Rahall center aims to build 'jobs through transportation'

Marshall students can study transportation in West Virginia with a new transportation research center.

The university is the site of the Nick J. Rahall II Appa-lachian Transportation Insti-tute (ATI), the newest of 33 such centers across the country.

"We are building jobs through transportation at Marshall and the colleges of southern West Virginia," Rahall (D-W.Va.) said in a media release. "That's what the institute is all about."

The institute is located in the first floor of Gullickson Hall.

"This center performs research, develops education programs and provides for technology transfers," Dr. Richard Begley, director of the center, said.

There are 24 projects under way, and that number is expected to increase, Begley said.

He said he hoped to make a formal announcement of additional projects soon.

Current projects include developing a better lamp to use on highway signs for the U.S. Department of Energy, and looking at a possible public port on the Ohio River for the West Virginia Port Authority.

The projects are a joint effort between faculty and students.

There are more than 30 students receiving compensation for education expenses through ATI.

As more projects are added, the number will increase.

Not only does ATI fund research projects, it also works to develop transportation courses and programs through the university. This field covers a wide range of subjects such as geography, geology and safety.

ATI's six-year funding is provided by grants through a variety of sources, including the U.S. Department of Trans-portation.

This funding was secured mainly through the efforts of Rahall and Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va.

"Those two gentlemen deserve a lot of credit for providing opportunities for students and faculty for many years to come," Begley said.

More information about projects is available by calling Begley at 696-6660.