LOC News
Broadband Technical Assistance Program (BTAP) Now Accepting Applications
Starting this week, the Oregon Broadband Office is accepting applications for its Broadband Technical Assistance Program (BTAP). The program offers support to local and regional efforts to develop broadband financing and deployment strategies for unserved and underserved locations in Oregon. Funding for the BTAP is transferred from the Universal Service Fund to the Oregon Broadband Fund courtesy of ORS 759.425.
Applications must be submitted by February 2 at 5 p.m. to receive consideration for funding. Interested applicants can find more information about the program and can apply on the BTAP website.
Eligible applicants may apply alone, or as part of a regional partnership, a public-private partnership, or an existing formal or informal partnership. Applications that include multiple collaborating entities must designate a single eligible organization or entity as the lead and fiscal sponsor for the application.
Applications for the grant funding will be considered for eligible planning and pre-construction activities, staffing, and grant application support. Successful applications may be awarded a maximum of $150,000 per county included in the application. Municipalities, electric co-operatives, non-profit organizations, municipal affiliates, each of the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon, and internet service providers in partnership with any of the listed entities are encouraged to apply. Information about the BTAP and the scoring criteria are outlined in the Program Handbook.
Cities can contact their region’s broadband project coordinator for support in the application process by emailing broadband.oregon@biz.oregon.gov. Please include "BTAP Assistance" in the subject line of your email.
Contact: Nolan Pleše, Lobbyist – nplese@orcities.org
Last Updated 1/5/24