NC H896

Establishes a grant program administered by the Rural Economic Development Division in the Department of Commerce to fund broadband internet service for eligible communities.

Eligible recipients include local government units or nonprofit corporations located in development tier one or tier two areas, or rural census tracts in tier three areas.

Appropriates $50,000 from the General Fund to the Rural Economic Development Division for fiscal year 2017-2018 to fund the grant program.

Requires the Rural Economic Development Division to report to legislative committees and the Fiscal Research Division by April 1, 2018 on total grants issued, grant recipients, and program recommendations.

Becomes effective July 1, 2017.