Congress designates Oklahoma as National University Transportion Center

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Thursday, three of Oklahoma’s top universities formally announced a partnership and congressional designation as a national university for transportation-related research and technology development.

From studies aimed at increasing seatbelt usage among children to research anticipating the economic impact on freight movement when bridges collapse and wildfires occur, the center was lauded for its broad capabilities by members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation and the governor.

Held at the state Capitol, the announcement also served to publicly thank congressional members for their efforts in securing the designation.

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Tulsa) and Oklahoma congressional members led the effort to obtain the national university. He attended the announcement and presented Gov. Brad Henry with a U.S. Department of Transportation plaque commemorating the occasion.

Also in attendance were Reps. Ernest Istook (R-Warr Acres) and Tom Cole (R-Moore); Oklahoma Division Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration Gary Corino; Oklahoma Director of Transportation Gary Ridley; Executive Director of the Oklahoma Transportation Center Neal McCaleb, as well as the university transportation center’s board of directors, various university officials, students and researchers.

The Oklahoma Transportation Center was founded in 2001 but only recently was designated as a National University Transportation Center. One of 10 in the nation, the designation gives the center and participating universities access to millions in federal research dollars to produce world-class curriculums, workforce development strategies and transportation research and technology.

The new funds are subject to congressional annual appropriations, but the UTC is expected to receive more than $16 million from the Department of Transportation over a five-year period.

They are administered through the department's Research and Innovative Technology Administration and must be matched dollar-for-dollar.

The UTC is a three-way partnership between the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and Langston University. It will focus on innovative transportation systems and research that aid economic development through better maintenance and improved lifespan of existing and future infrastructure.

“Without the leadership and tireless efforts of Sen. Inhofe, Rep. Istook, and the entire congressional delegation to secure the national university program in Oklahoma, we would not be here today," McCaleb said.

Inhofe, who chairs the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said, “As the crossroads of America, Oklahoma will provide a great home for this center. It will bring new jobs, new investments and new opportunities to our state as a vital source of economic development.”

McCaleb pointed out the timing of the announcement came on the heels of a significant increase in state appropriations for university research through Gov. Henry’s Economic Development Generating Excellence plan.

“With the governor’s leadership and the Legislature’s work to expand research capabilities through the EDGE initiative, Oklahoma’s universities have unprecedented opportunities to lead in technology innovation,” McCaleb said.

The governor stated the UTC was a prime example of the economic benefits of investing in state universities.

“This is exactly the kind of partnership between private industry, government and institutions of higher learning that is necessary to make Oklahoma the research capital of the plains,” Henry said.

Cole said, “The authorization of Oklahoma Transportation Center as a national university marks the beginning of a great partnership and a re-affirmed commitment to research and development of our transportation infrastructure. This will provide more students with new learning opportunities and create additional opportunities for technological breakthroughs and discoveries.”

Istook, a House Appropriations Committee member, has also been instrumental in funding efforts for the Oklahoma Transportation Center.

“After years of obtaining appropriations for this work, it’s great to have it firmly established as a university transportation center and be eligible for ongoing funding. This is good news for Oklahoma and our researchers," Istook said.

Ridley said, “I spend a great deal of time talking about Oklahoma’s challenges with aging infrastructure, but the problem is a national one as well. For our state universities to participate in developing technologies that allow us to extend the life of aging infrastructure around the world is truly exciting.”

McCaleb closed the ceremonies by acknowledging the many efforts and contributions of organizations, individuals and leading researchers across the state.