Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Awards $16.6 Million in Broadband Expansion Grants for 24 Projects

On May 18, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) awarded funding from the state’s Broadband Expansion Grant Program. The Commission awarded $16,601,085 for 24 projects that will expand broadband internet to 6,042 residential and 276 business locations that are underserved. The projects receiving awards will impact 19 counties. The grant awards will leverage $25,360,858 of matching funds from recipients. Since Governor Evers took office in 2019, Wisconsin has disbursed or committed over $345 million towards expanding broadband, which have provided or will provide more than 395,000 homes and businesses access to new or improved services. In December 2022, Governor Evers and PSC Chairperson Valcq announced the opening of the new grant round with the remaining state funds available for broadband expansion from the 2021-23 biennial budget period. In February 2023, the PSC received 74 applications requesting a total of $73.7 million. A list of the 2023 grant recipients can be found here. A map of 2023 grant recipients can be found here.