U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg recently visited the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) to announce a significant $10 million federal grant. This grant, awarded to UMKC’s School of Science and Engineering, is set to fuel the development of groundbreaking approaches to enhance both the sustainability and equity of transportation infrastructure across the nation. The funding, distributed at $2 million annually over five years, marks a major investment in transportation research and innovation.
During his visit, Secretary Buttigieg toured the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise and Research Center at UMKC, a hub of cutting-edge research and development. “It’s a big deal. To be among those selected really reflects well on this institution,” Buttigieg stated, emphasizing the competitive nature and prestige of the grant. His visit coincided with his trip to Kansas City to inspect the new Kansas City International Airport terminal, further highlighting the city’s growing significance in the national transportation landscape. Buttigieg engaged with students, discussing the grant, which is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and its potential to shape the future of transportation. He was accompanied by Robert Hampshire, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, and Chief Science Officer at the U.S. Department of Transportation, underscoring the Department’s commitment to this initiative.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg engages with a student at the Plaster Center, discussing the new transportation research grant and its implications for future infrastructure development.
The grant awarded to UMKC is part of the Tier 1 University Transportation Centers program, a highly competitive selection process where UMKC stood out among 169 universities, becoming one of only 20 to lead. The focus of UMKC’s center will be on addressing the transportation needs of underserved and disadvantaged populations, with a strong emphasis on environmental preservation. UMKC will collaborate with a consortium of institutions including Tennessee State University, Texas State University, the University of Louisville, and Washington State University, leveraging collective expertise to tackle complex transportation challenges. Notably, UMKC is the sole university in Missouri selected for this round of funding, a testament to its established expertise in transportation research within an urban environment. The Plaster Center, a state-of-the-art facility, is equipped with laboratories dedicated to transportation innovation, spanning from rooftop to ground floor. Research areas include:
- Development of sidewalk technologies resilient to extreme temperatures, ensuring safety and accessibility in both winter and summer conditions.
- Enhancement of bus stop environments to provide year-round comfort and accessibility for public transportation users.
- Application of drone technology for bridge inspections and efficient package delivery systems.
- Utilization of 3D printing to create vehicle part simulations, accelerating prototyping and testing processes.
- Innovation in concrete mixtures to produce more durable and sustainable highway and road infrastructure.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg observes the Plaster Center rooftop, highlighting UMKC’s commitment to innovative transportation research and sustainable infrastructure solutions.
UMKC Chancellor C. Mauli Agrawal highlighted the significance of the grant, stating, “With this grant, our urban, public-research university and its partner institutions will work collaboratively to perform cutting-edge research and to help build an environmentally responsible, 21st century U.S. transportation infrastructure. It is a great opportunity for our students and our community.” This initiative is poised to provide invaluable opportunities for students to engage in impactful research and contribute to real-world transportation solutions.
UMKC’s deep involvement in major transportation projects throughout Kansas City further solidifies its position as a key player in the field.
Secretary Buttigieg engages in a discussion with student moderators at UMKC, emphasizing the importance of student involvement in shaping the future of transportation infrastructure and research.
Ceki Halmen, UMKC Associate Professor of the natural and built environment, will serve as the program director for this significant grant. Since joining the university in 2008, Halmen’s research has concentrated on critical aspects of infrastructure longevity, including steel corrosion and concrete degradation. His work is dedicated to developing more sustainable and durable materials, ultimately aimed at enhancing the quality of life through improved infrastructure.
“Transportation conveys substantial socioeconomic benefits but at the same time impacts the environmental systems,” Halmen explained. “As transportation planners face the evolving challenges of aging infrastructure, funding constraints, climate change and shifts to multimodal transportation systems, guidance is needed on how transportation decisions impact the environment, especially for disadvantaged or overburdened communities.” This grant will enable UMKC and its partners to provide crucial guidance and develop innovative solutions to address these pressing challenges, ensuring a more sustainable and equitable transportation future for all.
