The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) recently awarded Elbert County the Broadband Ready Community designation. The Broadband Ready designation is primarily intended to attract and facilitate public-private partnerships to improve and expand broadband access throughout Georgia. Broadband funding opportunities through the state are forthcoming; once those programs become available, communities designated “Broadband Ready” will receive extra points when applying for funding. Elbert is the second county in the Northeast Georgia region to receive this designation. Congratulations Elbert County!
Interested in becoming Broadband Ready? Communities must adopt an ordinance consistent with state minimum requirements (see O.C.G.A. §50-40-41), have a Broadband Services Element in their adopted comprehensive plan, and complete and submit a Broadband Ready application to DCA. The NEGRC’s Planning & Government Services Division is available to provide guidance and assist communities with any required comprehensive plan updates or amendments. For more information on the Broadband Ready designation, the application form, and a model ordinance, visit DCA’s Broadband Ready webpage.
