Infrastructure Funding & Policy Highlights

The section below provides snippets of weekly updates on infrastructure and infrastructure funding policy, programs, and deployment updates related to broadband and clean transportation. For more information on our Infrastructure Funding Consulting and Procurement Services, including our first-class grants, awards, and incentives monitoring database, click here.

Highlights from December 20, 2024

FEDERAL

On December 18, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released awards for Round 5 of the USDA ReConnect Program. There were 24 awards made totaling $215,358,764 in grant money and $97,973,602 in loan money.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has recommended for award more than $276 million to 44 Tribal entities to expand high-speed Internet access and adoption through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. These grants are from the second round of funding, which made nearly $1 billion available for the deployment of Internet infrastructure on Tribal Lands, affordability programs, telehealth and distance learning initiatives. Awards will be issued following budget review and processing.

BROADBAND

NEVADA
Nevada has announced the provisional winners of the BEAD program totaling $550 million. The Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation & Technology supplemented their $416 million BEAD allocation with additional funding from the Capital Projects Fund and the State Fiscal Recovery Fund. The Draft Final Proposal is available for public comment.

OREGON
On December 19, Business Oregon awarded Community Development Block Grants to fund six projects in Rural Oregon totaling $8 million.

On December 13, the Oregon Broadband Office announced awards for the second tranche of funding for the Broadband Deployment Program. In tranche two, $9,488,246 will be awarded to Home Telephone Company's project, "Nyssa Regional Link Expansion." It will provide 100/100 service at $49.99/month to 800 currently unserved locations in Malheur County. Additionally, $3,359,260 will be awarded to the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians' project, "Expanding Broadband Access for the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians." It will provide 100/100 service to 81 currently unserved locations in Lincoln County.

Highlights from December 13, 2024

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DELAWARE
Governor John Carney (D) and the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) Delaware Broadband Office (DBO) have proposed $17.4 million in competitive grant funding awards to Comcast and Verizon to extend broadband service to more than 5,600 unserved and underserved homes and businesses throughout Delaware.

Highlights from December 6, 2024

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FEDERAL
The U.S. Supreme Court will review the constitutionality of the FCC’s Universal Service Fund, a program established under the 1996 Telecommunications Act to subsidize telecommunications access for rural, low-income, and underserved communities, schools, and healthcare facilities. Critics argue that Congress unlawfully delegated its legislative and revenue-raising authority to the FCC and its administrative partner, a private nonprofit. The challenge centers on the non-delegation doctrine. A lower court ruled the funding structure unconstitutional, prompting the FCC and industry groups to appeal. A decision, expected by June, could impact access to critical communication services nationwide.

COLORADO
The Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) is designing a new grant program called Advance Colorado Broadband State & Local Dollars, or Advance-Local for short. It will award money from the state-funded High-Cost Support Mechanism (HCSM) Fund to middle-mile, last-mile, short-term construction and digital equity projects.

KANSAS
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development has launched the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology ADOPT grants. There will be a webinar held on December 11.

NEW MEXICO
The Connect New Mexico office has announced the award of $15 million through the Connect New Mexico Fund.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

FEDERAL
On December 5, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation announced the opening of the first electric vehicle charging station in Texas funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. The state’s first station is strategically located along Interstate 27 in the rural community of Happy, Texas.

On December 4, SAE Industry Technologies Consortia (ITC) and its Electric Vehicle Public Key Infrastructure (EVPKI) Consortium—along with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation—announced a common EVPKI framework that will enable secure automatic authentication as soon as drivers plug in—a capability known as “Plug & Charge.”  

On December 2, the Department of Energy announced a $7.5 billion conditional loan for Stellantis and Samsung SDI to build two battery plants in Kokomo, Indiana. Expected to produce 67 GWh annually, the facilities aim to boost U.S. EV battery production under the StarPlus Energy joint venture. The first plant opens in 2025, followed by the second in 2027. The funding stems from the ATVM loan program.

CALIFORNIA
On November 25, Governor Gavin Newsom (D) announced that if the incoming Trump Administration eliminates a federal ZEV tax credit, he will propose creating a new version of the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which was phased out in 2023. According to the press release, the proposed rebates could come from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which is funded by the state’s cap-and-trade program.

On November 21, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved $34.95 million in additional funding for zero-emission trucks, buses, and equipment under its 2024-25 Clean Transportation Incentives Plan. Key initiatives include $15 million for small fleet vouchers and $5 million for a truck loan pilot. The funding addresses financial barriers to compliance with mandates requiring zero-emission fleets by 2039.

MASSACHUSETTS
On December 2, the House adopted Governor Maura Healey's proposed amendment to House Bill 5100, which provides various appropriations for fiscal year 2025. Among the appropriations include:

$400,000 to the town of Westborough for economic development projects, including the creation of an electric vehicle station plan, costs associated with rotary redesign, sidewalk improvements, municipal parking improvements, and other projects in the town of Westborough.
$150,000 to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Cod Commission to support the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations at Cape Cod hotels and other accommodation locations by analyzing industry and local trends, creating installation and grant guides, conducting outreach and support activities.
$2 million to the Middleton Electric Light Department in the town of Middleton to modernize, upgrade and expand electrical power transmission and distribution infrastructure to ensure an adequate backup system for the town’s municipal and public safety facilities, electric vehicle infrastructure and utility scale solar, battery storage capacity during grid outages.
$150,000 to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Cod commission to support the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations in the Cape Cod region by analyzing industry and local trends, creating installation and grant guides, conducting outreach and support activities and developing a pilot incentive program to encourage electric vehicle usage.
$100,000 to the Tantasqua regional school district for a district wide electric vehicle charger installation project.

The Governor's amendment is eligible for further consideration in the Senate.

OKLAHOMA
On December 2, Oklahoma Transportation Commissioners awarded EVgo a $519,740 contract to build an EV charging station along Interstate 44 in Oklahoma City under the NEVI program. The decision followed Tesla's failure to meet program standards, reducing the project cost by $317,932. EVgo will receive a federal funding boost of $201,781, bringing the total to $801,780.

OREGON
On December 4, the Oregon Department of Transportation announced that it will install 460 public Level 2 EV Charging ports next year, thanks to the second funding round from its Community Charging Rebates program. The third funding round for the rebate program opens December 17 and will have $2.75 million available for eligible projects. The rebates range from $3,500 - $6,250 per charging port or up to 75% of eligible project costs, whichever is less.

TENNESSEE
On November 25, Tennessee Tech University was awarded a $4.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a mobile EV battery recycling hub. This project will enable on-site disassembly and shredding of EV batteries at local collection points, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of battery recycling. The grant is part of a broader $45 million initiative under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act aimed at improving EV battery recycling economics.

WISCONSIN
On January 1, 2025, Wisconsin will implement a 3-cent per kilowatt-hour excise tax on electricity delivered to electric vehicles via certain charging stations. This tax applies to Level 3 chargers and Level 1 or 2 chargers installed on or after March 22, 2024. Owners or operators of affected EV charging stations must register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue before providing taxed electricity. Residential chargers are exempt unless located at hotels.

Highlights from August 26, 2024

BROADBAND

ILLINOIS
On August 20, Frontier announced it has received $6.5 million in Connect Illinois grant funding to expand high-speed fiber broadband service in rural Knox County Illinois. The Knox County Board also committed $1.1 million in ARPA funding to the project. This award is separate from the Connect Illinois broadband award of $328 million made to 21 providers announced earlier this year.

OHIO
On August 21, Governor Mike DeWine (R) and Broadband Ohio announced that $94.5 million (Capital Projects Funds) was awarded from the second round of the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program. This round of ORBEG will fund $94.5 million in grant funding to two internet service providers for 6 projects serving 22 counties. As part of the grant process, 12 internet service providers also committed to independently fund 51 additional projects within two-years to serve an additional 10,000 households and impacting areas in 25 additional counties.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

NEBRASKA
On August 21, the Nebraska Department of Transportation announced a Request for Proposal (RFP) under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. The RFP seeks contractors to build, own, and operate fast-charging stations at seven sites along I-80. This initiative aims to expand Nebraska's electric vehicle infrastructure, supporting sustainable transportation. Funded by the NEVI Formula Program, the chosen contractors must meet program requirements for at least five years. Interested parties can find full specifications on NDOT's website, with proposals due by November 4.

PENNSYLVANIA
On August 15, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced $7.1 million in investments for Round 1B of federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. Ten projects in nine counties across the state were selected to fill in the final gaps along Pennsylvania's Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC) following NEVI Round 1 and Round 1A.

TENNESSEE
On August 15, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced that $2.9 million will be awarded to seven collaborative teams through the Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) initiative. The projects will be focused on mobility including research into lithium-ion battery safety, medium- to heavy-duty electric vehicle charging, mobile lidar use for crash data, AI-based traffic signal control, and automotive cybersecurity testing.

Highlights from August 19, 2024

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TEXAS
The Broadband Development Office (BDO) has posted BOOT awards of close to $12 million (Capital Projects Funds) to fund 20 applications that will bring high-speed, reliable internet to 1,729 locations across the state.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

FEDERAL
On August 15, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), announced $50 million for six states with significant automotive workforces to help small- and medium-sized suppliers adapt manufacturing facilities for the electric vehicle supply chain. Six states are eligible:
•   Michigan: $18,406,420.45
•   Ohio: $9,373,236.32
•   Indiana: $8,770,249.81
•   Kentucky: $4,876,458.57
•   Tennessee: $4,513,688.68
•   Illinois: $4,059,946.17
States have until October 15 at 5:00 p.m. ET to submit an application.

NEW YORK
On August 12, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced that an additional $200 million is now available to school districts and bus operators for zero-emission school buses through the second installment of funding from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (Bond Act).

Highlights from August 12, 2024

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CALIFORNIA
On July 22, the California Public Utilities Commission announced the fourth round of recommended awardees for last mile broadband projects. Draft Resolution T-17835 will be on the PUC’s August 22 meeting agenda. This resolution requests approval of up to $143.3 million in Last Mile Federal Funding Account funding for twelve broadband infrastructure projects serving unserved areas in Mono, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Mateo, and Riverside counties. Public comments on this draft resolution must be submitted no later than August 11 with reply comments due no later than August 16.

FEDERAL
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
On July 24, NTIA announced the opening of the first round of funding under the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, the third of three digital equity programs authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Nearly $1 billion will be available in this round, with applications due by September 23 and U.S. territory applications due by October 22. NTIA expects to begin making awards under this NOFO by Winter of 2024. NTIA plans to issue awards made under the Competitive Grant Program on a rolling basis.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

FEDERAL
On July 22, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced 25 selected applications for over $4.3 billion in grants to implement community-driven solutions to the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition.

$1.18 billion of the $4.3 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants will be allocated to transportation projects. This funding will support charging infrastructure for zero-emission freight trucks along major corridors, incentivize the deployment of 6,200 light-duty EVs, 1,750 electric trucks, 4,270 chargers, 18 electric locomotives, and 28,000 bicycles (including bikeshares and e-bikes). Additionally, the grants will fund measures aimed at reducing up to 3 billion vehicle-miles-traveled, significantly impacting transportation-related emissions across 30 states.

NEW JERSEY
On July 22, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection received a $250 million federal grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program to install electric truck charging stations along I-95. This grant supports the Clean Corridor Coalition, aiming to enhance infrastructure for commercial and heavy-duty electric trucks in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland.

Highlights from August 4, 2024

BROADBAND

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

Highlights from July 29, 2024

BROADBAND

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

Highlights from July 22, 2024

BROADBAND

CALIFORNIA
On July 11, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced the first round of recommended awardees for last mile broadband projects as part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program. The first two Resolutions propose awards for 11 grants for a total of $88.6 million (Resolution T-17829 and Resolution T-17826) and are in addition to a prior approval for $16.7 million awarded by staff delegated authority.

NORTH CAROLINA
On July 1, the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) announced $112 million in awards for county projects from the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) Program. Projects will connect 25,903 households and businesses in 19 counties to high-speed internet. Funding will be provided by ARPA (over $61 million), $25 million from counties and nearly $26 million from broadband providers.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

MICHIGAN
On July 17, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced it has awarded 17 grants totaling $905,567 for electric vehicle charging stations to continue development of the multistate Lake Michigan Circuit initiative. The newly announced grants will help install direct charge/fast charging (DCFC) stations and Level 2 chargers along the west coast of Michigan. Funding was awarded through EGLE’s Materials Management Division (MMD) Sustainability Section’s Charge Up Michigan program and made available through the Volkswagen Settlement Trust for fiscal year (FY) 2024.

VERMONT
On July 16, Governor Phil Scott (R) and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) announced it will modify its vehicle incentive programs for Vermonters whose personal vehicles were damaged by flooding. The Incentive Program for New Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs), which currently provides up to $5,000 for a new purchased or leased PEV, will provide an additional $1,000 incentive (up to $6,000 total) to eligible Vermonters replacing a flood-damaged vehicle.

Highlights from July 15, 2024

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INDIANA
On July 11, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch (R) and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced that $3,327,496 in state funds were awarded in the tenth round of the Indiana Connectivity Program. Internet providers carrying out the projects are matching $13,706,591 for a total investment of $17,034,087 to fund high-speed broadband access to 708 addresses.

MASSACHUSETTS
The Municipal and Digital Equity Implementation Program will award over $1.2 million (State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds) to 18 eligible municipalities in the current award cycle. The program, designed to mobilize, start and implement digital equity activities locally, will award a one-time grant of up to $100,000 per eligible municipality. The grants will be awarded to fund projects in initiative areas such as Wi-Fi access, public space improvements, digital literacy, device distribution and education, outreach and adoption. MBI will continue to provide awards to additional eligible municipalities over the next year of the grant program.

NEBRASKA
Applications for the state-funded Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program was posted to the Commission’s website on July 11, with intent to challenges due by August 2. A full procedural schedule is available here. $20 million is appropriated to this program annually to be distributed as grants through the program and to pay for administrative costs. Additionally, in the 2024 program year, funds that remain uncommitted from any prior grant cycles will be added to the amount available for grant awards.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

CALIFORNIA
On July 9, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded over $233.9 million to 16 California projects to help transition to low- and zero-emission bus models across the state.

FEDERAL
On July 11, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $1.7 billion to support the conversion of 11 shuttered or at-risk auto manufacturing and assembly facilities across eight states—Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, and Virginia—to manufacture electric vehicles and their supply chain. Project descriptions and a full list of selections can be found here.

MARYLAND
On July 10, Governor Wes Moore (D) announced $12.1 million in federal funding as part of the first round of conditional awards to expand electric vehicle charging sites under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

Highlights from July 8, 2024

BROADBAND

CALIFORNIA
On June 28, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced the third round of recommended awardees for last mile broadband projects from the Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program. Draft Resolution T-17833 will be on the CPUC’s August 1 meeting agenda and the resolution requests approval of up to $95,172,296 in Last Mile Federal Funding Account grants for ten broadband infrastructure projects serving 14,234 unserved areas in Alpine, Modoc, Riverside, Santa Barbara, and Tulare counties.

MAINE
On June 28, the Maine Connectivity Authority's (MCA) Board awarded more than $12 million in Connectivity Hub grants (Capital Projects Funds) to fund capital improvements to 12 community organizations across Maine. The Projects will serve a mix of targeted audiences identified in Maine's Digital Equity Plan, including eight counties with two projects serving Wabanaki Nations.

SOUTH CAROLINA
On June 28, the South Carolina Broadband Office (SCBBO) announced it had completed its American Rescue Plan (ARPA) grant programs that have resulted in the commitment of $400 million to expand high-speed internet access to over 112,380 unserved or underserved Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs) statewide. The SCBBO signed the final agreements for its ARPA SLFRF 3.0 grant program, awarding the remaining $43,333,179.32 to 12 different ISPs across 23 projects in 30 counties.

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ALABAMA
On July 1, Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced the award of 14 grants totaling $11.2 million to boost electric vehicle charging availability along Alabama's interstates. Thirteen grants will fund new charging stations at various locations across the state, while $2.4 million will go to Bevill State Community College for EV charger installation and maintenance training. This funding is part of a $79 million allocation from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program.

FEDERAL
On July 1, the General Services Administration announced a request for public input on developing a strategic plan for Federal Electric Vehicle Fleet Battery Management. This initiative, mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, seeks insights from various sectors to identify emerging trends and best practices in EV battery management. The GSA aims to help federal agencies maximize the potential benefits of EV technology. Comments are due by July 22.

WASHINGTON
Washington state received nearly $90 million in federal infrastructure funding on July 3, as part of the Biden Administration's RAISE program. The funds will support eight projects across the state, including $17 million for Kitsap Transit to upgrade its transportation hub and transition to electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses. This funding, part of a larger $1.8 billion national distribution, will help Kitsap Transit achieve its goal of a fully electrified fleet by 2050 and expand its capacity with double-decker buses.

Highlights from July 1, 2024

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ALABAMA
On June 25, Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced the award of nearly $53.5 million in ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds to expand high-speed internet service. The award was made from Round 2 of the Anchor Institution/Middle Mile (AIMM) Program to the Alabama Fiber Network, a coalition of electric and generation/transmission cooperatives, which will help develop the second phase of the state’s middle-mile broadband network deployment. The project will impact 24 Alabama counties and adds approximately 1,095 miles of high-speed internet access.

CALIFORNIA
On June 20, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to approve $42 million in California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) grants for broadband infrastructure and digital literacy and inclusion projects.

OKLAHOMA
On June 24, the Oklahoma Broadband Office formally opened the application period for $159 million in Capital Projects Fund grants (O-BIG CPF). Applications will close on July 8. If the applicant’s broadband infrastructure project is within or traverses a Tribal area, the applicant must request Tribal consent, as shown through written documentation from the appropriate Tribal official and submitted with their application.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

FEDERAL
On June 26, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced $1.8 billion in RAISE grants for 148 infrastructure projects across all 50 states, four territories, and D.C. The grants, part of President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, fund diverse projects including road safety improvements, community revitalization, and economic development. Notable projects include $23.5 million for electric buses in Maine.

NEW YORK
On June 21, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced that the $32 million Clean Mobility Program is now available to be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This program will competitively award funding to local governments, transit operators, and community-based organizations for selected community-led planning and demonstration projects that advance innovative clean mobility options to address transportation challenges. Eligible projects include personal or shared bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters, on-demand electric vehicle ride-hailing, and small-scale, on-demand public transit services with flexible routes, or shared electric vehicle options.

Highlights from June 17, 2024

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CALIFORNIA
On June 7, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced the first round of recommended awardees for last mile broadband projects as part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program.

COLORADO
The Treasury has approved Colorado’s plan to invest $48.7 million in Capital Projects Funds for the Ridge View Supportive Residential Community (RVSRC) to provide low-barrier access to comprehensive care, vocational services, and treatment to support people experiencing homelessness.

MICHIGAN
The Michigan High Speed Internet Office will launch the Michigan Inclusive Training, Technology, and Equity Network (MITTEN) using $13 million in Digital Equity Capacity Grant Funds. The MITTEN program will establish host sites for Regional Digital Coordinators.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

CONNECTICUT
On June 14, Governor Ned Lamont (D) announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has selected nine applicants to build out electric vehicle charging stations across Connecticut. The conditional awards totaling more than $5 million will fill gaps in the state’s federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC).

MAINE
On June 12, Governor Janet Mills (D) announced that 17 new high-speed electric vehicle charging stations will open in Maine over the next year as part of the State’s commitment to build an accessible and reliable network of EV chargers for residents and visitors. Funding for the charging includes $5.7 million from the NEVI Program, $2.8 million through the Governor’s Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, and settlement funds from the New England Clean Energy Connect project.

Highlights from June 10, 2024

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MISSISSIPPI
On June 3, the Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) announced it has recently approved 14 new broadband projects funded by the Capital Projects Fund. These initial projects will provide $45.2 million of grant funding to build internet service to approximately 13,700 households in 12 counties across the state. Additional CPF Funds will be awarded soon.

NEBRASKA
On June 4, the Nebraska Public Service Commission announced it had issued an order (CPF-2) authorizing nearly $31 million in Capital Projects Funds (CPF) grants for 28 projects to bring broadband to approximately 1,640 unserved and 1,570 underserved locations. This second round of CPF grants were awarded from 60 applications submitted by 13 applicants for projects in the Third Congressional District.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

NORTH DAKOTA
The North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) is working to develop a Regional Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Resilience Plan to create a road map for utilities and public entities in the event of a disruption of the electrical grid.

VERMONT
On June 3, Governor Phil Scott (R) signed House Bill 868. This measure appropriates $4,833,828 to increase the presence of EVSE in Vermont in accordance with the State’s federally approved National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan, which will lead to the installation of Direct Current Fast Charging (DC/FC) along designated alternative fuel corridors.

Highlights from June 3, 2024

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ILLINOIS
The National Skills Coalition reported that the announcement of the Digital Equity Capacity Kickstarter (DECK) program triggered more than $12 million in requests for funding. Officials anticipate issuing another $1.5 million in awards in the first half of 2024, after which it will be time to launch their federal DE funding.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

FEDERAL
On May 30, the Biden-Harris Administration opened applications for a $1.3 billion funding opportunity for electric vehicle charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure in urban and rural communities and along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways. This is the largest single grant funding opportunity for EV charging in the nation’s history and it will accelerate public and private investment in clean transportation in the places where people live, work, and play.

Eligible applicants include states, metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, port authorities, Indian Tribes, U.S. territories, and more. Applications are due in grants.gov by August 28. Previously unselected applicants will have the option to request via email by July 1 that FHWA reconsider previously submitted applications.

NEW YORK
On May 29, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) announced that six school districts across the Capital Region will receive nearly $12,080,000 in federal rebate funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new Clean School Bus Program.

WISCONSIN
On May 23, Governor Tony Evers (D), together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), announced 53 locations that will become the first federally funded fast-charging electric vehicle stations in the state funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. In total, to support these 53 projects, WisDOT awarded $23.3 million of the more than $78 million the state is expected to receive over the next five years.

Highlights from May 20, 2024

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TENNESSEE
On April 30, Governor Bill Lee (R) and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced the award of $162.7 million in broadband and digital opportunity grants funded with a combination of ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery and Capital Projects Funds. The investments will provide broadband access and digital opportunity programs to more than 236,000 Tennesseans across 92 counties.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

CALIFORNIA
On May 8, the California Energy Commission opened the docket to track the implementation of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program). The Commission issued a regional request for information (RFI) on May 10. The RFI seeks feedback on a number of questions, directed largely at implementers and affected parties. A notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) has not been issued. Responses to the RFI are due on June 10.

OHIO
On May 16, Governor Mike DeWine (R) announced that the state will award nearly $16 million to install 22 new electric vehicle fast-charging stations along Ohio’s interstates, state routes, and U.S. routes. Funding for the EV chargers is being awarded as part of the second round of the NEVI Program.

Highlights from May 13, 2024

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MINNESOTA
Awards for Round 2 of the Line Extension Program were announced on a rolling basis beginning March 29 and ending April 22. This second round of the program awarded $3,584,040.13 in Capital Projects Funds to expand wired broadband delivering at least 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload, to 482 locations across 25 counties. Internet providers carrying out the projects matched $1,490,990.67 for a total investment of $5,075,030.80.

WASHINGTON
On May 7, the Public Works Board announced it had approved $20 million in broadband construction funding, including grants and loans. The awards were part of an announcement including non-broadband critical infrastructure projects. The broadband grants were approved on May 3 and included $4 million in broadband construction match funding to assist with construction cost increases associated with prior awards by the Washington State Broadband Office.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

ALABAMA
A bill that would appropriate $4 million to the Department of Economic and Community Affairs for the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Planning Grant Program has been sent to Governor Kay Ivey (R).

FEDERAL
On May 6, Vice President Kamala Harris (D) joined Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves, Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed, and Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II (D) in Detroit, Michigan to announce new funding and resources for small- and medium-sized auto manufacturers and autoworkers. The Department of Energy will set aside $50 million of its Automotive Conversion Grants Program for partnerships with states to help small- and medium-sized suppliers convert from manufacturing internal combustion engine parts to manufacturing parts for the EV supply chain.

MASSACHUSETTS
On May 3, Governor Maura Healey (D) signed the Chapter 90 Bill which authorizes $200 million for Fiscal Year 2025 to fund bridge and road maintenance and other infrastructure projects in municipalities across the state under the Chapter 90 program. The Municipal/Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Electric Vehicle Grant Program, which provides grants to RTAs and municipalities for the purchase of electric vehicles and related charging equipment, received $25 million in funding.

Highlights from May 7, 2024

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FEDERAL
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
On April 30, NTIA issued its 2023 Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth Annual Report which provides an overview of the work accomplished by OICG across its initiatives over the prior calendar year as it administers the BIL and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) federal broadband grant programs. This is the third report prepared in accordance with the ACCESS BROADBAND Act, which requires the NTIA to submit an annual report to Congress.

PENNSYLVANIA
On April 18, the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced the approval of $204 million in Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) grant awards, funded with ARPA Capital Projects funds. These awards will fund 53 projects in 42 counties across Pennsylvania that will connect 40,000 homes and businesses, bringing high-speed internet to over 100,000 Pennsylvanians. The grants are awarded to businesses and non-profits and will be matched by more than $200 million in private investment, bringing the total investment to more than $400 million.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

ILLINOIS
On May 2, electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian Automotive, Inc. announced it has received an $827 million incentive package from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, which will allow the company to expand operations at its plant in Normal, Illinois.

WASHINGTON
On April 23, the Washington Department of Commerce unveiled a new $45 million rebate program to help lower-income households purchase or lease electric vehicles. Under this new program, an individual earning up to $45,000 annually or $93,000 for a family of four would be eligible for up to $9,000 in rebates for a three-year lease or $5,000 for a new EV purchase or two-year lease. Used EVs are also eligible for up to a $2,500 rebate on purchases and leases.

Highlights from April 29, 2024

BROADBAND

ALASKA
The U.S. Treasury approved $20 million in Capital Projects Funds for the construction of the Petersburg Wellness, Education and Resource Center, located on Mitkof Island in Petersburg, Alaska. The multi-purpose community facility will serve 3,200 community members.

FEDERAL
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
On April 24, USDA announced it is awarding $5.2 million in cooperative agreements through the Broadband Technical Assistance Program, which is part of the Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect). This round is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Grants will benefit people living in Alaska, Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
On April 18, NTIA announced that it received more than 160 applications in funding requests totaling more than $2.64 billion for the second Notice of Funding Opportunity in the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. Approximately $980 million is available from this second notice of funding.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

DELAWARE
On April 18, House Bill 13 passed the House by a vote of 21-13. This measure requires the Executive Director of the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (DESEU) to administer a program that provides financial assistance for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging equipment at or near the applicant's place of residence.

PENNSYLVANIA
On April 22, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced program details for Round 1B of the NEVI funding opportunity. For the Round 1B funding, PennDOT estimates approximately $12 million in funds will be available for projects in key areas around the state.

VERMONT
On April 23, Governor Phil Scott (R), Vermont’s congressional delegation, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT), top officials from the Federal Highway Administration and Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, and cabinet members, announced the opening of the state’s first federally funded public electric vehicle fast charging station in Bradford. Vermont is the sixth state in the country to install fast chargers under the NEVI program.

Highlights from April 22, 2024

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ILLINOIS
The Connect Illinois Program has granted Wabash Communication CO-OP $23,197,592 to bring high-speed broadband to approximately 1,200 households, businesses, farms, and community anchor institutions. Additional details are available here.

OKLAHOMA
The Oklahoma Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program (O-BIG CPF) Notice of Funding Opportunity and FAQ have been released, with $159 million in Capital Projects Funds to be available for this program.

OREGON
On April 16, the Oregon Broadband Office announced the awardees of the Broadband Technical Assistance Program (BTAP) grants of up to $150,000 per county which can be used for eligible broadband planning and pre-construction activities, staffing, and grant application support. $1.5 million will be distributed to 11 projects to prepare for broadband infrastructure. Grants are funded by Universal Service Funds.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

FEDERAL
On April 16, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a $54 million Communities Taking Charge Accelerator funding opportunity to enhance electric mobility in communities without access to home charging infrastructure and to transition all types of fleets to electric vehicles. It also focuses on developing managed charging solutions to optimize grid efficiency and integrate renewable energy to promote sustainability, economic growth, and community health.

ILLINOIS
On April 18, a Senate bill to establish the Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Station Act was passed by the Senate. This act requires the Department of Transportation to ensure that charging stations in the state are sufficiently accessible to allow independent use by drivers with disabilities, including people who have limited or no hand dexterity, limb differences, or upper extremity amputations and use adaptive driving controls.

OKLAHOMA
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is moving forward with the first phase of expanding electric vehicle infrastructure after the Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved more than $8 million in federal funds be awarded to three private partners to build 13 charging stations along Oklahoma interstates. The charging stations are expected to be opened in 2025.

Highlights from April 17, 2024

BROADBAND

FEDERAL
As of April 11, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted the Digital Equity Plans from the states of Utah, Iowa, New Mexico, Illinois, Mississippi and Colorado. The plans from all 50 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have now been accepted. This key milestone will enable states to apply for the first round of their tentatively allocated share of the $816 million State Digital Capacity Grant. The plans from American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands are in process.

IDAHO
On April 10, the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board announced it has awarded $500,000 from the State’s BEAD Regional Coordination and Planning Grant to communities for support and development of Broadband Action Teams and Coalitions. A total of 15 projects were funded. The Idaho Office of Broadband received 19 applications totaling $899,925.

MAINE
On April 5, the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) awarded a Connect the Ready grant for $1,875,000 to the Town of Fayette to reach approximately 440 homes and businesses. MCA also awarded a Reach Me grant for $311,000 to the Town of Wilton to connect 169 hard-to-reach locations requiring underground infrastructure. Both programs are funded by Capital Projects Funds.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

FEDERAL AND OTHER STAKEHOLDER UPDATES
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently released EVI-RoadTrip: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure for Road Trips Tool, as part of the EVI-X suite of modeling tools. EVI-RoadTrip estimates the number and type of charging ports and the associated energy consumption needed to support long-distance EV travel. EVI-RoadTrip is part of a suite of tools developed by NREL and funded by the Joint Office that help inform the planning and development of large-scale EV charging infrastructure deployments—from the regional, state, and national levels to site and facility operations.

ILLINOIS
On April 8, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director John J. Kim announced that $25.1 million is being awarded to 20 applicants for electric vehicle charging infrastructure under the Driving a Cleaner Illinois program. The grants will fund 643 new Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports at 141 locations throughout the state.

NORTH CAROLINA
On April 8, the North Carolina Department of Transportation issued a request for proposals for firms interested in applying for the first round of North Carolina’s share of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program funds. North Carolina received $109 million in NEVI funding to build out EV infrastructure along a network of approved corridors and in communities.

Highlights from April 8, 2024

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INDIANA
On April 4, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch (R) and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced the award of $657,886 in the ninth round of the Indiana Connectivity Program. These awards expand broadband to 152 addresses across 21 counties. Internet providers carrying out the projects are matching $1,016,458 for a total investment of $1,674,344.

FEDERAL
On March 29, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the availability and individual state allocations of over $800 million in funding to states, territories, and native entities as part of the first round of funding under the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program.

WISCONSIN
On April 2, the Public Service Commission announced the opening of the Capital Projects Fund (CPF) Digital Connectivity and Navigators Grant Program, which will make $33 million available for deploying computing devices, installing Wi-Fi equipment in apartment buildings and providing digital navigation services to make use of the devices for work, education, and health monitoring.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

COLORADO
On April 4, Governor Jared Polis (D) and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) announced $21 million in grant awards through the Direct-Current Fast-Charging (DCFC) Plazas program. Funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program and the state’s Community Access Enterprise (CAE), these grants create 290 new fast charger ports at 46 different sites across the state. This will increase Colorado’s existing public fast-charger network of more than 1,000 ports by about 28%.

FEDERAL
On April 4, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) program, has launched the Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Playbook, featuring interactive resources to help communities plan and build infrastructure to support a zero-emission transportation system.

PENNSYLVANIA
On April 4, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced $20 million in investments for Round 1A of the federal NEVI funding.

Highlights from April 1, 2024

BROADBAND

FEDERAL
As of March 26, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted the Digital Equity Plans from the states of Washington, North Dakota, Montana, Florida, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Hawaii.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Challenge Process for the Broadband Matching Grant Initiative is open until April 3 by 3:00 p.m. ET. An initial $25 million in Capital Projects Funds are available for matching grants to ISPs and municipalities to improve broadband availability across the state. The Bureau of Economic Affairs preliminarily approved twelve BMGI applications.

OREGON
On March 25, Governor Tina Kotek (D) and the Oregon Broadband Office announced the opening of the Broadband Deployment Program application period. The program is funded with $156.8 million in Capital Projects Funds. Applications are due by April 25 at 5:00 p.m. PT.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

ILLINOIS
On March 22, the Ilinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director John J. Kim announced Round Two of grants available to fund the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at publicly accessible locations. This opportunity is funded by Governor J.B. Pritzker’s (D) bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan and authorized under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. CT on May 10.

NEW JERSEY
On March 26, Governor Phil Murphy (D) signed legislation renewing the State’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) for five more years. The bill also establishes an annual electric vehicle fee of $250, with increases of $10 per year in each of the remaining four years.

NORTH CAROLINA
On March 28, Governor Roy Cooper (D) announced that North Carolina has surpassed initial electric vehicle registration goals two years early. In 2018, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 80, which set an initial goal of 80,000 zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2025. North Carolina has surpassed this goal as of November 2023.

Highlights from March 25, 2024

BROADBAND

FEDERAL
U.S. President Joe Biden's (D) proposed 2025 Fiscal Year Budget (page 18-19) includes $6 billion to continue the Affordable Connectivity Program in 2024 and the document states that the Administration will work with the Congress to secure additional funding for this important need in 2025 and beyond. The proposed budget also includes $112 million for the ReConnect Program.

NEW JERSEY
On March 15, Governor Phil Murphy (D) announced the U.S. Treasury had approved $181.6 million in Capital Projects Funds for several broadband infrastructure, digital connectivity and multi-purpose connectivity projects.

NEW MEXICO
On March 15, the U.S. Treasury announced the award of $10 million in Capital Projects Funds for New Mexico’s Tribal Library Broadband-Ready Facility Improvement Program ensuring that Native American residents have access to work, education, and health monitoring services and programming.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

NEW YORK
On March 18, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that the city has won a total of $77 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

VIRGINIA
On March 22, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced it has allocated $11.3 million in federal funding for the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations across the Commonwealth.

WISCONSIN
On March 20, Governor Tony Evers (D) signed Senate Bill 791 and Senate Bill 792, now 2023 Wisconsin Acts 121 and 122, respectively, enabling the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to receive and administer more than $78 million in federal funds to bolster the state’s electric vehicle infrastructure.

Highlights from March 18, 2024

BROADBAND

MINNESOTA
On March 12, the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) issued a call for applications for the Border-to-Border and Low-Density Broadband programs. This round is funded by $50 million in state general funds. Applications are due by May 10 at 1:30 p.m. CT. An online webinar will be available on March 21 at 11:00 a.m. CT via Teams. Registration is required.

TENNESSEE
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) is anticipating opening Round 2 of the Last Mile Grant Program on March 6 and closing the application window in April 10. A total of $25 million in Capital Projects Funds will be available for projects in 8 counties, divided into 18 total application areas.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

FEDERAL
On March 12, the Biden-Harris Administration released the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy. Developed by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the strategy sets an actionable vision and comprehensive approach to accelerating the deployment of a zero-emission freight network across the United States by 2040.

HAWAII
The Joint Office announced the opening of the first EV charging station funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program on the island of Maui. The four 150-kW chargers are located at the Kahului Park and Ride on Kuihelani Highway.

WISCONSIN
On March 12, the Senate approved legislation to allow retail sale of electricity by charging station operations, clearing the way for the state to start building a network of electric vehicle charging stations. The legislation is now headed to Governor Tony Evers (D) for approval.

Highlights from March 11, 2024

BROADBAND

CALIFORNIA
The Loan Loss Reserve Program will accept applications from March 12 through April 9. The Broadband Loan Loss Reserve Fund (the Fund) is a $500 million fund that provides a credit enhancement related to the financing of local broadband infrastructure development.

IDAHO
On March 6, the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board (IBAB) and the Idaho Office of Broadband announced they are now accepting grant applications for the Idaho BEAD Regional Coordination and Planning Grant. The Board approved $500,000 for broadband planning funds to be used to establish a Broadband Action Team and additional support. Eligible applicants include local governments, tribal governments and state agencies. The maximum amount awarded will be $50,000.

MINNESOTA
On March 5, Governor Tim Walz (D) announced the award of $53 million from two broadband expansion grant programs administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Office of Broadband Development.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

FEDERAL
On March 5, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation announced it has launched a new webpage on workforce development. This new platform contains resources to support workforce development activities for an electrified transportation system. The resource is aligned with the Joint Office's goal to ensure equitable deployment of EV charging infrastructure, transportation, and mobility access options that provide positive outcomes for Justice40 and underserved communities nationwide.

VIRGINIA
House Bill 107 passed the Senate on March 5 by a vote of 28-12. This measure establishes the Electric Vehicle Rural Infrastructure Program to assist private developers with non-utility costs associated with the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in any distressed locality in the Commonwealth.

Highlights from March 4, 2024

BROADBAND

ALABAMA
On February 27, Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced the award of $148.3 million in Capital Projects Fund grants to 16 internet service providers for 66 projects. These last mile projects impact 48 counties and include 5,000 miles of broadband infrastructure that will provide access to almost 4,000 households, businesses and institutions, including hospitals, schools and libraries.

FEDERAL
On February 22, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the release of a Build America, Buy American (BABA) waiver (and FAQ) for the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The agency continues to estimate that close to 90% of BEAD funds spent on equipment will be spent on equipment manufactured in the U.S.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

MARYLAND
Legislation to create the Maryland Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council passed the House on February 29. The Council would be tasked with developing an action plan to facilitate the successful integration of zero-emission electric vehicles into the state's transportation network.

MICHIGAN
On February 26, Consumers Energy announced that 25 new electric vehicle charging locations will be coming to Michigan communities. Over 40 fast-charging locations from Traverse City to Flint to Jackson were picked to receive close to $23 million in federal dollars. Consumers Energy will power 25 of them, adding to the 54 fast-charging and over 230 other public locations that it has already helped install.

WASHINGTON
A Senate Budget bill that would appropriate $4,344,000 to the Department of Corrections for Electric Car Chargers has passed the Senate. This measure also appropriates $525 million to the Department of Commerce for the development of community electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Highlights from February 26, 2024

BROADBAND

CALIFORNIA
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) received 484 grant applications with requests to fund last-mile infrastructure projects from every county in California as part of the $2 billion Last-Mile Federal Funding Account using ARPA funds. A list of projects, applicants, requested amounts, and objections can be found in the program grant management portal.

COLORADO
On February 16, the Broadband Fund published a summary and details for the applications submitted for the 2024 grant cycle. There were 18 applications requesting $32,702,812.70 to provide broadband-level internet access to 6,583 locations. The public comment period will close on April 1. The Board will meet on April 11 and April 12 to hear presentations and discuss application submissions for eligibility.

FEDERAL
On February 21, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden announced that USDA is providing $772.6 million for 216 rural infrastructure projects in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands to bring high-speed internet, clean water, state-of-the-art infrastructure and economic growth to rural communities, benefitting more than one million people.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

CALIFORNIA
On February 14, the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved a $1.9 billion investment plan that accelerates progress on the state’s electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling goals. These investments will help deploy infrastructure for light, medium, and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) across California.

FEDERAL
On February 20, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced the $5 million Clean Bus Planning Awards (CBPA) program, funded by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. Managed by NREL, the CBPA provides free technical assistance to create comprehensive and customized bus electrification plans for fleets across the United States. Applications for assistance are open on a rolling basis through September 30.

KENTUCKY
On February 19, Governor Andy Beshear (D) joined Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Shailen Bhatt and several state and local officials at Circle K in Richmond to break ground on the first electric vehicle fast charging station in the southeastern United States built with federal funds from the NEVI Program.

Highlights from February 19, 2024

BROADBAND

GEORGIA
The U.S. Treasury has approved Georgia’s plan for $4.6 million in Capital Projects Funds for Digital Connectivity Technology. Georgia’s CPF Digital Connectivity program will increase access to devices to facilitate broadband access where affordability and lack of devices have been identified as a barrier to adoption and use by applying the funding to an ongoing program in which devices are purchased and deployed through the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS).

MISSISSIPPI
The U.S. Treasury has approved Mississippi’s plan for $3 million in Capital Projects Funds for Digital Connectivity Technology. The digital connectivity category of Mississippi’s Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) Fund program will increase the availability of free public wi-fi in community facilities such as libraries and community centers. The program will prioritize projects that demonstrate community support, have high social and economic impact, and are scalable to increase speeds.

SOUTH CAROLINA
On February 12, the South Carolina Broadband Office (SCBBO) announced the conclusion of its American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund (CPF) 1.0 Grant Program. In addition to those projects that were announced on December 18 and January 31, the SCBBO recently awarded 16 additional projects totaling $71.5 million, which completes the deployment of South Carolina’s CPF allocation of $185,121,662.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

CALIFORNIA
On February 14, the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved a $1.9 billion investment plan that accelerates progress on the state’s electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling goals. These investments will help deploy infrastructure for light, medium, and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) across California.

MICHIGAN
On February 15, the Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO), in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation announced that nearly $23 million has been awarded to more than 40 locations across the state under the NEVI Program.

OREGON
On February 15, the Oregon Department of Transportation announced it has received a $10 million grant to repair broken EV charging ports at public EV charging stations throughout the state. The grant comes from the federal Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator program.

Highlights from February 12, 2024

BROADBAND

ALABAMA
On February 5, Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced the award of $188,453,905 in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the Alabama Anchor Institution/Middle Mile Grant Program. Awards were made to 12 internet service providers to install 4,287 miles for projects across the state and awards are in addition to providers’ matching funds of $58,109,315. An estimated 793 anchor institutions, including schools, hospitals, medical facilities and government and public safety buildings will be served by these middle mile routes.

FLORIDA
On February 2, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced the award of $135 million in State Fiscal Recovery Funds through the Broadband Opportunity Program and $86 million in Capital Projects Funds through the Multipurpose Community Facilities Program.

WEST VIRGINIA
On February 9, Governor Jim Justice (R) announced the preliminary approval of ten awards totaling nearly $33 million through Round 3 of the Line Extension Advancement and Development (LEAD) Program. Four internet service providers (ISPs) will install approximately 660 miles of new infrastructure, connecting over 5,200 targeted locations that previously lacked access to reliable broadband services.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

CALIFORNIA
Legislation to provide supplemental appropriations to the Department of Transportation for the remainder of FY2024 passed the House Appropriations Committee on February 6. This measure appropriates $9,132,872 for the Clean Transit Enterprise.

FLORIDA
House Bill 5001 was introduced by the House Appropriations Committee on February 1 and passed the House on February 8. This measure appropriates $82,871,195 for grants and aids to the Department of Transportation to be used for electric vehicle grant programs.

MASSACHUSETTS
On February 7, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced an investment of $50 million in initiatives to build out electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Massachusetts. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will increase access to charging infrastructure for more residents, electrify the state fleet, improve operation of public charging stations, manage the impact of charging infrastructure on the electric grid, and provide charging solutions for difficult to electrify vehicle types.

NEW MEXICO
A bill to establish a transportation committee in the New Mexico Legislature was heard and passed by the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee on February 5. The measure is now eligible for consideration in the House Appropriations and Finance Committee.

Highlights from January 29, 2024

BROADBAND

FEDERAL
The deadline for applications for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 has been extended to March 22 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The second round will make approximately $980 million available for the deployment of Internet infrastructure, affordability programs, telehealth and distance learning initiatives on Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Iands.

NEW YORK
On January 22, the U.S. Treasury announced the award of $228.3 million in Capital Projects Funds for broadband infrastructure. The award will fund the Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP), a new competitive grant program designed to fund local governments and internet service providers to build last-mile infrastructure. The program will facilitate a variety of models of municipal broadband and public-private partnerships.

OKLAHOMA
On January 25, the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board authorized $374 million in ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery grant funding for 142 approved broadband expansion projects serving more than 55,000 homes and businesses across 57 counties. These grants will be matched by $90 million from 31 internet service providers.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

ARIZONA
On January 22, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced it is seeking bids for private entities to build or upgrade electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways. Bids are due by April 19, with ADOT awarding contracts this summer. Construction of the privately owned facilities is anticipated to take about a year.

FEDERAL
On January 22, the United States Postal Service (USPS), alongside White House officials, unveiled its first set of electric vehicle charging stations at its South Atlanta Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC). Charging stations like these will be installed at hundreds of new S&DCs across the country throughout the year and will power what will be the nation's largest EV fleet.

HAWAII
On January 24, Senator Dru Kanuha (D) introduced Senate Bill 3309, which provides that the Public Utilities Commission shall administer a funding program that incentivizes the installation, maintenance, and upgrade of electric vehicle charging systems and infrastructure throughout the State of Hawaii to achieve and maintain a zero-emissions clean energy economy.

Highlights from January 22, 2024

BROADBAND

FEDERAL
We have identified over 2,900 recipients of various broadband funding awards that have been updated in our Broadband Database. The Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) Program has been updated in addition to links and project specs for a number of programs. For more information on our Broadband Database, please email James Bookwalter.

PENNSYLVANIA
Applications for the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program will be accepted beginning January 22 and will close on April 20. The program is funded by $45 million in ARPA Capital Projects Funds and will offer competitive grants to community anchor institutions and units of local government for community projects to construct, acquire, or improve facilities that are, or will be open to the public and will directly enable work, education, and health monitoring at the respective facility.

VERMONT
The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) has posted a Request for Proposals (RFP) and established the BEAD Subrecipient Support Program. The VCBB has approved $1 million to provide needs-based grants to eligible internet service providers to ensure they have the resources required to participate in the competitive BEAD grant program. Municipalities, municipal organizations, co-ops, utilities, for-profit entities, nonprofit entities, or other consortiums are all eligible for support from this program.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

FEDERAL

The Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program awarded approximately $148.8 million in grant funding to 24 applicants to repair or replace broken or non-operational electric vehicle charging ports to improve the reliability of existing charging infrastructure. The 24 awards are located in 20 States and were awarded to 14 State Departments of Transportation and 10 local entities.
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has made available $46.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for projects that bolster America’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

GEORGIA
Governor Brian Kemp (R) has released his FY2025 executive budget recommendation outlining his priorities for the 2024 legislative session. The Governor proposes $3,315,000 for fiscal year 2024 for equipment and vehicles to implement the Georgia Electric Vehicle Charging Program.

NEW JERSEY
Senate Bill 3102 was signed by Governor Phil Murphy (D) on January 16. This measure establishes uptime requirements for electric vehicle charging station incentive programs administered by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

NEW YORK
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced that New York State has been awarded $15 million in federal funding to build out electric vehicle charging.

Highlights from January 16, 2024

BROADBAND

CALIFORNIA
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will begin accepting applications to the Loan Loss Reserve Fund ($750 million) in March 2024. The reserve fund expands the ability of local governments, tribes and non-profits to secure financing for building last-mile projects, with an emphasis on public broadband networks.

FEDERAL
On January 11, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an order detailing the wind-down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which will stop accepting new enrollments on February 7.

NEBRASKA
On January 9, the Nebraska Public Service Commission approved an Order (C-5484) awarding 22 grants to 10 providers for a total of $19,713,379.26 in state funds from the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program. The Commission received 51 applications in the 2023 program grant cycle.

NEVADA
The Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation & Technology has published the following awards for the Phase I High-Speed NV Initiative (ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds):

Phase I Region 2 Award: Zito Media: $3,723,508
Phase I Region 3 Award: Zito Media: $25,524,506
Phase I Regions 6 & 7 Award: Hot Spot Broadband DBA Sky Fiber Internet: $27,333,382.91
Phase I Region 8 Award: Valley Communications: $7,522,892.78
Phase I Region 10 Award: Zayo Group: $6,130,150.27

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES & CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE

FEDERAL
On January 11, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $623 million in grants to help build out an electric vehicle charging network across the U.S. The grants announced are made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $2.5 billion Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program.

ILLINOIS
On January 11, Governor JB Pritzker announced that Illinois secured $14.9 million in competitive federal grant funding from the US Department of Transportation's FY22-FY23 CFI Discretionary Grant Program. The Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), in its role as the Illinois Climate Bank, was chosen to receive the $14.9M to support the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Illinois.

VIRGINIA
On January 9, U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) announced $1,452,800 in federal funding to build 38 publicly accessible electric vehicle charging ports across Henrico County and to plan for the future of EV infrastructure development.

WISCONSIN
Senate Bill 791 was passed unanimously by the Senate Committee on Utilities and Technology on January 10. The measure has been scheduled for a hearing in the Joint Tax Exemptions Committee on January 12. If passed, Wisconsin will be able to tap into more than $78 million in federal funds to boost the state's network of EV charging stations.

Highlights from January 8, 2024

BROADBAND

COLORADO
On January 3, Governor Jared Polis (D) announced $113 million in broadband project grant awards, the first of multiple investments from the Advance Colorado Broadband Grant Program funded by the Capital Projects Fund (CPF). These grants will connect nearly 19,000 homes and businesses across Colorado.

FLORIDA
On January 3, FloridaCommerce announced that more than $13 million in grant funding is available through the Capital Projects Fund Digital Connectivity Technology Program to connect communities with digital devices. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and community action agencies serving high-poverty areas.

MISSISSIPPI
The Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) has made preliminary determinations for granting over $112 million in ARPA Capital Projects Funds to projects serving 66,328 eligible locations. BEAM will accept comments or objections concerning each preliminary determination until January 22.

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FLORIDA
On January 3, Senator Tina Polsky (D) prefiled legislation that provides that the Office of Energy of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in collaboration with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Public Service Commission, shall convene the Workgroup on Bidirectional Charging by Electric Vehicles to examine the feasibility, and the associated challenges and opportunities, of using battery-powered electric vehicles and bidirectional electric vehicle service equipment.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
On December 29, the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) announced that it had formally adopted the Advanced Clean Cars II Rule, California's Vehicle Emission Standards. Under the regulations, automakers will be required to only sell zero-emissions vehicles beginning in 2035.

KANSAS
On January 3, Governor Laura Kelly (D) announced that more than $4.6 million in federal funds will be directed to the first six locations selected for the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program. With existing fast-charging stations spread across the I-70 and I-135 corridors, these selected locations will fill gaps in EV charging stations along the state’s major highways and interstate system.

Highlights from January 2, 2024

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ILLINOIS
On December 22, The Illinois Broadband Office reported that Round 3 of the Connect Illinois grant program is completing its merit and mapping review processes. Local communities, incumbent providers, and other stakeholders have until January 4 to provide initial feedback on proposed projects from Q3 2023 and Q4 2023. This round has included over 200 applications requesting more than $1.2 billion in grant funds. Up to $350 million from a combination of state and federal American Rescue Plan Act funds is available in this round.

SOUTH CAROLINA
On December 18, the South Carolina Broadband Office announced the award of $112,303,273 in ARPA Capital Projects Fund (CPF 1.0) grants to eight Internet Service Providers (ISP) for 17 newly funded projects. The total investment for this round, including ISP contributions, is estimated to be $162,141,901. These grants will connect over 16,000 locations statewide. An interactive map of CPF awards is available.

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CONNECTICUT
On December 13, AmpUp, an electric vehicle charging operating system, announced it has been awarded up to $1.7 million in project funding by Connecticut’s Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) for EV charging demand flexibility.

MICHIGAN
On December 20, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announced it has posted a request for proposals (RFP) for a renewable energy and electrification infrastructure enhancement and development grant program. The RFP meets the requirements of Public Act 119 of 2023, under which the MPSC must develop the $21.3 million grant program. The deadline to submit proposals is February 21.

Highlights from December 18, 2023

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FEDERAL
We have identified over 2,900 recipients of various broadband funding awards that have been updated in our Broadband Database. The following programs were updated last week:

Kansas's Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (LINC) Program
Kansas's Broadband Acceleration Program 3.0
Idaho Capital Projects Fund

For more information on our Broadband Database, please email James Bookwalter.

MAINE
On December 12, the Maine Connectivity Authority announced the award of more than $36.6 million in grants from two programs to expand affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service to more than 24,000 homes and businesses in 45 communities across the state. These grants are funded by the American Rescue Plan Capital Projects Funds and will be matched by more than $25 million in private-sector and community investments.

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FEDERAL
The Electric Vehicle Funding Database is your one-stop for learning about funding opportunities and identifying trends.

Recent updates reflect California's opening of its NEVI solicitation process, with over $40 million offered to fund 26 charging stations at 10-11 sites.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jake Bookwalter.

NEW YORK
Several electric vehicle-related bills were sent to Governor Kathy Hochul (D) on December 12:

Assembly Bill 5687 requires the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to develop a real-time mobile application with a corresponding map with information on electric vehicle charging stations.
Assembly Bill 1721 establishes electric vehicle charging station reliability reporting requirements.
Assembly Bill 1122 requires commercial garages containing electric vehicle charging stations to ensure public access to such charging stations with commercially reasonable rental or fee rates.

OHIO
Governor Mike DeWine (R) announced that Ohio's first electric vehicle charger funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program is now online, making Ohio the first state in the nation to activate a NEVI charger.

WISCONSIN
New legislation, introduced by Senator Howard Marklein (R) and Representative Nancy VanderMeer (R), aims to increase electric vehicle range by installing and operating charging stations for EVs and expanding the infrastructure for electric vehicles. It would also allow private businesses to sell electricity by the kilowatt-hour without being considered a public utility.

Highlights from December 11, 2023

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FEDERAL
We have identified over 2,900 recipients of various broadband funding awards that have been updated in our Broadband Database. The following programs were updated last week:

Kansas's Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (LINC) Program
Kansas's Broadband Acceleration Program 3.0
Idaho Capital Projects Fund

For more information on our Broadband Database, please email James Bookwalter.

IDAHO
On December 7, the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board announced the award of $120 million in funding from the Idaho Capital Projects Fund to 18 broadband projects across Idaho, connecting over 30,000 homes and businesses. These grants were preliminarily issued on October 24.

MASSACHUSETTS
On December 5, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at MassTech announced $20 million in new grants to five entities through the state’s Digital Equity Partnerships Program.

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FEDERAL
According to Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Executive Director Gabe Klein, there are 27 state departments of transportation who have released competitive solicitations for the first round of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maine have even opened solicitations for their second round of NEVI funding. Already, nine states have issued conditional awards for new NEVI stations amounting to $119 million, two states have agreements in place, and 16 states are soliciting proposals for new stations. 

MICHIGAN
On December 5, Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed an executive directive requiring the state government to convert its fleet of cars and trucks to zero-emission vehicles by 2040. State government's light-duty vehicles would have to be converted to zero-emission vehicles by 2033, 10 years from now, according to the executive directive. State government's medium- and heavy-duty vehicles would have to be converted by 2040.

Highlights from November 20, 2023

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NATIONWIDE
On November 28, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced it had awarded $13 million in the second round of grants from the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund’s first Notice of Funding Opportunity. This second round of funding will support research and development of new and improved testing methods for open and interoperable networks. The $1.5 billion Wireless Innovation Fund is supported by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.

The Rural Broadband Association (NTCA) has released the SMART Toolkit for Digital Inclusion. The SMART Toolkit is intended to assist rural internet service providers and state broadband offices in their development of state Digital Equity Plans. Moreover, to the extent that individual state scoring criteria may include applicants’ digital inclusion efforts, aspects of this SMART Toolkit can be incorporated into individual Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) planning and applications.

WISCONSIN
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has received 124 applications requesting $221.6 million for the Capital Projects Fund Broadband Infrastructure Program, with awards expected to total $42 million in available funds. The five-to-one ratio of requested funding to available funding is the highest for any broadband grant round since the first in 2014, according to Governor Tony Evers’ Office and the PSC.

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NATIONWIDE
On December 5, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) will host a webinar focused on the importance of zero-emission ridership and all electrified mobility modes. Panelists will discuss strategies for communities, cities, and states when deploying electric vehicle charging across all modes of travel.

NEW YORK
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced that the New York State Public Service Commission made major changes to New York’s electric vehicle “make-ready” program to speed up the transition to zero-emissions electric vehicles. Combined, the programs announced are expected to stimulate $4 billion in total investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

WISCONSIN
On November 27, Senator Howard Marklein (R) and Representative Nancy VanderMeer (R) circulated legislation to enable retail electric vehicle charging in Wisconsin. The legislation enables Wisconsin to capture nearly $78 million in federal funds that are available for private businesses, such as local gas stations and convenience stores, to construct, own and operate EV chargers along the main travel corridors in the state.

Highlights from November 20, 2023

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MINNESOTA
As of November 14, the U.S. Treasury had awarded $47.5 million in Capital Projects Funds to implement Minnesota’s Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects to Support Community Revitalization, Connectedness and Equity by Promoting Education, Work and Health Program. Minnesota estimates this program will fund up to 75 facilities that will serve approximately 150,000 individuals.

SOUTH DAKOTA
As of November 14, the U.S. Treasury had awarded $69.6 million in Capital Projects Funds for the construction of the Department of Health Workforce Development and Education Center, a multi-purpose Community Facility. The programming and services offered through this facility are designed to serve all residents of the state, a population of over 913,000 individuals.

TENNESSEE
The application window for three broadband program grants will be closing in December. The three programs offer grants totaling $57 million in American Rescue Plan funding. The application deadline for the Digital Skills, Education, and Workforce Development Program ($17 million ARPA) is December 6. The Broadband Ready Communities Program ($10 million ARPA SLFRF) and Connected Community Facilities Program ($30 million ARPA CPF and SLFRF) deadlines have been extended until December 12.

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NATIONWIDE
The Electric Vehicle Funding Database is your one-stop for learning about funding opportunities and identifying trends. Recent updates reflect California's opening of its NEVI solicitation process, with over $40 million offered to fund 26 charging stations at 10-11 sites. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jake Bookwalter.

OHIO
On November 13, Ohio State University was joined by Lt. Governor Jon Husted (R), congressional leaders, Honda, Schaeffler Americas and JobsOhio officials to announce the creation of a new battery cell research and development center.

PENNSYLVANIA
On November 13, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced program details for Round 1A of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding opportunity. The proposal period will open on December 11 and close on January 26, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Highlights from November 13, 2023

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NATIONWIDE
We have identified over 2,900 recipients of various broadband funding awards that have been updated in our Broadband Database. The following programs have been updated this week:

Colorado’s Broadband Stimulus Program
Florida Broadband Opportunity Grant Program
Iowa’s Empower Rural Iowa (CPF) #8 Program
Idaho’s Broadband Advisory Board Idaho Capital Projects Fund (ARPA) Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program
Louisiana’s Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities 2.0 (GUMBO 2.0) Program
Michigan’s Realizing Opportunities with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) Awards
Minnesota’s Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program
Missouri’s 100 Cell Towers Campaign Round 1
North Carolina’s Completing Access to Broadband
High Speed Nevada Initiative
The Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program
Tennessee’s Middle Mile Buildout Program

For more information on our Broadband Database, please email James Bookwalter.

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ALABAMA
On November 3, Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced that Alabama will be awarding grants totaling nearly $1 million to expand electric vehicle infrastructure in East Alabama, an investment derived from the state's allocation of the national Volkswagen settlement funds. These grants will facilitate the installation of new charging stations at 44 locations, including businesses and public spaces.

ALASKA
On November 7, the second annual Alaska National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan by the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) and the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) was approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). With the approval of the updated plan, an additional $11 million will be available for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state. This funding is in addition to the $19 million already allocated for fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

Highlights from November 6, 2023

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IOWA

On October 30, the Department of Management Division of Information Technology, formerly the Office of the Chief Information Officer, announced a Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA) $148,960,000 (Capital Projects Funds) as part of the Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant program.

NATIONWIDE

The Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Saving Lives with Connectivity: Accelerating Vehicle to Everything (V2X) Deployment. Up to $40 million is available for Fiscal Year 2024 for eligible entities to deploy, operate, document, and showcase integrated, advanced roadway deployments featuring applications enabled by interoperable wireless connectivity.

WASHINGTON

On October 30, the Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) announced it had approved $3,723,727 for a low-interest loan to Whidbey Telecom for the Deer Lake West broadband infrastructure project.

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NORTH CAROLINA

On November 1, Governor Roy Cooper (D) announced that North Carolina was selected as a partner in the EVeryone Charging Forward program, a $30 million, 10-year initiative of the Siemens Foundation.

NEW YORK

On October 20, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced that 36 public-use airports across the state will receive approximately $49 million for strategic infrastructure enhancements. Administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, projects funded through the Aviation Capital Grant Program include electrification and carbon reduction programs.

WISCONSIN

The Wisconsin State Legislature is required to pass legislation instilling billing by the kilowatt-hour in order to participate in NEVI Program that would secure $78.6 million in funding for EV charging stations.

Highlights from October 30, 2023

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MISSISSIPPI

The Director of the State Broadband Office recently indicated that funds allocated to two of three programs, which are pending and funded by Capital Projects Funds, have been shifted due to demand. The budget for the Broadband Infrastructure Program has been increased to $130 million (from $116.4 million) and the budget for the undersubscribed Line Extension Program has been reduced accordingly.

MISSOURI

On October 20, the Department of Economic Development (DED) announced that it has awarded a total of $12 million through the Cell Towers Grant Program for 29 projects. Projects receiving funds are expected to serve more than 17,000 high-need locations that previously lacked quality cellular service.

OKLAHOMA

The Oklahoma Broadband Office has received applications for its first grant program totaling $5.1 billion in requested projects. This represents $14 requested for every $1 available as the program is financed with $374 million in ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds.

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COLORADO

The Air Pollution Control Division voted to adopt the Colorado Clean Cars rule on October 20. The rule directs vehicle manufacturers to continue making and selling more zero-emission light-duty vehicles every year through 2032.

NATIONWIDE

The REMADE Institute, a 167-member public-private partnership established by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), announced $19.6 million in new technology research, selecting 14 new research, development and demonstration projects as part of the Institute's latest round of funding. Projects include work to increase machine learning tools to better determine the state of health for used hybrid and electric vehicle batteries.

NEW YORK

On October 20, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced that 36 public-use airports across the state will receive approximately $49 million for strategic infrastructure enhancements. Administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, projects funded through the Aviation Capital Grant Program include electrification and carbon reduction programs.

Highlights from October 23, 2023

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MARYLAND

On October 16, Governor Wes Moore (D) announced that $69 million in Capital Projects Funds awarded recently are now available for two new programs administered to help more Marylanders access high-speed, affordable internet.

NATIONWIDE

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has launched a new BEAD Initial Proposal Progress Dashboard that the public can use to monitor the progress of states and territories as they work towards implementing the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.

VERMONT

The Vermont Community Broadband Board has been named a finalist for the first-ever U.S. Broadband Awards in the category of Innovation in State Broadband Deployment. The awards honor and celebrate the best solutions, programs, use cases, technology, and individuals working to connect everyone across the United States through broadband. VCBB’s entry is based on Vermont’s Communications Union Districts (CUD) model.

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NATIONWIDE

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) released a new $50 million funding opportunity to help the United States develop more reliable, resilient, and cost-effective energy systems that better support the rapidly changing electric grid, as well as the growth of electric vehicles, energy storage, and the electrification of buildings and industry. Concept papers are due by November 16 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

On October 19, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the 2023 Round 7 Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC) designations. FHWA, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), reviewed and evaluated nominations based on the information specified in the Round 7 Request for Nominations.

PENNSYLVANIA

On October 18, U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D) announced over $2.2 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for Pennsylvania. The resources Pennsylvania will receive from the U.S. Department of Transportation for Fiscal Year 2024 include $36.5 million to build electric vehicle chargers.

Highlights from October 16, 2023

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FLORIDA
The FY 2023-2024 Rural Infrastructure (RIF) Grant cycle opened on September 13 and will close on November 6. A total of $25 million in funding was made available through RIF for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024. Funding in the amount of $20 million is available for eligible rural communities statewide. Additionally, $5 million is available through the Florida Panhandle Specific Appropriation.

MASSACHUSETTS
On September 29, Mayor Michelle Wu (D) announced that the City of Boston was awarded three grants totaling over $5 million from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to boost digital equity. These grants will empower the city to make investments totaling $2.44 million in community organizations across Boston neighborhoods through the next round of the City’s Digital Equity Fund.

MINNESOTA
On October 10, the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) released a Request for Proposals to award $50 million in state General Funds for broadband grants for fiscal year 2024 pursuant to appropriations approved by the 2023 legislature. $30 million is designated for the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program and $20 million is designated for the Low-Density Population Broadband Development Grant Program.

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NATIONWIDE

On October 12, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) reported that 23 states have announced awards or issued Requests for Proposals for the first round of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. Combined, Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Ohio, and Pennsylvania have awarded $83.8 million in NEVI-supported funding to deploy at least 620 publicly available fast charging ports.
Stateside's Electric Vehicle Funding Database is your one-stop for learning about funding opportunities and identifying trends. Click here to view the latest information captured in our database.

ILLINOIS
On October 10, the White House released an energy fact sheet on the impact of the Investing in America agenda in the state. The sheet highlighted that Illinois has the eighth-highest total electric vehicle sales in the country, with over 83,000 EVs currently registered in the state.

Highlights from October 10, 2023

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CONNECTICUT

As of September 27, the U.S. Treasury has approved $70.9 million in Capital Projects Funds for the Connecticut Education Network (CEN) Broadband Infrastructure Program to serve community anchor institutions.

INDIANA

On October 2, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch (R) and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced an award of $550,108 to serve 140 addresses across 27 counties with high-speed broadband in the seventh round of the Indiana Connectivity Program.

VERMONT

On September 28, the Vermont Community Broadband Board announced it had awarded $58.9 million in grants to Vermont’s Communications Union Districts (CUDs) this summer. The construction grants were approved to expand broadband in five different CUDs across the state, bringing broadband to at least 13,000 currently underserved homes and businesses.

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NEW JERSEY

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has awarded more than $12.7 million in Fiscal Year 2023 grant funding from three of the state’s electric vehicle and charging infrastructure incentive programs.

NEW MEXICO

The Environmental Improvement Board and Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board have proposed rules for New Motor Vehicle Emission Standards. A public meeting will be held on October 16.

RHODE ISLAND

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has proposed rules to adopt California's emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Comments on the proposed regulations will be accepted until October 30.

Highlights from October 2, 2023

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IOWA

On September 26, the Office of the Chief Information Officer posted a revised timeline along with the submitted Applications for the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) #008 for the Empower Rural Broadband Grant Program. This program will provide up to $148,960,000 (Capital Projects Funds) for broadband expansion in Iowa.

NATIONWIDE

On September 28, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the award of over $74.4 million to 28 Tribal entities as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP).

OREGON

On September 27, the U.S. Treasury announced the approval of $156.7 million in Capital Projects Funds to Oregon for broadband infrastructure projects, which the state estimates will connect approximately 17,195 homes and businesses to affordable, high-speed internet.

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CALIFORNIA

On September 25, state leaders celebrated achieving the goal of installing 10,000 fast chargers for electric vehicles in the state, more than a year ahead of schedule. The celebration was held in the parking lot of the El Mercado Plaza Shopping Center in Union City, where newly installed EVgo direct current fast chargers were built using state funds.

KENTUCKY

On September 26, U.S.-based company Ascend Elements announced it is partnering with South Korea-based SK ecoplant and its e-waste recycling subsidiary, TES, to build a $65 million lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

NATIONWIDE

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it has opened the 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program—the third funding opportunity released under the CSB Program. The 2023 rebate program offers at least $500 million in rebate funding with the potential to modify this figure based on the application pool and other factors.

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