It is the beginning foundation of a new engagement by the county to address broadband needs throughout the county.
Goochland County believes universal broadband internet access is essential for our community to support business, education endeavors, public safety, and everyday life. Therefore, we support the implementation of diverse broadband internet strategies to provide all interested Goochland citizens access and options for universal service provision consistent with goals set by the Governor’s Chief Broadband Advisor. While Goochland County seeks service for the entire county, providers are encouraged to prioritize efforts to focus on unserved areas before underserved areas.
In making the announcement County Administrator John Budesky signaled a dedicated commitment of staff resources to facilitate grant applications, build coalitions, foster relationships with providers, and more. The county is committing a half million dollars in investments for short- and long-term initiatives to expand access and accomplish universal broadband internet access. In addition, the county will be leveraging a previous $1.66 million investment in tower and fiber network infrastructure to attract providers.
A new dedicated page on the county’s website, http://www.goochlandva.us/1012/Goochland-County---Broadband-Internet, serves as a broadband internet resource with updates on the county’s progress, contact information for providers, and an interactive form to report broadband and cellular issues.
To address broadband internet availability in the short term, the county is establishing enhanced opportunities to access broadband internet at local access points through expanded hot spots on or within public facilities. The new hot spot locations will be accessible starting in January 2020.
In the long term, the county is committing $50,000 for necessary study and implementation plans that will define focus areas and time frames to accomplish expansion efforts with providers. In addition, the county in partnership with the Goochland County Economic Development Authority (EDA) will be committing a total of $400,000 for grants, matches, incentives, and low interest loan incentives for providers.
A copy of the 10 Steps to Broadband Internet Initiatives document is available at https://www.goochlandva.us/DocumentCenter/View/5796/Goochland-County---10-Steps-to-Broadband-Internet-Initiatives-September-2019?bidId= and a recording of the announcement is accessible at http://www.goochlandva.us/1033/Other-County-MeetingsAnnouncementsEvents.