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American Reinvestment & Recovery ActThe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was signed into law on February 17, 2009.
Information on this web page are links to other useful information or documents in pdf for you to download. Please feel free to submit and share information that would be helpful to others in the Merit community.
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Merit's Proposal to Advance Michigan's Broadband
Information Library:
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Legislation (ARRA)Here you will find a copy of the entire Act:
Summary Versions of ARRA:
- Summary Overview - 4 page pdf
This document summarizes the ARRA. Highlights include: $120 billion toward investments in Infrastructure and Science; $7.2 billion of which designated to Broadband, $3 billion for the National Science Foundation; $105.9 billion for investments in Education and Training.
- Detailed Overview - 12 page pdf
This document describes the Conference Agreement. It includes an organized breakdown of stimulus fund targets similar to the above Summary Overview (e.g. "Transforming our Economy with Science and Technology").
Summary complied by Congressional Quarterly:
- Detailed Summary - 56 page pdf
This summary involves a higher degree of detail than the two above. It includes some background information and tax provisions in addition to the appropriation of funds organized with attention to broad-impact target efforts (e.g. "Section III: Transportation and Infrastructure").
"Conference Report" - Congress' explanation of what is in the law, as well as how the House and Senate resolved differences between the two original bills:
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) SolicitationNTIA Broadband Technology Opportunities Program - RUS Broadband Initiatives Program joint NOFAThe Department of Commerce and the Department of Agriculture have issued a combined Notice of Funds Availability document for their respective Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP).
- ARRA Broadband NOFA - 121 page pdf
This link will allow you to read and print the entire 121 page Notice of Funds Availability. It contains a breakdown of funding as well as application guidelines and proposal requirements.
- NTIA BTOP Fact Sheet - 2 page word document
This fact sheet clarifies previously undefined terms in the ARRA legislation. Citing the NOFA, it defines 'Broadband Service,' as well as 'Unserved' and 'Underserved' with regard to Last Mile and Middle Mile Projects. The document also details the BTOP's Nondiscrimination and Interconnection obligations.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Broadband Technology Opportunities ProgramHere you will find information regarding how the National Telecommunications and Information Administration plans to implement the $4.7 billion it received for increased broadband access in the ARRA: - NTIA Press Release (8/27/09) - Website
"Nearly 2,200 Diverse Applications Submitted for Share of $4 Billion in Funding to Expand Broadband Access and Adoption."
- National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) - Website
The latest on the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program from its parent organization the NTIA.
- NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) - 12 page pdf
This document details the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). It includes the purpose of the program, the intended recipients of funds and eligibility guidelines. It also contains the exact language of the '80/20 Match Fund' provision of the bill (pg 6 of 12).
- Funding for NTIA Broadband Program - 2 page pdf
This document contains a breakdown of funding for NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program as defined or stated in the language of the actual legislation.
- Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Recovery Plan - Website
Recovery.org now features Agency Recovery Plans with the latest on ARRA programs. The BTOP Plan lists program objectives, benefits, measures of performance and a schedule with milestones which includes release dates for Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) reports.
- Buy American Waiver - 4 page pdf
The Secretary of Commerce has granted a limited waiver of section 1605 of the ARRA with respect to particular broadband equipment that will be used in BTOP-funded projects. This press release contains any further information necessary.
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Public CommentsOn March 10th, 2009, NTIA posted a notice in the Federal Register seeking feedback on the BTOP as it currently stands. This began a 30-day period to gather comments, which has now passed. The comments can be viewed by clicking the link below. BroadbandCensus.com has systematically reviewed and organized the comments in their entirety. We have provided a link to their findings.
- NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Public Comments
This link allows you to view the composite list of comments since Tuesday, March 10, 2009. These comments have been submitted by members of the public with concern to the planning and further consideration of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.
- Organized Summary of BTOP Public Comments - 7 page Word document
This collection represents an accurate cross-section of the organizations and individuals offering substantive comments about the implementation of the program. Both the uniqueness of the concerns and the significance of the entity filing are the primary factors in the selection of these comments from among the list of those filed.
US Department of Agriculture Rural Utility Service
Rural Development Broadband ProgramHere you will find information regarding how the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to implement the $2.5 billion it received to increase broadband access in the ARRA.
- USDA Rural Development Telecommunications Program - Website
Homepage of the USDA's Rural Development Telecommunications Program. This website is home to many USDA telecommunications initiatives. Information here regarding a variety of loans and grants: Broadband loans; Community Connect Grant; Distance Learning & Telemedicine; Rural Public Television.
- USDA Rural Utilities Service Broadband Program Publication - 2 page pdf
Released June 11th, this document provides the latest information on how Rural Development's Rural Utility Service (RUS) will implement the $2.5 billion in broadband provisions in the ARRA.
- Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program - 88 page word document
The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program furnishes loans and loan guarantees to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.
- USDA RUS Rural Development Broadband Program - 3 page pdf
This excerpt from the ARRA legislation describes the eligibility requirements for projects seeking part of the $2.5 billion in funds from the USDA's Rural Utilities Service. They are available to projects in areas deemed 75% rural and without sufficient access to high-speed broadband service to facilitate rural economic development.
- USDA RUS Rural Development Broadband Recovery Plan from ARRA - Website
The latest on Rural Development Broadband. The USDA RUS Plan lists program objectives, benefits, measures of performance, projected milestones, a cost and performance plan and award types.
Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA)
State Broadband Data and Development ProgramThe State Broadband Data and Development Program is a competitive, merit-based matching grant 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 to fund statewide initiatives directed at broadband planning. The Recovery Act authorizes NTIA to expend up to $350 million pursuant to BDIA and for the development and maintenance of a broadband inventory map. NTIA expects to make $240 million in Recovery Act resources available through this NOFA for this first-round activity.
Further information is available at: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants. Applications will be accepted between July 14 – August 14, 2009.
- State Broadband Data and Development Program Fact Sheet - 2 page word doc
This document lists Available Funds, Matching and Cost-Sharing Requirements, Confidentiality Requirements (including details regarding a Nondisclosure agreement) and Evaluation Criteria.
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Broadband Service Area Mapping System User guide - 6 page word document
As part of the ARRA application process, applicants and incumbent service providers must submit their service area map(s) through a web-based mapping tool. This document contains step-by-step instructions to access the web-based tool and create a map on the BroadbandUSA portal.
Federal Communications Commission
National Broadband Plan
The ARRA charges the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with developing a National Broadband Plan to ensure that every American will have adequate access to the internet of tomorrow and beyond. You will find further information below:
- Bringing Broadband to Rural America - 80 page pdf
The Federal Communications Commission delivered this report to Congress on May 22, 2009. In its own language, the report should be read "as a prelude to, and a building block for a National Broadband Plan." The majority of the FCC's consenting opinions delivered here reference or counter Public Comments filed for the Commission. It addresses specific issues and concerns relating to ubiquitous, nation-wide, or Rural broadband access.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) National Broadband Plan - 1 page Word document
This press release, issued by the FCC on April 8th, provides background information and initial criteria for creating such a plan. The FCC website is located at: www.fcc.gov
- FCC Official Notice of Inquiry - 59 page Word document
This document prompts discussion between the public and law makers regarding the development of the National Broadband Plan. It calls for public input on the interpretation and implementation of a number of specific directives ranging from how the FCC should effectively establish goals and benchmarks to mechanisms for ensuring affordability.
- Statement of Acting Chairman Michael J. Copps - 3 page Word document
In this address, Chairman Copps speaks to the importance of this momentous initiative.
National Science Foundation
Here you will find information regarding the National Science Foundation and how it plans to implement the ARRA.
Major Research Instrumentation ProgramThe NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI-R2) serves to increase access to shared scientific and engineering instruments for research and research training in our nation's institutions of higher education, museums and science centers, and not-for-profit organizations.
Academic Research Infrastructure ProgramThe NSF Academic Research Infrastructure Program (ARI- R2) will invest in repair, renovation, or in exceptional cases, the replacement of existing research facilities. It will not support the construction of new research facilities. This includes renovation of research facilities "through the addition or augmentation of cyber-infrastructure, other than general-purpose computing systems or data storage systems, to create environments that enhance research and integrate research with education."
Science and TechnologyHere you will find information regarding Science and Technology as it relates to the ARRA.
Schools, Health and Libraries CoalitionOn June 11th, the Schools, Health and Libraries Coalition (SHLB) launched in Washington D.C. The Coalition is dedicated to the advancement of a Community Anchor Approach to ARRA broadband funding and a National Broadband Plan. The Community Anchor Approach reflects the importance of connecting anchor institutions, such as schools, health care facilities and libraries, with access to high-capacity broadband. The Coalition believes that in doing so the investment in broadband infrastructure will provide the greatest benefit possible to those people in un-served and underserved communities who need it most. Community anchor institutions will then serve as access points where providers can then continue the build into commercial and residential area. In addition to the workforce necessary for the initial fiber builds, the will create jobs and stimulate the economy.
- SHLB Talking Points to contest July 1 BTOP-BIP NOFA - 2 page word document
The July 1 NOFA places community anchor institutions at great disadvantage-contrary to the ARRA legislation which gives preference to community anchor institutions. The SHLB has composed a set of talking points to advocate that NTIA adopt an addendum to the NOFA to address specifically the needs of anchor institutions for high-capacity broadband, along the lines of the statement submitted by the Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition in mid-June.
- Schools, Health and Libraries Coalition Mission Statement - 4 page pdf
Short document that contains a brief introduction and itemized list of talking points and goals of the Coalition. Also includes a list of contacts in member organizations.
- Schools, Health and Libraries Coalition Press Release - 3 page pdf
Press release with an overview of the Coalition. Also contains quotes from key personnel involved in the formation, including Coalition Coordinator, John Windhausen Jr. of Telepoly Consulting, and a complete list of all member organizations.
Within Michigan:Here you will find ARRA at work in the State of Michigan.
- Michigan Department of Education (MDE) memo on the ARRA - 6 page pdf
This document details available funds to assist Public Educators in Michigan (including Institutions of Higher Learning) as well as additional funds for Public Safety and other governmental services.
*School Improvement Programs - Education Technology Grants
Total Funding Available to Michigan: Estimated at $24,532,884 (pg 4 of 6).
- Michigan Recovery and Reinvestment Plan - Website
Michigan's Online Source for information on ARRA, includes a list of news updates and useful links.
Other Useful Information:
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