AGENDA DATE: 11/4/2015
TITLE:. Update on Broadband
.BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Update on Broadband Vision and Planning
ITEM TYPE: Consent Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Letteri, Davis, Kamptner, Culp
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND:
The County is working toward its goal of deploying broadband to its rural areas. Broadband deployment requires a telecommunications planning process, and there are state and federal grants available to localities for the creation of a telecommunications plan. The County has submitted a grant application to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for a $75,000 grant through the Virginia Telecommunications Planning Initiative (VATPI) to develop a comprehensive telecommunications plan for residential and agri-business telecommunications in the County's rural areas, as well as a grant application to the DHCD for a $30,000 grant to develop a telecommunications plan that would be focused on job creation through advancing rural agri-business. Staff has a Request for Proposal (RFP) ready to release as soon as the County is notified of the award status of these grants. Staff intends to contract with one or more qualified bidders to work with the County to develop the telecommunications plan.
The purpose of this Executive Summary is to provide information and a progress update regarding the funding options for completing the telecommunications plan.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal 2. Critical Infrastructure: Prioritize, plan and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs.
Goal 5. Educational Opportunities: Provide lifelong learning opportunities for all our citizens.
Goal 7. Operational Capacity: Ensure County government's ability to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION:
If the County is not awarded one...
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