The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded 34 technology demonstration projects nationwide more than $50 million in Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program grant.
The competitive grant program, established in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $500 million over five years for state, local, and tribal governments to advance technology that creates safer, more efficient, and innovative transportation systems. It is a two-stage program.
This round of grants focuses on stage 1 activities such as planning and prototyping. Recipients will use funding to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems.
“The continued popularity of SMART, building on last year, demonstrates the demand for purpose-driven technology solutions undertaken by state, local, and tribal agencies,” Dr. Robert C. Hampshire, deputy assistant secretary for research and technology and chief science officer, said. “We are thrilled to announce another round of exciting and innovative projects.”
Projects are located in 22 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and focus on the affordability of technology nationwide in both rural and urban settings, and how various technologies can make transportation safer, cleaner, more equitable.
The department received 321 eligible grant applications. This is the second year for the SMART grant awards.