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Sagadahoc County says FCC accepted radio-tower application; expects system online in early Q2
Summary
Communications Director Mike Carter told Sagadahoc County commissioners on Feb. 10 that the FCC accepted the county’s radio-tower application and issued two approvals; county staff expect remaining approvals soon and anticipate the system will be operational in early Q2 2026, though a damaged underground primary at West Bath may affect local timelines.
Communications Director Mike Carter updated the Sagadahoc County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 10 about progress on the county’s multi-site radio-tower project and federal licensing activity.
Carter said county staff discovered damage to an underground primary at a roadside while attempting to energize the West Bath tower site; Central Maine Power (CMP) elevated the repair to a supervisory team. "They said they would keep us updated on repairs," Carter said, and he added he did not think the issue would drastically affect the overall project timeline.
Carter reported that work resumed at the Georgetown shelter site (generator and electrical work) and that foundation work in Phippsburg is ongoing with steel delivery expected in three to four weeks. He said Whitten Hill has been energized and has full power.
On licensing, Carter told commissioners that the county received notice from the Federal Communications Commission on Feb. 6 that the county’s application had been accepted and that two approvals were already issued, which he said typically indicates the remaining approvals will follow. "The licenses will be valid until 2036," Carter said, and he recommended beginning renewal preparations in late 2034 or as early as the FCC allows.
Commissioner Todd McPhee pressed Carter on previous license expirations and the timeframes required to bring the system online; Carter explained prior construction delays led earlier licenses to lapse and that the current application packages the courthouse and tower sites as a single system. Commissioner Charles Crosby and McPhee sought clarification that the county would not likely face the same expiration problem if construction proceeds on schedule.
Commissioner Steve August suggested revisiting prior discussions about commercial leasing of tower capacity to generate revenue, noting that while the project’s primary purpose is improving county service delivery, leasing opportunities could be explored in parallel. County Treasurer Gail Eaton asked whether the reference to the second quarter was calendar or fiscal; Carter confirmed it was calendar-year Q2.
The county will continue coordination with CMP on the West Bath power issue, progress construction at remaining sites, and monitor remaining FCC actions. Commissioners asked to be kept apprised of timing and any opportunity to resume outreach to potential lease partners.
What’s next: staff will continue site work, await remaining FCC approvals, and report back to the commissioners as the project progresses toward an early-Q2 target for system activation.
