This bill provides an appropriation of $25M from the LSRA to the economic development account within the revolving investment funds, specifies use of a portion of the appropriation. The initial bill requires not less than $5M to be used to increase broadband services across the state. WAM ACTION: 3/1/17, House concurred with Senate confernce committee, bill adopted. WAM ACTION: 2/10/17, Rick Kaysen testified in support, Senate Minerals passed bill 5-0. WAM ACTION: 1/30/17 Laurie Heath testified in support reminding that if broadband was budgeted to consider increasing connectivity then consider connections into the municipal government buildings. Bill was amended to remove the broadband earmark language and passed committee. |