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City manager reports progress on Dalles Watershed Act; Q Life gets preliminary BEAD award
Summary
City Manager Klebs reported Sept. 22 that the Dalles Watershed Act is advancing in Congress and that Q Life has received a preliminary $10.45 million BEAD award, pending final NTIA confirmation.
City Manager Klebs reported to the council on Sept. 22 that federal and regional advocacy has advanced two items the city is tracking: the Dalles Watershed Act and a preliminary award to regional broadband provider Q Life.
Klebs said legislation submitted by Rep. Cliff Bentz, referred to as the Dalles Watershed Act, would facilitate a land transfer intended to clarify ownership of the watershed and help the city better manage Crow Creek Dam. He said the bill “is continuing to move forward slowly but surely,” and staff remain engaged with congressional and federal partners.
Klebs also reported that Q Life received a preliminary award of about $10.45 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment) program to expand fiber in the region; the award is pending final confirmation from NTIA. Klebs said the award is part of Oregon’s submission to NTIA and that more information will follow once NTIA finalizes awards.
Klebs added that staff have engaged regionally on other topics including agricultural and forest-management impacts, and that local training—such as the city’s local government academy—continues to be offered to build civic capacity.
Ending note: Klebs invited questions and said staff will report back as federal processes progress and as the city receives final word on the BEAD award.
