Bloomingdale Communications Breaks Ground on $7.5 Million Fiber-to-the-Home Expansion in Thornapple

THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Bloomingdale Communications officially celebrated the launch of its Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) expansion project in Thornapple Township with a groundbreaking ceremony held at the corner of Adams and Norris Roads on June 22, 2026.
 
The project marks a major milestone in expanding high-speed broadband access to rural residents and businesses throughout the community. Valued at approximately $7.5 million, the initiative will extend fiber broadband service to roughly 380 addresses and represents a significant step toward achieving comprehensive broadband coverage across Barry County.
 
“For the past six years, we have had the privilege of working with partners across Barry County to close the digital divide, and this project represents exactly why that work matters,” stated Jennifer Heinzman, President & CEO of the Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance (BCCEDA). “Broadband is no longer a luxury; it is essential infrastructure that connects people to education, health care, employment, business growth, and one another. Extending fiber to these rural homes and businesses is about more than installing cable; it is about creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and ensuring that where someone lives does not determine what they can access or achieve. This investment brings us another meaningful step closer to making reliable high-speed internet available throughout Barry County.”
 
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together representatives from Bloomingdale Communications, Thornapple Township Supervisor Eric Schaefer, the Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance (BCCEDA), the USDA, County Commissioners Catherine Getty & Jon Smelker, and Congressman John Moolenaar.
 
“This was the culmination of months of effort and coordination between BCIS, Thornapple Township, BCCEDA, and the USDA,” said Nichole Lyke, Economic Development Director at BCCEDA.  “It was fantastic to see all of that effort finally start to pay off, and we’re excited to bring broadband coverage to a previously under-served area of the county.”
 
Commissioner Getty added, “High-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it's essential infrastructure that connects our residents to education, healthcare, business opportunities, and one another. This groundbreaking represents an important investment in the future of Thornapple Township and our entire Middleville community. I'm grateful to Bloomingdale Communications for partnering to expand reliable fiber internet service, and I look forward to the opportunities this project will create for families, farms, businesses, and first responders for years to come."
 
Attendees gathered near the historic Scales Prairie marker while project crews demonstrated active construction behind the ceremony site. Directional boring equipment is currently installing orange conduit along township roadways, with fiber optic cable scheduled to be installed during a later phase of the project.
 
Bloomingdale Communications officials emphasized both the scale and complexity of the undertaking.
 
“This project is approximately a $7.5 million investment,” Steve Shults, GM & CEO of Bloomingdale Communications stated. “Imagine the effort required to build a building that costs that much money. Now imagine constructing that same investment over 45 miles of roads throughout the township. That’s what this project represents.”
 
Congressman John Moolenaar was recognized for his long-standing support of rural broadband initiatives across West Michigan. Bloomingdale Communications noted his advocacy and letters of support have played an important role in strengthening grant applications for broadband expansion projects.
 
The event also featured Dominic (Dom) Restuccia, State Director of USDA Rural Development in Michigan, who highlighted the agency’s commitment to supporting critical rural infrastructure projects, including broadband, water, and sewer systems. Bloomingdale Communications has worked with the USDA Rural Utilities Service (USDA-RUS) for nearly two decades to secure financing and support for fiber deployment projects throughout Southwest Michigan.
 
“With this project now underway, we are excited about providing reliable, high-speed Fiber-to-the-Home service to rural Thornapple Township,” said Shults. “This investment will create new opportunities for residents, businesses, remote workers, students, and the entire community.”
 
The Thornapple Township FTTH project is expected to play a key role in closing the digital divide and strengthening the region’s economic competitiveness for years to come.