States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Hantavirus Monitoring Completed for Texas Passengers From the MV Hondius
AUSTIN, Texas, June 7 -- The Texas Department of State Health Services issued the following news release:
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Hantavirus monitoring completed for Texas passengers from the MV Hondius
The two Texas residents who were being monitored for hantavirus have successfully completed their monitoring period with no sign of infection. It has been 42 days since their last possible exposure to hantavirus, which is the longest known period between exposure and developing symptoms. They are no longer under any public health recommendations regarding their exposure.
"I'd like to thank the passengers for
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AUSTIN, Texas, June 7 -- The Texas Department of State Health Services issued the following news release:
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Hantavirus monitoring completed for Texas passengers from the MV Hondius
The two Texas residents who were being monitored for hantavirus have successfully completed their monitoring period with no sign of infection. It has been 42 days since their last possible exposure to hantavirus, which is the longest known period between exposure and developing symptoms. They are no longer under any public health recommendations regarding their exposure.
"I'd like to thank the passengers fortheir willingness to collaborate with public health throughout the monitoring period," said Chief State Epidemiologist Varun Shetty, MD. "I would also like to thank the many dedicated public health professionals who worked on this situation and work every day to keep their fellow Texans safe."
Monitoring was recommended for everyone who was aboard the MV Hondius after some passengers became sick with the Andes strain of hantavirus while aboard the ship. The Texas passengers disembarked the ship and returned home before the outbreak was identified and were evaluated in person twice daily by public health while isolating at home.
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Original text here: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/hantavirus-monitoring-completed-texas-passengers-mv-hondius
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Selected by the Colorado Wildlife Council as the 2026 Conservationist of the Year
DENVER, Colorado, June 6 -- The Colorado Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Wildlife issued the following news release:
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Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation selected by the Colorado Wildlife Council as the 2026 Conservationist of the Year
The Colorado Wildlife Council (CWC) is thrilled to announce that the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Conservationist of the Year Award.
This award recognizes organizations that have made significant, measurable contributions to environmental conservation in our state. Since 1987, RMEF has
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, June 6 -- The Colorado Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Wildlife issued the following news release:
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Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation selected by the Colorado Wildlife Council as the 2026 Conservationist of the Year
The Colorado Wildlife Council (CWC) is thrilled to announce that the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Conservationist of the Year Award.
This award recognizes organizations that have made significant, measurable contributions to environmental conservation in our state. Since 1987, RMEF hasserved as a cornerstone of Colorado conservation. For nearly four decades, they have worked to protect, restore, and enhance the lands that make Colorado a premier destination for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
"The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's impact on Colorado is not measured in intentions or ambitions--it is measured in acres protected, corridors secured, and a community deeply connected to Colorado's wildlife heritage," said their nominator, Luke Weidel. "Their collaborative spirit, bridging the gap between federal agencies, state managers, private landowners, and local volunteers, has set a gold standard for what collaborative conservation can achieve."
Remarkable, measurable results define RMEF's impact. Across 922 projects valued at over $213 million, they have conserved or enhanced more than 514,000 acres of critical habitat, an area larger than Rocky Mountain National Park, and opened or improved public access to over 120,000 acres. By leveraging cutting-edge research, such as GPS migration mapping and virtual fencing technology, RMEF ensures the long-term resilience of Colorado's wildlife herds. Furthermore, their 30 active local chapters provide the grassroots energy needed to tackle essential, boots-on-the-ground work, such as hazardous fence removal and habitat stewardship.
The CWC was created and developed by a coalition of hunters, anglers, and conservationists working together with livestock and agricultural organizations. The Council retains an advertising agency responsible for planning and executing the media strategy on which Council members give input.
The CPW director appoints council members and holds final approval authority for campaign plans. The program is funded by a $1.50 education surcharge on each hunting and fishing license sold. The Council is made up of 9 members representing various interests throughout Colorado.
The CWC is honored to recognize the RMEF for its nearly 40 years of dedication to our state. Their work ensures that the world's largest elk population and the landscapes they inhabit remain vibrant for all Coloradans to enjoy for generations to come.
Please join us in celebrating the RMEF for this well-deserved recognition.
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
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Original text here: https://cpw.state.co.us/news/06052026/rocky-mountain-elk-foundation-selected-colorado-wildlife-council-2026-conservationist
Oklahoma Department of Career & Technology Education: CareerTech Breaks Ground on New Skills Center Facility
STILLWATER, Oklahoma, June 6 -- The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education issued the following news release:
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CareerTech breaks ground on new Skills Center facility
Oklahoma CareerTech broke ground for a new Skills Center instructional facility at John H. Lilley Correctional Center in Boley recently.
The new building will house a career readiness program, an underground utility program and a skilled trade program.
"We are excited to begin our second construction project for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections," said Jerry Burnett, Skills Centers state superintendent.
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STILLWATER, Oklahoma, June 6 -- The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education issued the following news release:
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CareerTech breaks ground on new Skills Center facility
Oklahoma CareerTech broke ground for a new Skills Center instructional facility at John H. Lilley Correctional Center in Boley recently.
The new building will house a career readiness program, an underground utility program and a skilled trade program.
"We are excited to begin our second construction project for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections," said Jerry Burnett, Skills Centers state superintendent."Our partnership with the Department of Corrections has been outstanding, and we look forward to continuing to provide job training opportunities for inmates for many years to come."
Oklahoma CareerTech's skills centers specialize in delivering career and technology education to inmates under the supervision of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and juveniles under the supervision of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs.
In addition to learning the technical skills they need for careers, students also learn life skills, including interview and resume skills, and work with an employment transition coordinator who helps students find, obtain and keep jobs after release.
"An investment in trades education for Oklahomans is an investment in the Oklahoma economy," said Oklahoma CareerTech State Director Brent Haken. "The hope for the future that Skills Centers education brings to future generations is unmatched and impossible without the partnership with the Department of Corrections. Together we are making the state a better place to work, live and raise a family by bringing individuals the skills they need to prosper."
J.H. Lilley Correctional Center is a minimum security facility that houses approximately 800 male inmates. It opened in 1983.
The new Skills Center facility is expected to be completed by early spring 2027, Burnett said.
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Oklahoma CareerTech: Oklahoma's Workforce Leader
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 63 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, 20 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 49 adult education and family literacy providers.
The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/careertech/media-center/press-releases/2026/careertech-breaks-ground-on-new-skills-center-facility.html
N.Y. Motor Vehicles Dept.: Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Announces Results of Statewide Memorial Day Weekend Impaired Driving Enforcement Mobilization
ALBANY, New York, June 6 -- The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles issued the following news release:
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Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Announces Results of Statewide Memorial Day Weekend Impaired Driving Enforcement Mobilization
27,280 Tickets Issued Statewide for Various Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations
1,108 Tickets Issued Statewide for Impaired Driving
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The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today announced law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 27,280 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations, including 1,108 tickets for impaired
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ALBANY, New York, June 6 -- The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles issued the following news release:
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Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Announces Results of Statewide Memorial Day Weekend Impaired Driving Enforcement Mobilization
27,280 Tickets Issued Statewide for Various Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations
1,108 Tickets Issued Statewide for Impaired Driving
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The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today announced law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 27,280 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations, including 1,108 tickets for impaireddriving and 4,431 tickets for speeding, during a statewide mobilization targeting impaired drivers over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The enforcement period ran from May 22 through May 25.
"We hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend celebrating the start of the summer season with friends and family," said Acting Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. "Unfortunately, as these results show, some made the irresponsible choice to drive impaired and recklessly. We are grateful to our law enforcement agencies for their committed efforts to crack down on dangerous drivers to make our highways as safe as possible, and we thank all the motorists who made responsible choices behind the wheel."
During the campaign, state and local law enforcement officers utilized sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers. The statewide initiative was funded by STOP-DWI and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "Safety is a top priority for the State Police; for our troopers, and the drivers and passengers we serve on New York's roadways. That is why initiatives like the Memorial Day traffic enforcement are so critical in facing the common threat of impaired driving head-on. Our hope is to not have to knock on another door to tell someone their loved one is not coming home because of an impaired driver. I thank our partners at the Department of Motor Vehicles and our members for the work they do to continuously improve safety on our roadways."
New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and Town of Brighton Police Department Chief David Catholdi said, "The majority of motorists drove safely during the Memorial Day weekend, however, there were those who still continued to make poor choices and operated their vehicles while impaired by drugs and alcohol. This resulted in many being arrested during the most recent enforcement initiatives. Local law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor our highways throughout the 2026 calendar year in order to identify impaired drivers and enforce the other traffic laws of New York State to keep our roadways safe for everyone."
As part of the enforcement, law enforcement officers also targeted speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. Below is a breakdown of the total tickets that were issued.
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Violation ... Number of Tickets
Impaired Driving ... 1,108
Distracted Driving ... 964
Move Over Law ... 245
Speeding ... 4,431
Seatbelt ... 2,623
Other Violations ... 17,909
Grand Total ... 27,280
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During the Memorial Day weekend enforcement in 2025, law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 34,245 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations, including 1,404 tickets for impaired driving and 6,139 tickets for speeding.
This enforcement campaign is one of several coordinated initiatives sponsored each year by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes. These targeted mobilizations provide resources to law enforcement statewide to increase DWI patrols and sobriety check points during the campaign period. Other impaired driving campaigns occur around St. Patrick's Day, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and periods of time from August to September and December to January.
The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind motorists that their "Have a Plan" mobile app, is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. Users can locate and call a taxi service or ride share and program a designated driver list. The app also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and it even allows users to report a suspected impaired driver.
New Yorkers struggling with addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence or outpatient care can be found through the NYS OASAS website (https://oasas.ny.gov/).
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Original text here: https://dmv.ny.gov/news/governors-traffic-safety-committee-announces-results-of-statewide-memorial-day-weekend
Governor Lamont Announces Commissioner Katie Dykes Leaving the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Names Emma Cimino as Acting Commissioner
HARTFORD, Connecticut, June 6 -- The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued the following news release:
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Governor Lamont Announces Commissioner Katie Dykes Leaving the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Names Emma Cimino as Acting Commissioner
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes will be leaving her position with the state in July after nearly 14 years of state service to explore new professional opportunities.
Upon her departure, Governor Lamont
... Show Full Article
HARTFORD, Connecticut, June 6 -- The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued the following news release:
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Governor Lamont Announces Commissioner Katie Dykes Leaving the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Names Emma Cimino as Acting Commissioner
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes will be leaving her position with the state in July after nearly 14 years of state service to explore new professional opportunities.
Upon her departure, Governor Lamontwill name DEEP Deputy Commissioner Emma Cimino to serve as the agency's acting commissioner.
"The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's mission is more important than ever," Governor Lamont said. "For many years, Katie has been a trusted advisor and an innovative, effective leader for DEEP, working tirelessly to secure clean, affordable energy, tackle our toughest pollution challenges, modernize environmental regulation, and invest in our parks and natural resources, all while building a capable team that will carry the department's mission forward. Deputy Commissioner Cimino is a skilled, experienced leader who knows DEEP well, and I appreciate her willingness to serve in this leadership position."
Commissioner Dykes has led DEEP since January 2019, when she was nominated to the position by Governor Lamont at the start of his first term in office, and she was re-confirmed in 2023 at the start of Governor Lamont's second term. She previously served as chair of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority from 2016 to 2019, and as DEEP's deputy commissioner for energy from 2012 to 2016.
Under Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes's leadership, the state prevented the premature retirement of the Millstone nuclear facility in 2019, with a contract that has earned ratepayers $400 million to date. The 704 MW Revolution Wind offshore wind project has advanced from contract to construction and is now supplying clean, affordable power to our grid, despite federal opposition. Commissioner Dykes has been a champion for ISO-New England reform and regional energy cooperation. Leading by example, the state has cut emissions in state facilities by nearly 30% through the GreenerGov initiative, and DEEP has secured nearly a billion dollars in federal funding for heat pumps, electric school buses, EV charging, solar, efficiency, and broadband initiatives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, DEEP delivered on Governor Lamont's commitment to keep state parks open and accessible as visitor demand almost doubled, with 17 million visitors in 2021 alone. With the support of the Governor and the General Assembly, Commissioner Dykes oversaw a historic investment of $140 million to refurbish state park facilities; stabilized the Passport to the Parks program; expanded parks staffing for the first time in three decades; launched the CTParks.com website; promoted equitable access via Park Connect and all-terrain wheelchair rentals; and established the DEEP Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences to spur public-private partnerships and grow Connecticut's outdoor recreation economy--the second largest in New England.
Carrying out Governor Lamont's vision for effective government, DEEP has improved the transparency, predictability, and efficiency of environmental regulation to better protect the environment while supporting economic growth. Through Commissioner Dykes's 20BY20 and 20BY26 initiatives, DEEP established expected timeframes for 125 permit types; reduced long-pending permit backlogs by 78% since 2019; sped up grant contract execution times by more than 60% since 2022; and created a Concierge Service for permit facilitation that has a 95% satisfaction rating. Years of diligent work with legislators and stakeholders resulted in the approval of Release-Based Cleanup Regulations in 2025 to replace the outdated Transfer Act framework.
Under Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes's leadership, DEEP has strengthened environmental protection and natural resource conservation by launching new grant programs for waste reduction and organics diversion; expanding air quality monitoring and clean transportation investment; revamping urban forestry and environmental justice programs; modernizing fish hatcheries; and protecting more than 20,000 acres of important habitat and open space. Commissioner Dykes has led DEEP to create new forums to engage stakeholders on complex issues, such as the Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council, an expanded Governor's Council on Climate Change, and the Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management. During Commissioner Dykes's tenure, DEEP has strengthened emergency response and communication during extreme weather events, including record-breaking rainfall, drought, damaging floods, poor air quality from wildfire smoke, and an unprecedented wildfire season; established the DEEP Climate Resilience Office; and launched the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund as a "one-stop shop" to help municipalities and partners plan, design, and implement energy resilience, flood mitigation, and nature-based solutions.
"It has been the honor of my professional life to serve the people of Connecticut for nearly fourteen years, including more than seven years as DEEP commissioner," Commissioner Dykes said. "I am incredibly proud of DEEP's extraordinary staff and the many great things we have accomplished for the people and the environment of Connecticut. I feel confident that this is the right moment for a transition, both for DEEP and for me personally--an opportunity for new leadership to guide the agency forward, and for me to explore new professional opportunities. I am so grateful to Governor Lamont for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve."
In her current position, Deputy Commissioner Cimino has been responsible for leading DEEP's Environmental Quality Branch--overseeing air management, water protection and land reuse, and materials management and compliance assurance--since 2023. Prior to joining DEEP, Deputy Commissioner Cimino worked in the office of U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, where she led the senator's work on energy, environment, and infrastructure issues, including work on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. She has also served as a senior energy policy analyst for the National Governor's Association, and served as director of government affairs and special advisor on energy policy to Governor Dannel P. Malloy.
"I am honored by Governor Lamont's confidence in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve as acting commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection," Deputy Commissioner Cimino said. "Since I came to DEEP two and a half years ago, I've been lucky to work alongside DEEP's talented and dedicated staff as they work every day to protect Connecticut's environment, ensure a reliable and affordable energy future, conserve our natural resources, and expand access to the outdoors for all residents. I look forward to building on Commissioner Dykes' legacy, furthering DEEP's mission to protect public health and the environment, and support municipalities, businesses, community organizations, and residents across the state."
DEEP is the state agency responsible for conserving, improving, and protecting the natural resources and the environment of Connecticut, as well as making cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut's economy and creating jobs, and to fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.
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Original text here: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/news-releases/news-releases---2026/governor-lamont-announces-commissioner-katie-dykes-leaving-deep
Gov. Pillen, Farmers, Ranchers and Ag Industry Supporters Celebrate Passage of LB 525
LINCOLN, Nebraska, June 6 -- Gov. Jim Pillen, R-Nebraska, issued the following news release:
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Gov. Pillen, Farmers, Ranchers and Ag Industry Supporters Celebrate Passage of LB 525
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GOTHENBURG, NE - Today, Governor Jim Pillen, Senator Mike Jacobson, and Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, joined members of Nebraska's agricultural industry at the Machine Shed near Gothenburg to celebrate passage of a first of its kind bill for protecting agricultural data. LB 525 was introduced initially in the 2025 legislative session by Sen. Jacobson on behalf of Gov. Pillen
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LINCOLN, Nebraska, June 6 -- Gov. Jim Pillen, R-Nebraska, issued the following news release:
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Gov. Pillen, Farmers, Ranchers and Ag Industry Supporters Celebrate Passage of LB 525
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GOTHENBURG, NE - Today, Governor Jim Pillen, Senator Mike Jacobson, and Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, joined members of Nebraska's agricultural industry at the Machine Shed near Gothenburg to celebrate passage of a first of its kind bill for protecting agricultural data. LB 525 was introduced initially in the 2025 legislative session by Sen. Jacobson on behalf of Gov. Pillenand was passed this year. It establishes clear rules for the collection, processing and use of agricultural data in a way that best protects the privacy of farmers and ranchers who own the data.
"Nebraska has always been a leader when it comes to agricultural innovation. LB 525 represents critical, forward-thinking policy when it comes to preserving the future of our family farms," said Gov. Pillen. "Who better to lead the country in this space than us? Again, Nebraska is setting the standard - one that will add value and protect our state's key economic engine -agriculture."
Over the past 30 years, agricultural production has been significantly transformed through advances in technology, just like many other industries. Farmers rely on GPS-guided steering in tractors, sprayers and combines, computerized seeding rate systems, variable-rate chemigation and irrigation technology, and real-time yield data captured during harvest. Every season, an incredible amount of information is collected that farmers and producers can capitalize on if properly it's protected.
"Agriculture is Nebraska's largest industry, and modern operations generate significant amounts of proprietary digital data that our producers rely on. I was proud to partner with Governor Pillen to pass LB 525 to establish clear legal protections for this valuable operational data, explicitly prohibiting its unauthorized sale and requiring reasonable security standards," said Sen. Jacobsen. "As the first state in the nation to enact these specific digital privacy safeguards, Nebraska is not waiting for federal regulations to address this issue. Instead, we have enacted a practical, state-level framework that protects the private business records of our farmers and ranchers while ensuring technology providers respect the privacy rights of our producers."
LB 525 addresses this digital evolution by clearly defining 'agricultural data' - a definition that previously did not exist in state statue. The legislation ensures that the unique expertise and production practices farmers develop through years of decision-making are legally protected under clear data ownership laws.
"This legislation brings important clarity for Nebraska farmers and ensures they maintain control of their data as agriculture continues to evolve," said Michael Dibbern, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. "It is an important step in supporting producers as they adopt new technology and make decisions for their operations."
The heart of the legislation explicitly states that ag producers own the data originating from their farms and ranches. This puts them in the driver's seat, permitting them to decide how to use their data, whom to share it with, and how to derive further value from it. Additionally, the law mandates clear, conspicuous disclosure, requiring written consent from the producer before a third party can sell the data.
Under LB 525, all contracts and agreements involving agricultural data must be updated by January 1, 2027, to reflect these new statutory changes.
"Nebraska feeds the world and saves the planet," added Gov. Pillen. "It's a privilege to join the farmers and ranchers who do this work every day. By securing these data rights, we are securing the future of Nebraska agriculture."
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Original text here: https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-farmers-ranchers-and-ag-industry-supporters-celebrate-passage-lb-525
ACA and Valley TeleCom Group Celebrate Broadband Launch in Graham County
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 6 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority issued the following news:
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ACA And Valley TeleCom Group Celebrate Broadband Launch In Graham County
GRAHAM COUNTY, AZ - The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), alongside Valley TeleCom Group and Graham County leadership celebrated a milestone for connecting rural communities in Arizona with the launch of the county's new fiber-internet network at an event held on June 1, 2026.
Supported by a $4.8 million investment through the ACA's Arizona Broadband Development Grant program, the 65-mile project will deliver high speed internet
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 6 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority issued the following news:
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ACA And Valley TeleCom Group Celebrate Broadband Launch In Graham County
GRAHAM COUNTY, AZ - The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), alongside Valley TeleCom Group and Graham County leadership celebrated a milestone for connecting rural communities in Arizona with the launch of the county's new fiber-internet network at an event held on June 1, 2026.
Supported by a $4.8 million investment through the ACA's Arizona Broadband Development Grant program, the 65-mile project will deliver high speed internetto 440 homes and businesses across Bryce, Eden, and Fort Thomas communities located in Graham County. Construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2026.
"In today's digital economy, it is imperative that our communities have access to fast, affordable, and reliable internet," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "This investment in Graham County will help close the digital divide and expand opportunities for residents. Thank you to Valley TeleCom, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and all our partners for helping advance this critical project."
"The Graham County fiber-internet network launch represents a milestone that builds on strategic investments to expand broadband access statewide," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "Reliable, quality internet access is critical to strengthening economic development in rural communities, and this new network will connect residents in Graham County to healthcare, education opportunities, and support small business growth."
"This project represents more than infrastructure; it's an investment in the communities we call home," said Troy Judd, CEO, Valley TeleCom Group. "As a member-owned cooperative, Valley is committed to ensuring rural areas like Bryce, Eden, and Ft. Thomas have access to the reliable, advanced broadband needed to support education, healthcare, and economic growth. We're proud to partner with Graham County and the Arizona Commerce Authority to bring these opportunities to the people of this region and help position the community for long-term success."
"Graham County expresses deep appreciation to the Arizona Commerce Authority for administering and providing $4.6 million in funding to connect over 440 homes and businesses in Bryce, Eden and Ft. Thomas to the internet with fiber optic cables or wireless internet," said Paul R. David, Chairman, Graham County Board of Supervisors. "Valley TeleCom was an invaluable partner with Graham County as they provided over $650,000 (in addition to our $250,000) in matching funds which ultimately led to approval or our joint application. This vital connectivity project will benefit current and future residents in these communities."
Project details for each community:
* Bryce: The project covers the Bryce area along the Gila River, north of State Route 70. The network will extend from North Bryce Eden Road eastbound to North Reay Lane.
* Eden: This segment spans from the McEuen Ranch/Geronimo Road area eastbound to Bryce, following the Gila River north of State Route 70.
* Fort Thomas: Infrastructure will run eastbound on State Route 70 from the south and west of town, extending past McEuen Road.
Valley TeleCom is providing a 10 percent local match of $464,000, and Graham County is supporting with $250,000 towards the network.
More on Arizona's Broadband Expansion
In December 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Arizona's Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment Program (BEAD) Final Proposal -- unlocking $967 million to expand broadband infrastructure across the state. Arizona's plan, developed and overseen by the ACA, outlines 70 project areas with roughly 160,000 eligible households and 1,256 underserved community anchor institutions such as schools, libraries, and hospitals. The plan will enable the installation of more than 7,709 miles of fiber topic technology, create about 5,000 jobs, and connect hundreds of thousands of Arizonans to fast, reliable, affordable internet.
To learn more about Arizona's broadband initiatives and programs visit: ConnectAllAZ.com.
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About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.
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About Valley TeleCom Group
Valley TeleCom Group is a local telecommunications company that provides high-speed Internet, phone, and business solutions to southeast Arizona and southwest New Mexico. With offices in Clifton, AZ; Safford, AZ; and Willcox, AZ, Valley has been delivering reliable services since 1962. Learn more at vtc.net.
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Original text here: https://www.azcommerce.com/news-events/news/2026/6/graham-county-broadband-launch/
