The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has officially commenced the application process for the second phase of its innovative Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grants program. Under the framework of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), this program offers a substantial total of $500 million in grants over a five-year period, specifically designated for conducting demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems. These initiatives are intended to enhance transportation efficiency and safety across the nation.

The current application window, open until October 10, is primarily tailored for "Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping" grants. The emphasis is on addressing real-world transportation challenges while simultaneously building data and technology capacity for state, local, and tribal governments. This strategic approach aligns with the program's vision of fostering sustainable partnerships across sectors and government levels, thereby creating a collaborative environment involving industry, academia, labor, and nonprofits.

 

Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of the USDOT, highlighted the program's potential in harnessing groundbreaking technologies to revolutionize transportation systems. "New technologies like connected vehicles, smart traffic signals, and more have the potential to make our transportation system dramatically safer and more efficient," he stated.

The SMART grants program is underpinned by a comprehensive perspective that acknowledges the resource and personnel challenges faced by many public sector transportation agencies in adopting new technologies. The program aims to provide both time and support necessary for successful deployment, enabling agencies to fully leverage the potential of these innovations.

Robert Hampshire, USDOT's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and Chief Scientist, emphasized the success of the inaugural SMART grants. He highlighted their focus on addressing vital transportation challenges and underscored the importance of collaboration in devising right-sized innovations for communities.

https://aashtojournal.transportation.org/usdot-preparing-for-second-round-of-smart-grants/