The city of Benton Harbor is looking for ways to expand broadband access, and at a Monday meeting, city commissioners took the first step toward working with partners to seek funding. They considered a non-disclosure agreement with Region Authority and Nokia, required if the three were to negotiate an agreement for broadband. City attorney Rick Racht said the agreement was standard to get the ball rolling.
“Everyone the city is going to look at contracting with is going to require they sign these NDAs so that they can share information with the city so the city can make decisions,” Racht said. “This is just a precursor to begin the negotiation process.”
Assistant City Manager Alex Little said Region Authority and Nokia would help Benton Harbor seek broadband grants. That’s as the state ramps up its efforts to help communities roll out high-speed internet. The agreement approved on Monday is no cost to the city and does not lock the city into any contract.
