Placer Supervisors approve funding for more broadband services in rural areas 

Published on April 18, 2023
Corrected on May 22, 2023

The initial version of this article indicated a wrong figure and has been corrected.

Yesterday, the Placer County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved funding to bring more broadband services to rural areas. The move continues Placer’s commitment to helping ensure that all residents in Placer County have access to essential internet services.

The allocated funds aim to address the pressing need for broadband services in areas that are currently unserved due to inadequate or outdated infrastructure. This will enable more people to take advantage of the educational and economic opportunities the internet provides. 

At its meeting yesterday in Auburn, the board selected the county IT Department’s recommended seven broadband expansion projects, including Sheridan, Newcastle, Loomis, South Auburn, North Auburn, Meadow Vista and the Folsom Lake Estates neighborhood in Granite Bay. 

The now-approved expansion projects will service approximately 11,000 households.

“We are committed to ensuring all our residents have access to the same resources, regardless of where they live,” said Placer County Board of Supervisors Chair and District 3 Supervisor Jim Holmes. “This is an important step in bridging the digital divide in Placer County and ensuring everyone has access to a better quality of life.”

The $31 million project, which consists of a variety of funding sources, including $9.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, will be executed by Astound Broadband with work expected to begin immediately. 

The board also noted that this investment would stimulate economic growth by allowing more businesses and entrepreneurs in rural areas to take advantage of new technologies. 

Learn more about the Placer County Broadband Equity Program, here.