Allegan County Democratic Party Thursday at its business meeting adopted a resolution to urge Allegan County’s Board of Commissioners to spend the $22.9 million in American Rescue Plan money on county-wide Internet broadband access.

Under the American Rescue Plan, Allegan County is expected to receive 22.9 million in relief funds from the federal government.

“One of the things this pandemic has taught us is the importance of reliable and affordable Internet,” said Austin Marsman, first vice chair of the ACDP and a Martin Board of Education trustee.

“I’ve heard from neighbors about how difficult it is for their children to do homework on line and for adults to work from home,” Marsman said. “Even our farmers now are relying on Internet service now that farm equipment is becoming integrated with technology. This money provides the county with a chance to finally get folks connected.”

Allegan County Democratic Party Chair Jill Dunham, a Plainwell Board of Education Trustee, commented, “We need a mix of capitalism and public works in Allegan County. Too many areas of the county do not have access to broadband. Just like the Communications Act of 1934 and the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, it is long past time for the public sector to insure broadband infrastructure for all the residents of Allegan County. We will all prosper from this investment.”

The resolution calls on the Board of Commissioners to further develop the Broadband Action Workgroup and take action to deal with lack of Internet access. It also calls for a broadband program that is county-wide, as well as accessible and affordable for all residents