Loading...
08.c1 Memo - 6-17-2022 IAC Budget Request DATE: Wednesday, June 1, 2022 FROM: Internet Action Committee Members TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members RE: Request to Set Budget and Provide a Letter of Intent to Midco for 2023 Broadband Internet Buildout The Internet Action Committee recommends that that the City Council take advantage of the newly announced re-activation of Minnesota’s Border-to-Border Broadband Grant program and available funding through the Washington County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Broadband Grant to maximize the amount of funding available to support the 2023 broadband buildout season based on the following: 1. Utilize the $100,000 in savings in the General Capital Fund from the 2022 broadband project that was offset by Washington County Grant funds and apply to the 2023 broadband project in the City’s Capital Investment/Improvement Plan (CIP) with the $332,000 currently proposed for 2023 to provide $432,000 in City financial support for internet expansion funding in 2023. 2. Send a letter of intent to Midco, consistent with prior years expressing the City’s desire to move ahead with another expansion project in 2023, reference to what has been tentatively budgeted, and the inclusion a request to Midco to apply for grants from both through the Minnesota Border-to-Border Broadband Grant and Washington County ARPA Broadband grant to maximize Scandia’s opportunity to gain additional funds to assist in the 2023 expansion with emphasis on maximizing funding received. 3. Since the deadline to submit a grant to Minnesota’s program is August 4th, 2022 it is imperative that the above actions occur as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for Midco to develop a construction plan for 2023 and to put forth an application for the grant. Page 1 of 1 City of Scandia th 14727 209 St. N., Scandia, Minnesota 55073 Phone (651) 433-2274 | Fax (651) 433-5112 | www.cityofscandia.com