At least six applications from Colorado, including one from the governor’s office, will be submitted during the first round of the $7.2 billion federal broadband funding program.
The state is asking for $3.8 million over two years. The money would be used to launch “an educational campaign on the merits of broadband and how it affects everyday activities,” said John Conley, executive director of the Statewide Internet Portal Authority, which is handling the bid on behalf of the governor’s office.
The campaign would create six full-time positions and include a “mobile vehicle” that could demonstrate the benefits of high-speed Internet access. At least 27 cities of varying sizes would be visited during the campaign’s first year, Conley said.
The deadline to apply for the initial round of broadband funding was extended from Friday to Thursday. Recipients are expected to be announced by the end of the year.
The money is available through two competitive grant programs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The programs aim to provide high-speed access to unserved communities and improve Internet services at schools, libraries and hospitals.
Other applications from Colorado will include one from the Durango area led by broadband provider Brainstorm Internet.
Andy Vuong: 303-954-1209 or avuong@denverpost.com
