The engineer tasked with designing the City of Pella’s proposed fiber optic network and telecommunications utility is beginning survey work today.

NewCom Technologies is conducting the field engineering process, and over the next month, individuals with NewCom will inspect the public right-of-way and verify electric meter locations within the community along all city streets. NewCom representatives will wear a neon yellow vest with orange stripes and carry an ID badge for ease of identification.

In July, a $792,000 engineering services contract was approved with NewCom. The design of the network will take until December, when the city anticipates taking the project out for bids, with the goal of starting construction in spring of 2020. If all aspects of the development of the telecommunications utility remain on schedule, the service will be available in early 2021.

Those with questions can contact Pella City Hall at 628-4173.