Notice of CERB Planning Grant Application
The Port is in the process of applying for funding under the State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) Broadband Planning Grant program. This potential funding will be used to assist in development of a broadband feasibility for Clallam County.
At the Port Commission Meeting scheduled for July 9, 2019 at 9:00 AM., Port Administration Building, 338 W. First Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362, the Commissioners will consider Resolution 19-Blank authorizing the Executive Director to make a formal application to CERB for $50,000 of funding assistance.
In March 2019 the Port participated in the North Olympic Peninsula Broadband Symposium hosted by North Olympic Development Council (NODC). This event was well attended, and it was determined that one county wide governmental entity should apply for a CERB Broadband Planning grant. These planning grant funds would be used by a Community Broadband Team (Cities, County, Port and NODC) to develop a county wide feasibility study that would examine:
1. Defines local broadband needs and goals.
2. Inventory existing broadband infrastructure assets within the county.
3. Includes a gap analysis defining the additional broadband infrastructure necessary to meet the identified goals.
4. Include one or more potential network designs, cost estimates, operating models and business models.
5. Include an assessment of municipal procedures, policies, rules and ordinances that impact or influence broadband infrastructure deployment.
6. Describe how the region will address provide and expand affordable internet options.
7. Based on findings estimate construction costs for preferred projects.
The Port volunteered to be the grantee for this project to get the process underway because in Clallam County we have many citizens and businesses who either do not have broadband access or have it, but the speed is inadequate. Like water, roads, and electricity, broadband is of fundamental importance to economic development. Increasing capacity is essential to the economic growth of Clallam County. It will enable businesses in our rural county to thrive and compete in an increasingly digital world.
Interested parties may make comment regarding this CERB funding application or other issues during two public comment periods during each commission meeting. Out of respect for everyone attending, speakers are asked to keep their comments to less than three minutes each.
The draft agenda for the July 9, 2019 Commission Meeting is available at: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/Port-Commission-Meetings-1
Please contact Chris Hartman, Director Engineering at 360-417-3422 or chrish@portofpa.com with any questions regarding this funding application.