Congressman John D. Dingell

Monday, October 2, 2006

Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) released the following statement today congratulating the University of Michigan for being selected as one of ten Tier I University Transportation Centers:

“Being selected as a Tier I University Transportation Center is a wonderful honor for the University of Michigan and to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). Home to the Motor City, it is fitting that the U.S. Department of Transportation chose Michigan for one of its university-based centers,” Congressman Dingell said. “I have no doubt that the University of Michigan will be of great help in studying and helping solve the transportation challenges facing our nation.”

Established in 1987, the University Transportation Center’s mission is to “advance U.S. technology and expertise in the many disciplines comprising transportation through the mechanisms of education, research and technology transfer at university-based centers of excellence.” Participating universities are expected to work with the Department of Transportation and local transportation officials to make strides towards solving long-range transportation challenges. 36 universities applied for this designation; the University of Michigan was one of ten selected. This designation allows the University of Michigan to receive up to $1 million towards transportation research over the next four years.