I just read today that Tremonton and Perry could see upwards of $1M to fund UTOPIA expansion. It would be as part of an earmark from Sen. Orrin Hatch to expand distance learning and telemedicine programs. In such small towns, those grants would probably finish Tremonton (about 95% done) and complete a big chunk in Perry.
h/t: Nacilbupera. He/she/they may not like UTOPIA, but they deserve some credit for finding the information.
What would Perry and Tremonton contribute? There should be no free lunch for these communities. There should be at least a 50% match, if not more. Brigham City’s network was constructed on the backs of Brigham City residents and subscribers bonding through a Special Assessment Area. As one Brigham City subscriber, and UTOPIA supporter, I’d be livid if Perry and Tremonton get a free ride. What happened to Sen. Hatch’s “earmarks are evil” conversion?
All good questions, Paul. I would imagine that UTOPIA won’t abide by “free ride” cities and would set some conditions on providing service. It could be in the form of an up-front payment, it could be in the form of higher transport fees to recoup the investment on existing infrastructure.
Hatch has been trying to have it both ways, saying what the likely convention delegates want to hear and doing what Senators always do. I can’t say that it’s all that surprising.
Well… that didn’t last long. http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/50865917-76/earmarks-budget-congress-billion.html.csp
UTA up to no good again, An article by everyone’s favorite lobbyist and state senator.