Amherst County is holding a public hearing tonight on formation of a broadband authority that, if approved, would be the first in Central Virginia.
The authority, which would be made up of five members, would serve as a partnership between the county and private providers in facilitating countywide service. County officials have studied the subject of implementing broadband and have found the county’s rural topography is a challenge.
A broadband authority under the Virginia Wireless Service Authority Act can enter into contracts, borrow money and issue debt to finance projects. The only requirement for members is to have county residence.
The Amherst County Board of Supervisors would appoint members and pursue articles of incorporation should it adopt a resolution to create the authority. Some supervisors already have said the county’s economic development authority could be a good resource for membership.
Currently there are fewer than 10 broadband authorities in Virginia, said Bryan David, executive director of Region 2000’s Local Economic Development Council.
The public hearing is at 7 p.m. at the county administration at 153 Washington St. in Amherst.
The board is also holding six other public hearings on separate matters at tonight’s meeting.
Supervisors will not be adopting the county’s 2009-10 budget today as originally thought and could do so later in the week or next week, County Administrator Rodney Taylor said Monday.
To view tonight’s agenda, visit www.countyof
amherst.com and click on the Government, Board of Supervisors links.
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