The N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment (OERI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded the first broadband mapping grants in the country through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. North Carolina’s total award is $2,023,874.
Along with North Carolina, California, Indiana and Vermont were among the first four state recipients of this funding. The NTIA noted that the first four state award recipients submitted well-formed proposals that are both fiscally prudent and serve as a model for others. These grant applications met or exceeded program requirements in all areas.
Under the auspices of OERI, the e-NC Authority will receive $1.6 million designated for mapping high-speed broadband Internet service availability and $434,000 earmarked for planning costs over a five-year period. The funding will support the establishment of a comprehensive state broadband plan, utilizing improved mapping, field testing, and data collection/analysis.
OERI Director Dempsey Benton said, “This funding and the resulting planning effort is vital to the state of North Carolina, providing a critical tool for job creation and innovation that will help all of our citizens and businesses, including those in rural and underserved areas, meet the economic challenges of a future in which access to high-speed Internet will be important.”
The NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories and the District of Columbia and is currently reviewing the remaining 52 applications. Additional broadband funding will be announced on a rolling basis throughout the fall.
“The e-NC Authority is thrilled to serve North Carolina citizens in this capacity,” said Oppie Jordan, Chair of the e-NC Authority. “This represents a tremendous reinforcement of the ongoing and robust efforts leading to universal broadband availability, and it will greatly benefit our state.”
States receiving funding are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. Matching funds can be provided as cash or in-kind services.
Ultimately, the data received through funded state projects will be displayed on NTIA’s national broadband map, informing policymakers’ efforts and providing consumers with improved information on the high-speed broadband Internet services available to them.
For more information about the N. C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, visit www.ncrecovery.gov .
About the e-NC Authority:
Created by the N.C. General Assembly, the e-NC Authority works to increase prosperity for North Carolina citizens and businesses by creating jobs through technology-based economic development, which requires a broadband Internet platform for success. The e-NC Authority is based in Raleigh and is supported through contributions from foundation, nonprofit, public and private entities. Visit www.e-nc.org for more information.
For more information on the N. C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, visit www.ncrecovery.gov.
