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A 3648

Establishes Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program in EDA; appropriates $2.5 million in federal funds.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program awarding up to $75,000 per project to expand rural NJ broadband, requiring 25% private match.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3648

Summary of Bill A 3648 (Session 222) – Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a new Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), in partnership with the Board of Public Utilities (BPU).
  • Goal: expand and improve broadband telecommunications infrastructure and service in rural areas of New Jersey.
  • Eligible funding source: an appropriation of $2.5 million in federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds, deposited into the Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Fund (a non-lapsing revolving fund).

Key provisions and program design

  • Fund and administration

    • Creates the Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Fund (non-lapsing revolving fund) to hold all monies used to support the grant program.
    • The EDA (Authority), in consultation with the BPU, will establish and administer the grant program.
    • The Authority may adopt rules and regulations immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, with regulations effective up to 12 months, then subject to standard Administrative Procedure Act processes.

  • Qualified applicants and eligibility

    • “Qualified applicant” includes corporations, LLCs, partnerships, other business entities, non-profits, political subdivisions, or other entities authorized to build/repair broadband infrastructure or provide broadband service in New Jersey.
    • To qualify, applicants must: 1) be authorized to operate in the State, 2) intend to use the grant to expand/improve rural broadband infrastructure or service, and 3) meet additional eligibility criteria set by the Authority.

  • Application process and criteria

    • Applications submitted to the Authority must include:
    • proof of eligibility,
    • current broadband service levels in the rural areas to be addressed, and identification of unserved areas,
    • a description of the proposed use of the grant.
    • The Authority may approve applications on a rolling basis, prioritizing projects that address unserved areas (areas with <25 Mbps download and <3 Mbps upload).

  • Grant terms and private investment requirement

    • Maximum grant per project: $75,000.
    • Grant recipients must contribute private capital equal to at least 25% of the grant value.
    • Funds may include federal ARPA dollars to satisfy the private capital requirement, where permitted by law.
    • Eligible uses for grants include acquisition, construction, equipment, site preparation, and other related costs to deploy or improve broadband infrastructure or service in rural areas.

  • Reporting and oversight

    • The Authority must produce a report within 12 months of the first approved project, detailing:
    • number of applicants, number approved, total grants distributed,
    • grant amounts per recipient, and any other information needed to evaluate progress.
    • The report will be submitted to the Governor and Legislature and posted on the Authority’s website.

Timeline and effective date

  • The act takes effect immediately.
  • Administrative rules can be adopted within 90 days of enactment, with temporary regulations valid for up to 12 months while permanent regulations are developed.

Impact and who is affected

  • Rural residents and communities in New Jersey stand to gain access to expanded broadband infrastructure and services.
  • Eligible local governments, nonprofits, and private entities partnering to deploy rural broadband can apply for grants.
  • The program leverages federal funds to catalyze private investment in rural broadband projects.

Overall assessment

  • The bill creates a targeted funding mechanism to address rural broadband gaps, prioritizing unserved areas, with a clear governance structure, defined funding limits, and accountability through annual reporting.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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