RES 20-018RESOLUTION 20-018
A RESOLUTION requesting a feasibility study for improved
broadband in Clark County by Clark Public Utilities.
WHEREAS, access to broadband internet service is critical to full participation in society
and the modem economy; and
WHEREAS, increasing broadband access to unserved and underserved areas of the county
serves a fundamental governmental purpose and function and provides a public benefit by enabling
access to health care, education, employment opportunities and essential services, providing
economic opportunities, and enhancing public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, achieving affordable and quality broadband access for all will reqmre
additional and sustained investment, research, local and community participation, and partnerships
between private, public, and nonprofit entities; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission has adopted a national broadband
plan that includes recommendations directed to federal, state and local governments to ensure
efficient allocation and management of assets that the government controls or influences to
encourage network upgrades and competitive entry; and reform current universal service
mechanisms to support deployment in high-cost areas, ensuring that low-income Americans can
afford broadband, and supporting efforts to boost adoption and utilization; and
WHEREAS, sustainable and reliable infrastructure helps build strong economies and
equitable communities; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the pressing need for countywide
equitable high-speed broadband internet infrastructure; and
RESOLUTIONNO. 20-018
WHEREAS, reliable broadband bridges the digital divide between urban and rural
communities, regardless of neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, new, innovative programs that focus on digital equity and inclusion and target
the most underserved residents in our cities is possible; and
WHEREAS, strong cities need protected and improved public authority to provide
broadband service; and
WHEREAS, cities can promote greater access to high-quality, affordable internet service
by working with public partners, residents, and service providers; and
WHEREAS, the installation of dark fiber optic cables should occur whenever feasible in
public works projects to lay the foundation for the region's future economy and community; and
WHEREAS, Washington State has set the ambitious broadband expansion goal that by
2026 all Washington businesses and residences would have access to broadband that provides 1
gigabit per second symmetrical (upload and download speeds) broadband service at anchor
institutions like schools, hospitals, libraries, and government buildings;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CAMAS AS FOLLOWS:
1. The City of Camas formally requests that Clark Public Utilities District conduct a
feasibility study to develop a plan that encourages, fosters, develops, and improves affordable,
equitable, quality broadband within the county in order to:
A. Drive job creation, promote innovation, improve economic vitality, and expand markers
for Clark County businesses;
B. Serve the ongoing and growing needs of Clark County's education systems, health care
RESOLUTIONNO. 20-018
systems, public safety systems, industries and business, governmental operations, and
citizens; and
C. Improve broadband accessibility for unserved and underserved communities and
populations.
ADOPTED by the Council of the City of Camas and approved by the Mayor this 7~ day
of l>ec-RPY?~ '2020.
APPROVED as to form:
aAfGv--
City Attorney