Bedford County OKs River Street agreement to bring VADI broadband to about 2,250 local locations

The Bedford County Board of Supervisors on July 25 approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with River Street Networks to deliver the third of three VADI broadband projects in the county. Broadband coordinator John Putney told the board the regional project will connect nearly 25,000 homes, businesses and community anchors across multiple counties and will cost more than $152,000,000 in total; Bedford's portion will reach roughly 2,250 locations.

Putney said Bedford County received approximately $7,600,000 from the Department of Housing and Community Development through the VADI grant program and that the county's required match is just over $2,000,000. He described the project as part of a coordinated regional build that includes Amelia, Campbell, Charlotte, Nottoway and Pennsylvania counties.

"For the county, this translates into approximately 2,250 homes, businesses, and community anchors being serviced with high speed broadband connectivity," Putney said.

Supervisors asked about the contract's 36‑month completion timeline and liquidated damages or milestone protections if the contractor missed deadlines. Putney said staff negotiated milestone measures and force majeure provisions, but that the Department of Housing and Community Development and other participating localities approved the 36‑month schedule.

"We did not like the 36 month provision...the county pushed back," Putney said, adding that the regional partners and the state grant terms limited the county's leverage during negotiation.

Supervisor Tuck moved to approve Resolution R072522-08 to formalize the agreement; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call with all board members voting in favor.

The agreement will move forward to contract execution; Putney and county staff said they will monitor project milestones and coordinate with River Street staff and the Western Piedmont Planning District Commission to ensure Bedford's build begins in concert with other localities.