In a recent Kewanee County government meeting, officials discussed a resolution aimed at expanding affordable Internet access throughout the county. The resolution, which received a motion from Supervisor Shelton and a second from Supervisor Patricia, seeks to position the county favorably for federal funding opportunities under the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.

August Neverman, a broadband consultant and Kewanee County resident, provided insights into the resolution, emphasizing that it does not require immediate funding allocation. Instead, it serves as a framework for future actions, allowing the county to support Internet service providers in their applications for a share of the $1.1 billion allocated to Wisconsin from the BEAD program.

Neverman highlighted that approximately 3,800 residents in Kewanee County are classified as unserved or underserved by current Internet services. He noted that while some residents may theoretically have access to high-speed Internet, many experience significantly lower speeds in practice. The resolution aims to facilitate communication with potential Internet providers, enabling the county to express its support for projects that could enhance service availability.

The discussion also touched on the importance of the resolution in the context of grant scoring. Local government support can earn providers critical points in their grant applications, with Kewanee County holding seven out of 100 points that can significantly influence the success of proposals. This strategic move is intended to ensure that Kewanee County is well-prepared to engage with providers and advocate for improved Internet services.

The meeting underscored the county's commitment to addressing the digital divide and enhancing connectivity for its residents, setting the stage for future collaborations with Internet service providers as they seek to leverage federal funding for local projects.