Broadband Study & Action Plan
Rural Broadband Funding Solutions
In 2019, the ETEDD was awarded $375,000 by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA)
to support the development of a regional broadband strategic plan for the
East Texas Council of Governments 14-county region.
Strategy
The ETEDD, through its administrative agency, the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG), will utilize the grant to help the region capitalize on its strengths and opportunities related to long-term economic development, create or enhance an environment conducive to job growth, and improve infrastructure and overall community development to improve the quality of life. We launched the Broadband Strategic Planning Initiative in the winter of 2020 with the help of our contractors, TDC2 as a primary consultant and Design Nine as our broadband network planner. With the $375,000 grant, ETCOG and our local economic development partner agencies have committed to an additional investment of $161,000 in local matching funds for total project funding of $536,000.
Approach
We are taking a grassroots approach, going county by county to identify critical broadband needs. Staff has been working with each county to rank and prioritize projects that business leaders and broadband providers have proposed to address the identified needs. The final plan includes three to five top-rated projects in each county, with associated budgets required to implement each project.
Project Status Report
See the status of your county's broadband plan.
| Broadband Study Completed | Projects Identified & Plans Completed | Total Projects Planned | Cost Estimate for Implementation | Governing Body Adoption | Finalized Report | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $21,755,108 | Amended - July 31, 2023 | Anderson County Study & Action Plan |
| Camp | ✔ | ✔ | 5 | $2,503,274 | November 30, 2022 | Camp County Study & Action Plan |
| Cherokee | ✔ | ✔ | 3 | $11,202,137 | February 28, 2023 | Cherokee County Study & Action Plan |
| Gregg | ✔ | ✔ | 5 | $2,675,619 | June 29, 2022 | Gregg County Study & Action Plan |
| Harrison | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $20,638,525 | August 30, 2022 | Harrison County Study & Action Plan |
| Henderson | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $24,031,297 | May 7, 2024 | Henderson County Study & Action Plan |
| Marion | ✔ | ✔ | 5 | $3,717,086 | April 10, 2023 | Marion County Study & Action Plan |
| Panola | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $22,321,912 | August 29, 2023 | Panola County Study & Action Plan |
| Rains | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $3,916,546 | October 27, 2022 | Rains County Study & Action Plan |
| Rusk | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $14,975,706 | December, 20, 2022 | Rusk County Study & Action Plan |
| Smith - Whitehouse | ✔ | ✔ | 1 | $2,497,013 | December 12, 2023 | Smith County Study & Action Plan |
| Upshur | ✔ | No Projects | 0 | $0 | NA | Upshur County Broadband Study |
| Van Zandt | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | $37,566,827 | November 23, 2022 | Van Zandt County Study & Action Plan |
| Wood | ✔ | ✔ | 4 | $683,762 | January 24, 2023 | Wood County Study & Action Plan |
| TOTALS | 65 | $168,484,812 |
Completed in All 14 Counties
Regional Forums
Our team conducted four virtual regional forums to gain feedback and answer questions about the project. These were well attended by stakeholders and service providers.
Data Collection
Information has been collected on the availability and capacity of all internet service providers in the region. Mapping of available infrastructure is completed in all counties.
Local Planning
Decisions for this project have been discussed and ranked with local elected officials. County-specific reports have been completed for the entire region.
Middle-Mile Maps
Counties have also reviewed broadband "middle mile" projects designed to address or fill infrastructure gaps and needs that our existing broadband providers cannot meet.
Next Steps
1. Complete Project Identification Process
We are proud to report the project identification process is coming to an end! We are working with our partners to have all projects identified and approved by their respective agencies as soon as possible.
2. Complete Mapping and Budgets for Each Local Project
Once the project identification phase of our efforts is completed, ETCOG and our contractors can plan and budget for each project.
3. Roll out Finalized Regional Broadband Strategic Plan
Once completed, we will share the Strategic Plan for our use or any area partners to support their efforts.
4. Apply for Broadband Funding
With a plan of action completed, this will allow us to submit as many grant applications as possible to fund as many broadband development projects as possible.
Our Team
David Cleveland
ETCOG
Executive Director
Rebecca Gage
Economic Development
Grant Specialist
