<div>Big news for broadband in Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa! The <a href="https://www.internetforall.gov/news-media/biden-harris-administration-approves-idaho-north-dakota-and-american-samoas-internet-all" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NTIA just gave the greenlight</a> to all three of the Initial Proposals Vols. 1-2 for BEAD. With over $750 million in funding now unlocked, these “eligible entities” can start closing the digital divide and moving forward with plans to expand affordable, high-speed internet access.Here’s how the funding breaks down:<ul><li>Idaho: Over $583 million</li><li>North Dakota: Over $130 million</li><li>American Samoa: Over $37 million</li></ul>These approvals mean the three regions can now move from the planning phase to actually deploying or upgrading high-speed networks, which is huge for communities still struggling with reliable access.For a little context, BEAD is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s larger “Internet for All” push, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It’s a $42.45 billion grant program designed to help every state, territory, and D.C. get all their residents connected to high-quality, affordable internet. And this isn’t just about building infrastructure—funding left over after network deployment can be used for digital literacy training and workforce development, making it a comprehensive approach.U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, who oversees the program, said this funding is essential for jobs, healthcare, and education, and it’s all thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Alan Davidson, NTIA’s head, also praised the local broadband teams in Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa for their efforts.And there’s special significance for American Samoa. Congresswoman Aumua Amata highlighted the need for reliable broadband in their local economy and healthcare, pointing out how federal investment is crucial for keeping up with the modern digital world.These approvals mark an important step, but it's just the beginning. Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa still need to submit their Final Proposals within a year, outlining how they’ll allocate the funds and select subgrantees to execute the work. Once that’s done, they can fully roll out their projects and ensure everyone gets connected.What do you think about this latest BEAD milestone? Is this a sign that the program is picking up steam? Feel free to chime in with your thoughts!</div>

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Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa win NTIA approval on BEAD Initial Proposals Vols. 1-2

<div>On June 15, 2023, the Treasury Department  approved $120 million for broadband infrastructure projects in Montana and $68 million for multi-purpose community facility projects in North Dakota.The funds are made available under the American Rescue Plan’s <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/capital-projects-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Capital Projects Fund</a>, part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda.“Digital connectivity is central to expanding economic opportunity in communities across the country,” said Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo. “This funding is a key piece of the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments to increase access to high-speed internet for millions of Americans and provide more opportunities to fully participate in the 21st century economy.”“As a third-generation farmer living in a rural area, I’m no stranger to the challenges Montanans face when their community lacks reliable, high-speed internet access,” said Sen. Jon Tester. “Since I came to the U.S. Senate, I’ve been working to increase high-speed internet connectivity across our state so that folks in rural Montana don’t fall through the cracks. That’s why I fought for this funding in the American Rescue Plan.” The CPF provides a total of $10 billion to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund critical capital projects that enable work, education, and health monitoring. In addition to the $10 billion provided by the CPF, many governments are putting a portion of their State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds toward connecting Americans to affordable, reliable high-speed internet.The Treasury Department sees American Rescue Plan funds and funds under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act working in tandem with the goal to close the digital divide by deploying high-speed internet to those without access and lowering costs for those who cannot afford it. In accordance with the Treasury Department’s guidance, each state’s plan requires service providers to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/acp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Affordable Connectivity Program</a>. The Affordable Connectivity Program  ensures that households can afford high-speed internet by providing a discount of up to $30 per month (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands). Experts estimate that nearly 40% of U.S. households are eligible for the program. The Treasury Department began announcing state awards in <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">June 2022</a>. To date, CPF has awarded nearly $7 billion for broadband, digital technology, and multi-purpose community center projects in 42 states. States estimate that the broadband investments will reach more than 1.94 million locations, in addition to the thousands of individuals who will be served annually by connected multi-purpose community facilities. The Treasury Department will continue approving state and Tribal plans on a rolling basis. The following descriptions summarize the Montana and North Dakota plans:<ul><li>Montana is approved to receive $119.9 million for broadband infrastructure through the ConnectMT program, which the state estimates will serve 61,100 locations. The ConnectMT program is a competitive broadband grant program designed to fund broadband infrastructure projects in areas that currently lack access to reliable internet. ConnectMT prioritizes last mile fiber-to-the-home projects that will provide residents with affordable, high-speed internet. The plan approved by the Treasury Department today represents 100% of the state’s total allocation under the CPF program. </li><li>North Dakota is approved to receive $68.3 million for North Dakota’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Multi-Purpose Community Facility Grant Program, a competitive grant program that will provide funding to establish CTE centers. CTE centers will expand educational and career offerings to post-secondary school students and adult learners as well as provide expanded access to telehealth in areas of North Dakota where these services are limited. North Dakota estimates this program will use today’s award to fund at least 12 CTE centers, serving more than 20,000 individuals annually. In addition to the broadband infrastructure plan approved <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/ND_FactSheet_Updated_May2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">last month</a>, North Dakota has now received 100% of its total CPF allocation.</li></ul></div>

Capital Projects Fund Announcements for Montana ($120M) and North Dakota ($68M)

Brian D. Newby

Broadband Program Director

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Carl Franzen

Broadband Breakfast

North Dakota State Broadband Office

North Dakota Broadband Grant Award Status

North Dakota Broadband Audit

North Dakota Broadband Director

North Dakota Broadband Articles

Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa win NTIA approval on BEAD Initial Proposals Vols. 1-2

Capital Projects Fund Announcements for Montana ($120M) and North Dakota ($68M)

North Dakota Broadband Investment Maps

North Dakota Map of Ready Strength Rank

North Dakota Yield on Cost Maps

North Dakota Pricing & Competition Map

North Dakota Map of Business Establishments in Underserved Areas

North Dakota Small Business Establishments Map

North Dakota Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) Coverage Map

North Dakota Map of Anchor Institutions

North Dakota Provider Coverage Maps

Map of North Dakota Broadband Serviceable Locations

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