Public Works Board authorizes opening of federal broadband grant cycle pending U.S. Treasury approval

The Public Works Board on Feb. 20 voted to approve a proposed Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and to authorize opening a federal broadband construction grant cycle pending final approval from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Sheila Richardson reported staff intend to use roughly $5 million in unspent grant dollars for a broadband grant cycle. Projects must not be committed under the NTIA BEAD program and must be capable of completion by the end of the calendar year; staff will give priority to tribal applicants. Richardson said staff posted scoring criteria on the board website to start a 60‑day statutory clock and had submitted a NOFO packet to Treasury on Feb. 16.

Vice Chair Jared McGowan moved to approve the NOFO and authorize opening the federal broadband construction grant cycle pending Treasury approval; Dean Reynolds seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. Richardson said Treasury voiced concerns about the timeline but indicated tentative support and expected to provide approval next week unless they identify follow‑up questions.

Richardson warned that if Treasury later grants extensions, newly awarded projects likely would not qualify for any extension; the board’s action is conditioned on Treasury approval. Staff said they will emphasize completion readiness and set clear expectations in award documentation and communications.

The board did not record a roll‑call vote in the transcript; the motion was approved by voice. Staff will proceed with Treasury follow‑up and prepare the NOFO for publication after receiving final approval.