SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved $91 million in fifth round grants for last mile broadband projects as part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program, which expands broadband internet access for underserved and unserved communities across California. This continues a rolling process of awards and recommendations, highlighting the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide through Broadband For All.
Separately, the CPUC approved grant funding of up to $279,415 from the California Advanced Services Fund Broadband Public Housing Account to bring free internet access to those who do not already have access in public housing in Corte Madera and San Jose.
Continuing to invest where it matters most
Many Last Mile Federal Funding Account grant awardees are creating new networks, connecting the next generation to education, improving access to healthcare, and empowering rural communities for economic development and emergency connectivity. Combined, these proposed projects will serve predominantly disadvantaged and low-income communities across the state.
Today’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account grant awardees include $91 million for Last Mile Federal Funding Account in Marin, Mendocino, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Sutter counties benefitting an estimated 32,000 Californians. The awards include grants to City of Ukiah, City of Fort Bragg, Comcast, Hankins Information Technology, Marin County, Round Valley Indian Tribe, and Surfnet.
“I am excited to support these Federal Funding Account grants, which will help close the digital divide in rural and urban communities that do not have access or have substandard access to fast and reliable broadband service,” said Commissioner Darcie L. Houck. “These grants represent another important step to ensure everyone in California can participate in work, school, and daily life, especially in communities that have faced historical disinvestment.”
Currently, the total amount in grants recommended and awarded is $608 million for projects in 27 counties. For a full list of recommendations and awards to date, visit the CPUC’s Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards webpage.
Last Mile Federal Funding Account grant recipients empower their communities – What they are saying
- City of Ukiah:
- “The City of Ukiah Gigabit Project will bring affordable fiber optic broadband to unserved and underserved locations throughout Ukiah and will offer up to 10 Gbps upload and download speed capabilities. State funding through the CPUC’s Federal Funding Accout Last Mile grant will help to construct new broadband infrastructure in Ukiah, closing the digital divide and providing ample opportunities for businesses and residents to thrive well into the future.” – City of Ukiah Housing and Grants Manager, Community Development Department, Jim Robbins
- “The City of Ukiah Gigabit Project will bring affordable fiber optic broadband to unserved and underserved locations throughout Ukiah and will offer up to 10 Gbps upload and download speed capabilities. State funding through the CPUC’s Federal Funding Accout Last Mile grant will help to construct new broadband infrastructure in Ukiah, closing the digital divide and providing ample opportunities for businesses and residents to thrive well into the future.” – City of Ukiah Housing and Grants Manager, Community Development Department, Jim Robbins
- Marin County:
- “The network will provide symmetrical 10 Gbps fiber internet access to approximately 700 coastal homes and businesses in the Marin County unincorporated communities of Dillon Beach, Muir Beach, and Tomales. The majority of these addresses have been historically unserved, with no available wireline connection capable of delivering modern broadband applications. The network will implement an automated open-access model where multiple internet service providers will offer their products and services directly to consumers using the county-owned fiber asset. – Marin County Broadband Systems Engineer, Bruce Vogen
Awarding grants throughout California
Today’s approval is part of a process to award last mile broadband grants to projects in every region in the state to established internet service providers, small providers, local governments, tribes, and special districts. Draft Resolutions with award recommendations will be released through the summer and early fall, each open for public comment. These recommendations will be considered and must be approved by vote at a public CPUC Voting Meeting.
For more information, including the Last Mile Federal Funding Account grants approved today, please visit the CPUC’s Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards webpage.
For more information on the allocation of Federal Funding Account grants across California, please visit CPUC’s Broadband Federal Funding Account awards map
Future application windows will be announced as funds are appropriated.
Fueling economic growth statewide
Established under Senate Bill 156 (2021), the CPUC’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account is fueling economic growth across rural, tribal, and urban communities statewide.
Since the initial round of applications closed in September 2023, the CPUC has received and reviewed 484 grant applications from every county in the state, totaling more than $4.6 billion in requests. This overwhelming response highlights the urgent need for and the opportunity to expand internet access across California.
In addition to the Last Mile Federal Funding Account, the CPUC is investing in a suite of programs in the state’s efforts in connecting millions of Californians with reliable, affordable high-speed internet, including the California Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF).
Broadband public housing grants
The CPUC also today approved grant funding of up to $279,415 from the California Advanced Services Fund Broadband Public Housing Account for two projects from EAH Inc. to bring free internet access to those who do not already have access in public housing in Corte Madera and San Jose. These two projects will deploy fiber-connected wireless and wired broadband infrastructure for 245 living units in publicly supported housing developments. The deployment of broadband in public housing improves public safety by providing enhanced access to government, e-health, and online education opportunities.
“I am pleased to support this grant for broadband infrastructure under the CASF Public Housing program that will fund broadband access for 245 low-income public housing units in San Jose and Corte Madera. These grants are one step in achieving California’s broadband goals in a manner that will maximize the impact of our investment,” said Commissioner Houck.
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.
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