Access to reliable and affordable broadband internet is critically important to the success of our citizens, communities, and businesses. To help increase access, Marion County Economic Development Staff are focused on attracting and supporting Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to assist in rural broadband deployment. While the County does not provide direct internet service to citizens, our efforts enable the County to bridge the digital divide, as well as promote economic development in rural communities.
Resources for Internet Service Providers
Broadband, Equity, Access and Broadband (BEAD) Program
The Oregon Broadband Office is launching the Subgrantee Selection Phase of the Broadband, Equity, Access and Broadband (BEAD) Program at the following website, Business Oregon : Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program : Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program : State of Oregon. The BEAD Subgrantee Selection Phase is when Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will submit grant applications for proposed broadband deployment projects.
In response to this funding opportunity, Marion County Economic Development Staff have identified the Silver Falls School District as a priority area for targeted deployment of broadband infrastructure. The Silver Falls School District was selected due to the large number rural homes and agribusiness currently unserved or underserved by high-speed broadband service.
Marion County Economic Development Staff have made the following resources available (Local Government letters of support) to support ISPs in their grant applications to the BEAD program for the identified priority area of the Silver Falls School District. The attached pdf file contains letters of support from the following Local Government entities:
Marion County Board of Commissioners
Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments
Strategic Economic Development (SEDCOR)
City of Scotts Mills
City of Silverton
Marion County Economic Development Staff encourage all interested ISPs to apply to the BEAD grant program and invest in the great place that is Marion County. For more information, please contact us by email at Lrupp@co.marion.or.us
Marion County BEAD Letters of Support
Why Broadband Fiber?
The deployment of fiber broadband infrastructure is the best way to ensure high quality, future ready internet access throughout Marion County. Compared to other technology such as cable, DSL, line of sight microwave or satellite, fiber optic broadband is capable of much higher speeds and evolving with advancements in digital technology. Accordingly, Marion County has made expanding fiber-based broadband access to its residents and businesses a priority.
Summary of completed work associated with the Broadband Initiative
Broadband Initiative Outcomes
