GEDC Provides $50,000 IT Infrastructure Grant to Support Remote Workforce

7 Apr 2020


April 1, 2020 - The GEDC PROVIDES $50,000 IT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT TO EXTEND FIBER OPTIC TO UNDERSERVED AREAS

The Giddings Economic Development Corporation and the Giddings City Council have approved an expenditure of $50,000 to local internet provider Zochnet.  The funds will be used for the expansion of broadband internet within the city limits,specifically to expedite the installation of "last mile" fiber optic in commercial and residential areas of the community that are currently under-served. The funds will be dedicated to the purchase of new equipment and new hires.    The economic purpose of this project is to ensure a fast, reliable and secure IT infrastructure that can support the need for remote workers and home-based businesses that is arising due to the Coronavirus pandemic.  Government directives enforcing business closures and social distance guidelines have led to a shift in business operations that is increasingly reliant on internet access in residential areas.  For additional information about this project, contact Zochnet at https://www.zochnet.com/ or the GEDC at edcdirector@giddings.net

RESOLUTION NO. 452-2020

RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GIDDINGS, TEXAS

APPROVING THE GIDDINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

EXPENDITURE TO ZOCHNET EXPANSION OF BROADBAND INTERNET SERVICES

WHEREAS, the City of Giddings, Texas (the “City”) has caused to be created the Giddings Economic Development Corporation (the “Corporation”) pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 505 of the Texas Local Government Code (the “Act”); and

WHEREAS, Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code provides that Texas municipalities may create programs to promote local economic development;

WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to expand Corporation funds to Zochnet Inc., $25,000 for the purchase of equipment and supplies dedicated to the expansion of services to support the installation of internet communications to meet the needs of the rapidly growing remote workforce, home-based businesses, and commercial enterprise

WHEREAS, and $25,000 for job training and hiring of employees dedicated to the expansion of expansion of services to support the installation of internet communications to meet the needs of the rapidly growing remote workforce, home-based businesses, and commercial enterprise.

WHEREAS, Giddings has approved incentives to encourage development projects and to further enhance the benefits of the improvements to the business and the community as a whole;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Giddings, Texas:     

That the City of Giddings hereby approves the expenditure of $50,000 to Zochnet., The award will be distributed as follows: $25,000 upon proof of purchase of equipment and supplies; and $25,000 upon proof of training and employment of two new hires.

As set forth in the Giddings Economic Development Program Agreement.