Deadline for Grant Application Submission Extended
The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) recently extended the deadline for Wave Three of the Connect New Mexico Pilot Program (“Pilot Program”). The application period will close on April 3, 2023.
The Pilot Program aims to bridge the digital divide and foster socioeconomic progress by providing infrastructure grants for broadband deployment to unserved and underserved communities across New Mexico. The $123 million pilot program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. OBAE launched the program in August 2022 and announced Wave One awards in November. An initial set of Wave 2 awards will be announced later in March and April.
OBAE invites existing and emerging Internet providers to participate and encourages partnerships between local and tribal governments. According to OBAE Director Kelly Schlegel, “The strongest proposals to date directly serve qualifying residential, business, and community premises with future-proof networks backed by “skin in the game,” and offer a range of affordably-priced services while fostering adoption through targeted programs.”
Please visit the Pilot Program webpage for further information.
The webpage has links to the Notice of Funding Opportunity, Scoring Guide, Application, Interactive Broadband Map, FAQ, and other valuable resources. The website will provide updated information, including a list of office hours for those seeking assistance regarding eligibility requirements, the application process, the evaluation framework, and post-award obligations. A schedule and zoom links for March office hours will be posted imminently.