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Planning and Building Department, Economic Development Division, recommending the Board:
1) Receive and file a presentation from the County’s broadband Consultant, NEO Connect, focusing on past, current, and upcoming broadband planning efforts, a California Public Utilities Commission Federal Funding Account grant program for last-mile broadband infrastructure projects, and information related to securing Public Private Partnerships with Internet Service Providers;
2) Direct staff to pursue the California Public Utilities Commission Federal Funding Account grant program for last-mile broadband infrastructure projects and approve the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the purpose of grant fund matching, if deemed necessary; and
3) Delegate authority to the Planning and Building Department Director, or designee, to execute the California Public Utilities Commission Federal Funding Account grant, if applicable, and any grant-related documents necessary to secure grant funds and implement the approved grant including, but not limited to, requests for payment, reports, and amendments that do not require a County match, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management,.
FUNDING: California Public Utilities Commission Federal Funding and/or American Rescue Plan Act funds.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On September 1, 2015 (File No. 15-1020, Item No. 27), 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 (2) Board members to serve on that committee.
On January 12, 2016 (File No. 16-0006, V1, Item No. 5), the Board adopted Resolution 013-2016, which approved the submittal of an application for an Economic Development Administration (EDA) Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program grant to complete a broadband feasibility study.
On September 27, 2016 (File No. 16-0006, V2, Item No. 25), the B...
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