Continuation of the University Transportation Centers (UTC) program at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) was assured by the passage of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and now, the administration has pledged $450 million in funding will aid up to 35 UTCs over the next five years.
The UTC program is a partnership between government and academia that fosters investments in research, workforce development, and more. Based on applications, the program allows only U.S.-based, non-profit institutions of higher education in an official consortium, though as long as they are at least qualifying two-year institutions, they are welcome.
“I am inspired by the cutting-edge transportation technologies our UTCs are developing,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “With this investment, we’ll be able to support a new generation of visionary leaders and advance research that will help to transform our transportation system with safer, cleaner, more accessible ways for people and goods to move in this country.”
UTC applicants must focus on one of seven areas noted as priorities by the DOT:
- Improving mobility of people and goods;
- Reducing congestion;
- Promoting safety;
- Improving the durability and extending the life of transportation infrastructure,
- Preserving the environment;
- Preserving the existing transportation system
- Reducing transportation cybersecurity risks
“DOT’s multimodal UTC program is the bedrock of our innovative, transformative, and cohesive transportation future,” Dr. Robert Hampshire, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, said. “These investments will lead to cutting edge transportation research, train a diverse next generation of transportation professionals, and ultimately help the American people get to where they need to go much more quickly and affordably.”
While all higher learning institutions are welcome to apply, the DOT reached out with particular encouragement to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Serving Institutions. Selections of up to five national UTCs, 10 regional UTCs, and up to 20 Tier 1 UTCs – each pursuing a combination of research, education, workforce development, and technology transfer and implementation activities — will be made after the funding opportunity closes on Aug. 25, 2022.