Department of Commerce awards $53 million for high-speed broadband funds

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas Department of Commerce announced Wednesday (Feb. 22) that more than $53 million will be awarded to 10 internet service providers in Arkansas to extend high-speed internet in eight underserved counties throughout the state.

This award completes the sixth award phase of the Arkansas Rural Connect broadband infrastructure grant program which is designed to expand the broadband footprint in rural Arkansas communities.

The $53 million investment, combined with $18.8 million in provider matching funds, will result in nearly 5,800 homes and businesses being connected to fast, reliable internet in Ashley, Baxter, Chicot, Clark, Columbia, Hot Spring, Logan, and Lonoke counties.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/02/department-of-commerce-awards-53-million-for-high-speed-broadband-funds/

Arkansas Senate Fails 2021-2022 Fiscal Appropriation For Department of Commerce

By SARAH KELLOGG

The Arkansas Senate failed to pass appropriations for the Arkansas Department of Commerce's 2021-2022 fiscal year on Monday. Members of the Senate voted 20-8 with five members not voting, which was ultimately not enough to pass Senate Bill 132.

In speaking against the bill,  Sen. Trent Garner, R-El Dorado, said he could not vote for any appropriation that would "fund and pay for the head of the Department of Commerce, Sec. Mike Preston."

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-senate-fails-2021-2022-fiscal-appropriation-department-commerce

Sen. Trent Garner, R-El Dorado, speaks against Senate Bill 132.

CREDIT ARKANSAS SENATE

Commerce Department Considers Calling In National Guard To Help Process PUA Claims

By ZUZANNA SITEK

The Arkansas Commerce Department is considering calling in the National Guard to help the Division of Workforce Services go through Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims. Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston says the number of claims had leveled out toward the end of last year, but changes to the program in the last two stimulus bills could require additional personnel to go through applications that had already been submitted.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/commerce-department-considers-calling-national-guard-help-process-pua-claims

Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston.

COURTESY / ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE