Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband Deployment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Franklin County Broadband Authority approves six‑month VATI extension as RiverStreet reports FTTH progress
Summary
The Franklin County Broadband Authority on May 19 approved a six‑month extension for the VATI 2024 schedule to Jan. 21, 2027, after RiverStreet Networks outlined multi‑route fiber‑to‑the‑home construction progress and a county official warned federal funding could be at risk if the build is not finished by year-end 2027.
The Franklin County Broadband Authority voted May 19 to approve a six‑month extension to its VATI 2024 project timeline, moving the grant deadline to Jan. 21, 2027, and received a detailed construction and milestone update from RiverStreet Networks.
Chairperson Lorie Smith presided over the meeting at the Franklin County Government Center in Rocky Mount. On a motion by Nick Mitchell, seconded by Tim Tatum, the Authority unanimously approved the extension request (Resolution #02-05-2026). The board also approved April 21 meeting minutes (Resolution #01-05-2026) and adjourned after routine business (Resolution #03-05-2026).
Why it matters: Steven Sandy, deputy county administrator, told members that federal BEAD‑related funding and other state-administered timelines could be jeopardized if the overall project is not completed by the end of 2027, prompting the County to request the six‑month VATI extension after a state paperwork mix‑up. The extension, if accepted by the program administrator, would extend the project schedule through Jan. 21, 2027.
Project status: RiverStreet Networks’ director of engineering, Zack Church, presented a multi‑route FTTH status report covering design, LiDAR validation, permitting, pole make‑ready, splicing and RSN turnover activities. RiverStreet reported work on Sandy Level, Glade Hill and Snow Creek is expected to start shortly, with those remote areas targeted for completion in Q4‑2026. RiverStreet presented these route-level figures: 1,359 passings tied to the Sandy Level/Glade Hill/Snow Creek group (903 from VATI 2022 and 456 from VATI 2023) and an additional 1,169 passings for Dry Hill/Washburn routes, for a stated 2026 total of 2,528 VATI passings.
RiverStreet also reviewed customer outreach and marketing materials and encouraged residents to register and pre‑order service at myriverstreet.net. The presentation listed near-term construction tasks, including AEP fiber tail installs and RSN permit design reviews; RiverStreet emphasized ongoing coordination with AEP and the RSN for splicing and testing.
Staffing and next steps: Chassity Williams, identified in the meeting as an AEP project manager, said she will serve as project manager for the remainder of the build. Steven Sandy explained the need for the extension arose from a state paperwork mix‑up; the Authority approved filing the extension request as presented.
Meeting logistics: Board members discussed the frequency of Broadband Authority meetings and RiverStreet status updates; staff and board members tentatively agreed to a 2:30 p.m. start time for the next month’s meeting pending agenda review. The meeting ended after an adjournment motion by Tim Tatum, seconded by Mike Meredith.
Votes at a glance: Approval of April 21 minutes — motion by Tim Tatum, seconded by Mike Meredith; unanimous Ayes. VATI 2024 extension request — motion by Nick Mitchell, seconded by Tim Tatum; unanimous Ayes. Adjournment — motion by Tim Tatum, seconded by Mike Meredith; unanimous Ayes.
What remains unresolved: County officials warned that if the build cannot be completed within updated timelines (including the new extension), BEAD or related funding eligibility could be at risk; the Authority approved the extension request but the transcript does not record a program administrator’s acceptance or any new external funding decision.
