Chickahominy Indian Tribe

The project proposes the following activities designed to improve access to, and use of, broadband services among Tribal members:

• Gathering baseline data and initial stakeholder input to evaluate broadband coverage needs.
• Utilizing sources including internet service providers to create broadband mapping.
• Working with stakeholders and internet service providers to identify areas requiring right-of-way permissions.
• Developing a plan, method, and timeline with internet service providers to implement extension of last-mile broadband access and 1 year of discounted service to approximately 123 eligible Tribal citizen residences in the Tribal service areas of New Kent, Charles City, Henrico, and James City counties.
• Creating workflow with internet service provider Comcast for extension of last mile/fiber to the premises for the Tribal Center (an anchor institution).
• Creating workflow to implement extension of Wi-Fi to Tribal powwow grounds adjacent to the Tribal Center.
• Developing a plan, method, and timeline with internet service providers to evaluate and provide broadband service to five Tribal government properties (anchor institutions).

Project outcomes will include a sustainable broadband infrastructure plan to address deployment needs and offer a solution for unserved Tribal citizens and Tribal properties. The impacts of this project will include an implementation plan for accessing broadband that will promote better health and wellness due to increased access to telehealth, better educational outcomes for citizens with better and more reliable access to remote education, increased economic security for the Tribe and citizens who receive access to broadband, better community connection for citizens who are able to access more reliable forms of digital communication, and better citizen services due to increased governmental efficiency and coordination.

This project will be centered in Charles City, New Kent, Henrico, and James City Counties on properties owned by Tribal Citizens and the Tribal Government. It is expected that approximately 123 Tribal citizen residences and 6 Tribal properties will benefit from this planning project.