STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure, and Sustainability
AGENDA DATE: October 13, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
DEPARTMENT: Department of Public Works
EXECUTIVE: Majed Al-Ghafry
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
title
Authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve License Agreements or other appropriate authorization to use public right of way to collaboratively install wireless internet solutions on 10 blocks within residential areas identified with low access to internet services with various providers in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, including infrastructure provided and funded by the provider, combined with City-funded infrastructure - Not to exceed $2,000,000.00 - Financing: U.S. Department of Treasury - Coronavirus Relief Funds
body
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 Pandemic has exasperated the digital divide in underserved communities. The City of Dallas has identified 10 priority projects in areas lacking the critical infrastructure needed to provide reliable broadband internet service to all. Through these 10 projects, the selected provider(s) will install, either through directional boring or open cut methods, and connect conduit and telecommunications fiber from identified City of Dallas facilities to the selected 10 blocks. The telecommunications fiber will be used to carry the City’s network signal to a wireless solution to provide Wi-Fi services to the residents on the selected blocks.
While the City of Dallas will provide partial funding towards this effort, it is expected that the selected provider(s) will also participate in funding the installation of facilities that will also serve the provider's(s') customers and, in return, pay the City of Dallas for use of the public right-of-way and poles.
The Request for Developer Interest (BLZ20-00014242) from firms to design, construct, and integrate into existing City Infrastructure a Fiber-Optic and/or Wireless Broadband Network by utilizing the city’s existing facilities (i.e. storm sewer, traffic lights, parks, buildings, public right-of-way, and other city owned facilities) was started on June 30, 2020 with the first advertisement.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funding must be utilized by December 30, 2020; therefore, this action constitutes Phase 1 of this project due to the time constraints. The City of Dallas has a great need to provide or enable these services citywide, but Phase 1 will only focus on the identified priority zones. Phase II and subsequent Phases will expand the project limits citywide and is planned to start in 2021.
This action will authorize the City Manager or his designee to approve License Agreements or other appropriate authorization to use public right of way to collaboratively install wireless internet solutions on 10 blocks within residential areas identified with low access to internet services with various providers in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, including infrastructure provided and funded by the provider, combined with City-funded infrastructure.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Begin Contract October 2020
Complete Phase I December 2020
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On April 22, 2020, City Council authorized the acceptance of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to aid the COVID-19 response throughout the City by Resolution No. 20-0644.
City Council was briefed on the proposed uses of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Acts (CARES Act), Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) funds to facilitate assistance to eligible communities and households economically impacted by COVID-19 On June 17, 2020.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2021 |
FY 2022 |
Future Years |
|
U.S. Department of Treasury - Coronavirus Relief Funds |
$2,000,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
Council District *Amount
1 $ 200,000.00
3 $ 200,000.00
4 $ 400,000.00
5 $ 400,000.00
6 $ 400,000.00
8 $ 400,000.00
Total $2,000,000.00
*Note: The amounts listed above are mere cost estimates until the final proposals are submitted on October 9, 2020.
MAPS
Attached