Western Governors' Association Letter to Commerce Secretary Lutnick

New Mexico Gov Michelle Lujan Grisham and Utah Gov Spencer Cox, Chair and Vice Chair of the Western Governors' Association, wrote to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to express concerns about disruptions to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. The governors expressed concern that significant required changes to BEAD plans could cause delays of up to a year. They wrote, "We underscore the need for flexibility in the implementation of any changes, as reflected in Acting Assistant Secretary Cassady’s remarks, to enable us to address our states’ and territories’ unique needs and priorities. We suggest that if NTIA gives states the option to either opt into the revised application and bidding processes or continue with their original plans, these delays in deployment could likely be avoided."