A representative from RiverStreet Networks provided an update to the Henry County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday regarding the county’s broadband expansion efforts.
Robert Taylor, the Director of Business Development and Government Affairs for RiverStreet Networks, informed the Board that construction is slated to begin within the next month and some potential customers can expect service within the year.
A grant provided through the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative supplemented RiverStreet’s construction costs to expand broadband to parts of the county with no access to internet. In turn, RiverStreet will serve as the primary contractor and will perform, supervise and manage the construction and installation of a fiber-to-the-home network to consist of up to 428.74 miles of fiber optic cable in Henry County.
The project had previously been delayed until the State Corporation Commission could approve the use of Appalachian Power’s infrastructure to hang the fiber optic lines. Once the initial buildout to communities with no internet access has been completed, the second phase of the project will begin. This phase will include providing broadband access to communities who currently only have access to lower-speed internet. In other matters, the Board:
- Approved a resolution accepting a conditional $50,000 grant from the National Fitness Campaign to construct an outdoor fitness court and support a community wellness initiative.
- Approved an additional appropriation of $41,033 from Federal Asset Forfeiture funds and approved a contract in the same amount to purchase a TruNarc solution kit from ThermoFisher Scientific. The kit will be used by the Sheriff’s Office to reduce the exposure of deputies to deadly narcotics.
- Awarded a contract to Timmons Group in the amount of $224,810 for engineering services related to the development of Lot #2 at Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre.
- Awarded a contract to TK Elevator in the amount of $213,662 for electrical and mechanical updates to elevators in the Administration building.
- Awarded a contract to Hurt & Proffitt, Inc., in the amount of $125,000 for inspection services and testing related to Phase 6-A2 of the Dick and Willie Trail.
- Approved an additional appropriation of $132,000 received from the Harvest Foundation to assist with gap financing provided to the School Drive Apartments project.
- Approved an additional appropriation of $121,275 received through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to purchase a generator at the Rangeley Sewer Lift Station.
- Conducted a joint meeting with the Henry County School Board to prepare for the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget.
- Approved a request to rezone 3-acres of the Reed Creek District to Neighborhood Commercial District. The applicant wishes to move her existing business to the property to provide wellness-based spa services.
- Authorized a new full-time position for the Registrar’s Office and appropriated $15,000 to cover the cost.
- Scheduled a public hearing for March 26 at 6 p.m., to consider a siting agreement with Sunny Rock Solar, LLC.
