Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Program

Jessica Turba
515.321.6404
jessica.turba2@iowa.gov

The Empower Rural Iowa Emergency Broadband Expansion Program provides funding to communications providers for broadband infrastructure projects that will have the greatest overall impact in reducing or eliminating unserved and underserved areas of Iowa.

This grant cycle makes available American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to help communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by addressing economic impacts and supporting a strong and equitable recovery.

Eligible grant activities include:

• Projects to install broadband infrastructure that facilitates broadband service with upload/download speeds of 100/100 Mbps in eligible service areas
• Projects to install broadband infrastructure that facilitates broadband service with upload/download speeds 100/20 Mbps in difficult to serve areas of the state

Eligible applicants are communications service providers, including but not limited to, private sector carriers, local governments, utilities, school districts, and other entities that provide or intend to provide Broadband service.

Applicants may use the updated Iowa broadband availability map to determine areas of the state eligible to receive funding through this opportunity.

Estimated total program funding: $200,000,000

Award amounts are based on the proposed broadband speed and the Targeted Services Area served by the project. Awards may not exceed 60% of the estimated total cost of the project. Additional information regarding funding amounts is available on the program website.

Links to additional guidance and application instructions are available on the program website when applications are being accepted.

Submit applications through the Iowa Grants Portal.