Industrial parks awarded optics funding

By Staff
Jason Cannon, Franklin County Times
Gov. Bob Riley announced a $168,000 grant to the Franklin County Commission to enhance telecommunications at two business parks.
The Appalachian Regional Commission grant will provide fiber optic telecommunication to service the Franklin County Industrial Park and surrounding area. The new lines will allow businesses already in the park and companies desiring to locate in the park to have access to high-speed Internet services.
"I am pleased to support this enhancement to Franklin County's business parks. By improving communication access, Alabama businesses are better able to compete and serve customers across the globe," said Riley
Because companies at the industrial parks deal with customers worldwide, their ability to sustain business depends on being able to interact quickly.
The installation of fiber optic cables will improve the communication capabilities of least 20 businesses in or near the parks, allowing them to better compete in the global economy.
Riley notified Mike Green, chairman of the Franklin County Commission, that the grant had been approved.
A local match of $42,000 will be provided by the Industrial Development Authority.
Booth Utility Contractors was awarded to low bid Tuesday for the installation of eight miles of fiber optics cable to service the park at a cost of $202,000.