Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Department of Commerce to award economic development grants for public-private partnerships and certain consortiums to carry out specified broadband projects (Sec. 2-3).

• Specifies that the aforementioned projects shall be to provide, extend, expand, or improve high-speed broadband service through the following, including (Sec. 2-3):

• Planning technical assistance, or training;

• Land acquisition or development; or

• Acquisition, construction, or improvement of facilities.

• Requires that when reviewing grant applications, commerce must take into account the geographic diversity of grant allocation, including consideration of underserved markets (Sec. 2-3).

• Specifies that titles to real or personal property acquired or improved with grant funds, or another acceptable possessory interest must be vested in a public or eligible nonprofit organization or association for the useful life of the project (Sec. 2-3).

• Specifies that commerce may also provide credit toward the nonfederal share of a broadband project’s cost (Sec. 2-3).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text