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Commerce outlines broadband spending, BEAD timetable and local partnerships
Summary
The Department of Commerce told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee it is deploying state and federal broadband funds — including a $120 million ARPA capital‑projects program and preparations for a roughly $580 million federal BEAD program — and has begun prequalification for BEAD applicants with a funding application phase planned for Q2.
Department of Commerce staff told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee that Idaho is in active deployment and planning phases for multiple broadband funding streams, and described administration plans, timelines and partnerships with private internet service providers.
Brooke Dupree, a budget and policy analyst, said the Department of Commerce has two budgeted programs with 48 FTP (42 in commerce and 6 in the broadband office) and that the Idaho Broadband Fund was initially capitalized by a $35,000,000 general‑fund transfer. Dupree said about $26.5 million of that state fund is already obligated and about $8.7 million remains uncommitted.
Tom Keeley, director of the Department of Commerce, and Ramon Jabe Sanchez, broadband manager, described three funding streams: the state broadband fund ($35M), a $120M…
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