The bill amends section 86-1304 of the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act to enhance the application process for grants aimed at broadband development projects. A significant addition is the requirement for applicants to provide a resolution of project support from each county, city, and village where the project will be located. This resolution must include a map of the proposed project area, acknowledgment of the need for appropriate permits, and a proposed timeline for the project. Additionally, the bill maintains the existing matching funds requirements and stipulates that grant recipients must complete their projects within eighteen months, with penalties for failure to meet deadlines.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision that mandates grant recipients to conduct speed tests on the broadband network developed with the grant and report the results to the commission. If the network does not meet the required speeds, recipients will have the opportunity to rectify the deficiencies and retest. However, if the network fails to meet the speed requirements after the second test, the grant must be repaid. The bill also clarifies that applicants using communications equipment deemed a national security threat are ineligible for grants. The original section of the law is repealed as part of this amendment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 86-1304