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Commissioners say middle-mile broadband project faces hurdles; county remains committed as NTIA award negotiations continue
Summary
A commissioner updated the board that the county's middle-mile broadband project is encountering obstacles in NTIA grant administration; another county is discussed as a potential primary award recipient, while Salem County is positioning to keep participating and to extend benefits to businesses, students and institutions.
A commissioner reported to the Salem County Board of Commissioners that the county's middle-mile broadband project faces negotiation obstacles but that recent developments indicate progress toward completion.
The commissioner said the primary constraint has been the lack of a functioning middle mile to which planned last-mile work could connect. The transcript records that another county (referred to in the record as "Seattle County") appears likely to take the role of primary NTIA grant recipient for the middle-mile award; Salem County is described as committed to completing the project and to participating in the regional deployment even if administration shifts.
The commissioner cited funding figures discussed during negotiations: roughly $10 million related to a Vineland award and a larger allocation cited in the transcript on the order of tens of millions that would support broader infrastructure; the speaker characterized the county's near-term goal as delivering improved service to businesses, students and community institutions.
The commissioner said the county expects to gain momentum and to proceed with implementation. The board did not take a formal vote on a new broadband contract at the meeting; the remarks were provided as an update to commissioners and members of the public.
Speakers emphasized interjurisdictional coordination and that participation in the NTIA process is evolving; Commissioner Taylor was referenced in the discussion as a familiar participant in ongoing negotiations.
Because the transcript records funding figures as estimates, this article presents them as approximate and attributes them to the commissioner's remarks.
