Don’t Forget About the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund for Broadband Infrastructure

States, local governments, service providers and potential partners should be aware of the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF), another significant broadband infrastructure funding opportunity that seems to have been overshadowed by recent programs like those included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. While States await rules and eligibility determinations for the Infrastructure Act funds, CPF funding may be available in the meantime. Moreover, CPF funding might be suitable for projects that may not otherwise be eligible for funding under the Infrastructure Act. Adopted as Section 604 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by the Treasury Department, the CPF makes available $10 billion to States, territories, and Tribal governments – not directly to local governments – “to carry out critical capital projects directly enabling work, education, and health monitoring, including remote options, in response to the public health emergency.” Each State is allocated at least $100 million. The Treasury has made clear that broadband infrastructure is an acceptable use of CPF funds, and seems to be actively encouraging it, giving more emphasis to broadband than to any other purpose to which the funds may be put.

[Casey Lide is a Partner at Keller & Heckman.]