Legislation intended to help counties increase broadband internet access has been introduced by state Senator Kim LaSata. She tells us Senate Bill 970 would establish the County Broadband Completion Program.
“The program’s designed as a matching grant, and it would be requiring contributions from the state or it could be funded by state or federal funds, funds from county or local governments, and also internet service providers,” LaSata said. “It would require the state to apply for any federal funding that fits this goal of expanding broadband internet in our communities.”
The program would have counties prepare an investment plan that identifies where broadband is needed and work with an internet service provider to make upgrades and meet the identified networking needs. Meanwhile, the state would pursue all federal grants it can. The legislation has been submitted to the state Senate Committee on Energy and Technology.
