FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Oregon’s Broadband Deployment Program Announces Notices of Intent to Award $133 Million to Bring High-Speed, Reliable Broadband Internet to Thousands by 2026

This initial tranche of funding aims to enhance internet access in 12,182 locations, 10,755 of which are unserved (lacking 25/3 Mbps service) or lack sufficient broadband service. A total of 16 projects are slated for funding across 17 counties.

The Oregon Broadband Office is excited to announce it has issued Notices of Intent to Award $132,917,084 through the Office’s Broadband Deployment Program (BDP), part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF). This initial tranche of funding will support the construction and deployment of high-speed, reliable wired broadband internet at speeds of 100/100 Mbps to unserved and underserved locations across the state.

“High-speed, reliable internet is a modern essential,” Governor Kotek said. “Our broadband infrastructure is the lifeblood of Oregon businesses and communities, and these grants will help ensure that we’re not leaving communities behind.”

Sophorn Cheang, Director of Business Oregon, emphasized the program’s commitment to equity and collaboration: “Equity and strategic collaboration are the core values of our Oregon Broadband Office’s work. This process will ultimately provide thousands of unserved and underserved Oregonians with high-speed, reliable broadband internet. Access to the internet is essential for education, healthcare, remote work, and social connection. This award will ensure that Oregonians have every opportunity to succeed in the digital realm.”

Nick Batz, Director of the Oregon Broadband Office, thanked all applicants and highlighted the program’s competitive nature: “I want to thank all the applicants for their interest in this program, and I give special thanks to the Oregon Broadband Advisory Council for their guidance. The Oregon Broadband Office received 62 applications requesting approximately $445 million for broadband infrastructure projects around the state. The total program allocation is $156,795,418, so we expected a highly competitive process. This oversubscription shows the demand to bring reliable broadband to all Oregonians. Our goal is within reach between the Broadband Deployment Program and our upcoming Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program.”  

Awardees were ranked based on a composite score that prioritizes outcomes:

• Social Vulnerability Index - Applicants receive a 5% score bonus if 80% or more of their proposed project service locations are located within areas designated as “Moderate to High” or “High” on the state of Oregon’s Social Vulnerability Index.
• Unserved Locations— 5 points for other eligible locations where wired 25/3 service already exists).
• Affordability - Applicants with projects that can offer service at $30/month or less receive an additional 5 points per location. Applicants with projects that can provide service at $50/month or less receive two additional points per location.

The Broadband Deployment Program Handbook is available on the Program’s website and outlines the selection process and criteria used to determine awardees.

Eligible applicants included municipalities, private and for-profit entities, electric utilities, co-operatives, municipal affiliates (economic development corporations, regional planning and development councils, and councils of government), nonprofit organizations, and partnerships between eligible applicants. All awarded funds must be utilized, and projects must be operational by December 2026.

Awards are subject to meeting all conditions of the Award and coming to terms with OBO to timely execute a Grant Agreement.  The conditions of the award will be sent out to each Awardee via email to the contact provided in the application.

For more information about the Oregon Broadband Office, visit www.broadband.oregon.gov.

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Media Contact: Kristin Bigler, 971-301-1217

Business Oregon, the state's economic development agency, invests in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy. The agency's services span rural community development and infrastructure financing; business retention, expansion and recruitment; export promotion and international trade; investments in industry research and development and entrepreneurship; small business assistance; and support for arts and cultural organizations. Learn more at biz.oregon.gov.