Lincoln, June 27, 2023- The Nebraska Public Service Commission today approved an Order in docket CPF-1 awarding 65 grants totaling more than $61 million from the 2023 Capital Projects Fund (CPF) Grant Program.
“The Capital Projects Fund is another opportunity for qualified applicants to bring broadband to Nebraskans most in need of these services,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “Through
this first round of grants, we are able to fund 65 eligible broadband projects.”
CPF grants are awarded by the PSC by in Congressional Districts One and Three. At least $40 million in grant funding was available in each congressional district for eligible broadband projects.
During the 2023 CPF grant cycle, the PSC received 130 applications for funding. As part of the grant review process, the Commission also received challenges from parties stating that they already served an area covered by a grant application, or they plan to provide service to the area
in the near future.
Upon review of the applications and challenges received the PSC determined 65 submissions would be funded. Of the 65 grants awarded 27 were awarded in Congressional District One, totaling $40.3 million. In Congressional District Three, 38 grants were awarded totaling $21.03
million.
Projects receiving grant awards during the 2023 grant cycle are required to be completed by December 27, 2024, unless granted an extension by the Commission.
With funding remaining in district three, the Commission plans to open an additional window for CPF applications. Projects that were not approved during the initial funding round may be resubmitted for consideration during the additional grant funding cycle.
Commissioner Watermeier said, “We want to distribute the entire amount of grant funding available and would encourage providers in Congressional District Three whose projects were not approved to consider resubmitting their application during the additional grant cycle.”