Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 119.djvu/1830

 119 STAT. 1812

PUBLIC LAW 109–59—AUG. 10, 2005

for Improving Road Weather Services’’. Such research and development includes— (1) integrating existing observational networks and data management systems for road weather applications; (2) improving weather modeling capabilities and forecast tools, such as the road surface and atmospheric interface; (3) enhancing mechanisms for communicating road weather information to users, such as transportation officials and the public; and (4) integrating road weather technologies into an information infrastructure. (d) ACTIVITIES.—In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall— (1) enable efficient technology transfer; (2) improve education and training of road weather information users, such as State and local transportation officials and private sector transportation contractors; and (3) coordinate with transportation weather research programs in other modes, such as aviation. (e) FUNDING.— (1) IN GENERAL.—In awarding funds under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to applications with significant matching funds from non-Federal sources. (2) FUNDS FOR ROAD WEATHER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.—Of the amounts made available by section 5101(a)(5) of this Act, $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009 shall be available to carry out this section. 23 USC 512 note.

SEC. 5309. CENTERS FOR SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXCELLENCE.

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall establish 4 centers for surface transportation excellence. (b) GOALS.—The goals of the centers for surface transportation excellence are to promote and support strategic national surface transportation programs and activities relating to the work of State departments of transportation in the areas of environment, surface transportation safety, rural safety, and project finance. (c) ROLE OF CENTERS.—To achieve the goals set forth in subsection (b), the Secretary shall establish the 4 centers as follows: (1) ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE.—To provide technical assistance, information sharing of best practices, and training in the use of tools and decision-making processes that can assist States in planning and delivering environmentally sound surface transportation projects. (2) SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY.—To develop and disseminate advanced transportation safety techniques and innovations in both rural areas and urban communities. The center will use a controlled access highway with state-of-theart features, to test safety devices and techniques that enhance driver performance, examine advanced pavement and lighting systems, and develop techniques to address older driver and fatigue driver issues. (3) RURAL SAFETY.—To provide research, training, and outreach on innovative uses of technology to enhance rural safety and economic development, assess local community needs to improve access to mobile emergency treatment, and develop online and seminar training needs of rural transportation practitioners and policy-makers.

VerDate 14-DEC-2004

13:51 Oct 26, 2006

Jkt 039194

PO 00002

Frm 00669

Fmt 6580

Sfmt 6581

E:\PUBLAW\PUBL002.119

APPS06

PsN: PUBL002

�