GOSHEN — The Elkhart County Commissioners are seeking support to develop a new broadband Internet option for businesses on C.R. 17.

Commissioner Mike Yoder made a pitch Thursday to the Elkhart County Redevelopment Commission for up to $10,000 to pay for the project.

Yoder said there are several vaults along C.R. 17 that allow private businesses to connect to the county’s fiber-optic network, but there is a gap north of Old U.S. 20. Comcast and at least one other wireless company already have connections in that area, but three businesses near Verdant Street have expressed interest in using a new broadband service, Yoder told commission members.

Yoder noted that the project could end up costing less than $10,000. The redevelopment commission voted unanimously to pass a positive recommendation to the Elkhart County Council. The council will vote at its Sept. 8 meeting on whether to move forward with the project.