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Select Board adopts Templeton digital equity plan; MRPC to pursue implementation funding
Summary
Select Board voted unanimously to adopt the town’s Digital Equity Plan and staff signaled next steps to apply for reserved Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) implementation funds.
The Town of Templeton Select Board unanimously adopted the town’s Digital Equity Plan on Jan. 8 and directed staff to pursue the first-stage implementation funds identified in the plan.
Lede: Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) project lead Jeff LeGrow presented the plan and said a number of funding sources are available; the board voted 5–0 to adopt the plan and signaled support for staff to seek reserved MBI implementation funds.
Why it matters: The plan lists priority actions such as library digital-equity equipment, a community digital lab, senior digital-support programs and outreach. The Massachusetts Broadband Institute has funds reserved for municipal digital-equity implementation; the MRPC representative said Templeton is currently allocated approximately $56,600 under the program and may apply for up to $100,000 in this round.
Details: MRPC and town staff revised the draft following a public-comment period; Section 6 of the plan — the action plan — was circulated to the board at the meeting with a funding-resources appendix added. The plan flags candidate projects that would be eligible for MBI implementation funding and lists municipal, library and nonprofit partners for each action.
Quote: MRPC’s Jeff LeGrow said, “Those funds are already reserved and ready and waiting. So, as soon as this plan is accepted, we’re then gonna start that next step... so that the first priorities — equipment for the library, the digital lab and senior center — can move forward.”
Next steps: The board approved the plan and authorized staff to work with MRPC on an MBI application for the top-priority actions; the town will return with a proposed implementation schedule and grant applications as staff and the planning commission complete the application materials.
Ending: Adoption allows the town to move promptly to the implementation phase and apply for state-supported funding to make devices, training and lab space available in Templeton.
