Transportation secretary could offer travel technology grants to smaller communities

The proposal would let the transportation secretary set up grants for demonstration projects. Eligible applicants include state transportation departments, local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, public transportation agencies, and other entities the secretary approves. Projects would serve communities with 200,000 people or fewer and test technology for passenger travel by surface transportation. The secretary could choose whether to establish the program. Applicants would have to apply as the secretary requires and explain how they would work with partners, such as local governments, colleges, or businesses. If the program is established, the secretary would have to give priority to projects that can grow, work reliably, control costs, and perform in real-world conditions. A federal grant could cover no more than 80 percent of project costs; the recipient would cover the rest, which could include certain other transportation funds.