In November, Idaho County, DIGB2, and community partners gathered at Nezperce City Hall for the groundbreaking of the Idaho County/DIGB2 Broadband Fiber Project. The event marked the start of construction on a $14 million effort to expand fiber connectivity in North Central Idaho. J-U-B has been involved from the earliest stages and continues to support the project as it moves into construction.
J-U-B assisted Idaho County and CEDA with the 2024 Idaho Department of Commerce Capital Project Fund grant application that secured major funding for this project. We also helped Idaho County obtain a broadband planning grant. Working with Prime Point Consulting, J-U-B supported the formation of the Idaho County Broadband Coalition and created the County’s first Broadband Strategic Plan.
J-U-B is the lead consultant for the current fiber project. Our subconsultant for fiber engineering is Axiom Engineering.
Phase One: Construction of a middle-mile fiber route from Nezperce to Orofino
Phase Two: Construction of a middle mile fiber route from Nezperce to Grangeville
Phase Three: Last-mile fiber connections in Nezperce and Grangeville
The project is intended to improve communication networks for emergency responders and support local needs in business, education, and healthcare. Match dollars and project support commitments were provided by DIGB2 members and the cities of Nezperce and Grangeville. (DIGB2 is made up of the 5 counties in District 2 including Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and the Nez Perce Tribe.)
This work aligns with other broadband projects in the region, including those led by IRON, Intermountain Infrastructure Group, and the Port of Lewiston.
This groundbreaking highlights the progress made by Idaho County and its partners and reflects J-U-B’s ability to support communities from planning through implementation. The project will bring reliable fiber service to rural areas and help strengthen Idaho’s overall connectivity.
For more project details, visit the Idaho County project website: Idaho County Broadband Coalition – Official Idaho County Site
To view the interactive project map developed by Gateway Mapping, visit: DIGB2 Orofino-Grangeville Fiber Project