U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

USDA and Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Proclaim Broadband Success

Name
Gayle Aubrey
City
Temple
Release Date

Rural Housing Service Administrator Tony Hernandez today joined USDA Rural Development Texas State Director Paco Valentin and several government leaders at the Valley Telephone Cooperative (VTX1) headquarters to discuss the success of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding provided to the cooperative by USDA during 2010.

“USDA’s Recovery and Reinvestment Act investment in Valley Telephone Cooperative provides rural towns like Raymondville and the surrounding area with essential connectivity,” said Rural housing Service Administrator Tony Hernandez. “This connectivity helps everyone from children completing homework at the kitchen table, to small businesses trying to start up and solidify, to public safety workers just trying to keep their communities fire and crime free.”

“This investment in broadband provided real benefit to the rural residents of South Texas,” said Texas State Director Paco Valentin.  “Access to global markets, expanded job opportunities, and quality virtual educational experiences change lives and USDA is proud to support VTX1 in making these improvements possible.”

VTX1 has utilized USDA Rural Development funding many times over the years to expand services and upgrade infrastructure.  In 2010, they were awarded a $40 million loan and $38.5 million grant through the Broadband Initiatives Program.  The funds were used for the construction of the last-mile broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved rural areas of southern Texas.  Now 11 communities, many with residents who live below the poverty line, can take advantage of new services.

Dramatic increases in internet speeds mean that residents no longer need to wait for computers at the Reber Memorial Library in Raymondville to apply online for employment, file their income taxes or allow their children time to research projects for school.  Businesses with websites and online order capability have also seen tremendous growth as graphic file transfers are now quick and efficient.

President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.  For information on this and other USDA Rural Development programs in Texas, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/tx.