Stauber Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Quick and Reliable Access to Rural Small Businesses

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) introduced the Last Mile Act in a bipartisan effort to bring quick and reliable broadband to rural small businesses. The bill would improve high speed internet access for rural small businesses by creating a grant program to help small businesses build the ‘last mile' of broadband infrastructure.

The last mile, or the distance between existing broadband infrastructure, often located along a major roadway, and a business or residence that is hundreds or thousands of feet away, is one of the biggest costs many rural small businesses face when trying to access broadband.

Of his legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, "Throughout the years, we have seen broadband connect businesses with new markets, something that is incredibly important for small businesses located in less populated, rural areas. Unfortunately, too many rural small businesses still remain on the wrong side of the digital divide, leaving them and the surrounding communities without the tools they need to grow and prosper. As American families and businesses continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, access to quick and reliable internet has become more important than ever, so I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that will help deploy broadband services to businesses located in rural areas."

Congressman Golden stated, "At the rural broadband field hearing Congressman Stauber and I brought to Washington County last year, the message was clear: Congress is not doing enough to help small businesses access broadband in rural America. The legislation we're introducing today would provide grants of up to $35,000 to help rural small businesses connect over that ‘last mile' to existing broadband infrastructure. Solving the last mile problem will help American small businesses compete and continue to offer good jobs in rural areas."

Specifically, the Last Mile Act would create a competitive grant program run by the Small Business Administration — acting through state broadband agencies — to facilitate the provision of high-speed broadband services to small businesses located in rural areas.

Congressman Stauber currently serves as the Ranking Member of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure. Congressman Golden serves as the Chair of the Subcommittee, and together, they have hosted two field hearings in their respective districts to hear the concerns of small businesses lacking access to quick and reliable broadband, and examine what can be done at the federal level to help.

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