RHINELANDER - A public-private sector group from six Northwoods counties submitted the grant application for federal stimulus money back in August.

The group was hoping for a decision in the next few days--but it turns out that won't happen.

One Prospect Technologies, Grow North, tribal entities and local governments will be waiting until December and possibly as late as February to hear if the grant application is approved.

Brad Kowieski of One Prospect Technologies in Rhinelander says 2200 organizations applied for federal stimulus money and 33 are from Wisconsin.

In his opinion, the delay is because the federal government didn't have an effective system for the number of applicants and the length of the applications.

Kowieski says the National Telecommunications and Information Administration or NTIA is looking for specific guidelines--such as a strong community group, along with private and public partnerships.

Knowing that--he thinks their application has a good chance.

Kowieski tells Newswatch 12, "I believe in partitioning out the 2200 into a group that may get funds--they are looking at exactly what we did in terms of making judgements. I feel positive momentum for us there."

Kowieski says the broadband Internet grant application serves approximately 122,000 people in six counties.

A broadband Internet plan allows for Internet access in rural areas.

Kowieski adds the application has the support of the Wisconsin Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold, State Senator Jim Holperin, Congressman Steve Kagen and Governor Jim Doyle.