To modify requirements under the emergency relief program under title 23, United States Code, with respect to projects for repair or reconstruction in response to damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

September 14, 2005

Mr. VITTER (for himself, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. COCHRAN, Mr. LOTT, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. BOND, and Mr. JEFFORDS) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works

To modify requirements under the emergency relief program under title 23, United States Code, with respect to projects for repair or reconstruction in response to damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

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

SECTION 1. EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS.

(a) Maximum Amount- Notwithstanding section 125(c)(1) of title 23, United States Code, or any other provision of law, the Secretary of Transportation may obligate more than $100,000,000 in a State for a fiscal year under the emergency relief program authorized by section 125 of such title, for projects for the repair or reconstruction of highways, roads, and trails in response to damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

(b) Federal Share- Notwithstanding section 120(e) of such title or any other provision of law, during the 3-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal share of the cost of each project described in subsection (a) shall be 100 percent.

(c) Authorization of Appropriations- In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the emergency relief program authorized under section 125 of such title, $2,900,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That the amounts made available under this section are designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 402 of H. Con. Res. 95 (109th Congress).

END