April 15, 2009

GOVERNOR BARBOUR ANNOUNCES COMPETITION FOR BROADBAND GRANTS

Governor Haley Barbour announced today a competitive application process for broadband recovery funds through the federal stimulus package.

Officially named the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” the stimulus package dedicates $7.2 billion for broadband infrastructure, and Mississippi will receive approximately $50 million if the money is proportionately allocated.

Broadband recovery funds are intended to create jobs, close the broadband gap, stimulate investment in broadband, spread high-speed Internet access to schools, universities, libraries, community centers, job training centers, hospitals and public safety personnel and encourage demand for broadband.

Funding will be released in three stages, with the first phase in early fall 2009, followed by two more in 2010. The deadline for written proposals is 5 p.m. April 30, 2009.

“Due to the nature of the program and the tight time frame, I intend to seek one application that comprehensively addresses these goals,” Governor Barbour said.

To learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit stimulus.ms.gov.

For a copy of the Request for Proposals, click here.