Grand Valley State University, Wayne State University, University of Toledo, and Bowling Green State University are joining lead partner, University of Detroit Mercy. The center, announced today at a luncheon in Detroit, will focus on alternative energy, infrastructure utilization and supply chains.
"Our national transportation system is stressed," said John C. Taylor, associate professor of marketing in Grand Valley's Seidman College of Business. "We need to work toward adding capacity and utilizing the capacity we have. We need to become more efficient and work on improving intermodal transportation."
Grand Valley's business and engineering colleges will be involved with the center.
Congressman Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, played a key role in designating funding in the federal highways and transit bill for the UTC. "The movement of goods throughout the Midwest directly impacts West Michigan's competitiveness," Hoekstra said. "A platform on which to analyze opportunities to improve and streamline the transportation infrastructure will significantly elevate the economic and environmental value of the region."
MEDIA INTERVIEWS: John C. Taylor can be reached at (517) 719-0275 or (616) 331-7479. For more information, contact Grand Valley News and Information Services at (616) 331-2221.
