Potentially better internet coverage in your neighborhood is the goal of a proposed project being brought before the Kewaunee County Board on Tuesday. Scott Feldt from Bug Tussel has met with the Finance and Purchasing Committee and the Executive Committee this month to discuss their plans to improve the county’s broadband network. The two sides have worked together since their efforts helped secure its first Public Service Commission of Wisconsin grant in 2018. Feldt says Bug Tussel is looking to expand its broadband network in Kewaunee County by extending the “middle mile,” the backbone of the area’s fiber connection. Extending the middle mile would enable Bug Tussel to construct more towers and bring fiber to the home to connect the community better. The proposal laid out by Feldt would also expand coverage into Dyckesville. Bug Tussel is looking for approximately $6 million from Kewaunee County through conduit financing, a way private companies, non-profits, and public entities can raise funds through tax-exempt municipal bonds. Bug Tussel would take on the debt and make all of the payments for the project. At last week’s Executive Committee meeting, Feldt said that the only risk to the county would come if Bug Tussel and its parent company go under.

Feldt and the committee addressed some concerns that have popped up in conversations with other board meetings, including the use of subcontractors, the lack of service in some areas, and the length of its financing agreement.

The Kewaunee County Board will also discuss the use of opioid settlement funds and a Homeland Security exercise grant when it meets on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Kewaunee.