ASSUMPTION OF AUTHORITIES.

SEC. 1316. ASSUMPTION OF AUTHORITIES.(a) In General.—The Secretary shall use the authority under section 106(c) of title 23, United States Code, to the maximum extent practicable, to allow a State to assume the responsibilities of the Secretary for project design, plans, specifications, estimates, contract awards, and inspection of projects, on both a project-specific and programmatic basis.(b) Submission of Recommendations.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in cooperation with the States, shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of 129 STAT. 1404 the Senate recommendations for legislation to permit the assumption of additional authorities by States, including with respect to real estate acquisition and project design.