ROAD CONSTRUCTION: U.S. DOT awards Highways for LIFE grants

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has awarded more than $16 million to 14 innovative highway and bridge projects in 13 states and the District of Columbia that will improve safety, create jobs and enhance the quality of the nation's transportation infrastructure.

"President Obama has called for a new era of American innovation and competition," said LaHood. "The money invested today benefits not only these projects, but adds to the pool of knowledge and new technologies available for safer, more efficient transportation projects around the country."

The Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Highways for LIFE (HfL) grants encourage the use of innovative technologies and practices on America's roads and bridges, such as accelerated bridge construction, cutting-edge building materials and advanced methods for construction project management. FHWA received 29 applications requesting more than $43 million.

"The sooner we can get innovations out of the lab and into use on America's roads, the sooner we can create jobs and improve the nation's transportation system," said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. "These grants will help us do that."

Descriptions of the FHWA Highways for LIFE FY2013 discretionary grants are at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa1323.cfm.