RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY UNDER TEA-21: OVERVIEW OF IMPACTS ON U.S. DOT

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) continues efforts at the federal level to create a safer, more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and more technologically advanced U.S. transportation system. TEA-21 provides approximately $3.3 billion through 2003 for the continuation of successful initiatives in research and development, technology deployment, and training, as well as for many new efforts. The legislation also includes strong support for transit and safety programs and for transportation statistics. In this article, the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation describes the Department's commitment to research and technology and comments on its strategic planning efforts as related to TEA-21 and the increased focus on accomplishing research, development, and technology objectives through partnership initiatives.