Arvig asks Becker County for letters and small cash contributions for two broadband BEAD applications
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Summary
Arvig requested county letters of support and a combined $5,000 in local matching or demonstration funds for two broadband projects under the federal NTIA BEAD program; commissioners agreed to place a letter of support on the administrative report and asked county economic development (EDA) to consider funding.
Dave Shornack, director of business development and sales for Arvig, asked the Becker County Board of Commissioners on the public‑comment portion of the agenda for letters of support and modest county contributions for two proposed broadband builds in unserved or underserved parts of the county.
Shornack said the projects are candidates for the federal NTIA broadband program commonly referred to in the meeting transcript as “BED” (the federal BEAD program). He described one route passing 18 homes south of Detroit Lakes with a construction cost of about $138,239 and asked the county for $1,500; he described a second route by Ridgewood and Buffalo Lake that would pass 79 locations at a construction cost of about $412,780 and asked the county for $3,500. “We’re asking for $1,500 from Becker County,” Shornack said of the smaller project, and he asked for a letter of support for both applications.
Why this matters: federal BEAD grants are competitive; applicants can receive scoring benefits for third‑party commitments such as local letters of support or small cash contributions. Arvig told the board it would use county support to increase its score and that, if selected, construction would likely occur in 2026 because of permit, environmental review and other program requirements.
Board response and next steps: Commissioners and county staff discussed timing and financing. County Administrator Carrie said the county’s economic development authority (EDA) meets Thursday and the EDA has fund balance that could be used; commissioners agreed to add a county letter of support to the administrative report later in the meeting. Commissioner Richard (last name not specified in the transcript) suggested placing the request on the EDA agenda; Carrie said she would attend the EDA meeting and discuss a potential $5,000 commitment. The board voted to place the matter on the administrative report for discussion and to have staff prepare a draft letter of support for review. Commissioner Phil moved and another commissioner seconded the motion to add the item; the board approved by voice vote.
What was not decided: Commissioners did not commit county money at the meeting—Carrie and EDA will evaluate funding and report back. Shornack said the applications are due April 21 (as he reported) and that BEAD awards may be announced months later; grant award and final county financial commitments are conditional on winning BEAD funding.
Speakers quoted or referenced in the meeting: Dave Shornack, director of business development and sales, Arvig; Carrie, Becker County administrator; Commissioner Richard; Commissioner Phil. The board asked Shornack to provide a sample letter (he said he would) and Otter Tail County’s sample letter was offered as a template.
Ending: Commissioners directed staff to add an administrative‑report item and draft a letter of support. If EDA can identify funding, staff said it would report back to the board at the next meeting with recommended sources and conditions for any commitment.