![]() ![]() We believe that this will become a ‘new normal. “Having strong broadband presence is critical to accommodate this new need. “With the pandemic situation that is currently affecting our nation, the need to work from home or remotely is essential,” she said. Specifically, she cites COVID-19’s impact on everyday life especially for the workforce. The mayor also highly encourages other communities to apply for this designation. Byron is a Managing Director of Mountain Group Partners, an investment firm. We feel this designation is critical to our success in achieving the goals for our future.” Access low-cost, renewable energy, economic growth and development. Mayor Ordiales adds, “While Hiawassee is and will most likely remain a travel and tourism destination, the City strives to attract/retain middle-class job opportunities and employees. Therefore, the Broadband Ready Community Certification designates Hiawassee as one of nearly 10 cities and counties in Georgia that have prioritized broadband as an essential planning component. Broadband is critical to the success of each of these plans.” “Quality of life, economic development, and workforce development are the three most critical to pursue. This plan includes several areas of focus,” Mayor Ordiales said. “The City is molding its future based on a City Strategic Plan that was adopted in 2019. The process required collaboration and updates to the city’s ordinances, Comprehensive Plans, and more. From there, she and her team spent one year working toward application fulfillment. Mayor Ordiales participated in a DCA webinar in 2019 which explained the broadband initiative being developed. Windstream is the other key player, the internet service is marginal.” “We have two key players in the area: which provides Hi-Speed fiber optic but is limited to only central locations, i.e. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria. A household that applies must: Have at least one U.S. This payment is usually received in February of each year. Although multiple internet providers are available, she said the current state of Hiawassee’s accessibility is limited. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program(LIEAP) is a Federally-funded program that provides for a one-time cash payment to help eligible families pay their heating bills. Blue Ridge Mountain EMC has constructed and continues to build out a. Mayor Liz Ordiales said good internet service is difficult to obtain in the higher elevations. economic development in their rural areas, electric cooperatives are major. Hiawassee is located in the North Georgia mountains in Towns County and is home to the highest point in the state. This designation recognizes a city and/or county whose local government has completed the application and demonstrated compliance with the adoption of a local comprehensive plan inclusive of the deployment of broadband services and a Broadband Model Ordinance. Hiawassee is the latest Georgia community to receive Broadband Ready Community Certification from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). ![]()
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