Updated September 5, 2024

The Federal Funding Account (FFA), administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), is a $2 billion grant program established in accordance with 2021’s Senate Bill 156 (Chapter 112, Statutes of 2021), dedicated to funding last-mile broadband infrastructure projects to connect unserved Californians.

The FFA grant program has funded several significant projects in Riverside County, aimed at improving broadband access and connectivity. These projects, approved through a series of CPUC resolutions, are designed to address the specific needs of local communities. 

Here’s a list last-mile infrastructure projects that have been awarded in Riverside County:

As part of the third series of resolutions approving grants for broadband infrastructure projects, the CPUC awarded Riverside County $23,045,538 to support projects that aim to connect 5,205 locations benefiting 46,437 residents.

1. AT&T Riverside 1: $11,580,196 to connect 34,450 residents in Jurupa Valley, Riverside, Corona, Home Gardens, El Cerrito, and nearby communities.
2. AT&T Riverside/San Bernardino 1: $255,801 to connect 336 residents in Jurupa Valley and Southern San Bernardino County.
3. AT&T Riverside PSA: $156,949 to connect 3,980 residents in Northwestern Riverside County.
4. Frontier Riverside 1: $2,008,124 to connect 4,029 residents in the Northern portion of the Salton Sea, Desert Camp, and North Shore.
5. City of Indio: $8,944,468 to connect 3,632 residents within the City of Indio.

Additionally, as part of the fourth series of resolutions, the CPUC approved the following project:

6. Colorado River Indian Tribe: $14,826,582 total funding including $2,281,013 for locations in Riverside County and $12,545,569 for locations in San Bernardino County, to connect 484 residents. 

This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure more people have access to fast, reliable internet, especially in low-income and disadvantaged areas. Stay tuned for additional projects expected to be announced later this summer.