Grant & Loan Awards: Richmond County
Richmond County
BRIDGE Fund: $173,110
Awarded: 12/15/2010
Applicant: Central Savannah River UDA
Description:
BRIDGE grant funds of $173,100 will be used to assist with the cost of a feasibility study and technical needs assessment to determine the economic benefits and cost of providing broadband access to underserved and unserved areas within the CSRA including Burke, Hancock, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Richmond, Taliaferro & Washington counties, part of a 12-county region that all contributed financially to this project. The ARRA application was submitted and denied. Despite denial, the plan lays the groundwork for creating a viable regional network and the process enabled neighboring communities to have meaningful dialogue regarding revenue sharing and infrastructure development. The Authority plans to use the assessment to pursue other funding sources such as Homeland Security grants and USDA's Telehealth program. The project sets the stage for the enhancement of the regional workforce through education.
Total Budgeted Project Cost: $340,000