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EDA hears broadband progress: fiber loops, localized damage repairs and regional digital opportunity planning
Summary
Staff reported that active passings increased from 1,347 to 1,415, the contractor has placed over 200 miles of fiber in the county and work on multiple loops and storm-damage repairs is continuing; the region is developing a DHCD-funded digital opportunity plan with a final delivery in October.
Montgomery County EDA staff gave an update on the county broadband deployment, reporting incremental network build progress and a regional planning effort.
Staff said there were 1,415 active passings in the county, up from 1,347 at the previous meeting. The broadband contractor has placed over 200 miles of fiber in Montgomery County, and staff reported the contractor has completed 10.85 miles of the Reiner Loop (part of a planned 24.9-mile loop). Work continues on framing and utility locates for the Price’s Fork Loop and the North Bloxard Tri Cities Loop. Staff noted storm-damage repairs to previously built fiber remain ongoing.
Staff described a regional digital opportunity plan being developed with Giles, Floyd, Pulaski and Bland counties through the regional commission. The plan is funded by a Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) grant of up to $25,000 per locality for planning; a steering committee met in February and staff said final plan delivery is scheduled for October. The project objectives are to inventory local digital assets, identify needs, and develop goals and implementation strategies in anticipation of future implementation funding.
Staff said underground construction and utility locates will ramp up as weather warms and that the EDA and regional partners will hold local summits and a regional summit to solicit community input during plan development.
No formal action was taken; staff said they will continue coordinating with the regional commission and broadband contractor and will share dates for local summits when scheduled.
