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Government Affairs News

Week in Review

Jun 30, 2023

$42.45 billion for Broadband Infrastructure Investment Announced
On June 26, 2023, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced how it will allocate funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories to deploy affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service to everyone in America. Funding from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will be used to deploy or upgrade broadband networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service. Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used to pursue eligible access-, adoption-, and equity-related uses.

NECA's Take: NECA will continue to monitor funding being distributed by the Federal Government. The BEAD Program will be distributed to the States on a formula basis in which the States will submit a formal plan on how to implement the funds. NECA contractors should connect with their state partners on how to get involved with the BEAD Program.

 

$7 Billion for Low Income Solar Development Announced
On June 27, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opened $7 billion in grant funding for solar projects in low-income communities. Funding can be used for rooftop residential, community solar gardens and associated battery storage projects. This funding is part of the $27 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

NECA's Take: States have until July 31st to submit a notice of intent to seek these grants with September 26th being the deadline to apply. NECA has been closely monitoring the disbursement of funds from the IRA. View NECA's IRA Resource page here for more information.

 

$2.2 Billion in Targeted Infrastructure Grant Funding Announced
On June 28, 2023, the Department of Transportation announced $2.2 billion in funding for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. 162 different infrastructure projects across the country fall under this program with half of the funding going towards rural areas and the other half to urban areas. The program, expanded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to drive $500 million in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments. This first announcement of funding includes the following projects:

  • Chula Vista, California: Palomar Street Grade Separation Project: $21.5 million to eliminate a rail crossing that causes frequent delays for drivers and been the site of 85 crashes over a 10-year period. Project also separates Palomar Street from the rail corridor, making it safer for people who walk, bike, and roll.
  • Iowa: Rebuilding Bridges: $24.7 million grant to replace up to 9 bridges in poor condition in rural counties. Some bridges are weight-restricted and currently force detours for both residents and commercial truck drivers.
  • Eudora, Kansas: Church Street Community Connectivity and Multimodal Enhancements Project. $21 million grant to fix Church Street between 20th and 28th Street near schools, converting a two-lane road into three lanes with a center turn lane and new shared-use paths. Also realigns an intersection, installs a roundabout and adds new stormwater infrastructure.
  • Jackson, Kentucky: Panbowl Lake Corridor Project: $21 million grant to make improvements to KY 15, the main artery through town, and strengthen an earthen dam that helps protect the community from catastrophic flooding. Jackson was the site of historic, deadly flooding in recent years.
  • New Orleans, Louisiana: New Orleans Downtown Transit Center and Connecting Corridors: $24.8 million grant to construct a Downtown Transit Center for the city’s bus and streetcar network and make safety improvements at intersections with a history of pedestrian-involved crashes.
  • North Bergen, New Jersey: Tonnelle Avenue Bridge and Utility Relocation Project: $25 million grant to relocate and construct a new, approximately 100-foot road bridge to carry Tonnelle Avenue over a new railroad right-of-way for the new Hudson River Tunnel in North Bergen.
  • Standing Rock, South Dakota: Route 6 Reconstruction and Preservation $18.5 million grant to resurface BIA 6 on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, addressing a road with higher than average roadway injuries and deaths.
  • Caldwell County, Texas: SH 130 Advanced Commercial Truck Travel Plaza: $22.9 million grant to design and construct a truck parking plaza that improves safety and convenience for truck drivers. Plaza will include short- and long-term spaces with lighting, fencing, restroom and shower facilities, with 24-hour monitored security.

NECA's Take: You can view NECA's resource page with agency information related to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act here.

 

NECAPAC Update
NECAPAC Total 6/30/23 - $300,814
Operational Fund Total 6/30/23 - $142,245

 

NECA On the Move
This week, the NECA Government Affairs team met with Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI), Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX).