Representative Backer introduces HF1885, on March 4, 2021…
Description: Broadband grant program funding transferred.
Author: Backer
Companion bill: SF946
Introduction and first reading, referred to Workforce and Business Development Finance and Policy
BROADBAND GRANT PROGRAM; TRANSFER.
(a) $60,000,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $60,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 are transferred from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for deposit in the border-to-border broadband fund account established in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.396, subdivision 1, for the purposes specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.396, subdivision 2.
(b) $15,000,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $15,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 are transferred from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for deposit in the border-to-border broadband fund account established in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.396, subdivision 1. This transfer must be used only to provide broadband service in unserved areas, except that money from the transfer may be used to place broadband infrastructure, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.394, in underserved areas. Notwithstanding the limitation in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.395, subdivision 7, paragraph (a), the grants are available for 55 percent of total project cost if the grant is matched by ten percent or more from a nonstate entity. The nonstate entity providing the match may include but is not limited to organized townships, cities, counties, foundations,
nonprofits, school districts, or higher education institutions.EFFECTIVE DATE.
This section is effective the day following final enactment.