SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved $48 million for eight broadband infrastructure projects as part of the multi-year $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account grant program, which expands broadband internet access for underserved and unserved communities across California.
Continuing to invest where it matters most
The Last Mile Federal Funding Account highlights the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide through Broadband For All. These proposed projects will serve predominantly disadvantaged and low-income communities across the state.
The Last Mile Federal Funding Account broadband infrastructure grants awarded today include:
- $17 million for three projects in Fresno County, benefiting approximately 13,000 Californians.
- $15 million for three projects in Lake County, benefiting approximately 7,000 Californians.
- $17 million for two projects in Sonoma County, benefiting approximately 2,100 Californians
“We are putting these funds to work, generating quality jobs, bolstering our economy, and building fast, reliable, and affordable broadband infrastructure,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds.
Added Commissioner Darcie L. Houck, “Due to historical underinvestment, many communities across California lack access to fast, reliable, and reasonably priced broadband service, which is now a necessity to fully participate in work, school, and daily life. These Federal Funding Account grants represent another step in alleviating this historical disparity by closing the digital divide and providing Broadband for All Californians. I look forward to seeing the benefits of these investments that will provide opportunities for many generations to come in Sonoma, Fresno, and Lake counties.”
Currently, the total amount in Federal Funding Account grants awarded is over $1 billion for projects in 51 counties, with $550 million set to be appropriated to the Last Mile program in the 2027–28 state budget.
More information
About these programs
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. 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. For a full list of awards to date, visit the CPUC’s Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards webpage.
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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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