Transforming Broadband Infrastructure through State and Local Government Expertise and Strategic Use of Federal Funding

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes over $45 billion of federal funding to help state and local governments improve broadband-related infrastructure. This law presents a unique opportunity for state and local governments to revamp their critical broadband infrastructure to drive long-term economic growth. However, the wide array of federal funds available to cover broadband development requires that state and local governments carefully strategize their use of both existing and new funds to maximize available resources for all strategic priorities. 

In what follows, we describe the major federal funding sources in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Infrastructure Law, and suggest basic strategies for prioritizing their uses.