A proposal to fund expanded access to broadband in rural areas is headed to Gov. Roy Cooper's desk for approval.
The plan puts $15 million a year aside over the next ten years to expand a recently created matching grant program that helps cover the costs of projects meant to deliver high-speed internet access to rural areas around the state.
The funds to expand broadband access were originally included as part of a larger state budget proposal, but following Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of that plan in June, Republican legislators have shifted to a strategy of separately passing individual spending measures while continuing to negotiate with Democrats and Cooper on the overall budget.
Legislators are also looking at individual measures to fund community colleges and a new juvenile justice plan, as well as passing new tax measures. Meanwhile, GOP Senate leader Phil Berger has set a deadline of Oct. 31 to pass a final budget before the legislature adjourns.
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