FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 2, 2000
Contact: Jim Pinkelman
Tel.: 202-366-0660
FHWA 72-00

U. S. Transportation Secretary Slater Announces $93.9 Million in Grants For Intelligent Transportation Systems

U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater today announced that 92 projects totaling $93.9 million in 41 states and the District of Columbia will receive funding under the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) program.

"There grants demonstrate how we can use cutting-edge technology to make our communities more livable and promote strong, sustainable economic growth," President Clinton said. "By better managing our transportation, we can save lives and money, and improve the quality of life for all Americans."

Intelligent Transportation Systems use the latest in computer and communications technology to maximize the use and the performance of the nation's infrastructure system. ITS improves safety and operational efficiency at highway-rail intersections and at ports and other intermodal freight facilities. ITS technology speeds transit toll payments via electronic fare payment or "smart cards." Technology such as ramp metering, sign boards and traffic control centers are commonly known ITS applications.

The ITS program was authorized in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and was reauthorized in 1998 in the Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). TEA-21 requires that ITS projects conform with the National ITS Architecture and applicable standards.

"These projects will help manage traffic more safely and efficiently -- they represent the kind of innovation that will enable us to meet the transportation challenges of the new millennium," Secretary Slater said. "President Clinton and Vice President Gore are committed to moving America into the next frontier by using technology to increase safety and enhance mobility on our roadways and improve the quality of life for the traveling public."

State

Amount

Alabama

$5,567,550

Alaska

1,869,106

Arizona

1,789,570

California

3,439,951

Colorado

4,971,027

Connecticut

2,386,093

Delaware

1,789,570

District of Columbia

994,205

Florida

1,193,046

Idaho

695,944

Illinois

1,869,106

Indiana

795,364

Iowa

2,187,252

Kentucky

1,193,046

Louisiana

1,590,729

Maryland

2,386,093

Michigan

6,164,073

Minnesota

5,169,868

Mississippi

1,312,351

Missouri

2,584,934

Montana

1,093,626

Nebraska

2,067,947

Nevada

1,590,729

New Jersey

2,982,616

New Mexico

994,205

New York

1,590,729

North Carolina

1,690,149

North Dakota

1,193,046

Ohio

1,590,729

Oklahoma

795,364

Oregon

596,523

Pennsylvania

6,879,901

Rhodes Island

397,682

South Carolina

1,590,729

South Dakota

994,205

Tennessee

1,869,106

Texas

4,175,663

Utah

1,988,411

Vermont

1,590,729

Virginia

4,374,504

Washington

3,062,153

Wisconsin

795,364

TOTAL

$93,852,990