Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 413 - GRANTS OF THE ONEGEORGIA AUTHORITY › Chapter 413-7 › Subject 413-7-1 - BROADBAND RURAL INITIATIVE TO DEVELOP GEORGIA'S ECONOMY › Rule 413-7-1-.06 - Eligible Activities

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) Eligible uses of funds provided under the
				BRIDGE Fund include those activities and the provision of facilities and
				services as described in O.C.G.A.
				 50-34-1
et
				seq.
Such activities include, but are not limited to, the provision of
				such public infrastructure, services, facilities and improvements needed to
				implement new broadband services or enhance existing broadband services. More
				specifically, such activities may include, but are not limited to, the
				provision of planning services and technical assistance integral to the
				development of needed systems, the aggregation of demand, the establishment of
				databases and other informational and technology systems; the purchase of
				machinery, equipment and software; technology infrastructure; public utilities;
				public facilities and services; real property rehabilitation; the acquisition
				of real property; site preparation and improvements; construction and any other
				necessary activities allowed under O.C.G.A.
				 50-34-1
et
				seq.
that are integral and necessary for the development and
				deployment of a broadband system. Ineligible activities include refinancing of
				existing debt, on-going administrative, operating and maintenance costs,
				financing of customer terminal equipment (including modems) or inside wiring
				not owned by the recipient, financing of operating leases and
				vehicles.
(2) In general, the
				public acquisition and/or improvement of public facilities and infrastructure
				can be undertaken directly by a general-purpose local government(s) or
				authority with BRIDGE Fund monies. In some situations, where a private entity
				may be required to provide facilities and/or equipment to allow a broadband
				system or facility to become fully operational, BRIDGE Fund monies may be
				expended for the public acquisition and/or improvement of financed assets and
				facilities that may be used and operated by private entities. In such cases,
				such privately used assets and facilities must generally be owned or controlled
				by a local government and/or authority and leased, subleased or sold to the
				business or enterprise in accordance with O.C.G.A.
				 36-62-7 and /or O.C.G.A.
				 50-34-6.
(3) In general, assistance for "public"
				facilities owned by local governments and/or authorities that are leased to a
				private sector broadband provider through the lease provisions described in
				Section 413-07-1-.06(2) are eligible for grants. Assistance for facilities that
				are to be owned exclusively by a private entity must generally take the form of
				low or zero interest loans from the local government or authority. The exact
				structure and amount will be determined by the activity to be financed, the
				financial capacity of the private entity and the eligibility of the applicant.
				Loans will be structured using generally accepted public and private financing
				instruments and procedures. All recaptured funds must be returned to the
				OneGeorgia Authority. The OneGeorgia Authority reserves the right to establish
				criteria regarding the nature, types and forms of financial assistance that the
				BRIDGE Fund provides.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  50-34-1
et
				 seq.