UNLV to establish university research center for rail infrastructure

The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) will receive a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to create a Tier-1 university transportation center (UTC) to improve rail infrastructure in Nevada and throughout the country, U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced late last week.

UNLV's UTC will be "critical in advancing high-speed rail and ensuring America has a modern, effective transportation system," Reid said in a press release.

"Improving transportation infrastructure is essential to boosting our economy, protecting the environment and reducing America's dependence on foreign oil," he said.

The new UTC will be Nevada's second. The first is located at the University of Nevada, Reno.

UTCs conduct research that directly support the USDOT's priorities to promote safe, efficient and environmentally sound movement of goods and people. Their mission is to advance technology and expertise in transportation through education, research and technology transfer at university-based "centers of excellence," according to the USDOT's website.