Georgia Tech will be the hub of a network of colleges and universities that is getting $7 million to study the state's transportation infrastructure.
From Savannah's port to Atlanta's airport, transportation is a strength for Georgia but also one of its challenges, Gov. Nathan Deal said when he announced the program Friday. Solutions coming from the study group could play a key role in keeping Georgia competitive in the economy, he said.
The study group includes Clark Atlanta University, Georgia State University, Southern Polytechnic State University and Spelman College.
Catherine Ross, the director of Georgia Tech's Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development, said an advisory panel has agreed on broad principles for the program to focus on, including global competitiveness. The group could help in the development of everything from logistics software to economic development, she said. The money could come as early as spring, and the panel will begin its work of choosing which studies to pay for, Ross said.
The $7 million includes $3.5 million from the federal Department of Transportation and a matching amount from the state Department of Transportation, the Woodruff Foundation and other sources.
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