$300 million in state matching funds also available to local and tribal government applicants
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nov. 12, 2024
State Broadband Office opens application for $1.2 billion in funding
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant application open now; state matching funds also available
The Washington State Broadband Office opened the application period today for $1.2 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding intended to bridge the digital divide in Washington by bringing high-speed internet to everyone.
An additional $300 million is state matching funds will be available to local governments and federally recognized tribes.
“Washington’s BEAD funding is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and social equity. By investing in broadband infrastructure, we're connecting communities and empowering individuals, fostering innovation, and creating a more prosperous future for all,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong.
“Opening the application for this funding that will connect communities that haven’t had access to broadband internet is a major milestone and means we are one step closer to getting actual shovels in the ground,” said Aaron Wheeler, Broadband Office Director.
*Eligibility*
The BEAD program is open to:
* Units of local government, including but not limited to ports and public utility districts
* Federally recognized tribes
* Nonprofit organizations
* Nonprofit cooperative organizations
* Public private partnership
* Private companies
* Public or private utilities
In addition, *projects must serve areas identified and approved through the BEAD process*. Commerce recently posted updated BEAD construction project area maps that detail unserved and underserved locations across the state that are eligible for BEAD funding.
View updated project area maps [ [link removed] ]
The Broadband Office will periodically update these maps to reflect the most current information available.
*Application information*
View the Notice of Funding Opportunity document [ [link removed] ] (pdf)
Access the ZoomGrants portal [ [link removed] ] to apply
Information about BEAD funding and more is available on the Commerce Internet For All website [ [link removed] ].
*Funding timeline*
The first 60-day round of applications closes in January, and further application rounds may follow. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will review applications in May and June 2025, and the Broadband Office is expected to announce Washington's BEAD projects following NTIA approval sometime next summer.
LEARN MORE [ [link removed] ]
Trainings available
* *Topic: Checklist and maps*
* Watch a recording of Oct. 30 session [ [link removed] ] Passcode: X4A?shvN
* Watch a recording of Nov. 7 session [ [link removed] ] Passcode: &^QxhFd1
* *Topic: BEAD application and ZoomGrants portal*
* Attend 2 p.m. Nov. 14 session [ [link removed] ]
* Attend 2 p.m. Nov. 18 session [ [link removed] ]
Recordings of all trainings will be available on our Internet for All page [ [link removed] ] following the event.
"Getting Ready for BEAD Checklist" updated
An updated version of our Getting Ready for the BEAD Checklist document was posted this week. This document guides the application process for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. It outlines required attachments, eligibility criteria, and other critical considerations for applicants.
View the updated Getting Ready for BEAD Checklist (PDF) [ [link removed] ]
*About BEAD*
The BEAD program [ [link removed] ] is working to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, tribal nations, communities, internet providers and other stakeholders to build infrastructure where needed and increase high-speed internet adoption. The federal program provides over $42 billion for infrastructure planning and implementation nationwide.
*Digital equity dashboard*
The Washington State Broadband Office launched a Digital Equity Dashboard to help everyone understand the “digital divide,” the gap between those with access to technology, digital literacy skills and the internet, and those without. View the Digital Equity Dashboard [ [link removed] ].
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About Commerce
Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit [link removed]. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com [ [link removed] ].
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