Colorado currently is working on two separate but related broadband initiatives. First, the State's broadband mapping project entitled Connect Colorado is underway. The General Assembly passed SB08-215 and SB09-162, which direct OIT, working in consultation with the Governor's Innovation Council, to identify broadband service areas within the State and to produce a geographically-based statewide inventory of broadband availability. The maps -- anticipated to be delivered on November 2, 2009 -- are intended to both spur the extension of broadband service to currently un-served areas and enable the State to plan effectively on how to address the areas where it does not exist. Broadband infrastructure investments have shown to stimulate the economy and lead to job growth and are critical for the delivery of health care and education, civic engagement, and a host of other important areas.

The second broadband-related initiative underway in Colorado is the pursuit of federal funding opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to further promote broadband mapping, deployment, and adoption. To date the State of Colorado has applied for two ARRA grants -- one for additional mapping activities and community outreach and another for sustainable broadband adoption. The State is also charged with prioritizing broadband infrastructure, adoption, and public computer center grant applications submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). Deliverables from Connect Colorado will lay the foundation for all ARRA-funded broadband projects and will enable the State to effectively evaluate  BTOP applications. For more information on the ARRA broadband opportunities, please visit the Governor's Recovery Website.