Funding Will Provide High-Speed Internet Access to People and Businesses in Rural and Remote Areas throughout 20 States; Additional Funding Will Come From President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Coming Months
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2022— U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today revealed that the Department is granting $502 million in loans and grants (PDF, 221 KB) to supply high-speed web gain access to for rural locals and services in 20 states. The financing belongs to the Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication to purchasing rural facilities and supplying reputable, inexpensive, high-speed web for all. USDA is making the financial investments through the 3rd financing round of the ReConnect Program. The Department will make extra financial investments for rural high-speed web in the coming months, consisting of financing from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which offers a historical $65 billion financial investment to broaden economical, high-speed web to all neighborhoods throughout the U.S.
” President Biden’s dedication to high-speed web in rural neighborhoods is fundamental to guaranteeing that the country’s economy continues to broaden from the bottom up and the middle out,” Vilsack stated. “High-speed web will enhance the rural economy. It will assist rural companies grow and get access to brand-new markets. It will assist rural homeowners get access to more and much better healthcare and instructional chances. USDA understands rural America is America’s foundation, and success here suggests success for all.”
USDA is making 32 awards in Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming. Much of the awards will assist rural individuals and organizations on Tribal lands and individuals in socially susceptible neighborhoods.
As part of today’s statement:
- In Michigan, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is getting a $25 million grant to link 1,217 individuals and 26 services to high-speed web in Chippewa and Mackinac counties. The Tribe will make high-speed web budget-friendly by needing its provider to take part in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Conne