Maury County breaks ground on $24.4 million broadband expansion project

Maury County broke new ground Tuesday on a project to expand its broadband services to rural communities, including homes, businesses and schools.

The project was made possible through collaborations between the county, state, Duck River Electric and United Communications, which were awarded the bid to oversee the installation.

The project is part of the larger Project UNITE initiative that seeks to establish universal high-speed internet access.

Through the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund, United Communications, along with its parent company Middle Tennessee Electric were able to secure $53.4 million in broadband infrastructure grants in 2022.

Of the counties which received a share for the project, Maury County was given the highest in the amount of $17 million. The Maury County Commission and United committed also provided an additional $7.4 million, bringing the total investment to $24.4 million.

“It became very clear over the past three years that it was imperative for thousands of adults and students to have better communication options in our county,” Mayor Sheila Butt said. “Duck River Electric, United Communications, the State of Tennessee and Maury County have all stepped up to the plate together to make this happen.”

County Commission Chair Eric Previti said that, while Maury County was fortunate to receive the grant, it could not have been possible without the outpouring of citizen support.

"The biggest thanks from me is to the citizens of Maury County, because Maury County wrote more letters than any other county in the state requesting that this grant happen," Previti said. "And a thanks goes to our financial department for putting together the ability to get those letters done."

Previti added that a big surprise announced Tuesday is that the original plan to reach 4,000 residents has now grown to 6,500. The additional 2,500, according to a press release, is for county residents who currently have limited access to broadband providers, but did not qualify for grant funding.

"This allows more people to have service for those people in Maury County. Those with medical needs can use the service to get information to their medical providers via Internet," Previti said. "Everything so far has been design, design, design, and now it's all about install, install, install."

“Groundbreaking events usually mean that something big is coming to an area, and this one is no different,” said DREMC Interim President and CEO, Troy Crowell. “It is exciting to see Project UNITE continue connecting rural places in Middle Tennessee to high-speed internet service, and Duck River Electric is honored to be a part of supporting this effort in Maury County and in other communities that we serve.”

The project is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

“We’re committed to doing everything we can to help our neighbors get the fast, reliable internet service they need with the value they deserve,” said United Communications’ Chief Operating Officer and Maury County resident, Josh Lynch.

“Folks who sign up now can take advantage of the grant to cover installation costs, making it especially beneficial for properties with long driveways and potentially expensive fiber runs. This is a great opportunity to save money not only on installation but also on monthly service costs, all while enjoying exceptional customer service.”

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Maury County breaks ground on $24.4 million broadband expansion project