This bill aims to accelerate broadband infrastructure deployment by improving permit processing and grant tracking. It requires the Commerce Department's Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information to create a public dashboard tracking progress by organizations receiving grants under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, including how much funding they have spent and how many locations now have broadband service. The bill also mandates tools to help grant recipients identify and monitor federal permit requirements for their subgrantees. Additionally, the legislation requires the Assistant Secretary to establish systems within 90 days to track the processing times for federal communications permit applications, alert agency staff when applications risk missing the 270-day deadline, and provide annual reports to Congress on factors causing delays. The bill also clarifies that broadband infrastructure projects costing over $5 million are subject to environmental review requirements.
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