FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
COSA / Bexar County | Can make use of available funding at federal, state & local levels
Overview
Funds Available
COSA / Bexar Actions
The federal government unlocked recovery funds to connect households in COVID and continued existing programs to expand broadband access
-
Recovery funds (e.g., CARES, CRRSA including EBB, ARPA)
-
Existing programs (E-Rate, Lifeline)
-
Capture available recovery dollars where applicable
-
Help orgs and households apply for ongoing programs while advocating for increased funds
Various statewide initiatives have been launched in Texas to increase digital equity
-
Operation Connectivity (education-focused)
-
State budgets (e.g., new broadband legislation)
-
Leverage the funds and negotiated pricing unlocked by Operation Connectivity
-
Ensure adequate funding is passed in new state legislation
Local city, county, and philanthropic funds support community-based initiatives and municipal projects
-
City / County budgets
-
Municipal broadband bonds
-
Identify the best strategies (e.g., municipal bonds, emerging tech) to connect communities
-
Fund community / city projects where support is needed most
​Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
-
COVID Relief Funding allocations to states for flexible use, including broadband
-
Education Stabilization Fund allocations for distance learning
-
USDA and FCC broadband programs to expand access
​Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA)
-
Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Fund to connect low-income households to internet
-
Assistance for new or existing USDA, NTIA and FCC broadband programs
-
Rental Assistance administered by state agencies (including broadband services)
​The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
-
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for flexible use, including broadband
-
Coronavirus Capital Project Fund for infrastructure projects, with emphasis on connectivity
-
Others including school/library connectivity funding through E-Rate, inclusion of broadband as an eligible use of the Homeowner Assistance fund, expansion of the Rental Assistance fund
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
-
Infrastructure transformation creating jobs and raising wages, with significant funds for Broadband
-
Infrastructure investments across transportation, water, electricity, and broadband services
-
Goal of 100 percent high-speed broadband infrastructure coverage to un/underserved areas