To improve safety and reduce traffic congestion at grade crossings.

January 26, 2005

Mrs. BOXER introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

To improve safety and reduce traffic congestion at grade crossings.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Rail Crossing Safety Act'.

SEC. 2. REPORT REGARDING IMPACT ON PUBLIC SAFETY OF TRAIN TRAVEL IN COMMUNITIES WITHOUT GRADE SEPARATION.

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

SEC. 3. GRADE CROSSING SEPARATION FUND.

(a) 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.

(b) Priority-

(1) IN GENERAL- In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to--

(A) grade separations that would have the most impact on improving safety; and

(B) rail lines that have a high volume of goods movement.

(2) 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.

(c) Regulations- In order to carry out this section, the Secretary may establish any appropriate policies, procedures, or requirements.

(d) 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.

END