Whitfield County adopts connectivity plan to support BEAD funding, backs READY grant application
Summary
The board approved a broadband Connectivity Plan developed with Connect Humanity and the Appalachian Regional Commission to inform BEAD funding conversations with ISPs and authorized support for a $50,000 READY Local Governments grant application for internal capacity building.
Whitfield County’s Board of Commissioners on Nov. 11 approved a county connectivity plan designed to guide engagement with internet service providers pursuing federal BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funds.
County Administration said the plan was developed with a grant-supported effort from Connect Humanity and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The board voted 4-0 to adopt the plan; Connect Humanity is still reviewing the document but any forthcoming changes were described as non-material. County staff noted the BEAD program will initially be available only to ISPs for infrastructure funding, and the connectivity plan will be used in county discussions and to inform ISP applications.
The board also voted 4-0 to support the county’s application to ARC’s READY Local Governments grant program. County administration, having completed READY training earlier in the year, identified a $50,000 project to fund leadership and management training for key employees; no local match is required if the grant is awarded.
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