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“UPPER GREAT PLAINS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE AT NDSU” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Senate section on pages S1190-S1191 on Feb. 9, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
UPPER GREAT PLAINS TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE AT NDSU
Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I rise to commend the work of North Dakota State University's Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute. The institute is a great asset to North Dakota and other States in the surrounding region and an invaluable resource and leader in transportation research.
In early January the Transportation Research Board of the National Research Council held its 75th annual meeting in Washington. This meeting brought together more than 3,000 participants from Federal and State Governments, universities, and the private sector. The participants discussed scientific, engineering, and technological questions related to highways and bridges. The 5-day conference was a success, in part because of a telecommunications system operated by North Dakota State University.
Eleven conference sessions with almost 150 panelists were delivered by videoconference to the State departments of transportation in 6 States: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. The teleconference was accomplished through the use of the TEL8 Center at North Dakota State University, in cooperation with the West Virginia Teleconferencing Network.
TEL8 is a digital, 2-way, interactive, satellite-based telecommunications system. It links 10 sites in 6 States, and is dedicated to meeting transportation needs in the region. The system is operated by the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University. The system was made possible as a result of the University Transportation Centers Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
More than 300 people located more than 1,000 miles from Washington were able to participate in the conference through the telecommunications system. Not only were they able to hear the presentations, but they had the opportunity to make comments and engage in question-and-answer periods.
Robert E. Skinner, Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board, said recently:
Because of busy schedules and limited travel funds, many transportation professionals are unable to participate at TRB's annual meeting. TEL8 showed that technology can help overcome these barriers and provide a means for real-time participation at remote locations.
We hear much these days about the promise of telecommunications and how technology is changing our lives. We hear discussions about the speed of transmissions, interactions, savings of time and travel costs, and convenience. North Dakota State University is doing more than talking about the promise of telecommunications, Mr. President. Through the TEL8 system, NDSU is making the promise of telecommunications a reality today.
Telecommunications activities are increasingly important throughout our Nation, particularly in rural States such as mine. The TEL8 system is also used for professional training and support and for the delivery of courses relevant to transportation. NDSU is exploring additional ways to use the system for distance learning and service-related activities.
I am proud of North Dakota State University's involvement and foresight in this important field. I appreciate this opportunity to bring it to the attention of my colleagues.
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