A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC’s affiliate entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.
Golden State Connect Authority Secures $110.9 Million in Bond Financing for Rural Broadband Expansion
As of December 16th, Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) has secured $110.9 million in bond financing to advance its Golden State Fiber open-access broadband network in rural California. This funding will complement $185.4 million in Federal Funding Account (FFA) grants awarded by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to support GSCA’s broadband deployment projects in seven rural jurisdictions.
The bond financing, combined with the CPUC grants, will enable GSCA to implement broadband projects in Alpine, Amador, Glenn, Imperial, Mono, and Tehama counties, as well as the Town of Mammoth Lakes. These initiatives aim to provide Golden State Fiber’s high-speed fiber network to unserved and underserved communities. The network will utilize an open-access municipal model that GSCA will finance, construct, own, operate and maintain and on which multiple internet service providers will compete for rural customers. Once deployed, the Golden State Fiber network is anticipated to reach over 31,000 locations, many of which are currently unserved, within the seven jurisdictions.
The CPUC’s FFA grants will cover approximately 70% of the combined construction costs for these projects. To finance the remaining costs, GSCA issued revenue bonds, which will be repaid with system revenues once the Golden State Fiber network becomes operational.
With funding now secured, GSCA plans to break ground on construction in early spring 2026 and begin connecting residents to high-speed broadband later that year.
“Securing this funding is a transformative milestone for rural connectivity in California. By blending public investment with private support, we are accelerating the delivery of broadband networks that will give families, schools, healthcare providers, and local businesses the tools they need to thrive. This is a major leap toward a more connected, competitive, and opportunity-rich future for rural residents and businesses,” said Chris Lopez, GSCA Board Chair and a Monterey County Supervisor.
“We’re incredibly proud to reach this point in the development of the Golden State Fiber network. This momentum is possible only because of the support from the CPUC and the confidence shown by our private investment partners. Together, we’re paving the way for cutting-edge broadband access that will transform opportunities for rural Californians,” said David Griffith, GSCA Board Vice Chair and an Alpine County Supervisor.
See the full press release here.
Rural Fire & EMS: New Insights for California’s Counties
At the December RCRC Board of Directors meeting, supervisors were joined by Dr. Alan Murray from University of California, Santa Barbara, Wildfire Resilience Initiatives, who presented his team’s report: “Fire and Emergency Medical Services Response Capacity in Rural Communities of California.”
This research, commissioned by RCRC affiliate the Rural Advancement Institute (RAI), sheds light on the significant staffing and resource gaps currently impacting fire and EMS services across our 40 member counties. By commissioning this report, RAI demonstrates its commitment to understanding and addressing the unique challenges facing rural communities.
The insights provided by Dr. Murray and his team will play a vital role in helping our Board and member counties advocate more effectively for rural fire emergency medical services responders. This research marks a positive step forward in addressing the needs of our communities.
Find the full report here.
Learn more about RAI’s mission and explore our library of research and past educational tours here.