Alabama A&M University News August 31, 2013 AAMU Receives $620K from USDOT The Alabama A&M University Department of Transportation (AAMUDOT) has been awarded yet another transportation grant from the U. S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) AAMUDOT has received a $620,000 grant from the USDOT's Federal Transit Administration as part of efforts to maintain the nation's public transportation fleet, infrastructure and equipment. Only a third of the more than 400 applicants nationwide were selected for funding. In addition to producing a compelling proposal, Marshall Chimwedzi, AAMUDOT director, had to show how his area would simultaneously address statutes, regulations and executive orders. Chief among these were civil rights programs, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and small business considerations, environmental justice and limited English proficiency concerns. According to Chimwedzi, AAMU's transportation unit will use its funds on a series of FTA-approved projects. Projects include the rehabilitation and/or renovation of the existing auto shop and a vehicle equipment wash bay with a possible automatic washing system and alternative biodiesel fuel production facility in collaboration with Dr. Ernst Cebert, AAMU biodiesel researcher. Other projects that will be completed include enhanced facility storage space, additional sidewalks, rehabilitation of sidewalk curbs to meet ADA requirements, erect or repair bus shelters as needed, and installation of intelligent transportation systems. Chimwedzi says the success of the proposal was due to the support of the AAMUDOT staff, AAMU President Andrew Hugine, Jr., General Counsel Ann Debro and Vice President for Student Affairs Jeffery Burgin. For additional information, call Marshall Chimwedzi at (256) 372-4760. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.