6.3 EDSR 10-20-2014 Elk Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Economic Development Authority 6.3
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business October 20, 2014 Colleen Eddy, Economic Development Specialist
Item Description Reviewed by
Consider support for County Broadband Initiative Jeremy Barnhart, Deputy Director CODD
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve,by resolution, support for a county broadband initiative.
Background/Discussion
Sherburne County conducted a county wide Broadband Survey this past summer. The results showed that
there is a desire to expand the broadband infrastructure in most parts of the County. The County along
with the cities of Becker,Big Lake and Zimmerman have indicated a desire to apply for a Blandin
Community Broadband program designation. By enrolling in this program,it enables cities to be
recipients of grant money that private broadband companies could utilize to expand broadband to our
area.
The availability of broadband is a critical component to a businesses' economic vitality, especially in this
age of global communication driving business interaction and sales. Increasing the opportunities to have
access to funding for broadband development will enable private sector businesses to respond to the
increasing demands for this type of infrastructure.
A well connected Sherburne County helps Elk River businesses in global communication;data
transmission speed/ proximity is a frequent request in site selection. Investing in broadband is an
investment in the people of Sherburne County and our local communities. The potential jobs,increased
tax base that will be created as a result of this investment impacts our local economy, our environment
and our quality of life.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
• Resolution
POWERED RY
Template Updated 4/14 NATURE
c ity of
Elk
River
Resolution 14-08
A Resolution of the City of Elk River in support of the City of Elk River
Economic Development Authority participating in the establishment of a
Blandin Broadband Community
WHEREAS, the Blandin Community Broadband Program offers a robust set of resources
for community-designed and driven initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the Blandin Foundation matches community resources and vision with
technical support,grants,access to peer community insights, conferences,workshops, and
webinars;and
WHEREAS, improving broadband connections throughout the county is a Strategic Goal
in our County Economic Development Strategic Plan, and
WHEREAS, supporting the County in the expansion of broadband connections is in the
City of Elk River Economic Development Authority's strategic interest.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Economic Development Authority
of the City of Elk River,Minnesota, hereby supports the County's efforts to explore the
broadband communities program.
Passed and adopted this 20th day of October,2014.
Dan Tveite,President
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk
POWEIEI IT
NATURE