Maryland Tech Council’s Post

For Maryland small business owners, what a great opportunity presented by the Maryland Future Grant Pilot Program. Let us know at Liff, Walsh & Simmons how we can help you navigate it.

The U.S. DOT has allocated $54 million annually for the SMART grants program, enhancing transportation safety and efficiency through technology. These grants, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will fund 34 projects across 22 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Divided into two stages, with Stage 1 grants up to $2 million for 18 months and Stage 2 grants up to $15 million for 36 months. The program focuses on advancing technology in transportation, including areas like connected vehicles and sensors. The program's main intent is to utilize technology across the following areas to improve safety and efficiency: - Connected vehicles - Delivery/Logistics - Systems Integration - Coordinated Automation - Innovative Aviation - Smart Grid - Traffic Signals It's no secret that infrastructure upgrades here in the U.S. are long overdue, so I like to share news that shows we're making moves in the right direction.

The CHIPS and Science Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act collectively represent an investment of nearly $2 trillion into American industries and infrastructure, aiming to improve the United States’ abilities to both meet its own needs and compete globally in the rapidly evolving fields of technology, energy, and manufacturing. But for maximum impact, the communities receiving funds need to think comprehensively and long-term about building the capacity of their local systems to not just build infrastructure, but to prepare talent. Matt Gandal's latest in Forbes highlights the need to bring education and workforce leaders together to design solutions that will ensure these federal funds deliver value to local communities for decades to come. https://lnkd.in/dJw497fj

"Companies seeking to capitalize on the drive — and incentives — to rebuild damaged domestic supply chains are looking for states and localities that have proper infrastructure in place, said site selection consultant John Boyd, Jr., of The Boyd Company. This may help explain why infrastructure has become such a hot topic in the world of United States economic development. “Site readiness is a key component when we think about what distinguishes one market versus another, and it very often is such a critical factor, it could tip the scales for a project towards an overall less business-friendly state, if they have a certified site that’s ready to go,” he said. “A CNBC analysis of all 50 states’ economic development marketing materials shows that infrastructure is the most mentioned attribute by states marketing to attract companies. As a result, Infrastructure is the top-weighted category in CNBC’s annual state competitiveness rankings, America’s Top States for Business." #SiteSelection #EconomicDevelopment #IndustrialSites #SiteReadiness #Megasites #FDI #Infrastructure #SelectUSA SelectUSA #TopStates

The Physical Infrastructure Grant Program helps entrepreneurs throughout Missouri access the physical infrastructure and resources they need to launch and grow their businesses. Missouri Technology Corporation Learn more about this grant and how it can benefit your business: https://lnkd.in/gP2iwqQF

In a year when infrastructure is all-important with billions of federal dollars to build new facilities, Virginia delivers the third-best infrastructure in the country, according to the CNBC study. Virginia is America’s Top State for Business in 2024, with the nation’s best schools and solid infrastructure

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and CHIPS and Science Act stand to transform U.S. infrastructure for decades to come. To ensure the success of these massive investments, policymakers should consider the successes and failures of the 1956 act that established the interstate highway system. Lessons learned are outlined in an article I co-authored for the Council on Foreign Relations' RealEcon (Reimagining American Economic Leadership) initiative.

More ways to allow access for more companies to be involved

This is a well-written and very informative article that I think is a must read.

✅ The good news: NTIA has approved three more initial #BEAD program proposals: District of Columbia, Delaware, and Washington state. They can now begin requesting access to funding. 🚨 The not-so-good news: NTIA has delayed approval of some other states’ proposals, like Virginia’s, because “the low-cost option must be established in the initial proposal as an exact price or formula.” This equates to #rateregulation which is explicitly prohibited by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – and will discourage many ISPs from participating in the program. 💡 NTIA’s attempts for one-size-fits-all rate regulation will undermine the BEAD program’s goal of bringing connectivity to all unserved rural Americans. https://shorturl.at/dkrxZ #BEAD #Connectivity #CableIndustry #10G #InternetForAll #DigitalDivide