§ 70101. National multimodal freight policy

• (a) It is the policy of the United States to maintain and improve the condition and performance of the National Multimodal Freight Network established under section 70103 to ensure that the Network provides a foundation for the United States to compete in the global economy and achieve the goals described in subsection (b).
• (b) The goals of the national multimodal freight policy are—
  • (1) to identify infrastructure improvements, policies, and operational innovations that—
    • (A) strengthen the contribution of the National Multimodal Freight Network to the economic competitiveness of the United States;
    • (B) reduce congestion and eliminate bottlenecks on the National Multimodal Freight Network; and
    • (C) increase productivity, particularly for domestic industries and businesses that create high-value jobs;
  • (2) to improve the safety, security, efficiency, and resiliency of multimodal freight transportation;
  • (3) to achieve and maintain a state of good repair on the National Multimodal Freight Network;
  • (4) to use innovation and advanced technology to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the National Multimodal Freight Network;
  • (5) to improve the economic efficiency and productivity of the National Multimodal Freight Network;
  • (6) to improve the reliability of freight transportation;
  • (7) to improve the short- and long-distance movement of goods that—
    • (A) travel across rural areas between population centers;
    • (B) travel between rural areas and population centers; and
    • (C) travel from the Nation’s ports, airports, and gateways to the National Multimodal Freight Network;
  • (8) to improve the flexibility of States to support multi-State corridor planning and the creation of multi-State organizations to increase the ability of States to address multimodal freight connectivity;
  • (9) to reduce the adverse environmental impacts of freight movement on the National Multimodal Freight Network; and
  • (10) to pursue the goals described in this subsection in a manner that is not burdensome to State and local governments.
• (c) The Assistant Secretary for Multimodal Freight, who shall be responsible for the oversight and implementation of the national multimodal freight policy, shall—
  • (1) carry out sections 70102 and 70103;
  • (2) assist with the coordination of modal freight planning; and
  • (3) identify interagency data sharing opportunities to promote freight planning and coordination.