County awarded $4.6M grant for smart transportation technologies

Jan. 11, 2021

Pinellas County has been selected to receive $4.6 million in federal grant funding for the research and application of smart transportation technologies. 

The Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment (ATCMTD) grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, supports innovative solutions that use cutting-edge technologies to improve mobility and safety. 

The County will use the grant funding toward its Pinellas Connected Community project and expanding its smart city data platform. Planned system enhancements for the County’s existing Advanced Transportation Management System/Intelligent Transportation System (ATMS/ITS) include accelerating deployment of connected vehicle infrastructure along several key corridors, development of a centralized smart cities database for collection, dissemination and use of real time information to improve the safety and operation of the transportation network, improve pedestrian and bicycle safety with enhanced detection systems, and advancements in communications with road users regarding the status of the network.

“The Pinellas Connected Community project will ultimately improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and enhance safety throughout the County,” said Ken Jacobs, Transportation Division Director. “Investing in advanced transportation technologies will ensure that the County’s transportation network is well prepared to integrate future developments.” 

Pinellas County is one of only 10 agencies selected to receive ATCMTD grant funding. The Pinellas Connected Community project is a partnership among the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), City of Clearwater, City of St. Petersburg, PSTA and Forward Pinellas.