The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act (H.R. 5315). The bill will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
“State aviation officials are very pleased to see this legislation pass the House. It represents a landmark in the ability of state, local, and tribal governments to access this exciting new technology,” said Greg Pecoraro, NASAO President and CEO. “This Congress continues to demonstrate an appreciation of how emerging aeronautical technologies can transform and contribute to the American economy and transportation system in ways we can’t yet imagine.”
The Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act, introduced by Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-9) and Garret Graves (R-LA-6), authorizes a grant program to state, local, and tribal governments to purchase drones for infrastructure inspection purposes and to community colleges/universities to support drone education and workforce training programs. NASAO urged House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee members to vote in favor of the bill at the committee’s mark up and urged House leadership to bring the bill to vote on the floor. A Senate companion (S.4744) was introduced last month by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Boozman (R-AR), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
