The state of Oregon’s Broadband Deployment Program plans to award the second round of its $141 million in its broadband funding by 2026, the state announced Friday. Program funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF).
This round of funding will be used to improve broadband service for 881 Oregon locations, all of which are lacking 25/3 Mbps service, and to help with broadband service for projects in Malheur and Lincoln counties.
In the second tranche, the state plans to award just over $9.488 million to Home Telephone Company’s project, “Nyssa Regional Link Expansion,” which will provide 100/100 Mbps service at $49.99/month to 800 currently unserved locations in Malheur County.
Another $3.35 million will be awarded to the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians’ project, “Expanding Broadband Access for the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.” It will provide 100/100 Mbps broadband service to 81 currently unserved locations in Oregno’s Lincoln County.
Awards were based on the following criteria:
- Social vulnerability index: Applicants receive a 5% score bonus if 80% or more of their proposed project service locations are located within areas designated as “moderate to high” or “high” on the state of Oregon’s Social Vulnerability Index.
- Unserved Locations: 5 points for other eligible locations where wired 25/3 Mbps service already exists.
- Affordability: Applicants with projects that can offer service at $30/month or less receive an additional 5 points per location. Applicants with projects that can provide service at $50/month or less receive two additional points per location.
Last month, Oregon awarded $133 million in broadband funding through the Broadband Deployment Program.
“High-speed, reliable internet is a modern essential,” Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said in the announcement. “Our broadband infrastructure is the lifeblood of Oregon businesses and communities, and these grants will help ensure that we’re not leaving communities behind.”
