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County economic development asks commissioners to hold hearing on broadband infrastructure zone for $7M investment
Summary
LaPorte County economic development requested a public hearing on creating an infrastructure development zone to support Surf Broadband’s proposed $7 million rural broadband investment; the county recommended fiber-only eligibility and scheduled Plan Commission review next month.
Matt Reardon of the LaPorte County Office of Economic Development asked commissioners on May 20 to consider a public hearing on creating an infrastructure development zone (IDZ) that could provide tax relief to support rural broadband expansion.
Reardon said Surf Broadband has proposed another round of investment in the county, and "they're poised to make another $7 million dollar investment in broadband infrastructure for rural broadband." He asked the board to consider limiting the IDZ to fiber projects to prioritize broadband expansion and to hold a public hearing at the next commissioners meeting so the county can begin the statutory process.
County attorney Guy DiMartino and Commissioner Joe Haney discussed timing and the Plan Commission schedule; Haney said he would meet with Mayor Bonta the following day to discuss related zoning ideas. Reardon also reported on a separate property‑access matter (a Pier Site in Nilewood 2nd Addition) and recommended property owners record an earlier DNR/ALJ determination to protect riparian access.
Next steps: Commissioners indicated willingness to add a public hearing to a future agenda and to coordinate with planning staff on the IDZ proposal. No vote was taken at the May 20 meeting.
