DOT gives $63 million for research

   The U.S. Transportation Department’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) has released about $63 million in grants to 33 University Transportation Centers (UTCs) to advance research and education programs that address critical transportation challenges facing the country.
   “University transportation centers are key to helping us address today’s transportation needs, from environmental sustainability to safety,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a statement. “The participating universities are a critical part of our national transportation strategy and to developing a professional workforce with the expertise and knowledge to tackle the challenges of the future.”
   UTCs conduct research that supports DOT efforts to promote the safe, efficient and environmentally sound movement of freight and people. Authorized by Congress under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the UTC program provides about $72.5 million for fiscal years 2013 and 2014 for up to 35 grants. UTCs may be a single institution or a consortium of two or more non-profit institutions of higher education led by one lead institution.
   More than 142 applications were submitted to RITA. The grants being announced include five national UTCs, which address national transportation issues in line with DOT’s strategic goals, with awards of $2.8 million each. Eight regional UTCs, which focus on regional transportation needs, received awards of $2.59 million each. Twenty additional UTCs received awards of $1.4 million each.
   A complete list of grant recipients can be found here.