US Code
CHAPTER 702— MULTIMODAL FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND INFORMATION
§ 70201. State freight advisory committees

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Transportation shall encourage each State to establish a freight advisory committee consisting of a representative cross-section of public and private sector freight stakeholders, including representatives of—(1) ports, if applicable;
(2) freight railroads, if applicable;
(3) shippers;
(4) carriers;
(5) freight-related associations;
(6) third-party logistics providers;
(7) the freight industry workforce;
(8) the transportation department of the State;
(9) metropolitan planning organizations;
(10) local governments;
(11) the environmental protection department of the State, if applicable;
(12) the air resources board of the State, if applicable;
(13) economic development agencies of the State; and
(14) not-for-profit organizations or community organizations.
(b) Qualifications.—Each member of a freight advisory committee established under subsection (a) shall have qualifications sufficient to serve on a freight advisory committee, including, as applicable—(1) general business and financial experience;
(2) experience or qualifications in the areas of freight transportation and logistics;
(3) experience in transportation planning;
(4) experience representing employees of the freight industry;
(5) experience representing a State, local government, or metropolitan planning organization; or
(6) experience representing the views of a community group or not-for-profit organization.
(c) Role of Committee.—A freight advisory committee of a State described in subsection (a) shall—(1) advise the State on freight-related priorities, issues, projects, and funding needs;
(2) serve as a forum for discussion for State transportation decisions affecting freight mobility;
(3) communicate and coordinate regional priorities with other organizations;
(4) promote the sharing of information between the private and public sectors on freight issues; and
(5) participate in the development of the freight plan of the State described in section 70202, including by providing advice regarding the development of the freight investment plan.