U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson (R-Ohio) hopes his new legislation, the Strengthening Methods to Advance Research and Technology (SMART) in Transportation Act, will spur innovation, improve efficiency and promote advanced technology in the U.S. transportation systems.
The legislation would authorize several U.S. Dept. of Transportation programs, like the Automated Driving System Demonstration program and the Accelerated Implementation and Deployment of Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems program, and require that no less than 20 percent of grant funds from the U.S. DOT be reserved for rural projects.
“In Central Ohio, we’re proud of our history as a national leader in smart mobility and advanced transportation research,” Balderson, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said. “I’ve seen firsthand the state-of-the-art research and work being done in this community that will improve road safety and create more efficient transit options throughout Ohio. I’m excited to continue working with our local transportation thought leaders like DriveOhio and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) to continue these efforts.”
Included in the bill were programs that pertained specifically to advanced technologies, connected vehicles, and automated driving systems. Other departments that would be authorized included the Advanced Transportation Technologies program and the Connected Vehicle Deployment Pilot program.
“Congressman Balderson’s bill will accelerate the development of smart mobility in Ohio,” said Howard Wood, DriveOhio Executive Director. “The bill reflects a deep appreciation of our world-class automotive research and development ecosystem, with the Transportation Research Center, US 33 Smart Mobility Corridor, and OSU Center for Automotive Research. As we develop the transportation system of the 21st century, communities and institutions from across the State of Ohio will benefit from this legislation.”