PENINSULA: Sappho Gap fiber-optic system plan endorsed

Published 12:01 am Friday, April 20, 2001

At an event last fall celebrating the arrival of a fiber-optic line from Silverdale to Joyce, Forks City Attorney Rod Fleck issued a challenge to complete the fiber-optic loop around the Olympic Peninsula this year.

It appears that challenge will be met.

On Thursday, a state board approved $1.7 million for the installation of fiber-optic cable to fill the “Sappho Gap.”‘

The gap — a 26-mile missing link between broadband communication networks on Clallam County’s west and east sides — is considered a barrier to business development on the North Olympic Peninsula.

Officials said completing the gap will be a major victory for economic development.

Of 29 applications for the $5 million fund, the state Community Economic Revitalization Board chose five projects Thursday.

The $1.7 million for Sappho Gap was the largest single project.

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