§70204 Multi-state Freight Corridor Planning

Summary

Lets states, cities, tribes, regional planners, and local public authorities (including port authorities) work together across state lines to improve big freight routes. They can team up to pick projects that help more than one State, put together the land needed, and make major construction or upgrades. The team can set up an advisory committee made up of 10 types of members, such as ports, freight railroads, shippers and carriers, trade groups, logistics firms, workers, environmental and community groups, and local governments. That committee can give advice on priorities and projects, be a place for discussion, share information, and help shape State freight plans. The groups can use money from State or local governments, Federal or State freight funds, borrow short-term and issue notes or bonds, or use other lawful financing. The Secretary of Transportation must run a grant program for corridors on the National Multimodal Freight Network. New compacts or States forming one can get up to $2,000,000 for operations during the first 2 years, but must apply, provide at least a 25% non‑Federal match, and set up the advisory committee. Existing compacts can get up to $1,000,000, must apply, provide at least a 50% non‑Federal match, and show they have the advisory committee. Congress authorized $5,000,000 per fiscal year for this grant program.