September 2, 2025
LEWISTON, ID – The Port of Lewiston has officially broken ground on a project that will establish a 92-mile broadband “backbone” that will help facilitate reliable, affordable, and accessible high-speed internet to underserved areas of North Central Idaho.
“This middle mile backbone will help create the first north-south fiberoptic network within the state of Idaho. Not only will the benefits of enhanced connectivity and accelerated economic development flow to the residents of North Central Idaho, but the entire State will finally feel the effects of addressing the digital divide,” said Port of Lewiston General Manager Scott Corbitt.
Crown Utilities, the Idaho-based contractor for the project, officially began construction last week on the initial segment, which will lay fiber optic cable from Moscow to Lewiston. The next phase will extend the infrastructure from Lewiston to Grangeville. This project, funded by a U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration grant, Idaho Broadband Advisory Board grant, and Port dollars, aims to create an “information superhighway” to bridge a gap in central Idaho. The Port’s contribution will tie into a collaborative effort between the Idaho Regional Optical Network and the Intermountain Infrastructure Group, connecting Grangeville to Star, Idaho.
“This infrastructure is an essential step that paves the way to bring high-speed internet to rural areas of Idaho that have faced significant challenges in today’s technology-driven landscape,” said Port Operations Manager Jen Blood. “This fiber ‘backbone’ will create a redundant and resilient fiber optic pathway that opens so many opportunities for connectivity.”
In conjunction with other Port sponsored fiber projects, this coordinated infrastructure development addresses both local connectivity needs and regional digital requirements, positioning North Central Idaho as a comprehensively connected region. With construction underway, the project has an anticipated completion date of spring 2027.