47 U.S.C. § 1724 Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program

• Library: United States Statutes
• Edition: 2023 Edition
• Currency: Current through P.L. 118-19 (published on www.congress.gov on 10/06/2023)

(a) Establishment

(1) In general

Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Assistant Secretary begins awarding grants under section 1723(d) of this title, and not before that date, the Assistant Secretary shall establish in the Department of Commerce the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program (referred to in this section as the "Program"), the purpose of which is to award grants to support efforts to achieve digital equity, promote digital inclusion activities, and spur greater adoption of broadband among covered populations.

(2) Consultation; no conflict

In establishing the Program under paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary-

(A) may consult a State with respect to-

(i) the identification of groups described in subparagraphs (A) through (H) of section 1721(8) of this title located in that State; and

(ii) the allocation of grant funds within that State for projects in or affecting the State; and

(B) shall-

(i) consult with-

(I) the Secretary of Agriculture;

(II) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;

(III) the Secretary of Education;

(IV) the Secretary of Labor;

(V) the Secretary of Health and Human Services;

(VI) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;

(VII) the Secretary of the Interior;

(VIII) the Federal Communications Commission;

(IX) the Federal Trade Commission;

(X) the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services;

(XI) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration;

(XII) the Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission; and

(XIII) the head of any other agency that the Assistant Secretary determines to be appropriate; and

(ii) ensure that the Program complements and enhances, and does not conflict with, other Federal broadband initiatives and programs.

(b) Eligibility

The Assistant Secretary may award a grant under the Program to any of the following entities if the entity is not serving, and has not served, as the administering entity for a State under section 1723(b) of this title:

(1) A political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of a State, including an agency of a State that is responsible for administering or supervising adult education and literacy activities, or for providing public housing, in the State.

(2) An Indian Tribe, an Alaska Native entity, or a Native Hawaiian organization.

(3) A foundation, corporation, institution, or association that is-

(A) a not-for-profit entity; and

(B) not a school.

(4) A community anchor institution.

(5) A local educational agency.

(6) An entity that carries out a workforce development program.

(7) A partnership between any of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (6).

(8) A partnership between-

(A) an entity described in any of paragraphs (1) through (6); and

(B) an entity that-

(i) the Assistant Secretary, by rule, determines to be in the public interest; and

(ii) is not a school.

(c) Application

An entity that wishes to be awarded a grant under the Program shall submit to the Assistant Secretary an application-

(1) at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Assistant Secretary may require; and