Graves sponsors GOP bill to simplify federal grants for broadband deployment

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) last week offered legislation that would remove barriers for communities seeking to use Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants to develop high-speed broadband, including last-mile efforts that oftentimes delay broadband deployment in America’s rural areas.

The Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-BRIDGE) Act, H.R. 1752, which Rep. Graves sponsored alongside three Republican original cosponsors, also would ensure that local communities could partner with the private sector on broadband projects and would provide them with more flexibility in complying with funding match requirements, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s office. 

“Unfortunately, too many of our communities, particularly in rural America, still lack broadband access,” Rep. Graves said. “In some cases, just completing that last mile is what stands in the way of connecting people to a job they need. The E-BRIDGE Act will help spur projects that attract jobs and businesses to expand economic development and opportunity in rural and poor communities.”

Specifically, H.R. 1752 would eliminate barriers to investments in last-mile broadband projects in distressed communities, making them eligible for EDA grants, and would clarify that eligible recipients may include public-private partnerships and consortiums to leverage private sector expertise in project development and broadband deployment, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Graves’ staff.

Additionally, the legislation would provide flexibility in the procurement process to account for limited availability of broadband services in distressed communities, clarify that funds can be combined with other federal resources, and provide flexibility on accounting for in-kind methods to meet non-federal cost share.

“Increasing numbers of Americans are regularly working, buying food and supplies, and receiving critical medical care without leaving their homes, thanks to high-speed broadband,” said Rep. Graves. “These services and abilities have become critical for many businesses and job creators.”