In an effort to expand access to broadband in unserved and underserved areas of New Mexico, the state has set aside $123 million for projects that will increase internet access.
The grants will be awarded on a rolling basis through the end of February 2023, according to a news release.
Local governments, tribal communities, schools, nonprofits, cooperatives and broadband service providers with projects that will increase internet access can apply.
Grants will cover up to 75% of total project costs for network expansion in unserved and underserved areas of the state.
Because some applicants might have proposals ready to submit, the application process is designed to accept projects in three waves. The first period for applications will close on Sept. 23, followed by deadlines of Dec. 8 and Feb. 27, 2023.
Application materials are available on the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion website.
In announcing the Connect New Mexico Pilot Program on Wednesday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called it the largest effort yet to expand internet access in New Mexico.
The state ranks above only Mississippi and Arkansas in terms of households with a broadband internet subscription, according to 2020 U.S. Census survey data,
“Broadband is an essential element of a modern, efficient, and effective infrastructure system,” the governor said in a prepared statement.
Money for the pilot program was part of legislation signed by Lujan Grisham in late 2021, which appropriated federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for state use.
The trial program is designed as a precursor to the Connect New Mexico Broadband Grant Program, established in 2021 under the Connect New Mexico Act and currently subject to administrative rulemaking as required by law. At least $70 million in additional state funding will be available for the next round of Connect New Mexico investment, expected in 2023.
The state program comes after the appropriation of $1 billion in federal money through the Middle Mile Grant Program. This program was one of several broadband-funding programs created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in November 2021.
NM Fiber Network LLC and broadband telecommunications consulting firm John Staurulakis LLC announced last week they are partnering an application to the Middle Mile Grant Program. The collaboration seeks to also connect unserved and underserved areas of New Mexico to the internet.
NM Fiber Network was formed in April by 11 New Mexico communications providers for the purpose of leveraging their resources to establish a state-wide fiber broadband network.
