Title
Resolution Authorizing Grant Application to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.
Staff Summary
* The Special Committee on Broadband and the Lake County Board adopted the Lake County Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan in December 2023.
* A Digital Equity Coordinator and a Digital Equity Manager have been hired to implement the strategies contained in the Lake County Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
* The NTIA has established the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program to promote digital inclusion and equitable access to technology.
* Staff intends to submit an application for the NTIA grant in an amount of $11.9M for funds to further expand and support the goals of the Digital Growth Initiative. Results of the grant application should be received prior to April, 2025.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Special Committee on Broadband and the Lake County Board adopted the Lake County Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan in December 2023, furthering Lake County's commitment to closing the digital divide through actionable strategies aimed to increase local coordination, remove barriers to internet access, improve device affordability, promote digital skills and realize Lake County's vision for digital equity and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, a Digital Equity Coordinator and a Digital Equity Manager have been hired, in alignment with the Action Plan, to execute strategies outlined in the Lake County Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA); and
WHEREAS, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has established the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program to promote digital inclusion and equitable access to technology; and
WHEREAS, securing funding from the NTIA Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program in the amount of $11.9 million will ex...
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