DOA Announces 100 Applications and Nearly $300 Million in Funding Requests Received for the Flexible Facilities Program
Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) today announced the receipt of 100 applications for digital connectivity projects through the Flexible Facility Program (FFP), totaling $297 million in funding requests, more than double the amount that Wisconsin was awarded for the program. Applications were submitted by 97 local and tribal governments, representing 57 counties throughout the state. Wisconsin was awarded $107 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to construct or improve public buildings and purchase digital connectivity equipment.
“Digital connectivity has become an essential way that our businesses, workers, and families are able to access key services, employment, education, and other opportunities, and helping ensure our communities are able to expand broadband services has long been a top goal for my administration,” said Governor Tony Evers.
“Seeing the influx of funding requests points to the continued need for these types of digital connectivity programs statewide,” added DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “I know there’s a lot of excitement regarding these projects, and we look forward to reviewing and finalizing awards in the next few months.”
Local and Tribal governments were eligible to apply for funding to make improvements to public libraries, community centers, and other anchor institutions designed to jointly and directly enable work, education, and health monitoring in communities with critical need for capital projects. The DOA Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) administers the FFP program and the application window closed on July 11, 2024. FFP awards will be made through a competitive process. DOA anticipates making award announcements by October 1, 2024.
CPF is designed to address pre-existing barriers to high-quality modern infrastructure and connectivity that were exacerbated by the pandemic. Along with FFP, Gov. Evers has directed funding to other programs that continue to expand access, affordability, and adoption of high-speed internet. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) awarded $42 million across 28 grants through the Broadband Infrastructure Program. In addition, the PSC’s Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program intends to award $33 million in CPF funding.
Applicants were able to submit up to two project applications – one for new facility construction and one for existing facility renovation or expansion. DEHCR received 30 applications for new facility construction projects and 70 applications for existing facility renovation/expansion projects, including 67 library projects, 16 community center projects, and 17 multi-purpose facility projects, including 13 facility projects with library space.
Since 2019, Gov. Evers has allocated more than $345 million in state and federal funds to expand high-speed internet, including the largest state investment in state history, ensuring that more than 395,000 homes and businesses will have new or improved service.
The Flexible Facilities Program webpage outlines program details and timeline information. More information on the Capital Projects Fund can be found at Treasury’s program webpage.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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