Treasury’s $10 Billion Capital Projects Fund Will Advance Digital Equity

The US Department of the Treasury released its long-awaited guidance for how states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments can spend the $10 billion allocated in Section 604 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Capital Projects. Not only can the funds be used for digital inclusion projects, but the guidance sets new (and exciting!) precedents for how governments should holistically address the digital divide by emphasizing the importance of simultaneously investing in expanding access to high-speed broadband and ways to increase its adoption and use. Here is the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)'s interpretation of the guidance, and a few things that stood out to us. Local digital inclusion programs that need funding and can meet the eligible uses of this Capital Fund, should talk to their state broadband offices (Find yours here) and state elected officials. Who makes the decisions about using the Capital Projects Fund will vary by state – it could be your governor, state legislature, state broadband office, or some combination of all three. NDIA recommends starting with those you have relationships with, and then expanding from there. Applicants have a short window to submit applications (December 2021), so we recommend talking to your state leaders sooner rather than later. While complex, the guidance provides a roadmap for state, territories, and Tribal governments to holistically and simultaneously address all facets of the digital divide.

[Amy Huffman is Policy Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.]