The $129,000 fiber-optic loop that was axed from the Public Square reconstruction project last month because of cost overruns might be back on the table.
City engineers are trying to determine whether the size of an existing conduit, which already holds traffic signal lines, can be increased along the south side of Public Square during the reconstruction project this summer.
The city wants to lease unused space in the conduit to communications companies whose fiber-optic lines carry high-speed Internet and telephone service.
Businesses on the north side of Public Square will be served if conduit is added to the J.B. Wise parking lot reconstruction project, which is slated for next year, Watertown City Manager Mary M. Corriveau said earlier this week.
"Now we're just looking to see if we have funding for it," she said.
The City Council cut an additional fiber-optic conduit from the Public Square project list last month to save on cost overruns. Those overruns would have hiked the project to $7 million if they were left in; the project now stands at $6.6 million.
The city plans to reconstruct the J.B. Wise parking lot, which borders Public Square on the north, next summer. That project is expected to cost at least $1 million, according to the 2008-09 proposed budget.
By leasing conduit space, the city hopes to open another revenue stream. The council agreed to a nonexclusive franchise agreement with Westelcom Communications in January to rent space for fiber optics in the conduits. The more space available in the conduits, the more money the city can make.
The city's conduit also would open up competition between communications companies. Verizon already has a fiber-optic line that runs under the south side of Public Square. Mrs. Corriveau said she wasn't sure if other companies have fiber-optic lines that are available to Public Square properties.
The city now has fiber-optic line available along portions of State, Washington and Massey streets. City Department of Public Works crews are installing fiber optics along Sterling Street that will link City Hall to the State Street line.
