State broadband office says BEAD funding on track; providers report major builds

Jessica Simmons, broadband program lead at the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA), told the House Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee during a committee briefing that Georgia has advanced its broadband mapping, state-funded grants and the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and expects to move from scoring to negotiation and final federal approval this year.

“The great news is seeing so many different colors all blended together,” Simmons said, describing the state’s interactive broadband availability map and the multiple funding streams “braided together” to expand service. She told the committee the state’s BEAD allocation is just over $1.3 billion and the state has access to just under $5 million for planning and operations.

The update included a timeline and several funding figures committee members requested: Gov. Kemp previously allocated about $414 million in state fiscal recovery funds for broadband infrastructure; about $254 million of that has been dispersed so far. The state also holds a $246 million Capital Projects Fund grant (for which U.S. Treasury holds the funds) and has drawn down roughly $20 million to date. Simmons said all projects funded with state fiscal recovery funds must be complete by the end of 2026.

Nut graf: The committee heard that Georgia has concentrated mapping and grant activity in recent years, and state and federal funding streams are being coordinated to reach tens of thousands of remaining unserved and underserved locations. Committee members and providers pressed for clarity on timing, technology preferences and the effect of possible federal changes on deadlines and environmental review.

BEAD status, mapping and timeline

Simmons…