This EDA investment supports the southern colorado economic development district (scedd) with addressing the local and regional need for a broadband infrastructure by developing a regional broadband…

The Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD) was awarded $507,919 under the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Economic Adjustment Assistance program to develop a regional broadband plan for middle-mile fiber network infrastructure. The project will create a blueprint to install critical broadband infrastructure providing fast, reliable broadband access for residents and businesses across a 13-county region in Colorado, including underserved areas. SCEDD will focus on outreach, knowledge sharing, and affordability to serve communities. The regional broadband plan is intended to support existing business growth, enhance telemedicine opportunities, and increase educational attainment to bolster workforce development, job creation, private investment attraction, and regional economic resiliency.

This EDA investment supports the southern colorado economic development district (scedd) with addressing the local and regional need for a broadband infrastructure by developing a regional broadband plan for middle-mile fiber network to serve various counties in the district. The project will assist regional economic development efforts by creating a blueprint for the installation of a critical broadband infrastructure that will provide fast and reliable broadband for residents and businesses in a 13-county region of colorado, which includes many underserved areas. In development of the blueprint, scedd will focus on serving communities through outreach and knowledge sharing as well as a focus on affordability. Ultimately, the project will support the growth of existing businesses, enhance tele-medicine opportunities, and increase educational opportunities, which will support workforce development, bolster job creation, attract private investment, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region.