County lands $43M broadband boost

Bastrop County will soon see expanded and improved internet service options following a $43 million state-backed grant.

Earlier this year, the Texas Broadband Development Office awarded the county a Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT II) grant to expand broadband access across rural and underserved areas. Highline, a fiber- to-premise provider, will build the network and contribute an additional $11 million in matching funds.

In total, the project will extend fiber service to 10,471 locations, a rollout county officials say will boost small business growth, remote learning and daily connectivity.