STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HER EXCELLENCY
M. JODI RELL
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 32
Whereas, the United States Congress has passed and President Obama has signed into law a comprehensive federal economic stimulus package to create jobs and stimulate growth known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; and
Whereas, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (hereinafter the “Recovery Act”) expands benefits in a number of health and human services programs, provides funding for rebuilding and maintaining the nation’s infrastructure, fosters investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, assists in the stabilization of state and local budgets, and furthers efforts to train tomorrow’s workforce; and
Whereas, more than $7 billion for expansion and enhancement of broadband service has been made available in the form of grants and loans through the Recovery Act; and
Whereas, the residents of Connecticut would benefit from the development of a comprehensive map of broadband service throughout the state; and
Whereas, there are areas of Connecticut that have limited access to broadband service. In addition, there are areas of Connecticut, predominantly the state’s urban centers, where broadband service is underutilized; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering the Recovery Act’s State Broadband Data and Development Program to fund projects that collect comprehensive and accurate state-level broadband mapping data, develop state-level broadband maps, aid in the development and maintenance of a national broadband map, and fund statewide initiatives directed at broadband planning; and
WHEREAS, the state of Connecticut must designate a single eligible entity to apply for and receive a grant for the State Broadband Data and Development Program; and
Whereas, the NTIA and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service, charged with administering the Recovery Act’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (Public Computers Center Program and Sustainable Broadband Adoption) and Broadband Infrastructure Program, have created a two-step application review process whereby the Governor’s office of each state will receive a list of applications under consideration for Recovery Act funding; and
WHEREAS, the states will have twenty calendar days from the date of notification from the NTIA to prioritize and recommend broadband projects for Recovery Act funding following an initial review by NTIA and/or the Rural Utility Service; and
WHEREAS, it is the State’s policy to encourage expanded access to state-of-the-art technologies for rural, inner-city, low-income, and disabled Connecticut citizens; and
WHEREAS, deploying broadband networks and advanced communication services throughout Connecticut will enable continued improvements in healthcare, public safety, education, and the economy; and
WHEREAS, the increased State use of broadband networks and advanced communication services will enhance government operations through telemedicine for healthcare, distance learning for education, and better coordination in the areas of public safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, M. JODI RELL, Governor of the State of Connecticut, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes of the State of Connecticut do hereby issue this Order and direct as follows:
1. The Department of Public Utility Control is designated the single eligible entity to apply for a State Broadband Data and Development Program grant to collect comprehensive and accurate state-level broadband mapping data and develop a state-level broadband mapping capability.
a. The Department of Public Utility Control shall work with the Departments of Information Technology, Public Safety, Emergency Management and Homeland Security and Transportation, and the state’s Geospatial Council to collect the necessary information and data to develop a statewide broadband map.
b. The Departments of Public Utility Control and Information Technology shall develop a process for updating and maintaining the state’s broadband map.
2. Designate the Department of Information Technology as the primary state agency to apply for or coordinate state activities associated with securing funding through the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) on behalf of the state.
3. The Department of Public Utility Control and the Department of Information Technology will coordinate the development of a state broadband plan, identifying and prioritizing broadband opportunities to enhance public services including efforts to strengthen existing education and public safety networks, further health care initiatives, promote economic and career development opportunities. Connecticut’s Broadband Internet Coordinating Council will be consulted in the development of the state’s broadband plan.
4. The Connecticut Recovery Act Broadband Review Panel is hereby established to develop a process and criteria to evaluate projects that have successfully qualified for the step two review of the Recovery Act’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, and make recommendations concerning the allocation of funds for Connecticut projects.
The Broadband Review Panel will consist of the following members:
a. One representative from the Office of the Governor;
b. Lieutenant Governor or his designee;
c. One representative from the Department of Public Utility Control;
d. One representative from the Office of Consumer Counsel;
e. One representative from the Office of Policy and Management;
f. One Chief Elected Official or such official’s designee from each Connecticut county – Fairfield, Litchfield, New Haven, Hartford, Middlesex, New London, Tolland and Windham. Of these, at least one member has to represent a town with a population greater than 50,000 and one member has to represent a town with a population less than 5,000;
g. One Chief Elected Official or such official’s designee from a town with a population 50,000 or greater;
h. Commissioner of the Department of Information Technology or her/his designee;
i. Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development or her/his designee;
j. Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety or his/her designee; and
k. Chairman of the Broadband Internet Coordinating Council or his/her designee.
5. The Governor shall appoint the chairperson of the Broadband Review Panel from among the members of the Panel. Such chairperson shall schedule the first meeting of the Panel, which shall be no later than 15 days after the effective date of this Order.
6. Within thirty days of the date of this Executive Order, the Broadband Review Panel shall provide the Office of the Governor with a report outlining the process and criteria for recommending Connecticut broadband projects for Recovery Act funding
7. Within 15 days after the Office of the Governor receives notification from the NTIA and/or Rural Utility Service as to what broadband projects are federally qualified to received funding following the initial review, the Broadband Review Panel will provide the Office of the Governor a list of projects recommended for funding.
8. The Office of the Governor shall be the Lead Agency for coordinating implementation of policies and practices initiated by this Executive Order.
This order shall take effect immediately.
Dated at Hartford, Connecticut this day 26th of August, 2009
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M. Jodi Rell, Governor
