Fiber-to-the-Home project complete

POMEROY–The Port of Garfield County will complete its fiber-to-the-home project this month, capping a decade-long effort to bring high-speed internet here. Soon, nearly 700 homes and businesses in the immediate area will have high-speed fiber service available.

"Bringing broadband to Garfield County has been in our Comprehensive Plan for more than 10 years," said Port Manager Diana Ruchert. "Our partners at CERB and Garfield County allowed us to finally bring that vision to life, and we are extremely grateful for their partnership."

The project was funded by a combination of grants, a low-interest loan and Port dollars. The Port of Garfield County received a $412,500 low-interest loan and $137,500 grant from the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). The Port contributed $200,000 of its own money and received $100,000 from Garfield County for the project.

Historically, most of Garfield County was limited to aging copper systems that exceeded the distance limitations for all except the slowest DSL services. Now, Zero DB Communications of Spokane has completed the fiber build and the Port has received orders for dark fiber leases to more than 200 customer premises from three different providers.

Since announcing the project, the Port also welcomed a new business to Pomeroy, Inland Cellular, which held its grand opening in September. The store sells mobile devices, gear and home internet services in the Port's shared office building.