PRTC announces $19 million USDA ReConnect award and multi‑phase Lee County broadband build

PRTC told the Lee County Fiscal Court that it has secured a $19 million award through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect 4 program to extend broadband across the county.

Brian Murray, public relations manager for PRTC, said Phase 1 is under way with Red Stack Construction of Baxter, Tennessee, and represents about a $5 million build covering roughly 78 miles (76 aerial, 2 buried). He said a planned Phase 2 would add about 125 miles, bringing the total to approximately 203 miles and, when finished, the company expects the network to reach “close to 90% of Lee County.”

“The goal is reliable high‑speed internet for as many households as possible,” Murray said, inviting officials and residents to a formal announcement Monday, Dec. 1, at Happy Top Community Center where PRTC’s CEO and area state legislators will attend.

Murray described the USDA award as a mix of loan and grant funding and said the project is one of the largest investments PRTC has made in a single county. He cited neighboring counties’ experience to argue broadband can widen access to at‑home work, educational resources during remote learning days and local economic opportunities.

The announcement also included local philanthropy: Murray said donor Tracy Farmer and PRTC contributions were distributed this week to local food banks and wraparound service providers.

Next steps: PRTC will continue construction on Phase 1, and officials said they will provide public updates as the build progresses and as Phase 2 funding and scheduling are finalized.