New Kent County Board approves amendment for Cox Communications fiber project

The New Kent County Board of Supervisors held a work session on January 27, 2025, focusing on updates regarding broadband service expansion and related infrastructure projects. The meeting began with a report on the progress of fiber installation across the county, with 21 service groups now complete and approximately 6,500 serviceable passings established. Officials expressed optimism about completing the entire project, including areas that were previously underserved, by the end of the calendar year.

A significant highlight was the completion of the Barronsville area, which was identified as a priority cluster within the project. Despite its completion last year, the area could not be officially closed out due to guidelines associated with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). An amendment to the contract was proposed to facilitate this closure and ensure payment.

The discussion also addressed a recent four-hour unscheduled outage affecting several neighborhoods, including Five Lakes and Patriots Landing. Board members expressed concern over the impact of such outages on residents, particularly those working from home. The service provider, Cox Communications, acknowledged the outage and committed to investigating its cause, whether it was planned or unplanned.

Additionally, a board member raised concerns about recent increases in cable bills, prompting Cox representatives to offer assistance in reviewing service plans to ensure affordability. The meeting also touched on ongoing litigation regarding railroad legislation affecting infrastructure projects, with no definitive timeline for resolution provided.

In conclusion, the board unanimously approved a motion to authorize the county administrator to execute an amendment to the agreement with Cox Communications, reflecting the collaborative efforts to enhance broadband access in New Kent County. The meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving connectivity and addressing resident concerns regarding service reliability and costs.