V. Hugh Lewis II
Jefferson Jimplecute
Broadband internet access on the east end of the county took a step towards connectivity following Commissioners approval of the phase 1 plan presented by East Texas Council of Governments executive director David Cleveland.
“There’s no way we’re going to address every single broadband need in Marion County in one project,” Cleveland said. “That’s a process and it’s going to take time, but we have to start somewhere and so we, along with your local project team, identified the top five [projects].”
Project areas identified:
1. Potter’s Point and Hwy 59 Business Development
2. West Fraser Business Development
3. Highway 59S Corridor Business Development
4. Cypress Airport
5. Bayou River Run Residential project
A total of 32 miles of fiber optic cable, at a cost of $3,717,086, is proposed for the development of underserved areas.
Phase one was paid for through a federal grant for the 14 county ETCOG region, with each county supplying $3,500 in matching funds. The project now moves to source funding for the development plan.
Phase 2 of the project is focused on “Regional Middle Mile Network” development which allows new and local providers to interconnect to the system to complete “last mile” installation directly to homes and businesses.
With the approval, Marion County became the 10th county in the region to adopt a plan, and ETCOG will now begin seeking funding for the project. A copy of the full plan and report can be found on the Jimplecute and ETCOG websites.
Commissioners also approved disposing of surplus equipment and its sale through AuctioneerExpress online.
The items included:
– (6) culverts 24”x48”
– 6ft heavy duty mower
– BigTex 2001 Pintle Hitch Trailer
– 19945 Ford Dump Truck
– Massey Ferguson tractor
– 1991 Ford Backhoe 445
– 4600 Ford Tractor
In other business, Commissioners approved settling all accounts for the County and March payroll and approved accepting revenue from the OPIOD Settlement fund.
Judge Leward LaFleur also reminded Commissioners to get him names of individuals in their precincts to serve as representatives on the Marion County Coalition for Health Disparities as soon as possible.
Does the development plan include my area out here on White Oak Road in Marion county Texas. If anyone knows please email me at suthernchocboyy@aol.com
Nothing on the immediate first round of this, but it may make it easier for a local company to reach you – at least from the way it reads.