An email has been sent to your address with instructions for changing your password.
There is no user registered with this email.
Sign Up
To create a free account, please fill out the form below.
Thank you for signing up!
A confirmation email has been sent to your email address. Please check your email and follow the instructions in the message to complete the registration process. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder or contact us for assistance.
Welcome to our platform!
Oops!
Something went wrong while trying to create your new account. Please try again and if the problem persist, Email Us to receive support.
Alaska Power & Telephone Awarded $29.3m USDA ReConnect Grant to Expand Fiber Optic Connectivity in Tongass Region Communities
Rhea-AI Impact
(Low)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Very Positive)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary
Alaska Power & Telephone Company (OTC: APTL) announced that its subsidiary APT Wireless secured a $29,344,717 grant from the USDA's ReConnect program to enhance fiber optic connectivity on Prince of Wales Island. The project, named SEALink South, includes a $9,781,573 investment in matching funds and aims to enhance service to about 550 premises in rural communities such as Craig, Klawock, and Hollis. Construction is expected between 2024 and 2027, pending permits. The initiative builds on the successful SEALink project, which is ahead of schedule.
Positive
Secured a $29,344,717 grant from USDA for fiber optic expansion.
Plans to invest $9,781,573 in matching private funds.
Will enhance connectivity for approximately 550 premises in rural areas.
Construction to begin between 2024 and 2027, improving infrastructure.
Negative
None.
JUNEAU, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Alaska Power & Telephone Company (OTC: APTL) (“AP&T”) is pleased to share that its subsidiary APT Wireless has been selected by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to receive a $29,344,717 grant award from USDA Rural Utility Service’s ReConnect grant program, to expand fiber optic connectivity in communities on Prince of Wales Island. AP&T will invest $9,781,573 in matching private funds. The project, called “SEALink South,” will involve developing fiber optic networks capable of 100 Mbps symmetrical service and higher to approximately 550 premises in the remote, rural communities of Craig, Klawock, and Hollis, helping to enhance telecommunication resiliency and redundancy for residents throughout the Tongass National Forest region.
AP&T estimates a marine route survey, permitting, and environmental review activities will occur in 2023. Construction would occur between 2024 and 2027, depending on timing of environmental and permit approvals.
The “SEALink South” project builds upon the success of AP&T’s “SEALink” project, which is proceeding 2 years ahead of schedule. SEALink includes a new submarine fiber optic cable between the communities of Prince of Wales Island, Petersburg, and Juneau, and fiber-to-the-home for all premises within the remote, unserved communities of Kasaan and Coffman Cove. The SEALink submarine cable is currently in British Columbia, pre-staged for installation beginning in November of 2022. Fiber to the home installation will occur in Kasaan and Coffman Cove in 2023.
“AP&T deeply appreciates this opportunity to invest alongside USDA and dramatically improve the quality and affordability of services it can offer to rural Alaskans,” remarked AP&T CEO Mike Garrett. “For years, these communities have struggled to find economic sustainability within the challenging context of the Tongass National Forest. USDA’s investment will help put amazing new opportunities within reach, enabling remote work, distance education, telemedicine, and strengthening existing businesses and jobs. We are extremely thankful for all of the hard work by Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, advocating for federal programs like ReConnect, which have been instrumental in addressing the infrastructure needs of remote Alaska communities.”
A diverse group of indigenous and environmental stakeholders rallied around AP&T’s application with letters of support, including the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Sealaska Corporation, the Sustainable Southeast Partnership, Sitka Conservation Society, Klawock Cooperative Association, Craig Tribal Association, and Shaan-Seet Corporation. While the Tongass has attracted decades of controversy and disagreement over issues like access to old growth timber and the Roadless Rule, USDA’s and AP&T’s new investment in fiber optic assets for the region will help provide excellent opportunities for economic diversification and resiliency, giving stakeholders a new path forwards to a successful economic future.
Alaska Power & Telephone Company (OTC: APTL) is an employee- and investor-owned utility providing diverse utility services in over 40 communities in rural Alaska. Additional information on AP&T can be found at: www.aptalaska.com.
Jason Custer, Vice President – Business Development
C: 907-617-3773 E: jason.c@aptalaska.com
Source: Alaska Power & Telephone Company
FAQ
What is Alaska Power & Telephone Company's new project related to APTL?
The new project, SEALink South, aims to enhance fiber optic connectivity on Prince of Wales Island, supported by a $29,344,717 USDA grant.
How much funding is Alaska Power & Telephone Company contributing to the SEALink South project?
APTL will invest $9,781,573 in matching private funds for the SEALink South project.
When will construction for the SEALink South project take place?
Construction for the SEALink South project is expected to occur between 2024 and 2027, depending on environmental and permit approvals.
What areas will benefit from the SEALink South project?
The SEALink South project will benefit approximately 550 premises in Craig, Klawock, and Hollis on Prince of Wales Island.
What is the purpose of the USDA grant awarded to APT Wireless?
The USDA grant aims to expand fiber optic connectivity, enhancing telecommunication resiliency and economic opportunities in rural Alaskan communities.
