Hardee County IDA approves ARPA-funded public Wi‑Fi grant for downtown and fairgrounds

The Hardee County Economic Development Council and Industrial Development Authority voted to approve a grant award agreement that will fund a public Wi‑Fi network in downtown Huachula and at the Hardee County Fairgrounds.

Vance Conley (presenter) told the board the project was awarded $391,380 through an ARPA-funded Department of Commerce program to construct public Wi‑Fi along Main Street and at the fairgrounds. He said the network will improve connectivity for residents and businesses, assist emergency response during disasters and support technology needs at the fairgrounds.

Kaylee Tuck (attorney) told the board the grant agreement’s formal term runs through Oct. 31, 2026, but noted federal reporting and interest obligations extend through Dec. 31, 2034, because the funding originates from ARPA. Tuck said that the federal reporting period will require ongoing documentation even after the project is complete.

Board members pressed staff on operational questions: who will own and maintain the equipment, where hardware will be located, and who will handle day‑to‑day technical issues. Conley said the installation will use existing utility poles and rights of way where possible and that initial ownership and maintenance for about three years would be under the IDA with services provided by contractors. He said there is a contractual option to transfer ownership to the city or county after the initial period, subject to Department of Commerce approval.

Conley said vendors estimated roughly $75,000 for three years of internet service and maintenance — a planning figure he characterized as an estimate rather than a locked-in match in the grant agreement. Kristen (executive staff) added that the first year’s amount for maintenance is already designated in the authority’s workforce fund budget.

After questions, the board approved a motion to accept the digital connectivity grant award agreement and authorized the chair or vice chair to sign the agreement. The vote was recorded by voice; proponents said “yes” and no members rose in opposition.

Why it matters: the network will expand public internet access in downtown Huachula and at an important county event site, and it establishes a three‑year maintenance window during which the IDA will contract for service and technical support. The extended federal reporting period means the IDA must retain records related to the award through 2034.

Next steps: staff said they expect to finalize vendor agreements and easements with the city and county in coming weeks and plan to complete construction by the end of the year.