HomeMy WebLinkAbout20211343.tiffMay 17, 2021
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-400-4200
FAX: 970-336-7233
1150 O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, CO 80632
The Honorable Gina M. Raimondo
Secretary of Commerce
U.S. Department of Commerce
Economic Development Administration
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 317
Washington DC, 20004
RE: Letter of Support for Colorado State University, CO - Broadband Plan and Feasibility Study
Dear Honorable Gina M. Raimondo,
Colorado State University System is applying for an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant in the
amount of $340,000. 1 urge you to give this application your full consideration as the objective of the Broadband Plan
and Feasibility Study is to develop a broadband plan that will provide a strategic roadmap in updating broadband
services available to Colorado State University System facilities. The plan will identify the broadband gaps in the
system to better assist the underserved and disadvantaged communities with a fast, reliable, and affordable broadband
internet service. The broadband plan will include the implementation and required steps to provide or upgrade
broadband availability to all campuses, Extension Offices, Agricultural Experiment Station Research Centers, and
Colorado Forestry Service partners. This will be an important step in contributing to the overall goal of expanded
broadband coverage and connectivity for all Coloradans.
Colorado State University System has over 57,000 students on and around the main campuses and Extension offices
serving all 64 counties in Colorado. This includes over 18,000 Colorado State University Global students that depend
on broadband virtual connections as well. Rural areas face challenges of availability and dependability. In both cases,
the ability of rural areas and families to bridge digital gaps for this future generation is hindered.
At a minimum, this Broadband Plan and Feasibility Study will:
• Identify Colorado State University System's needs. Conduct CSU System outreach and stakeholder meetings.
• Further connect with communities in every county employing broadband expansion in Colorado. A
consultant will be contracted to identify where these connections can best serve Colorado State University
System's needs, as well as identify the infrastructure and partnerships needed to meet demands.
• Promote and support connectivity by identifying various funding opportunities and strategies that benefit all
the Colorado State University System facilities.
• Enhance interoperable and digital communications with first responders, campus police and emergency
managers.
• Planned implementation will play a critical role in the delivery of virtual learning. Online courses are a
powerful tool that Colorado State University employs to instruct its students.
CoMhlun.co.+:O11S
QS/2C /21
2021-1343
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-400-4200
FAX: 970-336-7233
1150 O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, CO 80632
The Colorado State University System fully supports all its campuses to ensure the success of this project. The project
will dramatically improve the quality of education and support to the students, research facilities, the communities,
and the public agencies in and around the Colorado State University System that must rely on broadband and internet
systems. Campuses that will benefit from this project are as follows:
• CSU Fort Collins, their Extension campuses, and the Experiment Station Research Centers across Colorado
• CSU Pueblo
• CSU Global
• SPUR Campus - Denver, Colorado
• Colorado State Forest Service's Partnership with CSU
If you have any questions about the grant application, please feel free to contact me directly at 970-400-4207.
Sincerely,
Steve Moreno
Chair, Weld County Board of Commissioners
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