The Cook County Broadband Commission (CCBC) would like to establish several video conferencing sites at public buildings across the county and would also like to establish a co-working facility to support broadband related workers, but before it can do either of those it must first get a grant from the Blandin Foundation to fund these initiatives.
Against this backdrop CCBC board member Bob Pranis came before the Cook County commissioners on Tuesday, June 16 with two requests. The first was to ask the county to act as CCBC’s fiscal agent if it is awarded a grant from the Blandin Foundation and the second was to ask approval to be listed as one of the potential sources for funding the match to the grant.
Before the board answered either request Pranis, who is the CCBC president, gave a brief report about the proposal.
“In 2008 Cook County was selected by the Blandin Foundation to receive a Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities Grant of $100,000,” Pranis said. “This grant enabled us to implement a wide range of projects related to broadband that are still active in the community.
“We now have the opportunity to apply for additional funds to further this work.
“The available grant is up to $25,000 with a match of 25 percent or $8,500. We have had a number of community meetings to garner input as to what projects would be most valuable to the county, using this input the Broadband Commission formulated two pilot projects, finding public access “hot” spots and establishing a co-working facility,” said Pranis
The goal of establishing public access hot spots, said Pranis “is to reduce the miles traveled by having people attend meetings remotely through video conferencing.”
“These sites would also be sites that provide public wireless access. This would enable people off grid to have access to broadband as well as provide additional communication options for safety concerns since cell coverage is not always available across the county,” said Pranis.
A co-working facility, said Pranis, “will support broadband related workers that would rent by the hour, day, week and month for broadband related work.
“Telework is an occupation that can make great use of our new fiber broadband, commands a good wage, and is environmentally sound.”
Ultimately, said Pranis, providing these opportunities can enhance the economy of Cook County and potential economic growth will be offered to businesses that don’t compete with existing establishments. WiFi hot spots will also be established for the public seven days of the week 24 hours of the day.
The commissioners made a motion to grant both requests, but made it clear that the county wouldn’t necessarily be on the hook to pay the match to the grant. Pranis said there were several other options for the CCBC to explore to find these funds, and commissioners asked Pranis to apply for non-mandated funds from the county using the new application process if other funds couldn’t be found.
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