Title
Vote to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) for Completing Access to Broadband Program (CAB) Allocation
Abstract
Introduction & Background: The CAB Program, administered by NCDIT and authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly in GS 143B-1373.1, is an initiative designed to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities by expanding broadband infrastructure. Specifically tailored for areas where traditional providers have not yet invested, the CAB Program provides targeted funding to incentivize Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to extend their networks into these unserved regions. By collaborating with local governments and leveraging public-private partnerships, the program aims to ensure that households have access to reliable, high-speed internet, a crucial component for economic growth, education, and overall quality of life. To fund the CAB program, Chatham County is required to provide matching funds. In the March 18th meeting of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, $2 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were allocated, along with the already allocated $1 million, to support the county's CAB program match. The funding model for the CAB program includes a 35% match from the county, a 35% match from the state, and a 30% match from the participating ISP, ensuring a collaborative investment in expanding broadband access.
Discussion & Analysis: This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a formal agreement and commitment between the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) and Chatham County regarding the financial responsibilities for the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) project. Specifically, the MOU outlines the transfer of funds from Chatham County to NCDIT, representing the county's portion of the required financial match for the NCDIT awarded Brightspeed CAB project. The intent of this item is to seek approval of the transfer of funds for the Brightspeed CAB Project from Chatham County to NCDIT.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: This item relates to Objective 7: Provide infrastructure to support desired development and support economic and environmental objectives. Additionally, this item is relevant to the following:
• Health recommendation HL Policy 10, Strategy 10.1: Healthcare providers are reaching more people through online services and resources, emphasizing prevention through education and training. With access to broadband, County residents can improve personal health with information as well as connections to healthcare professionals (i.e., virtual doctor visits).
• Health recommendation HL Policy 11, Strategy 11.3: Expand access to broadband (for virtual workplaces, which expand opportunity)
• Resiliency Recommendation 2 Resiliency Policy 5, Strategy 5.1: Recruit jobs and increase access to broadband to reduce the rate of out-commuting.
• Utilities and Public Service Action Item 4: Explore grant funds and partnerships to expand broadband internet coverage.
Budgetary Impact: The budgetary impact of the MOU will be as follows: within sixty (60) days of executing this MOU, the County agrees to send its portion of the required financial match, totaling $2,265,946.90, to NCDIT to be used for the Brightspeed CAB Project.
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to approve the MOU with North Carolina Department of Information Technology to fund the Chatham County Match for the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) Brightspeed project.