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IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

Senator Vinachelli, on behalf of himself and others, introduce

A BILL

To allocate Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to New Jersey and New York for critical transportation projects, providing equitable funding for regional priorities without requiring the implementation of the New York City congestion tax.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the 'Fair Transportation Funding Act'

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

(a) Findings. Congress finds that:

  1. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provides $1.2 trillion in funding for transportation infrastructure improvements.
  2. The New York City congestion tax places an undue financial burden on commuters, particularly those from New Jersey and the outer boroughs, who rely on their vehicles for work and essential services.
  3. Regional transportation priorities, including public transit upgrades, roadway improvements, and bridge maintenance, are critical for economic growth, public safety, and national security.
  4. The New York metropolitan area (including Northern New Jersey) is the largest metropolitan economy in the world with a gross metropolitan product of over $2.5 trillion, home to the busies maritime cargo port in the U.S., and the busiest gateway for international and domestic passenger flights, supporting hundreds of millions of Americans and international visitors each year.
  5. New York and New Jersey are the two largest donor states, sending over $33 billion more in combined tax revenues to the federal government than either state receives in federal funds each year.
  6. Equitable allocation of federal funds can address these priorities without imposing additional costs on working families and businesses.

(b) Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to:

  1. Direct a portion of IIJA funds to New York and New Jersey to fully fund regional transportation priorities.
  2. Eliminate the need for the New York City congestion tax plan by providing federal funding for the same objectives.
  3. Ensure transparency, accountability, and equitable use of federal funds for critical infrastructure projects.

SEC. 3. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.

(a) Authorization of Funding.

  1. The Secretary of Transportation shall allocate $30 billion from unallocated IIJA funds to New Jersey and New York for the following purposes:
    • (A) Upgrades and maintenance for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New Jersey Transit, and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey infrastructure.
    • (B) Improvements to regional roadways, bridges, and tunnels, including the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Holland Tunnel.
    • (C) Expansion and modernization of public transit services to reduce traffic congestion and emissions.

(b) Prohibition on Use of Congestion Pricing Revenue.

  1. No funds allocated under this Act shall be contingent upon or offset by revenue from a congestion tax or similar vehicular tolling programs.
  2. Private investment, including from public private partnerships, shall count toward federal matching requirements for competitive grants.

(c) Priority Projects.

  1. Priority shall be given to projects that:
    • (A) Enhance safety and reliability of existing infrastructure;
    • (B) Improve access for underserved communities;
    • (C) Promote regional economic growth and job creation;
    • (D) Meet or exceed all federal contracting labor guidelines; and
    • (E) Reduce environmental impacts through sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure.

SEC. 4. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND OVERSIGHT.

(a) Annual Reporting.

  1. Recipients of funds under this Act shall submit an annual report to the Secretary of Transportation detailing:
    • (A) Progress on funded projects.
    • (B) Use of funds in accordance with the purposes outlined in this Act.
    • (C) Impact on traffic congestion, emissions, and regional economic activity.

(b) Independent Oversight.

  1. An independent commission shall be established to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of funds.

SEC. 5. REMEDIATION TAX CREDIT FOR CERTAIN CONGESTION TOLLS. (w/Thanks to Congressman Gottheimer, Van Drew, and Lawler.)

(a) In general.—Subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding after section 30D the following new section:

“SEC. 30E. Certain congestion tolls.

“(a) In general.—There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to the sum of any congestion tax (as defined in section 6(a) of this Act) paid or incurred during the taxable year by such taxpayer for the use of any qualified vehicular crossing immediately before entry into the congestion tolling zone (as such term is defined in section 6(a) of this Act).

“(b) Qualified vehicular crossing.—For purposes of this section, the term ‘qualified vehicular crossing’ means any of the vehicular crossing known as the Holland Tunnel, the Lincoln Tunnel, the George Washington Bridge, or any other vehicular crossing for the use of crossing immediately before entry into the congestion tolling zone.

“(c) No double benefit.—The amount of any deduction or other credit allowable under this chapter for a congestion toll for which a credit is allowable under subsection (a) shall be reduced by the amount of credit allowed under such subsection.”.

(b) Definitions.

  1. CONGESTION TAX.—The term “congestion tax” means a toll charged for entry into or remaining in the congestion tolling zone.
  2. CONGESTION TOLLING ZONE.—The term “congestion tolling zone” means any roadways, bridges, tunnels, approaches, or ramps that are located within, or enter to, the geographic area in the borough of Manhattan south of and inclusive of Sixtieth Street to the extent practicable, but does not include the Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive.

SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Act shall take effect immediately upon enactment.

Quote

This bill dedicates $30 billion of unallocated funds from the bipartisan infrastructure bill to New Jersey and New York to fund regional public transportation projects that prioritize economic growth and climate resilience in underserved communities utilizing federal labor contract requirements in lieu of local congestion taxes. Allows private investment and public private partnerships in lieu of congestion pricing to support federal cost sharing requirements for competitive grants. Requires annual reporting and independent oversight commission to monitor for appropriated funds under this Act. Creates a remediation tax credit to commuters impacted by congestion taxes incurred under the current NYC congestion pricing plan.

Goldie (I-NH), Chief of Vox Libertatis "Choose Freedom"

Vini Vinachelli (R-NJ), Chair of Main Street | VR | Press "Pater, Filius et Spiritus Sanctus"

  • Brink changed the title to SB.26 Fair Transportation Funding Act
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