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PRTC wins $19.5 million Reconnect award; first phase to install 78 miles of fiber in Lee County by spring 2026
Summary
PRTC told the Lee County Fiscal Court it received $19.5 million from Reconnect 4 (half loan, half grant) and will begin a roughly $5 million first phase with contractor Red Stack to install 78 miles of fiber, with countywide coverage planned in later phases.
PRTC announced a major broadband grant and loan award for Lee County and outlined a phased build that the company and county officials say will substantially expand high‑speed internet access.
"My name is Brian Murray. I'm the public relations manager for PRTC," Murray told the fiscal court. He said PRTC was awarded $19.5 million through the Reconnect 4 program — half a loan and half a grant — and has accepted a contractor bid from Red Stack of Baxter, Tennessee. The firm will begin work next week on a first phase Murray described as a roughly $5 million package: a $3 million construction bid and about $2 million in engineering.
Why it matters: Murray said phase one will install about 78 miles of fiber and is expected to be completed by late spring 2026. PRTC plans a second phase of roughly 125 additional miles, bringing the total to about 203 miles and covering an estimated 90–95% of Lee County.
Murray emphasized local partnerships and outreach: he said PRTC is coordinating with school and athletic officials and will provide details to the fiscal court and tourism board at upcoming meetings. "We're excited to be a part of what's going on here with you guys," he said, and offered his contact information for county follow‑up.
Next steps: Murray said crews will be visible in the county next week and that phase‑two environmental work is being pursued to allow the second phase to begin as soon as phase one is complete. The fiscal court did not take a separate vote on the PRTC presentation during this session.
