Along with water, sewer, electric power, and natural gas, broadband internet access is now considered part of critical infrastructure. As Door County struggles with broadband service issues and increasing demand, the Door County Economic Development Corporation has been working with local municipalities, private companies, and local foundations to fund a comprehensive assessment of the county’s current broadband infrastructure. In the search for possible short and long-term solutions, they issued a “request for proposals” in late January to qualified broadband consultants. After thorough review, the DCEDC Board of Directors awarded the assessment contract to the Finley Engineering Company of Altoona, Wisconsin. Finley offers services across the country in the fields of broadband/telecommunications, electric power, and related industries. The goal of this assessment is to develop a comprehensive strategy that will provide reliable broadband services up to 1 gigabit to every residence and business in Door County. Primary sponsors of this assessment include the County of Door, Town of Liberty Grove, and Door County Medical Center. Other Door communities are also considering sponsorship with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
