LINCOLN – Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts announced the award of more than $29.5 million in funding under the Remote Access Rural Broadband Grant program, administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED). The announcement was made in a press release on Thursday.

“These grants will lead to better broadband service in many areas of the state that are currently underserved,” Gov. Ricketts said in the release.  “The enhanced service will equip more of our rural communities with the technology needed to conduct business online, make virtual health visits, and engage in distance learning opportunities.”

The Broadband program was one of four grants designed and administered by DED this year to support the state’s economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

“COVID-19 has underscored the need for a more concentrated, collaborative effort to improve our state’s broadband infrastructure,” said DED Director Anthony L. Goins.  “This grant is an important first step toward ensuring all citizens of Nebraska have the opportunity to participate in the digital economy.”  

The Broadband grant opportunity—made possible by federal CARES Act funding, including $1.08 billion of Coronavirus Relief funds allocated to the State of Nebraska—was announced by DED last spring.  The grants target areas of the state where high speed internet service is nonexistent or subpar based on the FCC standard of 25/3 Mbps download/upload speeds.  

When all projects are completed, a minimum of 17,600 housing units will gain the ability to subscribe to broadband internet service.  Most of the projects being awarded are scheduled for completion by the end of the year, with controls in place to ensure agreements are executed as planned in a timely manner.  

The full release and a list of the areas receiving funding can be found here.