Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Program Notice of Funding Availability #008

The Iowa Office of the Chief Information Officer issued Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) #008 for the Empower Rural Broadband Grant Program making available up to $148,960,000 for broadband expansion in Iowa. The purpose of this NOFA is to solicit applications from Communications Service Providers for Broadband Infrastructure Projects that will have the greatest overall effect of reducing or eliminating Eligible Unserved or Underserved Locations in the State through the installation of Broadband Infrastructure. Funds for this grant round have been allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to provide a substantial infusion of resources to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery. Applicants proposing projects that will Facilitate Broadband at 100/100 Mbps or faster, or 100/20 Mbps or faster in Eligible Service Locations. The total amount of CPF that may be requested may not exceed 80% of the actual or originally estimated (whichever is less) Total Project Costs. The Office is seeking proposals from Responsible Applicants to Facilitate broadband service to Eligible Service Locations within the State of Iowa by no later than September 30, 2026.