40 U.S.C. § 14509 — High-speed broadband deployment initiative

(a) In General. The Commission may give technical assistance, grants, contracts, or other funding to individuals or entities in the Appalachian region for projects to increase affordable access to broadband networks throughout the region. (b) Eligible Projects and Activities. A project qualifies if it: (1) does research, analysis, and training to boost broadband adoption in the region; or (2) constructs and deploys broadband service-related infrastructure in the region. (c) Limitation on Available Amounts. Funding for a qualifying activity is capped at: (1) 50 percent of cost normally; and (2) despite that cap — (A) up to 80 percent in a county with a "distressed" designation under section 14526, and (B) up to 70 percent in a county with an "at-risk" designation under section 14526. (d) Sources of Assistance. Subject to subsection (c), a grant can combine this section's money with (1) any other federal program, or (2) any other source. (e) Federal Share. Even if another federal law caps the federal share of a project's cost, this section's money can raise that share as much as the Appalachian Regional Commission decides is appropriate. (f) Request for Data. Before funding an infrastructure project under subsection (b)(2), the Commission must request from the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Economic Development Administration, and the Department of Agriculture, data on: (1) how much broadband service already exists in the area to be served; and (2) how much broadband service will be deployed there through another federal program. (g) Requirement. For each fiscal year, at least 65 percent of the money available for this section must go to grants for projects and activities described in subsection (b)(2).