Missouri University of Science and Technology’s National University Transportation Center — one of only 10 in the nation — will receive more than $3 million in federal funds for its research program, U.S. Sen. Kit Bond announced.

U.S. Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.) announced the appropriation today (Thursday, July 9, 2009).
“A modern transportation system is critical to the future of Missouri’s economy, which is why I fought to pass a highway bill that gave Missouri S&T a key role in solving our nation’s transportation challenges,” said Bond, who chairs of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Department of Transportation.

“We very much appreciate Sen. Bond’s ongoing support of Missouri S&T’s National University Transportation Center, as well as his advocacy for improving the nation’s transportation infrastructure,” says Missouri S&T Chancellor John F. Carney III. “As one of only 10 National University Transportation Centers in the nation, we have, for more than a decade, addressed critical transportation infrastructure issues through this program, and we’re thankful for the additional support to continue this work.”

“This funding will allow us to continue vital research and education efforts in areas critical to our nation’s transportation network, such as advanced construction materials and the non-destructive evaluation and monitoring of highways, bridges and other structures, and alternative fuels, including hydrogen infrastructure,” adds Dr. K. Krishnamurthy, Missouri S&T vice provost for research.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) will send Missouri S&T $3,199,000 in federal funds for transportation research and technology innovation at the university’s newly-designated National University Transportation Center (UTC).

Missouri S&T is one of 10 universities to receive a designated National UTC in the 2005 federal highway bill, which Bond authored as then-chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works’ Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.

The UTC program was created in 1988 to meet the nation’s need for the safe, efficient and environmentally sound movement of people and goods through research, education and technology transfer. Participating universities are involved in a variety of advanced and applied research ranging from intelligent transportation systems and fuel-efficient vehicle deployment to innovations that will improve passenger safety and reduce traffic and freight congestion. National UTCs are expected to provide national leadership in advancing research and technology solutions to America’s transportation challenges.