IMAGINE Act

The IMAGINE Act encourages research and use of innovative materials in infrastructure construction and preservation to improve performance, extend service life, and reduce costs. It establishes an Interagency Innovative Materials Standards Task Force to coordinate federal standards and identify barriers to new materials, and creates Innovative Material Innovation Hubs at qualifying institutions like universities to conduct research on these materials. The bill also establishes specific grant programs for innovative bridge construction (Innovative Bridge Program) and water infrastructure projects (Water Infrastructure Innovation Program), with preferences for domestically sourced materials and projects in at-risk areas. Funding is authorized for these programs through fiscal year 2028, with annual reporting requirements to Congress.