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Swift Fiber outlines Gumbo 2.0 rollout, seeks early coordination with parish
Summary
A Swift Fiber representative told the Iberia Parish Council that the company’s Gumbo 2.0 grant will extend fiber into rural parts of the parish and asked for early coordination with public works, water and sewer staff to avoid utility conflicts; council members pressed on potential water-line impacts and contractor oversight.
Woodson Catelan, a representative of Swift Fiber, told the Iberia Parish Council on May 13 that his company is the “primary beneficiary of the Gumbo 2.0 grant” tasked with bringing fiber to underserved rural areas and urged early coordination with parish departments to reduce disruptions. “We want to be working with you constantly, letting you know where we’re going to be,” Catelan said, adding that the company must build broadly to make rural routes cost-effective.
The presentation came after Councilman Scott Rosson invited the company to brief the council following a local town hall. Catelan described the project as loan-funded by the state and said Swift Fiber’s map covers much of the parish’s rural territory. He acknowledged construction risks: “We’re still going to break some eggs making this omelet,” Catelan said, and accepted that crews will occasionally hit lines during construction.
Council members focused on operational details and accountability. Councilman Marcus Brousard asked whether the company would provide local contact numbers after incidents; Catelan said he will have “guys on the ground” daily and offered to meet with planning, zoning, water and sewer staff. Council members also raised concerns about contractors’ trash and property impacts; Catelan said Swift Fiber will provide contact information and coordinate locates to reduce accidental damage.
Why it matters: The state-funded Gumbo 2.0 program is intended to close rural broadband gaps, but local coordination is needed to protect buried utilities and public infrastructure. Council members repeatedly urged the company to share route plans and a local point of contact so parish crews can prepare for construction impacts.
The council did not take formal action during the presentation. Catelan said Swift Fiber has begun permitting steps and asked to meet with parish staff for route review and damage-mitigation planning. The council provided time for follow-up and invited the company to return with detailed contacts and schedules.
