Miller-Meeks’ ONSHORE Act Signed into Law
Washington, D.C. – President Biden has signed into law the ONSHORE Act (Opportunities for Non-developed Sites to Have Opportunities to be Rehabilitated for Economic Development), following final approval by the Senate. The bill, introduced in the House by Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), establishes the Critical Supply Chain Site Development program. Once funded, this program will provide competitive grants for communities, such as the Quad Cities, to invest in new shovel-ready sites, offering transformative economic development opportunities for the region.
"This is a big win for the Quad Cities region,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “We're investing in the revitalization of communities, fostering economic growth and fortifying our domestic supply chains,” she said. “This program not only empowers regions to attract investment and create jobs in Iowa, but also ensures our nation's strategic interests and economic security are safeguarded.”
“The Quad Cities Chamber advocated for this legislation and is pleased to see it move on to the next step – funding,” said Ryan Sempf, Executive Director of Government Affairs of the Quad Cities Chamber.
“The Quad Cities is a highly competitive location for advanced manufacturing, biosciences and defense,” said Peter Tokar III, President & CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber. “This new funding brings needed investment in the next generation of sites to continue our regional growth and investment in these key industries.”
Background:
The program, managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, will offer grants to help communities and other eligible groups invest in new industrial site preparation for manufacturing projects in industries that are considered strategically important. Grants can cover various expenses such as connecting the site to public utilities like water mains, completing environmental reviews required by the National Environmental Policy Act, investing in training programs for the local workforce, and other necessary preparations for manufacturing projects. The Secretary of Commerce decides which industries are strategically important and eligible for these grants.