Brazos County, TX has $44.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to spend across four categories, one of which is broadband. The Eagle reported that Katie Conner, the Brazos County auditor and budget officer, said that funds must be “obligated or committed by December 31, 2024, and they must be spent by December 31, 2026.”
“With ARPA funds, the federal guidelines are broader and less restrictive than state law in some cases. So while we have to comply with the federal government, we also have to comply with the state law, which is more restrictive in private properties and in [specific] people benefiting,” she said. “Meaning, you can’t use public money to benefit a private person or party.”
The commissioners debated the topic of broadband during a recent workshop, with Commissioner Russ Ford asking to hire a broadband consultant to evaluate current coverage and determine a budget. According to Conner, the county has 97 percent coverage based on existing maps. Commissioner Nancy Berry debated whether to use county funding on broadband if state grants are available.
The Eagle reported the commissioners agreed to hold another workshop and meet to vote on spending immediate ARPA funds.
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