Mitch Landrieu is Biden’s man to rebuild America and deliver broadband to millions

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is overseeing the rollout of President Biden’s $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Driving the news: Landrieu leads a 15-person team responsible for coordinating multiple federal agencies, working with state and local governments, and managing bidding processes for the ambitious projects under the Infrastructure Act.
* Landrieu has been traveling across the U.S. and raising public awareness of the Act, comparing its impact to the New Deal and the Eisenhower Administration’s highway system initiatives.

Key components: The Act aims to fund internet access for those who cannot afford it, with about 19 million people already signed up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
* The ACP offers $30 subsidies each month for lower-income individuals to purchase internet plans, and the White House is working with providers to create tailored $30 plans for qualifying participants.

Challenges ahead: Despite the Act’s funding and benefits, many eligible Americans have not yet signed up for the ACP, and efforts are being made to train community members such as librarians to guide people through the sign-up process.
* Larger infrastructure projects like the $40 billion effort to expand high-speed broadband access will take years to develop, while providing free or cheap internet access has more immediate, tangible effects for voters.

View original article on NPR

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