Yates County has reached a major milestone in its county-wide high-speed internet rollout.
County gets a big break on fiber availability
The county has reached an agreement to purchase the fiber for its ReConnect project. Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn says most of the contractors who bid on the project would not be able to deliver the fiber for six to 12 months, but then the county caught a lucky break.
Related: Yates County to undertake three major projects in 2022 without incurring new debt
The $14 million project is funded in part by a grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utility Service. Yates County became one of the first in the country to receive one of the grants in March 2020. The county came up with $3.5 million in matching funds. Yates County ReConnect is expected to provide broadband service to 1,635 underserved premises in the county. The county has signed a multi-year agreement with Empire Access to be the service provider.
Related: Major progress happening behind the scenes on Yates County broadband expansion
When will my house be connected?
The rollout will be in phases. Only homes and businesses in areas of the county that meet the USDA’s definition of underserved will be eligible. Call Empire Acess to find out more at (800) 338-3300 to find out more or visit their website.
Listen to my full Inside the FLX conversation with Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn below.
