Agency: Commerce – National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Description:
To fund states, the District of Columbia, territories, and tribal entities in the development of digital equity plans. These plans aim to address the digital divide by ensuring that all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. The State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program is part of the larger State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program.
Bill Section:
60304
New or Existing:
New
Potential Cost:
$60,000,000
Timeline:
Until expended.
Implementation Status/Rulemaking:
In May 2022, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the availability of $60 million in FY2022 for the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program (including administrative costs). Up to $53.4 million in formula-based planning grants are available to states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico; $15 million is tentatively reserved for Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations; and $3 million is tentatively reserved for territories and possessions other than Puerto Rico. State allocations are available here
Applications or letters of intent are due July 12, 2022: Source
On August 31, 2022, NTIA awarded the first State Digital Equity Planning Grant to Louisiana: Source
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.