In the start of the second year of the Smart Cities Initiative, the federal government is investing an additional $80 million-plus in localized technology-driven initiatives. More than 70 cities and communities are participating in the Smart Cities Initiative.
Nearly $15 million will be invested in energy and climate challenges, and another $15 million will be put towards evolving transportation options. More than $10 million is set aside to improve public safety and disaster response.
As part of this additional investment, the city of Chattanooga, TN, will test how an urban network of connected and autonomous vehicles can improve travel efficiency and operation during severe weather events. Texas is also receiving funds from the Department of Homeland Security to develop low-cost flood sensor-based tools to help in flood response and predictive analytics.
(more about the latest investments and plans for the Smart Cities Initiative...)
