The Sconi

Wisconsin residents who don't have access to quality broadband are the groups in the state targeted by tens of thousands in federal grant money, Gov. Tony Evers announced in a social media post and press release.

Evers' Twitter post linked to the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin's home page that includes links for consumers to get broadband assistance and questions answered.

"Today, I announced $100 million for the State Broadband Expansion Grant Program through @PSCWisconsin, funded by our historic investments in the 2021-23 biennial budget to help make sure our families, communities and state bounce back," Evers said in his Twitter post.

Wisconsin's PSC, an independent regulatory agency that serve's the public interest, has been responsible for regulating Wisconsin’s public utilities since 1907.

The funds announced by Evers is the latest in state broadband expansion grants over the past three years that provided or will provide more than 300,000 homes and businesses with access to new or improved service, according to a separate press release also issued by Evers' office.

PSC Chairperson Rebecca Cameron Valcq thanked Evers for his budget that included $129 million for the expansion of Wisconsin's broadband internet access.

"This amount of funding demonstrates his commitment and dedication to connecting all of Wisconsin to this essential service," Valcq said in the press release. "As we continue to push toward the goal of getting all of us connected, the PSC will utilize these dollars effectively and efficiently while maintaining our high standards of accountability and transparency."

The funds Evers announced today, channeled through the State Broadband Expansion Grant Program, came from the federal American Rescue Plan, Coronavirus Aid Relief and the Economic Security Act and will be spent on increasing Wisconsinites’ access to broadband. The funding can be used to construct or improve existing broadband facilities in unserved and underserved areas.

Almost 12% of Wisconsinites don't have access to quality broadband and 56% don't have low-priced internet plans, meaning they pay more than $60 per month.

The PSC received about $105 million to increase internet access for residents throughout Wisconsin.

Anyone in Wisconsin who would like to apply for assistance from grant funds may do so beginning Dec. 1 here.