Fiber Optic Cable, Saint Peter, MN

Tornado turns to Technology

• 1998 tornado caused extensive damage
• Decided to rebuild with underground utilities including fiber
• Local vision and leadership
• Competition benefits consumers

Saint Peter, Minnesota is a community of approximately 10,000 that suffered a devastating tornado in 1998 that severely damaged much of the city. As Saint Peter was rebuilding FEMA decided to pay for all wired utilities to be placed underground. At the time, the city was forward thinking enough to decide to put fiber conduit underground and saved hundreds of thousands of dollars. It took five years to rebuild after the tornado and in 2003 Internet services delivered over fiber began.

This project was funded by borrowing from the municipal electric utility. One of the main lessons learned is that leaders need to communicate a consistent message to citizens and keep communicating throughout the process of implementing the project. Saint Peter was able to keep the trust of the community during the rebuilding process.

For More Information:
http://www.saintpetermn.gov and http://www.saintpeteradvantage.com/

Contact: Todd Prafke, City Administrator, City of Saint Peter
Phone: 507-934-0663
Email: barbaral@saintpetermn.gov