[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 356 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 356
To develop and improve the transportation workforce, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 22, 2021
Ms. Cortez Masto introduced the following bill; which was read twice
and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To develop and improve the transportation workforce, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Transportation
Opportunities for Professional Service Act'' or the ``TOPS Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Task force on developing a 21st century surface transportation
workforce.
Sec. 3. Definitions for transportation training and education programs.
Sec. 4. Transportation education and training program.
Sec. 5. Surface transportation workforce grants.
Sec. 6. Research and development strategic plan.
Sec. 7. Transportation workforce scanning tour and national summit.
Sec. 8. Report on barriers to work in emerging transportation
technologies.
Sec. 9. Centers of Excellence in transportation workforce training.
Sec. 10. Transportation workforce outreach program.
Sec. 11. Emerging technologies in the transportation workforce.
SEC. 2. TASK FORCE ON DEVELOPING A 21ST CENTURY SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
WORKFORCE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Apprenticeship-readiness program.--The term
``apprenticeship-readiness program'' means a program or set of
strategies that--
(A) is designed to prepare individuals to enter and
succeed in a registered apprenticeship;
(B) is carried out by a local educational agency
(as defined in section 101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)), a
State educational agency (as defined in section 8101 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7801)), a local workforce development board
established under section 107 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3122), a
State workforce development board, or a labor
organization that has a documented partnership with not
less than 1 sponsor of a registered apprenticeship;
(C) includes a training program--
(i) that has a curriculum that is in
accordance with industry standards and reviewed
and approved annually by sponsors of the
registered apprenticeships within the
documented partnership, that will prepare
individuals by teaching the skills and
competencies needed to enter 1 or more
registered apprenticeships; and
(ii) that provides hands-on training and
theoretical education to individuals that--
(I) accurately simulate the
industry and occupational conditions of
the registered apprenticeship program
described in subparagraph (B); and
(II) is carried out in a manner
that--
(aa) includes proper
observation of supervision and
safety protocols; and
(bb) does not displace a
paid employee; and
(D) is encompassed in a formal agreement between a
sponsor of a registered apprenticeship and an
individual that--
(i) will enable an individual who
successfully completes the apprenticeship-
readiness program to enter directly into the
registered apprenticeship, if a place in the
program is available; and
(ii) includes agreements with respect to
earning credit recognized by an institution of
higher education for skills and competencies
acquired during the program.
(2) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of Transportation.
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
(4) Intelligent transportation technology.--The term
``intelligent transportation technology'' means an operational
system of various technologies that, when combined and managed,
improve the operating capabilities of the overall
transportation system.
(5) Registered apprenticeship.--The term ``registered
apprenticeship'' means an apprenticeship program registered
under the Act of August 16, 1937 (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.)
(commonly known as the ``National Apprenticeship Act''), that
satisfies the requirements of parts 29 and 30 of title 29, Code
of Federal Regulations (as in effect on January 1, 2020).
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
(7) State workforce development board.--The term ``State
workforce development board'' means a State workforce
development board established under section 101 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111).
(8) Task force.--The term ``Task Force'' means the task
force established under subsection (b).
(9) Underrepresented individual.--The term
``underrepresented individual'' means--
(A) an individual who belongs to a special
population (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
U.S.C. 2302));
(B) an individual with a barrier to employment (as
defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302)); or
(C) an individual otherwise determined by the
Secretary to be underrepresented in the transportation
workforce.
(10) Work-based learning.--The term ``work-based learning''
has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C.
2302).
(b) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a task force on
developing a 21st century surface transportation workforce.
(c) Duties of Task Force.--Not later than 1 year after the
establishment of the Task Force under subsection (b), the Task Force
shall develop and submit to the Secretary recommendations and
strategies for the Department, including--
(1) an evaluation of the current and future state of the
surface transportation workforce, including projected job needs
in the surface transportation sector;
(2) an identification of factors influencing individuals
pursuing careers in surface transportation, including barriers
to attracting individuals into the surface transportation
workforce;
(3) how to address barriers to retaining individuals in
surface transportation careers;
(4) an identification of, and how to address, potential
impacts of emerging technologies, including intelligent
transportation technologies, on the surface transportation
workforce;
(5) how to increase access for vulnerable or
underrepresented individuals, especially women and minorities,
to in-demand surface transportation careers;
(6) how to facilitate and encourage elementary, secondary,
and post-secondary students in the United States to pursue
careers in the surface transportation sector; and
(7) an identification of ways to develop pathways for
students and individuals to secure a position in an
apprenticeship-readiness program, a registered apprenticeship,
and other work-based learning opportunities in the surface
transportation sector of the United States.
(d) Consideration.--In developing recommendations and strategies
pursuant to subsection (c), the Task Force shall--
(1) identify factors, including potential stigmas or
misperceptions, that influence whether young individuals pursue
careers in surface transportation, especially traditionally
underrepresented individuals, including women and minorities;
(2) consider how to address the potential stigmas or
misperceptions described in paragraph (1) that are affecting
the workforce pool of underrepresented individuals in the
surface transportation sector;
(3) consider how the Department, businesses, industry,
labor, educators, and other stakeholders can coordinate efforts
to support qualified individuals in pursuing careers in the
surface transportation sector;
(4) identify methods of enhancing surface transportation
apprenticeship-readiness programs and registered
apprenticeships, job skills training, mentorships, education,
and outreach programs that are exclusive to young individuals
in the United States;
(5) identify methods to expand the expertise of the surface
transportation workforce in skills in various types of
intelligent transportation technologies, components,
infrastructure, and equipment;
(6) identify potential sources of funding, including grants
and scholarships, that may be used to support young and other
qualified individuals in pursuing careers in the surface
transportation sector; and
(7) ensure geographically diverse perspectives and
solutions.
(e) Consultation.--In developing recommendations and strategies
pursuant to subsection (c), the Task Force shall consult with--
(1) local educational agencies and institutions of higher
education, including community colleges and vocational schools;
(2) State workforce development boards;
(3) local registered apprenticeships; and
(4) surface transportation sector-related employers and
planners.
(f) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Task Force shall be composed of
members, as appointed by the Secretary under paragraph (2), who
come from diverse backgrounds and geographical regions and have
the required expertise that will allow the members to
contribute balanced viewpoints that will enable the Task Force
to develop the recommendations and strategies required under
subsection (c).
(2) Appointment.--The Task Force shall be composed of
members appointed by the Secretary, including representatives
of--
(A) industries in the surface transportation
sector;
(B) labor organizations in the surface
transportation sector;
(C) institutions of higher education; and
(D) other experts and stakeholders in the surface
transportation sector that the Secretary determines
appropriate, including the consideration of
geographical diversity and regional perspectives.
(3) Terms.--Each member shall be appointed for the life of
the Task Force.
(4) Compensation.--Each member shall serve on the Task
Force without compensation.
(g) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the submission of the
recommendations and strategies to the Secretary required under
subsection (c), and annually thereafter until September 30, 2024, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Environment and Public
Works, Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs, and Appropriations of the Senate and the Committees on
Transportation and Infrastructure and Appropriations of the House of
Representatives a report that includes the recommendations and
strategies.
(h) Termination.--The Task Force shall terminate on the date on
which the Secretary submits the last report required under subsection
(g).
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Training and Education Programs Definitions.--Section 504 of
title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (a) through (h) as
subsections (b) through (i), respectively; and
(2) by inserting before subsection (b) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Apprenticeship-readiness program.--The term
`apprenticeship-readiness program' means a program or set of
strategies that--
``(A) is designed to prepare individuals to enter
and succeed in a registered apprenticeship;
``(B) is carried out by a local educational agency,
a State educational agency, a local workforce
development board, a State workforce development board,
or a labor organization that has a documented
partnership with not less than 1 sponsor of a
registered apprenticeship;
``(C) includes a training program--
``(i) that has a curriculum that is in
accordance with industry standards and reviewed
and approved annually by sponsors of the
registered apprenticeships within the
documented partnership, that will prepare
individuals by teaching the skills and
competencies needed to enter 1 or more
registered apprenticeships; and
``(ii) that provides hands-on training and
theoretical education to individuals that--
``(I) accurately simulate the
industry and occupational conditions of
the registered apprenticeship program
described in subparagraph (B); and
``(II) is carried out in a manner
that--
``(aa) includes proper
observation of supervision and
safety protocols; and
``(bb) does not displace a
paid employee; and
``(D) is encompassed in a formal agreement between
a sponsor of a registered apprenticeship and an
individual that--
``(i) will enable an individual who
successfully completes the apprenticeship-
readiness program to enter directly into the
registered apprenticeship, if a place in the
program is available; and
``(ii) includes agreements with respect to
earning credit recognized by an institution of
higher education for skills and competencies
acquired during the program.
``(2) Career and technical education.--The term `career and
technical education' has the meaning given the term in section
3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of
2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(3) Career pathway.--The term `career pathway' has the
meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
``(4) Dual or concurrent enrollment program.--The term
`dual or concurrent enrollment program' has the meaning given
the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
``(5) Eligible agency.--The term `eligible agency' has the
meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins
Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(6) Industry or sector partnership.--The term `industry
or sector partnership' has the meaning given the term in
section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3102).
``(7) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given the
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
``(8) Intelligent transportation technology.--The term
`intelligent transportation technology' means an operational
system of various technologies that, when combined and managed,
improve the operating capabilities of the overall
transportation system.
``(9) Local educational agency.--The term `local
educational agency' has the meaning given the term in section
8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7801).
``(10) Local workforce development board.--The term `local
workforce development board' means a local workforce
development board established under section 107 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3122).
``(11) On-the-job training.--The term `on-the-job training'
has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
``(12) Program of study.--The term `program of study' has
the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins
Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(13) Recognized postsecondary credential.--The term
`recognized postsecondary credential' has the meaning given the
term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
``(14) Registered apprenticeship.--The term `registered
apprenticeship' means an apprenticeship program registered
under the Act of August 16, 1937 (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.)
(commonly known as the `National Apprenticeship Act'), that
satisfies the requirements of parts 29 and 30 of title 29, Code
of Federal Regulations (as in effect on January 1, 2020).
``(15) Special populations.--The term `special populations'
has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C.
2302).
``(16) State educational agency.--The term `State
educational agency' has the meaning given the term in section
8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7801).
``(17) State workforce development board.--The term `State
workforce development board' means a State workforce
development board established under section 101 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111).
``(18) Surface transportation workforce development,
training, and education.--The term `surface transportation
workforce development, training, and education' means
activities associated with surface transportation career
awareness, student transportation career preparation, and
training and professional development for surface
transportation workers, including activities for women and
minorities and training in various types of intelligent
transportation technologies.
``(19) Transportation sector.--The term `transportation
sector' means an industry sector that is involved in
construction, manufacturing, maintenance, operation,
inspection, logistics, design, or engineering with respect to
transportation equipment, materials, technologies, or
infrastructure relating to surface, transit, railway, aviation,
and maritime transportation.
``(20) Underrepresented individual.--The term
`underrepresented individual' means--
``(A) an individual who belongs to a special
population;
``(B) an individual with a barrier to employment
(as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career
and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302));
or
``(C) an individual otherwise determined by the
Secretary to be underrepresented in the transportation
workforce.
``(21) Work-based learning.--The term `work-based learning'
has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C.
2302).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Training and education programs.--Section 504 of title
23, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated), by
striking paragraph (4); and
(B) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated), by
striking paragraph (3).
(2) Tribal technical assistance centers.--Section 202(a)(7)
of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking
``section 504(b)'' and inserting ``section 504(c)''.
(3) University transportation center programs.--Section
5505(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2)(C)(ii)(I), by striking
``section 504(b)'' and inserting ``section 504(c)'';
(B) in paragraph (3)(D)(ii)(I), by striking
``section 504(b)'' and inserting ``section 504(c)'';
and
(C) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii)(I), by striking
``section 504(b)'' and inserting ``section 504(c)''.
SEC. 4. TRANSPORTATION EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM.
Section 504 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking
subsection (g) (as redesignated by section 3(a)(1)) and inserting the
following:
``(g) Transportation Education and Training Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary, in consultation with
the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor, shall
establish a program to provide grants to support transportation
sector education and workforce development projects (referred
to in this section as the `program').
``(2) Grant authority.--In carrying out the program, the
Secretary may award a grant on a competitive basis in
accordance with this subsection.
``(3) Eligible recipients.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may award a grant
under the program to any partnership that includes, at
a minimum, the following entities:
``(i) An institution of higher education.
``(ii) A State department of
transportation.
``(iii) A metropolitan planning
organization.
``(iv) Not less than 2 transportation
sector employers.
``(B) Labor and joint labor-management
organizations.--A partnership eligible for a grant
under the program may include a labor or joint labor-
management organization.
``(4) Eligible projects.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), grant funds awarded under the program
may only be used to assist a project that includes not
less than 2 of the following activities:
``(i) Developing, implementing, and
assessing innovative programs of study with
respect to a transportation sector.
``(ii) Training educators to teach
secondary or postsecondary career and technical
education courses with respect to a
transportation sector.
``(iii) Increasing career recruitment and
outreach to youth, including through career
counseling and career exploration
opportunities, to encourage participation in
transportation sectors.
``(iv) Developing on-the-job training and
work-based learning opportunities, including
apprenticeship-readiness programs and
registered apprenticeships, with respect to a
transportation sector.
``(v) Increasing participation of
underrepresented individuals, including women,
in the transportation workforce.
``(vi) Any other activity the Secretary
determines appropriate for education or
workforce development in a transportation
sector.
``(B) Exception.--If a project is in the
construction or maintenance sector, grant funds awarded
under the program may only be used to develop
apprenticeship-readiness programs that prepare
individuals for acceptance into registered
apprenticeships in that sector.
``(5) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--To be eligible for a grant under
the program, a partnership referred to in paragraph (3)
shall submit to the Secretary an application in such
form, at such time, and containing such information as
the Secretary determines to be appropriate, which shall
include, at a minimum, a description of--
``(i) how the partnership will use grant
funds to assist an eligible project;
``(ii) the roles and responsibilities of
each partner in assisting the project;
``(iii) any prior experience or
demonstrated success in workforce development
of a partner;
``(iv) the current and projected workforce
shortages, if any, in the relevant
transportation sector and how the project will
address those shortages;
``(v) any promotion of the increased
participation of underrepresented individuals,
including women, in the transportation
workforce that the project will provide;
``(vi) any recognized postsecondary
credentials that participants in the project
will be prepared for;
``(vii) any registered apprenticeships,
apprenticeship-readiness programs, or other on-
the-job training or work-based learning
opportunities the project will provide; and
``(viii) how the project will develop the
skills of individuals in various types of
intelligent transportation technologies and
components, infrastructure, and equipment
related to those technologies.
``(B) Priority.--In selecting partnerships referred
to in paragraph (3) to receive a grant under the
program, the Secretary shall give priority to a
partnership that includes a labor or joint labor-
management organization.
``(6) Considerations.--In making a grant under the program,
the Secretary shall consider--
``(A) geographical diversity;
``(B) the degree to which an eligible project may
address current or projected transportation workforce
shortages;
``(C) how the project will increase the skills of
individuals in various types of intelligent
transportation technologies, and components,
infrastructure, and equipment related to those
technologies; and
``(D) if applicable, the quality of any proposed
on-the-job training or work-based learning
opportunities to be provided.
``(7) Limitations.--
``(A) Maximum.--The amount of a grant under this
subsection may not exceed $300,000.
``(B) Federal share.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), the Federal share of the cost of a
project carried out with a grant under the
program shall be 95 percent.
``(ii) Multiple grants.--After a recipient
has received 2 grants under the program, the
Federal share of the cost of a project carried
out with a subsequent grant under the program
shall be not more than 75 percent.
``(8) Report.--A recipient of a grant under the program
shall submit to the Secretary, at such time as the Secretary
determines appropriate, a report that includes a description
of--
``(A) how the grant funds were used;
``(B) the education and employment outcomes for
individuals participating in or benefitting from the
project assisted with grant funds under the program
(referred to in this subparagraph as the
`participants'), disaggregated by special populations,
which shall include at a minimum--
``(i) the percentage, and median earnings,
of participants who are in unsubsidized
employment by the date that is 90 days after
exit from the project;
``(ii) the percentage of participants who
are in unsubsidized employment by the date that
is 180 days after exit from the project;
``(iii) the percentage of participants who
obtain a recognized postsecondary credential,
or a secondary school diploma or recognized
equivalent during the project or not later than
1 year after exit from the project; and
``(iv) the percentage of participants who,
during the project--
``(I) enrolled in an education or
training program that leads to a
recognized postsecondary credential or
employment; and
``(II) developed skills necessary
to receive such a credential or
employment through such program,
including those skills in various types
of intelligent transportation
technologies and components,
infrastructure, and equipment related
to those technologies; and
``(C) the outreach efforts made to expand the
awareness, engagement, and performance of the project
for the students and workers in the geographical
region.''.
SEC. 5. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE GRANTS.
Section 504(f)(1) of title 23, United States Code (as redesignated
by section 3(a)(1)), is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, including
development of the skills necessary to utilize emerging
technologies, such as intelligent transportation technologies''
after ``development'';
(2) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(3) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) on-the-job training or work-based learning
opportunities, including apprenticeship-readiness
programs and registered apprenticeships;
``(I) activities to support the establishment of
industry or sector partnerships;
``(J) activities to increase the number of
underrepresented individuals in the surface
transportation workforce;
``(K) activities to update facilities and equipment
used in career and technical education programs of
study; and
``(L) training that increases the skills of
individuals in various types of intelligent
transportation technologies and components,
infrastructure, and equipment related to those
technologies.''.
SEC. 6. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN.
Section 6503 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (F), by striking the semicolon
at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) developing and maintaining a diverse
workforce in transportation sectors;''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Intelligent transportation technology.--The term
`intelligent transportation technology' means an operational
system of various technologies that, when combined and managed,
improve the operating capabilities of the overall
transportation system.
``(2) Transportation sector.--The term `transportation
sector' means an industry sector that is involved in
construction, manufacturing, maintenance, operation,
inspection, logistics, design, or engineering with respect to
transportation equipment, materials, technologies, including
intelligent transportation technologies, or infrastructure
relating to surface, transit, railway, aviation, and maritime
transportation.''.
SEC. 7. TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE SCANNING TOUR AND NATIONAL SUMMIT.
(a) Workforce Development Scanning Tour.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Transportation, in coordination with the Task Force established under
section 2 and the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program
Office of the Department of Transportation, shall conduct a national
and international scanning tour of surface transportation agencies,
including State and local departments of transportation, public transit
agencies, rail agencies, and other similar entities, to identify
critical future investment in workforce development, particularly
investments related to enhancing the technology skills of the personnel
that operate and maintain surface transportation systems,
infrastructure, and vehicles.
(b) National Summit on Transportation Workforce Development.--The
Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Task Force
established under section 2, shall jointly host a National Summit on
Transportation Workforce Development--
(1) to engage public and private stakeholders; and
(2) to develop training and initiatives based on previous
findings by the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint
Program Office of the Department of Transportation and the
scanning tour under subsection (a).
SEC. 8. REPORT ON BARRIERS TO WORK IN EMERGING TRANSPORTATION
TECHNOLOGIES.
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct, and
submit to Congress a report on the results of, a study that identifies
issues relating to workforce development in intelligent transportation
technologies and zero-emissions transportation technologies,
including--
(1) any shortages of skilled employees in the fields of
intelligent transportation technologies and zero-emissions
transportation technologies;
(2) issues relating to the transition of workers from
traditional vehicle manufacturing, operation, and maintenance
to the intelligent and zero-emissions transportation workforce;
(3) issues relating to the transition of workers from
traditional surface transportation installation, construction,
manufacturing, operation, and maintenance to incorporation into
the intelligent transportation workforce; and
(4) examples of successful models of workforce development
in the fields of intelligent transportation technologies and
zero-emissions transportation technologies.
SEC. 9. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE TRAINING.
Section 504 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding
after subsection (i) (as redesignated by section 3(a)(1)) the
following:
``(j) Centers of Excellence in Transportation Workforce Training.--
``(1) Designation.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary, in
consultation with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary
of Labor, shall designate certain geographically diverse
consortia of 2-year institutions of higher education as
Community and Technical College Centers of Excellence in
Transportation Workforce Training (referred to in this section
as a `Center of Excellence') in accordance with paragraph (2).
``(2) Criteria for designation.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall designate as
a Center of Excellence under paragraph (1) a consortium
the Secretary determines has a demonstrated ability--
``(i) to address education and training
related to careers in transportation and
manufacturing sectors; and
``(ii) to carry out certain activities,
including--
``(I) developing and implementing
career pathways and programs of study
that lead to recognized postsecondary
credentials in transportation sectors;
``(II) providing on-the-job
training or work-based learning
opportunities in transportation
sectors;
``(III) developing dual or
concurrent enrollment programs to
provide education and training
opportunities to secondary school
students;
``(IV) providing education and
training for the development of a
workforce skilled in various types of
emerging technologies in transportation
sectors, including intelligent
transportation technologies and
components, infrastructure, and
equipment related to those
technologies;
``(V) partnering with employers,
labor organizations, local workforce
development boards, State workforce
development boards, State educational
agencies, and eligible agencies to
address education and training related
to careers in transportation sectors;
``(VI) providing greater
opportunities to underrepresented
individuals in the various careers
within the transportation sector; and
``(VII) providing outreach and
career counseling to increase
participation in transportation
sectors.
``(B) Geographical diversity.--To the extent
practicable, in designating Centers of Excellence under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall select institutions
of higher education that are geographically diverse.
``(3) Collaboration.--To address education and training
related to careers in transportation sectors, a Center of
Excellence may seek to collaborate with an institution
receiving a grants under section 5505 of title 49.
``(4) Grants to centers of excellence.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
program (in this subsection referred to as the
`Program') to award grants on a competitive basis, as
determined by the Secretary, to Centers of Excellence
to address education and training related to careers in
transportation sectors.
``(B) Eligible projects.--Grant funds awarded under
the Program may only be used for a project that
facilitates an activity described in paragraph (2).
``(C) Applications.--To be eligible for a grant
under the Program, a Center of Excellence shall submit
to the Secretary an application in such form, at such
time, and containing such information as the Secretary
determines appropriate.
``(D) Requirement.--For each fiscal year, not less
than 10 percent of the total amounts made available for
the Program shall be used for grants for training in
emerging technologies, including intelligent
transportation technologies.
``(E) Limitations.--
``(i) Maximum amount.--The amount of a
grant under the Program may not exceed
$2,000,000.
``(ii) Federal share.--The Federal share of
the cost of a project carried out by a grant
under the Program--
``(I) shall be 100 percent for a
project carried out in fiscal year 2022
or 2023; and
``(II) may not exceed 75 percent
for a project carried out in any of
fiscal years 2024 through 2026.
``(F) Report.--Each recipient of a grant under the
Program shall submit to the Secretary a report in such
form, at such time, and containing such information as
the Secretary determines appropriate to evaluate the
grant, including--
``(i) information relating to the use of
grant funds awarded to the recipient under the
Program; and
``(ii) an evaluation of each project
carried out with the grant funds, including--
``(I) the percentage, and median
earnings, of individuals participating
in or benefitting from the project
(referred to in this clause as the
`participants') who are in unsubsidized
employment by the date that is 90 days
after exit from the project;
``(II) the percentage of
participants who are in unsubsidized
employment by the date that is 180 days
after exit from the project;
``(III) the percentage of
participants who obtain a recognized
postsecondary credential, or a
secondary school diploma or recognized
equivalent, during the project or not
later than 1 year after exit from the
project;
``(IV) the percentage of
participants who, during the project--
``(aa) enrolled in an
education or training program
that leads to a recognized
postsecondary credential or
employment; or
``(bb) developed skills
necessary to receive such
credential or employment; and
``(V) the percentage of
underrepresented individuals in various
careers within the transportation
sector that developed skills in various
types of intelligent transportation
technologies and components,
infrastructure, and equipment related
to those technologies.
``(G) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subsection $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022
through 2026.''.
SEC. 10. TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE OUTREACH PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 55 of subtitle III of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Sec. 5506. Transportation workforce outreach program
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation (referred to in
this section as the `Secretary') shall establish and administer a
transportation workforce outreach program, under which the Secretary
shall carry out a series of public service announcement campaigns
during each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
``(b) Purposes.--The purpose of the campaigns carried out under the
program under this section shall be--
``(1) to increase awareness of career opportunities in the
transportation sector, including aviation pilots, safety
inspectors, mechanics and technicians, maritime transportation
workers, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, truck
drivers, engineers, transit workers, railroad workers, and
other transportation professionals;
``(2) to reduce any stigma or misinformation related to
careers in the transportation sector;
``(3) to identify and emphasize the existing and future
needs of emerging technologies within the transportation
sector; and
``(4) to increase diversity, including with respect to
race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, of
professionals in the transportation sector.
``(c) Advertising.--The Secretary may use, or authorize the use of,
amounts made available to carry out the program under this section for
the development, production, and use of broadcast, digital, and print
media advertising and outreach in carrying out a campaign under this
section.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $5,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subchapter I of
chapter 55 of subtitle III of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by inserting after the item relating to section 5505 the following:
``5506. Transportation workforce outreach program.''.
SEC. 11. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE TRANSPORTATION WORKFORCE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the
Department of Transportation.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
(b) Emerging Technologies Recommendation Efforts.--To the maximum
extent practicable, the Secretary shall implement certain
recommendations of the Comptroller General of the United States
identified in the report entitled ``Automated Technologies: DOT Should
Take Steps to Ensure Its Workforce Has Skills Needed to Oversee
Safety'' and dated December 2020, including by--
(1) carrying out efforts to identify all cybersecurity
occupations across the Department, and incorporating the
occupations relating to overseeing the cybersecurity of
automated technologies into the workforce planning efforts of
the Department;
(2) assessing skill gaps in key occupations that are
involved in overseeing the safety of automated technologies and
implementing strategies to close those gaps;
(3) not less frequently than annually, measuring the
progress of strategies implemented to close the skill gaps
described in paragraph (2) and ensuring other modal
administrations of the Department offer training to close those
gaps;
(4) collecting and analyzing information on the
effectiveness of recruiting strategies, including special
payment authorities, in attracting employees of the Department
to occupations that oversee the safety of automated
technologies; and
(5) sharing the effective recruiting strategies described
in paragraph (4) with other modal administrations of the
Department.
(c) Emerging Technologies Coordination Effort.--The Office of
Research, Development, and Technology of the Department and the
Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office of the
Department shall coordinate--
(1) to establish a curriculum and leverage existing
Department workforce programs to ensure the recruitment and
training of cybersecurity and privacy technical experts to
assist any modal administration of the Department in overseeing
the effectiveness and safety of emerging technologies; and
(2) to use the efforts carried out by the Secretary under
subsection (b) to provide a growing workforce for
transportation providers in the United States that is adept in
the curriculum and workforce programs described in paragraph
(1).
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