National Broadband Initiative (ARRA)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)
Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) or Stimulus Bill, the U.S. Congress has appropriated $7.2 billion to distribute funding for the purpose of developing and expanding broadband services to rural and underserved communities, focusing on schools, libraries, health care, educational institutions, non-profit community organizations, and the construction of broadband infrastructure.
Two federal agencies will handle the distribution of broadband grants/awards.
$4.7 billion - National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Department of Commerce
$2.5 billion - Rural Utilities Services (RUS), U.S. Department of Agriculture
The Federal Broadband Website: http://www.broadband.gov/