Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Approve joining Golden State Connect Authority Joint Exercise of Powers (JPA) for the purpose of deploying last-mile fiber;
2) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 125-2021 approving and authorizing the Chairperson to execute the Golden State Connect Authority Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement; and
3) Appoint two (2) Board Members to serve as a Delegate and Alternate on the JPA Board.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In response to the Governor signing SB 156, which set aside $6 billion for broadband infrastructure, Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the formation of the Joint Powers Authority (JPA), Golden State Connect Authority to assist in deploying open access last-mile fiber in rural communities
The JPA will leverage collective efforts on behalf of rural counties to assist in identifying pathways for development of broadband infrastructure in their communities, including technical assistance and the construction of municipal owned and/or operated broadband systems.
The advancement of establishing broadband infrastructure in rural counties will occur in three phases:
1. Foundational Readiness: Ensure all member counties have broadband strategic plans - RCRC is serving as the collective applicant on a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to fund the development of broadband strategic plans in 26 RCRC member counties that do not current have one.
El Dorado County has a Broadband Strategic Plan in place. This phase will be completed by March 2023.
2. Capacity Building: Equip rural counties with information and resources about innovative models and approaches to broadband deployment - Golden State Connect Authority will conduct workshops to inform rural counties of the innovative models and approached for delivery of reliable, affordable, high-speed broadband and to showc...
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