BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Two contractors who went unpaid after a judge voided their contract to install broadband in public schools across Idaho are suing the state for the money they say they are owed, together seeking more than $37 million in back payments and damages.

Lawmakers had previously hoped to settle the pending claims for $8 million, but those efforts were scuttled when the Idaho Supreme Court agreed that the contracts with the companies were void.

Education Networks of America and CenturyLink Communications both filed the lawsuits in federal court on August 19. They contend that it's the state's actions, not their own, that resulted in the voided contract.

The companies say they should be paid for the work they did. They also want to be compensated for the money they spent extending fiber optic cable and other investments made in anticipation of the contract continuing.

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