Volpe Journal 2005: Transportation and Safety
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DR. ASHOK KAVEESHWAR
Administrator
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
As Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, I am pleased to introduce this special issue of the Volpe Journal, which focuses on the Volpe Center's safety work. This journal is the first to be published since the passage of the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act, which dissolved the Center's parent organization--the Research and Special Programs Administration--and created two separate administrations: the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA).
RITA was created to coordinate DOT's research and development investment with the objective of identifying and facilitating cross-modal solutions to America's transportation challenges. The establishment of RITA will enable the Department to more effectively manage its research portfolio and advance the development and implementation of innovative technologies. Volpe is an integral part of RITA.
In addition to safety, the Volpe Center has a vital role in fulfilling the Department's goals in areas such as security, mobility and global connectivity, economic growth, environmental stewardship, and ultimately in delivering a better-integrated transportation system. The wealth of the Center's contributions to transportation safety are shown in the content of this journal, which also reflects the Center's forward direction--where it consistently questions the premises of the past to arrive at better solutions to the safety challenges of today and tomorrow.
The nation needs an effective and safe transportation system, and all levels of government recognize this priority. In the words of President George W. Bush, "America's transportation system takes us where we need to go, keeps our economy moving, and strengthens our nation's security. We...renew our commitment to increasing transportation safety and to keeping our transportation system on the leading edge of technology."
For the last 35 years, the Volpe Center has been playing a central role in improving transportation safety and keeping our transportation system on the leading edge of technology. I am proud to join with the talented, hard-working professionals at Volpe to introduce this special issue of the Volpe Journal.
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