RSPA 14-02
Tuesday, July 2, 2002
Contact: James Mitchell
Debbie Hinz
Tel.: (202) 366-4831
U.S. Transportation Department Announces Grant to George Mason University for Transportation Education and Research
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) announced today a $1.7 million grant to George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, to operate a university-based excellence in transportation center on its campus.
“President Bush is determined that Americans have a safe and efficient transportation system, which is necessary for a vibrant economy and quality of life,” said RSPA Administrator Ellen G. Engleman. “This grant program supports this goal by promoting the development of transportation planners and professionals who will design, build and operate the transportation systems of tomorrow.”
This grant supports the National ITS Implementation Research Center. The University of Virginia and Virginia Tech also participate in the ITS Center which specializes in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Its objective is to promote the deployment of ITS, particularly in Virginia, but also around the nation and even globally.
The ITS Center is one of 33 University Transportation Centers (UTCs) funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation to conduct combined programs of research, education, and technology transfer. More than 80 schools throughout the United States participate in University Transportation Centers. Since the program’s inception in 1998, UTCs have involved more than 3,500 university students and faculty in the study of transportation, and produced more than 1,200 research reports. Recipients of UTC grants are required to provide matching funds.
UTC grants are administered by RSPA, which works for the advancement of science and technology for national transportation needs. RSPA also has responsibilities for safe and secure movement of hazardous materials to industry and consumers by all modes of transportation, including pipelines, and coordination of rapid response to transportation emergencies. Information on the UTC program is available on the Web at: http://utc.dot.gov/.
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