City of Decorah Announces $13 Million Fiber-to-the-Home Project

Every dollar helps Decorah News chase down the truth on Water Street, not just headlines. Give today. DECORAH — The City of Decorah is moving forward with plans for a $13 million fiber-to-the-home project that will make gigabit internet service available to every home and business in the city. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026. A key milestone was reached in September when the City's Municipal Telecommunications Utility Board of Trustees approved financing for the project. Decorah Bank & Trust is leading a $13.7 million loan syndicate to cover network construction and equipment costs, joined by Viking State Bank (Decorah branch), Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank (Decorah branch) and First Citizens Bank (Mason City). Decorah Bank & Trust is proud to support the development of this vital community project," said John Schroeher, senior vice president at Decorah Bank & Trust. 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. Partnering locally with Viking State Bank and Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank demonstrates the strong support from local financial institutions." Construction is expected to continue through late 2027, with some customers potentially connected as early as spring 2027. The fiber network is planned to pass every home and business within city limits. Once completed, AcenTek of Houston, Minnesota, will operate the system and provide internet service under an operating agreement. 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." "This is a unique start-up arrangement for Iowa," said Travis Goedken, city manager of Decorah. "After reviewing multiple business plan options since the successful 2015 election to establish a board-governed municipal telecommunications utility, this was the most favorable. City staff and the Municipal Telecommunications Utility Board have worked diligently over the last two years to make this a reality. September 2025 is a major milestone for the Decorah Fiber project." For more information, contact Travis Goedken, city manager, at 563-382-3651 or citymanager@decorah.iowa.gov. Knowledge is power! Stay empowered by subscribing to the free newsletter, packed with valuable insights, stories of local newsmakers and ideas to get your weekend started.