Illinois allocates $50 million to supplement federal broadband stimulus projects
The state of Illinois has released its plan to award supplementary grants to state projects looking for a piece of the federal broadband initiative money. But those wanting to apply don't have much time: the deadline is August 5th.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has $50 million available for state broadband projects that are approved and created under the standards of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA).
The state's program aims to work hand-in-hand with the federal program. And in order to receive state grants, a project must be approved by the federal government.
"We have a rare chance, thanks to ARRA's $7.2 billion in competitive broadband grants and loans, to ensure every rural, underserved and unserved community in our state is connected to world-class information and communication infrastructure," said Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.
The state, though, has placed a cap on its funding - only granting up to 10 percent (but up to a maximum of $5 million) of an applicant's project.
Those awarded will be notified by August 11th, just in time to meet the federal deadline of August 14th.
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