Iowa city moves forward with $13 million underground fiber project
DECORAH, Iowa (UI) — The City of Decorah is moving forward with a $13 million fiber-to-the-premises project that will bring gigabit internet access to every home and business within city limits by 2027.
A key milestone came in September when the city’s Municipal Telecommunications Utility Board of Trustees approved financing for the project. Decorah Bank & Trust is leading a local loan syndicate providing $13.7 million in capital for network construction and equipment, joined by Viking State Bank, Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank and First Citizens Bank.
City Manager Travis Goedken said the local financing underscores Decorah’s commitment to community investment. “After reviewing multiple business plan options since the successful election by Decorah residents in 2015 to establish a Board-governed municipal telecommunications utility, this was the most favorable option,” Goedken said. “City staff and the Municipal Telecommunications Utility Board have been working diligently the last two years to organize and execute the necessary steps to make this a reality. September 2025 is a major milestone for the Decorah Fiber project.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and continue through late 2027, though some residents could receive service as early as spring 2027. The city has selected AcenTek, based in Houston, Minnesota, to operate the system and provide internet service once construction is complete.
“We’re excited to partner with Decorah on this transformative project,” said Ethan Webinger, chief operating officer at AcenTek. “Having built a reputation for delivering dependable, community-focused fiber service across rural Minnesota and Iowa, we’re committed to ensuring quality, rapid response, and the personalized support Decorah residents deserve.”
John Schroeher, senior vice president at Decorah Bank & Trust, called the network a long-term investment in the city’s growth. “This infrastructure is necessary to provide the speed and reliability of internet and related services to foster long-term growth for both the residential and commercial sectors in Decorah,” he said.
Construction crews will install the new fiber network in phases, with a goal of full citywide coverage by completion.
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