The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently announced the University of South Florida and Washington State University will be new national University Transportation Centers (UTCs).
The universities each receive a $7.5 million grant for research and education programs that address critical transportation challenges.
The purpose of UTCs is to advance technology and expertise in transportation and to address workforce needs in the transportation industry.
“These two new University Transportation Centers will help develop answers to two key problems facing drivers in America – congestion and deteriorating infrastructure,” Diana Furchtgott-Roth, USDOT deputy assistant secretary for research and technology, said. “Traffic jams and potholes cause daily problems for motorists, wasting their time and causing damage to vehicles. These universities are taking practical approaches to these problems that will result in solutions that America needs now.”
The University of South Florida will devise ways to relieve congestion while Washington State University will focus on extending the life and durability of transportation infrastructure.
USDOT received 51 competitive grant applications and funding was appropriated in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018.
USDOT also provided funding to existing UTCs for improving mobility, preserving the environment, promoting safety, reducing congestion, extending the life of infrastructure, and preserving existing infrastructure.