DES MOINES-The Department of Management Division of Information Technology, formerly the Office of the Chief Information Officer, is requesting public comment on the State of Iowa Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal Plan. The Initial Proposal encompasses Iowa’s proposed implementation of $415,331,313 of broadband infrastructure funding made possible through the Investment Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA).

The funds are being administered by the National Telecommunications and Infrastructure Administration. This proposal will result in a future broadband grant opportunity within Iowa targeting unserved and underserved locations.

Public comments may be submitted until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 15th by going to comment.iowa.gov. The public comment link may also be accessed by going to ocio.iowa.gov/broadband. Public comments will be made available to the public with personal identifying information redacted (pursuant to Iowa Code section 22.7) no later than December 27, 2023. Any questions regarding the initial proposal may be directed to ociogrants@iowa.gov.