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Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP)
The Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) is under the auspices of the US Department of Agriculture's Rural Utility Service (RUS). ARRA legislation originally designated $2.5 Billion to be dispersed over three rounds of funding. Under BIP RUS will award grants, loans and loan/grant combinations for Broadband Infrastructure.
Since then RUS has determined that there will be two total rounds of funding. The second and final round makes $2.2 billion available, including $1.7 billion for Last Mile projects, up to $300 million for Middle Mile projects, up to $100 million for Satellite projects, as well as up to $5 million for Rural Library and Technical Assistance projects. Deadline to submit a Round II proposal is March 15, 2010, 5pm EST.
BIP Round II NOFA - 68 page pdf
Released January 15, 2010, this document contains rules and guidences for the second and final round of funding. Highlights include new funding for satellite, technical assistance and rural library broadband projects, funding provided as 75/25 grant/loan combinations with applicants able to request more than 75% grant and rural applicants may apply directly to BTOP as well as a BIP focus on last mile with a BTOP focus on middle mile and comprehensive communities.
BIP Round II NOFA Summary Document from New America Foundation - 10 page pdf
This paper distills the critical details of the January 15, 2010 RUS NOFA communities and organizations need in order to develop strategies for applying for this final round of funding from BIP. Additional, this paper outlines how this round differs from the first round and how it affects applicants.
Press Release Detailing First BIP Awards - Website
On December 17, 2009, Vice President Joe Biden travelled to Dawsonville, Georgia in a public appearance to kick-off the first set of BIP and BTOP awards of Round 1 funding. More awards are to be made public over the next 75 days.
BIP and BTOP Round 2 Public Comments - Website
On November 16, 2009, the NTIA and RUS issued a Joint Request for Comment to improve the second and final round of ARRA broadband funding to be administered by their BTOP and BIP programs. The website contains links that allow a viewer to read each comment in full.
USDA RUS Rural Development Broadband Program - 3 page pdf
This excerpt from the ARRA legislation describes the eligibility requirements for projects seeking part of the $2.5 billion in funds from the USDA's Rural Utilities Service. They are available to projects in areas deemed 75% rural and without sufficient access to high-speed broadband service to facilitate rural economic development.
Broadband USA BIP Map of Non-Rural Areas - Interactive website
Broadband USA created this map to illustrate Non-Rural areas, per definition of the NOFA for the first round of funding. It also includes layers that show zip-code boundaries, proposed service areas of pending applications and service areas of approved applications--though it is too early for the latter two layers to be populated.
USDA RUS Loan/Grant Security Agreement - 46 page pdf
Applicants should review these terms and conditions to ensure they can enter into a contract with RUS. Should RUS award an Applicant with a loan/grant, RUS will transmit the Loan/Grant documents to Applicants at the appropriate time.
USDA Rural Development Telecommunications Program - Website
Homepage of the US Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Telecommunications Programs. Information here regarding a variety of loans and grants: Broadband Loans; Community Connect Grants; Distance Learning & Telemedicine; Rural Public Television.
Rural Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program - 88 page word document
The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program furnishes loans and loan guarantees to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.
Back to the main Stimulus Guide web page.
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