Thirty-nine grants totaling $97.5 million have been awarded under the state’s Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grants Program, which was created this year by the Iowa Legislature to expand high-speed internet statewide. According to a news release from the governor’s office, 178 applications were received from broadband providers requesting nearly $300 million. In the release issued Tuesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds said expanding broadband statewide continues to be a top priority. “It is clear by the sheer volume and scope of applications that the need is there,” she said. “Today’s award announcement will go a long way toward meeting that need, and we won’t stop here.” Read the full story from the Business Record
