May 15, 2024
Written by Jonathan Andrews
A new round of funding is set to be released for U.S. cities to advance technology and improve transportation safety.
This is the third cycle of grants provided by the five-year, $500 million Mobility Enhancement and Transportation Revolution (SMART) grant program administered by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT).
In the first two rounds, the Department selected 93 projects in 39 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, totaling $148 million.
“The SMART grant program has helped communities, states, and tribes across America deploy new types of transportation technology solutions to improve safety and resiliency,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete. Buttigieg (pictured) said. “As we enter our third year of funding for this program, we look forward to helping even more communities gain funding and support to develop technological solutions to their most pressing transportation challenges.”
This funding opportunity is open to public sector entities seeking to implement transportation projects that demonstrate at least one of the following technology areas:
- collaborative automation
- connected vehicle
- sensor
- system integration
- Delivery/Logistics
- innovative aviation
- smart grid
- traffic light.
“From Alaska to Maine to Puerto Rico, the SMART program has supported community-led solutions across the country to make communities safer, more connected and accessible for everyone. ” said Dr. Robert Hampshire, Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and Principal Investigator. USDOT. “The popularity of this program demonstrates the demand for purpose-driven technology solutions, and we are excited about the new application opportunities it will open up.”
Cities that have previously been awarded up to US$2 million per project will improve their digital right-of-way (ROW) by digitizing roads, sidewalks, and curbside spaces and developing online applications that communicate ROW information to users. This includes Philadelphia.
The city of Detroit has created smart intersections using sensors and deployed artificial intelligence software using existing traffic cameras to “predict and prevent traffic accidents” in the city.
And the funding helped Los Angeles consolidate event ticketing and transit travel planning for major activities, including the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Applications are currently being accepted and must be submitted by Friday, July 12, 2024.
Image: Lawrence Agron | Dreamstime.com
