USDA Invests $500 Million Dollars For Rural Broadband

USDA is investing more than $500 million to expand access to high-speed rural broadband in 20 states.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the funds will help improve existing projects for residents and businesses in underserved areas including tribal lands, which highlight the administration’s efforts to increase the capacity and capability of the fiber systems currently being upgraded.

 

The $502 million is being made available through the third round of the ReConnect Program for projects in Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming.

Vilsack says the grants and loans go directly to communities and businesses.

 

 

As part of the announcement: New Vision Communications LLC in Barton County, Missouri is receiving more than $12 million to connect nearly 5,000 people, 300 businesses, nine farms and 15 public schools.

USDA has announced $858 million in the third round of ReConnect funding and plans to make more announcement under the program soon.

Round 4 applications for ReConnect is open through November 2.