WASHINGTON – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH) today reintroduced legislation to spur innovation, improve efficiency, and promote advanced technology in America’s transportation systems. The Strengthening Methods to Advance Research and Technology (SMART) in Transportation Act, would foster a safer, more efficient national transportation system by authorizing key U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) programs, and would ensure rural communities have a seat at the table by requiring no less than 20 percent of grant funds be reserved for projects serving rural areas.

“Throughout our history, Central Ohio has always led our country in smart mobility and advanced transportation research,” said Balderson, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “My legislation will support the efforts of our local transportation thought leaders like DriveOhio, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), and Terra Sound, who are driving technological innovation through state-of-the-art research and work that will improve road safety and create more efficient transit options throughout the state. Representing a diverse geographic district, it’s important to me that the SMART Transportation Act ensures that urban, suburban, and rural voices in the transportation innovation space are heard.”

DOT programs authorized by the SMART Transportation Act include:

“Congressman Balderson’s bill will strengthen Ohio’s national leadership position in the development and implementation of smart mobility solutions,” said Howard Wood, DriveOhio Executive Director. “The bill reflects a deep appreciation of our world-class automotive research and development ecosystem, with the Transportation Research Center, US 33 Smart Mobility Corridor, and OSU Center for Automotive Research. As we develop the transportation system of the 21st century, Ohioans will have an economic advantage in the global economy due to this legislation.”

“Smart technology is quickly emerging, and Central Ohio is at the center of the action,” said William Murdock, MORPC Executive Director. “MORPC works with our partners to ensure our region continues to lead on mobility. Central Ohio communities of all shapes and sizes can benefit from new transportation technologies to create better safety, smoother transportation, and economic growth. This is why we support Congressman Balderson’s bill to provide needed grants and deploy emerging transportation technologies in our growing region.”

“Terra Sound is a strong supporter of the SMART Transportation Act, as it will provide Ohio and the country the resources necessary to adopt new technologies, such as ours, that deliver immediate benefits,” said Craig Borkowski, CEO of Terra Sound, headquartered in Dublin. “Whether it is detecting accidents and severity, monitoring highways and roads for degradation, or seeing traffic flows and construction progress in real time, this technology that has been developed in the United States exists, and we are excited that Congressman Balderson’s bill has the capability to bring it fruition.”

The SMART Transportation Act is cosponsored by Congressmen Bob Gibbs (R-OH) and Garret Graves (R-LA). Balderson originally introduced the legislation in the 116^th Congress.

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