| Wilson Introduces Legislation to Promote Science and Technology Research Parks
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Heather Wilson (R-NM) has introduced H.R. 4250, the Build A Stronger America Act, a bill to provide grants and loan guarantees for the development of science and technology research parks throughout the United States. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Bingaman and Pryor.
Science and technology research parks are located in every state, and promote innovation and development on many fronts. New Mexico is home to the Sandia Science and Tech Park, Los Alamos Research Park, Arrowhead Research Park in Las Cruces, Science and Technology Park @ UNM, and Kirtland Technology Park.
This bill establishes a $7.5 million competitive grant program for feasibility studies for science parks. Also created is a loan guarantee program for the development of new science parks and renovation of existing science park infrastructure.
“This bill works to increase the competitiveness of American researchers by establishing research parks that are the hub of knowledge and development. It is in our best interest to promote the construction and development of new parks that bring together scientists and researchers working to advance new technologies,” said Wilson.
More than 300,000 workers in the United States work in university research and science parks, and each core job in a science park generates an additional 2.57 jobs for the economy.
The Build A Stronger America Act and it’s Senate companion are supported by the Association of University Research Parks.
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