LANSING — State Rep. Beau LaFave has co-sponsored introduced legislation exploring ways to expand broadband into areas of need.

Within House Bill 5670, a seven-member board made up of governor-appointed individuals representing townships, counties and telecommunication providers, will identify barriers that deter companies from expanding into underserved areas of Michigan.

“This group’s purpose will be to prioritize our demand for broadband in rural areas and recommend ways for the legislature to proceed,” LaFave said. “We need to identify specific strategies and policies that incentivize businesses to expand service. What better way to do that than by connecting our communities with our providers to make sure this gets done as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Members of the board will serve for four years. The proposal, which has been referred to the House Committee on Communications and Technology, also sets up a broadband development fund within the state treasury that can provide a vehicle for infrastructural gains.

LaFave also recently joined his colleagues in the Michigan House to advance House Bill 5097, streamlining broadband expansion work and cutting government red tape.

County road commissions hold jurisdiction in right-of-way cases and often require permits, inspections and project reviews due to the close proximity of other lines.