[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 18 (Friday, February 9, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1190-S1191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          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 

[[Page S1191]]
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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