The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $1.6 million to provide broadband service in unserved and underserved rural areas in Illinois. This investment is part of the $600 million Congress allocated to the second round of the ReConnect Program.
“We know that rural communities need robust, modern infrastructure to flourish, and that includes having access to broadband e-Connectivity,” Wilson said. “Broadband is no longer a luxury It is essential for education, health care and public safety. I’m excited about the tremendous benefits broadband will have for these farmers, families and rural business here in Illinois. USDA is committed to be a strong partner to rural communities in deploying this critical infrastructure.” “Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA is committed to leveraging all available resources and being a strong partner to rural communities in deploying high-speed broadband e-Connectivity to the people, businesses and community facilities that don’t have access yet. Connecting America’s rural communities to this essential infrastructure is one of USDA’s top priorities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Adams TelSystems Inc will use a $1.6 million ReConnect grant to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network, which will connect 440 people, 34 farms and, 18 businesses within their new service area. Adams has over 68 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, providing telephone and broadband internet service where there was previously little or no coverage. Through its companies, Adams provides a full range of data, voice, and networking services backed by a local fiber optic facility, local and long-distance telephone service, high-speed internet access, and computer repair services. The company is well known for investing in communities to further economic development.
Background:
In March 2018, Congress provided $600 million to USDA to expand broadband infrastructure and services in rural America. On Dec. 13, 2018, Secretary Perdue announced the rules of the program, called “ReConnect,” including how the loans and grants will be awarded to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America.
On April 20, 2020, USDA announced the Department has received 172 applications for $1.57 billion in Round Two of the ReConnect Program. The second round will enable USDA to implement
innovative new solutions to rural connectivity by leveraging financial options with our partners and continuing the success of the first round of funding. The application window for Round Two closed on April 15.
In Round One of the ReConnect Program, USDA invested $698 million to bring high-speed
broadband e-Connectivity to approximately 167,000 households, 17,000 rural small businesses and farms, and more than 500 health care centers, educational facilities and critical community facilities located in 33 states. To learn more about individual investments, read USDA’s Broadband ReConnect Program report.
USDA received 11 Round Two ReConnect Program applications that are eligible for the $100 million Congress allocated to the program through the CARES Act.
To learn more about ReConnect Program eligibility, technical assistance and recent announcements, visit www.usda.gov/reconnect.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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