(1/2023) On January 1, 1983 the Internet was born. The first smart phone came out in 1998. Remember Y2K fears of the great computer crash? Seems like a long, long, long time ago. Look at us now. In less than 40 years the Internet went from a fringe geeky concept to one of the most significant indicators of a community’s success. Most of us, myself included, barely understand how this digital world was created, who builds and owns the infrastructure, and how do we get more.

Prior to the pandemic it was clear that portions of Adams County had inadequate broadband infrastructure. After the various at home schooling and work experiences of 2020 it is clear that the general public is now aware that inadequate broadband infrastructure is a big deal. The Internet is no longer just for the geeks and more importantly affordable high-speed internet in no longer a luxury. Affordable high-speed Internet is vital for students learning remotely, employees working from home, making medical appointments, and many business transactions.

While everything I just listed can be dealt with without high-speed Internet, inadequate internet access is holding us back. If this continues, Adams County could see lasting impacts on our local economy and quality of life. Hopefully, we are at a turning point and with the proper investment of federal, state, and local resources we can change Adams County to a regional leader in broadband connectivity.

In 2021 the federal government approved two funding streams in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, which had significant funding for broadband expansion. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), better known as the Covid-19 Stimulus Package or the American Rescue Plan and the 2021 Infrastructure bill set aside significant funds for broadband expansion for state and local governments.

Adams County received around $19,000,000 of ARPA funds, of which we have set $3,000,000 aside for Broadband Expansion projects. The infrastructure funds will flow through state government. The Broadband funds have not been allocated, but with the right plan in place Adams County may be eligible for additional funding for projects.

Today, I can give you an update on the progress of our plans to attract some of these funds to Adams County. This year we have taken a multi-layered approach to improving broadband. We are focusing our energy on the federal, state, and local initiatives to improve our chances of receiving additional funds and having a plan that will work. First, we set aside the forementioned $3,000,000 of ARPA funds.

This year we created a Broadband Taskforce of industry leaders in education, business, medicine, tourism, and underserved populations. Our goal was to appoint individuals, who could assist the county with outreach to the public. In this effort we are partnering heavily with the Adams Economic Alliance. While inadequate internet speeds impact all of us, we are especially concerned about access to high-speed internet and our business community.

The county also contracted with a broadband planning company, Design Nine, to develop a broadband assessment and plan. Over the past few months Adams County and Design Nine, Inc. have been developing a Broadband Community Assessment in an effort to bring affordable, high-speed, high-performance internet services to all residents and businesses throughout the county. In order to best determine solutions for achieving this, a public survey is being released to gather information about Broadband. Feedback from individual households and businesses is critical because it will determine which specific areas of the county need faster, more reliable internet service.

As of 12/16 Adams and Franklin counties have received 1,295 responses (Adams/Franklin Residential English: 1,236 responses, Residential Spanish: 13, and Business English: 46). We do not have the breakdown by county yet, but we must get more responses. This is where you come in. The Emmitsburg News- Journal’s Adams County coverage area has many communities that are unserved or underserved with adequate broadband.

The website below will be the main source of all information for our Broadband Initiative, including the surveys. To complete the survey go to this link, https://arcg.is/0SW8Ge , or using your smart phone, scan this QR code.

If you do not have access to the internet, physical versions of the residential and business surveys are also available at your municipal office or local library.

We need everyone’s help, so that we can move our community forward. Watching other counties benefit from affordable high speed internet, is not an option. Our economic future and our quality of life are at stake. Please take the time to complete the survey.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering in this effort, let me know. If you have any questions about broadband or ARPA funds, I am at your service. mqually@adamscounty.us