In 2012 the partnership between Portland State University, Oregon Tech and University of Oregon outgrew Oregon’s borders to welcome the University of Utah in 2012. We earned the designation of a US DOT Tier 1 UTC and adopted the new name of National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC). With this new designation, we defined our national research theme around safe, healthy, and sustainable transportation choices to foster livable communities. Our work focused all modes of transportation, including bicycling, walking, personal vehicles, transit, and freight.

The Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2010, enabled the US DOT to redistribute funds allocated to specified research projects and programs designated in SAFETEA-LU. A full and open competition was held, following the framework of the competitive UTC programs. Grants of approximately $3.5 million each were awarded to ten Tier 1 UTCs, two Tier 1 Transit-Focused UTCs, and ten Regional UTCs. Fiscal Year 2012 funds were added to these grants following additional extension legislation.