First proposed in 2019, siting a 180-foot cell tower has received all approvals and construction is about to begin, reports the Saint Albans Messenger. The new tower will occupy a high perch on Georgia Mountain in Franklin County, lifting it 1,425 feet above the surrounding area.
“The geographical location is perfect,” said Maurice Lamothe, St. Albans City Chief of Police. “Putting a tower up there, it’s not going to stand out. This covers a lot of dead air. Radio frequency transmission is tough, he said, because RF “travels in a straight line. The goal is to be able to offer extended services for the communities we dispatch for,” added Lamothe, noting that they currently serve 35 communities and could now reach even more.
The tower project was initiated by Jim and Janet Harrison of HW Ventures. The Harrisons have said that a cell tower would be an asset to their Georgia Mountain Maple business, as well as a contribution to the public good. “For years, I’ve made it known that we want to utilize the mountain for the fullest,” said Jim Harrison, “And if this is going to benefit the people in the community, why not?”
“It’s the emergency communications infrastructure that we need,” agreed City Manager Dominic Cloud.
Harrison confirmed that the place of honor would be given to emergency responders. “The Saint Albans Group is going at the very top of the tower,” he stated. Georgia Mountain Maple will have a smaller antenna in the next available spot, making it easier for the business to remotely monitor its maple production. Remaining space could be leased to other organizations. Harrison said he has already had offers, according to the Saint Albans Messenger.
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