Biden Administration Releases Details on Massive Infrastructure Plan

Sometimes it feels like every week in Washington is Infrastructure Week, and this last week was no exception. President Biden released the first part of The American Jobs Plan, a $2.5 trillion infrastructure bill which provides federal support across a number of national interests. The bill provides $50 million to the National Science Foundation, invests $180 billion in research and development and industries of the future and $15 billion to create 200 research incubators at institutions, with the framing that those investments could eliminate racial and gender inequities in R&D and STEM. At least ten regional innovation hubs would be created to leverage private investment to fuel technology development, link urban and rural economies, and create new businesses in regions beyond the current handful of high-growth centers. Of the $40 billion dedicated to improving research infrastructure and laboratories, half would be set aside specifically for HBCUs and other federally designated Minority-Serving Institutions, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

APLU issued a statement following the release of the bill, stating “We are very pleased to see the proposal invests in research and related infrastructure, reflecting the central role university-based scientific research has in fostering innovation and fueling economic growth.” The second part of the plan covering investments in education and health care is expected to be announced later this month. UA is actively working with Federal legislators to ensure that infrastructure priorities for the university are included and/or supported by the legislation as it moves through Congress.