Stafford moves ahead on rural wireless broadband, seeks grant

STAFFORD — The Stafford County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted in favor of moving forward with a grant application that, if approved, will help bring broadband Internet services residents in Marlborough Point and Widewater.

Stafford County has partnered with King George-based company, KGI Communications, LLC for the grant application.

The grant is offered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. They have set aside grant money as part of the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative, “which provides grants to provide financial assistance to supplement construction costs by private sector broadband service providers, in partnership with local units of government to extend service to areas that presently are unserved by any broadband provider,” according to county documents.

If Stafford receives the grant money it could fund up to 80 percent of the total project cost, which is not to exceed $300,000. The remaining 20 percent match, not to exceed $60,000, will be supplied by KGI Communications, LLC.

There was some discussion amongst board members prior to approving the resolution to move forward with the grant.

Jack Cavalier, supervisor for the Griffis-Widewater District asked the board if they should, “… amend this proposal to include that antenna that would increase the coverage on the other side of the water for an additional 35,000 [dollars].”

Adding an additional antenna would expand the scope of the project and bring broadband service to the newly opened Widewater State Park, located at the end of Brent Point Road on the Potomac River.  

Aquia District Supervisor Cindy Shelton expressed concern that raising the amount requested may knock Stafford County out of the running to receive grant money.

“…part of the grant is giving Widewater State Park Internet access for the visitor’s station and the parking lot, so the intent of the grant is to give that for free. What Mr. Cavalier is talking about is expanding that by adding in another antenna and giving all those poor souls just like Marlborough Point, that are in Widewater, Internet access as well,” said Shelton.

Stafford County staff will work with KGI Communications, LLC to submit the grant application by December 14.