I want to thank Jodie Miller for the following from NATOA. I mentioned the letter to Bernadine Joselyn who observed…

Blandin Foundation foresaw the need to document impact and so is in the fortunate position of having budgeted adequately for assessment – including baseline and benchmarks for both intelligent rural community indicators and subscription rates. The first baseline report is available.

I think we’ve already reaped benefits from the assessment – hopefully others will find a way be benefit as well…

Good morning NATOA Members,

Concerns have been raised that NTIA may find itself lacking sufficient funds to properly monitor the BTOP program. Without adequate funding, NTIA will not be able to perform grant implementation guidance to BTOP grantees, possibly resulting in lessening the ability of the agency to ensure projects meet program objectives. NATOA, along with NACo, NLC, and the USCM, sent letters to both House and Senate leadership urging that Congress give NTIA the resources it needs to continue its oversight of the BTOP program.

NATOA urges its members, especially those who have received BTOP grants, to contact their Senators and Representatives and ask them to provide the necessary funding and spending flexibility that will permit NTIA to continue its work and ensure a successful completion of this very important program.

Below are links to NATOA’s letters to the Congressional leadership, along with a link to a new report detailing NTIA’s concern about its ability to maintain its grant oversight of the BTOP program.

Click here for NATOA’s letter to the Senate
Click here for NATOA’s letter to the House
Click here for the New Report