County hopes for better broadband rekindled

The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) has breathed new life into the hope of securing better broadband access for rural residents of Crook County.

The county commissioners had been pushing ahead to gather connectivity data and proposals while waiting to hear the state’s plans. Ryan Kudera of the WBC informed them last week that the launch of a new program will help bring these efforts to fruition.

Kudera introduced the new program, an initiative from the governor’s office called ConnectWyoming. The program utilizes CARES Act funding to pay for the installation of broadband in unserved and underserved parts of the state.

Areas of Crook County have been found to fit in these categories, Kudera said, and “providers are aware of that”. He said he has been able to relay that information to carriers and providers in an effort to stir interest.

“We’re expecting a significant response,” he said of the overall ConnectWyoming program. The deadline for providers to apply is July 27 and notification of which proposals have been accepted is expected by August 7.

There is a “relatively hard deadline” for these projects to be completed of December 31, said Kudera. This is due to the deadline by which the states are expected to have spent the CARES Act funding.

Responding to a question from County Attorney Joe Baron, Kudera confirmed that the providers will be dealing directly with the WBC, including the two providers who had responded to the request for proposals from the county commissioners.

“I’ve been in direct contact with both of them and advised them this program exists,” Kudera said.

“They are aware of the program and looking to shift the application that was directed to Crook County towards that program.”

Other providers are also welcome to apply to the program, he added, and the WBC will then decide which to fund. The total amount available statewide for the program has not yet been determined, Kudera said, because, “We’re reliant upon responses from the providers across the state.”

In the meantime, the commissioners will not need to take any further steps, he continued.

“At this point, all I’m going to ask the commissioners to do is stand by,” he said. At some point Kudera intends to speak with the commission to make sure the program has fully addressed the need in this county.

“It would sure be nice if Crook County had some input on that… we need it pretty desperately,” said Whalen.

Once the projects have been decided, the funding will be dispersed in a lump sum and the providers will be contractually obliged to perform their role, Kudera said. They will also be required to report their progress both the Kudera and the Public Service Commission.

At the close of the conversation, Kudera promised to update the commissioners as the program moves forward.