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Grant Funding
BEAD Programs
McCall-Thomas Engineering specializes in delivering grant management services to support the development of broadband infrastructure, power delivery, electric load, and energy savings in South Carolina and surrounding states.
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These services are provided by an experienced staff dedicated to the oversight and management of grants for broadband, power, and electrical projects. The McCall-Thomas Engineering team provides consulting, planning, analysis, project management and reliable solutions for all aspects of deployment. With nearly 80 years of engineering and technical services, we provide quality service to help close the digital divide and power growth in your community.
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Our team will provide responsive support connecting you to funding opportunities and manage all aspects of compliance and closeout. Allow us to assist in the application process along with meeting deadlines throughout the completion of the grant program. We will ensure compliance under the grant requirements and conditions.
Funding Opportunities:
State Broadband Funding
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Florida Commerce (Office of Broadband - FloridaJobs.org)
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Georgia Technology Authority (Funding | Georgia Technology Authority)
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North Carolina Division of Broadband & Digital Equity (Funding Programs | ncbroadband.gov)
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South Carolina Office of Regulatory -ORS (Investments | Office of Regulatory Staff (sc.gov))
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Virginia DHCD (Broadband | DHCD (virginia.gov))
Newsroom
Aggregated industry news from:
Recent Broadband Release:
Broadband: Latest updates on grants and funding programs
Greene County, Illinois, Initiates Fiber Internet Construction: Greene County, in partnership with Frontier Communications and the Greene County Economic Development Group, has finalized agreements to commence the construction of fiber internet infrastructure. This initiative, supported by a $24.7 million grant from Connect Illinois, aims to deliver high-speed internet access to over 4,500 locations, particularly focusing on rural areas. The project is slated for completion by the end of 2026.
Midland County, Michigan, Advances Broadband Expansion Efforts: The Midland County Executive Committee has provided updates on its countywide broadband project, which is currently seeking state funding through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Michigan has been allocated over $1.5 billion from this federal initiative to enhance high-speed internet infrastructure. The state will cover 75% of installation costs, with the remaining 25% matched by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Notable ISPs expected to participate include 123Net, LakeNet, and Charter. Additionally, Midland County plans to offer up to $3 million in municipal bonds to support these projects.
Michigan Opens Applications for High-Speed Internet Projects: The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office has begun accepting project applications for the BEAD Program, aiming to develop high-speed internet infrastructure for nearly 250,000 homes, businesses, and institutions statewide. With $1.559 billion in funding secured, eligible participants—including ISPs and communities—can submit applications to provide scalable, resilient high-speed internet to underserved areas. The initial application window is open until March 10.
Energy: Renewable energy initiatives and funding announcements
Legal Challenges to Federal Funding Freeze: A federal judge in Rhode Island is deliberating a preliminary injunction request from nearly two dozen Democrat-controlled states aimed at preventing the Trump administration from freezing federal grants and loans. These funds support a wide array of projects, including renewable energy, infrastructure, and public services. The temporary restraining order already in place was issued due to claims that the freeze violates the constitutional separation of powers and disrupts programs critical to various sectors. The Trump administration argues that the funding pause is within its executive powers to align federal spending with the administration's priorities. Another related lawsuit is being heard in Washington, D.C., highlighting the freeze's broad impact, including the halt on essential services and ongoing projects. The judge’s decision is expected within a week.
Impact of Funding Freeze on Solar Energy Projects: In Columbus, Indiana, Mike Mullett and other locals are struggling as Donald Trump's pause on federal funding for clean energy projects threatens a $4.42 million solar electricity initiative. This project, part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's $7 billion Solar for All program, aimed to provide solar energy to over 530 properties in low-income areas. Communities across Indiana, a predominantly Republican state, were set to benefit from the Biden administration's clean energy initiatives. However, Trump's rollback on these policies, which he deems a "Green New Scam," puts these plans in jeopardy, potentially disrupting business developments and economic benefits, despite the popularity and bipartisan support for solar energy projects. Indiana's significant investment in solar energy, producing more electricity from solar than some Democrat-leaning states and fostering private investments, faces uncertainty. Despite this setback, Mullett and the community are committed to pursuing their solar energy dreams even as they await potential outcomes from ongoing legal battles.
EPA's Reclamation of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds: The Trump administration is attempting to reclaim $20 billion from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) established under Biden's leadership to support clean energy projects. Lee Zeldin, the Trump-appointed head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asserts that these funds were held in an external financial institution, though he clarifies there's no suspected bank wrongdoing. The GGRF was designed to aid low-income and underserved communities in accessing clean energy technologies. Critics argue that blocking these funds halts crucial projects, such as solar energy loans and infrastructure upgrades. Zeldin referred to the funds as “gold bars,” hinting at an expedited disbursement by the Biden administration to avoid revocation by Trump, who vowed to rescind unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. This move is expected to provoke a legal challenge.
These developments highlight the dynamic and often contentious landscape of energy funding in the United States, reflecting differing policy priorities and their tangible impacts on communities nationwide.
Utility: Energy efficiency grants and large-scale projects
North Carolina Awards Grants to Rural Communities: Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina announced that the Rural Infrastructure Authority has approved 13 grant requests to local governments, totaling $9,627,500. These grants are expected to create 785 jobs and attract more than $165.9 million in public and private investments. The funding will support various infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing economic development in rural areas.
Utilities Await Clarity on Department of Energy Loans: Several utility companies are seeking guidance regarding nearly $23 billion in conditional loan commitments announced by the U.S. Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office during the final days of the Biden administration. These loans are intended for utility generation, transmission, and grid modernization projects across 12 states. The recent federal funding freeze has created uncertainty, and utilities are awaiting further information on the status of these commitments.
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