Franklin County broadband officials report majority of VADI build complete; authority approves request to seek DHCD extension

Franklin County officials on Tuesday said the broadband buildout funded under the county's VADI grants has reached most households and that the county will seek an extension from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to finish construction and close out the project.

Brian, a project representative for the VADI contract, told the Franklin County Broadband Authority that the contract aims to make service available to 3,508 previously unserved county addresses. "Goal of where we're trying to get is 3,508 unserved county residents," Brian said. He reported 2,413 locations currently have service available — about 69% of the total contractual commitment — and said more than $34.3 million had been expended through August.

Why it matters: Authority members were told much of the remaining work requires high-effort actions (make-ready operations, easement resolution and a difficult parkway crossing) and administrative closeout. Those items, officials said, will require more time than the contract's current October deadline allows, prompting the board to authorize staff this month to request an extension from DHCD through the end of the year, in consultation with the state agency.

Progress, remaining work and risks

Brian and authority staff provided a line-by-line progress report on both the FY-21 and FY-22 VADI projects. Key details they gave to the authority include: - Contract goal: 3,508 VADI locations (project commitment). - In service: 2,413 locations (reported by Brian; described in the meeting as…