In the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009, Congress appropriates funds for the
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), which includes
competitive grants to (1) expand public computer centers capacity
projects to unserved/underserved populations to include the
benefits of boadband access; and (2) increase home adoption of
broadband service.
The rapid disbursement
of the funds available under this program is important because of
the short time frames imposed by the Recovery Act and to address
the economic crisis facing the country. A commitment to
transparency in the award process and rigorous reporting
requirements will help ensure accountability.
PL:
Pub.L. 111 - 5 123 Name of Law: American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009
The proposed increases are due
to: 1) inclusion of Environmental Questionnaire and Checklist that
should have been part of the original submission; 2) allow existing
service providers to submit information regarding their service
offerings which is critical to the DOC/USDA ability to determine
whether Broadband Infrastructure applications meet the programs'
definitions of unserved or underserved for purposes of awards.
$141,000,000
No
No
Uncollected
Uncollected
Yes
Uncollected
Milton Brown 202 482-1816
mbrown@ntia.doc.gov
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.