Budget in Brief Table of Contents | DOT.gov
Overview: The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) was created under the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Specials Programs Improvement Act (Public Law 108-426). RITA works to coordinate and manage the Department’s research portfolio to more effectively and efficiently implement cross-cutting innovative technologies. RITA resources are used to coordinate and advance transportation research efforts within DOT, including research on intelligent transportation systems technologies; support transportation professionals in their research efforts through grants as well as professional development through education and training; and inform transportation decision-makers on intermodal and multi-modal transportation topics through the release of statistics, research reports, and a variety of information products via the internet, publications, and professional venues.
The FY 2009 budget request is composed of $27 million from the Highway Trust Fund and $12 million from the General Fund appropriation. In addition, RITA will undertake over $400 million in transportation-related research, education, and technology development on a reimbursable basis for other agencies.
| Research and Innovative Technology Administration Budget (Dollars in Millions) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Actual |
2008 Enacted |
2009 Requested |
|
| Research and Development | 8 | 12 | 12 |
| Bureau of Transportation Statistics (non-add Allocation Account under Federal-Aid Highways) |
[28] | [27] | [27] |
| Total | 8 | 12 | 12 |
| Summary of RITA FY 2009 Increases and Decreases (Dollars in Millions) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Research & Development |
Bureau of Transportation Statistics |
Total | |
| FY 2008 Base | 12 | 27 | 39 |
| Pay Inflation Adjustments | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Non-Pay Inflation Adjustments | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Annualization of FY 2008 Initiatives | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Non-recurring Costs or Savings | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Base Re-engineering, Reductions or Adjustments | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FY 2009 Current Services Levels | 12 | 27 | 39 |
| Program Initiatives | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FY 2009 Request | 12 | 27 | 39 |
The Administration’s FY 2009 budget request reflects the Department of Transportation’s intermodal and multi-modal research, development and technology, statistics, professional training and education, and applied transportation system solutions.
Research, Development and Technology (RD&T): The budget request includes $12 million for RD&T. RITA will enhance coordination and review activities with an investment control approach to managing the Department’s RD&T portfolio. The agency will also promote and advance innovative transportation technologies emphasizing work in alternative fuels in support of national economic and environmental priorities. RITA will also lead transportation’s Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) activities.
Transportation Statistics and Information: In FY 2009, $27 million is requested for the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to provide multi-modal and intermodal transportation data and information through public venues. Airline, travel and freight data make up the largest portion of BTS activity but are complemented by work in geospatial data, transportation economics, and the information services of the National Transportation Library.
Reimbursable and Fee-for-Service Activities: Over $400 million in transportation-related research, education, and technology application will be conducted by RITA on a reimbursable basis for other agencies during FY 2009. The Volpe Center will provide technical knowledge and expertise to customers with specific transportation systems and logistics projects or issues. The Transportation Safety Institute will provide training to transportation professionals in state-of-the-art safety methods and technologies. Through the University Transportation Centers, RITA will support the education of transportation professionals in obtaining advanced degrees in transportation-related programs from participating universities. The Joint Program Office for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) will support the advancement of ITS through investments in congestion reduction, vehicle infrastructure integration, professional capacity building road weather information, integrated corridor management, and mobility.