On December 21, 2010, Merit Network broke ground on 2,287 miles of open-access, advanced fiber-optic network through rural and underserved communities in Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsulas. Undeterred by snow, representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, Connect Manistee, the Manistee Intermediate School District, and the Manistee Alliance for Economic Success joined Merit Network staff in a ceremony commemorating the first phase of construction. The event was held at the Manistee Intermediate School District headquarters, the first community anchor institution connected by the REACH-3MC project.

The $130 million REACH-3MC project, $103 million of which is funded by BTOP, intends to connect 105 community anchor institutions and spur deployment of affordable broadband to households and businesses that lack adequate service options in 52 counties. Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm cited the benefits of the project saying, “The Merit Network project funded by the Recovery Act will give schools, local governments, libraries, healthcare providers and other important anchor institutions in Michigan access to high-quality, high-speed Internet service and provide expanded opportunities for economic development throughout the state."

Over the course of the project, Merit Network will also use BTOP funds to create new jobs. Currently, Merit has hired six new employees to assist with the construction and is holding community meetings and quarterly webcasts to update local citizens on the project’s progress. To see local news coverage, please visit here.

Last Updated: October 17, 2011