Agenda 04-26-22; 6-a - Approval of a Network Development Agreement for Broadband Deployment

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5 to those facilities at no charge until June 30, 2028. A list of those facilities is contained in Attachment F. Communications Plan If the Board approves the agreement, the County's Community Relations Department, in cooperation with North State, has prepared press, social media, and marketing materials to communicate the program to the public. In addition, the Broadband Task Force will hold a series of Town Hall meetings to inform the public of the program and allow North State representatives to address questions or concerns. FINANCIAL IMPACT: This abstract proposes to allocate up to $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds as a grant to North State Communications Advanced Services, LLC to construct, operate, and maintain a fiber to the premises network in unserved and underserved parts of Orange County. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status. • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. • GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The following Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impacts are associated with this item: • CLEAN OR AVOIDED TRANSPORTATION Implement programs that monitor and improve local and regional air quality by: 1) promoting public transportation options; 2) decreasing dependence on single-occupancy vehicles, and 3) otherwise minimizing the need for travel. • RESULTANT IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AIR QUALITY Assess and where possible mitigate adverse impacts created to the natural resources of the site and adjoining area. Minimize production of greenhouse gases. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the County Manager to sign the attached contract and any amendments that do not exceed the contract amount with North State Communications Advanced Services, LLC to construct, operate, and maintain a fiber to the premises network in unserved parts of Orange County. The Manager also recommends allocating an additional $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, for a total of $10 million, to fully fund this agreement.