S. 1275: Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act

The Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act aims to provide federal funding for improving the facilities of local educational agencies (LEAs) that are significantly impacted by the presence of federal properties. The key features of the bill are as follows:

Funding Purpose

The bill is designed to create a partnership between federal and local governments to finance construction and renovation projects for schools that serve areas with federal property. Its objectives include:

• Providing formula grants to LEAs that cannot issue bonds due to a high presence of non-taxable federal land.
• Offering partnership grants requiring local matching contributions to LEAs with limited funding capacity.
• Support for modernization and basic improvements in school buildings through competitive grants.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes $250 million annually for four years, starting after its enactment. Distribution of these funds includes:

• 75% for competitive grants.
• 25% for formula grants.

Grant Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for grants, LEAs must demonstrate their need based on the condition of their facilities. Applications for grants must be submitted at times specified by the Secretary of Education. Priority will be given to:

• LEAs in poor building conditions, posing health or safety risks.
• LEAs that struggle to meet compliance with state and federal educational standards.
• LEAs seeking housing solutions for teachers in high-need areas.

Grant Utilization

Funds can be used for a variety of purposes such as:

• Construction of new school facilities.
• Renovation and repair of existing buildings.

LEAs must ensure that the funds supplement existing funding and cannot be used for land acquisition or projects lacking appropriate title or leasing agreements.

Monitoring and Reporting

The Secretary of Education is required to oversee the distribution and use of funds, providing annual reports to Congress on the impact of the grant programs, including the number of projects completed and the conditions these grants have addressed.

Relevant Companies

• MTD Products: This company, known for outdoor power equipment and lawn care products, may see increased demand for educational construction projects involving landscaping and outdoor maintenance services.
• W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW): This distributor of maintenance, repair, and operations supplies could benefit from the increased spending on school repair and renovation projects.