Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Department of Management’s Office of the Chief Information Officer announced today the release of an “invitation to qualify” for communities in need of future broadband investment.

According to a news release, the ITQ process allows communities to propose areas across the state that should be prioritized by the OCIO in the next Empower Rural Iowa broadband grant opportunity. Providers who apply for Empower Rural Iowa grant funds to construct service within these areas, called broadband intervention zones, may be eligible to receive enhanced incentives and higher prioritization for funding.

“This is a first of its kind program and it relies directly on Iowa communities to inform the state where opportunities exist to expand broadband access,” Reynolds said in a press release. “Empowering local communities will help lay the foundation for future success and access to broadband statewide.”

Instructions for the ITQ are available on the OCIO website, including videos, guides and templates to assist communities who wish to submit an application. Community representatives may also email ociogrants@iowa.gov for assistance.

The OCIO has coordinated the Empower Rural Iowa grant program since 2018. Through seven grant opportunities, $352,850,022 in state and federal funding has been awarded to bring broadband service to 109,126 homes, schools and businesses in Iowa, the release said. The total new broadband investment between public and private money is $791,203,995.