In November, Alabama voters will decide a constitutional amendment that would authorize the state or local governments, such as counties or cities, to grant federal award funds, or any funds designated for broadband infrastructure by state law, to public or private entities for broadband internet infrastructure. Funds granted by a local government to a private entity would need to be approved at a public meeting held by the county or municipality.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed by President Biden in March 2021, provided $130 billion to states for local government uses, including investments in broadband infrastructure.
The Alabama Legislature passed and the governor signed House Bill 1 on January 27, 2022. It provided for the allocation of $772 million received by the state under the ARPA. Alabama HB 1 provided for $277 million to be used to fund broadband expansion.
