Pasco Reporter

Washington, DC:  On May 15, 2023, Congressman Gus Bilirakis re-introduced the Coastal Broadband Deployment Act, which would accelerate the deployment of broadband projects entirely within a floodplain. This legislation is part of a comprehensive package of bills that aim to streamline the deployment of broadband infrastructure. This package, spearheaded by Republican members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, would promote new and upgraded infrastructure deployments, incentivize competition and consumer choice, create right-size regulations for building infrastructure across industries, and facilitate broadband deployment on federal lands.

 “Several parts of my district lie within flood zones,” said Congressman Bilirakis.  “I want to be sure that all of my constituents have access to 21st Century Technologies, enabling them to harness the potential power that these capabilities offer. Being left behind is not an option.” 

 More than 21 million Americans could not access broadband before COVID-19, and the pandemic has made even more clear how vital these services are as Americans work, learn, and receive health care from home. Through this package, Republicans are leading the way to close the digital divide for all Americans.

Original source can be found here.