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Alpine council approves letter supporting Comcast broadband grant application
Summary
The Alpine City Council voted to authorize the mayor to sign a nonexclusive letter of support for Comcast’s application to Utah’s Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program to extend service to 27 underserved locations in the city.
The Alpine City Council voted to authorize the mayor to sign a nonexclusive letter of local government support for Comcast’s application to Utah’s Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program, a company representative and city staff said Tuesday.
City staff member Ryan said Comcast is seeking state grant funds to connect 27 small clusters of homes the company identifies as underserved. Ryan said the city’s support would be a standard, short letter and that the request is nonexclusive — other providers could seek similar support.
The council’s action matters because state grant programs score applications on local support and matching commitments; city staff said Comcast also intends to provide matching funds that could improve its application score. Ryan said the company believes its existing local fiber and distribution infrastructure make it the most viable applicant to serve those clusters.
Councilwoman Jessica Smuin moved to approve the letter; Councilman Ron Rummler seconded. The council voted by roll call: Jessica Smuin, yes; Ron Rummler, yes; Chrissy Hanneman, yes. The motion passed.
City staff said the request came with a short turnaround for the grant (mid-April) and that Comcast would prepare the application. The letter of support does not bind the city to any financial contribution and was described in the meeting as nonexclusive, meaning the city could later support other applicants if any emerged.
If Comcast receives the grant and proceeds, the affected households would gain access to Comcast service, staff said. The company’s proposal and the city’s letter do not change municipal franchise or pole-access issues, which would be handled separately.
The council recorded no public opposition at the time of the vote. City staff said they will add the signed letter to the grant application if Comcast secures the submission materials before the deadline.
Votes at a glance
- Motion: Approve letter of local government support for Comcast’s application to Utah’s Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program. Moved by Councilwoman Jessica Smuin; seconded by Councilman Ron Rummler. Vote: Smuin — yes; Rummler — yes; Hanneman — yes. Outcome: approved.
