Swift Fiber previews Gumbo grant build in Iberia Parish, urges local coordination

Woodson Catlin, representing Swift Fiber, told the Iberia Parish Council on May 13 that his company is beginning permitting and early construction under a state Gumbo grant to bring fiber optics to underserved rural areas.

"I'm Woodson Catlin. I'm with Swift Fiber," Catlin said, describing the grant as a loan program to make otherwise unprofitable buildouts viable. He said the project will cover broad swaths of the parish and acknowledged that crews sometimes damage underground utilities during construction: "We break a lot of lines water lines... we're still gonna break some eggs making this omelet." Catlin asked for a consistent local contact and earlier notification from parish public works, planning and water/sewer staff so crews can coordinate locates and avoid or quickly remedy damage.

Council members pressed for details about coverage and local staffing. A council member asked whether the state Gumbo money would be combined with federal infrastructure funds; Catlin said the state bid and awards are the primary source for the parish segments being discussed. Planning staff and council members emphasized the need for in‑parish field contacts and rapid response numbers so contractors can address outages and safety issues immediately.

The presentation did not include a formal vote. Council members said they would arrange a follow‑up meeting involving planning, public works, water and sewer departments to share maps, contact numbers and permitting expectations before major ground work begins. The council also requested that Swift Fiber provide local field contact information and coordinate permits so that the parish can limit service disruptions and property damage.

Next steps: Swift Fiber to provide contact details and meet with parish staff; planning and public works to report back to the council with coordination procedures and any permit updates.