Copyright State Science & Technology Institute 2002. Information in this issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest was prepared under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. Redistribution to all others interested in tech-based economic development is strongly encouraged — please cite the State Science & Technology Institute whenever portions are reproduced or redirected. Any opinions expressed in the Digest do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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BUDGET, TAX BILL UPDATE
On Tuesday, President Clinton signed two budget bills, approved last week by Congress: one aims to balance the budget by the year 2002, and a companion piece cuts taxes by a net $95 billion over five years.The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 includes a provision that extends the 20 percent federal research and development tax credit from May 31, 1997 to June 30, 1998. The Act, while not providing a two-year extension that proponents sought, provides continuity for the program. The tax credit is not a permanent provision and was allowed to expire for months between 1995 and 1996.
The Act also includes a three-year Brownfields tax incentive that will reduce the cost of cleaning up thousands of contaminated, abandoned sites in economically distressed areas by permitting clean-up costs to be deducted immediately for tax purposes. The Treasury Department estimates that this $1.5 billion tax incentive would leverage more than $6 billion for private sector cleanups nationwide, allowing redevelopment of 14,000 Brownfield sites.
Details of the measures now must be written into 13 appropriations bills that Congress is currently addressing, and differences worked out between the two houses. During their deliberations on the appropriations for the Commerce Department, the Senate voted down (57-42) an amendment that would have made large corporations ineligible for the Advanced Technology Program.
Below is a list of R&D agency appropriations that have been approved by either the House or the Senate and the date approved.
Agency Approved by House Approved by Senate DOD 7/29 7/15 NASA, NSF, EPA 7/16 7/22 Most of DOE 7/25 7/16 Commerce --- 7/29 USDA 7/24 7/24 DOT 7/23 7/30 NIH, Education --- --- AAAS R&D Budget and Policy Project
RURAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH GRANTS AVAILABLE
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service Agency is requesting proposals for projects that will improve rural Americans' access to and use of information.The purpose of the Rural Information Infrastructure Program, part of the Fund for Rural America, is to promote telecommunications research that will provide the same economic opportunity for citizens living in small towns and rural areas as those living in cities. The grants awarded will support projects in three categories: Rural telecommunications technologies and systems; Information infrastructure; and, human capacity building.
It is expected that $2.1 million in grants will be awarded on a competitive basis. Proposals may be submitted by Federal research agencies, national laboratories, colleges and universities, or private research organizations.
Applications must be received by September 29, 1997 to be considered. More information on the Fund for Rural America and the Rural Information Infrastructure Program is available on the web at http://www.reeusda.gov/fra, or from Cathy Bridwell, USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, at 202/720-6084.
NEW SBA LOAN PROGRAM TO AID NAFTA AFFECTED REGIONS
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that it will implement a new loan program for small businesses in 35 designated communities impacted by changing trade patterns resulting from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).Loans and loan guaranties will be made available through the SBA's 7(a) loan program, and the North American Development Bank (NADBank). NADBank is an international financial institution jointly capitalized and governed by the United States and Mexico.
Businesses in the designated areas may be able to qualify for SBA loan guaranties of up to $750,000. Under the agreement, NADBank will pay the borrowers' loan guaranty fees, and will underwrite the cost of the loans and the loan guarantees.
To be eligible, a small business must meet three criteria: Be located in a Stage 1 area; Meet conventional SBA loan standards and size requirements; and, be able to show that it will create or retain one job for every $35,000 of the total loan amount.
SBA will be responsible for marketing and guaranteeing loans in the designated urban areas. In rural areas, local lenders will have the option of forwarding applications to either the SBA or NADBank.
A list of the 35 designated communities that are eligible for the program can be viewed on the web at http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov/ gopher/ SBA-Press-Releases/Current/pres12.txt.
COMMENTS REQUESTED ON COMMERCE'S STRATEGIC PLAN
The Department of Commerce is soliciting comments on its draft Strategic Plan, which enunciates a mission statement, strategic themes, and goals and objectives for its programs. This 122-page plan responds to the Government Performance and Results Act's (GPRA) requirement that each agency prepare a Strategic Plan that aligns its programs and activities to its mission. The GPRA identifies stakeholder consultation as a key part of this strategic planning process.The central role of technology in promoting economic growth of the nation is recognized in both the Department's mission and its plan. The plan is available on the Internet at www.doc.gov/ bmi/ BUDGET/ STRTDRFT/strtoc.htm or by calling SSTI. Comments about the Department's plan may be sent via e-mail to John Fassett at <john.fassett@nist.gov>
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