Bedford board backs grant for ‘make ready’ broadband work [Video]

BEDFORD — After a local internet service provider, Shentel, identified $1 million in qualifying make-ready permits as part of Bedford County’s overall broadband expansion, the county is backing a grant application on the company’s behalf to cover costs.

The Bedford County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Monday to approve a resolution authorizing the make-ready initiative grant application for Shentel. The Virginia General Assembly earlier this year allocated up to $30 million in funding to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to address high make-ready costs by internet service providers in attempting to complete projects using Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grants, according to the county.

County Administrator Robert Hiss said the program for the county’s 2022 VATI projects will provide reimbursement for make-ready costs for the following: utility pole replacements, mid-span utility pole installations and, in certain situations, underground fiber projects previously planned as aerial networks.

Shentel has laid …