The program will fund research on mobility, congestion, safety, and other crucial transportation issues.
A press release from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) outlines a program that will provide $450 million in grant funding to up to 35 University Transportation Centers (UTC).
Dr. Robert C. Hampshire, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, said “These investments will lead to cutting edge transportation research, train a diverse next generation of transportation professionals, and ultimately help the American people get to where they need to go much more quickly and affordably.”
The program, open to U.S. non-profit educational institutions, includes several focus areas:
- Improving Mobility of People and Goods;
- Reducing Congestion;
- Promoting Safety;
- Improving the Durability and Extending the Life of Transportation Infrastructure,
- Preserving the Environment;
- Preserving the Existing Transportation System; and,
- Reducing Transportation Cybersecurity Risks.
According to the press release, “Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), DOT intends to select up to five National UTCs, 10 Regional UTCs, and up to 20 Tier 1 UTCs, each of which will conduct a combination of research, education, workforce development, and technology transfer and implementation activities.”
LA County Receives Reconnecting Communities Grants
Seven grant awards totaling $162 million will be used for planning, capital projects, and regional partnerships to reduce environmental harm and improve access in disadvantaged communities.
FHWA Opens $45 Million in Bike and Pedestrian Grants
Active Transportation grants are aimed at helping communities build and maintain bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Federal Government Awards Reconnecting Communities Grants
States and cities received over $3 billion in grant funding aimed at redressing the damage caused by freeways.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Dallas Surburb Bans New Airbnbs
Plano’s city council banned all new permits for short-term rentals as concerns about their impacts on housing costs grow.
Divvy Introduces E-Bike Charging Docks
New, circular docks let e-bikes charge at stations, eliminating the need for frequent battery swaps.
How Freeway Projects Impact Climate Resilience
In addition to displacement and public health impacts, highway expansions can also make communities less resilient to flooding and other climate-related disasters.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
