State seeks public input for Internet infrastructure grant usage

The Utah Broadband Center (UBC), part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, is asking for public feedback on Utah’s draft of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal Volume 2.

Comments can be submitted online until Dec. 15.

The BEAD program is a federal funding opportunity that will allow Utah to build high-speed Internet infrastructure in areas lacking access to this resource. The total funding allocation for Utah is $317.4 million, which will be distributed to various broadband projects through a competitive grant process. To ensure the greatest impact for Utahns, community members and stakeholders are encouraged to provide input to the state’s proposed approach to identify areas needing broadband service.

The second volume of the BEAD Initial Proposal outlines Utah’s strategies for allocating BEAD grant funds to broadband deployment projects across the state. It also includes the proposed grant application process and scoring rubric. This volume includes important information about eligibility and compliance requirements for potential BEAD grantees.

“We are excited to deploy this statewide funding opportunity to ensure every Utah household has access to high-speed Internet,” said Rebecca Dilg, Utah Broadband Center director. “We encourage your collective input on the proposal’s grant strategy to guarantee a successful outcome.”

Stakeholders and potential grantees are encouraged to review these proposed processes carefully and provide feedback during the public comment period. When the document is finalized, the UBC will provide technical assistance and training support to eligible grant applicants to facilitate the grant application process.

To provide an open and fair process, the UBC requests comments and feedback on the draft document be submitted during the 30-day open public comment period through the ConnectingUtah.com website or by calling 435-264-8880.

Following the public comment period, the UBC will review feedback, finalize the document, and submit it to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as part of the process to receive federal BEAD funds.