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Merced County joins regional effort to pursue BEAD/BEED broadband funding
Summary
The board authorized Merced County to join a multi-county regional application for BEAD/BEED broadband funding, supported by Tone Consulting and to be led by Fresno County; the resolution passed March 25.
County staff presented a regional approach to apply for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD/BEED) funds established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. John Nishahama (transcript also spells the speaker's name as John Ishaama), assistant director of administrative services and assistant CIO, told the board California’s allocation of about $1.8 billion offers a major opportunity to expand high-speed broadband in the San Joaquin Valley and that Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced and Tulare counties will collaborate on a joint application and a memorandum of understanding.
The presentation noted the competitive nature of BEED awards and the importance of matching funds and regional collaboration to strengthen proposals; Tone Consulting Group and local representatives were acknowledged for work on the county’s broadband initiatives. Board members praised the regional strategy as a stronger approach than going alone. A motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the county to participate in the regional BEED application (and to designate the CEO to execute the application and MOU) was made and the motion passed.
The board directed staff to proceed with the regional MOU and application steps; no contract awards or vendor selections were finalized at the March 25 meeting.
