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South Whitley EDC weighs Lakeland Internet towers; council asks help with sidewalk and water-tower grants
Summary
The South Whitley Town Council heard an Economic Development Corporation update on a countywide broadband option using Terrana-powered towers and asked the EDC to seek INDOT and grant support for a sidewalk to Whispering Hills and restoration funding for a historic water tower.
The South Whitley Town Council on Nov. 26 heard an update from Dale Buuck of the Economic Development Corporation on a broadband task force exploring options to expand service across Whitley County.
Buuck said the task force is working with Surf Net and MediaCom and is evaluating an alternative, “Lakeland Internet,” that uses Terrana technology and could serve rural areas by installing about seven towers countywide. "The studies are intended to map current coverage and identify where towers would provide affordable service to rural residents," Buuck said to the council.
Councilman Brock Waterson asked the EDC to help the town secure Indiana Department of Transportation approval and pursue grants for a sidewalk from the town’s digital sign to the Whispering Hills neighborhood, citing safety concerns for children who walk that route to school. Waterson also requested EDC assistance in applying for grants to restore the town’s water tower, which the minutes record as having been deemed a historical landmark.
Buuck said the EDC has contracted consultants to help develop community plans for small towns in Whitley County and can assist with grant applications and with locating funding sources for building repairs and infrastructure projects.
The report offered no binding commitments from INDOT or named grantors; Buuck said coverage studies are ongoing and further follow-up will be required before any construction or grant awards.
