a. BEAD (Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment) Program Local Endorsement Process
Broadband Coordinator Jaron McCallum provided an update.
Wisconsin’s initial proposals were approved by the federal government (NTIA). Can
now subgrant funds as of July 29th date, kicking off a 365 days to subgrant. Applicants
have a 60 day window to submit LOI, which is October 1. Will provide information as to
who is interested, which will provide Broadband Coordinator with information regarding
public-private partnerships.
Raschka notes that information that will be clear is who is not interested, Van Ooyen
noted that there won’t be much information to provide clarity in the LOI.
Violante inquired about what the requirements are included in completing the LOI.
McCallum idicated in his review there is significant information needed. Raschka noted
there are 63 questions and 9 uploads.
McCallum provided an overview of the scoring for the BEAD application including the
local endorsement and local engagement which is 12 points.
McCallum believes that a county resolution is the best option to provide a local
endorsement. Jaron indicated that he and other counties are asking for clarity around
what should be included in the resolution.
McCallum has been thinking about how best to communicate the information with
municipalities. He’s thinking a one page synopsis regarding the requirements and
where municipalities may be involved.
Udell asked for Supervisors to be included when the letter goes out because they can
be a contact with the municipalities as well.
Glazer suggested to invite local leaders to October meeting to share information about
BEAD to include community members and ISP’s to do a Q&A.
Should have some standards for endorsement from County and how to work through
endorsements that do not have county support.
McCallum indicated that some counties have indicated they will endorse all projects.
Wipperfurth indicated the DCCVA does a weekly communication and have meetings
every other month so can get information about pretty quickly.
Wipperfurth shared caution that it sounds like the BEAD program is going to be pretty
difficult and that the group should be transparent about the challenges of the program.
Raschka indicated the window for application opens on day 40.
b. BEAD Map Walkthrough
McCallum will share the link for the map for the PSC BEAD Challenge map
McCallum provided an overview of the PSC BEAD challenge map.
Discussion ensued regarding the application process and what is needed in the
resolution for local endorsement.
