Underwater construction of a high-speed internet connection from Chicago to Benton Harbor by way of Lake Michigan could begin in the summer of 2027 as Peninsula Fiber Network continues making preparations for the project.

Speaking to colleagues Thursday, Berrien County Commissioner Teri Freehling said the county’s broadband committee, BC Bit, was recently given an update on that fiber optic broadband route the company is planning. She said some locals have noticed the prep work.

“ You may have seen some postings on social media about rigs that were close to the shoreline that were pulling soil samples,” Freehling said. “ This is all the environmental work that goes in the front end of this, and that’s what

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