New Mexico Wave One of Pilot Grant Awards

The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion launched New Mexico’s most ambitious broadband expansion initiative ever with the $120 million New Mexico PilotProgram. The office just announced the first five grant awards of $38.6 million, which will be matched by $28.3 million in nonstate funding for a total investment of $66.9 million. These grants plan to expand access to more than 13,400 homes, businesses, farms, ranches, and community institutions across New Mexico. 
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Director Schlegel in Las Cruces, announcing Pilot Program awards for Comcast Corporation The funds released through the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion align with its ambitious goal of universal broadband access statewide. The approach will leverage historic state and federal broadband investment to improve access through a best practice state matching grant program that pairs state and federal funding with local vision and experience – including from communities, tribes, and a wide variety of New Mexico broadband providers.

“The first wave of Connect New Mexico Pilot Program grants will expand broadband infrastructure to bring resources to communities that need it most, laying a foundation for continued economic growth,” said Kelly Schlegel. “Access to high-speed, reliable internet is essential for households and businesses across our state, and the Governor’s approach provides a roadmap for our state to build 21st century communities. Throughout this historic, multi-year build, the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is committed to ensuring this program benefits those that need it most—boosting education, jobs, and economic opportunity for all of New Mexico in the process.”

To make the announcement, Director Schlegel was joined by her colleagues from the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion and the Connect New Mexico Council, as well as representatives from three wave one awardees: Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative; Ethos Broadband; Socorro Electric Cooperative; and Comcast.

Read More:
Pilot program expands broadband access in Doña Ana County (Las Cruces Sun-News)
Internet expansion projects coming to Doña Ana County (KFox14)