Press Releases

For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland

June 30, 2023                                                    340-201-6453

Press Release

PLASKETT AND CARL RE-INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO HELP SMALL PORTS ACCESS BROADBAND GRANTS AND LOANS

“This bipartisan legislation will increase internet service in rural coastal communities nationwide,” stated Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after re-introducing the Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act (H.R.4351) with co-sponsor Congressman Jerry L. Carl (R-AL):

“The Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act recognizes the importance of small ports to their rural economies as hubs for commerce, tourism and community development. In rural, coastal areas, people congregate near inland and small ports. These harbors act as key economic engines for not just their local communities but their broader regions. . . This bill helps small ports nationwide get federal grants and loans and improve their broadband internet coverage, enabling working-waterfronts to keep pace with the needs of 21^st century trade, improve workplace safety, give small ports a better chance to compete in an ever-changing marketplace and better serve the communities that depend on them,” stated Congresswoman Plaskett.

Congressman Carl (AL-01) shared the following statement: “Alabama is blessed with an abundance of navigable waters for recreation and commerce. Rural ports are found along those waters and are the hubs of economic activity for their communities, so it’s critical those ports have access to broadband to further expand their operations, provide jobs, and improve public safety. I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Plaskett to re-introduce bipartisan legislation to help small ports across Alabama and the nation access federal loans and grants to improve their broadband capabilities.” 

The Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act helps small ports nationwide by raising their priority for federal grants and loans for work to improve broadband coverage. 

This legislation has to be voted on in the House and the Senate, and if passed, will be sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

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