Residents of Shutesbury, Massachusetts, will vote on a resolution Saturday urging the Baker Administration to hurry up and get broadband internet to the town.
The so-called “Last Mile” project, which would bring broadband internet to rural communities, has been subject to lengthy delays. The latest started a few months ago when Governor Charlie Baker halted all broadband funding in order to conduct a review of the program. Shutesbury Select Board Chair April Stein says the resolution is one way for townspeople to show their frustration.
“I believe we’re going to have resounding from our community for the resolution,” Stein says. “I think it will bring some sense of relief that maybe we can get something done.”
The Shutesbury resolution calls for Baker to come up with a plan by the end of June. In a possible sign of some movement, the governor this week appointed two new staff members to lead the Last Mile Project.