Silvius updates board on broadband funding opportunities

Big things continue to happen in Montgomery County regarding economic development.

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors heard an update from Montgomery County Economic Development director Shawnna Silvius during its regular meeting Aug. 18.

“We had a call I coordinated with national and state leaders regarding broadband, and funding programs regarding CARES act funds, SWIPCO, and state funds. The call included Sen. Joni Ernst, Congresswoman Cindy Axne, and representatives from Sen. Chuck Grassley’s office,” Silvius said. “It was a great lineup of speakers, and our development partners from an eight-county region. It was a great conversation, and a bill was being presented at the federal level.”

Silvius added there were steps being taken to make changes regarding the area served.

“They are going to try to increase that amount, which will be very good for us. They are also making efforts to have the FCC re-map areas. Right now, a neighborhood with one house that has minimal service is considered as served, so we cannot qualify for any funding. By re-mapping to show actual lines, it will tell us where we have areas that are underdeveloped, and where we can apply for Reconnect funds, or other funding sources,” commented Silvius.

Another change would be requiring every service provider to provide a quarterly report.

“They would have to document their upload and download speeds based on actual performance by users. These are all important things that are happening.”

Silvius also said she is starting her business retention and expansion visits throughout the county.

“I’m going into 15 of our industries this year, and the completed surveys go into the state database which the State of Iowa presents as the Best of Iowa. We received our Best of Iowa award based on our background and work with MidAmerican Energy in the state,” Silvius said.

The MCDC Board, Silvius said, approved a contract with Retail Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in not only data mining side of identifying the market, but also has real estate brokers and connections with retailers across the country who work directly with the State of Iowa.

“I have no doubt we’re going to see some really great retail recruitment activities as a result of that new contract,” Silvius advised.