Merit ARRA Efforts Update

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Merit ARRA Efforts Update

October 27, 2009

From Don Welch, CEO and president of Merit Network

In August, Merit Network, Inc. submitted the REACH-3MC (REACH Middle Mile Michigan Collaborative) proposal for consideration under the NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The Collaborative engages four partners from the private sector, and is designed to work in coordination with three other ARRA broadband proposals. Parties will own strands of fiberin a shared infrastructure.

REACH-3MC is a middle mile project that focuses on underserved regions in 32 counties with an approach that will benefit all sectors of society. Homes, businesses, health care, schools, libraries and other anchor institutions will have access to more connectivity options at lower costs.

REACH-3MC was recently recognized as one of three middle mile project proposals in Michigan to receive priority from Governor Granholm and the Michigan Department of Technology (MDIT). That means our proposal has passed the initial phase of the application process and will begin review by NTIA officials.

Merit has divided fiber segments of the overarching plan into geographic regions: Northern Tier, Northeast Tier, Western Corridor, Southern Corridor, Central Corridor, Eastern Corridor, and Thumb Corridor.

Northern Tier

For the Upper Peninsula, Merit will support the application submitted by Peninsula Fiber Network (PFN) to the USDA's RUS Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP). Should PFN be successful, Merit will own fiber per an agreement, which will better enable us to serve Members in the U.P.
Northeast Tier

Should Merit's partner on the Northeast Tier win the grant requested, Merit will gain fiber from Oscoda to Mackinaw City.
Western Corridor

The Western Corridor traverses communities along the Lake Michigan shoreline from Benton Harbor to Mackinaw City.
Southern Corridor

The Southern Corridor joins the Western Corridor in Benton Harbor and extends to Monroe.
Central Corridor

The Central Corridor runs from Hillman in Montmorency County, through Gaylord to Mount Pleasant. This will allow Merit to serve the Alpena area even if our Northeastern Lower Peninsula partner does not win funding.
Eastern Corridor

The Eastern Corridor will run from Oscoda south to Midland. It will link the Northeast Tier proposal with the rest of the Merit Network.
Thumb Corridor

Merit has coordinated with a group that submitted an application to cover Michigan's Thumb Area. If they are successful, Merit will interconnect in Saginaw and Marysville. If they do not succeed in the first round, we may partner with the group to submit a proposal for later rounds of funding.

The NTIA indicated during hearings that they plan to announce awards for the first round of funding between mid-December 2009 and February 2010. Merit is preparing for the second "due diligence" phase of the first round application process.

Merit believes this to be a tremendous opportunity for Michigan, and we are confident moving ahead. Merit could not have accomplished all that we have thus far without the support of our community and Members. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to the next interval when we can pass along more good news.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact Member Relations.

For media or press inquiries regarding Merit Network's stimulus initiatives, please contact our President, Donald Welch at

Merit's ARRA Proposal to Advance Michigan's Broadband.

Go to the Merit Network News Archive.