All states approved
RCR Wireless News reports BEAD funding approved
The BEAD program will make $42.5 billion in federal funds available for broadband services. This has been a much anticipated approval. While promising, it is interesting to note that this approval has occurred during the “in between time” of administration transition. There have been cases of opposition to this program with accusations of federal overreach and other instances of push back.
The incoming administration pledges to reign in spending and it will be of interest to watch as it begins to take form. Future funding programs, such as the 5G fund may now be at greater risk of termination.
Moving forward, it is expected that there will be much more oversight on spending. It is a good time for local participants, both grantor and grantee, to ensure funds are administered properly. The pendulum of cost cutting will most likely spill over into the public eye as news worthy topics.