1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Bridge to Jobs Act”.
Bridge to Jobs Act
A BILL
To provide funds to each State to cover all the costs to repair or reconstruct a bridge determined by the Federal Highway Administration to be structurally deficient.
2. Bridge program
In general— The Secretary of Transportation may provide a grant to each State that meets the requirements of subsection (b) to repair or replace a structurally deficient bridge as determined by the Federal Highway Administration.
Eligibility— To be eligible to receive a grant under this Act, a State shall—
apply to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may reasonably require, but not later than 2 years after the Secretary begins accepting applications;
certify that any funds received under this Act shall be used only to pay for the costs directly or indirectly related to the repair or replacement of the bridge selected by such State; and
include in its application, projected costs of such project, and its proposal regarding whether to repair or replace such bridge.
Application acceptability— If the Secretary determines that an application is incomplete or unacceptable, the Secretary shall advise the State of the reasons for rejection. The State may address the inadequacies in the application and reapply during the 2-year period referred to in subsection (b)(1).
Use of funds— A State that receives funds under this Act may use such funds for any costs directly or indirectly related to the repair or replacement of the selected bridge, including administrative expenses and any job training program established for the bridge repair or replacement project.
Reporting requirement— Not later than 1 year after a State receives grant funds under this Act and each year thereafter until the bridge repair or replacement project is completed, such State shall submit a report to the Secretary detailing the progress of the project and account for all expenses related to the project.
Authorization of appropriations—
Funding— There is authorized to be appropriated $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 to carry out this Act and such funds shall remain available until the end of the 2-year period referred to in subsection (b)(1).
Grant awards— The Secretary may award each State that is eligible for a grant under this Act not more than $10,000,000.
Availability of funds— The Secretary may award grants under this Act for the 2-year period referred to in subsection (b)(1).