Senator Hassan Discusses Need for Additional Investments in Broadband Infrastructure in Bristol

BRISTOL – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan visited downtown Bristol today to discuss the need to invest in infrastructure projects across New Hampshire, particularly broadband, as she works with her colleagues on a bipartisan infrastructure package. The Senator heard from Bristol’s Town Administrator, Nicholas Coates, and other local leaders about the town’s efforts to expand broadband to its residents, which has been made possible in part through funding secured in the bipartisan CARES Act that Senator Hassan and her colleagues worked to pass into law last year. The Senator also heard about Bristol’s efforts to develop the Pemi Trail, which would help bolster downtown businesses and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for the community. The Senator began the walking tour at Shackett’s Brewing Company, and then headed to the new Pemi Trail, before concluding with a visit to Collaborative Anesthesia Partners.

“Many Granite Staters who live in Bristol do not have access to high-quality broadband, which is a common challenge for many smaller, more rural communities in our state. With the help of federal funding, Bristol is working to expand its broadband infrastructure, and I am focused on building on their vital work in Congress as we continue to negotiate a bipartisan infrastructure package that includes critical priorities for New Hampshire,” said Senator Hassan.

“I’ve see firsthand the impact that a lack of high-speed internet can have on a local economy, which is why these investment in our broadband infrastructure are so important,” said Nicholas Coates, Bristol’s Town Administrator. “I am grateful that Senator Hassan understands the importance of broadband for smaller, rural communities like ours and is fighting to ensure that we have the federal resources that we need.”

Senator Hassan is part of the bipartisan group of Senators who are working to negotiate and pass into law an infrastructure package, which would include major investments in broadband infrastructure. The Senator has long worked to expand broadband in New Hampshire, including legislation that she reintroduced with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to help states, cities, and towns spur investment in rural broadband projects. Senator Hassan also successfully worked to include $7 billion in funding for the E-Rate program in the American Rescue Plan, which will direct funds to help schools provide Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and internet-enabled devices, including internet service through such equipment, to students.

Earlier in the day, Senator Hassan attended the 100th birthday celebration for Lt. JG Howard T. Oedel in Hebron, where she congratulated him on his incredible good fortune and thanked him for his service during World War II.  

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to celebrate this milestone in person with Howard, his family and friends, and fellow veterans,” Senator Hassan said. “I wish to say not just happy birthday, but to extend my deep gratitude to Howard for his military service as well as his many contributions to our state and country.  Howard’s work as a history professor and scholar helped generations of students gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be an American, and his engagement as a community member and citizen reflects the ongoing contributions that veterans make to our democracy.”

###