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Public input sought on deployment of federal broadband funds

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Public input sought on deployment of federal broadband funds

Jun 07, 2023 | 7:52 pm ET
By Paul Hammel
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Public input sought on deployment of federal broadband funds
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LINCOLN — Public input is being sought at a string of meetings concerning the quality and availability of high-speed internet across Nebraska, and how new federal funding should be spent.

The sessions are designed to help the state develop a comprehensive approach to provide quality digital access across the state.

The Nebraska Legislature recently passed a law creating the Nebraska Broadband Office.

That office is assuming the job of administering funds provided by the $42 billion, federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program passed as part of the Biden administration’s infrastructure bill.

Nebraska is assured of getting at least $100 million in BEAD funding and may get more if it can show a greater need to reach unserved areas.

The latest public input sessions follow a series held by the Nebraska Public Service Commission.

The PSC on Tuesday officially transferred the responsibility of handling the BEAD funds to the new broadband office, which was a priority of Gov. Jim Pillen.

The meetings are scheduled at:

  • Kearney, June 8 at 6:30 p.m., at the Kearney Public Library, 2020 First St.
  • North Platte, June 13 at 5:30 p.m., at the Harvest Christian Fellowship, 1501 S. Dewey St.
  • McCook, June 14 at 5:30 p.m., at the Public Safety Center, 505 W. C St.
  • Broken Bow, June 21 at 5:30 p.m., at the Broken Bow Public Library, 626 D St.
  • South Sioux City, June 29 at 5:30 p.m., at the South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront, 385 E. Fourth St.
  • Lincoln, July 11 at 5:30 p.m., at the Nebraska Department of Transportation Auditorium, 1500 Nebraska Parkway.
  • Omaha, July 12 at 5:30 p.m., at the NDOT State Operations Center, 4425 S. 108th St.