Indio Receives $9 Million to Bridge Digital Divide

City of Indio Secures Nearly $9 Million in CPUC Grant to Bridge Digital Divide

INDIO – The City of Indio has received $8,944,468 in grant money from the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Federal Funding Account. This grant will be instrumental in bringing last mile fiber connectivity to unserved and underserved communities within Indio, marking a major step forward in the city’s efforts to bridge the digital divide.

On August 22, the CPUC approved $237 million in third and fourth round grants for last mile broadband projects as part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program. This program is dedicated to expanding broadband internet access to underserved and unserved communities across California, reinforcing the state’s commitment to Broadband for All. The City of Indio was one of 484 grant applications submitted for the Last Mile Infrastructure Project in September 2023.

Of the five grants awarded in Riverside County, Indio stands out as the only municipality to receive funding for its Last Mile Infrastructure Project. The total allocation for projects in Riverside County was $50,635,154, with $22,945,538 awarded across five projects, including Indio’s. The remaining $27,689,616 will continue to support other broadband initiatives in the region.

“This grant is a crucial step in ensuring that all residents of Indio, regardless of their location, have access to high-speed internet,” said Mayor Lupe Ramos Amith. “Expanding fiber connectivity to our underserved communities will empower residents with the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital world. We are grateful for the CPUC’s support in making this vision a reality.”

For more information on the CPUC’s Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards, please visit https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/broadband-implementation-for-california/last-mile-federal-funding-account/federal-funding-account-awards