All of the paperwork for the Metronet project has been signed. That was the information relayed to the Marshall County Commissioners Monday morning.
County Attorney Jim Clevenger said the City of South Bend approved the easement agreement that was prepared for the placement of conduit on the Michigan Road right-of-way. The intergovernmental agreement with the Marshall County Council was approved last week and the Memorandum of Understanding with St. Joseph County was signed at the end of April. Clevenger said all is good to continue with the construction plus the services once that construction is complete.
USI was awarded the contract for the Marshall County portion which includes the installment of conduit for the broadband cables.
The Metronet project is expected to enhance the connectivity between businesses with broadband capabilities with service provided by St. Joe Valley Metronet in South Bend. The conduit and cables will run from Ireland Road on the south side of South Bend down old U.S. 31 through Lakeville and Lapaz all the way to the Plymouth city limits. The plan includes an option of expanding to other towns in Marshall County.
In addition, the Marshall County Commissioners appointed Commission President Kevin Overmyer to serve on the local Metronet board to oversee the project. The Marshall County Council members last week appointed fellow member Steve Harper to the board and additional appointments need to be made from the Plymouth City Council and a representative of a private entity.
