County to help finance internet access study

Trempealeau will join three other nearby counties to fund a study on the availability and cost of high-speed internet service.

“We’re working with Pepin, Pierce and Buffalo counties to fund a consultant because we all have similar low populations and difficult topography,” Dave Carlson, the county’s economic development and tourism director told the county board Monday. The board approved accepting a $18,337.40 state Broadband, Equity, Access and Development grant for the work. 

Carlson said each of the counties will contribute $13,500 from their respective grants to finance assessing where broadband internet is available and barriers to its installation. Broadband “can be available almost anywhere” with satellite-based services, Carlson said, “but at what cost?”

In response to a question from Supervisor David Orsch, Carlson said the definition of “broadband” might include cell phone service.

“I think that cell service should become a part of broadband,” Orsch said. “More cell towners will help with emergency transmissions and seems a better choice than running wires everywhere.”

In other action, the board appointed Kathy Zeglin to succeed Donna Brogan as a citizen member to the board of adjustment. Sharon Spahr was reappointed to the board, and Charlotte Everson was reappointed board alternate.

Jean Galasinski was reappointed to the Parks, Tourism and Economic Development Committee.