Us Congress Senate Bill SB2808

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/14/23
• Refer: 9/14/23

Caption

Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act

Impact

If passed, the bill would enable local educational agencies to receive grants aimed at improving infrastructure to create safer educational environments. Funding would be distributed based on the condition of existing facilities, prioritizing those in the worst state of disrepair. These grants can cover full costs for agencies lacking the capacity to issue bonds or requiring a local match based on specific criteria, ultimately addressing the substantial infrastructure needs identified in numerous studies and by educational agencies across the country.

Summary

SB2808, known as the 'Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act', aims to establish a collaborative federal-local partnership to enhance the facilities of locally controlled educational agencies impacted by federal land. The bill authorizes appropriations of $250 million annually from 2024 to 2027 to support these initiatives, particularly targeting schools that do not meet health and safety standards. The facilities of these local educational agencies are often outdated, with many being over 65 years old and rated poorly for structural soundness.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, the bill has raised concerns regarding the equitable distribution of funds and the adequacy of support for agencies that may still have some local funding capacity. Additionally, there are apprehensions surrounding accountability for the usage of these funds and the effectiveness of the program in truly alleviating the infrastructure issues faced by the schools it aims to assist. Stakeholders are particularly anxious about ensuring that the funds are used to supplement, rather than supplant, essential local funding necessary for continued facility improvements.