Committee hears plan for county broadband

Proponents of the county using $5.7 million in federal relief money for expanding broadband internet access in the county said it could be ‘transformative” for residents, but supervisors cautioned there is competition for the money.

Broadband advocates Rob Grover, county coordinator of tourism and economic development, and Buck Webb, manager of Tri-County Communications, urged the county’s executive finance committee Monday to invest money from the American Rescue Plan Act toward a $25 million project that could bring fiber-optic access to 1,702 locations in the county.

The broadband presentation was the first of what is expected to be several proposals for using the federal funds. Among the other options being considered are mental health support, community centers for the elderly and child care.

“There’s going to be competition for this money,” said Supervisor Tim Zeglin.

Webb said townships in Jackson and Buffalo counties as well as county governments are using the relief money to provide the faster internet to residents, often in conjunction with school districts.

“Some townships even asked voters and raised taxes to cover broadband,” Webb said. He noted those counties also had broadband committees that worked to engage townships, something the committee members said they would consider for Trempealeau County.

“I’m passionate about this,” Grover said, “because during COVID, the inequities of limited broadband became clear. When the schools closed, it was mayhem for all parents, but some couldn’t even connect to the school.

Grover said broadband access makes county locations more attractive to new homes and businesses.

“I can’t think of many things that would be more transformative to the quality of life for county residents” than more broadband access, Grover said. Webb noted that greater broadband access would allow the county’s elderly to use more online health visits. 

The $25 million plan advanced by Grover and Webb would provide broadband in the townships of Sumner, Hale, Trempealeau, Caledonia, Gale, Preston, Lincoln and Pigeon.  The proposal anticipates a state grant of $16.2 million and an investment from Tri-County of just under $3 million.

“Broadband,” said Supervisor George Brandt, “has become a utility just like electricity and phone.”