LEWISTON, ID – The Port of Lewiston and Pivot-Tech Development, Inc. have announced the formation of leadership teams for Confluence Fiber Communications, a nonprofit organization created to oversee expansion and operation of a community broadband network.
The organization will be responsible for building, operating and maintaining fiber infrastructure in Lewiston, with the goal of expanding access to high-speed internet.
Port of Lewiston General Manager Scott Corbitt said the selected leaders share a commitment to improving internet access in the region.
Confluence Fiber Communications was established through a partnership between the Port of Lewiston and Pivot-Tech Development. The nonprofit will oversee completion of the city’s fiber network and work to provide affordable broadband service to residents.
A Board of Directors has been appointed to guide the effort. Members include Travis Myklebust, a former Lewiston fire chief and current Fire Science professor at Lewis-Clark State College; Mary Hasenoehrl, a former Port of Lewiston commissioner; and Telly Stanger, CEO of Clearwater Power. Also serving on the board are Jen Blood, operations manager at the Port of Lewiston, and Paul Plofchan of Pivot-Tech.
Myklebust said access to reliable, high-quality internet is essential for services including healthcare, education, public safety and business.
In addition to the board, a Community Advisory Group has been established to provide input and help connect the project with local residents and businesses.
Members of the advisory group include Matt Mellinger, president of Northwest Fourslide; Michelle Ralston, owner of Advantage Advertising; Michael Collins, a former Lewiston mayor and current track coach at Lewis-Clark State College; Bert Sahlberg, communications manager for Clearwater Paper Corporation’s Lewiston site; and Corbitt.
Sahlberg said the project is intended to support business growth and long-term community development.
Funding for the network will come from municipal revenue bonds, with no cost to taxpayers or local government. Once the bonds are repaid through network revenue, ownership of the system will transition to the community.
