Community Connect Grant Program Act of 2023

Hozzl · 2023-12-14T16:45:51Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 1611 Community Connect Grant Program Act of 2023 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Science, Technology, Communications. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/14/2023, 4:45 PM

Summary of Bill S 1611

Bill 118 s 1611, also known as the Community Connect Grant Program Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to establish a grant program that will provide funding to rural communities in order to improve access to broadband internet services.

The bill outlines the eligibility criteria for communities to apply for these grants, which includes being located in a rural area with limited access to high-speed internet. The grants will be used to fund the construction, improvement, or expansion of broadband infrastructure in these communities.

Additionally, the bill specifies that priority will be given to communities that have the greatest need for improved internet access, such as those with low-income populations or limited existing broadband infrastructure. The grants will also be used to support digital literacy programs and other initiatives aimed at increasing internet adoption in these communities. Overall, the Community Connect Grant Program Act of 2023 aims to bridge the digital divide in rural America by providing funding for broadband infrastructure and access initiatives. This bill has the potential to greatly benefit rural communities by improving their connectivity and access to online resources.

Congressional Summary of S 1611

Community Connect Grant Program Act of 2023

This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and otherwise modifies the Community Connect Program, which provides grants for high-speed broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities without such service.

In particular, the bill establishes statutory minimum broadband speeds that must be provided under the grants. (Currently, minimum speeds are defined by the Federal Communications Commission.)

Further, the bill specifies that grant funds may not be used to duplicate a service that will be provided in the future pursuant to an enforceable commitment under another broadband funding program. (Currently, grant funds may not be used to duplicate an existing service.)

The bill also makes more areas eligible for grant-funded projects by increasing the broadband service capacity that is considered inadequate.

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Current Status of Bill S 1611

Bill S 1611 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 16, 2023. Bill S 1611 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on May 16, 2023. Bill S 1611's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. as of May 16, 2023