EMERGING TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PILOT PROGRAM.

SEC. 13005. [23 U.S.C. 503 note] EMERGING TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PILOT PROGRAM. (a) Establishment.—The Secretary shall establish a pilot program to conduct emerging technology research in accordance with this section. (b) Activities.—The pilot program under this section shall include— (1) research and development activities relating to leveraging advanced and additive manufacturing technologies to increase the structural integrity and cost-effectiveness of surface transportation infrastructure; and (2) research and development activities (including laboratory and test track supported accelerated pavement testing research regarding the impacts of connected, autonomous, and platooned vehicles on pavement and infrastructure performance)— (A) to reduce the impact of automated and connected driving systems and advanced driver-assistance systems on pavement and infrastructure performance; and (B) to improve transportation infrastructure design in anticipation of increased usage of automated driving systems and advanced driver-assistance systems. (c) Treatment.—Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Secretary shall carry out activities under the pilot program under this section as if— (1) those activities were authorized under chapter 5 of title 23, United States Code; and (2) the funds made available to carry out the pilot program were made available under that chapter. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to remain available until expended.