The Forest County commissioners, during their board meeting on Wednesday, said several poles will soon be installed for a project to provide broadband access to several areas of the county.
The poles, including one for a site on German Hill Road, have been delivered and will be set up next week and that broadband equipment has been ordered, commissioners chairman Mark Kingston said.
The poles and equipment, he said, should be up and operational by the beginning of 2021.
The hope, Kingston said, is to make internet available to more students in Forest County.
Mobilcom will be the last line broadband provider, and the company has a list of people interested in signing up for broadband when it is available, Kingston said.
“It has been a lot of work,” Kingston said.
Kingston commended Karen Wenner, Forest County’s director of Community and Economic Development, for “speeding things along” on the administrative end.
The commissioners approved two payments to Mobilcom out of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds: $135,239 for delivery of the poles and $14,760 for other related services.
In addition, they approved paying Mobilcom $15,300 for equipment to the towers in Tionesta, Marienville and Pigeon.
In other business
– The Elm Street Waterlines Phase III project is wrapping up, Kingston said.
The project included upgrading and replacing sections of the main waterlines along Elm Street in Tionesta.
– The commissioners approved an application for an ARC grant of $129,000 on behalf of Tionesta for the upgrade and replacement of waste water pipes along Elm Street/Route 36.
– Kingston noted the courthouse is still conducting business, though the public is not allowed to enter due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said people can conduct business over the phone or in the parking lot.