START Act
Latest action (6 Jun 2019): Introduced
What this bill does
The START Act would direct the Department of Transportation, working with the Departments of Energy and Housing and Urban Development and the National Science Foundation, to create and maintain a free, publicly available online guide to help states and communities plan and implement "smart city" transportation technologies, such as sensor-based traffic and safety systems. It would also require the Secretary of Transportation to launch a new, competitive round of the existing Smart Cities Challenge grant program, aimed specifically at small- and medium-sized communities, with grants ranging from $20 million to $40 million, a required 25 percent local funding match, and total awards capped at $100 million per year. The bill authorizes $100 million annually for this program from fiscal years 2020 through 2024.
The bill would primarily affect local, state, and tribal governments, transit and toll authorities, and metropolitan planning organizations that could apply for these grants to fund smart transportation projects. It also directs the Government Accountability Office to study financing options and barriers for smart city projects, and requires grant recipients to file quarterly progress reports, with the Secretary submitting a broader report to Congress within two years covering project outcomes, security measures, and effects on communities including communities of color, women, veterans, and the elderly.
The bill was introduced on June 6, 2019, by Rep. Yvette Clarke and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It did not receive a vote and has not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Smart Technologies Advancing Reliable Transportation Act or the START Act
This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT), in coordination with the Department of Energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the National Science Foundation, to create, publish, and maintain a resource guide to assist states, communities, and cities in developing and implementing smart city or community programs.
DOT shall develop and implement an additional round to the Smart Cities Challenge, under which it shall provide competitive grants to small- and medium-sized communities to implement smart transportation proposals.
The Government Accountability Office shall conduct a study on innovative financing and procurement for funding smart cities or community activities and associated demonstration projects.
Recipients of a Smart Cities Challenge grant shall submit quarterly reports to DOT regarding the development, implementation, and operation of their projects funded under the challenge.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3156 do?
- The START Act would direct the Department of Transportation, working with the Departments of Energy and Housing and Urban Development and the National Science Foundation, to create and maintain a free, publicly available online guide to help states and communities plan and implement "smart city" transportation technologies, such as sensor-based traffic and safety systems. It would also require the Secretary of Transportation to launch a new, competitive round of the existing Smart Cities Challenge grant program, aimed specifically at small- and medium-sized communities, with grants ranging from $20 million to $40 million, a required 25 percent local funding match, and total awards capped at $100 million per year. The bill authorizes $100 million annually for this program from fiscal years 2020 through 2024. The bill would primarily affect local, state, and tribal governments, transit and toll authorities, and metropolitan planning organizations that could apply for these grants to fund smart transportation projects. It also directs the Government Accountability Office to study financing options and barriers for smart city projects, and requires grant recipients to file quarterly progress reports, with the Secretary submitting a broader report to Congress within two years covering project outcomes, security measures, and effects on communities including communities of color, women, veterans, and the elderly. The bill was introduced on June 6, 2019, by Rep. Yvette Clarke and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It did not receive a vote and has not become law.
- Has H.R. 3156 become law?
- Not yet. As of 6 Jun 2019, H.R. 3156 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 3156?
- H.R. 3156 was sponsored by Rep. Yvette Clarke [D-NY9] (Democrat-NY), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3156?
- Introduced (6 Jun 2019).
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