“Safety is the Department’s top priority, and this US$7.8 million federal investment will fund critical research to strengthen safety in our nation’s pipeline network,” said US Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The awards announced today will support the development of research projects that address pipeline safety priorities including Damage/Threat Prevention, Leak Detection, Anomaly Detection/Characterisation, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and Improved Materials. Project awardees will contribute an additional US$4 082 308 in cost-share funds.
“These R&D awards are a win-win for pipeline safety and the talented researchers that have the honour of tackling some very complex issues for the benefit of all Americans,” said PHMSA Administrator Howard “Skip” Elliott.
A Merit Review Panel consisting of 28 members from PHMSA, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the pipeline and LNG industries reviewed 21 project applications. PHMSA solicited proposals for a total of 13 research topics.
