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EDA hears broadband update: franchise approvals and fiber inventory reported
Summary
Board members heard that local franchise agreements were approved enabling construction in Christiansburg and Blacksburg, DHCD extended a VAVI contract termination date, and staff reported about 473 miles of fiber in Montgomery County.
The Montgomery County Economic Development Authority received a broadband update covering franchise approvals, a contract extension and local fiber inventory.
Committee member reported that a franchise agreement for "Gigabeehmm" was approved at a Christiansburg public hearing and that the signed franchise was returned March 6, enabling construction to begin in that town. Blacksburg approved a franchise agreement on March 10, the committee member said.
The committee member said the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) amended the VAVI contract to extend its termination date from March 13, 2026, to June 30, 2026. The speaker also reported that Montgomery County currently contains about 473 miles of fiber; the speaker said 141 of those miles are associated with AEP. The speaker confirmed the lines discussed are fiber optic and not coaxial cable.
Staff clarified an unrelated field visit, saying that a person working in "Mike's yard" was not affiliated with the EDA or the contractor discussed. The Authority closed the update and staff reminded members about the next meeting and an Onward New River Valley data-center event.
The Authority did not take formal votes on broadband items during this meeting.
