Readsboro Gets Connected to High-Speed Fiber Internet

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READSBORO, Vt. — Readsboro is now connected to high-speed Internet service for the first time with the help of DVFiber.
 
One Gig speeds are available now for 160 Readsboro households and businesses, and all remaining on-grid locations will be connected in the next few months. Customers interested in getting connected can check availability at www.dvfiber.net and begin the process of signing up. 
 
The Town of Readsboro, through its support of DVFiber, is offering a $50 discount on the first month of service to all Readsboro customers who sign up by Nov. 1.
 
"It's been very exciting to see the ongoing fiber construction this summer in Readsboro," said Omar Smith, a member of both the Readsboro Select Board and DVFiber Governing Board. "Finally, after many years of pushing on privately owned providers plus seeking support and direction from local, state, and federal sources, an actual high-speed network is being built and is available to the whole town, not just the more densely populated areas."
 
After months of planning and engineering, DVFiber began constructing its new, 21st-century fiber optic network in 2022, focusing first on Readsboro where most households and businesses have lacked adequate Internet service for a long time. A small group of customers was connected in December of 2022 to test the network and to assure that future customers could expect excellent service. This service will soon be available throughout Readsboro.
 
"Our Governing Board is very pleased to see our Readsboro neighbors getting connected to enjoy the benefits of world-class high- speed Internet services," said Steven John, Chair of the DVFiber Governing Board. "We look forward to doing the same for all remaining unserved or underserved locations in our district. Our universal service plan and mission is to ensure digital equity for all."
 
The Deerfield Valley Communications Union District (DVCUD, dba DVFiber) is a community-owned, professionally managed and operated special-purpose municipality for the purpose of providing affordable, reliable, and fast Internet service to all households and businesses in its 24 member towns. Historically, small rural communities were left behind by commercial providers as being too expensive to warrant investment of private capital. DVFiber and other communications union districts are Vermont's solution to this long-standing problem.
 
A celebratory event will be hosted in Readsboro in November.

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Readsboro Bridge Project Gets $26M Federal Boost

READSBORO, Vt. — The deteriorating Readsboro Memorial Bridge over the Deerfield River is set to be replaced with $25.8 million in federal funds. 
 
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the award last week, making Readsboro the only recipient in the Northeast for funding in this round of the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program.
 
The state's congressional delegation, U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, and U.S. Rep. Becca Balin, applauded the investment. The federal funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will improve and help complete street enhancements, create accessible sidewalks, and improve safety in Readsboro. 
 
"Bolstering Vermont's infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the safety, security, and success of families, workers, and people traveling through the Green Mountain State. We're pleased to see this investment of more than $25 million, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, benefit Bennington County," the delegation stated in joint release. "The replacement of the Readsboro Bridge will boost Southern Vermont's critical infrastructure, improve safety and accessibility, and make Readsboro more resilient to extreme weather."
 
Bridge No. 25 was built in 1954, replacing the High Bridge that had been in use for 63 years. The 340-foot-long span cost $400,000 and was dedicated on July 4, 1955, to six Readsboro natives who had died in World War II and Korea. Nearly 2,000 people attended the opening, which included a ribbon cutting by then Gov. Joseph Johnson and a parade with a band and floats and Emma Ross, who at 90 was the town's oldest resident.
 
The new 287-foot bridge will incorporate historic preservation features to honor the character and history of the span and will have a wider sidewalk for pedestrians to cross safely while reducing vehicle traffic. The improved bridge will also be built to better withstand extreme weather events driven by climate change — including Vermont's floods of 2023 and 2024 — with improved drainage systems. 
 
The estimated total cost is $33 million, according to the Vermont Department of Transportation.
 
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