Construction is beginning on a new fiber route designed to protect internet service in Lincoln County during future wildfires and floods. A new broadband infrastructure project is underway in Lincoln County with the goal of preventing future communication outages during natural disasters.

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Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative has begun construction on an alternate fiber-optic route that will provide backup connectivity for Capitan and nearby communities if existing lines are damaged by wildfire, flooding or other emergencies. The project is supported by a $1 million grant from New Mexico’s Office of Broadband Access and Expansion using federal American Rescue Plan Act funding.

State officials launched the disaster recovery grant program after the 2024 South Fork and Salt fires damaged communications infrastructure throughout the Ruidoso area. The new fiber route will extend broadband access to Fort Stanton, help maintain communications for residents, businesses and emergency responders when disasters disrupt existing networks.

Officials said reliable internet service has become increasingly important for emergency alerts, public safety operations and access to essential services during evacuations and recovery efforts. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, although state officials have requested additional time from the U.S. Treasury to finish the work if needed.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.