Give University System of Maryland’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site Proposal Strong Consideration

Hoyer, Mikulski Lead Bipartisan Maryland Delegation In Urging Secretary LaHood to Give University System of Maryland’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site Proposal Strong Consideration

Entire Maryland Delegation United Behind University System of Maryland’s Application for One of Six FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Sites

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) and Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), together with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and the bipartisan Maryland House Delegation, sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today urging him to give the University System of Maryland’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) test site proposal his strongest consideration. The entire Maryland delegation strongly supports the University System of Maryland’s bid to be selected as one of six UAS test sites chosen by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The letter was signed by Congressman Hoyer, Senators Mikulski and Cardin, and U.S. Representatives Elijah E. Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, Donna F. Edwards, John Delaney, and Andy Harris.

“The University System of Maryland’s proposal uses the collaborative strengths of higher education, industry, and state government to develop deployable solutions to increase the safety, efficiency, reliability, and security of our national airspace transportation networks,” the Maryland Delegation wrote. “The Maryland proposal will also give the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the best opportunity to gain a better understanding of training requirements, operational specifications, and technology considerations. In addition, this proposal will enable researchers to develop and promote operational strategies to mitigate the increasing congestion and safety concerns of our nation’s airspace.”