New Mexico Broadband Office Announces Final Set of Awards Funded by the Connect New Mexico Pilot Program

The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) grants awards to 11 projects to deliver high-speed Internet to unserved and underserved communities across New Mexico. The projects involve budgets amounting to $106.3 million, which includes grant funding of $66.8 million and leveraged by cash and in-kind matching contributions of $39.5 million, yielding a match percentage of 37%. These funds will support the deployment of 803 miles of fiber to serve over 10,300 residential premises, businesses, and community institutions. The projects span over 23 communities and utilize fiber to create a future-proof network to serve future generations. Networks will be able to offer speeds reaching at least gigabit-level service. OBAE followed guidelines issued by the Treasury, which noted that states should prioritize fiber-optic infrastructure where feasible, as such advanced networks can better support future needs. These projects are funded by the Connect New Mexico Pilot Program, which is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act's (ARPA) Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF), which is administered by the Department of Treasury.