Sen. Grassley Says Feds Must Recalculate Distribution of Broadband Funding
How $65 billion in the federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs ACT (IIJA) under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) gets distributed is not a done deal just yet.
Each state is to receive at least $100 million for enhancing broadband service, especially in rural areas. More money could be earmarked for areas deemed underserved or are considered as high-cost locations.
After hosting his 99-County Tour town meeting in Chickasaw County Thursday, January 27 at the Chickasaw Wellness Complex in New Hampton, Senator Chuck Grassley ( R ) said initial data for the distribution of IIJA funds appeared to be flawed.
Prior to the 99-County Tour town meeting, Grassley toured the Winnebago Industries facilities in Charles City, where improving broadband service is something the City has looked at for some time.
City Councilman DeLaine Freeseman told Grassley the challenge for Charles City is that the City is too large to be considered underserved, yet, too small to get the broadband attention and funding they need.
