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Broadband Broadband services have become an essential component of community infrastructure for job creation, education, safe and connected communities, civic engagement, government transparency, and emergency preparedness. Broadband services in Elk River are provided by a combi- nation of private sector companies who complete connec- tion of broadband coverage to residential and business customers. Independent School District 728, which includes Elk River, recently evaluated broadband accessibility across the district as part of a request for potentially available funds related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The evaluation identi- fied general areas within the district that "may be in need of increased internet access". The school district's evalu- ation included the northern portion of Elk River among those areas. Utilize Partnerships to Expand Broadband Infrastructure Given the wide-ranging stakeholder needs and variety of private providers, the public agency partners play an important role in anticipating demand and coordinating broadband service. For example, in the case of public right-of-ways, Sherburne County policy is currently to install broadband infrastructure into all new or recon- structed roads so that it is available as development occurs. As expansion of the broadband network continues to the most remote locations in the city, options for cost effective development will be needed. One example that is available is the shared use of Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) utility poles for broadband lines. Explore Funding Opportunities through Federal and State Programs Federal funding programs are becoming available to address gaps in the overall broadband network. For those remaining portions of Elk River that are underserved, federal funds such as those made available through the 2021 "American Rescue Plan Act" (ARPA) may be used toward providing and augmenting broadband service. Those funds may also be used to augment Elk River's cybersecurity resources for the protection of this critical resource. Broadband Service Gaps Unserved (below 25/3 Mbps) Underserved (at least 25/3 Mbps but under 100/20 Mbps) The city is also able to advance development of the broad- band network by pursuing avenues of funding such as those provided by the State of Minnesotas Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). DEED's Broadband Grant program can provide up to 50% of a project's infrastructure costs. To create an effective funding and development environment, the city works with private providers to create proposed coverage maps with unserved and underserved areas identified. The city should work with developers investing in unserved or underserved areas to apply for DEED's Broadband Grant program. Elk River Comprehensive Plan • Infrastructure 07MITI ad10]C1S WAI�VWVK91ilk1W1 103