1. (a) Due to coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), approved projects will immediately receive disbursement of funds up to the maximum amount of funding allowable under the ARC program.

2. (b)

   1. (1) Depending on the project, the State Broadband Manager, with the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, may increase the maximum amount of funding per project under the ARC program.
   2. (2) This funding mechanism contrasts with the usual fiscal rules of the Arkansas Rural Connect program and helps to ensure that projects will not be delayed by cash flow constraints on the part of awardees.
3. (c) In other respects, including submittal of receipts and payment of penalties for nonperformance or early termination of service, awardee ISPs shall be subject to the same obligations as other ARC participants.

4. (d)

   1. (1) The State Broadband Manager makes grant award recommendations to the secretary or his or her designee.
   2. (2) The secretary or his or her designee has final authority on who is awarded a grant.
5. (e) Funds may be distributed before August 15, 2020, when the original application window closes, upon project evaluation and approval.

Codification Notes: “ARC” means Arkansas Rural Connect Broadband Grant Program. "ISP" means internet service provider.