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The Grundy Resiliency Project is now accepting proposals for a Broadband Analysis, Strategy, and Feasibility Study as part of the ongoing Grundy County Economic Diversification and Resiliency Plan. The study aims to create a broadband framework to enhance internet connectivity in Grundy County.
"Robust and reliable broadband are a key component to prospering economies and Grundy County is no exception," stated Nancy Norton, President & CEO of the GEDC. "An analysis, strategy and feasibility study of our current broadband abilities and future needs will provide us the framework needed to prepare us for our future."
This initiative is part of a broader resiliency project led by the Grundy Economic Development Council and the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry. A $600,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration supports these efforts. This funding assists nuclear host communities in planning for more diverse economies. Grundy's grant includes a 20% match from Grundy County, with administrative assistance from the North Central Illinois Council of Governments.
The grant targets regions with nuclear plants, providing funds to assess economic impacts, competitive diversification, decommissioning issues, and community capacity building.
In April, TIP Strategies was engaged to work on the Economic Diversification and Resiliency Plan aimed at identifying initiatives for economic diversification in Grundy County. The plan is currently under draft review with public engagement planned soon.
"There are a lot of phases and steps to the Grundy Resiliency Project and each one is imperative to our county’s future. The broadband portion is an important part of this project that we are eager to take on," said Christina Van Yperen, President & CEO of the Grundy County Chamber.
The full Request for Proposal (RFP) can be accessed at resilientgrundy.com. It details the scope of work, expected deliverables, timeline, and other specifications. Proposals must be submitted by November 22 by 4 p.m. via email to Nancy Norton and Christina Van Yperen.
The project spans over 24 months with future plans including broadband analysis and research into nuclear plant decommissioning processes.
