(LAGRANGE) – A request for a grant from the Major Moves Fund has been put on hold temporarily.

During Monday's joint meeting of the LaGrange County Commission and the County Council, Mark Leu of LaGrange County REMC made a presentation, asking for a $5 million grant from the fund. Leu explains how those funds would be leveraged by REMC to invest $20 million to install fiber optic broadband in the County.

Leu says the genesis for this project came from study that was done just two years ago. ...... {LISTEN}.

According to the FCC, very few areas of LaGrange County have broadband available. Leu says this project would correct that and make broadband available to those who want to purchase it.

In addition, Leu says with this fiber optic structure, REMC could in the future offer telephone service as well.

The joint commission liked the idea, but had some questions regarding the payback of the grant. They also wondered about the possibility of the County being able to receive broadband at no cost.

Leu said he would look into those matters. A special meeting will be held Friday at 9 AM to discuss the proposal more.