The Senate approved legislation on Tuesday (September 8) that would establish a grant program to extend deployment of broadband services in underserved areas of the state, according to Senator Dan Laughlin.
Senate Bill 835 would provide funding to improve access to high-speed broadband internet in rural areas that currently do not have access to reliable networks. It would limit funding to entities that have demonstrated the ability to construct and administer internet services and require that they provide 20 percent of the funding for the project.
Access to broadband has become even more crucial during the COVID-19 health crisis, connecting residents with services and information they would otherwise not have access to. It is also important to those who tele-work, senior citizens, fire and emergency workers and students who are taking classes remotely.
SB 835 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Contact: Matt Azeles mazeles@pasen.gov