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Beaufort County backs Mid‑East Regional Digital Inclusion Plan to support future broadband grants
Summary
The Board adopted the Mid‑East Regional Digital Inclusion Plan (sponsored by BAND‑NC/NC State) to help counties apply for federal and state funding to expand affordable high‑speed internet, devices and digital skills; adoption does not commit county funds.
Jamie Heath, representing the Mid‑East regional planning effort, presented a draft regional digital‑inclusion plan intended to help counties and community partners apply for grants and coordinate programs to address broadband access, affordability, device needs and training. Heath said the plan was developed with a 99‑member steering committee, public surveys and open houses across the region.
Commissioner discussion focused on the role of government. "This is one side of socialism that you just presented," Commissioner Hood Richardson said, arguing the private sector should lead broadband expansion. County Manager Brian Alligood answered that North Carolina law does not permit counties to operate broadband services and that adoption of the plan would not obligate the county to provide service: "North Carolina statutes do not allow counties to be in the internet business so we are not in that business and we are not allowed to be in that business." Vice‑Chairman Jerry Langley moved adoption and Commissioner Ed Booth seconded; the Board adopted the resolution during the meeting. The county staff and regional partners will now use the plan to support grant applications and to form implementation committees if funding becomes available.
