Members of the Webster Parish Police Jury met Tuesday, October 7, for their regular monthly session, with all jurors present except Latanya Grigsby. All agenda items were approved unanimously.
During the meeting, Veneeth Iyengar, executive director of the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity, provided an update on the state’s efforts to expand broadband access through the “Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities 2.0” (GUMBO 2.0) program.
“There are still thousands of folks in Webster Parish who are not connected,” Iyengar said, explaining that the GUMBO 2.0 program represents a $1.35 billion investment intended to deliver fiber-optic service to 95 percent of Louisiana residents. Between August 2024 and January 2025, the program was nearly ready to launch when it received federal approval on January 12, 2025.
However, following the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20 and the appointment of Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, all federal broadband programs were temporarily frozen for review. After months of waiting, they were told in June that they have to start over again with only 90 days to complete the process. His office resubmitted its application on August 15 and is still awaiting approval.
Iyengar said the revised plan now projects 80 percent of Louisianians receiving fiber, with others gaining access through providers such as Comcast or Starlink. The updated cost projection is $498 million — substantially less than originally budgeted. Governor Jeff Landry has requested that any remaining funds not be clawed back by the federal government but redirected toward workforce development, technical training, and healthcare.
Iyengar noted that his office oversees two of the three federal broadband programs in Louisiana. The third, administered by Connexion, is only 17 percent complete. Under the earlier GUMBO 1.0 funding, Optimum, Connexion, and AT&T served as providers. Optimum and AT&T have reported their work complete and are awaiting confirmation, while Connexion reports 36 percent completion.
Six companies are expected to participate in the GUMBO 2.0 rollout once approval is granted. Construction could begin within 30 days of approval, though Iyengar said subcontractors will not have information on customer connection timelines. Residents seeking updates can contact his office at [email protected] for assistance.
Police Jury President Jim Bonsall expressed concern that fewer fiber-optic installations are planned under the revised structure, despite the availability of funds.
“We have to play by these rules that are governed at a federal level,” Iyengar said. He added that, if the new plan proceeds without additional delays, the project could be completed by the end of 2028.
In other business, the Police Jury approved all items on its agenda, including certification of the 2025 assessment of parish property. According to Tax Assessor Twyla Mims, two protests were received and reviewed in accordance with state guidelines. The parish tax roll reflects a net increase of $152,658 for the Police Jury and $183,244 for the Webster Parish Library. Property tax notices will be mailed soon.
The Webster Parish Police Jury meets at 10:30 AM on the first Tuesday of each month in the Webster Parish Courthouse Annex. The public is welcome to attend and, for those who cannot, the meetings are available on livestream at www.websterparishla.org.