Resolution Establishing Broadband Policy Standards

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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY OF KITTITAS STATE OF WASHINGTON RESOLUTION NO.: 2023- A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING POLICY STANDARDS FOR BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF KITTITAS COUNTY WHEREAS: Kittitas County finds and declares that high-speed Internet access, referred to generically as “broadband” and including both terrestrial and wireless technologies, is essential 21st Century infrastructure in a digital world and global economy; and WHEREAS: Kittitas County acknowledges that more than 6500 county residences without high-speed internet access at home currently exist in the county, and 85% of low-income households are not connected to the internet with broadband. WHEREAS: Kittitas County recognizes gaps in broadband availability put our county’s government agencies, businesses, residents, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders at a disadvantage in pursuit of economic growth opportunities, education, healthcare, and other significant areas critical for a successful quality of life; and WHEREAS: Closing the Digital Divide is vital to the economic prosperity and quality of life for residents in Kittitas County and throughout Washington; and WHEREAS: Kittitas County is committed to helping families and children be healthy, productive, and self-sufficient and realizes that the use of broadband can save both time and money for residents while helping them bridge the economic divide; and WHEREAS: Kittitas County is committed to helping students obtain the highest quality education possible incorporating digital literacy and understands that high- speed internet connectivity and the availability of computing devices, both at school and at home, are critical teaching and learning tools for academic achievement; and WHEREAS: Exploring new technologies in areas of public safety and medicine made available through existing broadband network expansion represent broader