New federal grant funding would be made available to support nationwide broadband internet deployment in high-need rural and tribal areas under a new proposal recently introduced by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).
“In a world that is becoming more and more connected, access to high-speed internet is essential for economic growth, job creation and an improved quality of life,” Capito said. “Unfortunately, in states like West Virginia, many of our rural communities are being left behind as the digital divide grows.”
Specifically, the Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program, also called the B-CROP Act, would allow for grant awards of up to 50 percent of a project’s cost and up to 75 percent for remote, high-need areas in conjunction with the existing loan funding available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS).
Additionally, the B-CROP Act would increase funding for RUS broadband programs to $50 million each fiscal year, prioritizing funding for those projects that require matching funds and rely on partnerships with “anchor institutions,” such as universities, colleges, health centers, libraries and other educational institutions.
The B-CROP Act expands upon statewide efforts launched in 2015 with her “Capito Connect” plan, the senator’s attempts toward advancing new solutions that connect West Virginia communities to each other and to areas outside the state, as well as to improve economic growth, safety and citizens’ lives.
Agriculture, for instance, has a “huge potential” to grow the state’s economy — but it’s been hampered by the lack of high-speed internet in many rural areas, said West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt, who commended Capito for introducing the bill and said it would “bring 21st century opportunities to our state’s agriculture economy.”
“Through my Capito Connect plan, I have worked hard to deliver all of the opportunities broadband provides to West Virginia families, communities and small businesses,” said Capito, who earlier this month also announced that T-Mobile will start expanding cellular service in Lincoln County.
But the B-CROP Act will help expand access to high-speed internet in the areas that need it most not just in West Virginia, but across the nation targeting federal funds to connect all Americans, she said.
Along with Capito, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) co-sponsored the B-CROP Act.