Wisconsin Gets $140M More from CPF for Internet Connectivity

Wisconsin receives additional grants from CPF to enhance internet facilities in underserved and unserved areas of the State. 

Here are the details of the news. 

Wisconsin Gets $140M More from CPF for Internet Connectivity

Wisconsin has received $140 million in federal funds from the Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to expand internet connectivity in the State.

In a statement, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said, “Expanding internet access is central to expanding economic opportunity in communities across the country.” 

The CPF is a federal program established by the American Rescue Plan Act to help states invest in infrastructure and broadband projects. CPF provides $10 billion to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund high-speed Internet projects.

The CPF announced its first grant to four states, including Louisiana, New Hampshire, Virginia, and West Virginia, on June 7, 2022. These states received over $500 million to deploy high-speed Internet to more than 200,000 homes and businesses. 

The CPF announced four additional awards to four states on July 14, 2022. $350 million was granted to Kansas, Maine, Maryland, and Minnesota to provide reliable Internet services to an estimated 84,000 homes and businesses in these states. 

CPF’s Nationwide Impact and Wisconsin’s Future Projects

According to the Treasury Department, CPF has awarded around $9 billion for broadband funding, digital technology, and multi-purpose community center projects in all states and the District of Columbia. The CPF has recently offered its grants to Wisconsin to help the State expand its internet access to more than 2 million locations. Of a total of $140 million, Wisconsin has received $33 million for digital connectivity technology projects and $107 million for multi-purpose community facility projects. 

The first funds will offer a grant program allowing non-profits and other eligible entities to apply for funding to deploy computers or other devices and install Wi-Fi equipment.  

The second award funds Wisconsin’s Flexible Facilities Program to help communities improve libraries and community centers. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin regulates these funds. CPF had earlier awarded Wisconsin $435 million for broadband infrastructure.

Additional funding will help Wisconsin introduce high-speed Internet to underserved communities, improve existing digital facilities, and solve affordability issues. All these will further reduce the digital gap among the communities.