Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Infrastructure - Rural Health Information Hub

FCC: Build America: Eliminating Barriers to Wireline Deployments

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice of a proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that would eliminate state and local requirements that constrain the deployment of modern high-speed wireline infrastructure in violation of section 253 of the Communications Act through the imposition of excessive delays and fees that impede infrastructure deployments and disincentivize investments in them. Specifically, the FCC seeks comments on codifying rules that would limit the fees that state and local governments may charge for a wireline telecommunications authorization to a reasonable approximation of the government's actual, direct costs of managing the rights-of-way; require that the value of in-kind compensation demanded by state and local governments count toward any safe harbor fee levels adopted by the Commission; prohibit state and local governments from imposing additional requirements on wireline telecommunications infrastructure deployments on the grounds that the infrastructure may be used to provide other services; and more. Comments are due by September 21, 2026, and reply comments are due by November 5, 2026.

BEAD Aims to Bring High-Speed Internet to All Americans by 2030

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Discusses the goals of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, a federal opportunity to expand broadband access to underserved locations. Describes how the funding is being deployed at the state level, what technology is being used, and challenges that remain.

BIA: FY 2026 Job Placement and Training-Native American Technology and Manufacturing Grant Pilot Program (IGNITE: Indigenous Growth in New & Innovative Trade Employment); Solicitation of Proposals

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Announcement from the Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) of forthcoming funding and grant application information for the Native American Technology and Manufacturing Grant Pilot Program—(IGNITE: Indigenous Growth in New & Innovative Trade Employment) program. Funding will support tribal workforce development strategies in construction and infrastructure trades as well as emerging technology sectors. Projects may include housing, roads, utilities, and community infrastructure projects such as structural steel, rebar, bridges, buildings, and infrastructure projects. A notice of funding opportunity will be released on the BIA-OIS website.

DHS: Establishment of the Alliance of National Councils for Homeland Operational ResilienceCritical Infrastructure (ANCHOR-CI)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcing the establishment of the Alliance of National Councils for Homeland Operational Resilience—Critical Infrastructure (ANCHOR-CI). ANCHOR-CI is an advisory body comprised of sector, cross-sector, regional, and industry councils that provide group advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director to ensure a coordinated national effort to foster a secure and resilient critical infrastructure and cyberspace, exchange best practices pertaining to technical assistance, and cooperatively maintain mechanisms for collaboration with Sector Risk Management Agencies.

Smaller Wisconsin Communities Hope Federal Cleanup Grants Can Jumpstart Reuse of Local Land

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Discusses how federal funds for brownfield cleanup projects benefits economic development in small communities. Points to previously funded projects in Wisconsin that led to a new healthcare facility, housing, and more.