Governor’s Proposal Includes Funding for Broadband Development Office

The budget includes $500,000 over two years for a broadband development office that would be housed in the Department of Commerce.
(Published Jan 28, 2013)

Gov. Dayton’s budget plan includes a proposal for a new broadband development office. The governor released his budget recommendation on Jan. 22.

The broadband development office under the governor’s proposal would develop a database of high-speed fiber projects, coordinate deployment projects, and implement a statewide “dig-once” program. The “dig-once” initiative would coordinate transportation and other infrastructure construction projects to use fiber in the planning.

The proposed dedication of $500,000 under the Department of Commerce includes funding for the office to provide staffing for technical analysis and guidance, as well as logistical support to the Governor’s Broadband Task Force.

The proposal outlines these performance measures:

  • Successful establishment of a statewide fiber collaboration database for the use of broadband developments.
  • An increase in the amount and effectiveness of federal broadband development funds received in Minnesota.
  • More detailed and specific recommendations from the Governor’s Broadband Task Force.
  • Progress toward meeting the state broadband goals.

The broadband development office initiatives are a component of the task force’s recommendations. The conversation will continue on Jan. 29, when the Broadband Task Force hosts a discussion with key committee chairs in the House and Senate. This will mark the task force’s first meeting since the Governor released his budget proposal. (Read related article about the Jan. 29 meeting.)

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