[ad_1]
Leasing for broadband gets panel support
The Arkansas US Rescue Plan Steering Committee on Thursday approved the state Department of Commerce’s request for up to $ 4 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to hire a consultant to develop a master plan in a large band.
“The executive and legislature agree that a comprehensive master plan for implementing broadband statewide would be helpful and help us achieve our common goal of increased connectivity within Arkansas,” he said. Commerce Secretary Mike Preston said in a letter dated Thursday to Steering Committee Chairman Larry Walther.
The Department of Commerce Broadband Office Master Plan will provide short and long term goals and strategies, resulting in increased connectivity across Arkansas, especially in underserved areas and rural communities, according to Preston.
Cost Quest Associates, Deloitte Consulting LLP and Broadband Development Group LLC submitted proposals to be the consultant.
[CORONAVIRUS: Click here for our complete coverage » arkansasonline.com/coronavirus]
Senator Ronald Caldwell, R-Wynne, said, “I have a lot of perspective on this,” and asked if the consultant had ever been hired.
In response, Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said: “No sir.”
Caldwell noted, “I just got several phone calls today. Everyone is trying to pick their winner. I’m not trying to pick the winner.”
– Democrat-Gazette
[ad_2]
Source link