Fiber installation improves reliability for the public and “anchor institutions”
PITKIN COUNTY, COLO. (Sept. 15, 2023) - A multi-jurisdictional large-scale fiber project underway from Basalt to Aspen will improve internet reliability and speed at anchor institutions the public relies on. In addition, the project will provide the foundation for internet service providers (ISPs) to connect homes and businesses to improve telecommuting, distance learning and enhanced business services throughout the valley. Pitkin County is spearheading the Roaring Fork Broadband Project, or Roaring Fork Broadband Middle Mile Fiber Project, that includes participation and funding from the Town of Snowmass Village, City of Aspen and the Town of Basalt. The collaborative effort is installing fiber to key locations in Basalt, Snowmass Village, and the City of Aspen, as well as locations in between.
“Fiber offers the most bandwidth. It’s the most reliable way to connect to the internet,” said Jeff Krueger, Telecommunications Manager for Pitkin County. “Having these fiber paths provides reliability and resiliency and helps prevent loss of internet when service from a service provider fails.”
The Roaring Fork Broadband Project is extending fiber from a main fiber line Holy Cross installed from Glenwood Springs to Aspen to key locations in Basalt such as the Basalt Library, Basalt Town Hall, and a mid-valley Pitkin County facility where 911 dispatch services are located as well as the county’s Telecommunications Department.
Further up-valley, the project has already installed fiber to the Pitkin County Solid Waste Center. The City of Aspen is extending fiber to Cozy Point Ranch and the Brush Creek Park & Ride. The Town of Snowmass Village is installing fiber up Brush Creek Road to the Snowmass Village Town Hall, Town Public Works facility and the Snowmass Recreation Center.
In addition, the county is running fiber to a public safety tower site in Snowmass Village that will provide higher bandwidth, increased reliability, and redundancy for TV/FM service and public safety services. The project is also installing fiber to public safety facilities in Aspen.
“The expansion of broadband middle-mile in the Roaring Fork Valley is an essential part of the community’s infrastructure in the 21st century,” said Krueger. "From public safety to businesses, most enterprises demand high speed internet – in the workplace and at home. Much of the Roaring Fork Valley does not receive adequate broadband and many areas throughout the region have been identified as underserved or unserved. This project will help close some important gaps.”
The $1.6 million project is mostly funded by a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Pitkin County is the managing agent of the grant. The project is expected to be fully completed by the end of the year.
Media contact: Marci Suazo, Communications Manager for Pitkin County, (970) 309-2343, marci.suazo@pitkincounty.com