The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently announced that it has approved five additional states to receive funds earmarked for enhanced high-speed internet access.
Through the American Rescue Plan’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF), Connecticut, Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Arkansas will be able to bolster efforts to provide reliable, affordable broadband infrastructure and other digital connectivity technology projects.
“The pandemic upended life as we knew it—from work to school to connecting with friends and family—and exposed the stark inequity in access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet in communities across the country, but especially in rural, Tribal, and low-income communities,” Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said. “This funding will lay the foundation for the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments to increase access to high-speed internet and reduce broadband bills for American households and businesses.”
Authorities indicated the CPF provides $10 billion to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund capital projects enabling work, education, and health monitoring in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Per the Department of the Treasury, Arkansas was approved for $47.5 million to connect 5,500 homes and businesses by building high-speed internet service in rural and remote areas lacking reliable internet connections.
Connecticut garnered approval for $40.8 million to connect 10,000 low-income and multi-family homes and businesses, as well as areas lacking reliable high-speed internet connections.
Indiana was approved for $187 million to connect 50,349 homes and businesses to affordable, reliable high-speed internet services.
Nebraska was allocated $87.7 million to connect 21,000 homes and businesses to affordable, reliable high-speed internet services.
Lastly, North Dakota garnered $45 million to connect 3,965 homes and businesses to affordable, reliable high-speed internet service.