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Glenwood awarded Nebraska Broadband Bridge grant to extend fiber to 53 rural York County locations
Summary
Glenwood Communications told the York County Board that the company won a Nebraska Broadband Bridge Grant to build about 34 miles of new fiber serving 53 unserved locations in rural York County; construction is expected to begin in spring with customers connected in mid‑summer subject to an 18‑month grant completion deadline.
Glenwood Communications representatives informed the York County Board of Commissioners that the company was awarded a Nebraska Broadband Bridge Grant to bring fiber service to 53 previously unserved locations in rural York County and that Alfa Construction will be the contractor for the county project.
Jennifer Raymond, Glenwood business development representative, said the application was submitted in July 2024 and the award was announced Jan. 14. She said the award covers 34 miles of buried fiber and the total grant award for the county project from the Nebraska Public Service Commission is $981,961.98, with total project expenses listed in the presentation as $1,000,402.80. Raymond said Glenwood already received the first quarter of grant funds on announcement and that the commission’s reimbursement schedule includes subsequent payments tied to project milestones and completion. "We are required to have this project completed within 18 months of being rewarded the grant," Raymond said, identifying a July 14 (year tied to the 18‑month window) completion deadline under grant terms.
County and Glenwood staff discussed procurement and selection of Alfa Construction (Kearney) as the bidder for the county project; Raymond said Glenwood planned to execute a contract with the chosen contractor within weeks and aimed to have fiber in the ground by April and to begin customer hookups in mid‑ to late‑July, weather permitting. She said required speed tests will be performed for a sample of customers to confirm minimum performance of 100/100 Mbps, though Glenwood plans to offer packages up to 1 Gbps and equipment capable of 2 Gbps.
Raymond noted the project targets locations defined as unserved (under 25 Mbps) and that Glenwood’s installation cost to an individual home (a drop) averages about $2,000, which Glenwood intends to include when seeking reimbursements under the grant. She explained Glenwood coordinates with county road/highway crews for restoration and that end users pay no direct installation charge under the grant project.
The board discussed an agreement template Glenwood uses with counties when the county provides local funding; Raymond said York County had previously committed $400,000 toward an earlier application and that if the county contributes funds the county may require a written agreement addressing responsibilities and potential clawback if commitments are unmet.
Raymond also discussed the Nebraska Broadband Office and the larger state/federal funding environment. She said the Nebraska Broadband Bridge grant program appeared to be winding down and that other funding streams at the state level were in flux; Glenwood is evaluating participation in upcoming federal/state broadband programs and will file organizational applications where required.
No formal action was taken by the board during the presentation; Glenwood representatives left the county with direction to finalize paperwork and consult with the county attorney on any proposed agreement language before signature.
