Sec. 1505. Disaster relief mobilization pilot program
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In this section: The term local community means— a unit of local government; a political subdivision of a State or local government; a metropolitan planning organization (as defined in section 134(b) of title 23, United States Code); a rural planning organization; or a Tribal government. The term pilot program means the pilot program established by the Secretary under subsection (b). The Secretary shall establish and carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall provide grants to local communities to develop disaster preparedness and disaster response plans that include the use of bicycles.
To be eligible to receive a grant under the pilot program, a local community shall demonstrate plans to enter into a partnership with— 1 or more nonprofit community organizations; or 1 or more bicycle or pedestrian advocacy organizations. To be eligible to receive a grant under the pilot program, a local community shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including an identification of each nonprofit community organization and bicycle or pedestrian advocacy organization with which the local community plans to establish a partnership under paragraph (1).
For each fiscal year, the Secretary shall select not fewer than 4, and not more than 10, local communities that meet the eligibility requirements to receive a grant under the pilot program. The maximum amount of a grant under the pilot program shall be $125,000. Each recipient of a grant under the pilot program shall carry out a vulnerability assessment of active transportation infrastructure in the applicable community, with a particular focus on areas in the local community that— have low levels of vehicle ownership; and lack sufficient active transportation infrastructure routes to public transportation.
In carrying out the vulnerability assessment under subparagraph (A), a grant recipient shall— provide an opportunity for public participation and feedback; and consider public feedback in developing or modifying response plans under paragraph (2). Each recipient of a grant under the pilot program shall develop or modify, as applicable, disaster preparedness and disaster response plans to include the use of bicycles by first responders, emergency workers, and community organization representatives— during an evacuation— to notify residents of the need to evacuate; to evacuate individuals and goods; and to reach individuals who are in need of first aid and medical assistance; and after a disaster— to assist in searching for and locating individuals in the disaster area; to carry— water; food; first aid and other medical supplies; and power sources and electric supplies, such as cell phones, radios, lights, and batteries; to reach individuals who are in need of the items described in subclause (II); and to assist with other disaster relief tasks, as appropriate.
As part of the plans under subparagraph (A), a grant recipient shall— provide training for first responders, emergency workers, and community organization representatives regarding— competent bicycle skills, including the use of cargo bicycles and electric bicycles, as applicable; basic bicycle maintenance; and methods to use bicycles to carry out the activities described in clauses
(i)and
(ii)of subparagraph (A); and include in the plans a plan for— practicing the skills described in clause (i); and maintaining bicycles and related equipment. As part of the plans under subparagraph (A), a grant recipient shall provide bicycles, as necessary and appropriate, to each community organization acting in partnership with the recipient to allow representatives of the organization to assist in disaster preparedness and disaster response efforts. Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that— describes the activities carried out under the pilot program; analyzes the effectiveness of the pilot program; and includes recommendations, if any, regarding methods by which to incorporate bicycles into disaster preparedness and disaster response plans in other communities.