The Yates County Legislature has awarded First Light of Albany a contract to supply the remaining fiber optic cable needed for the county’s broadband project.
USDA approvals have slowed internet project progress
Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn says bids will be opened Thursday for the construction of Phase 1A, which is the internet backbone. Due to federal red tape, she says the project has not moved along as quickly as the county had hoped.
Related: Fiber for Yates County broadband project expected to arrive this week
USDA ReConnect program provides high-speed internet to underserved areas
The project is part of the US Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect Loan and Grant program, which helps provide high-speed internet to what are considered underserved rural areas. Yates County was awarded a grant for the $14 million dollar project in 2020. The county is providing $3.5 million in matching funds.
Listen to my full Inside the FLX conversation with Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn below.
Related: Lucky break leads to faster fiber availability for Yates County broadband project
