Bluebonnet Fiber seeks support for Texas broadband expansion grant

The Dimmit County Commissioners Court meeting on March 24, 2025, focused on a significant proposal for expanding fiber optic internet access in the region. The meeting featured discussions about a grant application for a project aimed at establishing a "last mile" fiber route, which would connect underserved areas, particularly Big Wells, to high-speed internet.

Representatives from Bluebonnet Fiber presented their plans to apply for the USDA's Community Connect grant, which requires a partnership with a fiber optic company to provide broadband services. The proposed route would extend from Carrizo Springs, covering approximately 500,000 feet and reaching around 1,000 households and businesses along Texas 85. The project aims to enhance internet access in areas currently lacking reliable service, particularly in Big Wells, which has been identified as a priority due to its high levels of poverty and social vulnerability.

The grant application process requires a letter of support from the county, which the representatives emphasized as crucial for their proposal. The county would not incur any direct costs, as Bluebonnet Fiber would handle the matching funds required for the grant. The project is expected to provide free internet service to county facilities, including the sports complex and golf course, for two years, after which a reduced rate would apply.

The meeting also addressed construction methods, with assurances that the installation would minimize disruption to the environment. The representatives explained that they would primarily use horizontal directional drilling and vibratory plowing to lay the fiber, avoiding open trenching to reduce ground disturbance.

The deadline for the grant application is April 21, 2025, and the representatives expressed urgency in securing the county's support to meet this timeline. If awarded, construction could begin as early as December 2025, marking a significant step toward improving broadband access in Dimmit County.