Wisconsin directs $115M to libraries, community centers for broadband access

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin is directing $115 million in federal funds toward projects to provide broadband access to local and tribal communities in areas such as libraries and community centers.

The funds are part of the Flexible Facilities Program funded through the American Rescue Plan Act’s Capital Projects Fund. The funds are part of $189 million sent to Wisconsin for the program and the previously announced Digital Connectivity and Navigators program.

The fund sends a maximum of $4.25 million toward projects.

The fund will send that maximum award to Alma for a new public library and community facility with high speed internet, Dodgeville for public library renovations and laptop computers, Fall Creek for a new public library with Wi-Fi workspaces and laptops, Fennimore for public library renovations and Wi-Fi access, Fremont for a new public library, Madison for a new public library and center with a Tech Hub at Reindahl Park, New Glarus for a new public library, Phelps for a public library and community center, Plum Lake for a new community center, Shawano for a recreation center with broadband, the Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa for a community center, the St. Croix Chippewa Indians for a public library and community center expansion and Wautoma for a new YMCA for Waushara County.

“We’ve seen a lot of interest in these projects to remove barriers and expand vital broadband services for Wisconsinites,” said Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “I’m excited about the variety of projects these grants will help support across the state.”

Other multi-million dollar awards went to Ashland ($3.4 million for public library expansion), Beloit ($3.9 million for public library renovations), Brown County ($4 million for Denmark Community Center renovations), Cable ($1.9 million for Forest Lodge Public Library expansion) and Cadott ($3.7 million for a new public library).

Awards also went to Elkhorn ($2.2 million for public library renovations), Fountain City ($1.7 million for city auditorium renovations), Hammond ($4.1 million for a new public library), Independence ($4.1 million for a new community learning center and library), La Crosse ($3 million for public library renovations), Mauston ($2.9 million for public library expansion), Milwaukee County ($4 million for Clinton & Bernice Rose Senior Center renovation), New London ($3.9 million for public library renovations), Ripon ($2 million for public library renovations), River Falls ($4.1 million for library expansion), Stanley ($4.1 million for public library renovations) and Waupaca ($4.2 million for community center expansion).