Governor Tony Evers made the announcement Tuesday, that he planned to use $100 million in federal funds (from the American Rescue Plan Act), to expand broadband access across Wisconsin.
Through an existing grant that helps local governments with project funding, the money will give internet access to unserved and underserved areas in Wisconsin. Grant applications will open June 1st.
Evers stated I declared 2021 the Year of Broadband Access because everyone in this state should have access to reliable internet service,” Evers said in a statement. “Between our Badger Bounceback agenda investments and these federal funds, we’re taking a major step toward connecting everyone in our state. I’m glad to be able to direct this funding to the PSC so the folks in need of high-speed internet can get connected as quickly as possible. I also urge our state legislature to pass our Badger Bounceback agenda to allocate an additional nearly $200 million for broadband access and provide financial assistance to low-income households struggling with their internet bills. This isn’t a question of providing federal or state funding for broadband — we must do both to ensure folks can get connected.”
The money for the project more than doubles, what has been the spending allowance given to Evers on the matter.
The project ha atypically gotten around $52 million total, spoilt between more than 200 projects in the state. what has been able to spend during his term using just state money. In the previous two years, the broadband expansion program spent $52 million on 130 projects across the state.
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