Conroe to partner with Texas Department of Transportation for fiber connectivity project

At its May 22 meeting, Conroe City Council voted to enter into an advanced funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for a fiber connectivity project.

What we know

The city's financial commitment for this project, representing 20% of the total cost, is $510,000, according to the May 21 workshop agenda. The project is supported by a congressional earmark grant facilitated through Congressman Luttrell's office and administered by TxDOT under an 80/20 cost-sharing arrangement.

After the AFA is approved, the city would have to make an initial payment of $8,300 to be remitted to the state, per the agenda. The remaining amount the city owes will be paid during the construction phase.

Diving in deeper

According to the agenda documents, the project is to extend a total of 7.4 miles of underground fiber optic located along North and South Loop 336. The city will use two accounts to pay the initial $8,300.

Per the agenda, the city will manage the bidding and construction phase, and the needed funds for the fiber extension are included in the Capital Improvement Plan.