Stefanik bill strives to connect more rural communities through internet

Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) would deploy a combination of grants and loans to bolster rural internet connectivity, critical infrastructure needed to help businesses, students and others compete in the 21st century.

The Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-CROP) Act, which Stefanik introduced with U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), would allow grants to cover up to 50 percent of a project’s cost. In remote, high-need areas, grants of up to 75 percent of a project’s cost would be awarded in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) loan program.

“In a 21st century economy, our businesses and families need access to broadband so we can compete around the globe,” Stefanik said. “This important legislation would provide greater resources to build this infrastructure in the North Country and in rural areas across our nation.”

More than 55 million Americans lack access to advanced broadband internet networks across the country, and more lack even basic internet connectivity.

The legislation also would increase funding for the RUS broadband program to $50 million per fiscal year. The proposed funding would be available to private businesses, state and local governments, cooperatives, tribes, and tribal organizations to make rural internet projects more economically feasible.

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced a bipartisan version of the bill in the Senate.