Federal Programs

 

There are several programs available through the Federal Government, see below.

Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF)
The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program, a part of the American Rescue Plan, delivers $350 billion to state, local, and tribal governments across the country to support their response to, and recovery from, the COVID-19 public health emergency. This includes funds New Hampshire counties and municipalities can use to expand affordable access to broadband internet.

For questions in regard to use of the SLFRF, contact  the Governor's Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery (GOFERR)

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Coronavirus Capital Project Fund (CPF)
The Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (Capital Projects Fund) addresses challenges resulting from the global pandemic, especially in rural America, tribal communities, and low- and moderate-income communities, helping to ensure that all communities have access to the high-quality modern infrastructure, including broadband, needed to access critical services.

New Hampshire was allocated $122 million, which will be used to fund reliable, affordable broadband infrastructure. For questions regarding use of the CPF, contact broadband@livefree.nh.gov.

Internet for All (formerly Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act)
On Nov. 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. This act includes an investment of $65 billion to close the digital divide and ensure that all Americans have access to reliable, high speed, and affordable broadband. This investment builds upon the funding for broadband deployment provided in the American Rescue Plan, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the FCC’s Universal Service program, and USDA’s Rural Utilities Service broadband programs.

On May 13, 2022, the Federal Government released a website called Internet for All, that provides more resources in regard to these programs. This includes Notice of Funding Opportunities for the following programs:
In addition, there will be other programs as part of this initiative, which is not administered by the state:

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is now active. The ACP is a FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

ReConnect Program (USDA Rural Development)
Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development, the ReConnect Program offers loans, grants, and loan-grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in areas of rural America that currently do not have sufficient access to broadband. In facilitating the expansion of broadband services and infrastructure, the program will fuel long-term rural economic development and opportunities in rural America.

Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC)
The Northern Border Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership for economic and community development within six New Hampshire counties (Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, and Sullivan). Broadband and other telecommunications infrastructure are eligible for funding. For more information, contact BEA’s Rural Economic Development Administrator, Janel Lawton.