The Mid-America Regional Council is hosting two meetings with the Missouri Office of Broadband Development on broadband and digital access in Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties.
Your voice matters.
Lend your voice and join other stakeholders to learn about the need for investment in broadband and digital access services in Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties.
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
- Time: 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
- Location: Mid-Continent Public Library, Grandview Branch Community Room, 12930 Booth Lane, Grandview, MO 64030
- Register here
Thursday, November 3, 2022
- Time: 10 am – 12 noon
- Location: Mid-Continent Public Library, Withers Branch, 1665 S. Withers Road, Liberty, MO 64084
- Register here
Background
The state of Missouri is expected to receive more than $500 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Act program. BEAD represents an unprecedented investment in broadband infrastructure across the state of Missouri. DEA addresses non-infrastructure barriers to getting online, like the inability to afford internet service or devices or digital skills deficits. The funds from these two programs will be used to implement the state’s new Connecting All Missourians initiative.
Both topics are on the agenda as state officials travel to hear from Missourians about how this money should be spent. This input will be incorporated into the state’s plans for BEAD and DEA funds. “All across the state, communities struggle when they cannot take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital economy,” said BJ Tanksley, Office of Broadband Development Director. “We understand that these opportunities will look different in different parts of the state. In order to design programs that address the challenges in your area, we need to hear from you.”
In addition, MARC, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City (KC Rising) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City are working on a regional analysis of broadband infrastructure needs and digital equity services.
Information on this work will also be shared. “The Kansas City region is a combination of urban, suburban and rural places, with a diverse population. There are needs for both infrastructure and service, which are important to advancing our region’s quality of life, economic development and equity,” said Marlene Nagel, MARC’s Community Development Director.
Representatives from the MO Broadband Office and the University of Missouri will share information on their planning, including measures local communities can take now to prepare themselves for this round of funding opportunities. The state wants to hear from attendees about the situation in their region: the specific challenges faced by residents who struggle to access the internet and the local resources, strategies, and know-how that can be used to overcome them.
- Click here to learn more about the Office of Broadband Development’s public engagement process
- Click here to see the region’s planning work as shared on MARC’s website.
Along with BEAD and DEA funding, the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) brought an additional $265 million in broadband funding to the state. OBD is currently reviewing applications for projects under this round of funding.
For more information:
- The Office of Broadband Development can be reached at broadband@ded.mo.gov
- Mid-America Regional Council can be reached at 816/474-4240 or info@marc.org
