The University of South Florida (USF) is getting some help from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to help support its University Transportation Center (UTC) study and reduce traffic.
Last summer, USF beat out more than 50 applicants across the nation for $7.5 million in federal funds which will be used for “advancing research and education programs that address the nation’s critical transportation challenges.”
USF showcased its plans for the new program when DOT made its decision in June 2019.
“Focused on traffic congestion relief, the USF program will be known as the National Institute for Congestion Reduction (NICR). It will be established within the USF College of Engineering’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR),” USF noted.
“As a preeminent research university located in the heart of the metropolitan Tampa Bay area, the University of South Florida has always been focused on the unique issues and challenges facing modern American cities,” said USF President Judy Genshaft. “This designation is an affirmation of our leadership in this kind of meaningful applied research and, along with our partners, will allow us to make an even bigger impact.”
“These investments in transportation research will help address our country’s congestion and durability challenges,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.
The news that USF would be the main university leading the project garnered praise on Capitol Hill.
“This is great news for the University of South Florida! Infrastructure is the foundation of this nation. I applaud the work USF is doing to address critical transportation challenges,” U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. said. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am proud to have helped USF secure this $7.5 million grant to establish a national university transportation center aimed at advancing research and education programs that address the nation’s critical transportation challenges.”
“The Tampa Bay area is home to some of the brightest and most creative minds, with the University of South Florida standing as a shining example,” said U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla. “I am thrilled that the Department of Transportation selected USF for this prestigious grant. I look forward to visiting the transportation center and learning about innovative ways to address our region’s transportation and traffic challenges. Let’s fix it! Go Bulls!”
“Investing in our infrastructure creates jobs and can help us tackle the climate crisis through smart solutions, such as greener grid infrastructure, expansion of renewable energy and energy efficiency programs,” said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla.
USF is working with the University of California, Berkeley, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez on the program.
At the end of last week, DOT announced it was sending $4,887,500 grant to USF to “research and reduce traffic congestion.”
“Traffic in our region calls for the best and brightest minds coming up with new and creative solutions. This is not just about quality of life and productivity, increased traffic stresses roads and worsens pollution,” said Crist last week. “On behalf of the Department of Transportation, I am excited to share news of this grant with USF and look forward to seeing all that our Bulls can accomplish for the people!”
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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