Business View Civil Municipal - July 2023

240 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 7 In terms of costs, the entire project is budgeted at a substantial $20.2 million, illustrating the city’s commitment to improving digital infrastructure. As Walker pointed out, this new system won’t just serve one provider. “If you have an open access system, different providers can access it,” he affirmed. Walker sees the proposed network as a game changer, offering vital support to businesses and residents alike, particularly in light of increasing remote work, telehealth, and remote schooling demands. He envisages the fiber network offering “up to ten gigabytes of symmetrical speeds,” an enhancement he believes will revolutionize digital connectivity in Willmar. Echoing a sentiment of future-forward thinking, Walker stressed the need to anticipate technological advancement and the resulting data needs. “You have to think ahead and build capacity for that growth,” he advised. He’s confident that this forward- thinking approach, illustrated by this project and other infrastructure upgrades, positions the city of Willmar for future success. PREFERRED VENDOR/ PARTNER n Willlmar Municipal Utlilities www.wmu.willmar.mn.us Willmar Municipal Utilities (WMU) provides electric and water utilities to the community of Willmar.  WMU is municipally owned and decisions are made locally with the best interest of its customers in mind. WMU has received national recognition for reliability, safety, and affordability, as a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) community. n Bolton & Menk Inc. www.bolton-menk.com n West Central Steel www.wcsteel.com