PIMA COUNTY, AZ (September 24, 2026) - Pima County officials and partners including the Arizona Commerce Authority broke ground Sept. 24 on the the Middle Mile project, a 134-mile open-access fiber optic network designed to expand digital connectivity, support economic development and strengthen community resilience.

The groundbreaking at Three Points Fire Station, 7400 S. Sandario Road, marks the first segment of the project’s two-year construction schedule. The fire station, located along the route, serves as an important community anchor institution.

The Middle Mile project is coordinated by the Office of Digital Inclusion (ODI), whose mission is closing the digital divide by linking communities to affordable, high-speed internet access, increasing access to devices and tools, and providing opportunities for digital skill building. ODI’s work is directed by the Connect Pima action plan, which aims to improve broadband, digital skill-building opportunities, and access to devices.

“I’m thrilled to see us finally breaking ground on this project, and I can think of no better place to do it than Three Points,” said Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Jennifer Allen, whose district includes Three Points. “Access to high-speed internet is not a privilege, it’s a right. It’s imperative that we close the digital divide for our rural residents so that internet service providers can focus on expanding service, speed and reliability.”

The National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) in 2023 awarded Pima County a five-year $30.3 million grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to create a 134-mile open-access fiber optic ring around Pima County’s urban core.

The Middle Mile network will provide infrastructure internet service providers can use to expand high-speed internet access to underserved areas of Pima County. The “Middle Mile” is the fiberoptic bridge between Internet Service Providers and local internet service connections. 

“Today’s groundbreaking represents a major milestone in advancing Arizona’s Middle Mile Strategic Plan and reflects years of collaboration between the ACA, ADOT, and Pima County,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “This final segment of conduit completes a critical connection from Nogales to Tucson, leading to increased opportunities for families, students, and businesses to access fast, reliable internet. We’re grateful to Governor Hobbs, ADOT, and Pima County, and we look forward to building on this momentum to expand broadband access and economic opportunity throughout Southern Arizona.”

“The Middle Mile Project is going to truly ‘Connect Pima” by increasing access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet for everyone, particularly our rural neighbors,” said County Administrator Jan Lesher. “Ensuring access to the internet levels the playing field and equips our residents with the skills, tools and resources they need for economic stability, which is a key tenet of the County’s Prosperity Initiative.”

The Office of Digital Inclusion serves as the authorized representative for federal agencies involved with the project. Pima County IT, Projects Design & Construction, and Conservation Lands & Resources departments are responsible for significant activities including coordination with contractors and engagement of state, federal, and tribal governments in the adherence to policies, procedures, and state/federal regulations. 

“Our mission is to close the technological divide and ensure every member of the public has access to our digital world,” said ODI Director Michelle Simon “Whether you’re on a tablet, laptop or phone, the whole world is now at your fingertips. We shouldn’t let a zip code determine who has access.”

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, alyssat@azcommerce.com

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.