CRAMER ATTENDS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DRONE INTEGRATION PILOT PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Cramer presented remarks at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today announcing the selection of the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), along with the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site in Grand Forks and other city, state, tribal partners across North Dakota, to participate in the Drone Integration Pilot Program. The North Dakota project is one of 10 selected to participate in the three-year pilot program.     

In October 2017 President Trump signed an executive order creating the Drone Integration Pilot Program to accelerate drone integration into the national airspace system. The pilot project will develop policies and conduct trials on UAS operations, such as nighttime flights, beyond visual line-of-sight, and flying over people.

Today’s announcement was made by Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Deputy Secretary Jeffrey Rosen. Cramer joined Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, along with North Dakota Lieutenant Governor Brent Sanford by video satellite.

“Innovation has always been America’s global advantage,” said Cramer. “Like many others in North Dakota, I extend my gratitude to President Trump and Secretary Chao for advancing North Dakota’s application and giving us this incredible opportunity. North Dakota, Nevada, and others in the public and private sector are delivering real ideas to put America at the front of innovation. Thank you for recognizing us today and congratulations to the North Dakota Department of Transportation and all the state partners who will be part of this pilot program.”   

Along with the ability to fly beyond line sight, at night, and above people, Cramer noted how dedicated spectrum is also crucial to the advancement of the industry. Cramer offered an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act passed in April to study dedicated spectrum for drones.

To view the video from today’s announcement click here.   

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