REMARKS
FOR
THE
HONORABLE NORMAN Y. MINETA
SECRETARY
OF TRANSPORTATION
RSPA
University Transportation Center (UTC) Grant Announcement
APRIL
25, 2002
Thank
you for that very kind introduction. It’s
a pleasure to be with you in Wisconsin, and I am honored to recognize your
achievements here at the Midwest Regional University Transportation Center with
this grant of $870,000.
Just
four years ago, the very idea of the University of Wisconsin participating in
the University Transportation Centers Program was a novel concept.
Today, the Department of Transportation is proud to consider yours one of
the most successful and well managed of all of our 33 UTCs.
Why?
The answer is simple: the Midwest Regional UTC is an organization that
accurately represents the interests of its entire region.
We at the Department of Transportation recognize the collaboration that
takes place between all seven campuses within this University Transportation
Center.
The
success of your organization further proves the absolute benefits of
cooperation.
In
his State of the Union address, President Bush clearly articulated three goals
for our country: to win the war against terrorism – both at home and abroad,
to protect our homeland against future attacks,
and, finally, to revive the American economy.
Not
surprisingly, transportation plays a critical role in reaching all of these
goals. Whether you are part of the
team that pioneers ground-breaking technology for national security – or you
assist in the design of an emergency response plan for your local transportation
infrastructure – your efforts will ultimately contribute to the success of
these national objectives.
Specifically,
here at the Midwest Regional UTC, the approach you embrace – an approach that
focuses on optimizing transportation investments and operations – will be
absolutely critical to developing an economically sound transportation
infrastructure, and, in so doing, to strengthening our national economy.
Your
education methods are some of the most unique and effective today.
This UTC is charged with educating our country’s future transportation
professionals -- and in only two years, you’ve already created dynamic courses
and inventive seminars.
Additionally,
we realize that you are designing new graduate and undergraduate transportation
degrees and specialties.
These
programs, coupled with your internship opportunities, help ensure recruitment of
the best and brightest minds.
What’s
more, it’s been predicted that you will overmatch this grant by 50% this year.
Now I’m no accountant, but I know a good investment when I see one!
Most importantly, you’re not just matching dollar for dollar, you’re
matching money with mind-power, and that’s the best kind of return for which
any of us could ask.
As
students, I encourage all of you to continue developing your talents through
some of the numerous volunteer opportunities that we celebrate during this
National Volunteer Week. You will
find that regardless of your area of interest, there is a volunteer program
appropriate for each of you.
In fact, to help facilitate the process of finding that perfect fit,
President Bush has created the United States Freedom Corps.
This program will give you the chance to give back to your local
community, and I strongly recommend that you look into it.
Keep
up the good work, team! Your
studies are invaluable not only to the Department of Transportation, but to the
economic well-being of the United States as well, and you should be proud of the
work you’ve done here.
Again,
thank you very much for allowing me to be a part of your event.
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