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Transportation Research and Education Gets a Federal Boost! $300 Million for University Transportation Center Grants

By Dr. Beverly Kuhn P.E., PTOE, PMP posted 12-14-2016 10:04 AM

  

On December 5, 2016, U.S. Transportation Secretary Foxx announced the recipients for the 32 competitive grants totaling $300 Million for the University Transportation Center (UTC) program.  The intent of the UTC program is to "advance research and education programs that address critical transportation challenges facing our nation."  In support of the FAST Act, the UTCs will address the following critical issues facing the U.S. in transportation:

  • improving mobility of people and goods;
  • reducing congestion;
  • promoting safety;
  • improving the durability and extending the life of transportation infrastructure;
  • preserving the environment; and
  • preserving the existing transportation system.

The grant recipients are competitively-selected colleges and university consortia across the U.S. encompassing over 100 institutions of higher education across the country.  The full list of grant recipients include National UTCs, Regional UTCs, and Tier 1 UTCs.  

As these UTCs move forward with their research agendas, they contribute to the development of the next generation of transportation professionals.  For ITE, it is important to recognize that we have student chapters at many of these institutions.  This presents a prime opportunity for ITE members to engage with these colleges and universities and serve as a link between the students and our profession.  Additionally, there are a number of colleges and universities which do NOT have an ITE student chapter,  What an opportunity!  Our Districts, Sections, and Chapters should consider ways to reach out to these institutions through their faculty, researchers, and current ITE members to help foster the next generation of ITE members and transportation professionals.  New student chapters are an excellent way to accomplish this!  Share information about the benefits of student chapter membership, the ITE Collegiate Traffic Bowl, and other aspects of student membership.  The Coordinating Council and the Transportation Education Council are here to help.  Let's secure our future with the brightest minds!

Beverly Kuhn
Chair, ITE Coordinating Council

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