Two States Make Moves on Broadband Funding

Two states recently made moves on broadband funding. Funding bills were passed by legislatures and signed into law by governors in Alabama and Idaho. Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL) signed legislation to make $260 million in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) available for broadband deployments. The funding represents a portion of $1.06 billion that was released to the state in its final ARPA allotment. The Alabama legislature convened a special session to confirm how the state would use the new allotment. Governor Brad Little (R-ID) signed a bill into law that will add $125 million to the funding available for broadband deployments in the state. An additional $100 million is nearing legislative approval. The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board will oversee the distribution of funds. More than $600 million worth of shovel-ready projects are awaiting funding in Idaho.