This bill provides statutory authority for a grant program that supports the provision of technical assistance and training to facilitate rural broadband expansion. This program is administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is known as the Broadband Technical Assistance program.
Under the program, USDA makes grants to organizations that will provide or receive broadband-related technical assistance and training. This assistance and training must support expanded broadband access in rural communities. Grantees may provide or receive assistance and training related to (1) identifying broadband funding sources; (2) preparing applications for broadband funding; and (3) improving operations of existing broadband facilities, among other topics.
The bill requires USDA to prioritize applicants that have experience providing technical assistance and training to rural entities.
Separately, the bill repeals a requirement related to the use of certain funds for a database of rural broadband projects, reporting requirements, and oversight of related USDA broadband programs.