(a) Project organizers who aspire to bring broadband to an unserved area with the help of an ARC grant shall:

1. (1) Develop an implementation plan with a budget; and
2. (2) Define roles for all stakeholders.

(b)

1. (1) The necessary stakeholders in every project are:

   1. (A) A local government, county or municipal, as represented by a public official, who may be a:

(i) Mayor or county judge in the case of an incorporated municipality; or

1. (ii) County judge in the case of an unincorporated community or county; and

   1. (B) The ISP or ISPs that will deliver retail service to consumers.

2. (2) Other stakeholders might include businesses or nonprofits that commit to provide funding or purchase service.

   1. (c)
3. (1) The public official shall first serve as a spokesperson for the preferences and the economic development ambitions of the community that will receive broadband service, then later, if a grant is awarded, assist the Arkansas Department of Commerce Broadband Office in monitoring the ISP’s performance.

4. (2) The ISP or ISPs, and not the public official, will be responsible for building the facilities and providing broadband service to customers.

   1. (d) Other allocations of responsibilities between local governments and ISPs may be considered by the broadband office on a case-by-case basis.