Title
Broadband Ad Hoc Committee, in coordination with the Chief Administrative Office and Planning and Building, Economic Development Division, recommending the Board:
1) Receive and file a presentation and report from NEO Connect focusing on Broadband planning efforts and a breakdown of Broadband grant funding sources which include with American Rescue Plan Act funds, the Infrastructure Bill and/or State funds and what the associated costs would be; and
2) Consider allocating $10 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds either at this time or in the future for Broadband projects, and direct staff to continue to pursue other funding opportunities.
FUNDING: American Rescue Plan Act, Transient Occupancy Tax.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On September 1, 2015, following a presentation on the state of Broadband infrastructure in the County, the Board established a Broadband Technical Advisory Committee to work on broadband issues and appointed two Board members to that Ad Hoc Committee (Legistar 15-1020).
On January 12, 2016, the Board adopted Resolution 013-2016, approving the submittal of an application for an Economic Development Agency (EDA) Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program Grant to complete a Broadband feasibility study (Legistar 16-0006).
On September 27, 2016, the Board authorized acceptance of a $75,000 grant award from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program to conduct a Broadband feasibility study in El Dorado County and committed $75,000 for the 50% County match required by the grant. The resolution states that improved Broadband service fits strongly within the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and that building Broadband capacity in El Dorado County is “a way to create and retain jobs, educate and retain students, and position the County in the 21st-century economy.”
A technical advisory group was assembled to assist with technical expertise in the are...
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