Colorado wants a share of $7.2 billion in federal broadband funding to provide high-speed access to unserved communities and improve Internet services at schools, libraries and hospitals.
Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter said the state will give highest priority to projects that improve Internet services for “anchor institutions” such as colleges and health-care providers. Other keys include using existing infrastructure and showing long-term sustainability.
Broomfield-based Level 3 Communications, which operates a nationwide fiber-optic communications network, said it is working with Internet providers on applications.
“As part of our approach to the stimulus funds, we’ve been talking with our customers about how we can support their expansion plans,” said Jennifer Artley, vice president of wholesale markets.
Artley said applications that have both the “middle mile,” which Level 3 provides, and the “last mile,” provided by cable and phone companies such as Comcast and Qwest, will be rated more favorably.
The funds will be available through two competitive grant programs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Agencies within the Department of Commerce and the Department of Agriculture are distributing $4.7 billion and $2.5 billion respectively for broadband projects in three rounds.
Applications for the first round of funding, worth a total of $4 billion, are due Aug. 14. Recipients are expected to be announced by the end of the year.
Colorado does not plan to apply in the first round but will assist private businesses and nonprofit groups with submissions, Ritter said. The agencies awarding the grants will seek recommendations from state officials before scoring applications.
The governor’s office will host a public meeting to discuss applications today at 9 a.m. in Old Supreme Court Chambers in the Capitol.
Andy Vuong: 303-954-1209 or avuong@denverpost.com
