(a)

1. (1) Broadband infrastructure builds using American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Pub. L. No. 117-2, funds must be completed no later than December 31, 2023.
2. (2) The Department of Commerce Broadband Office will determine the dates by which awarded projects shall be completed within these allowed deadlines.

(b) Priority attention will be given to projects that:

1. (1) Contain a detailed and aggressive timeline for completing the project; and
2. (2) Provide confirmation that the mayor or county judge, as coapplicant for the project, has been provided proposed pricing for the broadband services covered by the project.

(c)

1. (1) American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds must be used in unserved and underserved areas in Arkansas.
2. (2) For purposes of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds, “unserved and underserved areas” are rural incorporated and unincorporated cities or communities where residents lack access to a wireline connection capable of reliably delivering at least minimum speeds of twenty-five megabits per second (25 Mbps) download and three megabits per second (3 Mbps) upload.