River Street outlines $28.5M fiber expansion project in Amelia County

During the Amelia County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 16, 2025, significant discussions centered around the ongoing fiber optic expansion project led by River Street, a telecommunications company based in Danville, Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance internet access across the county, addressing the growing demand for reliable broadband services.

Rob Taylor, representing River Street, provided an overview of the project, which is set to cover approximately 4,900 locations and span 374 miles of fiber. The total cost of the project is estimated at $28.5 million, with River Street contributing $5.1 million and the county allocating nearly $4.4 million through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Additionally, the project has secured $18.6 million from the state of Virginia, with funding disbursed as milestones are achieved.

As of the meeting, River Street reported progress in connecting nearly 5,000 locations, a notable increase attributed to the recent acquisition of TDS, a local telephone company. This acquisition has allowed River Street to integrate TDS's existing fiber infrastructure, which had previously been underutilized. The company has also increased the number of customers with fiber access from 313 to 378 since the last report.

Taylor emphasized the importance of the project timeline, noting that all funds must be utilized by the end of 2026 in compliance with ARPA requirements. The company is currently working on upgrading the existing network and redesigning parts of it to improve service delivery. Plans are underway to begin construction on a new central office in the southeastern corner of the county, known as Lower Amelia, which will facilitate the expansion.

The meeting also highlighted the interactive map available for residents, allowing them to check if their addresses are included in the fiber build-out. Those not currently served by fiber can express interest in service, ensuring that they are notified when the infrastructure reaches their area.

In conclusion, the discussions at the Amelia County Board of Supervisors meeting underscored the critical steps being taken to improve broadband access in the region. With the project progressing and funding secured, residents can anticipate enhanced internet services that will support both personal and economic growth in Amelia County.