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This provides an opportunity for multiple private companies to participate in the grant application process. The NTIA encourages participation and cooperation between multiple entities so it stands to reason that the combined efforts by all will benefit everyone's application. City Staff will be available for any questions. POLICY �BJECTIVE Joint cooperative ventures are consistent with past practices as well as the goals and strategies outlined in the Imagine Roseville 2025 process. In addition, the preservation of successful partnerships provides continuing financial and operational benefits for the City. FINANCIAL IMPACTS If awarded, the BTOP grant will cover up to 70% of the cost of the project. AFS estimates the total cost to be approximately $8 million. AFS has indicated that the remaining 30% will be covered by AFS in exchange for public sponsorship and support of the AFS grant. AFS has requested a contribution to the annual maintenance of the 140 route miles in the amount of $49,000 per year. This cost will be divided amongst the members of Metro-INET on an equitable basis using a cost sharing methodology developed by the Metro-INET Users Group. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends supporting the efforts of AFS in obtaining federal funding to expand fiber based broadband opportunities within our community and to additionally offer a letter of support to other agencies � pursuing grants. Given the uncertainty over the continued use of the Comcast provided fiber optic network � it is necessary that Roseville and its partner agencies take advantage of any opportunity that can provide � low cost, high speed connectivity between our public institutions to preserve the cost sharing relationships � and operational efficiencies realized over the past 12 years. 1 REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION � Motion to adopt a resolution pledging public support for American Fiber System's application to the � National Telecommunications and Information Administration for the construction of a Community � Broadband network within the Twin Cities North East Metropolitan area to include the City of Roseville; � and to authorize the City Manager to execute Letters of Support to agencies seeking support of additional � grant opportunities Prepared by: Chris Miller, Finance Director Attachments: A: Resolution supporting a fiber infrastructure grant application by American Fiber Systems B: American Fiber Systems grant program description Page 3 of 5