Placer County secures additional funding to expand broadband access

Another significant boost to broadband connectivity is headed for Placer County's rural communities. The county has been awarded a grant of $23,752,674 from the California Public Utilities Commission to expand broadband services along the Interstate 80 corridor, spanning the communities of Applegate, Colfax, Cape Horn, Magra and Alta. The county Board of Supervisors took action at its meeting in Auburn on Sept. 24 to accept the grant. "The CPUC grant will play a pivotal role in expanding broadband infrastructure and closing the digital divide in Placer County," said Placer County Chief Information Officer Jarrett Thiessen. "This investment will not only enhance economic opportunities but also improve access to education, healthcare and essential services for residents in these underserved areas." The project will bring reliable broadband services to 3,825 additional rural households and businesses. Placer County's commitment to bridging the digital divide is evident in its Broadband Equity Program, launched by the IT Department in 2020. This initiative aims to provide broadband access to more than 17,000 underserved homes and businesses in rural areas. To date, the program has tackled broadband access in three phases: Phase 1: Enhanced broadband services for 1,500 households in Auburn (Edgehill), North Auburn (Christian Valley) and Penryn. Phase 2: Extended to an additional 638 households and businesses in Penryn. Phase 3: Connecting 11,000 homes in Sheridan, Newcastle, Loomis, South Auburn, North Auburn, Meadow Vista and Folsom Lake Estates. The grant funding for these projects develops and improves infrastructure in underserved communities so residents have better options to purchase broadband for themselves. Project details and area maps are available online at placer.ca.gov/7557/Broadband.