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County updates broadband planning as state and federal grant rounds remain uncertain
Summary
Calaveras County staff updated the board on broadband progress including Golden State Connect Authority design work, Volcano plans on Highway 26, CalTel activity and federal/state funding rounds; the U.S. Department of Commerce canceled the Digital Equity grant in California, staff said.
Calaveras County staff on May 13 briefed the Board of Supervisors on broadband planning, infrastructure projects and grant opportunities, saying several funding streams remain competitive and some program guidance is still in flux.
Economic and Community Development Director Kathy Gallino and Information Technology Director Lehi de Groot reported on recent and ongoing work: Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) completed local technical design work under the LADA grant (final payment received), Volcano Broadband is advancing design on Highway 26, and CalTel is pursuing a federal loan-style program for middle-mile backbone. Staff said the U.S. Department of Commerce canceled the Digital Equity grant program for California, removing one anticipated source of funding for digital inclusion work.
Staff and the board discussed deployment approaches including fiber, fixed wireless and satellite. Presenters said the county is encouraging coordination among providers to limit duplication and has posted streamlined permitting guidance for ISPs on the county broadband portal. Staff also mentioned a possible countywide programmatic CEQA review (program EIR) as a future option to speed permitting for provider projects.
Public comments included residents and supervisors noting consumer-facing alternatives such as Starlink and other satellite services; one speaker who uses Starlink described acceptable speeds and costs under current plans. Staff said awards for a later state funding round are expected in the fall and that multiple providers — Volcano, CalTel, Frontier, Comcast and others — are active applicants.
Provenance (transcript excerpts): • Topic intro: “Item number 26 is an informational item from economic and community development. Receive an update in presentation from Economic and Community Development and Information Technology regarding broadband projects and opportunities in Calaveras County.” (transcript near 7803–7817). • Topic finish: “Is there any public comment regarding this item? Do we have any comment online? Do we have any other board comment?” (transcript near 9000–9015).
