The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration on Tuesday announced the awarding of $2.7 million in American Rescue Plan grant funding through the Economic Adjustment Assistance program for the development of broadband strategic plans in 27 rural California counties. Golden State Finance Authority, of which Colusa County is a member, will serve as the grant administrator for these planning funds, which will assist rural counties in establishing foundational readiness for broadband infrastructure deployment within their communities.
With this funding, GSFA will assist 27 of its member counties in establishing countywide broadband strategic plans. These plans will increase the ability of those rural counties to invite and direct broadband investment into their communities in a strategic manner that ultimately delivers broadband for all residents and businesses. It will also open the door for counties to take advantage of other upcoming federal and state funding opportunities that often require broadband strategic plans to be in place, said CSFA Board Chair Bob Williams, a member of the Tehama County Board of Supervisors.
In addition to funding for the development of countywide broadband strategic plans, the award also includes funding for the development of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies for two areas within the GSFA county membership – Colusa County and Mono/Inyo counties. CEDS are local stakeholder driven strategies that guide regional economic development, encourage partnerships and collaboration, and improve economic outcomes and overall quality of life in a region. Having a current CEDS in place is a prerequisite for access to many federal infrastructure and technical assistance programs, officials said. â–