# States Expand Infrastructure and Industry Opportunities

An October 2, 2026 update identifies several state and local initiatives with potential implications for contractors: Michigan LIFT announced supplier Open Calls on September 29 for manufacturing and supply-chain solutions, while Broward County’s maritime defense study may lead to follow-on needs. The update also reports a $30.3 million federal grant awarded in 2023 for a 134-mile open-access fiber network around Pima County’s urban core, and Colorado’s nomination of 91 Opportunity Zones for federal designation. These initiatives span supplier opportunities, broadband construction, and defense-related industrial development, but the Colorado nominations are not yet federal designations and the Broward study does not itself establish a procurement solicitation.

- Companies with manufacturing or supply-chain solutions can review Michigan LIFT’s supplier Open Calls; the program may offer financing and industrialization support.
- Broadband contractors can track the Pima County network supported by the **$30.3 million grant** for relevant construction or supporting work; the grant was awarded in 2023.
- Maritime and defense suppliers can assess potential follow-on needs associated with Broward County’s Defense Readiness and Diversification Initiative, which received a $125,000 grant toward a $162,500 project.
- Businesses evaluating Colorado investment opportunities should distinguish the 91 nominated Opportunity Zones from zones that have received federal designation.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Defense & Military
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 02, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
- Pima County
- State of Michigan
- Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)
- Broward County

### Vendors
- Ford Motor Company ()
- Newlab ()
- JPMorganChase ()

### Key Quotes
> This grant is further validation of both the strength and adaptability of Broward’s maritime ecosystem in its ability to contribute meaningfully to our nation’s defense.
> — David Coddington, Senior Vice President of Business Development for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

### Sources
- [Infrastructure & Incentives Update (Oct. 2, 2026)](https://businessfacilities.com/infrastructure-incentives-update-oct-2-2026) - Business Facilities