WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Improved broadband coverage countywide appears to be high on a wish list being compiled by county officials.
The matter was discussed during Tuesday’s county board of commissioners meeting.
It is believed St. Joseph County will potentially be receiving close to $12 million as part of the federal government’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.
Commissioner Jared Hoffmaster said he met earlier in the day with officials from a number of townships and municipalities as part of a government-relations committee meeting, and the issue arose from that assembly.
Commissioner Kathy Pangle endorsed Hoffmaster’s proposal, saying expanding broadband further into St. Joseph County would be a prudent course of action.
Hoffmaster suggested setting up a financial match with municipalities that commit a portion of their American Rescue Plan dollars to broadband enhancement and expansion.
Board chairman Dennis Allen appointed commissioners Dan Czajkowski and Kathy Pangle to a steering committee that will discuss priorities for the impending windfall. The committee will also include the county’s administrator, finance director and treasurer. It is expected to meet for the first time before the end of the month.
