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Board directs ARPA savings, interest toward broadband middle-mile and mesh network completion
Summary
The Yuma County Board of Supervisors approved staff’s recommendation to apply ARPA savings and interest earnings toward completing the county’s broadband middle‑mile and mesh network, citing federal deadlines and remaining funding gaps.
YUMA — The Yuma County Board of Supervisors voted June 23 to allocate remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) savings and interest earnings toward the county’s broadband middle‑mile project and a related mesh (access‑point) network, county officials said.
County administrators told the board staff has obligated the county’s $41.5 million in ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and reported roughly $31.2 million in expenditures to date, leaving about $10.3 million available for remaining projects. Staff also reported approximately $788,739 in interest earnings on ARPA funds. Because federal rules require expenditure of certain ARPA funds by December 30, 2026, staff recommended using savings plus interest for broadband work that remains underfunded.
The board approved a staff plan to direct available interest and “savings” toward two broadband priorities: completion of the middle‑mile fiber project and completion of the mesh/access‑point tower network. County staff told supervisors that some subprojects are coming in under budget and that the county has identified a shortfall for finishing both the middle‑mile link and several access points. The board’s approval authorizes staff to move those funds as needed between the two projects.
County officials said two change orders will be added to the existing middle‑mile contract rather than opening a new procurement. Staff also recommended and the board approved using ARPA program income that has already accrued in the broadband account to help meet the December 30, 2026 expenditure deadline.
County administrators warned supervisors the deadline for obligating certain ARPA funds already passed (original obligation deadline in 2024) and that the county now must meet the later expenditure deadlines for particular project types. The board instructed staff to prioritize completing the middle mile and mesh network and to continue pursuing external grants (including USDA and other state sources) for gaps.
Supervisor comment during the discussion stressed urgency: supervisors said access points and a small number of towers remain unbuilt and that topping up the middle mile is necessary for the mesh network to work. Staff said the broadband consultant would continue to refine cost estimates and that staff expect to return with contract amendments and more specific dollar amounts as required.
The board approved staff’s recommendation by voice vote. The motion directed staff to allocate available ARPA savings and interest earnings to the broadband middle‑mile project and to the mesh (access‑point) network as appropriate.
The county will report back to the board with updated cost estimates and any grant applications or contract amendments needed to complete the buildout.
