Contract Awarded for Broadband Assessment

The Door County Economic Development Corporation’s (DCEDC) board of directors has awarded a contract to Finley Engineering Company of Altoona to assess the broadband infrastructure within Door County. The study will summarize where broadband is available, whom it serves, its capacity, who owns it, its voids and deficiencies, options for short- and long-term solutions, and possible financing, plans and strategies.

The objective is to develop a comprehensive strategy to deliver reliable broadband service up to one gigabit to every residence and business in Door County, said Steve Jenkins, DCEDC’s executive director.

“Our primary focus on this type of study is to find a solution

that can be funded and built,” said Mark Mrla, director with Finley Engineering.

DCEDC issued a request for proposals in late January to 29 qualified broadband consultants in the United States to perform the assessment. Jenkins said three responded. A DCEDC technical-review panel analyzed the proposals, then the DCEDC selection panel, which made the recommendation to the board.

Jenkins said the assessment cost $59,250 and will be due on or before Oct. 2.