Michael Baker International Selected by Beaver County to Improve Broadband Connectivity

The company will manage and support the Connect Beaver County Broadband program

PITTSBURGH, February 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Michael Baker Internationala global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, has been selected by the Beaver County Office of Planning and Redevelopment to support the Connect Beaver County broadband program as part of a $2.735 million program management contract. The program will span three years and connect more than 2,300 unserved residents and businesses with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Michael Baker International

The contract includes overseeing the planning and deployment of broadband implementation projects, public engagement, a “digital navigator” program, data collection, digital GIS mapping, and site management services. telecommunications.

“Digital access and inclusion are essential needs in today’s society and we are proud to partner with Castor County lead efforts to bridge the digital divide for disadvantaged communities,” said Jeremy Jurick, GISP, Program Manager at Michael Baker International. “Our experience in federal, state and local broadband programs, combined with our engineering and telecommunications expertise, uniquely positions us to deliver innovative broadband solutions that connect people and communities to the world.”

This new contract builds on the foundation laid by Michael Baker’s broadband data collection initiative, completed in 2021, which used advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and public engagement to ensure accurate identification of unserved broadband locations. Using a custom connectivity planning toolkit, including broadband atlas, terrain validator, and public survey with associated speed tests, Michael Baker’s team provided Castor County with the key data needed to advance the connectivity of their communities.

“Working with innovative leaders at the Beaver County Office of Planning and Redevelopment has made this program possible,” Jurick said. “Work began more than two years ago, in coordination with local county government officials and state officials, to begin the initial data collection effort that positioned the county to advance the broadband program to benefit communities across Beaver County, Pennsylvania.”

Michael Baker has extensive experience delivering broadband projects in rural areas across the country by identifying unserved locations, developing the framework for affordability programs, engaging stakeholders to identify users, uses and utilization, implementing connected smart city technology and coordinating the implementation of broadband on surface transportation improvement projects. .

The company’s nationwide broadband planning and implementation work is being completed as part of the company’s new Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) vertical, which combines technology offerings from enterprise, including geospatial information technology (GIS) and GIS; DATAMARK, Michael Baker’s public safety GIS team; Light detection and ranging (LiDAR); Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and pavement technologies. The CTS team is comprised of nearly 200 technology experts who focus on technology differentiation and innovation to support Michael Baker’s growth initiatives, identifying and incubating technologies and maximizing opportunities with consulting and technology-based.

About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services with Practices that encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design, civil engineering, planning, architecture, environment, construction and program management. For more than 80 years, the company has been a trusted partner for commercial customers, all branches of the military, and federal, state, and municipal governments, providing comprehensive services and solutions. Embrace emerging technologies and the latest innovations – like smart transportation and design-build project delivery, Michael Baker is an industry leader who delivers expertise and quality. The company’s more than 3,000 employees in nearly 100 locations are committed to making a difference for customers and communities through a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement while reinventing Michael Baker so that it will grow into a full-service engineering and consulting company within the next five years. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

Contact: Julia Covelli
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