U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Visits the Volpe Center
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) Administrator Peter Appel visited the Volpe Center in mid-August. During the visit, the secretary learned more about the Volpe Center’s diverse portfolio including its Rail Safety and Crash Worthiness Program, Global Maritime Domain Awareness program, its work with human factors and distracted driving, work on the Next Generation Air Traffic Control System and issues that may impact livable communities in the future.
Secretary LaHood also hosted a Town Hall meeting with Volpe Center and U.S. Department of Transportation regional staff, which included remarks by RITA Administrator Peter Appel, Volpe Director and Emeritus and Acting Director Dr. Richard John, and U.S. Congressman Michael Capuano. Congressman Capuano represents the 8th Congressional district of Massachusetts, which includes the Volpe Center.
Secretary LaHood was particularly impressed with the Maritime Safety and Security Information System (MSSIS), which the Volpe Center developed for the U.S. Navy to help them track vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and enhance global maritime domain awareness.
As the secretary summarized on his blog at http://fastlane.dot.gov of August 18, "Looks like government is working up at the Volpe Center. Thanks to the Global Maritime Domain Awareness Program team and to all the folks at the Volpe Center; I hope to come back again to see what else you’ve come up with."
