The Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) grant program provides funding to assist California's local agencies and tribes in their efforts to provide high-speed broadband to unserved Californians and close the digital divide. On February 24, 2022, the commission approved Decision (D.) 22-02-026 which established the LATA grant program and implemented current requirements and guidelines for the program. LATA grants provide reimbursement for Tribes and local agencies for pre-construction expenses that facilitate development of broadband network deployment projects to areas in need.
Grants may be used to reimburse eligible costs such as environmental, feasibility, and engineering design studies or reports; needs assessments, market studies, broadband strategic plans, and business plans; forming a joint powers authority; and consultant and community-based organization services. Grantees may receive up to 100 percent of technical assistance project costs of up to $500,000 per local agency or tribe per fiscal year. The program has a budget of $50 million for reimbursement of eligible costs incurred by December 31, 2024. Grants will be awarded on a first come first served basis until funding is exhausted. Because funding stems from federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, projects authorized through this program will be subject to federal rules in addition to the Guidelines adopted by the Commission in D.22-02-026.
The County will use the grant funding to engage a consulting firm to conduct financial and funding analysis, review existing asset inventory, conduct market assessments, gap analysis, needs assessment, partnership evaluation, create conceptual network design and final plan/strategy compilation.
Without funding, the full scope and need of broadband services to underserved communities and households within the County will not be identified, perpetuating digital inequality and divide.