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EDA reviews Comprehensive Plan economic chapter and flags rural broadband 'last mile' affordability concerns
Summary
Lew Overhaug asked the board to review the Economic Development chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and requested feedback; members discussed rural broadband last-mile costs estimated at about $10,000 per house and monthly affordability concerns around $150 per month.
Lew Overhaug provided an update on the Economic Development chapter of the county Comprehensive Plan, which covers rural unincorporated land use and zoning. He asked board members to review a worksheet in the packet and to visit the project website at www.winonacounty2045.com to prepare prioritized feedback ahead of the April meeting.
In discussion the board considered rural broadband challenges, describing a persistent 'last mile' problem for high-speed internet deployment in outlying areas. Members cited an estimated implementation cost of about $10,000 per household even with government assistance and noted that availability has improved via satellite service and other providers, but that monthly costs around $150 could make service unaffordable for low-income families. My Broadband's expansion using federal and state grants was noted as improving availability but not fully resolving affordability.
Overhaug asked members to return prioritized feedback, ideally focusing on at least three topics, and to be prepared to discuss these items at the April meeting if loan business is not on the agenda.
