PHMSA 06-10
Tuesday, September 14, 2010

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $5.9 Million for New Pipeline Integrity Management Initiatives
Will support new technologies for greater pipeline safety

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced $5.9 million for 17 research projects to develop new, innovative solutions to improve pipeline safety and protect the environment.

"This administration is constantly seeking new technologies to improve pipeline safety," said Secretary LaHood. "Combining best practices and new technologies is the best strategy for ensuring the safety of our nation's pipeline network."

The awards announced today will support the development of research projects that address the challenges of pipeline safety: alternative fuels transportation; the detection, prevention, and characterization of threats and leaks; and pipeline construction quality.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has invested over $57 million since 2002 in 161 projects to help provide solutions for detecting pipeline leaks, prevent damage to pipelines, improve the materials used in the construction of pipelines, and improve pipeline system controls, monitoring, and operations.

"PHMSA's Pipeline Safety R&D Program provides near-term solutions to increase the safety, efficiency and reliability of the nation's pipeline system," said PHMSA Administrator Cynthia L. Quarterman.

The projects were recommended by a diverse merit review panel after conducting a competitive evaluation of research submissions. The merit review panel was composed of representatives from PHMSA, the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement and the pipeline community.

To view the research projects awarded today and prior PHMSA research initiatives, visit the agency's website at