ASHLAND — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), on Oct 7th, announced over $115 million in grants to local and Tribal communities through DOA’s Flexible Facilities Program (FFP). Funded through the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) Capital Projects Fund (CPF) as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan Act, these grants will go toward funding public facility expansion or improvement projects designed to provide reliable broadband access to local communities, including libraries, community centers, and multi-purpose community facilities.

“We’re working to build the 21st-century infrastructure and workforce Wisconsin needs to meet the demands of the 21st Century, including expanding access to high-speed internet. Every Wisconsinite should have access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet, and these investments will help build upon our work to close the digital divide, especially in our rural areas and communities,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m incredibly proud to be working alongside our dedicated state agencies and federal partners to help bolster our public infrastructure, including supporting our libraries and community centers and expanding access to critical services for folks in every corner of our state.”

“Access to reliable internet is a necessity for Wisconsinites across the state to attend school, make doctor appointments, manage their farms, and run their businesses,” said U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin). “I’m thrilled to work with state and local partners to expand internet access in our communities, level the playing field, and ensure everyone in Wisconsin has the opportunity to thrive.”

“The Biden-Harris Administration is making significant progress nationwide to ensure Americans have access to high-speed internet and close the digital divide,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “With these resources, Wisconsin families and small business owners will gain access to new economic opportunities and vital services like healthcare and education.”

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

The state of Wisconsin received a total of $189 million from the CPF for the FFP, the CPF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program, and for the previously announced Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) to support high-quality multi-purpose community facilities and help address high-speed internet access, affordability, and adoption in the state. DOA was originally awarded $107 million from the CFP to support the FFP, and an additional more than $7 million was made available through savings across CPF programs.

In December, Gov. Evers, U.S. Sen. Baldwin, DOA, and the PSC announced Treasury’s approval of the state’s plans to utilize $140 million of federal funds from the CFP to create the two new grant programs, the FFP and the Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program.

The FFP is designed to fund community facility projects such as public libraries, community centers, and multi-purpose community facilities in order to address critical requirements of digital and broadband access resulting from or exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. The projects are intended to serve disadvantaged populations most disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and who have limited or no remote access to broadband. The funded projects must provide new, renovated, or expanded facilities, broadband/high-speed internet service, and other digital connectivity equipment, and devices that will enable remote access to work, education, and health monitoring activities and resources. Wisconsin has committed to awarding at least $20 million in FFP grants to projects that include the construction, renovation, or expansion of public library facilities, in addition to digital technology and connectivity improvements within said facilities.

The FFP is open to all units of general local government and Tribal governments in Wisconsin. The maximum award is $4.25 million.

The CPF-FFP projects aim to:

- Directly support recovery from the coronavirus pandemic by strengthening and improving the public infrastructure to provide the digital resources necessary for Wisconsinites to be able to access remote work, education, and healthcare monitoring opportunities;

- Enable investments in capital assets designed to address inequities in access to critical services; and

- Provide 21st-century public infrastructure necessary to access critical services, including a high-quality and affordable broadband internet connection. 

Gov. Evers’ administration has done more to expand access to high-speed internet than any other administration in state history. Since 2019, Gov. Evers has allocated more than $345 million in state and federal funds to expand high-speed internet, including the largest state investment in state history. These investments have made it possible for the Commission to award grants to help more than 410,000 homes and businesses access new or improved broadband services. In his most recent budget, the governor recommended allocating $750 million in state funding for broadband expansion to supplement the federal funding being allocated to the state in coming years. Unfortunately, despite that the federal funds Wisconsin expects to receive will not be sufficient to address the broadband needs across the state, Republicans in the Wisconsin State Legislature removed this funding from the final budget and provided $0 in new funding for broadband.

In addition to state and federal investments, in 2020, Gov. Evers created the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access to advise the governor and the Legislature on broadband actions, policies, and strategies to successfully expand high-speed internet in Wisconsin. In 2021, Gov. Evers declared it the Year of Broadband Access, and during that year, Gov. Evers directed $100 million in federal funds to broadband expansion—the largest single round of broadband investment in state history. Further, last year, Gov. Evers, together with the PSC and the Department of Public Instruction, also announced the launch of the Internet Discount Finder website to help Wisconsin households find and access affordable internet.

The Evers Administration is continuing this work as the PSC prepares to implement President Biden’s ‘Internet for All’ Initiative and reach Gov. Evers’ goal of bridging Wisconsin’s digital divide.

A summary of the applications awarded grant funding by region is available below.

Alma | $4,250,000
Funding will assist with the construction of a new public library and community facility. The project will impact over 9,600 individuals, including many experiencing higher rates of unemployment and poverty as a result of the pandemic. The new library and community center will feature three computer labs, three telemedicine rooms, and a large multi-purpose community space with a kitchenette. Additionally, the project will include the installation of high-speed internet with digitally equipped rooms for work, education, and healthcare monitoring, which will help address the shortage of healthcare professionals in the county.

Ashland | $3,386,967
Funding will assist with public library expansions and updates, which will benefit over 12,000 individuals, including many living with disparities in health, income, and high-speed internet access. Project funding will go towards the renovation of an existing library space with a meeting room, a classroom, and a computer lab with nine desktop computers.

Beloit | $3,890,558
Funding will assist with public library renovations, which will benefit over 11,000 individuals, including those with higher-than-average poverty and unemployment rates and children who score below proficient in math and reading. Funding will go towards library expansions, which will include six classrooms, three computer labs, and an interactive children’s learning space. Additionally, this project will include access to high-speed internet and address disparities in education, workforce development, and healthcare services.

Brown County | $4,025,691
Funding funds will assist with building renovations to create the Denmark Community Center and Library, which will benefit over 6,000 individuals who have been without a public library or community center since its closure in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The newly renovated facility will provide services to those without reliable or affordable home internet and individuals needing training and support in navigating job searches, online education, and telemedicine access. The construction will include building two classrooms, four multi-purpose spaces, and a mobile computer lab featuring ten laptops. The project will include access to free internet, technology training, employment assistance, educational programs, and health and wellness services through county partners and non-profit organizations.

Cable | $1,865,120
Funding will assist with the expansion of the Forest Lodge Public Library, which will benefit over 1,300 individuals, including those who are economically disadvantaged and elderly residents who rely on the library for its essential services and connection to the wider world. Project funding will go towards the renovation and expansion of the existing library space with a media lab, a telemedicine room, and a computer lab with eight computer stations. The expansion will specifically address work, education, and health monitoring, including multiple spaces outfitted with audiovisual capabilities.

Cadott | $3,747,710
Funding will assist with the construction of a new public library, which will benefit approximately 5,000 individuals, including those who were disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic and those with limited healthcare and technology access. The new public library space will feature two telemedicine rooms, two multi-purpose spaces, and a computer lab with seven desktop computers. This project will include enhanced access to medical, educational, and employment opportunities.

Dodgeville | $4,250,000 
Funding will assist with public library renovations, which will benefit over 12,100 individuals, including those who face above-average poverty rates as well as significant hardships regarding internet reliability and affordability. Funding will expand the existing library space, including the construction of a children’s programming room, a business center, and four classrooms with 11 laptop computers. Additionally, the project will offer remote learning support, telemedicine access, and workforce development resources.

Elkhorn | $2,172,006
Funding will assist with public library renovations, which will benefit over 3,500 individuals, including minority and elderly groups, individuals experiencing poverty, and those lacking access to internet and technology. Funding will go towards expanding the existing library space, including the construction of four study rooms, two telemedicine rooms, and two classrooms with eight laptop computers. This project will expand the broadband, educational, career, and healthcare community resources available to people in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Fall Creek | $4,250,000
Funding will assist with the construction of a new public library, which will benefit over 4,800 individuals, including those who experience greater challenges due to limited access to healthcare facilities and workforce shortages. The new library space will feature six Wi-Fi workspaces, four classrooms, and two computer labs with 20 laptop computers. This project will offer residents increased access to telehealth, remote work, and virtual learning by expanding technology access and introducing new collaborative areas, dedicated workstations, and computer labs.

Fennimore | $4,250,000
Funding will assist with public library renovations, which will benefit over 4,500 individuals, including those experiencing lower-than-average income, education, and access to technology. Funding will go towards expanding an existing library space with the construction of three telemedicine rooms, a conference room, and a multi-purpose space with kitchenette. This project will offer all community members ADA-compliant, barrier-free access to improved broadband and Wi-Fi access, multi-purpose meeting rooms, more desktop and laptop computers, and private rooms for work, education, and healthcare monitoring.

Fountain City | $1,707,800
Funding will assist with city auditorium renovations to create an improved community center and public library space. The project will benefit over 4,700 individuals, including those who are low-income, elderly, and children. Funding will go towards expanding the existing library and community center space with a telemedicine room, a large conference room, and four computer labs. This project will include the creation of an accessible, multipurpose community center that offers a robust library, facilities for education, workforce, and healthcare services, and a place for social and recreational activities.

Fremont | $4,250,000
Funding will assist with the construction of a tri-county public library and community center, which will benefit over 2,100 individuals, including low-income families, seniors, and youth. Funding will go towards building a library and community center space with three telemedicine rooms, a senior center, and a computer lab with ten desktop computers. The project will invest in flexible spaces that enable remote access to work, education and health monitoring, and will include study rooms, a dedicated teen space, a STEM space, and a safe indoor children’s play area.

Hammond | $4,095,154 
Funding will assist with the construction of a new public library, which will impact over 3,000 individuals, including many who are economically disadvantaged and those with limited transportation or broadband internet access. The new public library will include three classrooms, two telemedicine rooms, and a large multi-purpose space. Additionally, this project will greatly expand access to a variety of educational, work, and healthcare monitoring-related services for all residents within its service area.

Hancock | $452,150
Funding will assist with the expansion of a public library and the addition of a new resource center, which will benefit over 6,800 individuals, including those who experience economic, food, and health insecurity and the overall challenges due to a lack of digital technology in a rural community. Funding will go towards the renovation of an existing library space with a telemedicine room, a computer lab, and a multi-purpose space for groups. The project will greatly expand the ability of individuals to use upgraded computers and faster broadband services, especially those who are looking to have access to educational, health, vocation, and other essential services.

Independence | $4,121,435
Funding will assist with the construction of a new community learning center and public library, which will benefit over 2,200 individuals, including those experiencing higher than average poverty rates, higher-than-average food insecurity, as well as a higher-than-average immigrant population. The new library and community space will feature three classrooms, a computer lab, and a food pantry with a teaching kitchen. This project will offer comprehensive services and facilities to enable health monitoring, educational support, food security, workforce development, and digital access to address critical community needs.

La Crosse | $3,010,808
Funding will assist with public library renovations and technological connectivity improvements, which will benefit over 30,800 individuals, including those who are low-income and lack access to high-speed internet. Funding will go towards expanding the existing library space with three classrooms, five meeting rooms, and two computer labs. This project will update the library’s broadband infrastructure and purchase desktop computers, laptops, and connectivity hardware to ensure fast, secure, and reliable internet access for all users.

Madison | $4,250,000
Funding will assist with the construction of a new public library and Imagination Center at Reindahl Park. The project will benefit over 19,300 individuals, including those who experience a higher rate of poverty and lowered access to internet and transportation. The new library will have meeting rooms, classrooms, a quiet reading room, and a family space. This project will offer free high-speed internet and computer access, and it will feature a Tech Hub with ten workstations and 15 laptops.

Mauston | $2,881,280
Funding will assist with the expansion of public library space and services. The project will benefit over 11,700 individuals, including those who experience widespread poverty conditions, employment challenges, limited access to education, and rural isolation. Funding will go towards renovating the existing library space through the addition of four telemedicine rooms, six multi-purpose spaces, and two classrooms. This project will also repurpose an underused workroom to provide added space, improved internet access, and technology education to the community with the digital access needed for work, education, and healthcare monitoring.

Mercer | $101,882
Funding will assist with public library renovations, which will benefit over 2,200 individuals, including those experiencing higher unemployment rates, reduced access to high-speed internet, and aging Wisconsinites. Project funding will expand the existing library space to include four multi-purpose rooms, a conference room, and a memory lab. The project will focus on renovating the space to provide increased access to workspaces with high-speed internet for remote work, education, and telehealth appointments for the town of Mercer and Iron County residents, visitors, and organizations.

Milwaukee County | $3,967,737
Funding will assist with the renovation of the Clinton & Bernice Rose Senior Center. The project will benefit over 700 individuals, including minority populations, elderly individuals, and those experiencing poverty and health challenges. Funding will go towards expanding the existing community center with a telemedicine room, a multi-purpose space, and a computer lab with 12 desktop computers. The project will include the addition of technical equipment in an effort to allow individuals greater access to updated and improved educational, vocational, and nutritional programming.

New Glarus | $4,250,000
Funding will assist with the construction of a new public library. The project will benefit over 6,100 individuals, including those who face challenges related to living in a rural area with a lack of access to reliable high-speed internet. The new library space will have a children’s programming area, a study room, and a classroom with six desktop computers. This project will include the installation of fast and reliable internet, improved technology access, and private spaces to perform virtual activities related to work, education, and healthcare.

New London | $3,900,000
Funding will assist with public library renovations and improvements, which will benefit over 15,000 individuals, including those who are of lower socioeconomic status, disabled, and elderly. Funding will go towards the expansion of an existing library space to include six classrooms, a science lab, and three computer labs with 30 desktop computers. With project funding, the library will have increased broadband speed and technology that will address digital equity gaps and improve spaces, services, and materials, enhancing work, education, and healthcare monitoring.

Ozaukee County | $748,500
Funding will assist with the expansion of the Ozaukee Nonprofit Center, which will benefit approximately 25,000 individuals, including those who are unemployed, lack access to high-speed internet, and lack access to healthcare services. Funding will go towards renovating the existing library space with a workstation room, an outdoor education center, and three classrooms with 13 laptop computers. The project will renovate targeted spaces that are underutilized to accommodate expanded high-speed internet opportunities for community residents to access and use for work, education, and virtual healthcare visits.

Phelps | $4,250,000
Funding will assist with the construction of a new public library and community center, which will benefit over 1,200 individuals, including seniors and families, those who are of low to moderate income, and those who were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Funding will go towards building a multi-purpose facility with a library, a classroom, and a computer lab with 20 laptop computers. The project will also include improved high-speed internet and upgrades to connectivity capabilities and equipment, creating a hub for a multitude of opportunities, such as classes in healthcare, telehealth, workforce development, and education.

Plum Lake | $4,250,000
Funding will assist with the construction of a new community center, which will benefit over 1,600 individuals, including those who experienced significant disadvantages in accessing work, education, and health monitoring during the coronavirus pandemic due to a critical lack of accessible high-speed internet. Funding will go towards building a community center with three multi-purpose spaces, a classroom, and a computer lab offering 20 desktop computers. The project will include the installation of broadband for work, education, and healthcare needs in a centrally located area while providing ADA-compliant updates.

Port Washington | $1,093,348
Funding will assist with public library renovations, which will benefit over 17,200 individuals, including those who experience higher rates of poverty. Funding will go towards expanding the existing library space to create a private telemedicine space, a computer lab, and a large community room. High-speed internet will be installed to directly impact work, education, and healthcare needs, and more outlets in public seating, laptops to loan and use for classes, Wi-Fi hotspots, and a large charging station.

Reeseville | $251,040
Funding will assist with public library renovations, which will benefit over 600 individuals, including those who experience rural isolation and lower socioeconomic status, as well as a lack of access to internet and technology. Funding will go towards the expansion of the library with a computer lab, a telemedicine room, and a children’s area. The project will renovate the main level to create a computer lab and technology space with laptops and software, enabling users to complete work, education, and healthcare-related tasks privately and efficiently.

Ripon | $1,985,000
Funding will assist with public library renovations, which will benefit over 7,600 individuals, including residents living below the poverty line, elderly residents, people with disabilities, minority groups, and those without access to high-speed internet. Funding will go towards expanding the existing library through the addition of telemedicine rooms, computer labs, and a large multi-purpose space. With project funding, the library will have dynamic available spaces for patrons to use for work, including online interviews and meetings, education, including online classes and exams, and healthcare monitoring, including telehealth appointments.

River Falls | $4,080,488
Funding will assist with public library expansions and equipment upgrades, which will benefit approximately 46,500 individuals, including many with lower levels of income, lower levels of education, and a significant lack of reliable internet access. Project funding will go towards renovations on the upper level of the existing library to create an additional meeting room, two study rooms, and a quiet room, as well as equipping the library’s main computer lab with 50 new laptop computers. Additionally, other renovations and equipment upgrades on the main level of the library will be implemented to create a business center and additional office and storage spaces. The renovations are focused on increasing the accessibility of digital connectivity for work, education, and healthcare monitoring purposes.

Shawano | $4,250,000
Funding will assist with the expansion of a multi-purpose recreation center, which will benefit over 9,200 individuals, including those lacking modern infrastructure and high-quality broadband internet. Funding will go towards renovating a multi-purpose community facility with a computer lab, a classroom, and two telemedicine rooms. The project aims to bridge digital access gaps by upgrading the facility to create electronic devices available for public use.

Sokaogon Chippewa – Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa | $4,250,000
Funding will assist with the construction of a new multi-purpose community center, which will benefit over 28,700 individuals, including those who have historically faced disadvantages in accessing critical services, which includes tribal members, low-income households, and elderly individuals. Funding will go towards building a multi-purpose community facility with four telemedicine rooms, two classrooms, and nine computer labs with 80 desktop computers. This project will enhance the well-being of community members by increasing the availability and access to resources such as remote education, telehealth services, workforce development opportunities, and high-speed internet.

Stanley | $4,137,056
Funding will assist with public library renovations, which will benefit over 6,600 individuals, including many low-income households, seniors, and migrant workers. Funding will go towards the expansion of the existing library with two classrooms and three computer labs with 26 desktop computers. This project will modernize and expand facilities in an effort to support and enrich the lives of patrons and serve as a dynamic center for education and community connection.

St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin | $4,250,000
Funding will assist with the expansion of a public library and community center facility, which will benefit over 11,500 individuals, including many who have experienced exclusion or endured significant barriers to services critical to individual well-being, cultural connection, economic advancement, and educational opportunities, made worse by the coronavirus pandemic. Project funding will go towards the renovation of a multi-purpose community facility, including an elder center, a language and music preservation studio, and six classrooms. The project will provide designated spaces to access remote learning, nutrition, and wellness spaces, as well as career and workforce development opportunities.

Waupaca | $4,165,225
Funding will assist with the expansion of a community center, which will benefit over 4,500 individuals, including senior citizens, low to moderate-income households, and persons with disabilities. Funding will go towards renovating the existing community center with two classrooms, two telemedicine rooms, and a computer lab with 16 desktop computers. Additionally, this project aims to install high-speed internet, a gymnasium, and a career center and lab to directly enable work, education, and health monitoring.

Wautoma | $4,250,000
Funding will assist with the construction of a new YMCA for the Waushara County area, which will benefit over 3,200 individuals, including low-income families, elderly individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, and underserved youth. Funding will go towards building a new community center with a wellness center, a community lounge, and five classrooms with 25 laptop computers. The project will address critical community needs by providing a versatile space for activities and integrating cutting-edge digital connectivity equipment to support work, education, and healthcare monitoring in response to the coronavirus pandemic.