On Thursday, June 13 at the Full Council Meeting, members of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland met to discuss broadband.

The group welcomed presentations from Tom Dennison, Government and Public Affairs Manager at Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) and Kenrick M. Gordon, P.E., Director, Governor’s Office of Rural Broadband.

Dennison discussed a growing focus on the issue of Broadband accessibility and actions being taken at the state level to bring broadband to underserved rural areas. He also discussed SMECO’s expanding role on the issue, which includes more authority and ability to leverage options to provide broadband services. Dennison shared that SMECO now has a real opportunity to build a path moving forward on the issue.

In his presentation, Kenrick Gordon, Director of the Governor’s Office of Rural Broadband, also outlined a plan to achieve greater broadband accessibility.

According to Gordon, the Maryland state legislature has provided $2 million dollars to get started. This funding assisted 4 counties in preparing applications for a USDA grant program; provided grants for 50% of the cost for feasibility studies in 6 counties; and provided grants for up to 50% the cost for 8 pilot projects in 5 counties.

In his presentation, Gordon also outlined next steps. The state hopes to develop a Maryland Broadband Funding Program. According to Gordon, 17 counties have been identified as in need of assistance.

The Maryland Broadband Funding Program would provide grants for “soft costs,” like feasibility studies, market studies, legal services, design services, and financial services. The Program might also enable the construction of the necessary infrastructure for high-speed broadband.

The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland will continue to work to ensure that all residents have high-speed internet access. Broadband technology fosters economic development and stability, and improves quality of life, promotes job growth and serves as an educational tool for schools.