State Government

Following the recent announcement of federal funding allocations from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, experts are weighing in on how to make the most of the opportunity.

Five communications companies took part in an event this week underscoring the more than $119 million worth of fiber broadband expansion that is being funded by state and federal funding sources.

Legislative momentum to stop law enforcement from using Google data obtained through so-called geofence warrants stalled as lawmakers struggled to find a way to increase data protection for abortion seekers.

OReGO, Oregon’s road-usage charging program, is continuing to evolve with new technology partners that can deliver on a range of fronts like connected vehicle technologies and intelligent transportation systems.

The effort to transition Washington state ferries from diesel engines to hybrid-electric power is proving to be more expensive than originally thought. So far, both quotes for the work have exceeded the initial $120 million state estimate.

Pennsylvania Gov. Touts Plans to Connect Rural Areas, Seniors

A statewide effort aimed at linking rural areas with more reliable broadband won't just target rural areas, but also senior citizens and low-income families statewide, Gov. Josh Shapiro said this week.

Plus, organizations urge Congress to support legislation for rural communities; a report explores redundancies in federal broadband programs; and much more.

West Virginia Chief Information Officer Josh Spence will be departing to a role in the private sector later this month. He will be replaced by another executive from the West Virginia Office of Technology.

While states like New York, Illinois and Maryland have forged new legislative roads to regulate AI use in hiring and review processes, more than 20 states have no proposed or enacted AI-related hiring bills.

After serving with the state of Colorado for several years in various capacities, CIO and Executive Director of the Office of Information Technology Anthony Neal-Graves will be retiring later this year.

The resources come via the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The money will be used to connect un- and underserved parts of the state.

The state will award more than $18 million in program funds for the 27 fast charging stations along seven of the interstate corridors, including interstates 70 and 75, Gov. Mike DeWine announced this week.

The attack highlights risks around holiday weekend attacks, targeted software supply chains and the growing popularity of data-theft-based extortion. Still, zero-day exploits comprise only a small slice of extortion attacks.

Plus, Houston is hiring a broadband director; more governors issue comments on the federal BEAD funding for high-speed Internet; and U.S. senators are fighting for a broadband strategy.

California State Parks has added navigation technology to support both visitors and staff, which will help both to aid in rescue efforts and to improve the overall experience for park visitors.

Amaya Capellán’s first day as state CIO will be July 24, and she comes with extensive private-sector experience, most recently at Comcast. She will take over for interim CIO Patti Chapman, who has held the position since November.

Plus, more state leaders react to recent federal funding decisions on broadband, the National Tribal Telecommunications Association will hold an event in August, and more.

McIntosh, who assumed the chief information officer position earlier this month, replaces Jerry Moore, who had been serving as CIO since 2020. He brings more than two decades of IT experience to the role.