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Essex County supervisors press for proof of progress on RAISE grant as broadband work needs extension
Summary
County staff said winter weather delayed broadband work and that an extension to March 2027 will be requested; supervisors pressed the town for a draft RFP and documentation on a multimodal (RAISE) planning grant tied to roughly $1.5 million for local projects.
County broadband staff told the Essex County Board of Supervisors on March 10 that winter ice prevented crews from crossing farm fields and that the county will seek a performance-extension from the Department of Housing and Community Development until March 2027 so crews can finish work without damaging crops.
"We're gonna be needing an extension from DHCD... until March '27," Carlos said as he described which connections could proceed now (those along roads) and which would require access across private farm fields and landowner permission.
Why it matters: the delay affects the county's timeline for connecting some households on private roads and may change participation rates under the grant. Supervisors pressed for accountability because separate federal multimodal (often referred to as a RAISE) planning funds the county co-applied for in 2022 remain largely unspent, and board members said they need evidence that the town and project partners are moving the planning work forward.
Woody, the county's economic development representative, said the town's assistant manager has indicated the federal funds remain available and that an RFP was being prepared to put the work out to bid. Supervisor Hill responded that four years of delay were unacceptable and asked repeatedly for documentation.
"This is 4 years later, gentlemen, board members. I think I would feel better if they've been working on this RFP even if they haven't completed it," Supervisor Hill said, adding that the board should see the draft RFP "even if it's not finished." He said the RAISE-linked planning work is tied to roughly $1,500,000 and to projects the county expected to study, such as planning work for Rotary Courthouse Park and kayak-trail planning.
County staff and board members agreed to ask April, the clerk, to request a copy of any draft RFP and any documentation on the performance-extension from the town manager's office so the board can verify progress before the next meeting.
The board did not take a formal vote on the RAISE RFP at the March 10 meeting; directors said they will follow up and review any draft documents when provided.
Ending: Supervisors directed staff to obtain the draft RFP and extension documentation and to add the matter to upcoming work sessions if necessary.
