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County staff outlines BEAD timeline; local endorsements worth up to seven points
Summary
County staff told the board that BEAD applicants must file letters of intent by Oct. 1, and that county endorsements — which require a board action — can add up to seven points to applications; staff expects endorsement requests on the October agenda.
County staff provided a progress update on the BEAD broadband application process and the county’s expected role in endorsing local applications.
Staff said companies anticipating BEAD funding must file letters of intent with the Public Service Commission by Oct. 1 and that draft maps and revised application materials circulated recently identify areas most likely to be eligible for funding. Local telephone and broadband companies are preparing applications, with some aiming to have materials ready by Nov. 1.
On the role of local government, staff said "an endorsement is not a letter of support but actually will take an action by the County board," and that endorsements are worth up to seven points on the 100-point scoring rubric used by grant reviewers. Other scoring elements include evidence of public meetings and letters of support from local governments and school districts.
Staff said the county expects to see application endorsement requests and recommended that the board anticipate an October agenda item to consider endorsements.
Ending: Staff will continue to monitor BEAD deadlines and maps and expects to bring endorsement requests before the county board in fall; no endorsements were taken at this meeting.
