WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Jim Costa (CA-21) reintroduced the Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments (LAST ACRE) Act, legislation that would improve access to high-speed broadband for rural communities by establishing the Last Acre grant program within the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Rural Development. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“Access to high-speed, reliable broadband has become a necessity for rural communities like those in southern Minnesota,” said Rep. Finstad. “As a fourth-generation farmer raising the fifth, I know firsthand how critical broadband is, not only for keeping entire communities connected to the rest of the world, but also for helping farmers and producers increase innovation through the adoption of precision ag technology. That’s why I’m reintroducing the LAST ACRE Act to make sure every part of farm country, right down to the last acre, has the tools needed to thrive and keep moving forward.”

“Rural America feeds the nation, but too many still lack reliable internet. The LAST ACRE Act helps close that gap so families, farmers, and small businesses can stay connected for work, school, and healthcare,” said Rep. Costa.

“Producers looking to adopt precision agriculture technologies need network connectivity across farmland and ranchland, not only to their residences. My LAST ACRE Act will ensure that USDA has the strategy and resources needed to expand rural networks to the last acre. I appreciate Rep. Finstad’s leadership in the House, and I look forward to working together with him and our colleagues to get this bill signed into law,” said Sen. Fischer.

Background:

While existing programs at USDA support “last mile” broadband development for underserved households. The LAST ACRE Act would create a new grant program under the USDA’s Office of Rural Development to expand high-speed broadband access across eligible farmland, ranchland, and farm sites.

Congressman Finstad previously introduced the LAST ACRE Act during the 118^th Congress.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.