For fiscal year 2016, the grants are for up to $72.5 million in projects, with subsequent awards for fiscal years 2017-2020 to be made annually.
The UTC program has been in place since 1987, and is designed to advance “the state-of-the-art in transportation research and technology, and develops the next generation of transportation professionals.” A UTC program is made up of two- and four-year colleges and universities to create a consortium forming a “unique center of transportation excellence on a specific research topic.”
“Our nation faces unprecedented challenges from population growth, a changing climate, and increasing freight volumes,” says Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Universities are at the forefront of identifying solutions, researching critical emerging issues, and ensuring improved access to opportunity for all Americans. This competition supports the future transportation workforce by providing students with opportunities to take part in cutting-edge research with leading experts in the field.”
A map of the UTC locations in the U.S. are available here.
