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County pursues federal broadband programs and authorizes application for $250,000 seasonal flight grant
Summary
Baraga Telephone described federal broadband programs and a goal to bring fiber to every home by 2028–2030; the board authorized Airport Manager Dennis Hext to submit a $250,000 grant application to fund a third seasonal flight during summer 2025 to support essential air service efforts.
Houghton — Commissioners heard a briefing on federal broadband programs and authorized an airport funding application at their June 18 meeting.
Koray Inal, vice president of Baraga Telephone, told the board the company is working under two current federal funding programs (RDOF and ACAM) and expects the BEAD program to follow; he said more than 300 homes have been connected so far and that the goal is "to have fiber at every home by 2028–2030." Inal cautioned the county that the BEAD rollout and related deadlines are ambitious and may take longer in practice.
Airport Manager Dennis Hext described a Michigan air-service contract and a proposal to seek $250,000 in federal funds to fund a third seasonal flight in June–August 2025. Hext said the aim is to demonstrate demand and strengthen the county’s position for Essential Air Service (EAS) eligibility. The board voted 5-0 to allow Hext to electronically sign and submit the grant application.
Why it matters: Broadband expansion and air service affect economic development, access to services and connectivity in parts of the county. Demonstrating strong ridership on a seasonal flight could help preserve or expand scheduled air service under federal programs.
Next steps: Airport staff will submit the grant application and continue terminal planning work with Mead & Hunt; broadband providers and county staff will monitor federal program guidance as BEAD becomes available.
