The Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-BRIDGE) Act (H.R. 3193) removes hurdles for broadband projects under 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.
The E-BRIDGE Act was introduced by Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) on May 13, 2021, and it was approved by the House of Representatives on November 4, 2021.
By helping to increase the reach of broadband to rural and economically distressed communities, the E-BRIDGE Act will help:
Attract new businesses and support current businesses in distressed regions of the country,
Strengthen healthcare systems and delivery of medical care to vulnerable populations,
Lay the groundwork for economic recovery in these areas, and
Better prepare these communities for future disasters or epidemics.
Press Release on Bill Introduction
Press Release on House Approval of the E-BRIDGE Act
Bill Text
Graves Op-Ed in The Hill: Bridging the Digital Divide for Rural Communities More Critical Than Ever
