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Receive an update on Broadband and Digital Equity initiatives, including projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Information Technology recommends the Board of Supervisors receive an update on Broadband and Digital Equity initiatives, including projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
SUMMARY:
On May 3, 2022, the Board approved $488,000 for a broadband and digital equity needs assessment study to examine areas where ARPA investments could be made. Subsequently, based on this report, the Board approved two American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects totaling $3,994,941 for Broadband and Digital Equity.
The ARPA Broadband project dedicated $2,200,000 to broadband infrastructure partnerships in unincorporated areas. In December 2022, the County also received a $500,000 grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for a Local Area Technical Assistance (LATA) grant which was used to fund a detailed study on where to allocate ARPA funds for broadband infrastructure. Funds were also used to do a high-level design for a possible future municipal area fiber network.
The ARPA Digital Equity project dedicated $1,794,941 to the Solano Connected digital equity initiative, including $898,361 for program management and Digital Navigators, $150,000 for a public awareness campaign, $250,000 for pilot seed grants to local nonprofits, and $496,580 to expand Solano County Library hotspot and device lending.
This item provides an update on those two projects as well as other projects happening within the county relating to broadband and digital equity.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no additional impact to the County General Fund. Programs are supported through previously appropriated ARPA allocations, external CPUC LATA grants, and private capital investments.
DISCUSSI...
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