Resource Database

The year-end omnibus legislation included several broadband and connectivity expansion bills. The following will be implemented by NTIA.

Three new grant programs:

1. Tribal BroadbandConnectivity Program. A $1 billion program directed to tribal governments to be used for broadband deployment on tribal lands, as well as for telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability, and digital inclusion.

2. Broadband Infrastructure Program. A $300 million broadband deployment program directed to partnerships between a state, or one or more political subdivisions of a state, and providers of fixed broadband service to support broadband infrastructure deployment to areas lacking broadband, especially rural areas.

3. Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program. A $285 million grant program to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) for the purchase of broadband internet access service and eligible equipment or to hire and train information technology personnel.

The National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) hosts a website that provides training materials, technical assistance, web-based applications, reports, best practices, research, peer-assistance for rural and tribal transit providers and state RTAP programs, all regarding rural and tribal transit needs.

This resource assists public officials, planners, citizen groups and other stakeholders in making their broadband project the best it can be. The core of the toolkit is a six-step approach to creating a roadmap, designed to work with projects of all sizes. It includes best practices identified by BTOP grantees, as well as nine case studies of how different states, counties, tribes, towns and non-government organizations implemented these best practices.

A hub for American Indian businesses, NADC provides technical assistance, financial lending opportunities, and champions small businesses and tribes in order to empower Indian communities toward economic and social stability.

NCM Transit is operated by Opportunity Link, Inc. and was established in partnership with North Central Montana area organizations including local and tribal government agencies, social service organizations and educational institutions. North Central Montana Transit provides a reliable public transportation system serving the communities of Hill and Blaine counties.