Iowans now have a chance to comment on that state’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initial proposal.
In a news release Wednesday, Nov. 15, the Department of Management Division of Information Technology (formerly the Office of the Chief Information Officer) announced it is accepting public comment on BEAD through Dec. 15. The Initial Proposal encompasses Iowa’s proposed implementation of $415,331,313 of broadband infrastructure funding made possible through the Investment Infrastructure and Jobs Act.
The funds are being administered by the National Telecommunications and Infrastructure Administration. According to the release, the BEAD proposal will result in a future broadband grant opportunity within Iowa targeting unserved and underserved locations.
Public comments may be submitted until 11:59 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15, by visiting comment.iowa.gov. The public comment link may also be accessed by going to ocio.iowa.gov/broadband.
Comments will be made available to the public with personal identifying information redacted, as required by Iowa Code, no later than Dec. 27. Any questions regarding the initial proposal may be directed to ociogrants@iowa.gov.
