The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $714 million in grants and loans to bring reliable and affordable high-speed internet to thousands of residents, farmers, and business owners in 19 states. This initiative, a part of the Investing in America agenda, aims to rebuild the economy from the bottom up and ensure that all communities across the United States have access to essential internet connectivity.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized that high-speed internet is crucial for the prosperity of rural communities. The funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will enable rural areas to expand their economies, provide opportunities for residents, and create a favorable environment for families.
As part of the Investing in America agenda, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $65 billion for the Internet for All initiative, dedicated to connecting every American to high-speed internet. This announcement represents the fourth funding round of the ReConnect Program, through which USDA has invested in 142 projects, benefiting 314,000 rural Americans.
The $714 million in USDA investments will support projects in Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington. Some notable examples include:
In the South, the Home Telephone Company will receive funding to connect thousands of people, businesses, farms, and educational facilities in Berkeley County, South Carolina. Similarly, the Decatur Telephone Company will connect residents, farms, businesses, and educational facilities in Benton County, Arkansas.
In the West, the North-State Telephone Co. and the Cal-Ore Telephone Company will provide high-speed internet access to people, businesses, farms, and educational facilities in Oregon and various counties in California.
In the Midwest, Missouri's Goodman Telephone Company Inc. and Kansas' Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative Inc. will connect thousands of residents, farms, businesses, and educational facilities in their respective regions.
These projects will also participate in the Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program, ensuring that monthly internet service remains affordable for users.
The ReConnect Program prioritizes rural areas lacking access to high-speed internet and requires applicants to commit to delivering internet service with speeds of 100 Mbps to every location in the proposed service area. Additionally, awardees are encouraged to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers discounts on internet service for low-income households and those on qualifying Tribal Lands.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represents a historic investment in broadband infrastructure deployment, allocating $65 billion to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. By expanding internet connectivity and bridging the digital divide, this legislation will bring about positive change in the lives of Americans and unlock numerous opportunities for economic growth and development.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-golubovy
Categories: Ohio, Government & Policy