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Planning and Building Department, Economic Development Division, recommending the Board:
1) Accept a grant award from the California Public Utilities Commission for a Local Agency Technical Assistance grant in the amount of $500,000; and
2) Delegate authority to the Planning and Building Department Director to execute the Grant Agreement and all grant-related documents including, but not limited to, amendments, requests for payment, reports, and all associated documents necessary to secure grant funds and implement the approved grant program.
FUNDING: Local Agency Technical Assistance Grant Funds.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In July 2022, the County was notified of a grant funding opportunity under the CPUC’s LATA grant program, which provides grant funding for tribes and local agencies related to the development of broadband network deployment projects that benefit unserved or underserved Californians. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the costs of joint powers authority formation, environmental studies, network design, and engineering study expenses.
On August 1, 2022 the CPUC began accepting applications for a LATA grant program. Established by the CPUC, this grant program has a $50 million budget which includes grants up to $500,000 for tribes and local agencies with ministerial review and an additional $500,000 through commission resolution, per fiscal year. Technical assistance funding is essential for planning work that will facilitate high-speed broadband infrastructure projects in the lower served communities.
In August 2022, Economic Development Division staff began working with the County’s broadband consultant, Neo Connect, to evaluate the grant program, identify potential project areas, and complete the grant application. Upon completion, staff submitted the County’s LATA grant application on August 31, 2022.
On October 6, 2022, staff were officially notified that the County’s LATA grant application was approved for...
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