Your PUD
News Release
Progress report on fiber-optic network construction
Chelan County PUD
News Release
6/27/2005
Construction of Chelan County PUD’s fiber-optic network is ahead of schedule and under budget since PUD commissioners authorized moving forward with a countywide build-out in 2002.
John Smith, Networks director, provided the update Monday, which included an overview of financial, political and construction information.
“It is all about giving members of this community the benefits that other communities with multiple (telecommunications service) providers see,” Smith said.
Since 2002 the network has been built to about 9,700 homes and businesses. About 2,300 end-users are paying private firms for high-speed Internet access and telephone service over PUD fiber. Television will be added this year. The goal is to reach 75 percent of the county by 2008 and all but remote sites by 2012, Smith said.
The system is on track to exceed forecasted revenue of $1.9 million for 2005. Based on results to date, revenues will meet business plan projections to exceed operating costs and capital expenses by 2013. Total system payback is also on track for 2028.
PUD fiber splicer Chad Paine told board members about the positive comments he hears from PUD residents and business owners. Graphics and Web design business owner Sara Urdahl, Link Transit network supervisor Joe Bronillette and Tammie Pauly, of service provider Firefly, thanked PUD commissioners for support of the project.
In other business, commissioners:
- Heard that the state Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the easement for construction of a new transmission line across Burch Mountain between Rocky Reach Dam and the Andrew York/Monitor Switchyard.
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Because of the Fourth of July holiday on Monday, the next meeting of the PUD Board of Commissioners is at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, in the PUD boardroom at 327 N. Wenatchee Ave.
Most PUD commission meetings are recorded, and a link to the audio is available on the PUD’s home page at www.chelanpud.org.
Kimberlee Craig
Public Information Officer
661-4320, direct line
679-6858, cell
kimc@chelanpud.org