Norton Releases Remarks from Press Conference Celebrating DOT Grants to Establish Tier-1 University Transportation Center at Howard University

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks from yesterday’s press conference after a tour of the Howard University Transportation Research and Data Center with President of Howard University, Wayne A. I. Frederick, and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.

“As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Ranking Member of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, and a native Washingtonian, I am incredibly proud that Howard University is the first HBCU to be chosen for a Tier-1 University Transportation Center through this Department of Transportation Grant Program,” Norton said.

Norton’s remarks follow, as prepared for delivery.

Remarks of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

Tour of Howard University Transportation Research and Data Center

April 18, 2023

I am pleased to join Secretary Buttigieg for this tour of the Howard University Transportation Research and Data Center.  As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Ranking Member of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, and a native Washingtonian, I am incredibly proud that Howard University is the first HBCU to be chosen for a Tier-1 University Transportation Center through this Department of Transportation Grant Program.

I am particularly glad that the Howard University Transportation Center will be focused on research and education in transportation safety.  As Ranking Member of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, safety has been my top priority.  In crafting the landmark Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we ensured significant investments would be made in safety infrastructure and research, and I continue to work to ensure those investments are made in our local communities.  The legislation includes increased funding—including $15.5 billion for the Highway Safety Improvement Program and $7.2 billion for the Transportation Alternatives bicycle and pedestrian program—to stem the rising tide of traffic fatalities.  Deaths on our roadways disproportionately harm pedestrians, cyclists, and minority communities, and I am proud of the role Howard University will play in preventing these needless deaths.

I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to Dr. Stephen Arhin and his team and Howard University as a whole for this incredible opportunity, and I look forward to future collaboration between the Department of Transportation and Howard University.

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