This month we bring you updates from the broadband funding front via the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO).

Matching grants available for federal broadband infrastructure funding opportunities

WSBO has approximately $25 million available for matching grant applications to federal broadband infrastructure funding. This is part of an open cycle operating on a first come, first served basis that will remain open until funds are exhausted. Awards are capped at $5 million or 25% of the federal grant amount, whichever is less. They are contingent upon the applicant successfully securing the federal grant dollars sought.

Eligible projects include (but are not limited to) those funded by:

• National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
• USDA ReConnect
• Economic Development Administration

Local governments are eligible to apply. Find out more on the WSBO website.

WSBO available to support applicants for Middle Mile funding

Is your city applying to the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program? The Broadband Office staff can provide the support you need. Contact Tammy Mastro at the Department of Commerce with your request.

Infrastructure Acceleration Grant cycle to open this fall

For those readers who expected to see a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) this summer for the Infrastructure Acceleration Grant through WSBO, the office recently announced it has paused the release. It now expects to open the application process in the fall and make award announcements the first quarter of 2023.

In the meantime, WSBO is conducting critical stakeholder engagement on a set of policy and procedure questions of importance to its work. The office requested community input via an online survey administered this month. It will use the survey results to formulate draft recommendations, which WSBO will discuss at a roundtable event in early fall. From the roundtable, the office will develop final outcomes and policy recommendations, in time for integration into the upcoming NOFO.

WSBO on track to receive federal broadband funding

The Broadband Office has submitted a letter of intent and applications to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The submissions include:

• Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program
  Letter of intent and planning application outlining the state’s proposal to increase equitable access to broadband service for the next five years.
• Digital Equity Planning Grant
  Application to the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Pending approval, the state will receive over $1 million to develop a digital equity plan by which to determine barriers for digital access and identify specific measures needed to address them. The funding is expected in fall 2022.