Beyond Roads and Bridges: How BIL is Enhancing CT's Digital Equity and Cybersecurity Efforts
The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection are celebrating the infrastructure investments made under the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed by President Joe Biden two years ago today, on November 15, 2021.
The IIJA – commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) – has made a significant investment in the state’s physical infrastructure that our colleagues at DOT and DEEP have highlighted extensively.
Today, we are emphasizing two important components of the BIL that will help enhance the state’s efforts when it comes to digital equity and cybersecurity.
Grant Program: Digital Equity Act Program
Grant Award: $18 Million
Project: Connecticut Digital Equity Program
Project Description: DAS’s Commission for Educational Technology leads this initiative to address inequities in access to affordable broadband, computers, training, technical support, and services among traditionally disenfranchised groups that comprise approximately 80 percent of Connecticut residents. Phase 1 (2022 – 24) includes the development of a five-year strategic plan, and Phase 2 (2024 – 29) provides the capacity to implement that plan.
Initiatives will tap the capacity of community and regional partners and include investments in “digital navigator” programs to hire and equip trainers to work with residents on skill development toward education, workforce, health, and civic outcomes. Details on an optional competitive grant (Phase 3) should be available in 2024.
The program complements and extends the IIJA BEAD Program, administered by DEEP.
Grant Program: State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
Through funding from the BIL, the SLCGP enables DHS to make targeted cybersecurity investments in state and local government agencies, thus improving the security of critical infrastructure and improving the resilience of the services state and local governments provide their communities.
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, is the State Administrative Agent for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP).
Partnering with multiple organizations and other state agencies, including the Department of Administrative Services and the Connecticut Cybersecurity Committee, this grant program is currently being finalized for implementation and funding will be open to eligible sub-entities in Connecticut for a suite of cybersecurity programs and projects.
Under FY 2022, the federal allocation to Connecticut is $2,680,588.80, and under FY 2023, the federal allocation to Connecticut is $5,465,875.00.