South Lake Today

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, today voted to pass H.R. 1752, the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-BRIDGE) Act. This legislation removes hurdles for broadband projects under Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants, including difficult last-mile efforts that often delay rural broadband deployment.

"We know broadband impact the ability of distressed communities to attract jobs and businesses across a host of other industries, including the healthcare and energy sectors," said Rep. Webster. "I’m pleased that the House passed this commonsense bill, which removes unnecessary hurdles and help more Americans get connected."

Congressman Daniel Webster is a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and co-sponsored this legislation introduced by T&I Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO).

"I want to make sure that efforts to achieve this goal do not harm existing rural broadband providers which are often small businesses themselves that have spent capital and time trying to reach these communities – often in creative ways," added Rep. Webster.