Broadband Projects Call to Action

The Recovery Act includes $7.2 billion nationally for competitive grants and loans to improve broadband services.  Two federal agencies are splitting those funds, the Departments of Agricutlure Rural Utility Service and the Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration, with funding expected to be dispersed over three application rounds.  Round One closed in August.  The Michigan Department of Information Technology has released the list of projects submitted.  It includes over $575 million in requests through 80 applications.  Communities are urged to review the list to see if you're covered by any of the proposals.  Not all will be funded and it is important now to mobilize for Round Two funding which could be the last funding chance.  DIT officials recently presented before the League Energy and Technology Committee to provide an update.  We'll be working with DIT and our federal partners to ensure locals have a greater chance of receiving funding in Round Two.  You can also receive Broadband updates directly from DIT.