Supervisors approve 28E agreement to participate in local fiber optics network

A system of fiber optic cables linking five different non-profit groups is one step closer to reality.  The Winneshiek County Board on Monday morning became the first of five agencies to officially sign a 28E agreement that lays out the ground rules for how the system would operate.

The City of Decorah, Decorah School District, Luther College and Winneshiek Medical Center would join Winneshiek County in the so-called "Metro-Net" system.  Supervisors approved four minor changes in the contract language.

If the four other groups approve the contract by the end of the year, Metro-Net will officially qualify for federal grant funds that are part of the stimulus act.  The Decorah City Council is expected to vote on the contract next Monday, December 20th.