U.S. DOT Opens Applications for $5 Million Research Initiative for Novel Cement Development

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $5 million funding opportunity for a research initiative on the use of steel slag in cement and concrete. This funding will support a partnership between U.S. DOT, in conjunction with a producer of steel in the United States, and an accredited research university of higher education to reduce carbon emissions associated with extracting and manufacturing construction materials. 

At this year’s Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg participated in the New Materials for Infrastructure: Reinventing the Roadway, Runway, and Railway panel discussion. There, Buttigieg stressed the importance of steering innovation towards public good.

“We’re proud to make this funding available to help develop the next generation of construction materials so that the future of our transportation infrastructure is more resilient, more sustainable, and made in America,” Buttigieg said. 

The funding opportunity will support one cooperative agreement in the total amount of $5 million spanning over five years, subject to availability of funds.

“This funding initiative will develop and advance innovative materials and technologies that support the Nation’s goals to decarbonize the transportation sector by 2050, strengthen resilience of the Nation’s transportation infrastructure, and address adverse environmental impacts created by the transportation system,” said Dr. Robert C. Hampshire, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and Chief Science Officer.

This entire funding amount will be awarded, based on a competitive bidding process, to a single accredited university in partnership with a steel producer. View the grant opportunity here: https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/351937