Marin County has been awarded $11 million by the California Public Utilities Commission to build a broadband network to homes and businesses in the unincorporated Marin communities of Muir Beach, Tomales and Dillon Beach, county officials announced.
Last Mile Federal Funding Account infrastructure grants worth more than $90 million, earmarked for high-speed fiber internet networks in several counties, were approved Thursday by the commission’s board of directors. The funds for constructing the network come from this account.
According to the terms of the grant, construction of the broadband fiber network must be completed by mid- to late 2026, officials said.
Improving internet connectivity in rural West Marin has been a County of Marin priority for years, and the award constitutes a significant boost to the long-term project, according to county officials.
Broadband fiber networks provide faster and more reliable internet connections than other internet access options.
“We are thrilled to see years of hard work to bridge the digital divide come to fruition with this grant,” said Liza Massey, spokeswoman for the county, in a statement.
“The open-access model, which is new to Marin and seldom used across the country, will serve as an innovative proof of concept. We are excited about its potential to be replicated and create more equitable access in the future,” Massey said.