Application Window Open for Broadband Grants

The state comptroller’s office has opened the application process for the $363.8 million in federal government broadband monies announced last month.

Known as BOOT — Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas — the grants will be awarded via competitive applications overseen by the state’s Broadband Development Office (BDO).

The program aims to connect 152,000 homes and businesses by funding last-mile broadband infrastructure projects within eligible areas across the state. To determine these areas, the comptroller’s office will rely on the state’s broadband development map.

To qualify for funding, proposed projects must meet the following criteria:

• The project is located in a designated area considered eligible by BDO. 
• The project invests in capital assets designed to directly enable work, education and health monitoring. 
• The project is designed to address a critical need in the community.  
• The project will be designed to address a critical need that results from or was made apparent or exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health emergency.