The Bill 118 hr 3593, also known as the Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act, aims to establish a grant program to assist state, local, and tribal governments in using drones for infrastructure inspections. The bill recognizes the potential benefits of using drones for inspecting critical infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and pipelines, as they can provide a cost-effective and efficient way to monitor and assess the condition of these structures.
Under the proposed legislation, eligible entities can apply for grants to purchase drones, training for operators, and software for data analysis. The bill also includes provisions for ensuring the safety and privacy of individuals during drone operations, such as requiring operators to comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and obtain consent before conducting inspections on private property.
The goal of the Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act is to promote the use of drone technology in infrastructure inspections, ultimately improving the safety and efficiency of maintaining critical infrastructure across the country. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is currently under consideration for passage.