Bill > HB1997

This bill appropriates $10 million to the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, to establish and fund a Rural Broadband Pilot Grant Program. This program aims to help small towns and municipalities, defined as those with populations under 10,000, implement broadband services by covering costs such as infrastructure construction (using technologies like fiber or fixed wireless), engineering and planning, construction expenses, and necessary equipment. To be eligible for these competitive grants, towns and municipalities must demonstrate a lack of adequate broadband service and provide a local match of at least 10% of the total project cost, which can include cash or in-kind contributions. The MDA is authorized to create the necessary rules and procedures for the program and will coordinate with federal funding to ensure efficient use of resources.

Budget and Finance

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1997.xml