4b) Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Presentations from the North Bay North Coast Broadband Consortium (NBNCBC) and Broadband Alliance of Mendocino County (BAMC) and Adoption of Plan Goals
(Sponsor: Supervisor Williams)
As the founding chair of BAMC (now retired), I am in full support of this NBNCBC / BAMC proposal to finally close the Digital Divide in Mendocino County.
I have been involved in the effort to bring real Broadband to Mendocino County since 2007. In 2011, I assumed the pro-bono position as Chair of the newly formed BAMC. Despite our well-organized efforts collaborating with multiple state and federal agencies at the over the years, we have been disappointed time and again.
I believe Mendocino County’s fortunes are looking brighter. Why? Because we are approaching the convergence of our shovel ready Broadband projects with the federal funding that will be flowing out to communities under the American Rescue Plan and other federal Broadband initiatives. We have the plan, the Feds have the money – let’s go get funded!
I urge the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors to:
(1) embrace and incorporate this comprehensive broadband plan into their strategic planning process; and
(2) establish a position to research and chase down federal/state grant opportunities, initiate grant applications, monitor federal/state telecommunications legislation, continue engagement with the NBNCBC, and in coordination with BAMC, attend quarterly meetings.
As the founding chair of BAMC (now retired), I am in full support of this NBNCBC / BAMC proposal to finally close the Digital Divide in Mendocino County.
I have been involved in the effort to bring real Broadband to Mendocino County since 2007. In 2011, I assumed the pro-bono position as Chair of the newly formed BAMC. Despite our well-organized efforts collaborating with multiple state and federal agencies at the over the years, we have been disappointed time and again.
I believe Mendocino County’s fortunes are looking brighter. Why? Because we are approaching the convergence of our shovel ready Broadband projects with the federal funding that will be flowing out to communities under the American Rescue Plan and other federal Broadband initiatives. We have the plan, the Feds have the money – let’s go get funded!
I urge the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors to:
(1) embrace and incorporate this comprehensive broadband plan into their strategic planning process; and
(2) establish a position to research and chase down federal/state grant opportunities, initiate grant applications, monitor federal/state telecommunications legislation, continue engagement with the NBNCBC, and in coordination with BAMC, attend quarterly meetings.
Jim Moorehead
Ukiah