Iowa Governor Proposes $20M for Rural Broadband

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds advocated for an additional $20 million in state funding for improving broadband in rural areas during her "Condition of the State" address on January 15, 2019.

Last year the Iowa Legislature appropriated $1.3 million to provide grants for rural broadband improvements. Reynolds would like to legislature to commit an additional $20 million for the upcoming fiscal year.

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"It’s no secret, we need to keep our rural communities connected if we hope to keep our young people or attract others to Iowa. Over a century ago, a town’s proximity to the railroad was key; over the last 100 years, our focus has been on highways and interstates.  And, by the way, it’s that focus that finally gave us a completed four-lane Highway 20.
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Now, though, it’s virtual connectivity that has become essential. Businesses, schools, hospitals, and even our combines, rely on high-speed internet.

We have come a long way already. U.S. News & World Report  says “the Hawkeye state leads the nation in efforts to bring ultra-fast internet access to every city block and every rural acre.” But there’s still more to do.  

To ensure that every part of Iowa has the same opportunity, I am requesting $20 million, split over two years, for broadband infrastructure. This funding will accelerate expansion and leverage an additional $120 million in private investment for high-speed internet." - Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Condition of the State address, January 15, 2019.

While the Iowa Legislature has not taken action on Reynolds' request, there seems to be general consensus that the State of Iowa should invest more financial resources into improving broadband in areas where it is inadequate. A huge challenge remains - how to determine WHERE those investments should be made.