Summary#
The CLOSE THE GAP Act directs several federal land management agencies to make it easier to apply for and get permits to build or change broadband and other communications facilities on public lands. It requires agencies to write uniform rules, use an online application form (an electronic SF-299), track and publish application data, and create online portals. The bill sets rules for fees tied to application processing, allows agencies to keep those fees in special Treasury accounts for communications site work (if appropriated), and lets agencies set minimum 30-year leases for communications sites. It creates a working group of agency representatives to coordinate reviews and use broadband location data, expands what counts as a high-priority construction project to include communications projects, and directs agencies to adopt or create categorical NEPA exclusions for safety-related upgrades to existing communications facilities. The bill also narrows some environmental and historic review requirements for projects that use existing infrastructure or are on land previously analyzed by the agency.
What it means for you#
- If you apply to place or modify a communications facility on public land, agencies must use a standardized process and accept an electronic SF-299. Agencies must post counts of received, approved, and denied applications on a public website and describe processing times.
- Applicants must be given written reasons for denials and a chance to cure or appeal. Leases for communications sites must have minimum terms of 30 years.
- Agencies may charge cost recovery fees that are to be calculated annually and limited to the agencies' costs of processing applications and overseeing construction. Those fees go into agency-specific Treasury accounts and, when appropriated, can be used for communications-site administration, planning, training, hiring, and related activities.
- Some projects that improve public safety at existing communications facilities may be eligible for a categorical NEPA exclusion. Projects located on previously analyzed land or using existing infrastructure may not require additional NEPA or certain historic reviews under the bill's terms.
Expenses#
- The bill authorizes agencies to collect cost recovery fees and requires those fees be deposited in special Treasury accounts for each land management agency. Fees must be collected only to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts.
- The bill lists many allowable uses for retained fees (for example, administering authorizations, training, hiring, and planning), but it does not specify dollar amounts or total costs.
- No publicly available information on estimated total costs, savings, or budgetary impacts is included in the bill text provided.
Proponents' View#
Proponents direct agencies to standardize and speed permitting for communications projects on public lands. The bill emphasizes uniform procedures, online applications and tracking, predictable fees tied to processing costs, longer-term leases, and coordination among agencies to reduce overlap and delays. It also prioritizes safety upgrades at existing communications sites and creates a working group to coordinate reviews and use broadband location data.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.