Graves' Bill to Increase Broadband Access in Rural Areas Signed into Law

The Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-BRIDGE) Act, was signed into law as part of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (S. 4367). S. 4367 was approved by both House and Senate in December 2024. The E-BRIDGE Act removes hurdles for broadband projects under Economic Development Administration (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. By helping to increase the reach of broadband to rural and economically distressed communities, the E-BRIDGE Act will help attract new business and support current businesses in distressed regions of the country, lay the groundwork for economic recovery in these areas, and better prepare these communities for future disasters.