Last week, Governor Kim Reynolds and the Department of Management’s Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) announced the results of the OCIO’s Invitation to Qualify. Ninety-six Broadband Intervention Zones were identified by Iowa communities across the state from a total of 99 applications. Washington Economic Development Director Mary Audia let KCII know what that means for Washington County, “It means we’re more connected, so people have more of a fair chance of getting you know, like education online, medical online. People that can’t get out and about as much has a much faster connection and are able to communicate better with others. So, I think it will make a big difference in the lives of those who you know don’t have broadband right now; it keeps the playing field more fair.” The ITQ process asked communities to propose areas across the State of Iowa that should be prioritized in funding decisions made under the Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Program. In future grant opportunities, providers who apply for Empower Rural Iowa grant funds to construct service within these Broadband Intervention Zones may be eligible to receive enhanced incentives and higher prioritization for funding.