The State of Missouri is providing up to $2 million in grants to reimburse providers that have expanded, or plan to connect, high-speed internet (25 Megabits per second / 3 Megabits per second or greater) to new subscribing residentsin unserved or underserved areas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) will administer and facilitate the reimbursement program for broadband providers that expand service in order to directly benefit qualified households, including those households: 1) that meet one of the categories identified as a vulnerable population, 2) with a Missouri resident on telework status, and 3) with a student resident (pre-school through higher education). The Emergency Broadband Investment Program will be technology-neutral and open to all broadband providers in good standing with the State of Missouri and meeting program guidelines. The program was developed using the federal law, guidance, and frequently asked questions from section 601(a) of the federal Social Security Act, as added by section 5001 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
Applications will be reviewed immediately upon submission by DED using the following criteria and point values. DED will also assess the regional diversity of the grant requests. These evaluation criteria reflect information provided in thegrant application. To ensure that an application receives the best score possible, it should include comprehensive responses and all requested attachments. Applications may also be subject to a challenge process to ensure that CARES Act resources are deployed only as necessary and not for areas already adequately serviced.
DED reserves the right to revise these program guidelines to conform to CARES Act guidance issued during the grant period or as it otherwise deems prudent in its sole discretion.
More information can be found here: https://ded.mo.gov/content/emergency-broadband-investment-program