DOT Initiative Awards Two Contracts for Regional Demonstrations. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded nearly $3.4 million to eight states to improve safety and reduce congestion during bad weather. The funding will help support efforts to give transportation officials better, timely information about road conditions so they can respond accordingly. Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Minnesota will receive the funds from the Department. Contact: Kim Riddle (202) 366-5128.

FRA Announces Funding for Proposed Maglev Projects East of the Mississippi River. Beginning October 20, 2008, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will accept applications from states or state designated authorities for $45 million in grant funding for proposed magnetic levitation (maglev) projects located east of the Mississippi River. The SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008 limits the eligible projects to those in or between: Pittsburgh, Baltimore-Washington, and Atlanta-Chattanooga. FRA may award one or more grants which can be used for preconstruction planning activities and the capital costs of the fixed guideway infrastructure. The Notice of Funding Availability details the selection criteria and provides additional information, located at http://frwebgate6.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=166654218299+0+2+0&WAISaction=retrieve
Contact: Rob Kulat (202) 493-6024.