FEDERAL GRANTS TO STATES FOR HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSING SAFETY.

SEC. 207. FEDERAL GRANTS TO STATES FOR HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSING SAFETY.(a) In General.—Part B of subtitle V is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:“CHAPTER 225—FEDERAL GRANTS TO STATES FOR HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSING SAFETY “Sec. “22501. Financial assistance to States for certain projects. “22502. Distribution. “22503. Standards for awarding grants. “22504. Use of funds. “22505. Authorization of appropriations. “§ 22501. Financial assistance to States for certain projects “The Secretary of Transportation shall make grants—122 STAT. 4874“(1) to a maximum of 3 States per year for development or continuance of enhanced public education and awareness activities, in combination with targeted law enforcement, to significantly reduce violations of traffic laws at highway-rail grade crossings and to help prevent and reduce injuries and fatalities along railroad rights-of-way; and“(2) to provide for priority highway-rail grade crossing safety improvements, including the installation, repair, or improvement of—“(A) railroad crossing signals, gates, and related technologies, including median barriers and four quadrant gates;“(B) highway traffic signalization, including highway signals tied to railroad signal systems;“(C) highway lighting and crossing approach signage;“(D) roadway improvements, including railroad crossing panels and surfaces; and“(E) related work to mitigate dangerous conditions. “§ 22502. Distribution “The Secretary shall provide the grants to the State agency or agencies responsible for highway-rail grade crossing safety. “§ 22503. Standards for awarding grants“(a) Section 22501(1) Grants.—The Secretary shall provide grants under section 22501(1) based upon the merits of the proposed program of activities provided by the State and upon a determination of where the grants will provide the greatest safety benefits. The Secretary may give priority to States that have developed and implemented a State grade crossing action plan, as described under section 202 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.“(b) Section 22501(2) Grants.—The Secretary shall provide grants to State and local governments under section 22501(2) to provide priority grade crossing safety improvements on an expedited basis at a location where there has been a highway-rail grade crossing collision within the previous two years involving major loss of life or multiple serious bodily injuries. “§ 22504. Use of funds“(a) In General.—Any State receiving a grant under section 22501(1) shall use the funds to develop, implement, and continue to measure the effectiveness of a dedicated program of public education and enforcement of highway-rail crossing safety laws and to prevent casualties along railroad rights-of-way. The Secretary may not make a grant under this chapter available to assist a State or political subdivision thereof in establishing or continuing a quiet zone pursuant to part 222 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.“(b) Maximum Grant Amount Under Section 22501(2).—No grant awarded under section 22501(2) may exceed $250,000. “§ 22505. Authorization of appropriations “There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2013 to carry out the provisions of section 22501(1) of this chapter. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2013 to carry out the provisions of 122 STAT. 4875 section 22501(2) of this chapter. Amounts appropriated pursuant to this section shall remain available until expended.” .(b) Conforming Amendment.—The subtitle analysis for subtitle V is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 223 the following: “225. Federal grants to States for highway-rail grade crossing safety 22501”.