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Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH) recently reintroduced the Strengthening Methods to Advance Research and Technology (SMART) in Transportation Act, which he would bolster transportation system technologies.

“Throughout our history, central Ohio has always led our country in smart mobility and advanced transportation research,” Balderson, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said. “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.”

Balderson said it is important the SMART Transportation Act ensures urban, suburban, and rural voices in the transportation innovation space are heard.

The Act authorizes the following Department of Transportation initiatives: the Advanced Transportation Technologies program; the Connected Vehicle Deployment Pilot program; the Automated Driving System Demonstration program; and the Accelerated Implementation and Deployment of Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems program.

“Congressman Balderson’s bill will strengthen Ohio’s national leadership position in the development and implementation of smart mobility solutions,” Howard Wood, DriveOhio executive director, said. “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.”