The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can be a tremendous leader in the next generation of delivering critical goods and services by Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones.
 
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognized the Alaska Center for UAS Integration (ACUASI) as a proven test site on how drones can help save lives in remote areas. The FAA designated, at least, seven other UAS test sites across the nation with the main objective to verify the safe operations of UAS in the National Airspace System. ACUASI is well-positioned to partner with other States, and the Commonwealth must act now to secure our strategic role in this exciting evolution of our aviation system.
 
This bold vision is within reach thanks to the integral leadership of Cambria County’s Department of Emergency Services, Somerset County’s Department of Emergency Services, John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, Saint Francis University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and more. In fact, a new Federal grant will build a sophisticated network of sensors for Cambria County’s first responders to air-drop emergency medical supplies, which can help fight the opioid epidemic in rural Pennsylvania. The immediate plan involves an FAA test site in Cambria County with Alaska’s expertise, which will transcend into neighboring counties. This is only a starting point.
 
My legislation will establish an interstate compact with, at least, the State of Alaska to integrate the Commonwealth in a long-range relationship for UAS safety, testing, training and education. With this framework, we will create a forward-thinking partnership to enhance public safety, evolve the aviation workforce and inspire business development across Pennsylvania.
 
Please join me in supporting this legislation to supplant the Commonwealth’s pioneering role in the revolution of flight to solve real-world challenges with unrivaled drone technology.