Because this ARRA funded project includes, rather than focuses, on Minnesota I don’t follow it too closely – but according to Media Newswire…

Merit Network, Inc. has selected CCI Systems as Outside Plant Engineering Contractor for Merit’s Round 2 broadband stimulus project, REACH-3MC II. CCI Systems was selected from a number of qualified engineering firms that responded to a Request for Proposals ( RFP ) that Merit issued in September of 2010.

And a quick reminder on the project, also from the press release…

The REACH Michigan Middle Mile Collaborative II ( REACH-3MC II ) will build 1,270 miles of open-access, advanced fiber-optic network through rural and underserved communities in Michigan’s Northern Lower and Upper Peninsulas. The network will also provide backhaul to key connection points in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The specific contractor chosen isn’t as interesting to me as to what it indicates about how the project in coming along.