In correspondence with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Western Governors provided additional input on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The letter for May 10, 2022, signed by WGA’s Chair, Idaho Governor Brad Little, and WGA’s Vice Chair, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, noted that the Governors are encouraged that a substantial amount of funding will be allocated to states and that Western states we are prepared to assume a major role alongside NTIA in connecting every American to high-speed, affordable broadband, but that they are concerned that distribution of the formula-based funding relies upon the completion of the new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maps. “We encourage NTIA to release the $100 million authorized for states separately from the formula-based funding so that we may start using these funds as soon as possible,” the letter read. Read the full transmittal for additional details.