County reports 630 miles of fiber built for Valley 2021; splicing continues in multiple areas

A staff presenter updated the board on county broadband construction tied to Valley 2021. Staff said combined builds by GigaBeam and AEP in Bland and Montgomery counties total over 630 miles of fiber. The presenter said the number of passings remained unchanged since the previous meeting and described active splicing work in several locations: North Blacksburg/Tri-Cities, Plum Creek/Edgemont, and Bridal Fork (the speaker estimated roughly 11 miles there). The Rhinel Loop has been completed, and splicing is underway there.

The presenter said the East underbuild on the 216 corridor is complete and spliced; construction on the West side remains to be finished. Staff mentioned team members are continuing splicing and lacing work as sections become available. No board action or budget vote was taken; the presentation was an informational update. The group discussed timing and where completed segments cross the Roanoke County border.