Nearly 20 broadband projects in 12 Arizona counties received funding as part of the state’s plan to spend $100 million from the federal government to expand high-speed Internet access in underserved areas. received.
“These joint projects will enhance the way Arizona people live, work and learn, no matter where they live,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Department of Commerce. I’m here. Press release announced a grant. “We thank Governor Ducey and all our state and federal partners for their commitment to expanding broadband across the state.”
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Most of the spending ($75.7 million for 14 projects) will go to 10 rural counties, and the remaining $23.6 million will fund six projects in two city counties. State grants will generate more than $112 million for him in local matching funds, according to the Arizona Department of Commerce.
“This award represents a generational investment in connecting the state’s rural and underserved communities and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that all Arizonans have access to high-speed internet. ,” Governor Doug Ducey said in a statement.
Awarded projects passed competitive grant applications split between rural and urban applicants. Projects were awarded based on criteria such as return on investment and local support.
grant program It aims to assemble and accelerate broadband infrastructure construction projects, improving the speed, redundancy and reach of high-speed Internet to consumers in rural and urban communities.
Examples of projects include installing high-speed fiber optic infrastructure, deploying Wi-Fi access points and network equipment for broadband Internet, and expanding fiber networks, according to the Arizona Commerce Authority.
Once all grant projects are complete, the Arizona Department of Commerce said it will increase connectivity to homes, businesses, public safety agencies, medical facilities, schools, libraries and more.
“Reliable internet access is more important than ever for public safety, education, telemedicine, and more. Ducey said in a statement.
Apache County will receive $9.7 million in funding, which will be used to install fiber optic infrastructure connecting homes and businesses in eight Apache County communities, said Apache County School Superintendent Joy Whiting. .
“This $9.7 million grant represents a lifeline for economic stability. Press release“We still have work to do, but we are very excited about the future of Apache County with the high-speed internet and broadband available in Apache County.”
According to a press release, the completed project will connect more than 11,000 residents and 4,100 homes across Apache County.
Here is the full list of Arizona Broadband Grant Program winners and eligible projects:
Regional Winner
- Apache County: Southern Apache County Regional Broadband Project
- Cochise County: City of Douglas and Cochise Community College
- Cochise County: Textile Investments in Rural West Wilcox Communities
- Coconino County: Coconino County Project 4
- Graham County: City of Safford Improves Access to Broadband Internet
- La Paz County: La Paz County – Artis
- Mojave County: Wecom AZ-EXTEND
- Mojave County: Mojave County Middle Mile Project
- Navajo County: Navajo County-WANRack
- Navajo County: Heber-Overgaard
- Pinal County: Initial Deployment of Kearny AZ FTTH/FTTB
- Santa Cruz County: Patagonia Regional Broadband Project
- Yuma County: Yuma County Broadband Project
- Yuma County: San Luis City Last Mile Project
urban award winner
- Maricopa County: Fiber-to-the-Premise of Gila Bend
- Maricopa County: Surprise City Center and Heritage District
- Maricopa County/Yavapai County: Wickenburg
- Pima County: Expanding Broadband Access in Ajo
- Pima County: Three Points and Sycamore Springs Public-Private Partnership
- Pima County: TOUA Pima County Site
