Articles by DRONERESPONDERS, the Center Square ,and WHIO.com share:
Two local state lawmakers want Ohio to dominate when it comes to drones.
State Rep. Johnathan Newman (R-Troy) and State Rep. Bernie Willis (R-Springfield) submitted a letter to President Donald Trump to consider Ohio as one of the first states to receive federal funding for drones through the “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty” executive order.
Trump’s order came in June and said “immediate action is needed to ensure American sovereignty over its skies and that its airspace remains safe and secure.”
The order also included grants from the U.S. attorney general and the Department of Homeland Security for state and local governments to buy drones or equipment to detect, track, or identify drones.
That’s the money Newman and Willis believe should come to Ohio. Their letter, signed by more than half of the Ohio House, emphasizes Ohio’s leadership in aerospace innovation and defense capabilities, making it a prime candidate for the federal grant. The representatives highlighted Ohio’s robust network of military installations and defense industry partners as key factors in their appeal.
The letter of support underscores Ohio’s longstanding contributions to aerospace innovation and defense manufacturing.
It also points out Ohio’s strengths in agriculture and food production, further bolstering its case for receiving the federal funding.
“Ohio is the state with the people who can solve the problems posed by unmanned aircraft,” Willis said. “In the home of aviation, protecting the airspace domain is critical to the development of the aerospace future. We are ready to act in support of President Trump’s executive order on the subject.”
Newman said law enforcement agencies throughout the state have expressed concerns over risks from drones.
“There has been a consistent alarm heard from law enforcement leaders that they do not have the equipment needed to address the risks presented by drones, which will likely be the method of terrorist attacks in the future,” Newman said. “We must get prepared to address those risks now.”
“In June, Gov. DeWine signed Ohio’s state operating budget into law, which included key provisions to strengthen drone safety across the state,” the letter reads. “While this marks an important step forward, it also underscores the urgent need for continued action.”
The Ohio House is currently awaiting further instructions from the federal government regarding the application process for the grant.
Ohio’s bid for federal funding under Executive Order 14305 could enhance its role in national airspace security and bolster its aerospace industry.
The state’s representatives are eager to support the initiative and await further federal guidance.
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Be sure to visit the BWU Technology Partnerships Initiative website to learn more about how our NEOFIX program drives economic growth, promotes policy and infrastructure to improve drone safety and efficiency in various industries, and ensures that drone technology is being used responsibly.