The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) has announced $200 million in state grant funding available through the Texas Middle Mile Program, an initiative designed to improve broadband connectivity across unserved and underserved areas of the state.
The program is administered by the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) and is funded through the state’s Broadband Infrastructure Fund. The maximum award per project is $50 million.
According to the notice of funding availability (NOFA), the program aims to support the construction of critical middle-mile infrastructure that connects backbone networks to last-mile providers. These investments are intended to reduce broadband costs, improve service reliability and support emergency communications infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of Texas as well as commercial and non-commercial entities that provide middle-mile broadband service. Entities that deliver retail broadband service directly to end users are not eligible.
Projects must enable 5 Gbps symmetrical speeds, maintain latency under 100 milliseconds and meet open-access requirements to allow other providers to interconnect. Fiber is the preferred technology, but alternatives may be considered in geographically challenging areas if technical standards are met.
Applicants may receive up to 100 percent of project costs if their proposal supports emergency warning or communications systems. Other projects are eligible for up to 80 percent funding.
Applicants are required to include detailed project narratives, maps, technical specifications and financial documentation. Projects must be fully operational by Dec. 31, 2028.
A public comment period will begin Jan. 21, followed by final award announcements in February.
More detailed information about NOFA No. 304-BDO-NOFA-010, including all submission requirements and requests, can be found online. Questions are due by 2 p.m. Sept. 5. The deadline for submissions through the BDO’s online grant portal is 2 p.m. Nov. 20. Jesse Troublefield is the point of contact.
Comptroller Taking Applications for $200M in Broadband Funding
What to Know:
- The state grant funding has been made available through the Texas Middle Mile Program.
- Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of Texas as well as commercial and non-commercial entities that provide middle-mile broadband service.
- Applicants may receive up to 100 percent of project costs if their proposal supports emergency warning or communications systems.
