WA Secretary of State Wikis

Broadband Stimulus Funding

Below is a listing of libraries participating, or interested in participating, in BTOP Public Computer Centers (PCC) grants.

Public Computer Center grants expand computer center capacity at entities that permit the public to use these computer centers, such as community colleges and public libraries. In general funds may be used to: (1) acquire broadband‐related equipment, instrumentation, networking capability, hardware and software, and digital network technology for broadband services; (2) develop and provide training, education, support and awareness programs or web‐based resources; (3) facilitate access to broadband services, including, but not limited to, making public computer centers accessible to people with disabilities; and (4) undertake other projects and activities that are consistent with the purposes for which the program was established.

As stated within the BTOP grant guidelines, it is reasonable to include job‐training programs and job‐related instruction as eligible costs under this grant category. Expenses associated with computer training workshops, digital literacy programs and web‐based resources are also considered eligible costs, as is reasonable compensation for qualified instructors for these types of programs. Additionally, eligible costs include the purchase of computer software, such as word processers; computer peripherals, such as mice and printers; and computer maintenance and trouble‐shooting programs, such as systems guarding against computer viruses.

BTOP - Public Computer Centers (PCC)