Lee County staff: Surf Broadband awarded a roughly $13.5 million BEAD project
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
County administrator Jeremy told the board that Lee County received six BEAD provider awards; the largest project, from Surf Broadband, is estimated at about $13.5 million and staff will meet with the vendor and CERF to review buried‑infrastructure and franchise issues.
County Administrator Jeremy updated the Lee County Board on progress for the county’s broadband initiative, reporting that six internet-service providers were awarded projects through the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program and that the largest award—Surf Broadband’s project—has a local investment of about $13.5 million.
"One of them, the largest funding project is Surf Broadband with, their project investment here is gonna be around 13 and a half million dollars," Jeremy said, adding that he, Dave Anderson and the chair will meet next week with CERF and the provider to review project specifics, identify potential positive and negative impacts and address infrastructure needs such as buried lines.
Jeremy said staff are reviewing franchise-fee options and other local concerns but emphasized the award as a major step toward countywide connectivity. "So, again, it's a great thing to have a connected county, and we're looking forward to seeing how that progresses," he said.
Board members asked about whether the county would charge a franchise fee; staff said that question will be addressed in further negotiations.
The board did not take formal action on the award at the meeting; staff said more detailed project plans, implementation timelines and franchise/fee proposals will be discussed with the board at future meetings.