Summary:

In FY 2021, a total of $20 million in total funding is available, with 40% reserved for unincorporated areas of the state. Grants awarded for middle mile and anchor institution projects shall not exceed 40% of the total funds appropriated for grants annually.

Grant awards to unserved areas may not exceed the lesser of 35% of project costs or $1.5 million, with a maximum of $1.5 million allocated per project.

Eligible Recipients:

For-Profit Business; Internet Service Provider; Non-Profit Organization

Eligible Recipients Detail:

Non-Government entity that is a cooperative, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other private business entity that provides broadband service.

Eligible Purpose:

Last Mile Infrastructure; Middle Mile Infrastructure

Eligible Purpose Detail:

Projects must build capacity for 25/3 download/upload speeds to serve unserved areas. Fiber to the premises and middle mile projects that connect other service providers eligible to receive state or federal funding are eligible for funding. Projects that provide improved broadband service to an anchor institution in a rural area that is not necessarily unserved are also eligible for support. Projects can either use fixed or wireless broadband technologies.