summary
Introduced
08/21/2018
08/21/2018
In Committee
08/21/2018
08/21/2018
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2018
12/31/2018
Introduced Session
115th Congress
Bill Summary
Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act This bill amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to include grants in the Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that provides loans and loan guarantees for broadband telecommunications services in rural areas. In making grants, loans, or loan guarantees under the program, USDA must give: (1) the highest priority to project applicants that offer to provide broadband service to unserved rural households that do not have any residential broadband service, and (2) priority to applicants that offer to provide the maximum level of broadband service to the greatest proportion of rural households. USDA must then give priority to projects to serve rural communities that: have a population of less than 10,000 permanent residents, are experiencing out-migration, have a high percentage of low-income residents, and are isolated from other significant population centers. A grant may not exceed 50% of the development costs of a project. USDA may increase the limit to 75% for projects that serve a remote or low-income area that does not have access to broadband service from any provider.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to include grants in the Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that provides loans and loan guarantees for broadband telecommunications services in rural areas. The bill establishes priority for projects that provide broadband service to unserved rural communities and the maximum level of broadband service to the greatest proportion of rural households. It also prioritizes projects in rural communities with small populations, out-migration, high low-income percentages, or isolation from other population centers. Additionally, the bill allows the USDA to increase grant funding up to 75% of project costs for remote or low-income areas without broadband access. The bill further requires the USDA to coordinate with the Federal Communications Commission to ensure grants, loans, and guarantees complement and do not conflict with universal service high-cost support.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S5761) (on 08/21/2018)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/3360/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/115/bills/s3360/BILLS-115s3360is.pdf |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/115/bills/s3360/BILLS-115s3360is.pdf.pdf |
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