The MML Review March-April 2022

NTIA is also responsible for the Digital Equity Act grant programs, which will provide funding for digital equity grants. Some is reserved for state formula grants, and the remainder for competitive grants, which local governments and nonprofits could access directly. These funds are to be used for digital inclusion work, such as connecting residents in need to devices, subsidized broadband subscriptions, and skills training. NTIA will also administer the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure grant program, which will provide competitive grants to entities, including local governments, building middle mile broadband infrastructure projects, which do not connect directly to end users. Because the majority of the funding will flow through state governments, it is critical for local leaders to engage early and often with both the NTIA policymaking process and state broadband leadership. The guidance that NTIA places around the grant programs will determine the specifics of how state governments must engage with their localities, how much discretion they have in selecting subgrantees and project areas, and other details very important to local leaders. In addition, by building a positive relationship with the state broadband office and proactively communicating your needs now, communities can get a jump start on the jockeying for funds that will occur in state capitals in the coming years.

Other important funds for broadband and digital equity include extensions or expansions of existing programs. The law includes $14 billion for the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which succeeds the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit and provides a monthly subsidy to qualifying low-income households on home broadband service. It also provides $2 billion in additional funding for the existing ReConnect rural broadband infrastructure grant and loan program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Conclusion Michigan’s municipalities are ready to rebuild, and NLC is excited for you to make the most of this historic opportunity in 2022. Cities, villages, and townships can do more than survive; they can thrive. Brittney Kohler is the transportation and infrastructure services legislative director for the National League of Cities. Carolyn Berndt is the sustainability legislative director for the National League of Cities.

Angelina Panettieri is the information technology & communications legislative director for the National League of Cities.

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30 THE REVIEW

MARCH / APRIL 2022