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Hibbing hires consultant to pursue NTIA digital equity grant; minimum award cited at $5 million
Summary
The council approved a $7,500 agreement with Miriam Carroll Consulting to prepare a competitive NTIA digital equity grant application for projects centered on the library; Community Development Director Betsy Olavante said the minimum grant award is $5,000,000.
The Hibbing City Council approved contracting Miriam Carroll Consulting for $7,500 to prepare a competitive application to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s digital equity grant program.
Community Development Director Betsy Olavante said the program funds initiatives to expand access and skills for populations with barriers to broadband, and that the city’s library is a natural hub for digital inclusion work. Olavante said she will serve with Library Director Jill Rainey as co-project owners. “The minimum amount is $5,000,000,” Olavante said when asked what level of funding will be requested; she added the $7,500 application fee would come from the community development special projects budget line.
Council approved the consultant agreement by voice vote. Olavante said the grant could fund physical site improvements, equipment and programs to improve accessibility and broadband adoption.
