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News Article

News Article

Stay Informed

 

Rural broadband received support during the 2021 legislative session

Jun 2, 2021, 09:38 AM by Brady Hagerty, INFB Marketing Team

 

Indiana Farm Bureau’s top priority for the 2021 legislative session was to expand rural broadband to unserved and underserved Hoosiers.

“With many families working and learning from home during the height of the pandemic, the issues with rural connectivity demonstrated that there are still many areas of the state that don’t have access to adequate and reliable broadband,” said Andy Tauer, INFB executive director of public policy. “This session, rural broadband received much-needed support in terms of funding and legislation.”

INFB’s broadband priority was addressed in several pieces of legislation, including a $250 million appropriation for the Next Level Connection Broadband Grants Program, which provides funds for the deployment of broadband infrastructure around the state. In addition:

  • HEA 1449 requires projects that are eligible for a Rural Broadband Grant to provide speeds of at least 100mbps download and 10mbps upload.
  • SEA 377 provides $50,000 to a county if it achieves broadband internet connectivity for at least 90% of the county before Jan. 1, 2026.
  • SEA 359 requires the Indiana Department of Transportation to create a broadband corridor program to manage the location, installation and maintenance of broadband infrastructure.
  • SEA 352 requires the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to prioritize funding in underserved areas.

    “With increased funding levels and flexibilities, as well as the passage of new laws to increase speeds, we are making great strides toward getting broadband to the last acre,” added Tauer. “INFB will continue to advocate at the Statehouse until reliable broadband is available to all Hoosiers.”

    The budget and the four broadband bills were signed into law and will go into effect on July 1. 

 

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