Friday, August 10, 2007 (Washington, DC) News Digest

DOT Announces $18.5 Million for New Transportation Research. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) announced the award of $18.5 million for 13 U.S. universities to work with the Department to solve national and regional transportation challenges through research, education and technology transfer. Universities receiving $3 million from the Department are Marshall University, Northwestern University, the University of Alaska, the University of Missouri-Rolla and the University of Vermont. South Carolina State University will receive $648,000, and universities receiving $408,300 from DOT are: California State University–San Bernardino, George Mason University, the University of Akron, the University of Arkansas, the University of California–Davis, the University of Memphis and the University of Toledo. Contact: Roger Lotz: (202) 366-2246.

University of Nebraska Receives Grant to Develop Advanced Railroad Track Inspection Technology. Researchers at the University of Nebraska Lincoln have received a $849,933 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to continue a multi-year research and development project that will help railroads more accurately monitor the safety of track conditions on a real-time basis from moving train cars. The inspection techniques and technology are comprised of an on-board sensor system with high-speed wireless data transmission capabilities. Once fully operational, the system is expected to allow railroads to accurately assess the longitudinal forces or stresses exerted by the train on the rail, reduce track maintenance costs and help prevent train derailments. Contact FRA Public Affairs: (202) 493-6024.

Alaska Railroad Receives Two Federal Grants For Safety Improvements and Service Expansion. A $12 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to the Alaska Railroad will improve general safety at the U.S. Army’s Fort Wainwright near Fairbanks by: eliminating at-grade highway-rail crossings; reducing rail-related traffic congestion, noise and interference with base operations; upgrading security and force protection; enhancing safety of flight operations at Ladd Field; and providing better rail service to a proposed loading facility. In addition, a $4 million FRA grant to the Alaska Railroad will be used to complete required environmental and preliminary engineering work for a proposed 80 mile rail line extension from Eielson Air Force base near Fairbanks to the Delta Junction area. The project benefits include: improved commercial freight service for communities and business, safe and reliable passenger rail service for area residents and tourists, and enhanced access to military training areas. Grant funding for both projects was made available in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2007. Contact FRA Public Affairs: (202) 493-6024.

Port of Portland Receives FRA Grant Funding for Rail Yard Improvements. The Port of Portland in Oregon is receiving a $2,869,051 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to make improvements at the Ramsey Rail Yard served by BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. The funding will be used for engineering, design and initial construction of six new rail yard tracks to reduce congestion and delays for many warehousing, distribution and manufacturing businesses in the Rivergate Industrial District. The Port of Portland is contributing $354,602 in matching funds. Contact: Steve Kulm: (202) 493-6024.

USDOT Pipeline and Hazmat Safety Agency Seek Comment on Transportation of Biofuels. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking comment on whether current pipeline safety standards for the transportation of ethanol and other biofuels are adequate. In a notice published in today’s Federal Register, PHMSA said it will collect comments until Sept. 10 on whether safety standards should be updated to address the increasing use and transportation of these fuels. Contact: Patricia Klinger and Damon A. Hill: (202) 366-4831

DOT Issues Quarterly Domestic Airfare Report. The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued its quarterly Domestic Airline Fares Consumer Report, providing information about average prices paid by consumers in the 1,000 largest city-pair air markets in the contiguous 48 states during the first quarter of 2007. It may be obtained at http://ostpxweb.dot.gov/aviation/X-50%20Role_files/consumerairfarereport.htm . Contact: Bill Mosley: (202) 366-4570.

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