A request for relief from road permit fees tied to fiber construction brought Green Hills Communications before Ray County commissioners. Plant Manager Chris Shoe told commissioners the company is preparing fiber construction tied to its participation in a federal broadband program aimed at expanding service in rural areas. Shoe explained Green Hills Communications is upgrading its aging copper infrastructure to fiber-optic lines in response to growing consumer demand and long-term reliability concerns. He noted the project includes work in northern Ray County and would extend service to customers near the Knoxville area and the company’s southern exchange, bringing fiber connectivity to about 225 locations. Shoe said the Ray County portion of the project represents roughly $4.5 million of a broader $44 million investment across multiple counties. Shoe explained Green Hills has historically maintained a cooperative working relationship with the county and reached out to staff in…