New Mexico Governor Michelle Grisham announced on Wednesday the launch of a statewide broadband grant program that will leverage $123 million in funding for the largest broadband expansion effort in the state’s history.
The Connect New Mexico Pilot Program will award grants to cover up to 75 percent of total project costs for network expansion in unserved and underserved areas of the state. A wide array of applicants – including local governments, tribal communities, schools, nonprofits, cooperatives, and broadband service providers – are eligible to apply for state grant support in pursuit of universal broadband access.
“Broadband is an essential element of a modern, efficient, and effective infrastructure system,” said Gov. Grisham. “The Connect New Mexico program opens an exciting new chapter in broadband infrastructure investment and digital equity collaboration throughout New Mexico, investing millions and millions of dollars to provide quality and affordable broadband service across the state.”
The Connect New Mexico Pilot Program is designed as a forerunner to the Connect New Mexico Broadband Grant Program, established in 2021 under the Connect New Mexico Act. At least $70 million in additional state funding will be available for the next round of Connect New Mexico investment, expected in 2023.
Together the Connect New Mexico programs will deliver nearly $200 million in broadband expansion grants over the next few years, building on state investments in broadband development made throughout the Grisham administration. The funding for the Connect New Mexico Pilot Program was part of legislation enacted by Gov. Grisham in late 2021, which appropriated federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for state use.
Applications for the Pilot Program will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis across three waves. This format recognizes that some entities are further prepared to submit a strong proposal in the near-term, whereas others may require more time. The closing dates for the three waves follow: Wave One (September 23); Wave Two (December 9); Wave Three (February 27, 2023).
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