Coral Springs plans to expand citywide fiber optic network using federal COVID-era ARPA funds
Coral Springs, Florida – The City of Coral Springs is moving forward with plans to expand its fiber optic network, leveraging federal COVID-era funds to improve internet reliability and connectivity across the community. City officials said the expansion will add new fiber optic sites to city facilities and parks, providing faster and more reliable internet access for residents and city operations.
The Coral Springs City Commission is set to consider a measure that would waive the city’s standard procurement process, allowing the current vendor, Unitec Inc. of Hialeah, to use $1.2 million in remaining funds to accelerate additional fiber optic installations. The original contract, awarded in October 2024, was valued at $3.7 million, with a $1.2 million miscellaneous work allowance, bringing the total potential contract to $4.9 million.
City staff explained that the vendor has remained on schedule, completed work to a high standard, and is currently completing the project under the contracted amount. This performance, combined with the looming deadline for spending American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, has prompted city officials to request the expansion now rather than waiting for future projects.
“Due to the limited timeframe, issuing a new solicitation, awarding a contract, and completing construction before the ARPA deadline would not be feasible,” city officials noted in a memo. Federal guidelines require the city to spend the ARPA funds by the end of the year, or the remaining money would be forfeited. By working with the existing vendor, the city can ensure the funds are fully utilized and the expanded network is completed on time.
The planned expansion includes new fiber optic sites at the Coral Springs Museum of Art and 16 city parks, extending the network beyond its initial scope, which focused on two fiber optic rings serving City Hall and the Public Safety building. The additional infrastructure is expected to enhance internet speed and reliability throughout city facilities, supporting both administrative functions and public services.
Officials highlighted the broader benefits of expanding the network, noting that improved connectivity can bolster city operations, enable faster data transfers, and support modern technology initiatives in public spaces. Residents may also indirectly benefit from more robust infrastructure, as faster and more reliable city networks can support community programs, online services, and digital engagement initiatives.
By using the existing contract and vendor, city officials say they can ensure continuity and efficiency in construction while meeting federal funding requirements. Unitec Inc. has confirmed it can complete the expanded project before the ARPA deadline, eliminating the risks associated with opening a new bid process.
The city’s move underscores Coral Springs’ commitment to leveraging federal funds effectively while modernizing infrastructure. As the network expansion progresses, city staff plan to monitor installation closely and ensure that the new fiber optic sites are fully integrated with existing systems.
With this initiative, Coral Springs is not only maximizing the use of ARPA funds but also taking a proactive step toward improving digital infrastructure for city operations, cultural institutions, and public spaces, positioning the community for stronger connectivity in the years ahead.
