“We view RUS as a critical partner in helping to close the digital divide in rural communities across the West,” states the Sept. 10 letter signed by WGA Chair Hawaii Gov. David Ige and WGA Vice Chair North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. “We recommend you consider innovative technologies such as TV White Spaces, that may be able to deliver broadband service to rural communities in a cost-effective manner.”

The Sept. 10, 2018 letter to RUS Administrator Kenneth Johnson references WGA Policy Resolution 2017-09, Western Agriculture, saying, “Western Governors support the continued efforts of the Rural Utilities Service to provide financial assistance for… broadband connectivity in rural and remote areas, particularly in communities that have minimal or no such infrastructure.” Read, download the Western Governors’ letter.

The Western Governors’ Association also sent a summary of illustrative case studies describing innovative broadband deployment projects in western states to Administrator Johnson on Sept. 10, 2018. Read, download the WGA letter.

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