Rochester Institute of Technology will receive $4 million in federal funding to research alternative fuel sources and issues related to life-cycle engineering.

U.S. Senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer have announced the joint House and Senate Conference Committee included the funding for RIT as part of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill that was recently passed by Congress. The bill, which authorizes funding for transportation programs through the 2009 federal fiscal year, is awaiting President Bush's signature.

“After two years of hard work, we have achieved a bill that will create jobs and bring significant resources to Rochester and the Finger Lakes region,” says Sen. Clinton. “I am especially pleased to support RIT’s alternative fuels research, which may lead to reduced fuel costs and a cleaner environment. The dividends of this investment will pay off for years.”

The RIT funding will lead to the creation of the Alternative Fuel and Life-cycle Engineering Program within the university’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies (CIMS). The initiative focuses on expanding the use of alternative fuels (fuels other than gasoline and diesel), extending the life cycle of vehicles, and promoting the use of remanufactured components.

"There is no other university that I would rather have doing this work than Rochester Institute of Technology," states Sen. Schumer. "With their ongoing research on hydrogen fuel, and the great work they have accomplished on extending the life of our military vehicles, RIT owns a unique expertise that will help overcome the challenges of bringing alternative fuels to market."

Nabil Nasr, assistant provost for academic affairs and CIMS director, emphasizes the goal of the program is to improve the performance, service life and safety of America’s public transportation fleet, which include buses, vans, subway cars and commuter rail cars.

“In 2003, this fleet traveled 3.5 billion miles and cost nearly $5 billion to maintain,” explains Nasr. “Along with improvements to the public transportation infrastructure and the expansion of the vehicle fleet, optimizing the performance of existing vehicles is an important, cost-effective, way to meet America’s increasing demand for public transportation.”

Building on its varied and broad base of technical skills and experience, CIMS offers the combination of research, technology, and design expertise to make the Alternative Fuel & Life-cycle Engineering Program successful. Through its membership on the U.S. Fuel Cell Council and its partnerships with industry, CIMS has developed valuable insights into the future of alternative fuels and has built useful relationships to help effect change.

In addition to its environmental implications, the Alternative Fuel and Life-cycle Program offers potential economic benefits. According to RIT President Albert Simone, the Rochester region is poised to become a leader in the development of alternative energy sources.

“By positioning Rochester and RIT as a hub for the development of these innovative technologies, we provide an opportunity to enhance our region’s economy by growing new industries and creating new jobs,” states Simone. “RIT is proud of its leadership role in the exploration of alternative fuel, and we’re grateful to Sen. Clinton and Sen. Schumer for their unwavering support of our research initiatives.”

BACKGROUND: The Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies (CIMS) at Rochester Institute of Technology exists to increase the competitiveness of manufacturers through applied technology and training. Established in 1992, CIMS provides technology and workforce development solutions that strengthen industrial clients’ ability to compete in the global marketplace. CIMS represents a dynamic collaboration of in-house technical experts, as well as academic, industry and government resources.