DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Tuesday night, Decatur City Council members will vote on a resolution to accept a proposal from Bodine Electric to continue construction on a fiber optic cable extension from Eisenhower high School to Firehouse 7.Â
Councilwoman Lisa Gregory has been a big proponent of expanding the fiber optic network in Decatur throughout the progression of the project. "I really think that the fiber optic network is as important as other infrastructure developments that we do. It is important is building roads, and enhancing sewer systems, and increasing the water supply. Fiber optic network really provides many more connectivity opportunities for the citizens."
If approved, it will cost $530,500 to lay cable underneath Lake Decatur, connecting the east side to the overall network. The City of Decatur had been awarded Federal Stimulus American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. In 2022, they became available and the City placed funds for the project in the Fiber Optics Capital ARP Budget. The cost of the project will be paid for with funds from the ARP account with no overages.
Councilwoman Gregory said it is part of a many-step plan over the last few years to increase connectivity for citizens of Decatur. "It really bridges -- well, what I have called over the years -- the digital divide, allowing our citizens to have access where they did not before." She explained that the fiber optic network lowers the City's bills to internet providers. The City also enters agreements with District 61 to lower their cost for the fiber optic network. "It allows many of our school children to have the opportunity to have access to the internet where they may not have had that opportunity before."
The final vote on the resolution will take place at Tuesday's City Council Meeting at 5:30pm in the Decatur Civic Center.
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
