Largely rural Nebraska is working hard to come up with an efficient plan to extend broadband to underserved farms, homes, and businesses across the state. The distribution of broadband funding currently channels through the Nebraska Public Service Commission. However, as the Nebraska Examiner reports, Governor Jim Pillen has proposed creating a new State Broadband Office to handle digital connectivity outreach within the state.
The proposed agency would comprise approximately nine members operating under the management of a state broadband director. The agency would be an arm of the Nebraska Department of Transportation and would take on the task of distributing the $100 million in federal funding the state is expected to receive. Determining which locations are still underserved would also fall under the new department’s jurisdiction.
It is estimated that creating a new State Broadband Office will cost $1.7 million per year. Supporters, like Gage County Supervisor, Emily Haxby, applauded the Governor’s proposal, stating, “This is good policy. It’s good to see the governor recognize how important broadband is to the state.” She has been part of a team that worked to utilize ARPA plans in her county, a plan that involved partnering with an internet provider to maximize the available funding. “We need to find creative ways to stretch these federal dollars,” she noted.
Nebraska legislators were united in their desire to make broadband accessible to all state residents, but some questioned the need to create and fund another state agency. “Has the PSC done something wrong that we don’t know about?” questioned State Senator, Wendy DeBoer. She and others wondered why a new department was needed when PSC is already working on broadband matters.
In reply, Vicki Kramer, Director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation, noted that despite PSC’s accomplishments, the DOT was uniquely qualified to take over broadband funding and distribution. “There’s one organization in the state that can provide the level of support to make sure Nebraska makes the best use of these funds,” she told the Examiner, “And that’s the Department of Transportation.”
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