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Franklin County authorizes up to $5 million in ARPA funds to solicit broadband providers for last‑mile fiber expansion
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Summary
Franklin County Commission approved a broadband grant program using up to $5,000,000 in ARPA funds and authorized County Administrator Leah Mansell to run a public NOFO to find a provider to extend last‑mile fiber to unserved and underserved areas; applications were set to open May 17, 2023 and close June 30, 2023.
Franklin County commissioners voted unanimously May 15 to launch a broadband grant program that would use up to $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to expand fiber‑optic service to unserved and underserved parts of the county.
The resolution, moved by Commissioner Joseph Baldwin and seconded by Commissioner David Hester, designates County Administrator Leah Mansell to administer the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), advertise the grant beginning on or about May 17, 2023, accept applications, and oversee review and award procedures consistent with federal and state ARPA rules.
The county’s published grant packet emphasizes last‑mile fiber to reach homes and businesses in shaded areas identified on the county map, requires applicants to provide a stamped engineering design from an Alabama‑licensed professional engineer, and sets administrative deadlines: application packets available May 17, 2023; questions due by June 23, 2023; and applications due by 2:00 p.m. CDT on June 30, 2023. The county must obligate ARPA funds by Dec. 31, 2024 and complete work and expend funds by Dec. 31, 2026, the NOFO states.
The NOFO requires eligible applicants to be existing broadband providers (private companies, cooperatives or units of local government) and encourages proposals that build last‑mile fiber directly to premises, meet or exceed a 100 Mbps down/20 Mbps up baseline (projects capable of 500/500 were noted as desirable), participate in the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program, and offer affordability options. The county’s evaluation criteria weigh project approach, schedule and permitting, budget and matching funds, construction and operational experience, and customer support.
The NOFO also includes administrative attachments and a budget workbook. The county’s notice states up to $5,000,000 is available; it reserves the right to reject all applications. Administrator Mansell will receive applications by email at Imansell@hiwaay.net, per the NOFO.