Cities Quit Florida BTOP Project; No Financial Impact Expected
Two Florida jurisdictions, Perry City and Bradford County, decided to drop out of the North Florida Broadband Authority’s (NFBA) middle mile BTOP project, citing the availability of broadband in the area, the project’s lack of action, and differences in guiding principles. However, the project could be getting three new cities on board, General Manager Richelle Sucara told us. She claimed the project, which started with 23 participating entities, is on track. NTIA appears to be pleased with the progress.
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Broadband is already available in the city from multiple providers including wireless, wireline and satellite companies, Perry City Manager Bob Brown recently told the city council. He also cited the slow progress of the project and its suspension (CD Oct 3/2011, p3) from regulators last year. The NFBA has strayed from its guiding principles, said Bradford County Attorney Will Sexton in a letter to the authority. He also cited violation of federal grant procurement guidelines.
The withdrawals won’t affect the project financially, Sucara said. The project has adequate funding even if the two governments withdraw their matching funds, she said. The project is still intended to bring broadband to those areas, she said. Meanwhile, the cities of Bronson, Lake Butler and Williston are interested in participating in the project, she said. The project has made significant progress and is on schedule, she said.
According to the latest progress report sent to Communications Daily, a last mile provider was connected to the network on March 23. Additionally, the Palm Medical Group started using the network on March 27. All fiber access points were expected to be operational in early April. The project is moving forward and NTIA expects it to be completed on time and deliver intended benefits, an agency spokeswoman said. NTIA will continue to monitor the grant closely, she said. The agency lifted its suspension of the project in November after NFBA adequately addressed all agency concerns, she noted. NTIA and other federal officials conducted a site visit in March.