— State officials are now developing an implementation plan for more than $1 billion in federal dollars coming to Wisconsin through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.
During a meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access, Broadband Expansion Manager Rory Tikalsky yesterday provided an update on BEAD planning efforts in Wisconsin. His position is part of the Public Service Commission’s Wisconsin Broadband Office.
He explained planning efforts have pivoted from outreach and gathering feedback to writing a plan for “figuring out how to actually make this happen” in the next several years.
Wisconsin is set to receive about $1.06 billion in federal funding through the BEAD program, a $42.45 billion national effort established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“We’re sprinting toward the finish of our BEAD five-year plan,” Tikalsky said. “That’s going to be due Aug. 28, but realistically we’ve got to finalize our content in the next week or two here, then polish and improve and everything else.”
Much of that plan will align with the task force’s third annual report, which was released early last month, Tikalsky noted.
Going into this fall, state officials will be developing an initial proposal for the program, which will include a comprehensive map of locations that will receive funding as well as scoring criteria, details on the allocation process and more. That proposal is due Dec. 27.
After a spring “state challenge process” focused on the eligibility map for funding allocations, Tikalsky said “by next spring, next summer, we’re going to start opening grant rounds, awarding grants — really trying to find a way to push money out the door and start construction.”
Watch a video of the meeting here: https://wiseye.org/2023/08/02/governors-task-force-on-broadband-access-12/
See the task force’s 2023 report: https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2023/07/07/file_attachments/2548445/2023GovernorsTaskForceOnBroadbandAccessReport.pdf
See more on the BEAD program: https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program
— A PSC spokesperson is defending the agency’s approach to transparency after a GOP lawmaker criticized the commission in a recent op-ed.
Rep. Barbara Dittrich this week wrote an opinion piece titled “The PSC Problem in Wisconsin,” in which she argues the Public Service Commission lacks transparency and describes it as a “nebulous mystery” for citizens.
In the piece, the Oconomowoc Republican references two large solar farm projects being planned in Wisconsin: the Sinnissippi Solar Energy Center in Jefferson County and the Koshkonong Solar Project in Dane County. She notes the “substantial financial benefit” expected from these projects, but also says constituents are raising concerns about the size and potential impacts such as stray voltage.
“What I have found considerably frustrating as a legislator is the problem with Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission (PSC). This panel consists of unelected bureaucrats who serve at the behest of whomever is seated in the Governor’s Office,” she wrote. “Legislators like myself have virtually no ability to address the valid concerns that constituents have regarding any given project.”
She argues the PSC should be “more transparent in its process and approachability.”
In response to the op-ed, PSC spokesperson Meghan Sovey said the PSC takes its obligation for transparency and public participation “extremely seriously.” She noted filings to the commission, testimony from cases and public comments are all available at its website.
“Members of the public — including legislators — have multiple opportunities to submit public comment and testify at hearings for every construction authorization or rate case that comes before the Commission,” she wrote in an email. “All Commission decisions are made in full view of the public at an open meeting and broadcast live on the internet based upon the record developed in this transparent process.”
Read the full op-ed here: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/38/dittrich/media/2626/8-1-23_pscproblem.pdf
See more from the agency: https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/CommissionActions/PublicParticipation.aspx
— The Milwaukee Repertory Theater plans to break ground in May 2024 on a new theater complex, which is slated to open in fall 2025.
Milwaukee Rep yesterday announced the groundbreaking plans as fundraising efforts continue through the Powering Milwaukee Campaign. Funds will go toward the planned Associated Bank Theater Center, which will replace the performing arts organization’s current aging facilities.
In a WisBusiness.com podcast interview earlier this year, executive director Chad Bauman discussed the group’s plans to raise $75 million for the new complex. Yesterday’s release noted the campaign is now 90 percent complete.
Even as construction is underway next year, the organization says it will produce 12 plays in the 2024/25 season, including three being produced off-site.
See the release: https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/milwaukee-repertory-theater-announces-construction-timeline-for-new-associated-bank-theater-center/
See more on the campaign: https://www.milwaukeerep.com/powering-milwaukee/
Listen to the podcast with Bauman: https://www.wisbusiness.com/2023/wisbusiness-the-podcast-with-chad-bauman-milwaukee-repertory-theater/
— The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is now taking applications for its second LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur Bootcamp.
The chamber yesterday announced details for the two-day event, being held Sept. 14 and 15 in Milwaukee. It will cover business planning, market research, legal issues for startups, financing and more.
Chamber President and CEO Jason Rae says the program aims to “empower LGBTQ+ and allied individuals” to start their own businesses.
“We saw last year how important this program was to entrepreneurs and we are excited to continue that in 2023 and hopefully beyond,” Rae said yesterday in a statement.
See details here: https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/wisconsin-lgbt-chamber-applications-open-for-lgbtq-entrepreneur-bootcamp/
<br><b><i>Top headlines from the Health Care Report…</b></i>
— Dem lawmakers are circulating a bill that would allow Medicare supplement policyholders to choose a different plan during a 30-day period once per year.
<i>For more of the most relevant news on COVID-19, reports on groundbreaking health research in Wisconsin, links to top stories and more, sign up today for the free daily Health Care Report from WisPolitics.com and WisBusiness.com.</i>
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#TOP STORIES#
# Wine at the brewery? A new bill could change Wisconsin’s liquor laws
# Children’s Hospital wants to build $6M clinic in Milwaukee’s northwest side
# Why Milwaukee?: Q&A with KISS star Paul Stanley on opening of Rock & Brews
#TOPICS#
# AGRIBUSINESS
– USDA announces August 2023 lending rates for agricultural producers
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=732&yr=2023
# ECONOMY
– Appleton property assessments will jump 43% for homes, 39% overall in citywide revaluation
# FOOD AND BEVERAGE
– Paloma Taco & Tequila to open Bay View restaurant
# LABOR
– Minnesota wage theft law goes into effect, but would it fly in Wisconsin?
# LEGAL
– Marijuana is now legal in Minnesota. What does that mean for us in Wisconsin?
# MANUFACTURING
– As Generac sees sales decrease, CEO expresses optimism about long-term trends
# REAL ESTATE
– Walker’s Point office building sold for $3.1 million
# RETAIL
– Hibbett plans second sporting goods store in Milwaukee
# SPORTS
– UW hockey champ shows CrossFit elites how it’s done
– Wisconsin has the most golf courses on Golf Digest’s newest list of ‘America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses’
# TRANSPORTATION
– WisDOT names first female deputy secretary
– SS Badger, ferry that carries traffic across Lake Michigan, out for season after ramp system damaged
# PRESS RELEASES
<i>See these and other press releases:
https://www.wisbusiness.com/press-releases/ </i>
UW Health: University of Wisconsin Hospitals ranked No. 1 in Wisconsin
