Fiber install set to begin for Oakesdale-Tekoa line

The Port of Whitman County accepted a bid for construction of a fiber optics line from Oakesdale to Tekoa Thursday, Aug. 3. Five bids were received, ranging from $49,727.33 – the accepted bid – to more than $1 million.

“There was a wide range of bids,” said Kara Riebold, Port staffer.

“And you’re sure nothing was left out?” asked Commissioner Tom Kammerzell, noting his concern over the discrepancy between the low and high bids.

Riebold indicated that nothing was left out of any bid proposal, and the high bid came from a newer company.

“That high outlier has never done a project with the Port o...