Rule 12-12-2.2 - Categories of Grants The BEAM Fund Grant Programs will provide grants in different categories to provide opportunities for the variety of circumstances, subscribers, and providers in Mississippi. The categories existing as of the time of the adoption of this rule are as discussed herein. Any additional categories will be addressed through amendment to this rule in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-1.101 et seq.
(1)Broadband Infrastructure: This category will provide grants to fund large scale projects designed to serve sizable numbers of targeted addresses and will reimburse awardees for actual capital expenses up to a maximum project cost identified in the award. Costs must be a directly related upfront investment associated with installing or upgrading existing broadband facilities on the proposed project on a one-time, capital improvement basis. Funding from the American Rescue Plan Capital Projects Fund will provide the sole source of funding for the initial round of awards in this category. Matching funds of at least 20% are required and additional matching funds will have a positive impact on application scoring.(2)Line Extension and Deployment: This category will provide grants for the extension of existing last-mile cable modem and fiber broadband networks, provided the extension can be constructed quickly. Internet service providers are eligible if they have an existing fiber to the premises or an existing cable network offering service of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload to mass-market users that can be extended to unserved premises. Funding from the American Rescue Plan Capital Projects Fund will provide the sole source of funding for the initial round of awards in this category. Matching funds of at least $500 per address passed by fiber or cable lines funded by the program are required.(3)ARPA Broadband Communities: This category will promote private and public partnerships for projects where the applicant partners with a county, municipality, or an affiliated organization (economic development corporation, regional planning and development council, etc.) that dedicates funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), or other funding, to a broadband development initiative. Before applying for such grants, the applicant must have in place a written agreement with the county, municipal government, or affiliated organization and provide appropriate documentation, including official board action of the county, municipality, or affiliated organization authorizing said agreement and reflecting the commitment of ARPA or other funding. Funding from the American Rescue Plan Capital Projects Fund will provide the sole source of funding for the initial round of awards in this category. Matching funds of at least 50% are required and additional matching funds will have a positive impact on application scoring.(4)Digital Connectivity Technology: The digital connectivity category of the BEAM Fund Grant Programs will provide funds for technology projects installed as part of public wi-fi infrastructure (e.g., access points, repeaters, routers). Before applying for such grants, applicants must have in place a written agreement with a county, municipality, or an affiliated organization (economic development corporation, regional planning and development council, etc.) seeking to provide public wi-fi service and must provide appropriate documentation, including official board action of the county, municipality, or affiliated organization authorizing said agreement. Applicants must also demonstrate affordability as a barrier to local broadband adoption and use. Funding from the American Rescue Plan Capital Projects Fund will provide the sole source of funding for the initial round of awards in this category. A match of 20% of total project costs is required and additional matching funds will have a positive impact on application scoring.2022 Miss. Laws, Ch. 397 (H.B. No. 1029)