The Courier
NEWS
Idaho Broadband Approves Area Projects
On December 8th, the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board (IBAB) gave approval to 18 broadband projects throughout Idaho, including projects in Camas, Gooding and Lincoln counties. In October, IBAB tentatively awarded over $118 million for 17 projects. Of those projects, 12 were challenged by various companies that might be adversely affected or involved in competing projects: 4 challenges were dismissed because they were invalid for one reason or another (included Gooding County); 3 projects were adjusted based on the information presented in the challenge; and 5 challenges needed a determination by IBAB (included Camas County). Gooding County's project was challenged based on locations which appeared to be included in the project but were not. The GIS map for the project will be updated. Gooding was awarded $7,509,334 for Gooding County Wireless Fiber and Middle Mile Fiber. Camas County's project was challenged by an existing service in the county. IBAB determined that the challenger did not provide a valid argument to invalidate the project. Camas was awarded $5,090,020 for Camas County Wireless Fiber and fiber to premises. Lincoln County's project was initially denied in October because a challenger claimed to be providing broadband within the county. After review, that service did not meet the IBAB critiria. Lincoln County was awarded $4,039,860 for Phase 2 of their Broadband Initiative. Other successful projects in Southern Idaho include Salmon and Jerome. The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board (IBAB) awarded a total of $120 million in funding from the Idaho Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to 18 broadband projects across Idaho. “These awarded projects are another important step in furthering the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board’s mission of ensuring that all Idahoans have access to affordable and reliable internet,” Idaho Broadband Advisory Board Chair, Representative John Vander Woude said. “These projects will connect over 30,000 homes and businesses across the entire State.” Camas County Commissioner, Travis Kramer said, "Getting broadband internet fiber for the City of Fairfield and wireless for the county would not have been possible without the help of organizations like Imagine Idaho (a non-profit with the goal of increasing Broadband Internet throughout the state) and broadband experts who gave time and encouragement throughout the application process." Each of our counties will be negotiating the details and entering into a contract with the state to receive the grant award. After the grant is signed, funding is anticipated early next year. Requests For Proposals (RFPs) will be developed so that any interested parties can respond. The RFPs will be to design, engineer, build, manage, and operate the open access network. The goal of the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board and the State of Idaho in funding these broadband projects is to assist with or improve distance learning, telehealth, telework, economic development and public safety. These awards meet the federal Capital Projects Fund (CPF) criteria and improve internet connectivity in unserved and underserved locations.
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
December 13, 2023
Vol 47 Num 50
Idaho Sled Dog Challenge At McCall Winter Carnival
by Tony Harrison The West Central Mountains of Idaho will reverberate with the thunderous spirit of sled dogs as the 2024 Idaho Sled Dog Challenge marks its sixth annual run, slated for the end of January as usual. However, this year's race charts a solo course, unfolding independent of the McCall Winter Carnival, which is shifting from a 10-day extravaganza kicking off the last weekend of January to a three-day soirée at the end of February. The separate paths of these two iconic winter events add a new chapter to the region's seasonal narrative. Race organizers are both eager and anxious to break away from the familiar rhythm of past years and see the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge stand on its own. "I'm hoping that separating the McCall Winter Carnival and the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge is a big benefit for our community, because now people will have to visit Valley County twice if they want to attend both events," race founder and organizer Jerry Wortley said. "We really hit our stride last year after several years of trial and error and we've got it pretty well dialed in now. The Idaho Sled Dog Challenge showcases the remarkable partnership that's possible between humans and canines and has become one of the West Central Mountains' most iconic winter events." One of the most grueling mushing... continued on page 3...