and a proven record of developing, patenting, deploying, and commercializing innovative composite materials and technologies for bridge and other transportation applications, as well as conducting research and developing prototypes using very large-scale polymer-based additive manufacturing: Provided further , That there may be credited to this appropriation, to be available until expended, funds received from States, counties, municipalities, other public authorities, and private sources for expenses incurred for training: Provided further, That any reference in law, regulation, judicial proceedings, or elsewhere to the Research and Innovative Technology Administration shall continue to be deemed to be a reference to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology of the Department of Transportation. National Infrastructure Investments (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) For necessary expenses to carry out a local and regional project assistance grant program under section 6702 of title 49, United States Code, $800,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That section 6702(f)(2) of title 49, United States Code, shall not apply to amounts made available under this heading in this Act: Provided further, That of the amounts made available under this heading in this Act, not less than $20,000,000 shall be awarded to projects in historically disadvantaged communities or areas of persistent poverty as defined under section 6702(a)(1) of title 49, United States Code: Provided further, That section 6702(g) of title 49, United States Code, shall not apply to amounts made available under this heading in this Act: Provided further, That of the amounts made available under this heading in this Act, not less than 5 percent shall be made available for the planning, preparation, or design of eligible projects: Provided further, That grants awarded under this heading in this Act for eligible projects for planning, preparation, or design shall not be subject to a minimum grant size: Provided further,