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Commissioners approve fiber right‑of‑way access and move to create infrastructure development zone
Summary
The board granted county right‑of‑way access for two fiber projects (one tied to Main Street) and approved a motion to establish an infrastructure development zone ordinance intended to support broadband updates and potential tax abatements.
Commissioners approved requests to allow fiber installation in Blackford County rights‑of‑way and took a procedural step toward creating an infrastructure development zone intended to facilitate broadband network updates.
Highway staff and Main Street representative Mike Wilson described proposals to install fiber along multiple county roads (Warren Ave, Cummins Rd, 600 East, 700 East, 800 East) and explained the work ties to a county RFC and a planned update of roughly 23 miles of network and several backhaul tower locations. Wilson said the primary motivation behind the zone is to tie projects to tax‑abatement options and to clarify personal‑property treatment for the proposed equipment.
Commissioners approved motions to allow Main Street’s fiber crews to work in county right‑of‑way and separately approved a Frontier proposal near Dunkirk (500 South west toward 700 East). The board also voted to establish an ordinance creating an infrastructure development zone for Blackford County; commissioners asked county attorneys to review tax treatment and abatement mechanics.
Highway staff asked companies to ensure 911 locates and to coordinate with Montpelier and Wells County where projects cross other jurisdictions. Commissioners emphasized that any abatement or ordinance language would require legal review and subsequent public meetings before taking effect.
