BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER
HGOLDFINGER@
OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
LEE COUNTY – As Lee County continues to expand broadband access, thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, into less-reached areas of the county, many residents continue to approach the commission with questions.
During the Monday night Lee County Commission meeting, County Administrator Holly Leverette approached the commission to provide an update on the Broadband situation.
“So, I just thought it would be a good idea since the last time we talked about Broadband was our meeting in December, to give you all an update of where we are with, especially with Loachapoka,” she said. “So, to recap, we found out there were a couple of roads that were on our plan that were already served. So, we met on Dec. 19 with Point Broadband to see if they would entertain doing some other roads around that area.”
She provided maps to the commission to see the changes that Point Broadband would make in coverage, etc.
“With the three projects that we have already awarded — we did a resolution for those — we’re looking at spending a total of $984,426,” Leverette said. “The new Loachapoka project is actually coming in at about $65,000 less, so we’re still at a little over $900,000 for our ARPA allocations … for all three of the grants, South Central [Lee County], Salem and Loachapoka.”
The money must be allocated by the end of 2024. The projects do not need to be completed by that time, but the money must be allocated, Leverett said.
Leverette said that people are sending in roads that are unserved, which she said helps her to send information to consultants and find out if they can be served.
“Our ultimate goal, y’all’s ultimate goal, was to hit every resident being served,” Leverette said.
OTHER BUSINESS:
- The commission heard an update on the commission’s billing of garbage fees.
- The commission announced a vacancy on the Lee County Planning Commission for District 4.
- The commission approved the East Alabama Health Care Authority Ambulance Contract.
- The commission approved the Lee Road 394 right-of-way vacation.
- The commission heard an update from County Engineer Justin Hardee on the non-county maintained paved roads.
- The commission approved a media agreement for jail operations with Millennium Satellite and Video.
- The commission approved the transfer of a retail beer license for The Short Stop.
- The commission approved an educational reimbursement request for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
- The commission approved the Columbus-Phenix City MPO Resolution for resurfacing Lee Road 212.
- The commission tabled the approval for the final plat approval for Stillwaters Subdivision, Redivision of Lot 4.