NOVEMBER 8: PUBLIC FORUM ON RURAL BROADBAND BUILDOUT

Access to broadband is essential to economic development, education, public safety and civic engagement. But existing internet companies do not provide adequate service to many rural areas in Vermont. Without high-speed internet, rural economies wither, young people seek better opportunity elsewhere, and many older Vermonters become more isolated and left behind.

In 2019, the Vermont legislature passed H.513, an important rural broadband bill. H.513 empowers local municipalities to determine the connectivity solutions most appropriate for their communities and provides financing programs and technical support to get local initiatives off the ground.

To help local residents learn more about this bill — and the tools it offers — Rep. Kathleen James (D-Manchester) and Rep. Robin Chesnut-Tangerman (P-Middletown Springs) are hosting a public forum on Friday, November 8 from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Park House at Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park in Manchester (350 Recreation Park Road).

Presenters include Rep. Laura Sibilia (I-Dover), a key proponent of the bill; Clay Purvis, director of the telecommunications and connectivity division of the Vermont Department of Public Service; and Stan Williams, CFO of ValleyNet (EC Fiber), a nonprofit that is bringing high-speed fiber-optic networking to underserved towns in Vermont and New Hampshire.

The evening will include an overview of the bill, how communities can apply for a planning grant, and tips on how to get started, plus a question-and-answer period.

Questions? Contact Rep. Kathleen James by email (KJames@leg.state.VT.us) or cell: 802.733.1435.