Title
Broadband Ad Hoc Committee, in coordination with the Chief Administrative Office, recommending the Board receive and file the final presentation and report from NeoConnect regarding the Broadband Feasibility Study in El Dorado County, focusing on financial analysis and options related to implementing a Broadband strategy in El Dorado County. (Est. Time: 2.0 Hrs.)
FUNDING: 50% Economic Development Administration grant, 50% General Fund.
Body
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 for the purposes of completing 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 for the purpose of conducting a Broadband feasibility study in El Dorado County, and committed $75,000 for the purpose of 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 area of Broadband policy and infrastructure. This group includes members from non-profit organizations with special interests in Broadband technology and stakeholder community members.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) fo...
Click here for full text