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January 12, 2010 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration that Nebraska will receive $2.1 million in grants for development of broadband data access in the state. The grants are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“These stimulus funds for broadband will help play an important part in bringing 21st Century infrastructure to all corners of Nebraska,” said Senator Nelson. “Broadband data access helps rural areas take full advantage of the Internet and helps create jobs.”
NTIA has awarded the Nebraska Public Service Commission approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Nebraska, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.1 million. The Public Service Commission will handle the administration of the grant money for the state of Nebraska.
The funds are part of NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA’s national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers’ efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them. Including today’s announcement, NTIA has now awarded 51 grants across the country totaling approximately $97 million under the program.
Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available. Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.
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