Broadband Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2021

To establish a broadband infrastructure finance and innovation program to make available loans, loan guarantees, and lines of credit for the construction and deployment of broadband infrastructure, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Broadband Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2021 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. Sec. 3. Determination of eligibility and project selection. Sec. 4. Secured loans. Sec. 5. Lines of credit. Sec. 6. Alternative prudential lending standards for small projects. Sec. 7. Program administration. Sec. 8. State and local permits. Sec. 9. Regulations. Sec. 10. Funding. Sec. 11. Reports to Congress. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Assistant Secretary The term Assistant Secretary (2) BIFIA program The term BIFIA program (3) Broadband service The term broadband service (A) means broadband internet access service that is a mass-market retail service, or a service provided to an entity described in paragraph (12)(B)(ii), by wire or radio that provides the capability to transmit data to and receive data from all or substantially all internet endpoints, including any capabilities that are incidental to and enable the operation of the communications service; (B) includes any service that is a functional equivalent of the service described in subparagraph (A); and (C) does not include dial-up internet access service. (4) Eligible project costs The term eligible project costs (A) development phase activities, including planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, environmental review, historic preservation review, permitting, preliminary engineering and design work, and other preconstruction activities; (B) construction and deployment phase activities, including— (i) construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, replacement, and acquisition of real property (including land relating to the project and improvements to land), equipment, instrumentation, networking capability, hardware and software, and digital network technology; (ii) environmental mitigation; and (iii) construction contingencies; and (C) capitalized interest necessary to meet market requirements, reasonably required reserve funds, capital issuance expenses, and other carrying costs during construction and deployment. (5) Federal credit instrument The term Federal credit instrument (6) Investment-grade rating The term investment-grade rating (7) Lender The term lender 15 U.S.C. 77a (A) a qualified retirement plan (as defined in section 4974(c) (B) a governmental plan (as defined in section 414(d) (8) Letter of interest The term letter of interest (A) describes the project and the location, purpose, and cost of the project; (B) outlines the proposed financial plan, including the requested credit assistance and the proposed obligor; (C) provides a status of environmental review; and (D) provides information regarding satisfaction of other eligibility requirements of the BIFIA program. (9) Line of credit The term line of credit (10) Loan guarantee The term loan guarantee (11) Obligor The term obligor (A) is primarily liable for payment of the principal of or interest on a Federal credit instrument; and (B) may be a corporation, company, partnership, joint venture, trust, or governmental entity, agency, or instrumentality. (12) Project The term project (A) to construct and deploy infrastructure for the provision of broadband service; and (B) that the Assistant Secretary determines will— (i) provide access or improved access to broadband service to consumers residing in areas of the United States that have no access to broadband service or do not have access to broadband service offered— (I) with a download speed of not less than 100 megabits per second; (II) with an upload speed of not less than 20 megabits per second; and (III) with latency that is sufficiently low to allow real-time, interactive applications; or (ii) provide access or improved access to broadband service to— (I) schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, community colleges and other institutions of higher education, museums, religious organizations, and other community support organizations and entities to facilitate greater use of broadband service by or through those organizations; (II) organizations and agencies that provide outreach, access, equipment, and support services to facilitate greater use of broadband service by low-income, unemployed, aged, and otherwise vulnerable populations; (III) job-creating strategic facilities located within a State-designated economic zone, Economic Development District designated by the Department of Commerce, Empowerment Zone designated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or Enterprise Community designated by the Department of Agriculture; or (IV) public safety agencies. (13) Project obligation The term project obligation (14) Public authority The term public authority (A) the Federal Government or a Federal instrumentality with authority to finance, build, operate, or maintain infrastructure for the provision of broadband service; or (B) the government of a State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian Tribe, or an instrumentality thereof, with authority to finance, build, operate, or maintain infrastructure for the provision of broadband service. (15) Rating agency The term rating agency 15 U.S.C. 78c(a) (16) Secured loan The term secured loan (17) Small project The term small project (18) State The term State 47 U.S.C. 153 (19) Subsidy amount The term subsidy amount (A) calculated on a net present value basis; and (B) excluding administrative costs and any incidental effects on governmental receipts or outlays in accordance with the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 ( 2 U.S.C. 661 (20) Substantial completion The term substantial completion (A) the commencement of the provision of broadband service using the infrastructure being financed; or (B) a comparable event, as determined by the Assistant Secretary and specified in the credit agreement. 3. Determination of eligibility and project selection (a) Eligibility (1) In general A project shall be eligible to receive credit assistance under the BIFIA program if— (A) the entity proposing to carry out the project submits a letter of interest prior to submission of a formal application for the project; and (B) the project meets the criteria described in this subsection. (2) Creditworthiness (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), to be eligible for assistance under the BIFIA program, a project shall satisfy applicable creditworthiness standards, which, at a minimum, shall include— (i) adequate coverage requirements to ensure repayment; (ii) an investment-grade rating from not less than 2 rating agencies on debt senior to the Federal credit instrument; and (iii) a rating from not less than 2 rating agencies on the Federal credit instrument. (B) Small projects In order for a small project to be eligible for assistance under the BIFIA program, the project shall satisfy alternative creditworthiness standards that shall be established by the Assistant Secretary under section 6 for purposes of this paragraph. (3) Application A public authority, public-private partnership, or any other legal entity undertaking the project and authorized by the Assistant Secretary shall submit a project application that is acceptable to the Assistant Secretary. (4) Eligible project cost parameters for infrastructure projects Eligible project costs shall be reasonably anticipated to equal or exceed $2,000,000 in the case of a project or program of projects— (A) in which the applicant is a public authority (other than the Federal Government, a Federal instrumentality, or a State government or instrumentality); (B) located on a facility owned by a political subdivision of a State; or (C) for which the Assistant Secretary determines that a political subdivision of a State is substantially involved in the development of the project. (5) Dedicated revenue sources The applicable Federal credit instrument shall be repayable, in whole or in part, from— (A) amounts charged to— (i) subscribers of broadband service for that service; or (ii) subscribers of any related service provided over the same infrastructure for that related service; (B) user fees; (C) payments owing to the obligor under a public-private partnership; or (D) other dedicated revenue sources that also secure or fund the project obligations. (6) Applications where obligor will be identified later A public authority may submit to the Assistant Secretary an application under paragraph (3), under which a private party to a public-private partnership will be— (A) the obligor; and (B) identified later through completion of a procurement and selection of the private party. (7) Beneficial effects The Assistant Secretary shall determine that financial assistance for the project under the BIFIA program will— (A) foster, if appropriate, partnerships that attract public and private investment for the project; (B) enable the project to proceed at an earlier date than the project would otherwise be able to proceed or reduce the lifecycle costs (including debt service costs) of the project; and (C) reduce the contribution of Federal grant assistance for the project. (8) Project readiness To be eligible for assistance under the BIFIA program, the applicant shall demonstrate a reasonable expectation that the contracting process for the construction and deployment of infrastructure for the provision of broadband service through the project can commence by not later than 90 days after the date on which a Federal credit instrument is obligated for the project under the BIFIA program. (9) Public sponsorship of private entities (A) In general If an eligible project is carried out by an entity that is not a State or political subdivision of a State, an agency or instrumentality thereof, or a Tribal government or consortium of Tribal governments, the project shall be publicly sponsored. (B) Public sponsorship For purposes of subparagraph (A), a project shall be considered to be publicly sponsored if the obligor can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Assistant Secretary, that the project applicant has consulted with the government of the State, political subdivision of a State, or Indian Tribe in the area in which the project is located, or that is otherwise affected by the project, and that the government supports the proposal. (b) Selection among eligible projects (1) Establishment of Application process The Assistant Secretary shall establish a rolling application process under which projects that are eligible to receive credit assistance under subsection (a) shall receive credit assistance on terms acceptable to the Assistant Secretary, if adequate funds are available to cover the subsidy costs associated with the Federal credit instrument. (2) Preliminary rating opinion letter The Assistant Secretary shall require each project applicant to provide— (A) a preliminary rating opinion letter from not less than 1 rating agency— (i) indicating that the senior obligations of the project, which may be the Federal credit instrument, have the potential to achieve an investment-grade rating; and (ii) including a preliminary rating opinion on the Federal credit instrument; or (B) in the case of a small project, alternative documentation that the Assistant Secretary shall require in the standards established under section 6 for purposes of this paragraph. (3) Technology neutrality required In selecting projects to receive credit assistance under the BIFIA program, the Assistant Secretary may not favor a project using any particular technology. (4) Preference for open-access networks In selecting projects to receive credit assistance under the BIFIA program, the Assistant Secretary shall give preference to projects providing for the deployment of open-access broadband service networks. (c) Federal requirements (1) In general The following provisions of law shall apply to funds made available under the BIFIA program and projects assisted with those funds: (A) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000d (B) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 (C) Division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code (commonly referred to as the National Historic Preservation Act (D) The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 ( 42 U.S.C. 4601 (2) NEPA No funding shall be obligated for a project that has not received an environmental categorical exclusion, a finding of no significant impact, or a record of decision under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 (3) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 For purposes of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000d 42 U.S.C. 2000d–4a (4) Contracting requirements (A) In general All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work carried out, in whole or in part, with assistance made available through a Federal credit instrument shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a similar character in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 (B) Authority and functions of Secretary of Labor With respect to the labor standards described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and functions set forth in Reorganization Plan Numbered 14 of 1950 (64 Stat. 1267; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 3145 of title 40, United States Code. (5) Neutrality requirement (A) In general In the case of a recipient of assistance made available through a Federal credit instrument under this subtitle that is an employer, the employer shall remain neutral with respect to the exercise of employees and labor organizations of the right to organize and bargain under the National Labor Relations Act ( 29 U.S.C. 151 (B) Definitions In this paragraph, the terms employee employer labor organization 29 U.S.C. 152 (6) Referral of alleged violations of applicable Federal labor and employment laws The Assistant Secretary shall refer any alleged violation of an applicable labor and employment law to the appropriate Federal agency for investigation and enforcement, and any alleged violation of paragraph (4) or (5) to the National Labor Relations Board for investigation and enforcement, utilizing all appropriate remedies up to and including debarment from the BIFIA program. (d) Application processing procedures (1) Notice of complete application Not later than 30 days after the date of receipt of an application under this section, the Assistant Secretary shall provide to the applicant a written notice to inform the applicant whether— (A) the application is complete; or (B) additional information or materials are needed to complete the application. (2) Approval or denial of application Not later than 60 days after the date of issuance of the written notice under paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary shall provide to the applicant a written notice informing the applicant whether the Assistant Secretary has approved or disapproved the application. (3) Approval before NEPA review Subject to subsection (c)(2), an application for a project may be approved before the project receives an environmental categorical exclusion, a finding of no significant impact, or a record of decision under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 (e) Development phase activities Any credit instrument secured under the BIFIA program may be used to finance up to 100 percent of the cost of development phase activities as described in section 2(4)(A). 4. Secured loans (a) In general (1) Agreements Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the Assistant Secretary may enter into agreements with 1 or more obligors to make secured loans, the proceeds of which shall be used— (A) to finance eligible project costs of any project selected under section 3; (B) to refinance interim construction financing of eligible project costs of any project selected under section 3; or (C) to refinance long-term project obligations or Federal credit instruments, if the refinancing provides additional funding capacity for the completion, enhancement, or expansion of any project that— (i) is selected under section 3; or (ii) otherwise meets the requirements of section 3. (2) Limitation on refinancing of interim construction financing A loan under paragraph (1) shall not refinance interim construction financing under paragraph (1)(B)— (A) if the maturity of the interim construction financing is later than 1 year after the substantial completion of the project; and (B) later than 1 year after the date of substantial completion of the project. (3) Risk assessment Before entering into an agreement under this subsection, the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall determine an appropriate capital reserve subsidy amount for each secured loan, taking into account each rating letter provided by a rating agency under section 3(b)(2)(A)(ii) or, in the case of a small project, the alternative documentation provided under section 3(b)(2)(B). (b) Terms and limitations (1) In general A secured loan under this section with respect to a project shall be on such terms and conditions and contain such covenants, representations, warranties, and requirements (including requirements for audits) as the Assistant Secretary determines to be appropriate. (2) Maximum amount The amount of a secured loan under this section shall not exceed the lesser of 49 percent of the reasonably anticipated eligible project costs or, if the secured loan is not for a small project and does not receive an investment-grade rating, the amount of the senior project obligations. (3) Payment A secured loan under this section— (A) shall— (i) be payable, in whole or in part, from— (I) amounts charged to— (aa) subscribers of broadband service for that service; or (bb) subscribers of any related service provided over the same infrastructure for that related service; (II) user fees; (III) payments owing to the obligor under a public-private partnership; or (IV) other dedicated revenue sources that also secure the senior project obligations; and (ii) include a coverage requirement or similar security feature supporting the project obligations; and (B) may have a lien on revenues described in subparagraph (A), subject to any lien securing project obligations. (4) Interest rate The interest rate on a secured loan under this section shall be not less than the yield on United States Treasury securities of a similar maturity to the maturity of the secured loan on the date of execution of the loan agreement. (5) Maturity date The final maturity date of the secured loan shall be the lesser of— (A) 35 years after the date of substantial completion of the project; and (B) if the useful life of the infrastructure for the provision of broadband service being financed is of a lesser period, the useful life of the infrastructure. (6) Nonsubordination (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the secured loan shall not be subordinated to the claims of any holder of project obligations in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or liquidation of the obligor. (B) Preexisting indenture (i) In general The Assistant Secretary shall waive the requirement under subparagraph (A) for a public agency borrower that is financing ongoing capital programs and has outstanding senior bonds under a preexisting indenture, if— (I) the secured loan— (aa) is rated in the A category or higher; or (bb) in the case of a small project, meets an alternative standard that the Assistant Secretary shall establish under section 6 for purposes of this subclause; (II) the secured loan is secured and payable from pledged revenues not affected by project performance, such as a tax-backed revenue pledge or a system-backed pledge of project revenues; and (III) the BIFIA program share of eligible project costs is 33 percent or less. (ii) Limitation If the Assistant Secretary waives the nonsubordination requirement under this subparagraph— (I) the maximum credit subsidy to be paid by the Federal Government shall be not more than 10 percent of the principal amount of the secured loan; and (II) the obligor shall be responsible for paying the remainder of the subsidy cost, if any. (7) Fees The Assistant Secretary may establish fees at a level sufficient to cover all or a portion of the costs to the Federal Government of making a secured loan under this section. (8) Non-federal share The proceeds of a secured loan under the BIFIA program, if the loan is repayable from non-Federal funds— (A) may be used for any non-Federal share of project costs required under this Act; and (B) shall not count toward the total Federal assistance provided for a project for purposes of paragraph (9). (9) Maximum federal involvement The total Federal assistance provided for a project receiving a loan under the BIFIA program shall not exceed 80 percent of the total project cost. (c) Repayment (1) Schedule The Assistant Secretary shall establish a repayment schedule for each secured loan under this section based on— (A) the projected cash flow from project revenues and other repayment sources; and (B) the useful life of the infrastructure for the provision of broadband service being financed. (2) Commencement Scheduled loan repayments of principal or interest on a secured loan under this section shall commence not later than 5 years after the date of substantial completion of the project. (3) Deferred payments (A) In general If, at any time after the date of substantial completion of the project, the project is unable to generate sufficient revenues to pay the scheduled loan repayments of principal and interest on the secured loan, the Assistant Secretary may, subject to subparagraph (C), allow the obligor to add unpaid principal and interest to the outstanding balance of the secured loan. (B) Interest Any payment deferred under subparagraph (A) shall— (i) continue to accrue interest in accordance with subsection (b)(4) until fully repaid; and (ii) be scheduled to be amortized over the remaining term of the loan. (C) Criteria (i) In general Any payment deferral under subparagraph (A) shall be contingent on the project meeting criteria established by the Assistant Secretary. (ii) Repayment standards The criteria established pursuant to clause (i) shall include standards for reasonable assurance of repayment. (4) Prepayment (A) Use of excess revenues Any excess revenues that remain after satisfying scheduled debt service requirements on the project obligations and secured loan and all deposit requirements under the terms of any trust agreement, bond resolution, or similar agreement securing project obligations may be applied annually to prepay the secured loan without penalty. (B) Use of proceeds of refinancing The secured loan may be prepaid at any time without penalty from the proceeds of refinancing from non-Federal funding sources. (d) Sale of secured loans (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), as soon as practicable after substantial completion of a project and after notifying the obligor, the Assistant Secretary may sell to another entity or reoffer into the capital markets a secured loan for the project if the Assistant Secretary determines that the sale or reoffering can be made on favorable terms. (2) Consent of obligor In making a sale or reoffering under paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary may not change the original terms and conditions of the secured loan without the written consent of the obligor. (e) Loan guarantees (1) In general The Assistant Secretary may provide a loan guarantee to a lender in lieu of making a secured loan under this section if the Assistant Secretary determines that the budgetary cost of the loan guarantee is substantially the same as that of a secured loan. (2) Terms The terms of a loan guarantee under paragraph (1) shall be consistent with the terms required under this section for a secured loan, except that the rate on the guaranteed loan and any prepayment features shall be negotiated between the obligor and the lender, with the consent of the Assistant Secretary. (f) Streamlined application process (1) In general The Assistant Secretary shall develop 1 or more expedited application processes, available at the request of entities seeking secured loans under the BIFIA program, that use a set or sets of conventional terms established pursuant to this section. (2) Terms In establishing the streamlined application process required by this subsection, the Assistant Secretary may allow for an expedited application period and include terms such as those that require— (A) that the project be a small project; (B) the secured loan to be secured and payable from pledged revenues not affected by project performance, such as a tax-backed revenue pledge, tax increment financing, or a system-backed pledge of project revenues; and (C) repayment of the loan to commence not later than 5 years after disbursement. 5. Lines of credit (a) In general (1) Agreements Subject to paragraphs (2) through (4), the Assistant Secretary may enter into agreements to make available to 1 or more obligors lines of credit in the form of direct loans to be made by the Assistant Secretary at future dates on the occurrence of certain events for any project selected under section 3. (2) Use of proceeds The proceeds of a line of credit made available under this section shall be available to pay debt service on project obligations issued to finance eligible project costs, extraordinary repair and replacement costs, operation and maintenance expenses, and costs associated with unexpected Federal or State environmental restrictions. (3) Risk assessment (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), before entering into an agreement under this subsection, the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and each rating agency providing a preliminary rating opinion letter under section 3(b)(2)(A), shall determine an appropriate capital reserve subsidy amount for each line of credit, taking into account the rating opinion letter. (B) Small projects Before entering into an agreement under this subsection to make available a line of credit for a small project, the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall determine an appropriate capital reserve subsidy amount for each such line of credit, taking into account the alternative documentation provided under section 3(b)(2)(B) instead of preliminary rating opinion letters provided under section 3(b)(2)(A). (4) Investment-grade rating requirement The funding of a line of credit under this section shall be contingent on— (A) the senior obligations of the project receiving an investment-grade rating from 2 rating agencies; or (B) in the case of a small project, the project meeting an alternative standard that the Assistant Secretary shall establish under section 6 for purposes of this paragraph. (b) Terms and limitations (1) In general A line of credit under this section with respect to a project shall be on such terms and conditions and contain such covenants, representations, warranties, and requirements (including requirements for audits) as the Assistant Secretary determines to be appropriate. (2) Maximum amounts The total amount of a line of credit under this section shall not exceed 33 percent of the reasonably anticipated eligible project costs. (3) Draws Any draw on a line of credit under this section shall— (A) represent a direct loan; and (B) be made only if net revenues from the project (including capitalized interest, but not including reasonably required financing reserves) are insufficient to pay the costs specified in subsection (a)(2). (4) Interest rate The interest rate on a direct loan resulting from a draw on the line of credit shall be not less than the yield on 30-year United States Treasury securities, as of the date of execution of the line of credit agreement. (5) Security A line of credit issued under this section— (A) shall— (i) be payable, in whole or in part, from— (I) amounts charged to— (aa) subscribers of broadband service for that service; or (bb) subscribers of any related service provided over the same infrastructure for that related service; (II) user fees; (III) payments owing to the obligor under a public-private partnership; or (IV) other dedicated revenue sources that also secure the senior project obligations; and (ii) include a coverage requirement or similar security feature supporting the project obligations; and (B) may have a lien on revenues described in subparagraph (A), subject to any lien securing project obligations. (6) Period of availability The full amount of a line of credit under this section, to the extent not drawn upon, shall be available during the 10-year period beginning on the date of substantial completion of the project. (7) Rights of third-party creditors (A) Against Federal Government A third-party creditor of the obligor shall not have any right against the Federal Government with respect to any draw on a line of credit under this section. (B) Assignment An obligor may assign a line of credit under this section to— (i) 1 or more lenders; or (ii) a trustee on the behalf of such a lender. (8) Nonsubordination (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a direct loan under this section shall not be subordinated to the claims of any holder of project obligations in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or liquidation of the obligor. (B) Pre-existing indenture (i) In general The Assistant Secretary shall waive the requirement of subparagraph (A) for a public agency borrower that is financing ongoing capital programs and has outstanding senior bonds under a preexisting indenture, if— (I) the line of credit— (aa) is rated in the A category or higher; or (bb) in the case of a small project, meets an alternative standard that the Assistant Secretary shall establish under section 6 for purposes of this subclause; (II) the BIFIA program loan resulting from a draw on the line of credit is payable from pledged revenues not affected by project performance, such as a tax-backed revenue pledge or a system-backed pledge of project revenues; and (III) the BIFIA program share of eligible project costs is 33 percent or less. (ii) Limitation If the Assistant Secretary waives the nonsubordination requirement under this subparagraph— (I) the maximum credit subsidy to be paid by the Federal Government shall be not more than 10 percent of the principal amount of the secured loan; and (II) the obligor shall be responsible for paying the remainder of the subsidy cost. (9) Fees The Assistant Secretary may establish fees at a level sufficient to cover all or a portion of the costs to the Federal Government of providing a line of credit under this section. (10) Relationship to other credit instruments A project that receives a line of credit under this section also shall not receive a secured loan or loan guarantee under section 4 in an amount that, combined with the amount of the line of credit, exceeds 49 percent of eligible project costs. (c) Repayment (1) Terms and conditions The Assistant Secretary shall establish repayment terms and conditions for each direct loan under this section based on— (A) the projected cash flow from project revenues and other repayment sources; and (B) the useful life of the infrastructure for the provision of broadband service being financed. (2) Timing All repayments of principal or interest on a direct loan under this section shall be scheduled— (A) to commence not later than 5 years after the end of the period of availability specified in subsection (b)(6); and (B) to conclude, with full repayment of principal and interest, by the date that is 25 years after the end of the period of availability specified in subsection (b)(6). 6. Alternative prudential lending standards for small projects Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall establish alternative, streamlined prudential lending standards for small projects receiving credit assistance under the BIFIA program to ensure that those projects pose no additional risk to the Federal Government, as compared with projects that are not small projects. 7. Program administration (a) Requirement The Assistant Secretary shall establish a uniform system to service the Federal credit instruments made available under the BIFIA program. (b) Fees The Assistant Secretary may collect and spend fees, contingent on authority being provided in appropriation Acts, at a level that is sufficient to cover— (1) the costs of services of expert firms retained pursuant to subsection (d); and (2) all or a portion of the costs to the Federal Government of servicing the Federal credit instruments. (c) Servicer (1) In general The Assistant Secretary may appoint a financial entity to assist the Assistant Secretary in servicing the Federal credit instruments. (2) Duties A servicer appointed under paragraph (1) shall act as the agent for the Assistant Secretary. (3) Fee A servicer appointed under paragraph (1) shall receive a servicing fee, subject to approval by the Assistant Secretary. (d) Assistance from expert firms The Assistant Secretary may retain the services of expert firms, including counsel, in the field of municipal and project finance to assist in the underwriting and servicing of Federal credit instruments. (e) Expedited processing The Assistant Secretary shall implement procedures and measures to economize the time and cost involved in obtaining approval and the issuance of credit assistance under the BIFIA program. (f) Assistance to small projects Of the amount appropriated under section 10(a), and after the set-aside for administrative expenses under section 10(b), not less than 20 percent shall be made available for the Assistant Secretary to use in lieu of fees collected under subsection (b) for small projects. 8. State and local permits The provision of credit assistance under the BIFIA program with respect to a project shall not— (1) relieve any recipient of the assistance of any obligation to obtain any required State or local permit or approval with respect to the project; (2) limit the right of any State, political subdivision of a State, or agency or instrumentality thereof to approve or regulate any rate of return on private equity invested in the project; or (3) otherwise supersede any State or local law (including any regulation) applicable to the construction or operation of the project. 9. Regulations The Assistant Secretary may promulgate such regulations as the Assistant Secretary determines to be appropriate to carry out the BIFIA program. 10. Funding (a) Appropriation There are appropriated to the Assistant Secretary, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $5,000,000,000 to carry out this Act for fiscal year 2021, to remain available until expended. (b) Administrative expenses Of the amount appropriated under subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary may use not more than 5 percent for the administration of the BIFIA program. 11. Reports to Congress (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to Congress a report summarizing the financial performance of the projects that are receiving, or have received, assistance under the BIFIA program, including a recommendation as to whether the objectives of the BIFIA program are best served by— (1) continuing the program under the authority of the Assistant Secretary; or (2) establishing a Federal corporation or federally sponsored enterprise to administer the program. (b) Application process report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that includes a list of all of the letters of interest and applications received for assistance under the BIFIA program during the preceding fiscal year. (2) Inclusions (A) In general Each report under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, a description of, with respect to each letter of interest and application included in the report— (i) the date on which the letter of interest or application was received; (ii) the date on which a notification was provided to the applicant regarding whether the application was complete or incomplete; (iii) the date on which a revised and completed application was submitted (if applicable); (iv) the date on which a notification was provided to the applicant regarding whether the project was approved or disapproved; and (v) if the project was not approved, the reason for the disapproval. (B) Correspondence Each report under paragraph (1) shall include copies of any correspondence provided to the applicant in accordance with section 3(d).

Summary: Broadband Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2021 This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to make financing available for the construction and deployment of broadband infrastructure through a broadband infrastructure finance and innovation program. Specifically, the bill provides a means for communities and public-private partnerships to apply for low-interest secured loans, lines of credit, or loan guarantees to finance broadband infrastructure investments. The bill provides funding to carry out the program, and it requires biennial reports on the financial performance of projects carried out with program assistance.