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Commerce highlights broadband spending, BEAD timeline and workforce priorities; $580M BEAD program moves toward project selection
Summary
The Idaho Department of Commerce told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee it has obligated most state broadband funds and is preparing to accept BEAD funding applications this year, while also emphasizing workforce, housing and childcare as priorities for business growth.
The Idaho Department of Commerce told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee that it is deploying state and federal broadband dollars while continuing work to support workforce, housing and other business needs.
Brooke Dupree, a Legislative Services analyst, reviewed Commerce’s funds and structure and said the department’s broadband office was created in the prior session to increase transparency for broadband expenditures. Dupree summarized recent appropriations: a $35 million state general fund appropriation (Idaho Broadband Fund), $120 million from the capital projects fund (ARPA) that has been contracted across 18 projects, and roughly $100 million of IIJA funds previously appropriated for broadband infrastructure. She said the governor recommended moving appropriation reauthorizations into the broadband office to support project oversight.
Director Tom Kealey and his leadership team described Commerce’s broader priorities,…
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