A bipartisan Michigan congressional delegation has called for $200 million to be earmarked for high-tech, autonomous vehicle proving grounds, according to a new report from The Detroit News.
The report states Democratic Sens. Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township and Debbie Stabenow of Lansing, as well as Reps. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, and Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, wrote to the Trump administration’s federal Department of Transportation to request the funds be alotted in for the 2018 budget. President Trump will reportedly reveal his U.S. budget later this month for the 2018 fiscal year.
The congressional delegation stressed the funds would be essential to the autonomous vehicle industry and help save many lives on the roads by curbing accidents and traffic casualties.
“The auto industry is in the midst of a seismic technological shift that will revolutionize the transportation of people and goods in our lifetime,” the lawmakers wrote.
The Department of Transportation previously designated 10 proving grounds for autonomous vehicles, including Michigan’s Willow Run site, now called the American Center for Mobility.
The funds would reportedly be part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is expected to conduct testing on self-driving cars and report on best practices for the industry.
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Absolutely need the proving grounds to speed development and boost everyone’s confidence. I’ll contribute!!