Counties urge Congress to include local priorities in America COMPETES Act

WASHINGTON — Led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), a bipartisan group of over 80 county elected officials this week urged congressional leaders to include key county provisions in the America COMPETES Act of 2022.

In a letter to congressional leaders and other federal lawmakers, the county officials wrote:

As a key intergovernmental partner, we understand the importance of bipartisanship and encourage members of the conference committee to work in concert towards a comprehensive bill that strengthens our domestic economy, preserves our national security and fortifies our position as a world leader in technological innovation.”

Specifically, the county leaders outlined support for:

• Authorization of the National Science Foundation, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to review federal programs that would support research, development, education and training on precision agriculture as well as identify opportunities to expand its use
• $1.5 billion for the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund to fund research and development in future wireless technology solutions
• $45 billion for grants, loans, and loan guarantees to support supply chain resilience and manufacturing of critical goods, industrial equipment and manufacturing technology
• Creation of a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program through the U.S. Department of Commerce to foster regional technology and economic growth
• Passage of the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act (PLREDA), which would expedite renewable energy development, where appropriate, on federal public lands
• $4 billion for the Economic Development Administration to launch a pilot version of the bipartisan Rebuilding Economies and Creating Opportunities for More People Everywhere to Excel Act (RECOMPETE Act)

Click here to view the full letter and its signatories.