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City of Ellensburg <br />Council Members and Staff <br />501 N Anderson Street <br />Ellensburg, WA 98926 <br />E~ibit3 <br />June 18, 2014 <br />RE: Expansion of the City of Ellensburg Fiber Optic Plan <br />Council Members, <br />We applaud the initiative taken by the City Council to Install a fiber optic network within the city of <br />Ellensburg. However, one consideration that the EBDA Board would like to bring to Council's attention Is the <br />tremendous importance that fiber optic access now holds for economic development efforts. As Cathy <br />Swlrbul of the American Power Association recently stated, "Today when a company considers expanding its <br />business ... it assumes an area has access to high-speed broadband." <br />Given this, the EBDA Board respectfully requests the City to consider potential changes to its flber optic <br />plan to: <br />1) Consider wholesale marketing of fiber optic services for the private sector, <br />2) Investigate retail ISPs, <br />3) Ensure that fiber optic implementation puts Ellensburg in the most advantageous position <br />possible for economic development, and at a minimum consider extending fiber optics to City- <br />owned properties like the Incubator and Airport Building, <br />4) Explore the possible competitive position this initiative may place the City in with regard to <br />Charter Communications. <br />Your time and consideration are truly appreciated . <br />Sincerely, <br />David B Bowen <br />Executive Director, EBDA <br />Ellensburg Business Developmenl Authorily • 609 N. -111-~lail1 St .. EllellsbUrg, '1'1/\ 98926 • (S09) 962-72'1'1