NM Opens $123M Broadband Grant Pilot

New Mexico launched a $123 million broadband grant program with money from the American Rescue Plan Act, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) said Wednesday. The Connect New Mexico Pilot Program will cover up to 75% of project costs for expanding networks in unserved and underserved areas, said the governor’s office: Local governments, tribal communities, schools, nonprofits, cooperatives and broadband service providers may apply. The pilot will precede the full Connect New Mexico program that requires administrative rulemaking, the office said. At least $70 million more state funding is coming for the next round expected in 2023, it said. The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion released a notice of funding opportunity for the pilot Wednesday, and will accept applications on a rolling basis in three waves with Sept. 23, Dec. 9 and Feb. 27 deadlines.