For context, BOOT — Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas — is a competitive grant application program overseen by the state’s Broadband Development Office.
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 said it would rely on the state’s recently published broadband development map.
This spring, BOOT will begin accepting applications for broadband expansion projects. To qualify for funding, proposed projects must meet the following criteria:
- The project is located in a designated area considered eligible by BDO for funding.
- 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 to be served by it.
- 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.
For vendors interested in working with the comptroller’s office to help close the state’s broadband last-mile gap, see its bid and request for proposal guidelines here: https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/.
