FLORENCE, Wis. — Florence County supervisors agreed Tuesday to support an effort by the Sokaogon Chippewa Community and Forest County Economic Development to bring broadband internet to 4,800 underserved homes in Florence and Forest counties.

Jason Neilitz, chief information officers of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community, told the county board they are working on obtaining $60 million to $70 million from the state of Wisconsin for the broadband improvements.

The money is a part of the $1.05 billion that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has allocated to the state as part of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission is in charge of distributing the funds.

Neilitz said while the funding would require a 25% match the tribe has requested that the NTIA waive the match requirement which traditionally the NTIA has done.

After receiving assurances that Florence County was making no financial commitment, board members approved sending a letter of support to Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers.

“This has never been accomplished before, a tribal nation partnering and working with counties to go after federal funds,” Neilitz said. “This is really about having a voice and access to the people that are going to make the decisions because what has historically happened is that funding when it comes to Forest and Florence County they say we ran out of funds, better luck next year.”

Neilitz proposed forming a five-person board that would oversee the rollout of the project, which could take up to 3 1/2 years.

Chris Shafer of Forest County Economic Development said Forest County has been working with Neilitz and the Sokaogon Chippewa Community for nearly two years, even before the announcement of BEAD grants, to bring broadband to the area.

“Frankly, Forest County cannot fight this battle by ourselves and be successful.” Shafer said. “Starting with a reputable tribal nation has truly helped us out and we are here asking for your support as well to stand behind this and allow us to be able to provide these services to Forest and Florence County as well.”

Board Chairman Chad Hedmark asked if, by joining the coalition, the county would have any financial obligation should the matching funds requirement not be waived. Shafer stated there was no obligation.

“Money is a big problem in Forest County — we just got done covering a $1million shortfall,” Shafer said. “We do not have the funds to be putting towards broadband grants. We need this coalition to work so that we can drive these dollars back into our county.”

The board went on to approve a letter to be sent to Evers, citing rural residents’ need to access the internet for educational, telehealth and economic opportunities.

In other business, the board:

— Took no action on a request from the Florence County Library regarding installation of a panic button. Supervisor of the Building and Grounds Tim Bomberg told the board that unless a video line can be used to connect to the network, a panel would have to be installed at a cost of more than $60,000. The board agreed it would not be feasible to do at that price and decided to wait to see if the video line can be used.

— Adopted an updated comprehensive outdoor recreation plan for the years 2025-2030. The plan is generally used to help obtain state and federal grant funding.