Council approves broadband change order to revise alignment and explore new routes

The Canal County Council on the evening reviewed and approved change order No. 1 for the countywide broadband project, a revision that removes about two miles of the originally planned alignment near the intersection of Route 817 and directs staff to evaluate alternative routings to improve future revenue and service.

Roger Kennedy of Chapman Technical Group told the council the change order "is a revision to the layout of the alignment," explaining the original route extended to the top of Cole Mountain but did not tie into other networks. He said the project team eliminated that segment and is considering options to redirect the recovered contract length toward routes that could be more beneficial for long-term revenue and grant matching.

Kennedy outlined two primary options under consideration: routing to underserved in-county areas to position the project for federal grant matching, and crossing the canal river to prepare for a scheduled bridge replacement so infrastructure can be staged to connect to the opposite bank. He added the trunk line from Spring Hill to Route 817 is complete, with only punch-list items remaining.

Mayor J and other council members pressed for continued diligence on revenue projections and lease opportunities for fiber. The council voted to adopt the change order by motion; Roger Kennedy thanked the council after the vote.

The approval modifies the construction alignment but does not finalize a replacement route; staff and consultants will return with recommended alternative alignments and any budget or grant-application implications.