DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 27, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced that the Department is providing a $881,072 loan and a $881,072 grant to Kalona Cooperative Telephone Company in Kalona to bring high-speed internet to 463 people, 11 businesses, and 59 farms in Washington County.
“High- speed internet is an absolute catalyst for prosperity in rural Iowa,” said Director Greenfield. “Our rural neighbors need connectivity to start a business, get an education, visit a doctor via telehealth, and provide for their families. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing affordable access to high-speed internet for Iowans, and we are so proud to partner with Kalona Cooperative Telephone Company to expand high-speed internet.”
The funding is part of a larger announcement of the third round of loans and grants from the ReConnect Program. Complete Communication Services Corporation in Stratford in Hamilton County, Iowa, received a $3,797,296 loan from the program.
Contact USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.7 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. Office locations include a state office in Des Moines, along with area offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton, and Waverly.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas in Iowa, call (515) 284-4663 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ia. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal, and high-poverty areas.
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