Wood County – In December 2022, Wood County Commissioners allocated $2.5 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for broadband expansion in Wood County. Peoples has been selected as the partnering broadband provider following a competitive proposal process.
Peoples has been at the forefront of network upgrades for cooperative members over the past four years. Thanks to the ARPA grant, Peoples will expedite fiber upgrades within the cooperative footprint, including Lake Lydia, the Cartwright community and Masters Hill area. Furthermore, unserved areas outside the cooperative footprint, including a neighborhood in Lake Holbrook and West Fork Estates, will be impacted by this grant project. The estimated impact of the initiative is expected to benefit over 600 Wood County residents with network design to support future growth.
In addition to the broadband expansion, the project will provide network connectivity to Heroes Ranch, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing outdoor accessible adventures to families of injured, ailing, wounded, or disabled heroes. Peoples is preparing to commence construction for the Lake Holbrook project located in Precinct 2 beginning mid-July. These projects mark a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in Wood County and ensuring that all residents have access to reliable, high-speed internet.