Preparing for billions in federal funds Michigan is expected to receive over the next five years from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan, specifically for high-speed internet, Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Monday issued policy that state departments and agencies collaborate with the legislature to continue expanding high-speed internet access.
The state will continue working to lower the cost of internet service, and help families, communities, and small businesses get and stay connected to affordable, reliable high-speed service.
In a press release, Governor Whitmer states:
“Right now, we have an historic opportunity to put Michiganders first and use the billions in funding we are expected to receive under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to ensure every home and business in our state has access to an affordable, reliable high-speed connection that meets their needs and that they know how to use,” said Gov. Whitmer. “With this executive directive, we are getting ready to deliver critical resources to communities across Michigan to help them enhance internet access and get their residents connected. Investments in high-speed internet create economic prosperity and ensure families and small businesses can rely on their connections to work, learn, and access critical information and services. The new infrastructure bill’s funding will build on work we have already done in this space and help us usher in a new era of prosperity for our state. I look forward to working with the legislature to invest these dollars and get the job done.”
The executive directive lays out a range of actions to help Michigan continue expanding high-speed internet, including:
· Prioritizing in-state businesses and workers as the states expands high-speed internet access
· The “dig once” principle to complete work on water, high-speed internet, the road, and other utilities simultaneously wherever possible to be more efficient
· Communities with the slowest speeds will be prioritized first
· State departments will collaborate with local service providers to develop a comprehensive map of internet coverage in Michigan to close the digital divide
· Developing a plan to identify barriers to internet access, making long-term plans with counties and communities to improve access, and learn how enhanced access improves a range of other social, economic, and health-related outcomes.
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