II
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 197
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 26, 2005
Mrs. Boxer introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
A BILL
To improve safety and reduce traffic congestion at grade crossings.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the
Rail Crossing Safety
Act
.
Report regarding impact on public safety of train travel in communities without grade separation
Study
The Secretary of Transporation shall, in consultation with State and local government officials, conduct a study of the impact of blocked highway-railroad grade crossings on the ability of emergency responders to perform public safety and security duties.
Report on the impact of blocked highway-Railroad grade crossings on emergency responders
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit the results of the study and recommendations for reducing the impact of blocked crossings on emergency response to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Grade crossing separation fund
In general
The Secretary of Transporation shall award grants to States and units of local government to construct tunnels, bridges and other means of separating rail tracks and roads.
Priority
In general
In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to—
grade separations that would have the most impact on improving safety; and
rail lines that have a high volume of goods movement.
Priority adjustment
After completion of the report required under section 2, the Secretary shall take the report's findings and recommendations into account when determining priorities.
Regulations
In order to carry out this section, the Secretary may establish any appropriate policies, procedures, or requirements.
Authorization of appropriations
To carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010.