Bill > HR1700

This bill establishes the Broadband Infrastructure Finance and Innovation (BIFIA) program to make available loans, loan guarantees, and lines of credit for the construction and deployment of broadband infrastructure. The key provisions of the bill include: - Defining eligibility criteria for projects to receive credit assistance, such as meeting creditworthiness standards, having dedicated revenue sources, and demonstrating public sponsorship. - Establishing the application process and selection criteria for eligible projects, including preferences for open-access networks. - Authorizing the Assistant Secretary to provide secured loans, lines of credit, and loan guarantees to finance eligible project costs. - Requiring compliance with federal requirements like the Civil Rights Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and prevailing wage laws. - Authorizing $5 billion in appropriations for the BIFIA program, with up to 5% for administrative expenses. - Requiring biennial reports to Congress on the financial performance of funded projects and the overall program. The goal of the BIFIA program is to help expand access to high-speed broadband service across the United States, especially in areas that currently lack such access.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1700/all-info