The Business Oregon Broadband Office (OBO) convened a Broadband Technical Working Group (TWG) earlier this year as a first step in development of rules for programs that will leverage the Oregon Broadband Fund ($1.5 million for 2022) and American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund (over $120 million) toward closing Oregon’s digital divide. The OBO will also set up a framework for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act state block grants (over $100 million) for broadband and digital equity.

AOC Legislative Director Mallorie Roberts was a member of the TWG and coordinated with county broadband staff and experts to provide input and feedback on the proposed framework. 

AOC Legislative Affairs Manager Michael Burdick serves as the AOC lead on broadband policy and works directly with regional broadband action teams and county broadband staff. A number of counties submitted public comments for the TWG’s last meeting on May 4 encouraging the prioritization of flexibility of and use of “future proof” technologies that allow bandwidth to be upgraded exponentially down the road in the forthcoming rules and programs.

Below is a timeline of the decision making process and forthcoming funding opportunities:

  • February – May 2022: TWG meetings.
  • April – May 2022: Community listening sessions.
  • May – June 2022: Draft program rules, grant and program plans and present to Oregon Broadband Advisory Council.
  • July 2022: Post draft program rules for comment.
  • July – August 2022: Review and consider public comments. 
  • August-September 2022: File permanent rules.
  • August 2022: Submit grant plan to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
  • December 2022: Open first tranche of funds for applications.

AOC continues to support policies that promote efficient expansion of broadband infrastructure and high-speed internet access to all regions and communities by advocating for streamlined access to state and federal funding and encouraging maximum flexibility for use of funds according to local and regional priorities and needs. 

AOC will keep members updated on opportunities to engage in the rule formation and provide comments to the OBO once draft rules are published later this month. The AOC Transportation and Community Development Steering Committee will meet later this summer to dig deeper into policy priorities around broadband and potential 2023 legislation.

Contributed by: Michael Burdick | Legislative Affairs Manager