One More Round For Broadband Funds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service and the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration said Tuesday that the remaining broadband funds from the economic stimulus package would be given out in one more round instead of two, as originally planned. The change is aimed at increasing efficiency, better accommodating applicants and moving the money into the economy faster as part of the Obama administration's goal to create more jobs, NTIA and RUS officials said in a statement.
The stimulus included $7.2 billion, split between the two agencies, to expand broadband access and adoption. Officials are currently reviewing applications for the first round of broadband funding and expect to announce funding awards in December totaling up to $4 billion. The agencies received 2,000 applications during the first round requesting nearly $28 billion for broadband projects across the nation.
"Based on our experience with the first funding round, including the overwhelming response we've seen from applicants nationwide, we believe this consolidated approach brings a number of benefits," NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said. The agencies also said they are seeking public comment on how best to administer the second round of funding in order to improve the applicant experience and better meet the program's goals of creating jobs and stimulating long-term economic growth.
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