Applications Open for $157 Million Broadband Deployment Program

By Press Release – MARCH 25, 2024

The Oregon Broadband Office is now accepting applications for grant awards for the
Broadband Deployment Program (BDP). The U.S. Department of the Treasury allocated
$156.8 million for Oregon. The sole eligible activity for this program’s funds is the
construction and deployment of broadband infrastructure projects that offer reliable
broadband service (minimum 100/100 Mbps) to locations in Oregon that are unserved or
underserved and lacking at least 100/20 Mbps wired service.

The BDP funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund and
will provide funding for long-term expansion and access to high-speed broadband for
unserved and underserved locations in Oregon. Unserved is defined as lacking a wired
connection that reliably provides 25 Megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps
upload (25/3 Mbps) and underserved is defined as lacking a wired connection that reliably
provides 100/20 Mbps. The program is especially important for rural locations where
modern broadband infrastructure deployment has been historically cost-prohibitive due to
low population density and geographic constraints.

“We must remedy the digital divide in Oregon and among Oregon’s federally recognized
Tribes,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “The Broadband Deployment Program is a significant
opportunity to stand up critical infrastructure to ensure long-lasting, quality internet access
which will increase pathways to education, business development, health care, and so
much more across our state.”

Municipalities, private and for-profit entities, electric utilities, co-operatives, municipal
affiliates, each of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes, and non-profit organizations
are all eligible to apply for funding. Eligible applicants may apply alone, as part of a
regional partnership, as part of a public-private partnership, or as part of an existing
formal or informal partnership. Applications that include multiple collaborating entities
must designate a single eligible organization or entity as the lead and fiscal sponsor for
the application.

“Access to high-speed broadband is essential for all Oregonians. Our students need
access for remote learning, our businesses need access to reach national and global
markets, and our seniors rely on it for telehealth and connection,” said Nick Batz, Director
of the Oregon Broadband Office. “In Oregon, approximately 145,060 total households lack
access to reliable high-speed internet. Programs like the BDP can address this gap.”
BDP applications must be submitted by Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 5 PM PST in order to
be considered for grant funding. Grant applications will be scored based on the scoring
criteria outlined in the Program Handbook. For additional information on how to apply, visit
www.broadband.oregon.gov and feel free to contact your region’s Broadband Project
Coordinator for support in the application process by emailing
broadband.oregon@biz.oregon.gov. Please include “BDP Assistance” in the subject line
of your email.

For more information about the Oregon Broadband Office, visit
www.broadband.oregon.gov.

The Oregon Broadband Office (OBO) is a division of Business Oregon. The OBO strives to promote,
support, and facilitate the construction and deployment of high-speed internet to all Oregonians who currently do not have access. Learn more and apply for funding opportunities at the Oregon Broadband Office’s website.

Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, invests in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy. The agency’s services span rural community development and infrastructure financing; business retention, expansion and recruitment; export promotion and international trade; investments in industry research and development and entrepreneurship; small business assistance; and support for arts and cultural organizations. Learn more at biz.oregon.gov.