The U.S. Department of Treasury has approved Federal funding for broadband infrastructure projects in Delaware and Idaho. The funds come from the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF), part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda.
Delaware is approved to receive $65.9 million for Delaware’s Multi-Purpose Community Facility Program, which will provide funding for the construction and renovation of 29 nonprofit community facilities selected through a competitive grant process.
Idaho is approved to receive $120 million for broadband infrastructure, which the state estimates will serve 35,000 locations. The state plans to prioritize fiber investments to connect the greatest number of households to high-speed internet.
The plan approved by the Treasury Department represents 93 percent of Idaho’s total allocation under the CPF program, and 58 percent of Delaware’s allocation.
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with ARPA capital funds to build a better future for the next generation of Delawareans,” said Delaware Governor John Carney in a press release. “The capital projects announced aim to expand economic opportunities for Delaware families, dedicate resources to make sure children have access to the education they deserve, and large investments in our communities – especially those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The CPF in total is providing about $10 billion to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund critical capital projects that enable work, education, and health monitoring.
A key priority of the CPF program is expanding economic opportunities and providing internet connectivity in communities with unmet needs.
To date, affordable and high-speed internet has been delivered to 17 million American households through the CPF funds and the Affordable Connectivity Program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
CPF has awarded approximately $6.5 billion for broadband, digital technology, and multi-purpose community center projects in 41 states.
“Digital connectivity is central to expanding economic opportunity in communities across the country,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “This funding is a key piece of the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments to increase access to high-speed internet for millions of Americans and provide more opportunities to fully participate in the 21st-century economy.”
