KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. – Kittitas County and Lightcurve have teamed up to bring high-speed internet to rural areas, with fiber networks expected to be completed by Fall 2025.
The county secured $3.3 million through a state grant to improve connectivity for about 400 homes in Thorp and Edgemont. The funding comes from the Washington State Public Works Board Broadband Program ARPA Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund Grant.
Kittitas County Commissioner Cory Wright emphasized the importance of this initiative. “This project…represents a significant step forward for our rural residents to have the same access to information and technology as those in urban areas,” he said.
Currently, many rural areas in the county lack high-speed internet. The new networks will offer speeds up to 2,000Mbps, enabling remote work, e-commerce, telehealth, and online learning.
Anand Vadapalli, President and CEO of Lightcurve, highlighted the necessity of reliable internet. “Access to fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity for work, education, healthcare, and staying connected,” he stated.
The project is in the design phase and aims to be operational by Fall 2025.
