Agency: Commerce – National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Description:
A $1.44 billion formula grant program for States, Territories, Tribal governments, Alaska Native entities, Native Hawaiian organizations distributed via annual grant programs over five years to implement digital equity projects and support the implementation of digital equity plans. States are required to produce a State Digital Equity Plan as a precondition for receiving a grant.
Grants can cover no more than 90 percent of the cost of any individual project (Secretary can waive this provision).
Bill Section:
60304
New or Existing:
New
Potential Cost:
$1,440,000,000
Timeline:
Until expended.
Implementation Status/Rulemaking:
On March 2, 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) requested comments on the design and implementation of the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. Comments are due May 1, 2023: Source
States interested in participating in the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program must first apply for State Digital Equity Planning Grants and complete State Digital Equity Plans. On February 15, 2024, Maine became the first state to have an approved Digital Equity plan: Source
TCS Notes:
Up to 2 percent of the amounts made available in each fiscal year shall be for salaries and expenses, administration, and oversight.