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Additional information about the Comprehensive Plan in support of this application is attached as Exhibit 5. <br />The Ellensburg Business Development Authority has written a letter strongly encouraging the city to implement <br />their fiber communications project, which is attached as Exhibit 3, <br />The Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) has also written a letter strongly encouraging the city to implement <br />all three phases of this grant application, which is attached as Exhibit 6. <br />8. Explain how the infrastructure project will helpmeet the economic development goals of your community <br />and/or region. If this project is not done, will the anticipated private development still take place? <br />The community lacks modern telecommunications infrastructure throughout the city. Businesses and citizens now <br />consider high speed Internet access as an essential service. The community is very cost conscious and not <br />interested in paying more for services, which creates a sizeable challenge since a large investment is new <br />telecommunications infrastructure is required. <br />Being centrally located in the state, Ellensburg has the potential to become an economic player. It just needs <br />investment in telecommunications infrastructure that is enticing to technology workers and businesses around the <br />state. By having Gigabit connectivity we are telling commerce we are open for business. We are able to provide <br />the infrastructure needed to companies that want a satellite office or have telecommuters, who would enjoy our <br />quality of life. The proposal will greatly enhance these locations and should help entice economic growth to the <br />area. Without these telecommunications infrastructure improvements we may remain a rest stop on the way to <br />somewhere else. <br />9. Describe any feasibility or predevelopment studies that demonstrate the linkage between the proposed <br />Distressed County Infrastructure improvements and the anticipated economic outcomes. <br />The U.S. Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) conducted <br />a study that found increased economic output and higher levels of employment to previously underserved <br />communities. Another impact was on the cost, faster connectivity for less money. For more information please <br />refer to Exhibit 4. <br />10. Indicate if other needed infrastructure (e.g., sewer, water, power) is in place or if there is a plan for getting <br />it in place. <br />All of the other necessary electric and telecommunications utility infrastructure are in place. <br />11. Indicate the Estimated Number of Businesses Created/Retained by the Project. Four created/unknown <br />retained <br />Based on current vacant units in the incubator and the possibility of luring businesses to Ellensburg, creating four <br />businesses seems conservative. <br />12. Indicated the Estimated Number of Jobs Created/Retained by the Project. Four created/unknown <br />retained <br />During the construction phase a minimum of 10 people will be employed, from a project lead, engineer, <br />construction crew, and fiber splicers. Basing our estimation on small startups, or satellite offices, four businesses <br />of three employees each seems reasonable. <br />A total of 12 jobs are estimated to be created/retained by the project. <br />Submit the original application to: <br />Mtt>itas County Department of PuMc Works <br />411 Ne Ruby, Suite #1 <br />IEllieffnshurg, WA 98926 <br />