The Utah Broadband Center (UBC), powered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, recently announced the recipients of two new broadband planning grants.
A total of $942,738 in grant funds was awarded to 28 organizations to facilitate local planning efforts to identify areas of the state needing increased investment in high-speed internet infrastructure, digital skills training, and access to online devices. These efforts will facilitate Utah communities’ access to critical online resources such as telemedicine, remote work, and educational opportunities. These plans will be included in the statewide five-year digital connectivity action plan and provide essential information about how the state can best support community members.
“We’re excited to collaborate with key stakeholders as we develop a strategic plan to ensure access to affordable high-speed internet for all Utahns,” said Jim Grover, managing director of incentives and grants. “Giving people tools and access to online education, employment, and telehealth are just a few of the opportunities essential to full participation in modern society.”
Recipients of the Local Broadband Planning Grant demonstrated they have the ability, partnerships, and processes that will allow them to use grant funds to develop detailed strategic plans that increase broadband access in their local communities.
The 15 grant recipients include:
- Alpine City
- Beaver County
- Bear River Association of Governments
- Davis School District
- Five County Association of Governments
- Morgan County
- Ogden City
- San Juan County
- Six County Association of Governments
- Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments
- Summit County
- Town of Brighton
- Utah Department of Transportation
- Utah Education Network
- Wallsburg Town
The Local Digital Access Planning Grant recipients are tasked with creating strategic plans to identify barriers such as internet affordability or lack of access to devices, making it difficult for Utahns to utilize online resources. Recipients of the Local Digital Access Planning Grant will collaborate with community members and service organizations who are keenly aware of available resources and potential service gaps.
The 13 grant recipients include:
- Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging
- Centro Hispano
- Club Ability LLC
- Guadalupe School
- Navajo Nation
- Ogden City
- Salt Lake Community College
- Salt Lake County
- Shivwits Band Of Paiutes
- United Way of Utah County
- Utah Commission on Aging
- Utah Nonprofit Housing Corporation
- Vernal City
Details can be found online about Utah Broadband Center’s funding opportunities and how to get involved in statewide outreach efforts.