Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband And Workforce topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
HUB reports fiber progress; county-supported project aims to connect thousands as educators visit nuclear sites for workforce outreach
Summary
HUB told the commission it has installed about 40 miles of fiber in Roane County and expects to reach roughly 7,400 homes as part of a roughly $26 million project. Separately, county-supported workforce outreach took educators to nuclear sites to highlight local job pathways.
Representatives from HUB and local development partners updated the Roane County Commission on two community-facing initiatives during the Aug. 25 meeting: a county-supported fiber expansion and a teacher workforce outreach trip to nuclear facilities.
Heath Lewis (HUB) reported the project has installed roughly 40 miles of fiber so far and is moving through downtown and several nearby corridors. ‘‘Total, I think our project's about $26,000,000 and, we'll project it to be completed in the next 18 months,’’ the HUB representative said. He added the network is expected to pass about 7,400 homes and that the provider plans multiple residential and commercial service packages.
In a related delegation presentation, Justin Snow, president and CEO of General Lights, and Jennifer Brown, director of education and workforce development, described a professional-development trip that took local educators to nuclear-industry sites to expose teachers and guidance counselors to internship and career pathways. Brown urged commissioners to review materials in the packet and QR codes linked to articles about the program.
Why it matters: The broadband expansion aims to improve internet availability for homes and businesses countywide, supporting economic and educational opportunities. The teacher outreach is intended to create pipelines for local students into high-demand technical jobs.
What’s next: HUB said customers could begin coming online within two to three months in initial areas and staff and partners will continue community outreach around educator programs and industry partnerships.
