Broadband Program Grants and eligibility

Broadband Planning Grants • Regional, multi-jurisdictional approaches to Broadband planning are critical to efficient, coordinated deployment of technology and infrastructure • Public/private partnerships, such as through Open Access Network approaches, help to leverage resources of both private providers and local governmnets to achieve Broadband goals Regional Broadband Plans • Include current available Broadband capacity, both used and unused • Cost of realizing current unused capacity • Prioritization of the community’s Broadband needs (redundancy, reduced cost, increased speed, etc) • Options for achieving community’s desired Broadband service level (must include private and/or public/private options) Eligibility Requirements for Planning Grants • Regional Councils of Governments (or similar collaboration) • Minimum local match is 25% • Private sector providers must be invited to participate • Eligible Projects: Needs assesments, regional plans identifying network gaps, strategies, solutions Middle Mile Infrastructure Grants • Connectivity from backbone to community • Local area networks - loop of community anchor institutions (fire stations, law enforcement, schools) • Last mile connections not eligible - require partnerships with service providers Eligibility Requirements for Middle Mile Infrastructure Grants • Local government partnerships • Minimum local match is 50% • Private sector providers must be invited to participate Eligible Projects • Minimum geography: county-level • Consistent with regional plan • Conduit, fiber, towers, etc. • Must have operations & maintenance plan (sustainable) Broadband Funding • Source: Energy & Mineral Impact Assistance Fund • Amount: $20 million set aside Please contact your DOLA Regional Manager for more information on the application process at: dola.colorado.gov/regmanagers