Yates County advances ReConnect Phase 3 schedule and seeks purchase of nine optical splitters

Yates County officials on March 3 outlined a timetable for Phase 3 of the county's ReConnect broadband project and presented a procurement resolution to support the build.

Jeffrey Ayers, ReConnect project lead, told the Finance Committee that Phase 3 has had a change of construction approved by Rural Utilities Service on Feb. 12, 2026, and that the county expects an approximately 80-day construction window once materials and permits are in place. He summarized a procurement schedule with key dates: plans and specs meeting on March 17, bid packet completion on March 31, pre-bid meeting April 14, bids opened April 28 and a resolution to award on May 11.

Ayers also reported 41 customers have been connected to date across earlier phases and described ongoing service issues in Phase 2 being addressed with Empire and YES. He said the county will pursue reimbursement from RUS for purchased materials after a rule change that removed the requirement materials be on a contract to be funded.

The committee reviewed a Resolution Authorizing Procurement of 9 Corning Optical Splitters for the Yates County ReConnect Project (NY1702-A61 & A75). Vice Committee Chair Nonie Flynn asked whether the resolution should proceed to the Legislative meeting; after discussion and edits, there were no official objections and the matter will go forward.

Next steps include finalizing bid documents and securing required permits (the county anticipates seven DOT crossing permits and 11 railroad crossing permits), then returning to the Legislature for the formal award.