DENVER - Today, Governor Polis announced the first of multiple investments using stimulus funding from the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF) program. The Polis administration will use $113 million from CPF to make major, long-term improvements, including expanding the state’s broadband infrastructure and connecting Colorado homes without internet access.
CPF will connect nearly 19,000 homes and businesses across all of Colorado with these funds. The biggest positive impact will be in the south and southwest parts of the state, where there is the largest number of unserved and underserved locations.
“Access to high-speed broadband is essential for hardworking Coloradans, students for learning, our economy and businesses who need access to new markets and this funding keeps us on the path to more success,” said Governor Polis.
“In a world that turned to virtual connections during the pandemic, it’s critical to ensure Coloradans have internet access,” said Brandy Reitter, Executive Director, Colorado Broadband Office. “These awarded broadband projects will provide Coloradans in unserved and underserved communities with more opportunity and resources.”
Colorado looks forward to continuing to award further federal broadband funds from other federal partners, including $826 million from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, during the coming months. Colorado is committed to connecting 99% of households to broadband by 2027 and we look forward to reaching this goal through a range of mechanisms and funding sources.
The Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) manages grants through the Advance Colorado Broadband grant program. Learn more about the Advance Colorado Broadband grant program that deploys all federal broadband funding on the CBO website.
Additional dollars from the Capital Projects Fund are planned to address homelessness and for the development of the Ridge View campus, a supportive residential community where residents can recover from homelessness, find long-term housing stability, and reintegrate into their community of choice.