HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.a. Letter of Support for Dakota County Broadband Grant � ROSEI�IOLINT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Meeting: November 3, 2014
AGENDA ITEM: Letter of Support for Dakota County AGENDA SECTION:
Broadband Grant Consent
PREPARED BY: Kim Lindquist, Community Development AGENDA NO.
Director `. a •
ATTACHMENTS: Letter of Support APPROVED BY:
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to authorize the Mayor to execute the attached letter
of support for the Dakota County Broadband Grant
SUMMARY
Staff recommends the Mayor execute the attached letter of support for the Dakota County BoYder-to-
Border Broadband Grant. Should Dakota County receive this grant,it will be used to develop broadband
infrastructure in the southern part of the County,in rural areas currently underserved or not served by
broadband. Although these efforts�vill be concentrated in a particular geographic area, greater broadband
connecuvity benefits the entire county. It will afford greater redundant connections across the data network
connecting local governments across the entire county, enhancing the reliability and capacity of connecrions
and building a stronger platform for future collaborative efforts. It should be noted that this letter only
supports Dakota County's grant application and does not commit the City to future participation in the
Border-to-Border Grant Development Program.
BACKGROUND
The Border-to-Border Grant Development Program was authorized by Governor Dayton in May of 2014. It
provides a one-time $20 inillion appropriation of funds to assist in the acquisition and installation of middle-
mile and last-mile broadband infrastructure to underserved or not served areas of the state. Funds may be
used for project planning, construction,installation, and other purposes.
CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Mayor execute the attached letter of support for the Dakota County Broadband
Grant.
Ros�MOUNT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
November 7, 2014
Danna MacKenzie
Execuuve Director, Office of Broadband Development
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
1"National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, Suite E200
St. Paul, MN 55101
Dear Ms. I�ZacKenzie,
The City of Rosemount is aware of Dakota County's efforts to pursue a grant from the Border-to-
Board Grant Development PYOgram to continue to expand broadband infrastructure �vithin Dakota
County. We support the continued development of county�vide broadband network to increase
connectivity and to enhance the economic coinpetitiveness of our region.
The Cit�� of Rosemount looks fonvard to Dakota County continuing to devclop a county�vide
broadband infrastructure.
Sincerely,
William H. Droste
1�7ayor
SPIRIT OF PRIDE AND PROGRE55
Rosemount City Hall • 2875 145th Street West • Rosemount, MN 55068-4997
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www.ci.rosemount.mn.us