'Broadband Ready' Ordinance Poises Zionsville For New Investments

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. -- A newly approved ordinance recognizes the town of Zionsville as a "broadband ready community" where officials are poised to embrace new businesses, investments and infrastructure improvements.

The Zionsville Town Council unanimously passed the declaration this week in a move meant to demonstrate that steps have been taken to minimize barriers to broadband infrastructure investment.

• The ordinance states that the community with comply with project standards such as:
• Assigning one point of contact for broadband development projects;
• Allowing electronic application and form submissions;
• Adopting processes for all permit applications to be approved or denied within 10 business days;
• Creating assurance that all inspections related to a project are completed in a timely manner; and
• Establishing a plan to promote broadband adoption.

“Broadband readiness allows the town to further express that we are open for business,” said Wayne DeLong, director of planning and economic development.“This is yet another illustration of how the town speeds up the infrastructure process and makes processes better and easier for potential customers.”

Communities in Indiana pursuing improved broadband access are eligible for the Broadband Ready Community certification and may apply through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). In the coming weeks, Zionsville will pursue official certification on the IEDC website, with DeLong as the point of contact.

“This ordinance shows that we are ready for new investments,” Zionsville Mayor Tim Haak said. “Being a broadband ready community will encourage the expansion of infrastructure and additional broadband access for both residents and visitors."

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