House Passes Graves Bill to Expand Internet Access

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, issued the following statement after his legislation, the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-BRIDGE) Act, passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support on Monday. The E-BRIDGE Act now heads to the Senate for further consideration. 

“Too many of our communities, particularly in rural America, still lack broadband access.  In some cases, just completing that ‘last mile’ is what stands in the way of connecting people to a job they need.  The E-BRIDGE Act will help spur projects that attract jobs and businesses to expand economic development and opportunity across North Missouri,” said Graves.

The Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-BRIDGE) Act removes hurdles for broadband projects under Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants, including difficult last-mile efforts that often delay rural broadband deployment.  It also ensures that local communities can partner with the private sector in carrying out broadband projects and gives communities more flexibility in complying with their funding match requirements. 

More information about the E-BRIDGE Act can be found here.

Click here to read the bill.

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