6 7 8 W e s t 18 t h S t r e e t, M e r c e d, C A 9 5 3 4 0
C I T Y O F M E R C E D
September 20, 2022
County of Merced
Raul Lomeli Mendez, County Executive Officer
2222 M Street
Merced, CA 95340
RE: SUPPORT FOR MERCED COUNTY BROADBAND PLANNING EFFORTS
Dear Mr. Mendez:
The City of Merced writes in support of Merced County’s broadband plan efforts, for which the County of Merced is currently seeking funding.
Leaders in our city know high-speed internet is critical for effectively serving our residents, attracting, and retaining businesses, and promoting government innovation. We must close the digital divide for all Californians to access public services and economic opportunities.
The County of Merced, in partnership with the City of Merced, is developing an initial plan for countywide network infrastructure. The infrastructure will enable local governments to operate more efficiently and intelligently. The plan will strengthen the County’s partnership with all its incorporated cities and help us get better return on our taxpayers’ investments. By decreasing the costs to expand high-speed internet service across Merced County, the project will expand access, decrease consumer costs, improve public safety communications, boost the regional economy, and attract investment from private-sector internet service providers and large employers.
The County of Merced needs funding to develop a detailed plan that will show exactly what infrastructure is needed and exactly where it should be built. The County needs to identify specific partners, their role in building the infrastructure and connecting the unconnected, and benefits of those partnerships for citizens and visitors.
For these reasons, the City of Merced supports funding for Merced County’s broadband planning efforts.
Sincerely,
Matthew Serratto
Mayor
City of Merced