Arizona Commerce Authority Secures Federal Grant to Advance Transportation Technology
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) has been awarded funding by the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program. This initiative supports state, local, and tribal governments in their efforts to demonstrate smart city technologies aimed at enhancing transportation systems for greater efficiency and safety.
Arizona has been granted $1,747,708 to support the planning and prototyping necessary to digitize roadways for “vehicle to everything” (V2X) technology. This technology facilitates communication between vehicles and their surroundings to boost safety, improve traffic flow, and enhance response times. The ACA’s proposal was chosen from nearly 400 submissions, with only 59 projects receiving funding.
We’re very excited to receive this funding to further the important work of IAM alongside our state partners,
expressed Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. My thanks to the Department of Transportation, Senators Sinema and Kelly, and all our local and federal partners for advancing this important work with us.
In collaboration with entities such as UArizona, ASU, Verizon, the Arizona Department of Transportation, and Maricopa County agencies, the ACA will utilize the grant over two years to tackle real-world transportation issues in Arizona. Efforts will focus on connected vehicle technology to improve safety, establishing a mobility innovation hub, and cultivating a skilled workforce in this sector.
The Institute of Automated Mobility (IAM) plays a crucial role in translating research into economic growth by advancing collaborative projects that drive innovation and create startups. In 2021, IAM members were honored with the Trevor O. Jones Outstanding Paper Award for their groundbreaking work on automated vehicle safety metrics.
Media Contact
Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]
About The Institute of Automated Mobility
The Institute of Automated Mobility (IAM) is a collaboration between the public and private sectors aimed at advancing the safety, science, and policy aspects of automated vehicles. Managed by the Arizona Commerce Authority, IAM seeks to position Arizona as a leader in safe autonomous vehicle deployment through cutting-edge research, testing, and evaluation. For more information, visit azcommerce.com/iam.
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