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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"><img width="624" height="147" style="width:6.5in;height:1.5312in" id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:image001.png@01D95B3D.90D71E10" alt="Graphical user interface, text
Description automatically generated"></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">March 20, 2023
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><u><span style="font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Gov. Little signs “Idaho First” broadband investments into law<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1129 into law today, adding another $125 million to improve broadband infrastructure throughout the state as part
of his “Idaho First” plan. Another $100 million is nearing legislative approval as part of the Idaho Department of Commerce appropriation budget, for a total of $225 million in new funding for broadband expansion in Idaho.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">“In a data-driven society, connectivity is imperative for a strong economy. Improved broadband infrastructure means both urban and rural Idaho will be connected and
well-positioned to attract business and enhance our citizens’ quality of life. I appreciate my legislative partners for prioritizing these new ‘Idaho First’ investments in broadband expansion. Together, we are ensuring a kid in Pierce can learn online with
a kid from Pocatello and a senior citizen in Challis can connect to her doctor in Chubbuck. This is about all about connecting Idaho and improving lives,”</span></i></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"> Governor Little said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board will oversee the distribution of funds to ensure all corners of the state can have fast, reliable broadband.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Improved broadband helps student learning, telehealth, work-from-home opportunities in more parts of the state, and enhanced government services. Long-term, Idaho will
see better opportunities for economic development in underserved parts of Idaho.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Since 2019, Governor Little and the Legislature have taken many steps to improve broadband. The Broadband Task Force was assembled, and the Idaho Broadband Office was created
at the Idaho Department of Commerce to put structure around Idaho’s broadband priorities and position us to further seize opportunities to expand broadband.
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Through this work, Idaho established a plan early on to improve broadband access, speed, and infrastructure across Idaho.
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">In March of 2020, the pandemic further reinforced the need to better connect Idaho with improved broadband services. Idaho put $50 million in CARES Act dollars to advance
dozens of projects throughout the state in 2020. Then in 2021, Idaho set aside $35 million of General Fund money to expand broadband.
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Through the investments, the state has been able to connect tens of thousands of underserved households in Idaho, the majority of which are in rural communities of less
than 3,000 residents. Dozens and dozens of projects were launched with the investments we made.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">The new funds signed into law today help the state tackle the more than $600 million worth of shovel ready projects waiting for funding in Idaho.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. For press inquiries only, contact the Governor’s press office at (208) 854-3015 or e-mail
</span></i><a href="mailto:Madison.Hardy@gov.idaho.gov"><i><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">Madison.Hardy@gov.idaho.gov</span></i></a><i><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">.
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<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Segoe UI",sans-serif">To unsubscribe from these announcements, send an e-mail to
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