Oct 1 deadline set for broadband program

LINCOLN -  A notice from the Nebraska Public Service Commission says  it will accept applications for the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program  through Oct. 1.

The program is authorized by the state Legislature’s LB388 and administered by the state Public Service Commission.   The act allows public entities and private companies to enter into a partnership to apply for grant funding.

Earlier this week, the Nemaha County Board declined to pursue the program.

Public Service Commission Chairman Dan Watermeier said there is interest in the state of getting broadband to unserved and underserved areas.

The deadline for applications to be filed is 5 p.m., Friday, Oct.  1.

Gov. Pete Ricketts signed LB 38 into law in May. The program provides grants to fund the deployment of broadband networks over the next two years.

In May, the Federal Communications Commission kicked off a $3.2 billion emergency broadband benefit program.