RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH RIVER VALLEY COMMONS FOR BROADBAND EXPANSION USING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide a substantial infusion of resources to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery.

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide substantial flexibility for each government to meet local needs—including support for households, small businesses, impacted industries, essential workers, and the communities hardest hit by the crisis. These funds can also be used to make necessary investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.

This broadband access grant, through a public/private partnership agreement Wisconsin State Statute § 196.504, seeks to help provide access to broadband services through River Valley Commons (RVC) in unserved and/or underserved areas to encourage economic development assisting the River Valley School District (RVSD) within its geographic area by providing direction and guidance to municipalities in that area for broadband opportunities.

Develop and maintain a digital navigator program that provides residents of the RVSD area with access to train and assist in internet adoption by providing educational opportunities about broadband, and expansion in the area.

WHEREAS, the County seeks to help provide access to broadband services in unserved and/or underserved areas and to encourage economic development within its boundaries; and

WHEREAS, River Valley Commons proposes to encourage the expansion of broadband in the River Valley School District geographic area (project area) by undertaking the activities in the project area; and

WHEREAS, The County desires to enter in this agreement to work with RVC to encourage and assist broadband expansion; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Administrator is hereby authorized to enter into a contract for $15,600 with RVC to commit Sauk County American Rescue Plan funds, as described above, to expand broadband access in Sauk County.

For consideration by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors on May 17, 2022.

Approved for presentation to the County Board by the Economic Development Committee