McKinley Introduces Bill to Streamline Permitting for Broadband Infrastructure

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative David B. McKinley P.E. (R-W.Va.) reintroduced the Facilitating the Deployment of Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications (Facilitating DIGITAL Applications) Act. This legislation would make it easier to develop and permit broadband infrastructure on federal property through online applications.

"Millions of rural Americans currently lack access to high-speed broadband. During unprecedented times like these, being able to access the internet is vital to the success of parents, teachers, students, and rural communities," said Rep. McKinley. "This bill helps streamline the application process and make it easier for telecommunication companies to apply for permits so they can build out this critical infrastructure on federal land. This is a positive step in the right direction to close the digital divide in West Virginia and across the country."

Background:

The Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act was included in a package of 28 bills that aim to streamline the deployment of broadband infrastructure. These bills, spearheaded by Republican members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, would turbocharge public and private investment by promoting new and upgraded infrastructure deployments, boosting competition, streamlining permitting processes, facilitating broadband deployment on federal lands, and closing the digital divide in both rural and urban areas.

More information on the package, click here.

To read a summary of the legislation text, click here.

Source