Public encouraged to participate in County broadband workshop

As part of an effort to begin a countywide strategic planning initiative to formulate a long term sustainable broadband strategy, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors is planning a workshop to examine the state of broadband service in the County and its impacts on businesses and residents. The workshop will occur on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. in the County Board Chambers located at 330 Fair Lane in Placerville.

“Broadband is an essential service and a cornerstone to economic development in the County,” said Shiva Frentzen, El Dorado County District Two Supervisor. “We need to develop a plan to work towards ensuring that all El Dorado County residents have access to reliable and affordable high speed internet service as part of their infrastructure.”

Participating in the workshop will be representatives from Valley Vision, Tahoe Prosperity Center, and the Sierra Economic Development Corporation. Key to this discussion will be an analysis to determine what Internet service is currently available and where there are gaps, to identify related community goals and ultimately, to produce a strategic “roadmap” of how to best close gaps in service and achieve community objectives. Those who live and/or work in El Dorado County are encouraged to assist in this effort by attending the workshop.