Funds Available for Broadband Expansion

Broadband expansion in Nebraska, particularly in rural, under-served areas, continues to be a priority for government officials both locally and statewide. On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, Senator Tom Brandt, District 32, met with Jefferson County Commissioners to discuss plans for the upcoming legislative session. Brandt said, “We will reintroduce (Legislative Bill) 460 that removes the restrictions on public power in the state of Nebraska. I think that'll move forward.”Brandt sponsored LB 460, which was intended to authorize leasing of dark fiber and eliminate certain powers of the Public Service Commission. The bill did not make it out of the 2022 legislative session.County Commissioner Mark Schoenrock told Brandt, “Jefferson County has a $1.6 million application pending with Public Service Commission, we hope to hear on December 6, that we're successful with that public private partnership between Jefferson County and Diode (Communications).”On the same day as that meeting, Governor Pete Ricketts announced the state has been awarded two federal grants, totaling nearly $5.6 million, from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NITA) to develop strategic plans to expand high-speed broadband service. Earlier this year, Governor Ricketts had created the Connect Nebraska working group, a team of leaders tasked with optimizing state and federal funds to expand broadband in Nebraska. The group successfully submitted the grant applications on behalf of the state. “In today’s digital world, broadband connectivity is basic infrastructure,” said the governor. “No matter the distance Nebraskans live from a city, they should have access to the online tools they need to live, learn, and do business. Over the past five years, the state has taken major strides toward our goal of connecting every corner of Nebraska with reliable, high-speed broadband networks. Thank you to the Connect Nebraska working group for successfully securing these awards so that we can maximize federal funds to continue our broadband expansion.”The State of Nebraska has been awarded $4,999,817 of initial planning funds through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The BEAD Program provides support to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs. The state will use the grant to generate a state broadband map, set up outreach activities to stakeholders statewide, and enable the Nebraska Public Service Commission to grow its team to meet the needs of the program. Upon submission of the BEAD Program plan, Nebraska is anticipated to receive at least an additional $100 million in federal funding to develop broadband infrastructure across the state.The state is also receiving $598,745 of planning funds through the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. With these funds, the state will develop a plan to ensure Nebraskans in all areas of the state have internet connectivity, devices such as laptops and smartphones, and the skills to meaningfully use internet technologies. The grant will also promote the use of technologies such as telehealth and precision agriculture, which are in the early stages of adoption and have the potential to significantly impact the lives of Nebraskans and the state’s economy.The Nebraska Information Technology Commission (NITC)/Office of the CIO will be leading the digital equity planning effort with the assistance of the state’s regional economic development districts and the Nebraska Library Commission. The one-year grant will start on Dec. 1, 2022. After completing its digital equity plan, Nebraska can apply for $7.2 million or more in funding over five years to implement a state digital access, skills and opportunities grant program.“Now that we have received planning funds for both the Digital Equity Program and the BEAD Program, we can begin the next phase in our plan to connect every Nebraskan,” said State Broadband Coordinator Patrick Redmond. “Throughout this process, we will continue to prioritize communication, clarity, and coordination as we develop our comprehensive broadband plans.”“The goals of the BEAD program align closely with the Commission’s priorities to get broadband to unserved areas of our state,” said Dan Watermeier, Chair of the Nebraska Public Service Commission. “We are eager to administer this program, as we work together to connect Nebraskans through the deployment of high-speed internet access.”Both grants are for programs created through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in November 2021.

Governor Ricketts Leads Trade Mission to Japan

Turn on the Lights: Christmas at Crystal Returns Turn on the Lights:

Related Articles

Furry Fun

Despite Rumors, Fairbury Senior Center Will Remain Open

Blue Valley Community Action Serves A Vital Role In Nebraska

How A Municipal LandBank Is Funded