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Merit ARRA Efforts Update
July 31, 2009
From Don Welch, CEO and president of Merit Network
We have worked with many partners in preparation for the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) application process, and our plan has evolved to play to the strengths of our partners to bring maximum benefit to Michigan and the Merit community.
In our proposal, Merit is partnering with four commercial providers to build fiber backbone to serve 32 counties in Michigan. Through our partnerships homes, businesses, health care, schools and libraries will have lower-cost access to more connectivity. We are working together and will each own stands in a shared infrastructure.
Merit has divided the sections of our overall plan into geographical regions: Northern Tier, Northeast Tier, Western Cooridor, Southern Cooridor, Central Cooridor, Eastern Cooridor, and Thumb Cooridor.
See the Merit Member Portal version of this news item for a map of the
proposed fiber routes.
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Northern Tier
For the Upper Peninsula, we decided that the best strategy was to support the application being led by one of our partners, Peninsula Fiber Network (PFN). PFN is applying for an award with our support. Should they be successful, Merit will own fiber in accordance with the original plan and be better able to serve members in the U.P.
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Northeast Tier
Merit's Partner on the Northeast Tier is trying for a large grant to serve the Northeastern Lower Peninsula. Since their project is mostly last mile, the right strategy is for them to lead with Merit in support. Should they win an award, Merit will gain fiber from Mackinaw City to Oscoda.
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Western Corridor
Originally spanning from Mackinaw City to Muskegon, the Western Cooridor now extends to Benton Harbor. This change was made to accommodate our partners, but will also help Merit serve its community in this region.
- Southern Corridor
The Southern Corridor joins the Western Corridor in Benton Harbor, but otherwise is unchanged.
- Central Corridor
This was one of two possible options originally. It now goes through Gaylord and is part of the plan. This will allow us to serve the Alpena area even if our Northeastern Lower Peninsula partner does not win funding.
- Eastern Corridor
This was an option in our original design, but now it is a firm part of our plan. It will link the Northeastern Lower Peninsula project with the rest of the Merit Network.
- Thumb Corridor
A group is planning an application to cover the Thumb Area of Michigan. We have coordinated our plans, and if they are successful, we will interconnect in Saginaw and Marysville. If they do not succeed in the first round, we may partner with the group on a later submission.
There are just over two weeks to go before the first submission is due, August 14, 2009. The application is lengthy and onerous. Merit is putting a tremendous amount of effort into the application because we believe this to be a one-time opportunity for Michigan. You will be receiving a request for letters of support from your Member Relations Manager. Letters of support from communities that our project will serve are very important to the application process.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact
Member Relations.
Go to the Merit Network News Archive.
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