Columbus wins the US Department of Transportation's Smart City challenge.

Columbus has won the US Department of Transportation’s Smart City challenge. The $40 million federal grant – along with $10 million from Vulcan Inc. – will be used to invest in what’s being called the next wave of transportation innovation.

The Columbus application includes plans for driverless vehicles, advanced traffic analytics, and “intelligent infrastructure,” all designed to improve the way freight and people move throughout the region.

A City of Columbus official confirmed that the city has been selected as the winner, and that an announcement event with Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx is scheduled for Thursday.

Senator Sherrod Brown’s office also confirmed the receipt of the grant, and provided this statement:

“Mayor Ginther and the city’s partners demonstrated a commitment to smart growth that makes the city better for all residents. And that’s why I worked so hard to support Columbus’s efforts. I look forward to continuing to work with local leaders and community members to realize the vision of a first-of-its-kind transportation system that increases access to jobs, links neighborhoods, and improves real-time information in a sustainable, safe way.”

Since being named a finalist in March, civic and business leaders have made a strong push to secure the grant. The Columbus Parntership announced in May that a wide range of corporate partners had pledged an additional $90 million to supplement the federal money.