Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act of 2021”.
Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act of 2021
A BILL
To provide that a project to replace or improve a communications facility following a major disaster or an emergency declared by the President is not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Application of NEPA and NHPA to covered communications projects
NEPA exemption— A covered project shall not be subject to the requirements of section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
National Historic Preservation Act exemption— A covered project shall not be considered an undertaking under section 300320 of title 54, United States Code.
Definitions— In this section:
Communications facility— The term communications facility includes—
any wireless or wireline infrastructure for the transmission of writing, signs, signals, data, images, pictures, or sounds of all kinds;
any transmitting device, tower, or support structure, and any equipment, switches, wiring, cabling, power sources, shelters, or cabinets, associated with the provision of communications services; and
any antenna or apparatus that—
is designed for the purpose of emitting radio frequency;
is designed to be operated, or is operating, from a fixed location; and
is added to a tower, building, or other structure.
Communications service— The term communications service means a service for the transmission of writing, signs, signals, data, images, pictures, or sounds of all kinds.
Covered project— The term covered project means a project that—
is to be carried out within an area for which the President has declared a major disaster or an emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);
is to be carried out not later than 5 years after the date on which the President made such declaration; and
replaces a communications facility damaged by such disaster or emergency or makes improvements to a communications facility in such area that could reasonably be considered as necessary for recovery from such disaster or emergency or to prevent or mitigate future disasters or emergencies.