Sept. 19, 2019—U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao, announced Wednesday nearly $60 million in federal funding to eight projects in seven states.

Funding will go to projects to test the safe integration of automated driving systems (ADS). According to a statement, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) top priority is safety. Automation offers the potential to improve safety for vehicle operators, occupants, and other travelers sharing the road.  

To address this potential, DOT solicited applications through the Notice of Funding Opportunity for ADS Demonstration Grants, highlighting key goals for safety, data for safety analysis and rulemaking, and collaboration.  

The following applicants were selected to receive grants:

• Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES)
• University of Iowa 
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) Transportation Institute 
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) Transportation Institute
• Ohio Department of Transportation (DOT) (through DriveOhio)
• Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
• City of Detroit, Mich.
• Contra Costa Transportation Authority in California