Infrastructure bill proposes $100M in grants for US-made drones

Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) have proposed new legislation to increase the use of US-made drones in infrastructure projects. The bipartisan bill would authorize $100 million in competitive grants to help local governments leverage American drones in critical infrastructure inspections, maintenance, and construction activities.

Blumenthal stresses that drone technology can be a valuable tool to help the country modernize its roads and bridges. “These grants are an important investment to ensure state and local inspection officials have the resources they need to keep our infrastructure and communities safe,” says Blumenthal.

Further, the bill would provide a boost to educational institutions preparing the next generation of skilled drone technicians. Research universities, including the University of Nevada, Reno, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, would also get access to grants to…