[Durham INC] Durham County Seeks Input on Potential Use of ARPA Funds for Broadband Services

[Jones, Henry R.]

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NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                          Date: 03/24/22
Contact: Public Information Office                   Phone: (919) 560-0000/Fax: (919) 560-0020
E-mail: publicinformationoffice at dconc.gov<mailto:publicinformationoffice at dconc.gov>

Durham County Seeks Input on Potential Use of ARPA Funds for Broadband Services
Meeting at Durham Tech's Northern Durham Center on March 31

Durham, N.C. - Durham County Government is holding an information update and listening session on Thursday, March 31, 2022, on efforts underway to support expanded broadband coverage in unincorporated sections of Durham County. The session will provide updates on previous efforts to improve broadband and explain the current Request for Proposal (RFP) process to solicit companies to partner in broadband services. Further, the session will allow residents to give input on desired broadband investments.

The meeting will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Durham Technical Community College's Northern Durham Center, Building 1, 2401 Snow Hill Rd. Members of the public who cannot attend in person will be able to access the meeting on the Durham County YouTube channel<http://www.youtube.com/dcowebmaster> and DCo Facebook page<http://www.facebook.com/durhamcountygov>.

Local governments across the nation have received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through the U.S. Department of the Treasury to invest in critical infrastructure needs. Durham County's allocation from ARPA totals $62.4 million. ARPA funding can support the public health response to COVID-19, address negative economic impacts due to the pandemic and replace public sector revenue loss. Further the funding can support premium pay for essential workers, support water and sewer infrastructure, and bolster the broadband infrastructure to provide unserved or underserved locations with new or expanded broadband access.

Durham County Government plans to invest a portion of ARPA funds to support expanded broadband access. Come and hear about this exciting infrastructure investment and share thoughts on approaches that should be used for implementation. See more information on Durham County ARPA here<https://www.dconc.gov/county-departments/departments-a-e/american-rescue-plan-act>.

Whether it be for virtual learning, telehealth, business opportunities, or quality of life, universal broadband access is vital for everyone. Durham County Government is committed to working with the State of North Carolina and the Division of Broadband Equity to secure broadband opportunities for our County for everyone.

One way that all Durham County residents can help is by taking the North Carolina Broadband Survey. The survey is designed to gather information on locations without adequate internet access and speeds. Take the survey here<https://www.dconc.gov/county-departments/departments-a-e/budget-management-services/american-rescue-plan-act/north-carolina-broadband-survey>.

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