The donation is intended to fund research and development of technologies for clean energy, safe water and advanced communications infrastructure.

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Len Rodman said “We believe deeply in the need for innovation to address the long-term needs for sustainable infrastructure and the strong role that education must play to support new solutions.”

Mr Rodman cited the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) 2009 Report Card of America’s Infrastructure, that states $US2.2 trillion is needed to upgrade vital water, wastewater, energy and transportation infrastructure across the country.

In Kansas, the ASCE estimates more than $US4 billion is needed over the next 20 years for upgrades to water, wastewater and energy infrastructure alone.

Article continues below…

Mr Redman said he hopes the pledge “encourages further understanding of the importance and vital role that critical infrastructure plays in assuring the economic vitality of the country and the state of Kansas.”