Nebraska gets $87.7 million in additional funds for broadband expansion | Nebraska Examiner

LINCOLN — Nebraska is getting an extra $87.7 million for its so-called Broadband Bridge program to enhance high-speed web providers throughout the state.

The U.S. Division of Treasury introduced the award Tuesday. The funding is a part of the American Rescue Plan Act and a part of President Joe Biden’s push to enhance broadband protection.

The brand new funding for Nebraska is estimated to serve 21,000 households and supply high-speed web service to 23% of the households now missing it.

Dan Watermeier, the chairman of the Nebraska Public Service Fee, stated the PSC is working with the Nebraska Division of Financial Improvement to manage the brand new funds.

“This new funding together with what’s presently in place will make a big effect on serving to to offer broadband to the unserved and underserved areas of our state,” Watermeier stated.

The Nebraska Legislature had beforehand allotted $20 million to the Broadband Bridge program. This spring, lawmakers added an extra $80 million in ARPA funds for high-speed web growth within the state’s 1st and third Congressional Districts.

The objective of the state’s Broadband Bridge program is to offer high-speed web service, outlined as 100 Mbps add pace and 100 obtain pace, in un- and underserved areas of Nebraska.

Kate Ellingson, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska Division of Financial Improvement, stated functions for the brand new broadband funds will probably be taken at a later date.