WEST VALLEY CITY — The Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency (UTOPIA) today announced that they’ve been awarded just over $16 million dollars in funding from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. UTOPIA’s grant is anticipated to produce over 200 new jobs, complete an additional 20% of the needed network infrastructure, and provide growth in eight of UTOPIA’s 16 cities.

“The White House has joined national broadband leaders in recognizing the importance of UTOPIA’s model in providing fiber to communities,” said UTOPIA Board Chair Kane Loader, City Manager of Midvale. “This award is another big step in the series of successes UTOPIA, and its management team, have had in recent years. And it’s a bright indication of many more to come. Government built open fiber, with private sector service providers utilizing the network, is the telecom infrastructure of the future,” he said. 

“Our grant application was strong because we’ve proven the need for the UTOPIA network through the innovative, sustainable model we completed in Brigham City,” says Todd Marriott, UTOPIA’s Executive Director. “This grant will accelerate our ability to expand the network and leverage the cities’ continued investment in the network; it proves the financing we’re seeking is more crucial than ever. But, just as importantly, this grant ensures that the UTOPIA network continues to expand economic development, education, public safety, telemedicine and other opportunities for these cities.” 

The grant was awarded to begin connecting nearly 400 schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, public safety entities, community college locations, government offices and other important community institutions in sections of Perry, Payson, Midvale, Murray, Centerville, Layton, Orem, and West Valley City. 

“We’re grateful for the cities that had the vision and foresight to participate in this application,” says Mr. Marriott, “and we’re thrilled to be able to congratulate them on their success.”

“This grant will help us bring the fastest Internet in the country to more West Valley City homes and businesses sooner,” said Mike Winder, mayor of the largest UTOPIA city.  “I personally talked with several state officials about this project, as well as Vice President Biden and White House staff, and appreciate the support we received from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development on our application for federal funds and the trust the federal government has bestowed in West Valley City and the other cities of UTOPIA,” he said.

“This grant means that UTOPIA is finally coming into Perry city,” says Perry Mayor Jerry Nelson. “That’s a reality that has us very excited.”