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Legislators and county officials push back after state details Arkansas Rural Connect rules limiting applicants to incorporated towns
Summary
State broadband staff described the Arkansas Rural Connect rules and a $25 million initial fund targeting municipalities (generally 500+ population) to co‑apply with ISPs; lawmakers, county judges and quorum court members objected that the rules exclude many unincorporated areas and urged expanding eligibility to counties, special districts or allow ISPs as lead applicants.
Clint Moore of the Arkansas Department of Commerce read a statement from state broadband manager Nathan Smith describing the Arkansas Rural Connect grant program: the rules are posted for public comment, the program will distribute $25 million in grants and loans to help municipalities co‑apply with internet providers, and mayors will be asked to report on ISP performance. The program is intended to advance the governor—s broadband goal and prioritize municipal applicants in the first funding round.
Multiple legislators and local officials responded that the draft rules conflict with the way many members understood the statewide broadband effort.…
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