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Action   8.
Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting
Development Services
Meeting Date:
02/25/2025
Approve an Memorandum of Understanding with Allo Fiber for $2,000,000 to support BEAD funding.
Submitted By:
Dan Coxworth, Development Services
Department:
Development Services
Presentation:
No A/V Presentation
Recommendation:
Approve
Document Signatures:
BOS Signature Required
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
1
NAME
of PRESENTER:
Joe Casey
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
Interim Deputy County Administrator
Docket Number (If applicable):
Mandated Function?:
Not Mandated
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:

Information

Agenda Item Text:

Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Allo Fiber, committing $2,000,000 in matching funds to support Allo's forthcoming application for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program administered by the Arizona Commerce Authority.

Background:

The State Broadband Office will select an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to receive BEAD funding to install fiber in Cochise County. The County received proposals from eight ISPs, interviewed the teams from the top four proposals, and ranked each proposal based on criteria to determine the best ISP to serve the residents of Cochise County. Through an extension review, Allo Fiber has proven to be an exemplary partner in addressing these challenges and is well-suited to expand high-speed internet access in our county.

The Board is requested to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Allo Fiber, committing $2,000,000 in matching funds to support Allo's forthcoming application for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, administered by the Arizona Commerce Authority. These funds are crucial for enhancing broadband infrastructure within our community.

The allocated $2,000,000 will be sourced from the Local Government and Tribal Consistency Funds provided to the County under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This investment not only aligns with our strategic goals to improve digital access and infrastructure but also leverages federal funding to maximize the impact of our local resources.

The Board’s approval of this MOU will signify our commitment to strengthening broadband accessibility, thereby supporting economic development, enhancing educational opportunities, and improving healthcare access through better connectivity.

Department's Next Steps (if approved):

Development Services will mail the signed MOU to Allo to submit with their BEAD application to the ACA. 

Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:

If the MOU is not approved, Allo's application for BEAD funding will be ranked lower than possible. 

To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:

Email the signed MOU after approval to dcoxworth@cochise.az.gov, and Dan will pick up the hard copy.  

Attachments