Whiteside County Economic Development Director Gary Camarano says the committee first decided that it needed to conduct a survey and find the areas of highest need.
"Well we really want to see where the pockets of interest are and try to get to those areas first. We also want to find out about how bad or how good the services currently available are."
Once the survey is finished and the needs of the community are identified, then the grant application process will begin.
Camarano estimates that 900-1,000 miles of fiber will be needed for this project.
"This is going to level the playing field. It's going to bring quality internet connectivity, this connectivity is similar to people putting in interstates 70 years ago. That really connected the country. It used to be about physical connectivity, now we're looking at e-connectivity."
Once the community engagement and planning process are finished, the committee will interview potential service providers, apply for funding, and present plans to the community.
The online survey can be found at connectwhiteside.org/survey and paper copies of the survey can be found at local libraries in Prophetstown, Morrison, Rock Falls, and Sterling.