Contact: Matthew Spencer, 608-266-9600
Matthew2.Spencer@Wisconsin.Gov
Madison – Today, the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin finalized a Model Resolution and application process for communities to become a Telecommuter Forward! Certified Community.
2017 Act 342, authored by Representative Romaine Quinn (R – Barron) and Senator Howard Marklein (R – Spring Green), creates a process for communities to become certified by the PSC as a Telecommuter Forward! Community. In order to become certified, Wisconsin cities, villages, towns or counties must adopt a resolution that includes a statement of support and commitment to promote telecommuting. The resolution must also designate a single point of contact for coordinating telecommuting opportunities. The resolution will contain the responsibilities of the single point of contact, including coordinating and partnering with telecommuting stakeholders, and collaborating with broadband providers and employers.
“Since 2014, Wisconsin has awarded $13.1 million in grants to fund 101 projects across Wisconsin, with the goal of bringing broadband access to every corner of our state,” said PSC Chairman Lon Roberts. “The Telecommuter Forward! Community Certification builds upon these efforts to retain and attract families and businesses in rural Wisconsin by allowing communities to market themselves in a way that showcases broadband access and telecommuting options.”
In 2014, the PSC began awarding Broadband Expansion Grants to underserved areas of the state, and in 2016 it began certifying communities that have taken steps to remove barriers to broadband infrastructure investment through the Broadband Forward! program. Telecommuter Forward! is the next chapter in Wisconsin’s broadband expansion story.
“Thanks to private and public investment in broadband infrastructure, Telecommuter Forward! certification will serve as another economic development tool to promote the vitality of Wisconsin’s rural communities,” said State Broadband Director Angie Dickison. “Wisconsin is the first state in the country with a certification program to promote telecommuting.”
For municipalities interested in Telecommuter Forward! Community certification, or those who would like information on services offered by the State Broadband Office, please visit: https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/WBO.aspx
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