Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

ConneCTed Communities Grant Program

Round 1 Awards

Approximately $28 million in grant funds have been announced for round one. These grants will support the build out of broadband infrastructure in 88 cities and towns, including 26 Distressed Municipalities, ensuring that more than 3,300 homes and small businesses will be able to access at least 100 Megabits per second of upload and download speeds. In most locations, gigabit speeds will be made available, balancing the current needs of Connecticut’s communities while preparing for future innovations and emerging technologies.

View an interactive award map here.

This image shows where project areas were awarded in round one of the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program.


Round 2 Application Period Open

Program Description 

Round two of the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program will fund the construction and deployment of broadband infrastructure designed to support the goal of universal access to fast, affordable, and reliable broadband. DEEP is seeking applications for grant funding to facilitate low-income and multi-family curb-to-home and business broadband infrastructure buildout in underserved areas that will result in service at speeds of at least 100 Mbps/100 Mbps. All projects funded through this program must reach substantial completion before December 31, 2026.  

View a map of underserved locations in Connecticut here.
Download a .csv of the Location IDs here. Don't have a CostQuest license? Find out more here.

Multi-Dwelling Unit Survey

By completing this intake form, you are helping DEEP identify MDUs that could benefit from internet service improvements. DEEP will review responses to assess the property's eligibility and may reach out to gather additional information and discuss next steps.

Click here to submit information on broadband service issues in multi-dwelling units.

 
Application Package

Click Here to Apply

Program Priorities

The program will prioritize proposals with strong last-mile projects that provide for quality and reliable service that have already undergone extensive prior planning and are supported with substantial matching funds. 

In addition to compliance with program requirements, applications will be prioritized based on secondary factors, including, but not limited to: 

  • Delivery of end-to-end fiber optic infrastructure   

  • Delivery of 1Gbps/100 Mbps speeds, or scalability to deliver 1 Gbps/100 Mbps  

  • A commitment to service quality and affordable service plans offerings  

  • A higher contribution of matching funds, with some exceptions

 

Funding Amount 


An estimated $10 million may be utilized in round 2 of the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program. The Program is supported using funds allocated by the Connecticut General Assembly through the Capital Projects Fund (CPF) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

 

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be eligible to receive Capital Projects Funds. Eligible entities include:

  • Government entities: Tribal governments; local units of government (e.g., municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions); State and local agencies 

  • Private for-profit entities: Commercial service providers (established or new entrants) 

  • Non-profit entities: Community organizations; institutes of higher education; etc. 

  • Other: Co-operatives, mutual organizations, utilities

 
Applicant Webinar

An applicant webinar was held on October 9, 2024 at 2 PM EST. Watch the recording here. Download the slide deck here.

 

Office Hour

DEEP will hold an office hour on November 20, 2024 from 2PM to 3PM to support applicants. Register here.

  
Important Dates
  
 Application Release Date October 1, 2024
 Applicant Webinar October 9, 2024
Submission of Questions Deadline November 1, 2024
DEEP Responses to Questions Published November 15, 2024
Application Deadline
 Rolling
 

 
Resources
Contact

DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov

 

 

Grants and Financial Assistance Main Page

 

Content last updated October 2024.