NJ Senators Introduce Bills on Rural Broadband Grants, Statewide Wireless Network
New Jersey senators are proposing to create a rural broadband infrastructure grant program to expand and improve the state's broadband infrastructure and provide service in rural areas. Under a bill (SB-325) introduced Tuesday, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority would oversee the program, and the grant amounts would be capped at $75,000 per project, with the applicant to contribute private capital of at least 25% of the value of the grant. The legislation, whose primary sponsors are Douglas Steinhardt (R) and Troy Singleton (D), would establish the fund using $2.5 million in federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds. It was referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
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Also introduced Tuesday and referred to the Senate committee was SB-2667, which would direct the state Office of Information Technology to contract with a private entity to build and operate a statewide wireless network. The office would be the owner or lessee of any project financed by the state, according to the bill, which was sponsored by Sen. Britnee Timberlake (D).