U.S. municipalities are preparing to roll out projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), as they harness collaborations between federal, state, and local entities and the private sector for infrastructure development. These initiatives were reported on Wednesday.
The Broadband Equity, Access and Development Program (BEAD), part of the larger BIL initiative, is distributing grants to states with the goal of enhancing connectivity in areas that currently lack sufficient service. This effort forms part of a broader strategy to bridge the digital divide across the nation. States must submit detailed plans including the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for subgrantees, challenge process, and grant application scoring which undergoes a public comment period involving state leagues.
Simultaneously, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI) under BIL is working towards establishing a national Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure. Several states like Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia actively involve municipalities in their NEVI planning process. This project aligns with the current administration's commitment to promoting green energy and reducing carbon emissions.
Entities such as the League of Minnesota Cities play a significant role in shaping these broadband policies and funding strategies. Representatives like Daniel Lightfoot, a member of the Governor's Task Force on Broadband, are advocating for increased funds for the Border-to-Border Broadband Grant program. Their work is ongoing, reflecting a sustained commitment to improving digital connectivity throughout the state and beyond.
Beyond funding opportunities, partnerships also extend to technical assistance for infrastructure projects. The city of Milford, DE, identified as a Justice40 Community, secured a Thriving Communities Technical Assistance grant to design a bicycle and pedestrian pathway between Milford and Slaughter Beach. This initiative enables traditionally under-resourced communities to improve mobility, reduce pollution, and enhance affordability.
These developments represent a concerted effort by various stakeholders to leverage federal funding for infrastructure improvements, with a focus on digital connectivity, sustainable transportation, and community development. As these programs continue to unfold, they are expected to have significant impacts on underserved communities and the nation's infrastructure landscape more broadly.
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