On Thursday, June 3, 2021, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced nearly $1 billion in grants for Indian tribes as a part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Consolidated Appropriations Act. The program aims to address the inequitable access to broadband services on tribal lands.
NTIA will provide initial grants up to $500,000 to eligible entities for broadband infrastructure and projects that promote the adoption and use of broadband services. Eligible entities include federally recognized tribal governments, tribal colleges or universities, and tribal organizations. Eligible projects include:
- Affordable broadband programs
- Distance learning
- Telehealth
- Digital inclusion efforts
- Broadband adoption
The initial grants of $500,000 are intended to ensure equitable distribution among eligible applicants. In addition to these initial amounts, NTIA expects to provide additional grants for:
- Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Projects: $1,000,000 to $50,000,000
- Broadband Use and Adoption Projects: $50,000 to $2,500,000
Applications must be received by September 1, 2021. Applicants may find more information and apply for funding at grants.gov. The grants are being offered as a part of the CARES Act, which supports tribal Covid-19 relief efforts.
Patterson Earnhart Real Bird & Wilson LLP is tracking Covid-19 relief funds for tribes. To learn more about this funding opportunity and how we can assist, contact attorney Jeremy Patterson in our Colorado office at 303-926-5292.