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Bug Tussel tells Price County board broadband tower project delayed; $15 million bond tied to progress
Summary
Bug Tussel VP Jesse Lane told the Price County Board the six-site broadband and communications tower project is delayed — originally estimated at 18 months but now about two years — and that roughly $15 million in bond funding is available but released only as work is completed; a critical decision point is expected in 90–120 days.
Jesse Lane, vice president of strategic development for Bug Tussel, told the Price County Board of Supervisors on April 28 that a planned six-site communications tower and broadband project has been delayed and remains without a firm timetable. Lane said the project, initially estimated to take 18 months, has taken about two years so far and that staffing and leadership changes at Bug Tussel have contributed to slow progress.
Lane described the project’s purpose as supporting emergency communications and the county’s public safety radio system and providing some wireless internet service. He said the county’s emergency radio system is nearing end-of-life and will need replacement or upgrade within the next two years.
The county has approximately $15 million in bond funding earmarked for the project; Lane said those funds are tightly controlled and will be released only as project milestones are completed. He reported that only minimal funds have been drawn so far for early engineering and planning. Lane apologized for the delays and for shortcomings in communication and said negotiations with third-party co-locators and wireless vendors remain ongoing.
County officials were told to expect a critical decision point on project timing and budget within the next 90–120 days to inform the county’s upcoming budgeting cycle. The presentation did not include a detailed construction schedule, firm provider commitments, or a final project cost estimate.
