Agencies

NSF announces funding to establish the National AI Research Resources Operations Center

Published: 3 September 2025
Categories: National Science Foundation

RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

The U.S. National Science Foundation today announced a new solicitation to establish a National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Operations Center (NAIRR-OC). This marks a critical, initial step in transitioning the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) from a successful pilot to laying the foundations for a sustainable, coordinated national program that will advance U.S. research capabilities and global leadership in AI.

Many researchers and educators lack the critical AI tools and resources to investigate fundamental AI questions and train students.

Launched in 2024, through a novel public-private partnership construct, the NAIRR Pilot aims to build a national infrastructure that expands access to the computational, data, model, and training resources needed to drive AI innovation and train the next generation.

Backed by the support of 14 federal agencies and 28 private-sector and nonprofit partners, the NAIRR Pilot has already connected over 400 U.S. research teams with computing platforms, datasets, software, and models — accelerating breakthroughs in fields from agriculture and drug discovery to cybersecurity and education.

The establishment of NAIRR-OC is a strategic, forward-looking investment in the nation’s scientific enterprise. It directly supports the White House’s AI Action Plan, which emphasizes the need for sustained operational capabilities for the NAIRR and broader access to AI resources for the research community.

“The NAIRR Operating Center solicitation marks a key step in the transition from the NAIRR Pilot to building a

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Additional $178 Million Approved to Support Florida’s Recovery

Published: 2 September 2025
Categories: FEMA News

RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

LAKE MARY, Fla. – FEMA continues to support the state of Florida by approving nearly $178 million in federal disaster recovery funds in August, bringing the total approved since Jan. 20 to more than $804 million.

The state is leading recovery efforts from multiple federally declared disasters, most recently Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Since Jan. 20, FEMA has approved more than 2,900 state and local recovery projects through the state-managed Public Assistance program. This funding helps cover items like road repairs, critical infrastructure restoration, debris removal and other emergency actions taken to protect life and property following major disasters.

Here are some of the large FEMA grants provided to the state and communities in August alone:

$25.4 million for various disaster debris removal operations across the state.$17.4 million to Polk County.$5.7 million to Panama City.$1.3 million to Brevard County.$1 million to the City of DeBary.$17.3 million to the Florida Division of Emergency Management for its non-congregate sheltering program for Hurricane Helene survivors. $14.5 million to the Florida Division of Emergency Management to reimburse the cost of power restoration efforts in Lee County following Hurricane Ian. This grant is the fifth installment in a series of obligations.$11.3 million to Lee County School District to reimburse for damages to Fort Myers Beach Elementary School, as storm surge and winds from Ian caused extensive damage to 12 buildings.$8.7 million to Flagler County for restoration of dunes along

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Additional $35 Million Approved to Support Disaster Recovery

Published: 2 September 2025
Categories: FEMA News

RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – FEMA continues to support the state of North Carolina as it leads community cleanup and restores infrastructure damaged by Tropical Storm Helene and other disasters. 

On Aug. 28, FEMA approved an additional $35 million in reimbursement funds for North Carolina disaster recovery. This brings the total in August alone to more than $160 million in recovery reimbursements to the state. 

Here are some of the notable FEMA grants obligated to the state and communities:

$19.6 million to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for permanent repairs to damaged public roadways in Ashe, Burke and McDowell counties.$4.6 million to the Metropolitan Sewage District of Buncombe County for permanent repairs to 143,500 linear feet of sewer lines.$1.9 million to the North Carolina Arboretum for permanent repairs to damaged and washed-out trails in Asheville. This project includes mitigation measures to improve drainage and minimize future flood damage. $1.8 million to Mitchell County for repairs to three ballfields and two playgrounds along Cane Creek. $1.5 million to McDowell County for emergency measures taken to protect health and safety following Helene. $1.3 million to the town of Marshall for emergency measures to provide power and prevent additional damage to the wastewater treatment plant. $1.3 million to the North Carolina Department of Corrections for the activation of its emergency operations center and emergency protective measures taken at five correctional facilities.

FEMA is reimbursing these costs

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