Georgia is hoping to out-bid Tennessee for a federal transportation research center.

Gov. Nathan Deal says if the state wins the so-called University Transportation Center, it comes with a $2.25 million yearly federal appropriation.

Georgia would have to match that grant with state funds.

The Augusta Chronicle reports that the University of Tennessee currently houses the southeast's regional center to study transportation safety.

But Gov. Deal wants to move it to Georgia Tech to focus on southeastern states' freight and passenger transportation issues.

He says other Georgia universities would also take part.

The center would allow Georgia to influence federal and state transportation policy.

A Woodruff Foundation grant will pay for Georgia’s application for the center.

Tags: Gov. Nathan Deal, University Transporation Center