WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology Greg Winfree today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation received 212 applications for the competitive University Transportation Centers (UTC) grant program, where a maximum of $377.5 million in funding will be available over five years for up to 35 grants as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. This year, for the first time, two-year institutions of higher education are eligible to partner in the UTC consortia.  This marks the largest number of proposals submitted in the history of the UTC program.  Awards will be made no later than December 4, 2016, with Federal fiscal year (FY) 16 funds (up to $72.5 million) awarded at that time.  Subsequent awards to the selected UTCs using Federal FY17 - FY20 funding will be made annually after that date, subject to availability of funds and grantee compliance with grant terms and conditions. Under the previous Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century (MAP-21) legislation, 142 proposals were submitted for the same number of grants. The work of UTCs will align with the Department’s vision to move the United States “Beyond Traffic” and towards a 21^st Century transportation system that moves people and goods more efficiently. Contact: Nancy Wilochka (202) 366-5128.

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