On March 13, 2018, Montana Governor Steve Bullock and Montana U.S. Senator Jon Tester sent a letter to FCC Chairman Pai, expressing concern over funding delays for broadband projects tied to Montana schools. They are concerned about too many regulatory hurdles and stated to Chairman Pai that “you must not let burdensome paperwork stand between Montana students and their access to critical educational material.”
According to a Funds For Learning analysis, three schools and two libraries in Montana are still waiting a decision for their FY 2017 E-rate requests totaling $53,094. Per the 2015 Modernization Order, applicants should have received a funding commitment by September 1. The five Montana applicants are applying for FY 2018 E-rate funds without having a resolution on their FY 2017 applications.
The Montana Officials FCC Letter can be viewed here.
