Gov. Walker Proposes $35.5 Million More for Broadband in Wisconsin
Seeking to expand rural broadband across Wisconsin, Gov. Scott Walker proposed an extra $35.5 million in grants over three years. The Republican sent a draft bill Thursday to the legislature that would tap a state USF surplus to increase funding…
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to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission’s Broadband Expansion Grant Program and the Department of Administration’s Technology for Educational Achievement (Teach) program, the governor’s office said in a news release. If approved, the appropriations bill would bring total funding for the broadband programs to $52 million over three fiscal years. The bill also bans the Natural Resources and Transportation departments from requiring appraisals or charging fees before granting permits or easements for construction of broadband infrastructure in underserved areas. “The proposed legislation we’re asking the Legislature to act on triples the state’s broadband and technology investments and it will allow Wisconsin communities, especially in rural areas, to compete for jobs, improve education, and provide a higher quality of life,” Walker said. Madison-based LEC TDS Telecom said it will pursue the new broadband funding. “We plan to aggressively pursue more grants, should the legislature enact these important economic development proposals,” said TDS Vice President-External Affairs Drew Petersen. “We expect this to be acted on by the Wisconsin Legislature in early January and fully anticipate a vote by Valentine’s Day.”