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County hears broadband implementation update; state and federal grants could fund fiber, wireless and middle-mile work
Summary
County staff and broadband consultants briefed supervisors on multiple broadband initiatives including the statewide middle-mile project, recent CPUC Federal Funding Account awards, and federal/state grant opportunities such as BEAD; consultants recommended permitting and right-of-way changes to accelerate deployment.
County staff and consultant CBG Communications updated the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 4 about several broadband projects and funding opportunities intended to expand high-speed Internet in Lake County.
Deputy County Administrative Officer Ben Rokelman said six miles of the Statewide Middle Mile Broadband Network in Lake County are complete and that private partner American Dark Fiber expects to begin construction on remaining sections in 2025, with projected completion in 2026 or 2027. Rokelman reported the California Public Utilities Commission recently awarded about $14.6 million in Federal Funding Account (FFA) awards to providers for projects in Lake County; the county retains additional unallocated FFA dollars for future rounds.
CBG Communications described near-term actions the county can take to accelerate deployment. The consultant recommended adopting clearer right-of-way permitting and "dig-once" or microtrenching policies, updating county process and master-lease terms for county-owned assets, and coordinating with regional partners to attract more funding. Consultants stressed that federal and state programs prioritize fiber-to-the-premises builds but also noted satellite and fixed wireless will play roles in very remote areas.
Supervisors asked about accountability and monitoring for ISP award recipients. CBG and county staff said the CPUC and state grant programs have contract and monitoring mechanisms; staff suggested the county continue advocacy and coordination with regulators and ISPs so projects complete to schedule. Rokelman and CBG said the county will pursue digital equity, workforce and device programs to aid adoption as networks are built.
No formal board action was required; staff said they will follow up with draft policy language, stakeholder outreach, and next steps for grant and permitting support.
