Mines receives grant for University Transportation Center

The Colorado School of Mines is the recipient of a $7.5 million, five-year grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which will go toward the construction of a University Transportation Center (UTC).

The new center will be dedicated to the improvement of underground transportation durability and lifespan.

“This is such a huge win for Mines,” University Construction and Tunneling (UC&T) Chair Mike Mooney said. “This is the first U.S. DOT funded center at Mines and the first-ever U.S. DOT center focused on underground infrastructure. This effort will build upon the strong foundation of UC&T at Mines and cements UC&T and Mines as the number one place in the world for underground construction and tunneling research and education.”

Marte Gutierrez, James R. Paden distinguished professor who works for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, will be leading the project -- which will rely on the expertise and reputation of UC&T.

“We are running out of land, especially in urban areas,” Gutierrez said. “The only way to meet increased demand for transportation is to go underground. Underground transportation and infrastructure is key to reducing congestion and pollution.”