NTIA and BIA Streamline Environmental Permitting for High-Speed Internet Projects on Tribal Lands

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) announced an agreement to coordinate responsibilities in ensuring compliance with environmental, historic preservation, and cultural resources requirements related to the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. This collaboration allows high-speed internet service to be deployed quickly while also ensuring safeguards to protect Native lands and interests. Additionally, it streamlines the National Environmental Policy Act reviews for both NTIA, as the lead federal agency for high-speed internet grant programs, and BIA, as authorized to grant rights-of-way over and across land held in trust or restricted status by the United States under the Indian Right-of-Way Act. The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, part of President Biden’s Internet for All initiative, offers grants to eligible Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian entities for high-speed internet deployment, digital inclusion, workforce development, telehealth, and distance learning.