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ECI updates Jay County on broadband, OOR and radon testing funding questions
Summary
Bill Walters (ECI) updated the board on broadband projects (OOR, SS4A) and said contracts for OOR are expected so work can resume through winter and spring; Nate Kimball recommended delaying signing a radon contract until OCRA confirms additional grant coverage for testing costs.
Bill Walters, executive director of the ECI Regional Planning District, briefed commissioners on broadband-related work affecting Jay County, including international development initiatives, the OOR program and Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) updates. Walters said he expects OOR contracts and project decisions by year‑end, with weather‑dependent work continuing through winter and into spring.
Commissioner Brian McGalliard asked Walters for ideas to address the county’s budget challenges; Walters said local government revenue growth comes primarily through development or raising taxes and that broadband is key to enabling development across agriculture, industry and workforce recruitment.
Nate Kimball, ECI assistant director, raised a contract issue involving radon testing tied to OOR: OCRA funding allows up to $5,000 for radon testing under the grant, and Kimball said Mike Kleinpeter is negotiating with OCRA to increase that allowable amount so the county can cover the full cost of radon testing without local match. Kimball recommended waiting to sign the radon contract until OCRA confirms expanded grant coverage.
