Broadband provider seeks county pandemic funds as it outlines $8.25 million local investment
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Summary
TEC told the Benton County Commission it built service to about 300 locations in 2020 and plans 87 miles of new fiber to reach roughly 1,200 more locations in Q3 2021, asking the county to earmark pandemic-relief funds for local broadband infrastructure.
TEC representatives described a multi-million-dollar expansion that company officials said would extend fiber to many Benton County addresses and requested local pandemic-relief funds to support the build.
Lisa Wiggington of TEC told commissioners the company used state grants to serve roughly 300 locations in 2020 and is planning about 87 miles of construction in the third quarter of 2021 to reach approximately 1,200 additional locations. "The total investment in Benton County is over $8.25 million," Wiggington said, and TEC has already placed free public Wi‑Fi hotspots at several volunteer fire departments.
Why it matters: County Mayor Brett Lashlee framed the presentation in grant-success terms, saying Benton County’s low ranking in broadband availability helped secure roughly $18 million in grants since July 2020. Commissioners were presented with a request that the county earmark some pandemic-relief monies to help accelerate last-mile infrastructure in areas the state grants do not fully cover.
TEC asked the commission to consider directing county pandemic-relief funds toward broadband infrastructure to help reach locations not fully covered by state awards and to lower hookup or service barriers for residents. Company representatives offered to answer questions and provide technical and schedule details to county staff and the budget committee.
The commission took no formal vote on TEC’s funding request at the meeting. County Mayor Lashlee and commissioners discussed the county’s interest in pursuing grants and partnerships to improve Internet access; no appropriation or commitment of local funds was recorded. The commission is expected to refer details to staff and budget committees for follow-up.