County Secures $500,000 Grant to Develop Broadband
The California Public Utilities Commission’s Local Area Technical Assistance program has awarded the County of Santa Cruz a $500,000 grant to develop a countywide broadband master plan. The goal of the plan would be to ensure that all residents have access to high-speed internet. The public is asked to complete an online survey as part of the public outreach process. Visit https://speedsurveyapp.com/surveys/co-santa-cruz/ to take the survey.
“This grant is a critical step towards bridging the digital divide in Santa Cruz County,” County Board Chair Zach Friend said. “Broadband access is a necessity for our residents and businesses, and this funding will help us to ensure that everyone in our community has access to high-speed internet.”
According to a statement from the County, the master plan includes an analysis of current broadband infrastructure, an assessment of broadband needs from residents and businesses, and a roadmap for the deployment of necessary infrastructure.
Once a plan is in place, the County will be able to access state and federal funding for which it would otherwise be ineligible.
In a statement, Supervisor Bruce McPherson said, “One of the most consistent concerns raised by District 5 residents is the lack of reliable connectivity, especially during storms like the ones we experienced recently that caused widespread power outages.”
The County plans to work with local stakeholders, including residents and businesses. As a first step, visit https://speedsurveyapp.com/surveys/co-santa-cruz/ to participate in the survey. Run the speed test and be sure to answer all of the questions following.
Learn more about how broadband gets built at https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/fact-sheets/2022/07/how-broadband-infrastructure-gets-built.
Photo from cpuc.ca.gov.
