COLORADO AWARDED $2.1 MILLION TO IMPROVE BROADBAND
DENVER— Gov. Bill Ritter announced today that the Governor’s Office of Information Technology has secured nearly $2.1 million through the Recovery Act to support broadband Internet mapping and planning activities throughout Colorado.
The funding will allow Colorado to expand on broadband mapping efforts initiated by Senate Bill 08-215, which was sponsored by Sen. Gail Schwartz and Rep. Jim Riesberg.
“Access to broadband Internet is critical for continued progress and prosperity of Colorado families and businesses,” Sen. Schwartz said. “There are unserved and underserved communities all around Colorado with schools, healthcare providers and businesses that need access to 21st century connectivity. This is a significant step to assuring opportunity for all citizens across the state.”
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded grant funding today to six states, including Colorado.
“Reliable, affordable Internet service brings opportunities in education, business, health care and jobs to our state,” Gov. Ritter said. “Improving our broadband access is imperative to remaining competitive in today’s global economy. These funds will pave the way for growth in new geographic areas and keep Colorado a leader in the digital economy of today and tomorrow.”
Colorado received an award of approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period.
NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia. Fifteen grants have already been announced under this program, and the agency will continue to announce awards over the coming weeks.
For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.
