Yuma County responds to State Representatives to investigate broadband project
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma County’s Broadband Middle Mile Project has recently been under scrutiny.
The project was approved in September 2021 with money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) which is COVID-19 federal funds.
However, some state lawmakers asked the Arizona Attorney General to investigate the project saying it could involve violations of state law, as well as favoritism and abuse.
Below is the letter sent to the Attorney General from some of the state lawmakers.
The Yuma County Board of Supervisors debated on the appropriate steps in making this broadband project work to offer high-speed internet for rural communities.
In December 2023, they decided to expand the project to parts of Dateland as there were some savings and leftover money from the ARPA funds.
Yuma County responded to the request for the Attorney General to investigate the project on Friday, February 23 with a letter.
This letter from the County provided the history of the broadband project and the issues cited in the investigation request.
Yuma County also said it included the facts and circumstances surrounding what has been the subject of ongoing consolidated lawsuits filed by Gila Electronics of Yuma, Inc. and WANRack, LLC, in Yuma County Superior Court.
The County also stated it believed that the litigation and pending jury trial, which was formerly set for Feb. 26, 2024, motivated Gila Electronics of Yuma, Inc. to retain lobbyists Demenna Associates in late January 2024.
According to Yuma County, Gila Electronics lobbied various state legislators to forward the request without notice.
A news release was also released and attached WANRack’s complaint filed in December of 2021, and Gila Electronics’ complaint filed in 2022, said Yuma County.
The County mentioned in its press release that it does not blame the legislators but said it was unfortunate they were improperly misled by Gila Electronics’ agents.
Yuma County said it has asked the Attorney General's Office to dismiss the investigation.
Including allowing the County to demonstrate to a jury of Yuma County residents that their county officials acted impartially, properly, and in the best interests of the citizens of Yuma County.
Yuma County announced the Yuma County Superior Court recently set a new date for the jury trial, which will begin on September 16, 2024, and end on September 27, 2024.
You can read the County’s response and its attachments here.
