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<br /> <br />SECTION 104--ENERGY IMPACTED RAIL AND HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATIONl/ <br /> <br />This section authorizes a new assistance program to alleviate prob- <br />lems directly related to increased domestic energy production and <br />the corresponding increase in the transportation of heavy and bulk <br />energy materials. For example, recognition of coal as one of the <br />. primary domestic energy sources has generated considerable efforts <br />to open new fields and to continue or expand the capacity of <br />existing coal mining activities. As a consequence of our increased <br />reliance on coal, the amount of coal being shipped by rail and high- <br />way has increased dramatically, adversely affecting many communities <br />and their transportation systems. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Recent studies have indicated that 34,000 miles of road in 21 states <br />are used for coal-hauling and three-quarters of the coal road system <br />miles will require improvement to correct operational or structural <br />deficiencies between now and 1985. This program will allow roads to <br />be repaired so that coal and other energy materials can be expedi- <br />tiously and economically transported to where they are needed. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Section 104 amends chapter 1 of Title 23, United States Code, by <br />adding new section 157 to authorize the Secretary to make grants to <br />reconstruct, resurface, restore, and rehabilitate non-toll public <br />roads which are incurring a substantial use as a result of the <br />transportation of energy materials, and will continue to incur such <br />use. In addition, the Secretary is authorized to make grants for <br />projects which alleviate the impacts of increased train traffic <br />which results from the transportation of energy resources. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />The Committee felt that a minor change was needed in language <br />regarding what the Secretary might require for states to qualify for <br />funds under this section. If a state must prove that it has <br />incurred a substantial increase in the use of coal roads and other <br />energy-impacted highways, regulations might be forthcoming <br />preempting such needy states as Pennsylvania from acquiring funds. <br />This could be the case because the traffic on many of the roads has <br />been substantial for many years with little marginal increase. The <br />intent of the language change to "are incurring a substantial use" <br />was to ensure that funds actually flowed to those areas where <br />traffic is heavy now and expected to stay at a high level. <br /> <br />The Federal share of all projects under this section is 80 percent. <br />Highway projects will be built according to Federal standards <br />established for the Federal-aid secondary system, except when the <br />Secretary determines that these standards are not appropriate. <br /> <br /> <br />House Report 96-963. <br /> <br /> <br />RAIL STUDY NEWSLETTER P. 4 <br />