Fannin County is closer than ever to having expanded, faster and more reliable internet service following unanimous approval by the Fannin County Development Authority (FCDA) Board to proceed with a proposal to apply for a grant.
During the FCDA board’s third quarter meeting Thursday, July 22, representatives from Blue Ridge Mountain EMC spoke of their plans of expanding fiber internet service in the county if awarded a Broadband Infrastructure Grant with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Current Blue Ridge EMC customers in the Star Creek Road, Morganton, and Aska Road, Blue Ridge, areas would benefit.
In order to receive the grant, the county must be willing to apply and serve as the fiduciary, but Blue Ridge EMC would serve as the provider under the grant.
Erik Brinke, Blue Ridge EMC director of administrative services and external relations, said their plans would not cause a disruption to any rights of ways that aren’t already disturbed.
The turn around for the grant is August 17 with the award being November 15.
Board Chairman Frankie Rigdon recused himself from the vote, which took place after an executive session.
Although the board may pursue the grant on their own, FCDA Executive Director Christie Gribble plans to ask the Fannin County Board of Commissioners to pass a resolution in favor of them pursuing the grant in order to strengthen their application.
Additionally, Gribble has asked for public participation in a survey pertaining to internet service at homes. The survey should take under five minutes to complete and is available at this site: www.surveymonkey. com/r/5CG55FB.
Anyone with questions about the survey may email broadband@fannincountyga.org, or call 706-632- 4450 to fill the survey out over the phone or on paper.