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, $345,000,000, 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 5 percent 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 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, That in distributing amounts made available under this heading in this Act, the Secretary shall take such measures so as to ensure an equitable geographic distribution of funds, an appropriate balance in addressing the needs of urban and rural areas, including Tribal areas, and the investment in a variety of transportation modes: Provided