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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetters of Support v2 1-19-15 Brit Fontenot From: Chris Naumann [chris@downtownbozeman.org] Sent: Monday, January 19, 2015 10:07 AM To: Agenda Cc: Brit Fontenot; David Fine Subject: Support Community Fiber Internet City Commissioners— Perfect example demonstrating the need to proceed with the Bozeman Fiber Master Plan. North Bozeman and the adjacent alley has been/is closed while being ripped up (including a gas line incident) to deliver fiber internet to one client. New pavement overlays will continue to be cut, roads and alleys frequently closed, and avoidable damage of other utilities unless/until a more comprehensive, accessible network is put in place. The business need for fiber internet is increasing and therefore these private disruptive installations will become more frequent. Please take these realities into consideration when discussing the Bozeman Fiber Master Plan on Monday, January 2E3t". Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss the downtown benefits of the Bozeman Fiber Master Plan. Thanks for your time and consideration. 1 . i ROAD CLOS.EQ •4 Chris Naumann Brit Fontenot From: Kenneth Silvestri [kjs76@nau.edu] Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 5:20 PM To: Brit Fontenot Cc: Agenda Subject: Federal Money for Broadband Access Dear Mr. Fontenot, I recently wrote an opinion piece in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle supporting some form of a municipal broadband network to increase speeds and access for residents and local businesses. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.coin/opinions/letters to editor/letter-to-the-editor-let-s-seek-a-better-broadband/article_630a9f78-73Q-I1e4- 95dc-f7663442fb2e.html While currently working three part-time jobs, one here in Bozeman, and two remotely online, it is critical for me to have the fastest speeds. Moreover, I think it is beneficial for residents, local businesses, and the local economy to have this, and it is something I am very passionate about seeing come to fruition. I recently read how the Obama administration, acting through the Commerce Department, is adding $50 million dollars as well as outlining some best practices for municipal broadband networks. Not sure if the City has applied for any Federal grants to help offset the costs of establishing a network or is aware of these resources, but here is some information to possibly apply for some of that money and assistance. http://www2.ntia.doc. 7ov� announces broadbandusa effort Thank you for your time and service to our community. Respectfully, Kenneth J. Silvestri i Brit Fontenot From: Scott Dehlendorf[scott@dehlendorfgrp.com] Sent: Monday, December 15, 2014 6:56 PM To: Agenda Cc: Barry Brown; Brit Fontenot Subject: Bozeman Fiber Initiative Dear Commissioners— I would like to this opportunity to let you know how important the Bozeman Fiber Master Plan is to the community at large and the ability to attract value-added businesses to Bozeman that require reliable high speed internet access. As you know many communities in the Rocky Mountain region are vying to attract businesses to their areas, and one component to that decision is internet access. By having high-speed fiber optic service this allows many of these companies to have a global presence here in Bozeman. Case in point is Sitka Gear, a division of the W.L Gore,which has offices in 30 countries and now here in Bozeman.One criteria for them to locate in our Cannery District project at Oak& Rouse was having fiber optic service available,which is more the standard for them.While this was not a deciding factor for them relocating to Bozeman, it was a value added part of our pitch to them. But,the challenge was getting it installed and the associated costs with it.They could justify it given their IT requirements and financial strength, but many other companies could not do the same today.And now we are embarking on an ambitious phased development plan where many of the users looking at our project are asking the same question, is fiber available.Those alternatives are not the reliable providers that many of these tech companies need and expect when looking at office locations in and around Bozeman.We would like to continue to offer this option to our user base, and ideally as an affordable option to the alternatives.We have already taken the initial steps to see if we can be one of the first developments in town to have a fiber network incorporated in the master site plan. In this day and age fiber is becoming more of a standard for communities like ours and we believe Bozeman is ready to embrace it along with the Cannery District. Thanks, Scott cannery district partners, Ilc scoff dehlendorf o. 406-522-7449 m. 406-581-9877 e. scott(acannervdistrict.com www.canner,vdistrict.com 1 Northern Rocky Mountain ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 311 West Main Room 311 Bozeman,MT 59715 PH:406-763-4412 FAX 866-847-8033 Dear Bozeman City Commission, The NRMEDD offers this letter of support for the Bozeman Fiber Initiative and efforts to bring fast,reliable, accessible and redundant broadband to the City of Bozeman. As a participant in the movement to acquire funding for the City's Fiber master plan, the District whole-heartedly supports the planning efforts toward the broadband initiative. The Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District has been part of the steering committee since the Committee's inception, and firmly believes that the broadband initiative is not only a good idea, but also a necessity in ensuring the stability and future economic growth of Bozeman. Over this past year, we have heard anecdotal evidence of the business community's support of the Butte fiber-optic ring. Businesses are locating to Butte for it's robust broadband speed, redundancy, reliability and accessibility. Butte's economic growth will likely prove substantial when the fiber-optic ring achieves full potential. The demand for fast, redundant, reliable and accessible broadband are increasing daily; as companies seek to increase their data transmissions and ability to compete in both national and global markets. The Bozeman School District, hospital, and government infrastructure need and are seeking new capacity. The City's initial up-front cost to the system will likely be rewarded many times over. We encourage you as a Commission, to continue to support the planning efforts of the broadband committee and the Bozeman Economic Development Director. I can be reached for discussion or questions at(406) 586-2042 or at mike e nrmedd.org. Warmest Regards, Rob Gilmore, Executive Director NRMEDD "Serving Gallatin and Park Counties of Southwest Montana" Brit Fontenot From: Erik Garberg [erikgarberg@ctagroup.com) Sent: Monday, December 15, 2014 11:50 AM To: Jeff Krauss; Carson Taylor; Chris Mehl; Cyndy Andrus; I-Ho Pomeroy Cc: Brit Fontenot; David Fine Subject: The Bozeman Fiber Initiative Project Overview and Policy Direction Commissioners, As a member of the Economic Development Council,the Broadband subcommittee, and the Planning Board I am writing to offer my individual support to the continued efforts for creating a Broadband Growth Policy Amendment(GPA). Few things are more important and more necessary to a community than its infrastructure. Today internet connectivity and the ability to move data are becoming as fundamental as heat and light. An issue of this level of significance needs to be properly integrated to our visioning documents, as our community moves forward. While policy issues may remain to be resolved in the process, it is fundamental to the economic success of our community that this issue continue to move forward. Respectfully, Erik Garberg, PE Civil Group Leader o 406.922.71211 m 406.551.3130 C rA ARCHME S ENGINEERS www.CTAGROUP.com AtPIONEERING F.NVIR0NMFNTS 1 NordiWestenf Energy Delivering a Bright Future December 12,2014 Mayor Jeff Krauss City of Bozeman 121 North Rouse Avenue P.O. Box 1230 Bozeman, Montana 59771 Dear Mayor Krauss: NorthWestern Energy supports the City of Bozeman's efforts to bring high-speed, redundant,reliable, and affordable broadband service to Bozeman and the region to further advance the City's economic development goals of job creation and economic diversity. High-performance broadband is essential infrastructure for developing Bozeman's economy. When the City sought partnerships to enter into the planning process for a community-wide,open-access fiber-optic network, NorthWestern Energy immediately recognized the potential of the project and committed$5,000 to assist in funding the plan. Bozeman's thriving high tech businesses rely on high-performance broadband service to stay competitive, not only in the State of Montana but also in the global marketplace.Additionally, educational institutions, local government entities, medical service providers,financial institutions and others increasingly rely on high performance broadband connectivity for service delivery,data back-up and redundancy. Thank you for your work on this important issue. NorthWestern Energy values its ongoing partnership with the City of Bozeman. If you have any questions, please contact meat(406)497-3621 or email meat rick.edwards@northwestern.com. Sincerely, Rick Edwards Director of Key Accounts& Economic Development CC: Rick Burt Pat Patterson Heather Bellamy Basin Office Cody Office Lovell Office Powell Office Billings Office PO Box 671-405 S 4th St. 1601 S.Park 451 Shoshone Ave. 401 S.Bent St.,94 5320 Holiday Ave. f.�J Basin,WY 82410 Cody,WY 82414 Lovell,WY 82431 Powell,WY 82435 Billings,MT 59101 307.568.33S7 307.586.3800 307.548.2275 307.754.9160 406.248A204 tctwest.net Fax:307.568.2506 Fax:307.586.5450 Fax:307.548.7771 Fax;307.764.3748 Fax:406.245.4885 December 10,2014 Mayor Jeff Krauss City of Bozeman P.O.Box 1230 Bozeman,Montana 59771 Dear Mayor Krauss, TCT is in support of the Bozeman Fiber Initiative,as we are involved and participating in the similar, municipally owned Powellink,an open,fiber optic,advanced communications network infrastructure developed in Powell,Wyoming.As the initial anchor service provider,TCT has been involved in this project from the start.Our agreement with the city of Powell extends beyond providing Internet,telephone,and television services over the network.We are also responsible for operation,maintenance,and ongoing mapping of the network. Originallywe worked with a joint powers board,the City of Powell,US Metronets and Mid-state Engineering to put together the master plan and design. We then provided the key role in acquiring the financing package with Global Leveraged Capital. We worked closely during the construction process to ensure a useable network.Network construction started in 2006 and the first customers were connected in 2008.The project is financially sound and returning revenue to the City of Powell. TCT is a company known for its excellent customer service,its dedication to delivering great products over its, robust network and for its community support. TCT started as a cooperative in 1953 and continues to expand into new markets and products. TCT's ability to deliver connectivity over its fiber network provides clear advantage in the markets served. Powellink has brought much satisfaction to businesses and residents of the City of Powell,allowing for premier communication services,while creating a sense of pride in the community. TCT looks forward to the opportunity to work with your community,if the Bozeman Fiber Initiative moves forward, Sincel9y, Chris Davidson CEO Cc: Deputy Mayor Taylor Commissioner Andrus Commissioner Mehl Commissioner Pomeroy Chris Kukulski,City Manager Brit Fontenot,Economic Development Director David Fine,Economic Development Specialist