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County Commission moves forward with Phase Two of broadband coverage

by | Jul 1, 2024 | Politics

Lee County Commission

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER | FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — Lee County has moved into allocation of money from Phase II of the American Rescue Plan Act funds.
This means expanding the areas of broadband coverage for the county to more unserved areas.
There is $3.4 million left to be awarded, said County Administrator Holly Leverette Monday night.
“We were hearing from citizens that they didn’t have service,” she said. “… It remained the priority of the commission to hit those unserved areas first.”
She said the goal is to have all areas of Lee County have at least one service provider.
These areas include the South-Central area, South-East area, the East-Central area and the North-East area.
The commission awarded the Broadband Expansion Grants Phase II Award to BEAM.
BEAM is also already providing the coverage for that area for Phase I as well so the contract is an addition to the previous one. BEAM is also matching part of the funding.

OTHER BUSINESS:

  • The commission heard from Lee County resident Richard Lang regarding erosions concerns within the Lakes Subdivision.
  • The commission heard the second reading for two openings on the East Alabama Health Care Authority Board.
  • The commission heard the second reading for two openings on the Lee Co. Emergency Communications District Board.
  • The Lee County Commission heard concerns about the Lakes Subdivision from citizens. This area, however, is under Phenix City authorization, according to the commission, and therefore no action was taken.
  • The commission approved July 5, 2024, as an additional holiday following the July 4 holiday.
  • The commission approved an educational reimbursement request for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
  • The commission approved a request by Lee County Revenue Commissioner Oline Price for a temporary part-time intern.
  • The commission approved new facility furnishings and equipment needs in the amount of just over $361,000.
  • The commission approved the redivision of Lot 2 in the Rocky Ridge Subdivision.
  • The commission approved the Animal Control Agreement renewal.