Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) promulgates and enforces rail safety regulations, administer railroad financial assistance programs, conduct research and development in support of improved railroad safety and national rail transportation policy, provide for the rehabilitation of Northeast Corridor rail passenger service, and consolidate government support of rail transportation activities. Railroad Safety: The Administration administers and enforces the Federal laws and related regulations designed to promote safety on railroads; exercises jurisdiction over all areas of rail safety under the Rail Safety Act of 1970, such as track maintenance, inspection standards, equipment standards, and operating practices. It also administers and enforces regulations resulting from railroad safety legislation for locomotives, signals, safety appliances, power brakes, hours of service, transportation of explosives and other dangerous articles, and reporting and investigation of railroad accidents. Railroad and related industry equipment, facilities, and records are inspected and required reports reviewed. Research and Development: A ground transportation research and development program is administered to advance all aspects of intercity ground transportation and railroad safety pertaining to the physical sciences and engineering, in order to improve railroad safety and ensure that railroads continue to be a viable national transportation resource. Transportation Test Center: This 50-square-mile facility, located near Pueblo, CO, provides testing for advanced and conventional systems and techniques designed to improve ground transportation. The facility has been managed and staffed for the Administration by the Association of American Railroads since October 1, 1982. The United States and Canadian Governments and private industry use this facility to explore, under controlled conditions, the operation of both conventional and advanced systems. It is used by the Urban Mass Transportation Administration for testing of urban rapid transit vehicles. Policy: Program management for new and revised policies, plans and projects related to railroad transportation economics, finance, system planning, and operations is provided; appropriate studies and analyses are performed; relevant tests, demonstrations, and evaluations are conducted; and labor/management programs are evaluated. Analyses of issues before regulatory agencies are carried out and recommendations are made to the Secretary as to the positions to be taken by DOT. Passenger and Freight Services: The Administration administers a program of Federal assistance for national, regional, and local rail services. Programs include rail freight service assistance programs; rail service continuation programs and State rail planning; and rail passenger service on a national, regional, and local basis. The agency also administers programs to develop, implement, and administer rail system policies, plans and programs for the Northeast Corridor in support of applicable provisions of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 501), and related legislation.