Discussion with US Senator John Boozman Part 2

KNAS and KMTB is continuing the second part of our recent discussion with U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) in regard to a couple of bills he’s helping lead through Congress.

That includes the Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant which he recently helped introduce. Aerial drones have become a regular part of life, from recreation to retail deliveries to modern warfare. However, Boozman detailed another possible use for which drones would be ideally suited – inspecting the nation’s infrastructure like bridges for potential structural faults.

The legislation would help state and local governments launch their own drone technology programs to improve and expand their safety inspection capabilities for examining roads and bridges. Boozman said it’s a task that’s not only ideal for drones, but one that can be performed more easily and much more cost-effectively than relying on human inspectors.

Boozman explained that more widespread drone technology and training could also benefit farmers in maximizing agricultural output and catching problems before they become serious ones.

Finally, Boozman addressed another bill he’s cosponsoring to improve outdoor recreation facilities managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Titled the LAKES Act, Boozman said the legislation seeks to create new opportunities for public-private investments at Corps-managed facilities and allow facilities more flexibility to reinvest the money to improve their sites.

Arkansas boasts a number of popular Corps locations which would benefit under the legislation – from the Tri-Lakes and Millwood Lake in Southwest Arkansas to Bull Shoals, Ouachita, Greers Ferry and Norfork Lakes.

For more information on the LAKES Act, and other legislation and issues Boozman and his office are addressing, visit his website at www.boozman.senate.gov.