COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners voted on Monday afternoon to pledge $1 million of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act money to help fund a proposed broadband project if the county can get a state grant.
County Administrator Bud Norman has been given permission by Commissioners to seek a Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks competitive grant through the State of Michigan which would provide a portion of the funding.
ROBIN provides funds to internet service providers and public-private partnerships for the expansion of broadband infrastructure to unserved areas.
The Commissioners meeting was moved back 24 hours so Norman can make Tuesday afternoon’s deadline to file a grant application.
There is no financial commitment for the county if the grant is denied. Norman explained the process if the county receives the grant.
Branch County’s share of ARPA funds in this round came out to $8-point-4 million.
Local units of government that get ARPA money have until the end of 2024 to identify projects and obligate funds. They then have two years to spend the money.
The Commissioners accepted a county broadband proposal from Frontier in December. Any potential partnership with Frontier would be contingent on getting grant funds.
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