Senator Johanns yesterday spoke in support of legislation that would help fund and incentivize public/private partnerships, such as the Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln, to spur regional economic development and cutting-edge technology. The Building a Stronger America Act, authored by Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR), would authorize the Department of Commerce to award grants for the development of feasibility studies for the construction and expansion of science parks. The bill would also allow the Commerce Secretary to guarantee up to 80 percent of the loan amount for construction projects exceeding $10 million.
"The development of the University of Nebraska's Innovation Campus is a perfect example of what this legislation is designed to assist," Johanns said. "The University community in Lincoln remains dedicated to creating jobs and expanding economic development, which is exactly what federal grants and loans should accomplish. Again and again, today's hearing revealed that regional collaboration can make these efforts successful, which brings to mind the project envisioned for western Nebraska to leverage wind energy. I have committed to co-sponsor this legislation and look forward to helping shape it for the benefit of powerful partnerships like those coming together in Nebraska."