WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl announced that Wisconsin will receive $38,111,026 in loan and grant funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. These funds will be used to help provide increased access to high speed internet service. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Kohl provided funding for this program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  In March, Kohl wrote letters and contacted the Department of Commerce supporting the grant applications.  

"Reaching new markets enables businesses to grow and create new jobs.  But the reality is that there are many underserved populations, even in urban areas, that don't have access to the broadband services that extend their reach," Kohl said. "This investment will generate new opportunities for employers, students and medical professionals throughout our state." 

Recipients receiving broadband funding include:  
University of Wisconsin System - $32,275,328
College of Menominee Nations - $3,355,956
City of Milwaukee – $2,479,742  

According to the Administration these funds will be used to expand access to high speed internet, provided educational and job training opportunities and to develop public computer centers throughout the state.  These investments will also help create jobs in the short term and help establish a new foundation for long-term economic growth. 

• University of Wisconsin System - $29,884,914 - This approximately $29.9 million award, with more than $12.8 in matching contributions, will allow the University of Wisconsin – Extension Service (UWEX) to offer affordable middle-mile broadband service in communities across the state.  The project plans to directly connect as many as 182 community institutions to broadband.  As many as 333,600 people stand to benefit as do 9,000 businesses. In addition to the nearly 150 jobs UWEX estimates the project will create, it will provide a foundation for economic growth and job creation for decades to come. 
• College Of Menominee Nations - $3,355,956 - This approximately $3.4 million award, matched by nearly $1.7 million in matching contributions, will allow the College of Menominee Nation to upgrade and expand public computer services for the Menominee Indian tribe of Wisconsin as well as residents in nearby regions. The project plans to deploy up to 130 new workstations and increase hours of operation to serve an estimated 660 additional users per week as well as provide educational and skills training to residents. In addition to the jobs this project will create, it will provide a foundation for economic growth and job creation for decades to come.
• City Of Milwaukee - $2,479,742 - This approximately $2.5 million award will allow the City of Milwaukee to enhance broadband capacity and availability for the public with a particular focus on economically vulnerable communities and areas of the city with higher poverty and unemployment rates. The project plans to deploy up to 270 new computer workstations, upgrade broadband speeds, and provide skills training to residents. In addition to the jobs this project will create, it will provide a foundation for economic growth and job creation for decades to come.
• University Of Wisconsin System - $2,390,414 - This approximately $2.4 million award will allow the University of Wisconsin System to increase broadband usage through comprehensive and targeted broadband adoption programs in five needy communities in the state. The project will create seven public computer centers and develop targeted programs for tribes, farmers, senior citizens, students, and the unemployed. In addition to the jobs this project will create, it will provide a foundation for economic growth and job creation for decades to come.