The Oregon Broadband Office is developing programs that will leverage the Oregon Broadband Fund ($1.5M for 2022) and ARPA Capital Projects Fund ($120M+) toward closing Oregon's Digital Divide. It will also set up a framework for the IIJA state block grants ($100M+) for broadband and digital equity. The objective of the Oregon Broadband Office is to promote, support, and facilitate the construction and deployment of high-speed internet to Oregonians who currently do not have access to this service. To help achieve this objective, the Oregon Broadband Office is preparing to stand up two new programs in preparation for upcoming federal funding:
- the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund: Broadband Deployment Program
- the Broadband Technical Assistance Program (BTAP)
In September 2022, the Oregon Broadband Office released for public comment the draft rules for Broadband Programs and draft program handbooks for the Broadband Deployment Program and BTAP. The comment period closed on October 28, 2022. All members of the public were invited to provide comment. The input provided will inform the design of the two programs. Though federal and state funds have not yet been received for these programs, funds are expected in 2023. Each handbook provides proposed details regarding applications for grant assistance. These details include criteria, process, scoring, and other program information. The handbooks are intended to provide greater clarity for both applicants and program administrators. The Broadband Office’s goal is to ensure Oregon receives the full allocation of ARPA: Capital Projects Funds. To learn more about the work the Oregon Broadband Office is conducting to receive funding and develop these programs, please see below.
Note: the original timeline was extended due to the federal agency NTIA releasing broadband funding program Notice of Funding Opportunities to states for BEAD, Digital Equity, and Middle Mile in May 2022. The Oregon Broadband Office successfully submitted both required applications to NTIA for BEAD and Digital Equity during the summer of 2022. These programs will bring substantially more funding to the state in comparison to the Oregon Broadband Fund. The following timeline identifies major program milestones and important upcoming objectives:
- February-May 2022: Technical Working Group Meetings
- April-May 2022: Community Listening Sessions
- June-July 2022: Draft program rules, grant and program plans
- August 2022: Sent draft rules and program handbooks to attorneys
- September 2022: Continued legal review of draft rules and program; posted rules for public comments and submit grant plan and program plan to US Treasury
- October 2022: discussed rules and handbooks with OBAC and accepted public comments in person and online
- Fall/Winter 2022: Submit ARPA CPF Application; release draft rules & handbooks, solicit feedback & comments; revisions following receipt of comments; adopt BTAP rules and handbook
- Winter/Spring 2023: Operate BTAP; receive ARPA funds for Broadband Deployment Program
- Spring/Summer 2023: Open ARPA CPF: Broadband Deployment Program; potential second round of BTAP (dependent upon first round of outcomes and availability)
Key laws and guidance to incorporate into Rules:
Resource links: