At the Federal level, the Office of Government Relations works directly with congressional staff on all policy issues impacting higher education.  We also develop earmark requests for funding of research and university projects.  As part of the President’s staff, The Office of Government Relations represents the University of Memphis through direct contact with elected officials, as well as with administrators within various federal agencies.  Our staff monitors legislation and budget appropriations, in addition to assisting federal staff members to host various events from year to year on major policy issues.

Project Highlights

Water Resources Development Act

After years of negotiating, in 2007 Congress passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) by overriding a presidential veto.  Once approved, WRDA authorized a collection of Army Corps of Engineers water infrastructure projects totaling $23 billion.    Supporters of WRDA believe the high cost can be attributed to the backlog of projects since WRDA was last updated in 2000.  It is supposed to be updated every year.  Included in the Act, the Mississippi Embayment Groundwater Project, a collaboration between the University of Memphis, Arkansas State, and the University of Mississippi, is authorized for $5 million.

Ground Water Institute

Memphis-Shelby County Operation Safe Communities

The University of Memphis, the City of Memphis, Shelby County, and other law enforcement agencies have partnered their efforts to fight violent crime and gang violence in Memphis.  The University received a combined total of $2.452 million from federal earmarks in FY’08, all of which is being contributed to this community partnership. 

The U of M Center for Community Criminology and Research

Transportation Center

In FY 2006, Congress reauthorized the federal highway bill and included several projects for the University of Memphis.  The University received $5 million for the Center for Advanced Intermodal Transportation Technologies, and $2 million as an officially designated University Transportation Center.  The transportation center funding will allow the University to become a regional research resource for the transportation industry located in the Mid-South.

U of M Transportation Institute