History of RTI

The Rahall Transportation Institute (RTI), a nationally recognized center of excellence for rural transportation research, was established through the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century passed by Congress in 1998 and funded through a grant from the Research and Special Program Administration (RITA) of the US Department of Transportation.

In recognition of his demonstrated leadership to enhance economic development through safer, more efficient transportation infrastructure throughout West Virginia and the Appalachian Region, the Center bears the name of U.S. Representative Nick Joe Rahall, II.