DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds announced the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) has recently concluded the review of 17 broadband grant applications and awarded $1.3 million in grant funds to 7 projects across the State of Iowa. Together, these applications represent over $13 million in new investment in broadband infrastructure covering approximately 760 square miles in 12 counties.
“My budget called for $20 million in broadband infrastructure over the next two years to accelerate expansion and leverage an additional $120 million in private investment for high-speed Internet,” said Gov. Reynolds. “This announcement is a step in the right direction for greater broadband connectivity, but there’s much more to do. That’s why I will continue to work with lawmakers next year to secure more funding to empower rural communities for generations to come.”
“If we want young people to stay in rural Iowa, we must meet their expectations of constant connectivity. Through the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative we made it a priority to not only highlight the importance of broadband, but to help leverage investment through grant funding,” said Lt. Gov. Gregg. “The grants awarded help make sure Iowa families and businesses are a step ahead as we move toward an even more interconnected economy.”
“We are pleased to announce that over 7,200 homes, schools, businesses, and farms that previously did not have access to high-speed Internet service will soon have broadband access as a result of the awarded projects. These projects move rural Iowa forward and empower Iowans to seize the benefits of technology.” said Jeff Franklin, the State’s Chief Information Officer.
The 17 applications requested a combined total of $4,818,892 in state broadband grant funding.
The awarded applications include:
|
Applicant Name |
Application Name |
Award Amount |
|
BTC Inc. |
Proposed ‘CR1’ Carroll, Iowa Rural Fiber Optic Construction Project |
$98,448.00 |
|
Chariton Valley Planning and Development Council |
Lockridge Networks LLC – Broadband |
$13,651.00 |
|
City of Adair |
Adair Fiber Project |
$138,900.00 |
|
Heartland Telecommunications Company of Iowa |
Heartland – Ireton (RURAL) |
$303,653.00 |
|
Heartland Telecommunications Company of Iowa |
Heartland – Boyden & Hull (RURAL) |
$436,056.00 |
|
Sully Telephone Association, Inc. |
Sully Telephone Association – 2019 Southwest Fiber Project |
$75,714.00 |
|
WTC Communications, Inc. |
FTTH Project-Wilton Iowa |
$233,578.00 |
|
Total Award Amount: |
$1,300,000 |
A map of the project awards is available on the OCIO website at https://bit.ly/2DE7KT8. In addition to showing the locations that will be served for each grant project, the map displays information about the number of homes, businesses, schools and farms impacted by each of the awards. The Notice of the Intent to Award is also available on the OCIO website at: https://go.usa.gov/xmXSD.
With the legislature approving $5 million in funding for additional broadband grants for FY20, the Governor’s Office and the OCIO are encouraging additional applicants to apply for this new funding that will soon be available. For more information on the application process, visit https://ocio.iowa.gov/
