Summary of the Major Provisions of the Proposed
"Alternative Fuel Vehicles Intermodal Transportation Act"

PURPOSE:

Establishes a pilot program to demonstrate the use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) in linked transportation applications to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance the usefulness of public transportation systems, protect the environment and speed the deployment of alternative fuel technology.

AUTHORIZATION:

Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a $200 million competitive pilot program, comprised of projects in no more than 15 locations throughout the United States, to provide cost-share funding for the demonstration of AFVs in linked transportation systems. Note: The term "alternative fuel vehicles" is defined to include a vehicle that is powered by liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, methanol, or electricity - in whole or in part, including a fuel cell that is not powered by gasoline or diesel. No vehicle capable of operating solely on gasoline or diesel is eligible.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must include only projects that provide new options for moving passengers or goods in AFVs, with at least one project that enables passengers or goods to be transferred directly from one AFV to another AFV in a linked transportation system;
• Proposals must be submitted by the head of a State, a local government, a metropolitan transportation authority, or any combination thereof;
• Projects must contain the following elements: an estimate of ridership or degree of use; an estimate of air pollution emissions reduced and fossil fuel displaced; a plan to disseminate environmental data over the life of the project; a description of other existing modes of transportation; a description of how the projects will be sustained once Federal assistance ends; and, a complete description of the costs of the project.

FEDERAL FUNDING LIMITATIONS:

• Each of no more than 15 projects can receive up to $20 million in federal funding;
• Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program(CMAQ) funds qualify as a non-Federal share of project costs; and,
• Federal assistance under this program shall be made available for no more than 5 years.

ALLOWABLE PROJECT COSTS:

• Purchase of AFVs, including passenger and delivery vehicles, public transportation and school buses, airport equipment and vehicles, and two-wheel bikes and scooters;
• Supporting infrastructure; and
• Operation and maintenance of vehicles, infrastructure and equipment.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

The Secretary is directed to use the following criteria for selecting projects:

• Previous experience with AFVs;
• Protect the environment, including reduction in air pollution emissions;
• Achieve national, state or local air quality goals;
• Enhance the local or national transportation system and connects various modes of transportation;
• National deployment of innovative transportation technologies or new intermodal systems that increase the use of alternative fuels;
• Number of riders served or the amount of goods transported;
• Stimulation of the national or regional economy;
• Demonstrate the greatest commitment to fund the proposal and likelihood that each project will continue after Federal assistance is exhausted; and,
• A broad geographic distribution of project sites.

TIMETABLE FOR ACTION:

The Secretary of Transportation is required to issue a request for proposals within 90 days of enactment; 180 days thereafter, proposals are to be submitted; and, 180 days after proposal submission, the Secretary is required to make project selections.

REPORT TO CONGRESS:

The Secretary of Transportation is required to report to Congress on the effectiveness, major elements and administration of the pilot program within 36 months of enactment of the bill.

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