FCC Increases Category 2 E-rate Funding for Many Libraries

December 22, 2014

Late Friday the FCC released their 2nd E-rate Modernization Order and in it they increased the per square foot allowance from $2.30 to $5.00 per square foot for libraries located (1) in urbanized areas within principal cities with a population over 100,000; and, (2) in areas outside of a principal city, but within an urbanized area with a population of over 250,000. These libraries have a locale code of 11, 12 and 21 as assigned by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).  This change results in a net increase of $9.8 million to the Category 2 pre-discount cap for PA libraries.

Who Are The Affected Libraries?  Based on data found at http://www.imls.gov/research/pls_data_files.aspx, attached is a file in alpha order showing all PA libraries having these locale codes.  Because the file also included square footage amounts for each library, I added a column (red) that shows the new 5-year Category 2 pre-discount E-rate funding budget.  It’s my understanding that the square footage amounts were current as of 2012, so if your library has added space since then or if this data is not accurate, you should use your more accurate data on your Form 471.

Congratulations on your early holiday gift from the FCC!

— Julie

Julie Tritt Schell
PA E-rate Coordinator

717-730-7133 – o
717-730-9060 – f
jtschell@comcast.net
www.e-ratepa.org

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