The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) began its historic $40 million investment in internet connectivity. The build-out was launched with a grant award ceremony held June 25 at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Penns Grove, Salem County.
The New Jersey Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Equity (NJBIDE) Pilot Program grant awardees have started critical broadband expansion efforts across the state. The approved investment will provide reliable, high-quality internet service to over 9,000 broadband serviceable locations (BSL) across the state.
Penns Grove Mayor LaDena D. Londo, Taryn Boland and Valarry Bullard of the NJBPU, Assemblyman David Bailey and NJ League of Municipalities Executive Director Michael Cerra spoke at the announcement.
“We are absolutely thrilled that we are entering the deployment and construction phase of this historic expansion of broadband connectivity for the underserved communities in the state,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “The NJBIDE program is dedicated to securing New Jersey’s future by ensuring that every resident, regardless of their background or where they live, has the digital services necessary to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world.”
The NJBIDE grant awards will support broadband infrastructure projects in Atlantic, Burlington, Cumberland, Essex, Salem, Sussex and Warren counties. The awardees include the City of Vineland, County of Salem, Borough of Penns Grove, Brightspeed (Connect Holding II LLC) and Verizon New Jersey Inc. Recipients were chosen for their commitment to bridging the digital divide and delivering high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities.
“This $9.5 million NJBIDE grant is more than just an investment in broadband; it’s an investment in our future,” said Mayor Londo. “For decades, Penns Grove was overlooked and underserved. But today, we stand at the forefront of digital equity and opportunity. This grant ensures that our families, students, seniors and small businesses can finally access the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century. I’m proud that the State of New Jersey saw something powerful in our small town — a community worth believing in.
“This is a victory for Penns Grove, Carneys Point and every resident who’s ever felt disconnected or left behind. We are turning the page. We are writing a new story. And it starts with access, equity and a commitment to leaving no one behind.”
“The NJ League of Municipalities congratulates the recipients of the NJBIDE grants for their outstanding commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability across New Jersey,” said Executive Director Cerra. “From rural townships to our largest cities, these investments are empowering municipalities to meet local challenges with smart, community-driven solutions that promote resilience, equity and economic vitality.”
Funded through the Capital Projects Fund (CPF), the NJBIDE Pilot Program is a competitive grant initiative designed to bring high-speed internet access to areas with limited or no connectivity. The NJBIDE initiative addresses the urgent need for expanded broadband infrastructure — enabling work, education, health monitoring and other critical services, which became even more essential during the pandemic.
These NJBIDE grant awards mark a historic milestone as the first infrastructure grant awarded by the Office of Broadband Connectivity (OBC), reinforcing the Murphy administration’s dedication to expanding digital access and closing connectivity gaps.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has approved New Jersey’s plan to invest $50 million from the CPF to expand broadband infrastructure across the state.
