Officials from the University of Detroit Mercy , the state Department of Transportation, NextEnergy, the Engineering Society of Detroit and federal officials will gather today at the University of Detroit Mercy to dedicate the University Transportation Center . The center, made possible by a $2 million federal grant, aims to advance technology and expertise in transportation. The center\'s three initial areas of focus are alternative energy, more efficient use of transportation infrastructure and the understanding of transportation supply chains. UD Mercy\'s university partners in the effort include Wayne State University , Grand Valley State University , Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo .