Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) Congress provided at least $42,500,000,000 through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58) for Federal agencies to carry out broadband-support activities, including through competitive grants and other forms of financial assistance, to expand broadband connections to underserved rural communities and underserved low-income communities. (2) Local governments play a significant role in the deployment of broadband infrastructure through their zoning and permitting processes. (3) Local governments will need additional assistance to manage the expected accelerated pace of zoning and permitting applications that facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure in their communities. (4) The Federal Government has a critical role to play in encouraging the deployment of broadband infrastructure by local governments. (5) The establishment of a competitive grant program to provide resources to, and incentives for, local governments to fulfill their role in expanding broadband access for all is a vital component of a successful broadband deployment policy.