In a meeting this week with representatives from Pella, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley discussed the ongoing development of a municipal telecommunications utility. Grassley says most of rural America remains underserved as it relates to broadband internet, with many communities such as Pella “self-motivated” to find solutions. He says federal assistance tied to expanding high speed service to rural communities may be linked to a potential bipartisan infrastructure bill, which would not only aim to bolster roads and bridges, but data and other services communities need in the modern economy. Additionally, Grassley says there are some programs available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the FCC, but he’s unsure where Pella’s municipal utility proposal would fit into those opportunities.