Yesterday, The Biden-Harris Administration announced efforts to increase access to high-speed internet for Tribal communities along with Vice President Harris, Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator, and Pueblo of Isleta Governor Vernon Abeita provided additional information on how Tribal communities can take advantage of these grants and opportunities.
Most importantly, to enroll in the program, or for additional information please visit getinternet.gov. Applicants will have access to draw down funding in the coming weeks, once they register and connect their financial accounts to the system used by the Department of Commerce.
Before any construction can take place, applicants must ensure that all compliance with environmental, historic preservation, and cultural resources requirements related to the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program are met.
On Tuesday, August 9th, The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced an agreement with the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs to coordinate this responsibility, allowing high-speed internet service to be deployed quickly while also ensuring safeguards to protect Tribal lands and interests. With that said, the grantees announced yesterday have planned for the following proposed timelines to complete projects:
- Pueblo of Isleta
- Approximately two- and half-year project
- Santa Fe Indian School
- Approximately three-year project
- Jicarilla Apache Nation Power Authority
- Approximately two-year project
- Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo
- Approximately two-year project
- Mescalero Apache Telecom, Inc.
- Approximately three-year project
In response to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program was amended and eligible entities, included those listed above, have four years from yesterday to fully expend the grant funds.
