Department of the Treasury Announces New Federal Funds to Help Close the Digital Divide in Wisconsin

The Department of the Treasury announced the approval of $140 million in federal funds for Wi-Fi and computers and improving multi-purpose community facilities in Wisconsin under the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF). Wisconsin’s awards include two funding streams: $33 million for digital connectivity technology projects, and $107 million for multi-purpose community facility projects. The first award will fund a competitive grant program administered by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin that allows non-profits and other eligible entities to apply for funding to deploy computers and other devices, install Wi-Fi equipment in targeted multi-dwelling units, and provide digital navigation services to help residents use the devices for work, education, and health monitoring. The second award will fund the state’s Flexible Facilities Program, a competitive grant program to assist communities in funding improvements to facilities such as libraries and community centers. These awards are in addition to $42 million in CPF broadband infrastructure funding that Treasury announced in 2022.