction, renovation, and build out activities at a residential summer camp.
221. $100,000 to Year Up in Boston, Massachusetts for construction, renovation, and build out of multipurpose facilities.
222. $100,000 to the United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) in Lowell, Massachusetts for renovation and build out of a youth center.
223. $100,000 to the City of Northampton, Massachusetts for demolition, planning and design, and construction of affordable housing units.
224. $75,000 to the City of Boston, Massachusetts for renovation and build out of a historic building.
225. $75,000 to the Young Men's Christian Association of Barnstable, Massachusetts for construction, renovation, and build out of a multipurpose facility.
226. $75,000 to the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen's Association, in Chatham, Massachusetts for construction, renovation, and build out of an ocean science policy and education center.
227. $75,000 to the Town of Easton, Massachusetts for construction, renovation and build out of recreational facilities.
228. $75,000 to the City of Salem, Massachusetts for pier and seawall renovation, and streetscape improvements.
229. $500,000 to Historic St. Mary's City Commission, St. Mary's City, Maryland for construction, renovation, and build out of a historic facility.
230. $450,000 to the Catoctine Aqueduct Restoration Fund, Inc. in Point of Rocks, Maryland for the preservation and restoration of the Catoctine Aqueduct.
231. $150,000 to New Song Urban Ministries, Inc., in Baltimore, Maryland for facility construction, renovation and build out of a pre-school and community center.
232. $150,000 to the Town of Colmar Manor, Maryland for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
233. $100,000 to the Irvine Nature Center, Baltimore County, Maryland for relocation, planning and design, construction, and renovation of an environmental education facility.
234. $50,000 to the Westernport Heritage Society Museum in Westernport, Maryland for renovations to a facility.
235. $600,000 to the City of College Park, Maryland for land acquisition, planning and design, and construction of a parking facility.
236. $100,000 to Montgomery County, Maryland for sidewalk and streetscape improvements.
237. $150,000 to the City of Bangor, Maine for planning and design and construction of affordable housing for veterans and their dependents.
238. $100,000 to the Preble Street Resource Center, in Portland, Maine for planning and design, and construction of the Florence House Center for Homeless Women.
239. $500,000 to the City of Detroit, Michigan for the demolition of dangerous structures.
240. $500,000 to the Jewish Association for Residential Care of Farmington Hills, Michigan for the design and construction of energy efficient homes.
241. $300,000 to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy in Detroit, Michigan for East Riverfront Development streetscape improvements.
242. $250,000 to Grand Valley State University in Muskegon, Michigan for improvements and renovations to the Field Station at the Annis Water Resources Institute.
243. $250,000 to the Crystal Lake Art Center in Frankfort, Michigan for facility renovations.
244. $250,000 to Presbyterian Villages of Michigan in Redford, Michigan for building renovations.
245. $250,000 to the Michigan Aerospace Foundation in Ann Arbor, Michigan for the construction of an Aviation Heritage Museum and Education Center at Willow Run Airport.
246. $200,000 to the Samaritan Center in Detroit, Michigan for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
247. $190,000 to the Orion Veterans Memorial Fund in Orion, Michigan for the construction of the main monument.
248. $150,000 to The Wakefield Memorial Building Foundation in Wakefield, Michigan for renovation and build out of a historic building.
249. $150,000 to Focus: HOPE in Detroit, Michigan for building demolition, and facility renovation and build out.
250. $150,000 to Monroe County, Michigan for interior demolition, renovation, and build out of the Monroe Labor History Museum.
251. $150,000 to Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan for renovation and build out of a multipurpose building, and revitalization of downtown Ypsilanti.
252. $150,000 to the Southfield, Michigan Youth Center Committee for construction, renovation and build out of a youth center.
253. $150,000 to the Detroit Zoological Society in Michigan for renovation and build out of science and education facilities.
254. $50,000 to the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority for a feasibility study for the renovation of the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan.
255. $150,000 to the Charter Township of Clinton, Michigan Downtown Development Authority for streetscape improvements.
256. $100,000 to the City of Trenton, Michigan for revitalization and streetscape improvements.
257. $100,000 to the Genesee County, Michigan Metropolitan Planning Commission for streetscape improvements.
258. $400,000 to the Mesabi Academy of KidsPeace in Buhl, Minnesota for construction, expansion, renovation and build out of a multipurpose youth services facility.
259. $250,000 to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians in Red Lake, Minnesota for construction, renovation, and build out of a multipurpose complex.
260. $150,000 to the Cedar Riverside People's Center Medical Clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota for renovation and build out of a neighborhood clinic.
261. $100,000 to the Center for Asians and Pacific Islanders (CAPI) in Minneapolis, Minnesota for renovation and build out of a social services facility.
262. $100,000 to the Boonville Economic Development Agency in Boonville, Missouri for the completion of a redevelopment plan.
263. $1,500,000 to Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri for renovation and construction of the new River Campus.
264. $500,000 to the City of Springfield, Missouri for the construction of a community multi-purpose facility.
265. $400,000 to the Atchison County Memorial Building Foundation in Atchison County, Missouri for renovation of a historic building.
266. $200,000 to Brookfield Industrial Development in Brookfield, Missouri for construction and development of an industrial park.
267. $150,000 to the Black World History Museum in St. Louis, Missouri for facility upgrades, renovation, and build out.
268. $150,000 to the City of Raytown, Missouri for the demolition of an abandoned church.
269. $100,000 to the City of Lee's Summit, Missouri for construction of a senior center.
270. $100,000 to the City of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri for downtown revitalization and streetscape improvements.
271. $1,500,000 to the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi for the construction of the William Faulkner Museum.
272. $250,000 to the City of Port Gibson, Mississippi for construction, renovation, and build out of community centers.
273. $100,000 to Clarke County, Mississippi for industrial park development.
274. $250,000 to Montana State University in Billings, Montana for planning and construction of the West End library and information center.
275. $200,000 to the Harvest Community Foundation in Billings, Montana for the construction of a community center.
276. $50,000 to the Powell County Economic Development Corporation in Powell County, Montana for the rehabilitation of a building to reuse as a business incubator.
277. $500,000 to the TechRanch Technology Venture Center Incubator program in Bozeman, Montana for the expansion of the Technology Venture Center.
278. $200,000 to the Community Reinvestment Association of North Carolina for capitalization of a housing loan fund.
279. $750,000 to the University of North Carolina at Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina for construction of a science and multimedia building.
280. $500,000 to Eblen Charities of Asheville, North Carolina for construction of a multiuse facility in western North Carolina.
281. $500,000 to the Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind in Asheville, North Carolina for the construction and build out of a facility.
282. $300,000 to the City of Monroe, North Carolina for the conversion of the historic Old Armory Building into a community center.
283. $250,000 to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras, North Carolina for facility construction.
284. $250,000 to Western Piedmont Community College, in Morganton, North Carolina for construction of a building.
285. $200,000 to the City of Raeford, North Carolina for streetscape improvements.
286. $200,000 to Child Care Services Association in Durham, North Carolina for planning and design and construction of a child care resource center.
287. $200,000 to Family House at UNC Hospitals, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
288. $150,000 to Bennett College for Women in North Carolina for renovation and build out of historic buildings.
289. $100,000 to the Wilson Community Improvement Association, in Wilson, North Carolina for planning and design, construction, renovation, and build out of a senior center.
290. $100,000 to the City of Raleigh, North Carolina for streetscape improvements and construction of multipurpose facilities.
291. $100,000 to Wake County, North Carolina for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
292. $100,000 to the John Avery Boys and Girls Club, Inc. in Durham, North Carolina for construction, expansion, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
293. $75,000 to the African American Cultural Center in Wilmington, North Carolina for renovation and build out of the facility.
294. $250,000 to Gaston County, North Carolina for the expansion of the Gaston County Technology Park.
295. $100,000 to the University of North Dakota for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
296. $500,000 for Girls and Boys Town USA of Boys Town, Nebraska for construction and renovation of facilities.
297. $400,000 to the City of Lincoln, Nebraska for the Antelope Valley Project.
298. $300,000 to the City of Nashua, New Hampshire for streetscape improvements.
299. $300,000 to the Crotched Mountain Foundation in Greenfield, New Hampshire for construction of the TRUST Center.
300. $500,000 to Family Services of Morris County in Morristown, New Jersey for construction of a new program center.
301. $350,000 to the College of Saint Elizabeth in Madison, New Jersey for the renovation of Henderson Hall.
302. $250,000 to Essex County, New Jersey for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities.
303. $250,000 to the City of Newark, New Jersey for downtown revitalization, park improvements, and streetscape improvements.
304. $250,000 to The School for Children with Hidden Intelligence in Lakewood, New Jersey for the construction of a new school building.
305. $250,000 to Isles, Inc. of Trenton, New Jersey for the redevelopment of a historic textile mill located on the border of Trenton and Hamilton.
306. $170,000 to the Borough of High Bridge, New Jersey for facility renovations.
307. $150,000 to Rutgers University-Camden, in Camden, New Jersey for planning and design and construction of a new multipurpose facility.
308. $150,000 to William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
309. $150,000 to the Visiting Nurses Association of Central New Jersey in Red Bank, New Jersey for building renovation and build out of a facility in Manasquan, New Jersey.
310. $100,000 to the Village of Ridgewood, New Jersey for restoration of the historic Ridgewood Village train station.
311. $100,000 to the Township of Delaware, New Jersey for planning and design and construction of a new community center.
312. $100,000 to Essex County, New Jersey for construction, renovation and build out of recreational and tourist facilities.
313. $100,000 to Broadway House for Continuing Care, in Newark, New Jersey for construction, expansion, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
314. $250,000 to Altantic County, New Jersey for design and development of an industrial park.
315. $200,000 to Union County, New Jersey for industrial park development activities.
316. $300,000 to the City of West Milford, New Jersey for streetscape improvements.
317. $150,000 to Rutgers University for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of facilities.
318. $150,000 to Cliffside Park, New Jersey for streetscape improvements.
319. $500,000 to the Village of Tijeras, New Mexico for the construction of a senior center.
320. $400,000 to South Valley Community Dental in Albuquerque, New Mexico for construction of a new facility.
321. $300,000 to Enlace Comunitario in Albuquerque, New Mexico for construction of a facility.
322. $100,000 to the Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
323. $250,000 to the Anthony-Berino Economic Development Corp. in Anthony, New Mexico for land acquisition and development of an industrial park.
324. $500,000 to Opportunity Village in Las Vegas, Nevada for construction of an Employment & Training Center and an Arts & Enrichment Center.
325. $100,000 to the City of North Las Vegas, Nevada for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
326. $100,000 to the City of Rochester, New York for planning and expansion of the High Falls Film Festival, in support of the economic redevelopment of downtown Rochester.
327. $500,000 to the Town of Fort Edward, New York for construction of the Rogers Island Museum and educational facility.
328. $500,000 to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park, New York for facility renovations.
329. $450,000 to the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty in New York, New York for planning and design, construction, renovation, and build out of affordable housing.
330. $400,000 to the Rome Community Brownfield Restoration Corporation in Rome, New York for the redevelopment of the former Rome Cable facility.
331. $400,000 to Putnam County, New York for the construction of a senior center.
332. $350,000 to Orange County, New York for the restoration and historic preservation of the Delaware and Hudson Canal.
333. $300,000 to the Sephardic Community Center in Brooklyn, New York for the renovation and build out of facilities.
334. $250,000 to Keuka College in Keuka Park, New York for the renovation of Ball Hall.
335. $250,000 to St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, New York for building construction and renovation.
336. $250,000 to the Strand Theater Arts Center in Plattsburgh, New York for the conversion of the Strand Theater into a performing arts center.
337. $250,000 to Hamilton County, New York for the Wakely Lodge.
338. $250,000 to Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension in Albion, New York for construction of an education center at the Orleans County fairgrounds.
339. $250,000 to the New York State Education and Research Network in Syracuse, New York for the construction and renovation of a disaster recovery and business continuation facility in Syracuse, New York.
340. $200,000 to the Children's Museum in Utica, New York for building renovations.
341. $200,000 to the Unity House of Troy, Inc., Troy, New York for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
342. $200,000 to the Amherst Youth Foundation in Amherst, New York for renovations to the Independent Health Youth & Family Center in Williamsville, New York.
343. $200,000 to the New York City College of Technology for renovation and build out of facilities.
344. $200,000 to Gouverneur Health Services in New York, New York for construction, renovation and build out of a nursing facility.
345. $150,000 to the City University of New York, Queens, in Queens, New York for museum construction, renovation, and build out.
346. $150,000 to the Mt. Vernon Public Library in Mt. Vernon, New York for renovation and build out.
347. $150,000 to the Hudson Guild Fulton Center, New York, New York for construction, renovation and build out of a community services center.
348. $150,000 to the Brooklyn Children's Museum in Brooklyn, New York for facility construction, renovation, and build out.
349. $150,000 to the City College of New York for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities.
350. $150,000 to the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club West Bronx Clubhouse in New York, New York for renovation and build out of a youth facility.
351. $150,000 to Southside United Housing in Brooklyn, NY for renovation and build out of housing.
352. $150,000 to Greenpoint Manufacturing Design Center in Brooklyn, New York for planning and design, construction, renovation, and build out of multipurpose facilities, industrial park development, and streetscape improvements.
353. $150,000 to the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra in Syracuse, New York for renovations to the Crouse-Hinds Theatre in the Mulroy Civic Center.
354. $150,000 to the Catalpa, New York YMCA for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
355. $100,000 to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4927, in Centereach, New York for building renovation and build out.
356. $100,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Geneva Inc. in Geneva, New York for the construction of a facility.
357. $100,000 to the Harding Community Center in the Bronx, New York for construction, renovation, and build out of a multipurpose facility.
358. $100,000 to the Town of Orchard Park, New York for park and streetscape improvements, and planning and design and construction of a facility.
359. $100,000 to Orange County Community College in Newburgh, New York for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
360. $100,000 to the Sayville, New York American Legion Post for renovation and build out of a historic building.
361. $100,000 to Mount Pleasant, New York for renovation and build out of a public library.
362. $100,000 to the University at Albany, State University of New York for facility renovation and build out.
363. $100,000 to the USS Slater Destroyer Escort Historical Museum in Albany, New York for preservation and upgrades.
364. $100,000 to New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC), Inc., in Ozone Park, New York for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
365. $100,000 to Alianza Dominicana, in New York, New York for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
366. $100,000 to the Village of Lewiston, New York for construction, renovation, and build out of multipurpose facilities, park improvements, and streetscape improvements.
367. $100,000 to the Columbia County, New York Agricultural Association for renovation of the Main Fair House.
368. $100,000 to the Delaware County E-Center in Delhi, New York for the construction of a small business incubator.
369. $100,000 to Common Ground Community in New York, New York for renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities.
370. $75,000 to St. Anselm's Church and School, Bronx, New York for facility renovation and build out.
371. $75,000 to Fordham University in New York, New York for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
372. $500,000 to WAMC Northeast Public Radio in Albany, New York for facilities expansion and rehabilitation.
373. $300,000 to the Town of Clarkstown, New York for mainstreet revitalization and streetscape improvements.
374. $200,000 to the Gerry Foundation, Inc. in Liberty, New York for building demolition and streetscape improvements.
375. $200,000 to Group Ministries, Inc., in Buffalo, New York for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
376. $100,000 to the Town of Harrison, New York for downtown revitalization and streetscape improvements.
377. $100,000 to the Village of Elmsford, New York for mainstreet revitalization and streetscape improvements.
378. $100,000 to the Village of Bellerose, New York for park and streetscape improvements.
379. $500,000 to the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio for construction of the Medical Sciences Building.
380. $500,000 to the City of Cincinnati, Ohio for remediation of the Phase I redevelopment.
381. $500,000 to the City of Springfield, Ohio for land acquisition and relocation and demolition of residential and commercial properties.
382. $500,000 to the Neighborhood Housing Partnership in Springfield, Ohio for the acquisition and redevelopment of blighted properties within the boundaries of Selma Road, Drexel Avenue, Clifton Avenue, and Euclid Avenue.
383. $500,000 to HAP Community Action in Glouster, Ohio for the construction of a building.
384. $500,000 to the Audubon Society in Columbus, Ohio for the construction of a new Audubon Nature Center on the Whittier Peninsula.
385. $500,000 to the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio for the renovation and construction of facilities.
386. $300,000 to the Springfield Arts Council in Springfield, Ohio for the construction of the west plaza comfort station.
387. $300,000 to Ross County, Ohio for development of an industrial park and multipurpose building.
388. $250,000 to the Marsh Foundation in Van Wert, Ohio for building renovations to a facility.
389. $250,000 to the St. Mary Development Corporation in Dayton, Ohio for the demolition of blighted properties and streetscape improvements.
390. $250,000 to the St. Mary Development Corporation in Dayton, Ohio for building demolition.
391. $250,000 to Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio for the construction of a Creative Arts Center Annex.
392. $200,000 to the University of Toledo in Ohio for construction, renovation, and build out of a Clean and Alternative Energy Center.
393. $200,000 to Carroll County, Ohio for the construction of a community center.
394. $200,000 to the Youngstown, Ohio Central Area Community Improvement Corp. for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
395. $175,000 to the Union County Veterans Remembrance Committee in Union County, Ohio for the construction of a veterans monument.
396. $100,000 to Starr Commonwealth in Van Wert, Ohio for building renovations to a facility.
397. $100,000 to the Village of Jamestown, Ohio for building renovations to the Jamestown Opera House.
398. $100,000 to the Goodrich Gannett Neighborhood Center in Cleveland, Ohio for construction, expansion, renovation and build out of facilities.
399. $100,000 to Connecting Point in Toledo, Ohio for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of community services facilities.
400. $100,000 to the West Creek Preservation Committee in Parma, Ohio for renovation and build out of a historic building.
401. $500,000 to the Stark County Park District in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania for the acquisition of land in Bethlehem Township, Ohio for the purposes of developing a new park.
402. $500,000 to the City of Green, Ohio for the Southgate Farm Acquisition project.
403. $100,000 to the City of Lorain, Ohio for building acquisition, renovation, and build out.
404. $250,000 to the City of Lebanon, Ohio for streetscape improvements.
405. $400,000 to the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the construction of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum.
406. $350,000 to the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the construction of the Oklahoma City Memorial.
407. $250,000 to the Ardmore Community Resources Center in Ardmore, Oklahoma for the construction of Phase 2 of the development of a community resource center.
408. $250,000 to the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid, Oklahoma for facility renovation and build out.
409. $100,000 to Eastern Oklahoma State College, in Wilburton, Oklahoma for construction and renovation of a multipurpose facility.
410. $75,000 to the City of Astoria, Oregon for planning and design and construction of a Chinese heritage park.
411. $100,000 to the City of Eugene, Oregon for demolition, planning and design, construction, renovation, and build out of a field science laboratory at the West Eugene Wetlands Education Center.
412. $100,000 to Depoe Bay Neighbors for Kids, Depoe Bay, Oregon for construction, renovation and build out of a facility designed to provide educational and recreational activities for children.
413. $100,000 to the Community College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the expansion of the Northeast Regional Center.
414. $500,000 to Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania for construction of a facility.
415. $350,000 to the Titusville YMCA in Titusville Pennsylvania for building renovations.
416. $310,000 to the Waynesburg College Center in Pennsylvania for construction of a multipurpose facility.
417. $300,000 to the Jefferson Square Community Development Corporation, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of housing.
418. $300,000 to the City Wide Youth Agency in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for planning and design, construction, renovation, and build out of multipurpose facilities.
419. $300,000 to Armstrong County, Pennsylvania for rebuilding the Belmont Complex.
420. $250,000 to the Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania for streetscape improvements.
421. $250,000 to the Butler Penn Theater Community Trust in Butler, Pennsylvania for facility planning, construction, and redevelopment.
422. $250,000 to EDC Finance Corporation of Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the demolition and remediation of the decommissioned Armstrong World Industries plant.
423. $250,000 to the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania for the renovation of the Carlisle Theater.
424. $250,000 to the Greater Honesdale Partnership, Wayne County, Pennsylvania in Honesdale, Pennsylvania for the purchase and reconstruction of a building.
425. $250,000 to the Central Bradford Progress Authority in Towanda, Pennsylvania for the acquisition or construction of an economic development facility.
426. $250,000 to the Factoryville Borough/Clinton Joint Municipal Authority in Factoryville Borough, Pennsylvania for the extension of sewer lines for the expansion of Keystone College.
427. $240,000 to Pennsylvania Highlands Community College for construction, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
428. $200,000 to the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Pennsylvania for the expansion of McKenna Hall.
429. $200,000 to Greene County, Pennsylvania for construction, renovation and build out of recreational facilities.
430. $200,000 to the Pennsylvania Hunting and Fishing Museum in Tionesta, Pennsylvania for construction and renovation of a facility.
431. $200,000 to Downtown Lewistown, Inc. in Lewistown, Pennsylvania for the redevelopment, build out, and renovation of a former regional bank headquarters building.
432. $200,000 to Widener University's Small Business Center in Chester, Pennsylvania for renovations to the Small Business Development Center.
433. $100,000 to LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for capitalization of a loan fund.
434. $100,000 to the Focus on Renewal Cultural Arts Center, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania for planning and design and construction of a recreational and education facility.
435. $100,000 to the Bucks County Pennsylvania Community College, Lower Bucks Campus in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania for the construction of a permanent campus.
436. $100,000 to the Churchville Nature Center in Bucks County, Pennsylvania for the construction and build out of the Churchville Nature Center.
437. $100,000 to the Self Help Movement in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for renovations of a facility.
438. $100,000 to the FM Kirby Center in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania for facility renovation and build out of a historic building.
439. $100,000 to the Northern Blair County Recreation Commission in Antis Township, Pennsylvania for construction of fitness center, recreational sports fields and other enhancements to recreational facilities in Antis Township, Pennsylvania.
440. $100,000 to the Fayette County Agricultural Improvement Association in Dunbar, Pennsylvania for renovations and build out of an outdoor arena that is used for the county fair.
441. $75,000 to the Ambler Theater in Ambler, Pennsylvania for facility construction, renovation and build out, and handicap-accessibility improvements, for a nonprofit community theater.
442. $50,000 to the Lower Bucks County Chapter of Disabled American Veterans 117 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania for renovation and build out of a facility in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
443. $50,000 to the Caldonia Theater Company in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania for facility renovations.
444. $300,000 to the Municipality of Monroeville, Pennsylvania for streetscape improvements.
445. $100,000 to the Borough of Robesonia, Pennsylvania for streetscape improvements.
446. $75,000 to the Mayfair Community Development Corporation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for construction, renovation, and build out of a multipurpose facility, and streetscape improvements.
447. $250,000 to the Municipality of Yauco, Puerto Rico for the construction of low income housing units.
448. $150,000 to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport, Rhode Island for renovation and build out of a community center.
449. $150,000 to the City of Central Falls, Rhode Island for park improvements and renovation and build out of facilities.
450. $100,000 to Rhode Island College for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
451. $100,000 to Greenwood County, South Carolina for the construction of a library.
452. $400,000 to the Township of Rembert, South Carolina for planning and design and construction of a community center.
453. $250,000 to the City of Charleston, South Carolina for the construction of the Spirit of South Carolina.
454. $250,000 to the City of Charleston, South Carolina for improvements to the Spring Street/Fishburne Street drainage basin.
455. $150,000 to the Choppee Regional Resource Center in Georgetown County, South Carolina for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
456. $150,000 to the Richland County Recreation Commission in Columbia, South Carolina for construction, expansion, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
457. $150,000 to Williamsburg County, South Carolina for renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities.
458. $150,000 to the city of Walterboro, South Carolina for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility, and streetscape improvements.
459. $150,000 to the Progressive Club in John's Island, South Carolina for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
460. $150,000 to the Brainerd Institute Foundation in Chester, South Carolina for renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities.
461. $150,000 to Chester County, South Carolina Council for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
462. $150,000 to the City of Rock Hill, South Carolina for planning and design, construction, renovation, and build out of multipurpose facilities, industrial park development, and streetscape improvements.
463. $100,000 to the City of North Charleston, South Carolina for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities.
464. $400,000 to The Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place in Ft. Pierre, South Dakota for facility construction and build out.
465. $100,000 to Saint Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota for planning and design and construction of facilities.
466. $100,000 to the City of Jackson, Tennessee for construction, renovation, and build out of recreational facilities, and park improvements.
467. $400,000 to the Oak Ridge Nanotechnology Commercialization Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee for the construction of the Oak Ridge Nanotechnology Commercialization Center.
468. $150,000 to the African American History Foundation of Nashville, Tennessee for planning and design and construction of a museum.
469. $150,000 to Overton County, Tennessee for planning and design and construction of a new library.
470. $100,000 to Roane State Community College in Harriman, Tennessee for planning and design, construction and build out of a business incubator center.
471. $100,000 to Lemoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee for planning and design and construction of housing.
472. $100,000 to Cannon County, Tennessee for downtown revitalization and streetscape improvements.
473. $850,000 to the John Nance Garner Museum in Uvalde, Texas for building renovations.
474. $750,000 to the City of Temple, Texas for the acquisition and renovation of a facility.
475. $750,000 to Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas for the construction of the Center for Lifelong Learning.
476. $600,000 to the City of Bellmead, Texas for facility construction, renovation and build out.
477. $400,000 to the City of Fort Worth, Texas for facility design, construction, and property acquisition as part of the Trinity River Vision Plan.
478. $250,000 to the City of Arlington Chamber of Commerce in Arlington, Texas for the construction of the Entrepreneur Center.
479. $250,000 to the Hearne Economic Development Corp., in Hearne, Texas for renovation, build out, and conversion of historic Camp Hearne facilities.
480. $250,000 to Texas College Tyler, Texas for the construction of the Texas College Single Parent Support Learning Complex.
481. $150,000 to the Mt. Zion Federal Credit Union in San Antonio, Texas for purchase, construction, renovation, and build out of a facility.
482. $150,000 to Harris County Precinct Three, Texas for construction and build out of a multipurpose facility.
483. $150,000 to the Houston Hispanic Forum in Texas for construction, renovation and build out of a new Hispanic Cultural and Educational Center.
484. $150,000 to the Port of Brownsville, Texas for planning and design and construction of a dock facility.
485. $100,000 to the Southwest Key Program, Inc., in Austin, Texas for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
486. $100,000 to the Houston Zoo in Texas for planning and design and construction of an educational facility.
487. $100,000 to the City of San Juan, Texas for planning and design and construction of a new library.
488. $100,000 to the Houston Zoo in Houston, Texas for the construction of the Outdoor Life Science Learning Center.
489. $100,000 to the El Paso, Texas History Museum for construction, renovation and build out of a museum.
490. $100,000 to the El Paso, Texas Empowerment Zone for planning and design and construction of multipurpose facilities, and streetscape improvements.
491. $100,000 to the City of San Antonio, Texas for planning and design and construction of a pedestrian bridge, and streetscape improvements.
492. $225,000 to Southern Utah University for planning and design and construction of facilities, in connection with the USF Center project.
493. $225,000 to the Western Mining and Railroad Museum in Helper, Utah for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of the facility.
494. $500,000 to the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, Virginia for facility construction and renovation.
495. $400,000 to the Bayview Citizens for Social Justice, Inc. in Bayview, Virginia for the construction of two multi-purpose buildings.
496. $250,000 to the Fairfax County, Virginia Park Authority for revitalization of Ossian Park in Annandale, Virginia.
497. $250,000 to the City of Chesapeake, Virginia for development and construction of Heritage Park.
498. $250,000 to the Art Museum of Western Virginia in Roanoke, Virginia for the construction of a new facility.
499. $250,000 to Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia for the construction of a business school.
500. $180,000 to the Historic Roanoke City Market in Roanoke, Virginia for facility renovations.
501. $150,000 to the Russell County, Virginia Industrial Development Authority for construction, renovation, and build out of a technology workforce training center in Lebanon, Virginia.
502. $150,000 to the Arlington, Virginia Housing Corporation for planning and design and construction of multipurpose facilities, and outdoor improvements.
503. $150,000 to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia for renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
504. $100,000 to the Town of Clarksville, Virginia for construction of the Clarksville Community Center.
505. $100,000 to the Town of Rocky Mount, Virginia for the Crooked Road Project.
506. $100,000 to the Bassett Historical Center in Henry County, Virginia for facilities construction.
507. $100,000 to Schuyler Community Center in Nelson County, Virginia for structural repairs to the Schuyler Community Center.
508. $75,000 to the Town of Boydton, Virginia for the continuation of the revitalization of the central business district.
509. $70,000 to the Shenandoah County, Virginia Performing Arts Center for the renovation of the Edinburg School as it converts into the Shenandoah County Performing Arts Center.
510. $50,000 to Fairfax County, Virginia Park Authority for field improvements in Annandale, Virginia.
511. $50,000 to the Clarksville Fine Arts Center in Clarksville, Virginia for facility renovations.
512. $150,000 to Henrico County, Virginia for land acquisition, planning and design, and construction of a memorial and visitors center.
513. $100,000 to the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands for planning and design and construction of a visitors center.
514. $150,000 to Champlain Valley, Vermont Agency on Aging for construction, renovation and build out of senior centers.
515. $100,000 to the Snohomish County, Washington Economic Development Commission for economic development planning activities.
516. $250,000 to Virtual Possibilities Network in Spokane, Washington for expansion and upgrades to infrastructure and supporting ancillary applications.
517. $150,000 to the Seattle, Washington Housing Authority for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
518. $100,000 to the Washington Technology Center in Vancouver, Washington for facility renovation and build out.
519. $100,000 to the Nisqually Indian Tribe, in Washington state for site preparation, in advance of economic development activities.
520. $100,000 to the Hamilton, Washington Public Development Authority for land acquisition, planning and design, and construction of housing and infrastructure, to assist in the redevelopment of Hamilton, Washington.
521. $300,000 to the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission for capitalization of a revolving loan fund.
522. $250,000 to Impact Seven in Almena, Wisconsin for land acquisition, planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities.
523. $250,000 to the City of Cedarburg, Wisconsin for the demolition of a former manufacturing facility.
524. $200,000 to the Hudson Area Joint Library in Hudson, Wisconsin for planning and design and construction of a new library.
525. $200,000 to the Marshfield, Wisconsin Area Chamber of Commerce for capitalization of a revolving loan fund.
526. $150,000 to the Madison Development Corporation, in Madison, Wisconsin for facility development and equipment purchase and installation.
527. $150,000 to the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, in Madison, Wisconsin for facility renovation, build out, and construction.
528. $150,000 to the Metropolitan Business Collaborative in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for planning and design and construction of a multipurpose facility.
529. $150,000 to the Garfield Park Development LLC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for industrial park development.
530. $100,000 to the Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for planning and design, construction, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
531. $300,000 to Marshall University in Point Pleasant, West Virginia for the construction and build out of the Marshall Mid-Ohio Valley Center.
532. $200,000 to the Kanawha Valley YMCA in Charleston, West Virginia for facility renovations and build out.
533. $150,000 to the Southern West Virginia Community and Technology College for construction, renovation and build out of a multipurpose facility.
534. $100,000 to the City of Romney, West Virginia for the renovation and conversion of the Coca Cola bottling plant into a culture and arts center.
535. $100,000 to the Marion County, West Virginia Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Inc. for facilities construction and renovation and build out of a community center.
536. $100,000 to the Metropolitan Theatre Foundation in Morgantown, West Virginia for construction, renovation and build out of facilities.
537. $100,000 to the City of Weirton, West Virginia for planning and design, construction, renovation, and build out of facilities.
538. $100,000 to the Monongalia County, West Virginia Schools Foundation, Inc. for construction of recreational facilities.
539. $100,000 to the West Virginia Northern Community College in Wheeling, West Virginia for planning, design, construction, renovation and build out of facilities.
540. $100,000 to the City of Clarksburg, West Virginia for planning associated with economic revitalization of the area.
541. $100,000 to Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia for planning and design, construction, renovation, and build out of facilities.
542. $100,000 to Connected Technologies Corridors, Inc. in Beckley, West Virginia for construction, renovation and build out of multipurpose facilities.
543. $250,000 to Ark Regional Services of Laramie, Wyoming for construction of a facility.
544. $250,000 to the Dubois Community Project, Inc. of Dubois, Wyoming for the construction, renovation, and build out of facilities.
The Committee directs HUD to implement the Neighborhood Initiatives program as follows:
1. $600,000 to Center for Creative Land Recycling in San Francisco, California for technical assistance for land remediation and redevelopment.
2. $400,000 to Westfield Vocational/Technical High School in Westfield, Massachusetts for upgrading facilities and equipment.
3. $750,000 to Walsh College in Troy, Michigan for the construction of a main campus library.
4. $1,000,000 to the Neighborhood Initiative Program in Syracuse, New York for the continuation of the Neighborhood Initiative Program.
5. $375,000 to the Metropolitan Development Association in Syracuse, New York for the continuation of the Essential New York Initiative.
6. $1,250,000 to Bucks County Community College in Bucks County, Pennsylvania for facilities design and construction.
7. $750,000 to Pennsylvania Highlands Community College for land acquisition, planning and design, construction, renovation, and build out of facilities.
8. $2,000,000 to the City of Charleston, South Carolina for planning and design, construction and build out of the City of Charleston's International African American Museum.
9. $250,000 to NWCEP, Inc. in Ashland, Wisconsin for education and training, emergency assistance, and related services for displaced workers and their families.
The Committee agrees with the Administration's proposal to shift the Youthbuild program to the Department of Labor. This move will allow for better management of the program and is more aligned with the objectives of that department.
Additionally, the Committee has maintained the formula program at the highest possible level for fiscal year 2007, consistent with the need to fund Section 8 rental assistance programs, meet the public housing operating expenses administered by public housing authorities, as well as the housing programs for the elderly and disabled. This effort has been complicated by what can only be described as the Administration's arbitrary cut to the CDBG program. The Administration has justified the proposed reduced funding level relative to fiscal year 2006 as part of a reform of the program to be coupled with a change to the formula for distributing funds. Yet despite months of lead time prior to the submission of the Administration's budget request, it has failed to deliver a reform proposal in time to be considered and acted on by the relevant committees of jurisdiction.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LOAN GUARANTEES PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
Program cost:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $3,713,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Recommended in the bill - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -3,713,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Limitation on Guaranteed loans:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $137,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Recommended in the bill - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -137,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
------------------------------------------------
The Section 108 Loan Guarantees program underwrites private market loans to assist local communities in the financing of the acquisition and rehabilitation of publicly-owned real property, rehabilitation of housing, and certain economic development projects.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends no funds for this program as was proposed in the budget. No funds were requested by the administration. In fiscal year 2006, $3,712,500 was provided for program costs with a loan limitation of $137,500,000. While the Committee recognizes that there is a place for a non-competitive loan program to fill gaps in funding at the local level, this program is not consistent with current government loan principles and has not been fully utilized due to the reluctance to use Community Development Block Grant funds as collateral.
BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENT
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 $9,900,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
Recommended in the bill - - -
Bill compared with:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2006 -9,900,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2007 - - -
----------------------------------------------
The Brownfields Redevelopment program provides competitive economic development grants in conjunction with section 108 loan guarantees for qualified Brownfields projects. Grants are made in accordance with section 108(q) selection criteria. The goal of the program is to return contaminated sites to productive uses with an emphasis on creating substantial numbers of jobs for lower-income people in physically and economically distressed neighborhoods.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends no funding for the Brownfields Redevelopment Program at HUD. The budget request has proposed no funding for the past several years. Congress enacted $9,900,000 in fiscal year 2006 for the program while also rescinding $10,000,000 of unobligated balances. The Committee believes that due to the recent dramatic increases in funding in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and expanded EPA authority in recent authorizations for this program, HUD funding is no longer essential or appropriate. The House has already provided $2,336,442,000 in the fiscal year 2007 appropriations bill for the EPA program.