The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is inviting colleges and universities across the country to compete over the next two months to receive approximately $6 million in federal transportation research funds. The ten winning schools will be designated as Regional University Transportation Centers (UTC) for a three-year period.
“These unique institutions not only train our next generation of innovators, but also are vital partners in solving challenges ranging from traffic congestion to safety,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta. “We are looking to our next generation of transportation pioneers to help keep America moving safely, reliably and efficiently through research and technology innovation.”
Applications for the merit-based competition are due by June 1, and the department will make its selections by July 14. Once selected, the new UTCs will be expected to provide leadership in solving national and regional transportation problems facing the nation today, Mineta added.
The 10 current UTCs are Massachusetts Institute of Technology, City College of New York, Pennsylvania State University, University of Tennessee, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Texas A&M University, Iowa State University, North Dakota State University, University of California and University of Washington.
Application forms, instructions and selection criteria can be accessed online at www.grants.gov. The UTC program is administered by DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration.