[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 127 (Friday, August 3, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1738]]
      INTRODUCTION OF THE RURAL AMERICA DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN M. McHUGH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2007

  Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce the Rural America 
Digital Accessibility Act, which is designed to enhance access to high 
speed internet connections in rural areas like Central and Northern New 
York, which I represent. Specifically, this legislation, which I have 
offered in each of the past three Congresses, would provide four 
incentives to encourage broadband development, thereby reducing the 
digital divide, creating jobs, and helping to stem migration from rural 
areas.
  First, the Rural America Digital Accessibility Act would authorize 
technology bonds to provide a new type of tax incentive to help, and 
even encourage, state and local governments to invest in the necessary 
telecommunications infrastructure. The technology bonds would further 
aid these communities' efforts to partner with the private sector to 
expand broadband deployment in their regions. In addition, the bill's 
Broadband Expansion Grant Initiative would complement the technology 
bonds by utilizing grants and loan guarantees to accelerate private-
sector deployment of high-speed connections.
  Many rural regions, such as Central and Northern New York, have an 
abundance of excellent institutions of higher education. However, to 
fully develop the potential of these centers, communities must be able 
to utilize the resources and expertise offered through these 
universities and colleges. Thus, the third incentive contained in the 
legislation would help small- and medium-sized businesses connect with 
educational institutions to receive the technological assistance needed 
to enhance their competitiveness and promote economic growth. The final 
provision of the bill would authorize research funding to increase 
rural America's broadband accessibility and make it more cost-
effective.
  Enhanced internet access is necessary to further much-needed economic 
development in rural areas of our Nation; it is particularly important 
to my constituents. Seven of the 11 counties I represent have poverty 
rates greater than the national rate of 12.7 percent and five of my 
constituent counties have experienced a decrease in their populations 
since 2000. Accordingly, I ask my colleagues to join with me as I work 
to enact the Rural America Digital Accessibility Act.

                          ____________________