NC S615

Department of Transportation shall study the economic impact of transportation connectivity between rural low-wealth counties and job creation centers, with focus on US 158, US 13/17 corridors, and I-495 extension through northeastern North Carolina, reporting findings by May 1, 2016.

Office of the State Chief Information Officer shall develop a State broadband plan to ensure all North Carolina citizens have access to broadband capability, including analysis of deployment status, affordability strategies, and uses in education, health care, economic development, and public safety.

State broadband plan shall be developed with assistance from Department of Transportation, Department of Administration, Department of Commerce, North Carolina State University, and University of North Carolina at Charlotte, with recommendations for legislative action and cost estimates due by May 1, 2016.

Funding for the broadband plan implementation shall come from the Information Technology Fund, while transportation study funding shall come from Department of Transportation's available funds.