Sander’s executive order delays request to use $53.3M for broadband grant projects

On Thursday, Governor Sarah Hucakbee Sanders signed an executive order which delayed the use of federal American Rescue Plan funds for eight broadband projects and broadband administrative expenses in Arkansas.The eight projects include the use of a $2.1 million grant for NEXT, Powered by NAEC for a total project of $2.9 million in Baxter County.

KTLO’s Heather Loftis spoke with NAEC CEO Mel Coleman about whether or not the delay will have an impact on the project.

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According to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, the Arkansas Department of Commerce requested spending authority of $53.3 million in American Rescue Plan funds to fund the eight projects as well as $2 million in broadband administrative expenses for a total request of $55.3 million. The legislative committee Wednesday approved a motion by Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R-Searcy) to “pass over” the Department of Commerce’s request to use American Rescue Plan funds for broadband grants.

The other seven projects include:

• A $14.2 million grant to Wave Rural Connect LLC/Cox Communication LLC for a total project of $19.6 million in Logan County.

• A $10.9 million grant to Connect2First Internet for a total project of $14.7 million in Lonoke County.

• A $7.9 million grant to CableSouth Media LLC for a total project of $10.7 million in Ashley County.

• A $6.6 million grant to Ashley-Chicot Electric Cooperative Inc. for a total project of $8.8 million in Chicot County.

• A $5.2 million grant to Four States Fiber for a total project of $8 million in Columbia County.

• A $4.5 million grant to South Central Connect LLC/Central Arkansas Telephone Cooperative Inc. for a total project of $$6.1 million in Hot Spring County.

• A $1.6 million grant to South Central Connect LLC for a total project of $2.2 million in Clark County.

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