FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) – Governor Mike Dunleavy signed House Bill 193 into law on Wednesday, March 27, allowing funding to increase internet speeds in rural schools around Alaska.
The state of Alaska put the price tag at more than $39 million and released federal funds for the work.
The bill is a last-minute replacement of a previous effort that was vetoed by the Governor along with the rest of the bill after being turned into a comprehensive education funding bill by committee.
The House and Senate moved quickly to pass the replacement legislation, with the Senate giving final approval on Monday, March 25.
The Alaska Legislature passes a substitute bill to fund faster internet for rural schools.
The law’s effective date listed on the state government’s website is March 28.
The exact deadline for the state to apply for federal grant funding to receive it during the 2024-2025 school year is unclear.
However, some lawmakers are under the impression that it is already late March.
Dunleavy said on Facebook that the bill would become law by the deadline.
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