ConneCTed Communities Grant Program in Connecticut

The ConneCTed Communities Grant Program (Round 2), administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), aims to enhance broadband infrastructure across the state, focusing on underserved communities. This program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the Capital Projects Fund, seeks to ensure universal, reliable, and affordable high-speed internet access by supporting projects that deliver broadband service with a minimum speed of 100 Mbps download and upload. The total funding available for this round is approximately $10 million, although the amount awarded may vary based on application volume and project needs. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as government units, non-profits, private for-profit companies, cooperatives, and utilities. Applicants are expected to demonstrate the technical, managerial, and financial capacity to design, construct, and manage broadband infrastructure. Partnerships between public and private entities are encouraged, with one entity required to serve as the primary applicant responsible for grant compliance. All applicants must be registered through SAM.gov and comply with state and federal laws relevant to broadband infrastructure projects. The program prioritizes projects that focus on underserved areas, including multi-dwelling units (MDUs), and those that promise to deliver higher broadband speeds, particularly fiber-optic connections capable of 1 Gbps. Preference is given to projects with strong last-mile connections that improve service to homes and businesses, with an emphasis on fiber-optic infrastructure. Projects must aim to be substantially completed by December 31, 2026, and provide affordable service plans to ensure accessibility for low- and moderate-income households. Additionally, broadband providers involved in the project must participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or similar federal subsidy programs. Eligible uses of grant funds include costs associated with planning, design, construction, equipment acquisition, and staff costs directly related to the implementation of the project. However, operational expenses, customer equipment (e.g., modems), and costs associated with already served areas are ineligible. Awardees must cover standard installation costs, while non-standard installation costs may be reimbursed by DEEP under specific conditions. Projects that propose middle-mile infrastructure to support last-mile connections are also eligible, provided they adhere to program guidelines. The application process requires a comprehensive project plan, including deployment strategy, affordability measures, and a timeline that ensures completion by the program’s deadline. Applicants must also provide detailed budgets, demonstrating a minimum 25% match of project costs, although a waiver may be available for projects in distressed municipalities or those with significant financial constraints. Projects are evaluated based on experience, cost-efficiency, performance, and community impact, with priority given to those that serve distressed areas and offer affordable, high-quality service. Applications must be submitted via DEEP’s portal by deadlines outlined on its website, with initial applications opening on October 1, 2024, and an applicant webinar scheduled for October 9, 2024. Questions can be submitted until November 1, 2024, with responses provided by November 15, 2024. Monthly, quarterly, and final reports will be required from awardees to ensure compliance with program objectives and federal funding requirements.