Texas receives $363M in federal grants to increase access to high-speed internet
Today, Texas Comptroller Hegar announced that the state was awarded $363.8 million in federal funds from the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund for broadband expansion projects in the state.
The money will be used to fund a competitive grant application program — Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas, or BOOT — whose aim is to bring high-speed internet service to more than 150,000 locations in the state.
Locations in the state that are eligible to receive those dollars will be determined by the Texas Broadband Development Map.
READ MORE: New TX broadband map ID’s funding opportunities
This map now includes an interactive element to see digital connectivity in the state and identify areas eligible for funding.
BY THE NUMBERS:
According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, Texans lacking broadband access looks like:
- 2.8 million Texas households
- 7 million people
- 23% of Texans
The BOOT program will begin accepting applications for broadband expansion projects in spring 2023.
DIVE DEEPER: The need for broadband access: Strategic Framework
Want to learn more about Texas 2036’s priorities for broadband during the 88th Legislature? Check out our 2023 Legislative Agenda.