Lawrence County Board approves broadband agreement, plans for courthouse elevator

Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 1:44 PM

By Steve Anderson

The Lawrence County Board Wednesday took an initial step toward establishing high speed internet connectivity countywide.

The board approved a broadband agreement with Frontier Communications supporting their efforts to obtain state and federal funding through the Connect Illinois program. The move was made upon the recommendation of the Lawrence County Broadband Committee.

Frontier is currently running new fiber cable between Lawrenceville and Bridgeport. Efforts are continuing to bring better service to the rural outlying areas of the county.

Also during the monthly session, the board approved the recommendation of it's Building and Grounds Committee to spend just over $143,000 to completely renovate the antiquated courthouse elevator. Otis Elevators will begin the work in January of 2025.

Members did vote to reappoint Robert Johnson to 3-year terms on both the England Pond Drainage District and the Big Slough Drainage District and Roger Mushrush to a 3-year term on the Eagle Branch Drainage District.

An update on the Lawrence-Allison Fire Protection District was also given.