Gov. Scott Walker
Press Release

Governor Scott Walker Seeks Local Applications for Increased Broadband Grants

Governor Scott Walker announced the state Public Service Commission is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2016 Broadband Expansion Grants.

By - Aug 5th, 2015 02:26 pm

Madison – Governor Scott Walker announced the state Public Service Commission is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2016 Broadband Expansion Grants.  Walker’s 2013-15 state budget tripled the local grants to extend broadband to underserved areas of the state more quickly.

“Improving access to the digital marketplace for Wisconsin businesses is critical to the economic growth of our state,” said Governor Scott Walker.  “Reliable and efficient broadband ensures job creators can position themselves to capitalize on new technologies and access information they need to prosper in today’s global economy.”

Governor Walker established the program, which provides reimbursement for equipment and construction expenses incurred to extend or improve broadband telecommunications service throughout the state, in the 2011-13 biennial state budget.  The recently-passed 2015-2017 state budget triples the total amount of grants to be awarded each year from $500,000 to $1,500,000.

The budget also included changes to increase the impact of the grants—by including consideration of projects that are “scalable,” and giving the PSC more flexibility in its execution of the grants throughout a given biennium.

“Going forward, priority will be given to projects that can be expanded in a cost-effective way to match higher capacity demands in the future,” explained PSC Chairperson Ellen Nowak.  “Applicants are encouraged to discuss the long term prospects of the investment and how best to reach as many homes and businesses as possible.”

Applications for the Broadband Expansion Grants for Fiscal Year 2016 are due September 30th, 2015.

Application instructions and additional information may be found at: http://psc.wi.gov/utilityInfo/tele/broadband/grants/bbGrantApplicationPage.htm

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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