U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Representatives John Garamendi and Jay Obernolte have introduced a new bill aimed at providing construction funding to federally impacted school districts. The Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act proposes to allocate $1 billion over four years through Impact Aid Construction Grants. The funding is intended to address facility needs at school districts affected by federal activities, especially addressing significant backlogs in construction, repair, and maintenance.
Senator Hirono emphasized the importance of the legislation: “Every child deserves to receive a quality education in a safe, suitable learning environment.” Rep. Garamendi expressed gratitude towards Hirono for her efforts in the Senate, highlighting the bill's role in ensuring equity in education access.
Rep. Obernolte focused on the infrastructure challenges faced by schools in federal land areas, which often lack the local tax revenue needed for upgrades. He commented, “The Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act is a vital step forward.”
The proposed legislation seeks to authorize $250 million annually for four years, with 25% of the funds allocated through formula funding. The remaining 75% would be dispersed as competitive grants, prioritizing school districts with acute facility emergencies. The federal Impact Aid program supports over 1,100 school districts, catering to more than 10 million students. These districts struggle with reduced tax revenue due to federal properties being tax-exempt.
Nicole Russell, Executive Director of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, called the act "a crucial investment" for these districts, which face deteriorating facilities. Brent Gish of the National Indian Impacted Schools Association highlighted the dire need for funding given the $4 billion backlog, emphasizing the need for quality education environments.
Kyle Fairbairn from the Military Impacted Schools Association pointed out the challenges of funding construction in these districts due to the federal land tax exemptions. He remarked, "The Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act is a way to have the federal government help fund local schools."
The bill has received support from various organizations, including the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, National Indian Impacted Schools Association, Military Impacted Schools Association, and the Build America’s School Infrastructure Coalition.
In the Senate, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal, Dick Durbin, Ruben Gallego, Kirsten Gillibrand, Martin Heinrich, Amy Klobuchar, Alex Padilla, Brian Schatz, and Tina Smith. House cosponsors include Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton, Julia Brownley, Marilyn Strickland, Josh Gottheimer, Don Davis, Teresa Leger Fernández, and Emily Randall. The full text of the legislation is available for reference.