Haywood County Chief Information Officer Joey Webb Jr. told the Board of Commissioners on Aug. 4 that environmental reviews for a planned public safety radio tower are complete, final engineering work is underway and the project is approaching construction.

Webb said geotechnical work returned without issues and surveys for endangered species — including the elktoe mussel and the small whorled pogonia flower — found no prohibiting occurrences on the upgraded logging-road access route. "Our environmental reviews have been finished," he said. "Designs have been approved by us and sent back for the final plan."

With environmental clearances in hand, contractors are finalizing the tower loading design — the engineering that accounts for all antennas and equipment — and shelter drawings for the equipment building. Webb said once those design documents are complete the county will be able to bid road construction and site work and proceed toward tower erection.

Commissioners asked about timing and coverage. Webb said an updated timeline is not yet available but that the project had initially targeted year-end completion; he said the final design pace will determine any acceleration. He described coverage improvements in maps kept in his office, saying the tower will serve the populated Lake Logan area, extend down Highway 110 through Bethel and reach portions near North Canton. "It's going to fill in quite a few spots that we've never had good coverage, particularly for fire and EMS," Webb said.

Webb told commissioners the contractor will subcontract locally for tasks such as road construction, site prep, concrete work and fencing. He said tower erection itself requires nationally certified crews and that only a few firms perform that work.

Commissioner Rogers and others noted frustration that environmental compliance can delay urgent infrastructure. Rogers said he understands the need to protect species but urged timely progress for public safety. Webb and commissioners discussed the seasonal construction window and the need to complete road work before winter to avoid delays.

Webb said the county has received interest from telecommunications carriers about co‑locating on the tower but that companies are waiting for final design before committing. Improved cellular coverage from the site could also aid hikers and search-and-rescue operations in nearby park areas, Webb said.

No formal action was taken; Webb said he will email commissioners an updated project timeline when the final design is delivered.